AlphaTheta XDJ-AZ review: What is it?
AlphaTheta has unveiled its new all-in-one XDJ-AZ, an update to its predecessor, the Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ, but are there enough improvements here to justify making the jump to the latest top-end model?
As we've become accustomed to, from the DJing giant, the build quality and styling of the unit are strong and simple. A sturdy metal feel to the unit instils confidence that it will be reliable and stand up to the rigours of being used on any stage.
The four-channel mixer has a classic Pioneer quality feel, with clear labelling of the controls and sound quality that you would expect from the brand, especially on this flagship unit. Each of the channels has its own three-band EQ, Sound Color FX control and trim control.
Connectivity to the XDJ-AZ is covered by two USB Type-A ports for your memory sticks, one rear-mounted USB Type-C port for a laptop (Rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro compatible), and two line/phono inputs for additional players. There are two Mic inputs, 3.5mm and 1/4 inch headphone sockets and an in-built SonicLink connection for headphones such as the HDJ-F10. The XDJ-AZ also has built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capability for use with streaming services such as Rekordbox CloudDirectPlay and Beatport Streaming. To wrap things up in the I/O department, the XDJ-AZ is also equipped with XLR and RCA outputs.
The nearest comparable unit on the market would be the Denon DJ Prime 4. Each has its own unique details and style, but at their core, they offer similar functions.
AlphaTheta XDJ-AZ review: Performance and verdict
Straight out of the box, the XDJ-AZ is familiar, even if you have never laid hands on its predecessor. It has the timeless refined look of the Pioneer DJ CDJ / DJM range which is just spot on.
Compared to the XDJ-XZ, the XDJ-AZ redefines some of the functions and opens up the layout, making it seem less cluttered. Buttons replace switches across the unit, mixer controls are set using the touch screen and gone is the Aux channel.
The interface is dominated by the vibrant 10.1-inch touch screen (three inches bigger than the XDJ-XZ screen) that controls track loading, the playback display and the settings for the XDJ-AZ. You can adjust many aspects of the system, from crossfader and channel curves to headphone settings and more with a tap of the screen. It’s very intuitive to use and we were up and running in no time.
To the side of the screen is a rotary dial for scrolling through media libraries, which we found accurate and easy to use and could also be done via the touch screen. Below the rotary are load buttons for each deck and the tracks are immediately ready for use. While around the screen, there are additional menu and function buttons. There is a lot to digest here, but the controls make sense without the need for hours of study of the manual.
The rest of the unit comprises a four-channel mixer and a CDJ-style unit on either side. The XDJ-AZ has a similar layout to its predecessor with eight performance pads and pad mode selectors below the full-size jog wheels and various deck controls around the sides. All are clearly labelled and in just the right place for ease of use. Any previous CDJ user will feel right at home with the layout.
Above the jog wheel is the selector switch to change between channels one and three, two and four respectively. All four channels can playback from USB or from software with the Line/Phono external inputs only being available on channels three and four. This gave us enough flexibility to enjoy playing music from any source desired.
Above the left and right decks are the controls for the dual Mic inputs and Master Out. Both feature three-band EQ and VU meters for monitoring the level, while the booth monitor is next to the Master controls.
Finally, there are the FX sections. To the left of the mixer, Sound Color FX can be selected for each channel. To the right, there is the Beat FX section that has lots of FX that can be assigned to each channel individually, the mic, the master output or either side of the crossfader. There are also FX Frequency buttons, which can be turned on and off so that the FX are only applied to that frequency spectrum.
Final verdict
We could easily have spent hours tweaking the unit to our liking, but it was while playing that we fell in love with it – the ease of selecting music, the adjustability of the controls and just how tactile and well-thought-out the layout is. Mixing on the XDJ-AZ is a hugely rewarding experience, with nothing feeling clunky or cramped.
Every moment spent with the XDJ-AZ has been a dream. It's quite clear that some serious thought has gone into redesigning this flagship all-in-one controller. The inclusion of a second USB connector for another laptop would've been great but that is not a deal-breaker in our book. This is a great unit for getting prepared for using CDJs or XDJs in a club with a DJM mixer, as the layouts and functionality are similar, but more importantly, without the high cost.
AlphaTheta XDJ-AZ review: Hands-on demos
AlphaTheta / PioneerDJ Global
AlphaTheta XDJ-AZ review: Specifications
- Compatible software: Rekordbox (Mac / Windows), Rekordbox (iOS / Android), Serato DJ Pro (coming December 2024)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- S/N Ratio: 115dB (USB)
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.0018% (USB)
- USB Type-A x2
- USB Type-C x1
- Line / Phono x2 (RCA)
- Mic x2 1/4 inch TRS and XLR Multi socket
- LAN Port
- Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz)
- Bluetooth
- Master x2 (XLR x1, RCA x 1)
- Booth x 1 (1/4 inch TRS )
- Headphones x2 (1/4 inch stereo jack, 3.5mm stereo mini jack
- SonicLink (for headphones only)
- Size (W x D x H): 895 x 504.1 x 133.4 mm
- Weight: 13.5kg / 29.7lbs
- Contact: AlphaTheta
