AlphaTheta XDJ-AZ: XDJ-XZ Replacement Leaked

10/08/2024

One day after the announcement of the DDJ-GRV6 comes another big one from the company formerly known as Pioneer DJ. The long awaited replacement to the XDJ-XZ, the new  AlphaTheta XDJ-AZ four-deck standalone DJ controller is coming.

AlphaTheta XDJ-AZ: The New 4-Deck Standalone DJ Controller Is Finally Here

Reasons for Replacement

Aging Hardware:

  • The Pioneer XDJ-XZ was launched in 2019, and while it has been a popular choice due to its club-standard layout, built-in screen, and compatibility with Rekordbox and Serato, it is now approaching five years on the market.
  • DJ equipment technology evolves rapidly, and many users are looking for more modern features like better screen quality, faster processing, and improved connectivity.

Demand for Improved Features:

  • DJs have begun requesting more advanced features that are missing from the XDJ-XZ, such as full standalone capabilities (i.e., no reliance on laptops), improved effects sections, and deeper integration with streaming services like Tidal, Beatport, and SoundCloud.
  • Competitor models have introduced innovations that make the XDJ-XZ feel dated in comparison, such as Denon DJ’s Prime series, which offers multi-touch screens and more advanced media source compatibility.

Portability and Form Factor:

  • At nearly 29 kg (64 lbs), the XDJ-XZ is heavy and somewhat bulky, limiting portability for gigging DJs who need a compact, mobile setup. Let me tell you I have carried that thing countless times, setting up for gigs and by the time you done you too tired to play ha .

Connectivity and Future Proofing:

  • The industry is shifting towards wireless and multi-device connectivity, and the XDJ-XZ’s reliance on wired connections is beginning to show its age.
  • DJs today expect more seamless integration with newer technologies like cloud-based track libraries, automatic syncing, and enhanced touch controls.

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The new XDJ-XZ controller features built-in Wi-Fi. This allows cloud-based rekordbox library access  directly from the XDJ-AZ with CloudDirectPlay . Additionally, the StreamingDirectPlay feature supports Beatport Streaming including analysis data along with track streaming. There’s an Ethernet port as well for those situations when the WIFI network is unstable. 

While there are several all-in-one DJ systems on the market, the Pioneer XDJ-AZ sets itself apart due to its combination of professional-grade features and ease of use. Competitors such as Denon’s Prime series offer similar standalone systems, but the XDJ-AZ’s compatibility with Rekordbox gives it a distinct advantage for DJs already invested in the Pioneer ecosystem.

Compared to more budget-friendly options, the XDJ-AZ offers greater flexibility and performance capabilities, justifying its higher price point. 

One of the big improvements over the XDJ-XZ is the large, 10.1-inch capacitive touchscreen. You can display up to 13 tracks at once (up from the eight of the XZ) plus Playlist Bank, which displays up to four playlists, Touch Preview, which lets you preview tracks in playlists without loading them, and Touch Cue, for previewing the upcoming section of tracks currently playing on the deck. 

No Stems

Unfortunately, it looks like the XDJ-AZ can only display two waveforms simultaneously even though it’s a four-deck system. If you’re not into switching decks with the screen, you can always add two additional CDJs and sync them with PRO DJ LINK.

Also really surprising to see no stem separation technology, hopefully this may come out on future firmware updates.

When Pioneer lets us test one we will review it. For those of you debating now for if they should buy the XDJ-XZ, although aged its still a cracking bit of kit and all being well the price should drop for you.

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