Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 - Full Review & New Features Demo

Pioneer DJ's DDJ-FLX4 is the replacement for the much-loved DDJ-400. But does it change too much from the DDJ-400? And what's with this "smart mixing" cheat feature? We review the DDJ-FLX4 here, and demo both the new mixing feature and the new effects.

⚡ TIMESTAMPS ⚡
00:00 Introduction
00:52 Overview
02:47 Software platforms
03:39 Hardware platforms
05:19 Streaming platforms
05:46 Digital ins & outs
07:41 New effects
08:01 Smart CFX
08:24 Filter CFX
09:09 Phantom CFX
09:34 Reflect Echo CFX
10:01 Mobius Echo CFX
10:30 Vaporize CFX
11:03 Noise Choppe CFX
11:29 Cyber Jet CFX
12:01 Cyber Pitch CFX
12:21 Twister CFX
13:22 Smart Fader
18:28 Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 vs Pioneer DJ DDJ-400
19:27 Conclusion

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[andagod]

You're a gem! Your content helps make more informed decisions. Surprisingly rare considering how much technology reviewing there is on youtube. To the point. No elitism, no prestige and nonjudgmental. But nevertheless you state your opinion.

Also true. When there is no 'non insane' advice to give, none is given.

[winchester]

Bro i ordered mine yesterday, i used to play on numark pro fx and now im going for pioneer, for what i see in this video im amazed and happy bcs i orderd flx4

[patiacat]

Had my first mix on this yesterday. Absolutely class. So glad I chose this.

[NexuJin]

My first impression after watching this review of the FLX6 after using DDJ-400 extensively last 2 years:
- The redesigned FX area improves workflow for those uses FX a lot (i do). Moving the beat-size selector closer to dry/wet knob is going to be more pleasant. Too bad the FX select is still a button, and not an endless encoder. Which would make FX selection so much easier.
- About the FX channel selector, I noticed it now say "1, 2, 1&2". This is different from the DDJ-400 where it's "1, 2, MASTER". It might be pedantic, but there is a difference in "FX on deck 1 & 2" or "FX on MASTER channel". The latter also include ALL DECKS, plus the SAMPLER DECKS. The former is literally only deck 1 and 2.
- Headphone controls are closer to the channel fader, which is also a nice touch for workflow.
- For someone that wasn't too impressed with MergeFX: The Smart CFX button is almost begging to be MIDI remapped to CFX Select Next and CFX Select Prev. Smart CFX is very much a cousin of MergeFX. You can achieve similar (or better) results with extra MIDI controllers that has faders, knobs, encoders. I'm using a Xone K2 for that.
- I wonder or that mic volume knob can be MIDI remapped for CFXSubParameter. Which is still a feature very much missing on the entry level controllers.
- No phantom power for the mic input makes the whole mic feature just so there is the ability to. Also is the mic input send to a separate channel in the audio interface or will it be mixed down to a stereo channel before going out the USB interface? So in comparison, the DDJ-400 was a 2x4 interface (2 ins, 4 outs), is the FLX4 also 2x4 or a 3x4?
- The RCA connectors looking bit sturdier on the FLX6.
- Glad they moved the USB connector away from the RCA outputs: now you can use any L-shape USB connectors with the unit. Which was a problem with the aftermarket USB DJ cables like Chroma Cables from DJTT.
- No more markers on the crossfader is a bit of shame, but I'll admit it does look cleaner this way. But they were somewhat useful when I just started on learning how to do cut techniques with the crossfader.
- On the DDJ-400 there were lots of noise in the unit, both the headphone cue output as well the rear RCA. I wonder or the FLX4 is doing any better.

[lukascalvert]

I used to mix a bit back in the 90’s….I’ve got the itch to do it again, and I think I’ve found my tool…great review….thanks…

[AlexandreJaPA]

Awesome review, just got mine 1 week ago and this video it helped to understand way better the features of the DDJ FLX4. Thank you!

[djwalkerfemaledj]

My DDJ 400 broke a few days I just ordered the DDJ FLX4 brand new from EBay brand new it’s coming this Saturday hopefully or in a few days.Good video DJ Walker female DJ from London 31/1/25. Can’t wait to get this beauty I’m liking on the sound effects good upgrade from the DDJ 400

[jasondaly]

Fair play to you phill for reminding parents about the cable I think a lot of people Xmas morning could very well get caught out on that.

[lloydstephens]

I finally got around to buying a flx4. What a brilliant kit! I love this thing. Thanks for the excellent review.

[jandever]

Instantly in love with the new features. So I immediately sold my DDJ-400 and pre-ordered an FLX4. Multiple media announced a release date end of November to early December. Now I'm hearing rumors that it will be in February...

[AJPape]

I LOVE that the jog wheels are matte! 

I hope they don't feel as slippy as the shiny 400 ones look. 10 years since I sold my turntables and mixer, got the itch to have a play around again. More interested in song selection and mixing than scratching, but ugh...shiny slippery jog wheels just look like a turnoff, like plasticky synth keys versus a more weighted piano key feel. Will have to try hands on and see.

[robwalsh]

I am due an upgrade from my ddj sb3, glad I waited for the upgraded 400 will deffo be getting this one ☝️

[PierreVonStaines]

That smart fader function is awesome! 😮

[smtek]

I had a Traktor for about six months, but ended up getting rid as didn't like it as I learnt on a pair of Pioneer CDJs and a DJM, but it was at the start of the pandemic, and the DDJ400s were like hens teeth. I ended up selling it and used the money to put towards PC upgrade. Forgot about it for a few years and sunk money into my PC. Recently, I got the itch to start again from watching James Hype. I was a bit worried about my missus' reaction when I told her, as she doesn't want us upsetting the neighbours. Over the last few weeks the downstairs neighbours bought really loud speakers and have really pissed her off, so I told her I wanted one and she's all for it. Buying one this week, and can't wait to get my hands on it 🙌

[zerocool]

I absolutely love that new smart fader feature. What it does I used to do manually and it just so hard to get right. In my opinion this is a game changer.

[ReMan_]

Does the smart fader function work with Serato too ? or is it only a Rekordbox feature ? Any idea ?

[thedeckroom]

Had the flx4 for a while now, I started out with vinyl, moved onto cds and I can honestly say I've never had more fun and enjoyment from djing than when I started using this unit, I was a bit on the side of, thus is cheating and not real well shut my mouth, couldn't have been more wrong.
Great value for money, and so much fun to play about with 👌

[dop]

Cant wait to get the new mobile App from RB. The most i am excited about is the new Stems function. Very well done Video and also easy to understand for an 48 Years old German, who is outta school since '91...😂. Greetings from Munich.

[simnonohalloran]

Thankyou for mentioning virtual DJ. I haven't found a controller I enjoy since the ddj ergo and ddj sx. I'm very excited about this.

[sniperHEX]

I've been using the WeGo4 since 2016 and topped the mixcloud charts several times. I'm thinking of upgrading to this