The Denon MCX8000 Is On My Wishlist!

Denon DJ MCX8000

UNITS BACK IN STOCK

If you’ve ever thought about getting into the digital DJ game, you probably know by now that Pioneer is king. Their products are refined and their marketing is second to none. As far as controllers go you would be hard-pressed to find the quality and features available in Pioneer gear. So every time a manufacturer releases a new product it’s no surprise that a DDJ or XDJ comparison is waiting just around the corner. When inMusic Brands’ newly acquired Denon DJ released their current flagship model the MCX8000 everyone took notice, and then shortly after the Pioneer comparisons were all over the internet.So what exactly does this device bring to the table? Well according to Denon DJ’s official spec sheet you will get the following key features:

MCX8000 Features

Revolutionary Denon DJ Engine standalone technology with integrated Serato Cue point support
2 USB inputs for Engine playback in standalone mode
Includes 4-deck Serato DJ software
2 high-definition displays show Engine and Serato DJ operation
Professional 4-channel digital mixer with 2 microphone inputs and Dual XLR outputs
3 built-in instant pre/post fader effects for Engine playback and line inputs
Velocity-sensitive performance pads for cues, rolls, slicer and samples
Stage LinQ network connection to control lighting and video
Serato DVS Upgrade ready
Metal construction

Based on what is offered on this hybrid device it seems that its main competitors are the Pioneer XDJ-RX and Numark NV. Its independent mixer functions seem to have it knocking on the door of other high-end Pioneer devices as well. Some people have been comparing it to the Pioneer range for another obvious reason, its design. The MCX8000’s dimensions and layout are visibly similar to the Pioneer line as shown below:

I personally like the way Pioneer DJ equipment is designed and this is not the first time that I’ve seen other manufacturers take design cues from their competitors, although, not to this level, well except for the Behringer Touch 64 which is an almost exact copy of the original Novation Launchpad. The main differentiator for the Denon device though is the inclusion of the dual displays and the “Denon Engine” which allows it to function as an independent controller without the assistance of a PC. This does come with some limitations, though, such as reduced effects and being limited to two decks instead of four. I think I could live with that as long as its performance is up to the competition’s standards. I guess we’ll see as the MCX8000’s release date will be sometime around Valentines Day with a price tag of just under $1,300. Please see the official Denon DJ product page for more information: Denon DJ