Denon DJ MCX8000 DJ Controller Review

The Denon MCX8000 is an all-in-one controller, designed to give you the convenience of a standalone tool for music management. Powered by Engine DJ software.
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Denon MCX8000 Serato 4-Deck DJ Controller (Used)
Range: $1000 - $1500
Check availability on eBay
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

There’s no arguing with the fact that Denon DJ is one of the best-known and most-loved producers of audio equipment for today’s DJs. Denon frequently rolls out new tools and solutions for DJs looking to experiment with their music mixing skills. 

The Denon MCX8000 is an all-in-one controller, designed to give you the convenience of a standalone tool for music management.

The professional Denon DJ controller comes with everything you need to mix and play songs for your audience with just one piece of amazing equipment. The four-channel mixer comes with 3 built-in effects for software, as well as line inputs. 

Alongside velocity-sensitive performance pads, you can also access high-quality Serato DJ technology to run the music effects you love most.

There’s also a set of two USB slots in the back for connecting various laptops and other products. 

Is the Denon MCX800 with buying? (in short)

The Denon DJ MCX 8000 is a unique media player and good controller that has captured a lot of attention in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. Mobile DJs are sure to love this DJ controller, as it checks all of the boxes they have for flexibility and easy performance. If you’re a controller fan, then you’re sure to appreciate this device as a powerful Serato DJ option, with backup redundancy features in place to keep you protected.

Key Features

Denon MCX8000

Denon’s all-in-one controller, the Denon MCX8000, is a state-of-the-art solution that features all of the best features you know and love from Denon, including access to Serato DJ, and revolutionary standalone technology.

Rather than bothering tech from another computer, the MCX8000 allows you to transform an ordinary set in no time, with bespoke Engine 1.5 software that doesn’t require any additional tools. 

The fully-loaded Denon MCX8000 four-channel mixer comes packed with instant effects options, as well as support for Engine USB and line inputs.

The solid metal construction features velocity-sensitive pads for controlling your hot cues, samples, slicer, and rolls too.

Features include:

  • Revolutionary standalone DJ engine technology
  • USB inputs x 2
  • Serato DJ Pro software
  • 2 High-def Engine and Serato displays
  • Professional 4-channel mixer
  • 2 microphone input options
  • 3 built-in Engine playback effects
  • Performance pads (velocity sensitive)
  • Network connection for video and lighting
  • Serato DVS upgrade support
denon mcx8000 software capability

Denon MCX8000 Set Up

With a robust and reliable metal structure, it’s difficult to complain about the rugged performance of the MCX8000 .

This stunning product comes with everything you need to perform instantly, including engine software, color touchscreens, and transitions between separate DJs. 

The Denon MCX8000 is compatible with Serato DJ, and it’s beautifully set out, with no excessive clutter making it difficult to see what you should be doing at any moment.

Though this product is a little clunkier than some of the other DJ controllers on the market today in terms of size, it’s still portable, thanks to its sleek finish. 

The MCX8000 has a unique appearance to it which is likely to appeal to a wide range of people. Though this device shares the feeling of a lot of controllers listed on the web today, it’s still unique in its own way, thanks to its robust built-in screens and amazing software.

Set up for this DJ controller will depend heavily on how you want to play with this device.

If you’re planning on using USB drivers in one of the slots available, then all you need to do is introduce your storage engine system with the right music on it.

Once you plug in your power, speakers, and headphones, you’re ready to go.

On the other hand, if you’re planning on using the Serato DJ software included with the Denon DJ MCX8000, then you’ll need to look into plugging in your laptop and launching the included laptop too.

Again, this is a very simple process, and you can even add further turntables and tools to the mix with the USB plug-ins too. 

The Engine Software

01 MCX8000 hero media 8x10 edited 1

As noted above, the MCX8000 works as a standalone serato controller, so you don’t need an extra laptop unless you want to use one.

There are two high-def displays available to help with monitoring the powerful standalone flexible operation of the mixers.

The fully-loaded MCX8000 4-channel digital mixer comes with instant effects built-in, and line inputs too. 

To ensure everything works from a standalone perspective, the Denon equipment comes with Denon – the music management software directly from the company. You can use this software to make all kinds of music and cue points, and even transfer them onto a USB drive for later use.

One of the major selling cue points of the Denon MCX8000 is that you can get lots of the benefits of controller DJing and similar things out of the way. 

You’ll need to use a special piece of software on your laptop to analyze the time in your library, which is similar to using RekordBoxDJ.

You can also use the software to sort your playlists, analyze your songs for BPM and key management, and add various other elements before exporting them to a USB drives, which you can then plug into the USB on the Denon MCX8000. 

Accessing the software you need for your new device is simple, as it’s available on the Denon website. From there, you just drag and drop the music you want into your library.

There’s also the option to include the Serato DJ sets collection too. 

Denon MCX8000 Serato 4-Deck DJ Controller (Used)
Range: $1000 - $1500
Check availability on eBay
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Jogwheels And Controllers

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Jogwheels and control elements are important on any controller, including the Denon MCX8000. The jogwheels on this device are wonderfully responsive, with good nudging elements and scratch behavior too.

There are LEDs available that rotate to show you when a track is playing, with an LED that blanks out to show you your platter position.

You can also change this option so only your position lights up. 

Beyond the MCX8000 jogwheels, there’s a brilliant selection of controller features available, including beat sync, key sync, manual, and automatic loop.

There’s also a needle drop strip available which can help with your mixing and slip mode. Beatgrid adjustment, vinyl mode, reverse and censor, and 10-bar per channel metering are all options too. 

Tapping into Serato Flip might be a good option for people who prefer to use Serato pro technology. For mobile DJs who like to access things like fader and pitch bending cue buttons, those are available too.

One point to note is that the outputs on this controller are also extremely flexible.

You get XLR and RCA master headphone output options, as well as XLR booth out, and two-band EQ management for your DJ booth, alongside volume control. 

The introduction of a stereo/mono switch is a nice touch when you’re trying to experiment with different soundscapes based on your location. 

Sound and Structure

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The Denon MCX8000 looks and feels expensive, despite being surprisingly affordable DJ gear for such a feature-rich device.

This is a product that you’ll love experimenting with, plus everything sounds great, with pristine metering that allows you to ensure that you’re sending a clear signal to your unit at all times.

The specs indicate that Denon isn’t skimping on tech features either. 

Beneath the attractive metallic surface of the MCX8000, you’ll find an incredible range of high-performance controls.

Everything about this device feels mature and well-chosen, so it’s easy to start building muscle memories for the controls you like to use. 

The Engine DJ software also adds to the incredible outcomes of the Denon MCX8000.

Engine DJ is a truly impressive piece of software, and something that’s bound to gain a lot of attention going forward. The integrated Denon DJ Engine technology sounds and feels amazing, and the option to switch to Serato if you prefer to do so is wonderful too. 

mcx8000 dimensions

Ease Of Use

The amazing combination of software and DJ hardware in the MCX8000 makes it a delight to work with in any environment.

That’s why we decided to place an additional focus on how easy it is for DJs to get to work on this product.

First of all, transitioning between DJs is easy, thanks to the set of two USBs. The Engine software means that either DJ can perform either through USB or through their Serato DJ Pro technology. 

The onboard sound effects and 24-bit sound quality means that you get a truly immersive DJ controller that works perfectly in any location, with either a PA system or a DJ booth.

There’s also a range of three separate sound effects to choose from, including phaser, noise, and echo.

Two dedicated microphone channels support your microphone performance. 

USB Performance

The MCX8000 is the first DJ controller and media player that comes with its own performance software, while also simultaneously interfacing with Serato technology.

The Engine Prime firmware offers constant updates, with features like beat grid display and USB talk over as some of the more recent additions. 

Music played from the USB ports through Engine will work in two of the four channels on the unit – which isn’t as problematic as it sounds.

Once you add a USB and switch the controller to Engine mode, you’ll be able to immediately access your library. The rotary controller will allow you to cycle through playlists by BPM, key, album, artist, and title.

The color screens make it a lot easier to find what you need in a hurry. 

One of the best things about the USB slots on the Denon MCX8000 is that you can switch between both inputs and have two DJs playing at the same time.

There’s a zoomable waveform on the display, and access to track information so it feels like you’re looking at a standard laptop screen, but with more flexibility.

This unit doesn’t have the largest screens compared to other units, but you do get things like a post-fader FX and filter built-in, alongside your hot cues, loop roll, slicer, and other components. 

Denon MCX8000 Serato 4-Deck DJ Controller (Used)
Range: $1000 - $1500
Check availability on eBay
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Serato DJ Software

serato dj pro 01 edited

As mentioned above, a lot of DJs love the Denon MCX8000  

because it comes with not just its own proprietary software, but access to the incredible Serato DJ Pro solution too.

Once you have Serato installed, you can easily access everything you need with the software, including management of all of four decks, velocity-sensitive performance pads, and more. 

The screens on the MCX8000 work with Serato as you might expect, particularly if you’ve seen similar Serato implementation on controller screens.

Switching from libraries to waveforms and other components is easy enough. You can also tap into the Serato FX software, so you switch out your built-in solution for your chosen channel. 

Because it’s possible to seamlessly use the MCX8000 with Serato DJ and Engine at the same time, you can easily have two DVS decks or Serato internal decks, with two Engine decks set up too.

This ability to access different kinds of software at once makes it easy to switch between DJs and perform back-to-back across a range of systems.

The only thing that doesn’t work using this strategy is the “sync” button for syncing Engine and Erato decks. 

Extra Options

The Denon DJ MCX8000 is one of the most flexible controllers on the market today, capable of working as a standalone or USB mixer, or even with Serato if you prefer.

As a standalone mixer, you get two switchable inputs, and four line inputs, which means that you can easily add recording decks, CDJs, and backup sources of data too.

Adding vocalists with a DJ microphone through the two channels is simple too. 

denon mcx8000 review connectivity

Denon DJ MCX8000 Pros and Cons

All DJ controllers and media players have their unique pros and cons to consider, and the Denon MCX8000  is really no different. This is a powerful machine that can act in a variety of different ways to deliver amazing musical experiences to any audience.

The MCX8000 is perfect for use if you’re a mobile DJ, and great for creating unmatched experiences in a festival environment. 

It’s also worth noting that despite its extremely durable and reliable feature set, the MCX8000 is surprisingly affordable.

If you’re looking for a high-end solution that features true versatility, flexibility, and performance, then this could be the controller for you. It’s very capable, and fun to DJ on too – so you’ll actually enjoy mixing. 

Although this controller might not be the most talked about controller on the marketplace right now, it’s a compelling choice for those who want a flexible piece of equipment that could really end up being a game changer.

Chances are that the demand for this controller will continue to accelerate as Denon DJ rolls out new functionality for Engine, and looks for ways to eliminate any quirks, like accidental crashing. 

Pros:

Cons:

Ultimately, Denon has broken the mold with the Denon DJ MCX8000 in all the right ways. This is a device that’s beautifully well-made and easy to use.

You can customize your experience to suit your needs, and there’s no doubt that the experience will only get better as Denon DJ discovers new ways to upgrade its Engine firmware.  

Denon DJ MCX8000: The Verdict 

If you’re already a fan of Denon technology, then you’ll appreciate the fact that this Denon MCX8000 controller comes with all of the impressive innovations you’ve come to know and love from the brand. It’s clear that the company isn’t willing to compromise on its creative development strategies here.

The chances are that the technology in this landscape from Denon will continue to evolve in the future, with even more features and stability to explore. 

It’s also worth noting that the Denon MCX8000 is likely to be a good choice for DJs that really want to make their performance stand out from the crowd.

There’s an ethernet port included on the back of the device alongside your two USB ports, which allows you to create unique experiences with visuals and lighting.

You can even work on pyrotechnics if you want to – just make sure you know exactly what you’re doing. 

The presence of so much versatile functionality in the Denon DJ MCX 8000 as not just a music controller but a tool for visual cues too is important.

It could mean that you can use this technology to create an amazing festival stage experience without having to worry about a huge amount of expensive equipment that’s difficult to transport.

Denon MCX8000 Serato 4-Deck DJ Controller (Used)
Range: $1000 - $1500
Check availability on eBay
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
As the Co-founder of DJ Tech Reviews, Rory Tassell also has over 14 years experience within the music industry covering a variety of roles and disciplines such as a DJ, Music Producer, Tutor, and Studio Engineer. He is also the founder of Hyper Production, a YouTube channel dedicated to helping aspiring Music Producers make better music. You can follow him on Twitter @TassellRory or visit his YouTube channel @HyperProduction to learn more.

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