A battle between the Rs and the Xs.
Without a doubt, one of the most highly praised and popular brands in the DJ equipment space is the Pioneer DJ. Regarded as the “Apple” of the DJ world, they are arguably the bar that everything else is set and compared to.
So, if you’re the best of the best, who can you compare or contrast yourself to?
Well none other than yourself, of course! That’s what we’ll be taking a look at here with one of their particularly innovative and highly-acclaimed series: the XDJ series.
Pioneer DJ XDJ RR Vs XDJ RX2: Overview
Pioneer DJ’s XDJ series has long been known as a technological marvel of its time, with each entry offering something unique and compelling while all of them being an incredible line of controllers as a whole.
In fact, with few exceptions (also from Pioneer DJ) the XDJ line is regarded as the favorite for many DJs around the world.
In this breakdown, we’ll be taking a look at the XDJ RR as well as the XDJ RX2. And, while these two models have often been pitted against one another, here we look to establish a definitive answer on which of the two is objectively better than the other.
Throughout this comparative overview, we’ll take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of both controllers as well as their similarities and differences overall.
When we’re done, you’ll know not only which of the two is the ideal choice for you, but also which is right for you based on the type of DJ you’re looking to become.
Pioneer DJ XDJ RR Explained
Often seen as the smaller, lighter, and more affordable of the two XDJ controllers, the Pioneer DJ XDJ RR comes with a fair bit of features and inclusions.
The controller is regarded as an intermediate-level device, meaning that it’s meant for DJs that already have a solid understanding of how to perform and want something that offers them enough features to truly be competitive in the professional space.
The RR’s dimensions come in at 24 inches in width, 2.9 inches in height, and 15.3 inches in depth.
The controller weighs in at 11.4lbs (more on that later) and has a frequency range between 20 and 20,000 Hz.
The controller comes with 2 available channels while also having an XLR & 1/4-inch TRS mic port. It also has an RCA Aux port, 2 USB-A ports, a USB-B port, and 2 master ports (XLR & RCA).
The controller’s main claims to fame are its connection to the Rekordbox DJ software, its lightweight and portable body, its “plug-and-play” feature, and its 7-inch simulcast color screen.
Read this next: XDJ RR: It’s So Simple It Makes 2+2 Seem Hard
What We Like:
- Smaller Build
- Rekordbox DJ Software
- Club-Level Mixer
- Simulcast Color Screen
- Portable Play Features
- More Affordable
Smaller Build
The first thing you’ll probably notice between the two controllers is that the XDJ RR is a lot smaller compared to the RX2. And I’m talking a lot smaller.
The RR is about 11.4lbs while the RX2 is pretty much twice as heavy.
Not only does its smaller build result in a lighter controller, but the RR is also more easily manageable dimension-wise.
You’re not going to need to have some specially designed bag or setup just to carry it around with you and can pretty much just put it in any standard controller bag without much issue.
Both of these factors speak to a key issue, and that’s mobility. If you’re a DJ, having something that isn’t difficult to take with you from club to club is pretty much a requirement since, especially in the beginning, you’ll likely be hopping from space to space, even if it’s just from your home studio to a favored night club.
Rekordbox DJ Software
The XDJ RR is also a native user of the Rekordbox DJ software. While not quite on the level of Serato, it’s a very close second with many of the same features innately included on the platform.
Not only that, Rekordbox is fast becoming the favored software by many DJs thanks to its cleaner design and setup.
Club-Level Mixer
Next up is the RR’s impressive mixer capabilities. If you’re someone that loves mixing, the XDJ RR has a lot to be proud of. Here, you’ll be able to perform fine-tuned mixes that operate on the same curves as professional-grade club mixers.
Not only that, but you can use it to customize various routines using many of the common and popular available FX such as Echo, Reverb, Pitch, and Dub Echo, just to name a few.
Simulcast Color Screen
The XDJ RR’s most noteworthy that you’ll immediately spot (outside of its build size) is its color screen.
The 7-inch color screen is not only respectable in its size, but it also allows for simulcasting between both channels, letting you see the BPM, playback status, and waveform (among other things) all in an attempt to make sure you have as much information as possible to put out a super smooth music set.
Portable Play Features
Now, we’ve already talked a bit about the controller’s size, and why it’s great for mobile and portable performances.
However, its portability doesn’t just stop at its smaller size.
The controller also offers tremendous freedom in terms of the different ways you can play music and perform.
Not only does the RR come with several USB ports that allow you to play tracks directly, but it also comes with the Link Export option that lets you access your entire Rekordbox library through your laptop without having to put everything on a USB drive.
Both of these methods make it incredibly simple and easy to play whatever you want, wherever you want.
More Affordable
Lastly, we have to talk about the biggest factor in the room. The XDJ RR is pretty much half the price of the RX2.
While it’s also true that the RX2 does have more features, it’s also true that RR caries more than enough to make it a reasonable purchase while also being a significant amount less.
While the price difference may not be too big of an issue for those with money, if you’re a starting DJ that has only just now begun making money DJing, the RR’s price tag is worth factoring in.
What We Do Not Like:
- Weaker & Lower Quality Build
- Fewer Input Options, Features, & Effects
- No Touch Screen
- No Booth Output
Weaker & Lower Quality Build
Probably the first big issue you’ll notice is, ironically enough, the other side to one of its biggest strengths. And that is its size and build.
You see, while it is certainly lighter and more manageable, that also makes it weaker and less durable. The controller is made with a cheaper feeling plastic that can be felt pretty much everywhere.
From the capacitive jog wheel to the weaker-feeling performance pads, to the slightly loose crossfader, everything just feels “cheaper.
Not cheap, mind you, but “cheaper”.
Fewer Input Options, Features, & Effects
Whether we’re talking about the different beat or sound FX, the various features included, or the number of input options, the XDJ RR is going to be found lacking between the two.
As an example, the RR has 3 beat FX options and 4 sound color FX options. This is considerably less compared to the RX2 and its 8-beat FX and 4 sound color FX options.
The same is true for the number of input options. The RX2 has pretty much multiples of everything while the RR is pretty much just relegated to 1 or 2 total options.
Now, these things may not be super serious factors for many DJs. After all, so long as it’s working well enough, you can always consider an adapter to extend your reach a bit.
Still, the fact that it isn’t there in the first place can be a bit of an annoyance to handle.
No Touch Screen
Not quite as severe as others on this list, the lack of a touch screen is more on the annoying side of things than a showstopper.
If you are someone that is looking forward to a touchscreen, however, it’s certainly going to be a letdown when you realize it’s just a standard screen with nothing particularly special about it.
On the flip side, there are a few DJs out there that actively opt for controllers that don’t have a touchscreen since those generally are less susceptible to suffering damage.
No Booth Output
Lastly, one surprisingly frustrating area where the XDJ RR falters is the lack of a booth output port. This port is an essential part of a DJ’s ability to control music within their booth so that it’s different from what their audience is hearing.
This is in no way a “small thing” that is lacking. You need this if you expect to perform effectively as a DJ, especially in clubs and venues that expect a high level of quality.
There are a lot (and I mean a LOT) of reasons why a booth output port is essential (hearing protection, quick sound modifications, listening to the sound without affecting the audience, etc.). As such, the lack of this feature is not just an “annoyance”, it’s almost criminal in its absence, especially considering you’re still paying a fair amount of money.
The lack of a booth output is expected for entry-level controllers. Not for something at this level.
Verdict
Looking at everything plainly with the Pioneer DJ XDJ RR, I have to say that it pretty much does just as much right as it does wrong. Depending on how you feel about certain things, the controller may do more wrong than it does right, at least when compared to the RX2.
When compared on its own, the RR, while not perfect, is certainly worth its price and is a great option overall.
However, we aren’t comparing it on its own here. We’re comparing it to the RX2. And with that comparison, I do have to say that you are taking a noticeable step backward in quality in exchange for a more affordable price tag.
If you’re looking to get a good intermediate-level controller for a fair price, the RR is a great bargain. If you’re expecting any sort of bells or whistles, you’re likely going to need to shell out a few extra coins.
Pioneer DJ XDJ RX2 Explained
The alternative option to the XDJ RR, the RX2 is made as the beefier, bulkier, and slightly less manageable older brother.
While the two controllers share some similarities, they have many many differences, to the point that one is clearly and distinctly different from the other.
Dimension-wise, the RX2 is 28 .6 inches wide, 4.2 inches in height, and 17.4 inches in depth. It has a weight of around 20lbs and a frequency range between 20 and 20,000 Hz. Like the RR, it has 2 channels with all of the different features and effects available.
It also comes with several more, which we’ll get into later. The controller has multiple input and output options including 2 RCA lines and phono inputs, an XLR and a 1/4-inch TRS port, as well an RCA aux port.
Some of the big differences between the RX2 and the RR are that the RX2 is larger while also having more input options, a larger FX library, as well as both a booth output port as well as a fully accessible touch screen.
Read this next: Pioneer XDJ RX2: Over-Hyped Or Underrated?
What We Like:
- Larger & More Durable
- Higher Quality Materials
- More Inputs & Features
- Included Touch Screen & Booth Output
Larger & More Durable
The big, big discrepancy between both controllers is their size relative to each other. The RX2 is pretty much twice the size of the RR, both in weight and in bulk.
And while this can make moving it around a bit of a challenge, it is also able to take more of a beating compared to the RR.
Higher Quality Materials
Yes, the XDJ RX2 is larger and bulkier, and that can be a problem for some. However, what you get out of that slight upset is more than made up for in terms of the overall quality of the controller.
Here, you have something that feels “real” and substantial. Not only are the plastic and metal parts of higher quality, but so are the rubber materials as well.
All in all, if you want to pay for quality, you’re going to have to pay for quality. The RX2 has all that in spades; it’s just going to force you to dig deeper in your pockets to get it.
More Inputs & Features
With the RX2, you’re getting more features and FX options compared to the RR. This is most clearly seen with the beat FX options having 8 available methods compared to the RR having only 3, less than half.
Included Touch Screen & Booth Output
We touched on these two aspects when it came to the drawbacks of the XDJ RR. While the touchscreen feature was a bit of an annoyance, the booth output port was much more serious and an exclusion.
Well, I’ll be happy to inform you that both of these features are major inclusions here with the RX2. Not only that but they are both featured in a way that makes the more than just a tack-on.
The touch screen feature, as an example, handles all of the same features as the RR’s screen while allowing you to easily scroll through with just the screen pad itself.
Ultimately, while the touch screen feature isn’t “needed” it is difficult to leave once you’ve gotten used to it.
What We Do Not Like:
- Size Is Very Big
- The Price Is Very High
Size Is Very Big
We talked a bit about the pros and cons already with the RX2 controller’s size. Still, it’s worth noting here that the RX2 is more than a bit difficult to carry around with you. It does indeed come with a specialized bag to help carry it, but that doesn’t negate the fact that it’s difficult to carry, to begin with.
That also doesn’t do much for you if you’re getting it secondhand.
Price Is Very High
The other major area to consider is the price tag. As we’ve already talked about, the price is very high. Almost “too high”. It is certainly worth a lot, yes, but some may wonder if its price is truly justified.
I will certainly agree that there’s probably a bit of an upselling going on since it’s a Pioneer DJ device. Still, I think it offers just enough good to warrant the price hike.
Verdict
The Pioneer DJ XDJ RX2 is a great device that, while on the pricier side of things, does a lot more right than it does wrong. It takes virtually all of the things that the RR does and amps them up while bringing in a ton of additional factors as well.
If you have the money and want something that is a legitimately good controller, the RX2 is the ideal option.
Which Is Best?
Between both options, the answer is pretty clear on which is best. While the RR does do a lot of good things right, it also does a fair bit wrong. As good as it is, it’s not a “perfect” controller.
The lack of a touch screen and different FX options may be on the annoying side, however, the fact that it doesn’t come with a booth output port is in and of itself a tragedy that arguably pushes it away from being “ideal” and more towards “serviceable”.
The XDJ RR is for those that want a good starter XDJ device that doesn’t break the bank while also not doing anything fantastic.
On the other hand, if you want something that covers up all of the RR’s flaws while still adding to its value, you’ll need to take the plunge and invest in the RX2.
Pioneer DJ XDJ RR Vs XDJ RX2: Summary
The XDJ RX2 is a great device, and while it has an initially shocking price tag, once you realize just what it offers, it’s difficult to suggest going to the RR.
Still, it’s all about you as a DJ and what you want. If you’re on a tighter budget, you’ll want to either pick up the RR now or save up to get the RX2 later.
I’d say that, if you are serious about getting into the professional lane, you’ll consider making the bigger investment with the RX2 since it’ll likely pay bigger dividends down the line.
