Pioneer XDJ-RX2 Review & Analysis

View the XDJ-RX2 on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2AFzeIq

Reviewed by Alan Caldwell

The most striking physical difference between the XDJ-RX2 and the RX1 is the inclusion of 8 RGB pads per deck that replace the 4 button pads of the older model. The playability of the RX2 in this regard has a much more modern feel with ease of access and fluid streamlined layout. But this is just the beginning.

Now comes the good stuff... The overall layout of the mixing knobs & buttons are enhanced with a thicker, more rigid feel that lends to the step up in quality. There is a sense of relative durability here that was lacking in the RX1. The Sound Color FX that was formerly in a vertical layout on the RX1 is now arranged in a square grid style that matches the layout of the Pioneer DJ-750MK2, a move that further lends the idea that this is a serious piece of DJ equipment not to be overlooked by the pros.

A major highlight is the advent of the touchscreen display panel that allows for QWERTY search, needle search, shortcut and track filter. One problem with the original RX1 that is improved with this model is the replacement of the middle navigation knob by sliding this component to the right of the screen which aids immensely in playability and in keeping your path clear for rapid adjustments. I personally found this to be one of the better improvements on the RX2. 

User-friendly touchscreen and display feature for easy navigation

The RX2 is fully equipped with a free license for Pioneer's hallmark Rekordbox DJ software. One advantage of this, if you are a laptop purist, is that you can connect to the Rekordbox export feature on your computer with USB which facilitates the ability to load and drop music directly onto the decks from your library without having to add the step of exporting onto a USB beforehand.

If you plan on connecting the RX2 to a larger rig, think again: Pioneer has, for reasons unknown to us, decided to remove the Ethernet port. Not the end of the world, however, as the need to do so is totally not necessary, what with the immense power and features that the RX2 comes equipped with. I myself find that the package as a whole is wonderfully powerful and leaves very little need for anything to supplement this rig — you have an all-in-one megaship of a unit with the RX2!

Overall, the Pioneer XDJ-RX2 is an immense force to be reckoned with, should you immerse yourself in the abilities of the Rekordbox DJ software (again, this comes free with the RX2). As far as anyone wondering whether or not to upgrade to the RX2 from the original version, I can say with 100% confidence that this unit will make you very glad you did, especially considering it takes advantage of the most optimal features of the Nexus2 system at a fraction of the price. I am thoroughly impressed with what Pioneer has accomplished with the RX2 and I am proud to call myself a Rekordbox convert.

SHOP NOW: