XDJ-RX2 Review: Is Pioneer’s Standalone DJ System Worth It?

The RX2 is the second iteration of the original XDJ-RX, which was kind of a big deal when it was released back in 2015. For DJs wanting to enter the Rekordbox ecosystem (but not wanting to buy more expensive, separate components), it makes for a logical choice.

Being a standalone system, the XDJ-RX2 plays directly from USB stick and no laptop is required. This setup simulates a full Nexus setup (though, it’s more comparable to Pioneer’s mid-grade hardware… for example, the mixer section resembles the DJM-450).

Pioneer has made a handful of improvements to this unit, which brings it to a level that feels more like a professional tool than a budget compromise. For the right DJ, the XDJ-RX2 is a great choice.

This version makes several improvements over the original RX. The first thing you will probably notice is the addition of better performance pads. There are now 8 instead of four, and they feel more like “beat pads” as opposed to the clicky buttons in the previous version.

The RX2 also brings over some great features from the flagship CDJ-2000NXS2 players… including its high-quality touch screen (providing needle search, QWERTY search, track filter and shortcut functionality), and the surrounding browse controls. Instead of a shared middle “Browse” knob, everything functions like a CDJ in this regard (except for a small change in loading a track to a deck… see the video above).

The ethernet port (for Pro DJ Link) has been removed, which probably won’t affect too many people who buy this unit.

DJs who have club and festival aspirations will think that the XDJ-RX2 makes a lot of sense. The layout is familiar, and all but identical, to the “standard” setup a DJ will encounter as part of a larger scale show.

Since a full NXS2 setup costs something like 6 thousand dollars, it doesn’t seem so bad to shell out $1699 for a functionally-similar system. It also functions as a controller (via Rekordbox DJ), if you choose to bring a laptop along for the ride. In this sense, it may not be the most budget-friendly option around (since the whole no-laptop thing is a big selling point, here).

The RX2 may be less ideal for some mobile DJs, speaking to its general size and weight. It also might be cumbersome for smaller-scale shows where you are sharing a booth with other DJs.

But for the DJ who wants a “home version” of the industry standard, or wants an all-in-one, non-laptop solution for DJing… the XDJ-RX2 fits the bill.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What music formats does the XDJ-RX2 support?
The RX2 supports MP3, WAV, WAV, and AIFF. It plays directly from USB key, will load tracks through USB from your laptop, or will “play directly” from your laptop with a Rekordbox DJ license.

Is it worth upgrading to the RX2 if I have the original XDJ-RX?
This will be up to you to determine, but probably not. It’s a lot of money to shell out for 4 extra performance pads and an enhanced touch-screen. However, if you don’t have either unit… this is the one to buy.

Should I get separate Pioneer components instead?
You could; for example, a DJM-450 and XDJ-700 combo. But this costs several hundred more dollars, you take a downgrade on jog wheels, and you introduce more setup time.

Is the XDJ-RX2 DVS compatible?
Surprisingly, Pioneer has omitted DVS support in this unit. It is not licensed for using timecode, not even with Rekordbox DJ.

Advertised at: $1699

[seandoer]

Thanks for the great video! This is by far, one of the best reviews I have seen for the XDJ-RX2.... love the Fisher Price comment lol!!! Buying one next week :)

[bigLanky]

You answered so many questions I didn't even have. Thank you for such a thorough review!

[kingjudah]

I just purchased this several days ago and from your thorough review I feel I made the best choice!

[CarinaSol_Trance_Techno]

Thank you so much for the great helpful video. I am used to play CDJ-NXS2 and will have a gig this week with this XDJ-RX2 and have never worked with it before. I hope I will handle it thanks to your video. For me important was to hear what is different to the CDJs.

[general]

Make a video comparing the DDJ 1000 vs DDJ RX2

[LaurenOliviArt]

I just found one at the pawn shop for a killer amazing I think I made an excellent choice! 💕

[pedrocesarperalta]

Passionate Dj, please do give e your advice. I'm just about to buy either this unit or the Ddj 1000 Dj.
My genders are psytrance and techno.
What I'm aiming for it's a controller that can perform as close and professional as possible as with a couple of CdjNX2000.
Which would you go for?
Looking forward for a great advice/ answer.

Pedro.

[maeoftherose]

Fantastic review! Very thorough compared to others I've watched on the Rx 2. Good scratching I thought.
Will like and follow 👍🏻

[scottcameron]

This is without doubt 1 of the best demos I've seen very in depth 😁😁

[djchris]

I don’t really use effects in my mixes so that doesn’t really bother me. Had mine since feb and I love it

[jstbofficial]

Just made the purchase last night, can not wait for it to come in. Good video!

[ADoe]

Great review. I’m leaning towards purchasing this..

[TheTim]

David, I've been a listener of the podcast since you guys first started and I must say its been a pleasure watching the podcast grow. that being said if you guys started video recording the podcast and posting it on the tube it would make heaps of difference. love the show guys.

[bsfbestshortfilmsonyoutube]

Hi when you first use this ? does it need to be connected to a laptop. lets say I bought it. can i just plug in my USB with mp3 files and use it ? or do I need to connect it to laptop and mess about downloading software ?

[jan_volution]

David, why did you choose a standalone mixer (integrated display)? Why mix without a laptop?
I will get a mixer and do not know whether I should choose a standalone mixer or a mixer + laptop and software. What are the pros and cons?

THANK YOU keep it up! 😏

[Jonney]

Wow. Excellent detail. This is the first review I've seen of yours n i hope you review everything this way. I was on the fence about this bit of kit but I'm definitely closer to a decision. Cheers.

[to]

I just got one of these second hand. Its great, but if youre into beat juggling and scratching as well as mixing (like me) then the jog wheels take some getting used to. Not only the size but the resistance. Theyre so spinny and cant be adjusted. I really want the Rev7 but you need a laptop for that. Theres a gap in the market for a decent motorised all in one controller

[andrewjarvis]

I have an RX2 by far the best all in one possible! No laptop needed! People are trying to compare this to the 1000's, the 1000's is too messy and you still need a laptop

[djdave]

Really great review and really well presented, thanks. You’ve really nailed all the important elements.

[DJSHADDYK]

Question can you hook up an external hard drive to the USB with this controller?