The Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ is an all-in-one DJ System (rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro) which comes complete with an array of features, familiar layout and has a feel of the renowned Pioneer CDJ-2000NXS2 and DJM-900NXS2.

It boasts an LCD 7-inch touch screen display which provides all the crucial information you need at a glance. There are two full-sized jog wheels, perfect for mixing, where each feature and on-jog display in the centre of them. Here you can glance at info such as BPM, Waveforms and Hot Cues, etc., negating the need to look at your laptop.

The XDJXZ has numerous features including 16 multi-coloured performance pads (8 on each deck), 14 beat FX, and 6 Sound Colour FX. You will find the unit has a familiar NXS2 layout to it. There are four channels in total, 2 (channels one and two) of which can be used as a standalone and the other 2 (channels 3 and 4) can be used to connect external equipment such as turntables, samplers or smartphones.

For media sources, you can use one or more of the 3 USB ports, connect a laptop to use rekordbox DJ, or play your tracks directly from rekordbox using the Link Export mode. If you have an external source connected, you can use the Pro DJ Link to browse and select the tracks you want from the CDJs. The Pioneer XZ is the first DJ system to incorporate the Pro DJ Link.

As you would expect from a Pioneer DJ product, the audio is of the highest quality. Also, with the systems advanced settings, you can adjust the audio to suit the environment you are playing in. Another excellent sound feature is the 3-band EQ on the master output, not only that there is a 3-band EQ on each of the mic inputs too, to add that extra bit of control. Finally, if you’re concerned that there might be ‘howling’ when using the microphones, then no need to worry as there is a Feedback Reducer feature.

The DJ system is suitable for an assortment of venues including clubs, bars, events or even as a feature piece within your home studio set up. To make transporting the unit more comfortable, there is a handy, built-in a grab handle. The XDJ XZ is fully compatible with Pioneer’s rekordbox DJ music management software. It has been highlighted from early 2020 that the all-in-one system will be compatible with Serato DJ Pro following an eagerly anticipated firmware update.

To make full use of the DJ systems plug and play capability, make sure you have activated the rekordbox license that it comes with and ensure it is fully updated to the latest version. There is rekordbox DVS compatibility which is available separately.