It’s a good time to be an audio artist.
There’s so much amazing technology out there to explore, with endless hardware and software combinations dedicated to bringing your musical masterpieces to life.
If you’re willing to do your research (and have the right budget), you can easily step up your game – no matter what kind of DJ you are.
Tools like the Denon SC6000 Prime offer access to an incredible mainstage media player, capable of standalone performances, with Wi-Fi music streaming, and a state-of-the-art touchscreen.
Arriving three years after the original flagship SC5000, this SC600 Prime builds on the functionality that many disc jockeys already love.
Is the Denon DJ SC6000 Prime any good? (in short)
This new-age Denon DJ media player combines all the elements of mixing consoles and record players, packing them into a more portable, compact casing. The Denon DJ SC6000 Prime is easily one of the most advanced and powerful DJ media players in the market today.
Key Features of the Denon DJ SC6000 Prime
It’s easy to see how DJs can experience love at first sight with the DJ SC6000 Prime. Sure, for beginners, this player might look a little cluttered.
There are many controls to get used to here, and it’s clear that this device is incredibly feature-rich.
However, despite generous functionality, the Denon DJ SC6000 Prime offers a surprisingly comfortable experience.
Once you get your hands on this device, you’ll notice that all the features have been carefully placed in the locations that make the most sense for you as a user.
Each button and dial sits next to the main settings they’re intended to tweak, so you can build some muscle memory with this product pretty quickly.
As we’ve mentioned already, this device is compact (ideal for life on the go). It measures in at around 12.6 x 18.2 x 5.9 inches and only weighs around 112 pounds.
What’s really impressive about this product, is how it manages to effectively walk the line between being both an immersive, versatile console, and a portable media player at the same time.
Some of the most important features to note include:
- Engine OS with HD touchscreen for your workflow
- Wireless streaming with partners like SoundCloud and TIDAL
- The best-in-class key change, time stretch, and sync algorithms
- Dual-layer playback
- 8.5-inch jog wheel for platter control
- StagelinQ connection for events
- 3 USB and 1 SD input
- Tactile performance pads
- Harmonic on-board mixing functionality
- 5 Port LAN
Denon DJ SC6000 Prime Set Up
The Denon DJ SC6000 Prime is a delightful piece of equipment that somehow manages to appeal to moderate DJs and experts alike. The number of features you get here is more than enough to keep you on the cutting edge of the ever-evolving marketplace.
There’s even integrated Wi-Fi alongside your standard ports for ethernet-based internet.
Denon describes this device as being the pinnacle of future DJ performance technology. A fully standalone digital media player is what you get, capable of working in virtually any environment, from mainstage gigs to clubs and booths.
The 10.1-inch touchscreen allows for quick and creative mixing, while internal HDD drive bays and a fantastic jog wheel give you more freedom to grow.
The comprehensive collection of tools that you get built into the Denon DJ SC6000 Prime as standard means that you can consistently optimize and improve your performances, learning more as you go.
Let’s take a closer look at what you can do with this device.
Appearance
As mentioned above, the Denon DJ SC6000 looks and feels great. This compact media player is small enough to take with you to virtually any event, without compromising on functionality.
Notably, the Denon DJ SC6000 is a little bigger than the SC5000, but they’re not as extreme in their appearance. The big and bold multi-colored buttons are now smaller, more stylish pads with convenient backlighting.
The chrome knobs on the SC5000 have also been replaced with more mature, darker versions. This is a device that’s designed to look sleek and slick – perfect for the DJ that wants to look the part at any event. All the while, you don’t have to worry about extra unnecessary weight pulling you back, or clunky and cluttered controls.
The layout might take a while to get used to for beginners, but it’s intuitive enough that you should be able to pick things up pretty quickly if you’re willing to put the time and effort into practicing.
Touchscreen functionality
One of the most appealing features of the Denon DJ SC6000 is its stunning 10.1-inch touchscreen for track control, powered by ENGINE OS.
The high-definition touchscreen features gesture support, so you can unlock some of the most advanced and efficient workflows of your career.
The Denon DJ SC6000 gives you the freedom to navigate through a variety of music libraries, edit track lists with onboard crate management, and manipulate large waveforms.
There’s also the option to helpfully visualize your workflow information and execute an internal analysis of previously unchecked files.
The screen on the Denon DJ SC600 is quite a bit larger than the ones you’d expect from the previous 5000 models.
They’re highly responsive, with bright and smooth colors, and plenty of convenient browsing options to choose from. You can also choose to make the typeface on your library smaller so you can scroll through more tracks at once.
Another bonus is that DJs can preview the tracks on their devices without loading them just by tapping the artwork in your player and then tapping through the bar to skip to the point you want. The music will play directly through the headphones you’re using.
Ease of use
The Denon DJ SC6000 performs similarly to a classic turntable, but the control vinyl is a little smaller than a standard 12-inch option.
Of course, this doesn’t make too much of a difference when you’re scratching or mixing, particularly since there’s no needle or tonearm to worry about.
The adjustable motor mechanism and torque give the platter a lot more freedom to get really precise about beat juggling and scratching.
It’s also worth noting that the buttons are quite responsive too.
However, they are rubbery, with a slightly less tactile feel than you’d get from some competitors. The good news is that the high-quality materials throughout this media player ensure that your device should stand the test of time.
Overall, this device might not be the perfect tool for beginners, but it’s wonderfully comfortable to use if you already know your way around an advanced media player.
Everything is laid out perfectly and designed to give you the best possible outcomes from your audio.
Mixing functionality
Another massive bonus of the Denon DJ SC6000 is that it helps you to overcome the boundaries of old media players. Because this device is dual-layer capable, you can easily play two separate tracks at the same time.
There’s also an increased hands-on surface area for the jog wheel which helps with cueing, pitching, and scratch manipulation.
The onboard musical key shift and instant match features on this device mean that you can create and deliver the most advanced DJ sets in no time.
Creating stunning sonic experiences only requires the touch of a finger, and you can see musical keys for songs and tracks in traditional modes or Camelot, depending on your preferences.
Once you get the hang of all the unique features that work together on this media player, you’ll find yourself creating mixes and musical experiences that you never could have attempted before.
This could be the perfect tool for taking your performance to the next level.
Inputs and outputs
We appreciate the fact that you can access virtually all the media you can think of with this device. However you store your music, the Denon DJ SC6000 can handle all musical libraries and unlock seamless hand-offs with 1 SD input, and 3 USBs.
Even the larger music collections in your library are suitable for use with this device. A built-in 2.5 HDD display really comes in handy.
You only need one player in your system to access the HDD, and your other network-connected devices will sync to read from the same source.
Once you’ve inserted a media source, the SC6000 will remember any previously suggested preferences, including loop regions, track cue points, preparation folders, playback history, and more.
Notably, the Denon DJ SC6000 also comes with a future-proofed strategy for media playback, with 96kHz audio quality, 24-bit functionality, and support for all uncompressed and compressed formats, including WAV and FLAC.
There’s wired and wireless internet connectivity to choose from, depending on the current atmosphere of your booth. You can also link to and stream music through tools like Soundcloud, Beatsource, and TIDAL.
Jogwheels
The Denon DJ SC6000 comes with an 8.5-inch jog wheel featuring a convenient color display. The carefully constructed platter comes with an improved tension adjustment system, so you get a more customizable response.
There are options to display the artwork of a selected track, or you can add your own brand graphics to the experience.
On top of visual enhancements for your personal branding, the jog wheel also comes with essential data on your performance. You can check time duration, deck status, loop lengths, and more.
There’s even the opportunity to choose your own selection of platter LED ring colors, giving you a stunning end-to-end experience.
The larger platter on the Denon DJ SC6000 offers quick-release control, so you don’t have to get your tools to remove it. You can even decide exactly how tightly your control vinyl sits on the machine when you place it on the spindle.
Software
Denon DJ SC6000 devices come with access to best-in-class time stretch technology. Cross BPM open-format DJing ensures that you can enjoy sonically stunning reproductions for extreme pitch locked and track tempo changes.
This functionality comes as part of the ENGINE software.
These media players are compatible with the ENGINE PRIME librarian software, which is Denon’s fantastic music management and analyst solution, that helps creators to organize and manage music more effectively.
You can access libraries integrated from iTunes, Rekordbox, NI Traktor, and Serato collections, complete with their existing loop and hot cue information.
Alternatively, users can conveniently drag and drop music from existing folders on their laptops.
The software helpfully supports offline performance attributes for your music, like loop regions and hot cues, which you can name and color according to your needs. Beat-grid and track auditioning functionality are available too.
Once you’ve created your libraries, the Denon DJ SC6000 makes it easy to export your music to HDD, SD, or USB tools, for creative performance opportunities to suit you.
You can also boost the functionality of your Denon DJ SC6000 by connecting it via the 5-Port LAN output to the advanced 4-channel mixer from Denon, the X1850.
This allows you to instantly see currently playing track information, so you can enjoy more control over the DJ FX functionality.
Via networked Denon DJ SC6000 players, you can also access the X1850 mixer for StagelinQ functionality offering AV, DJ lighting, and video controls.
Notably, it is possible to use your Denon media player with other software, like Serato DJ Pro, if you have the Club Kit expansion pack.
Denon DJ SC6000 Prime Pros and Cons
Overall, the Denon DJ SC6000 Prime media player is among the most versatile, and strongest models in this tech landscape.
The unequaled and unparalleled versatility of the Denon DJ SC6000 is complemented by a ton of convenience features, making it a well-balanced weapon for every professional DJ.
Notably, this media player might take a little while to get used to if you’re still a beginner in your field.
However, despite the learning curve, you should find that you get used to the functionality of the Denon DJ SC6000 Prime quite quickly.
Everything is laid out with a focus on intuitive performance and simplicity. Even beginners might be able to get the hang of this product if they’re willing to put the time in.
Pros:
- Incredibly well-rounded performance with tons of functionality
- Stunning utility with convenience included from the ground up
- Opportunity to tweak and customize tracks however you choose
- Geared for all possible scenarios and cases for shows and live events
- Clearly visible display that makes it easy to organize your music
- Simple for tweaking tracks in new and improved ways
- Strong and reliable OS engine with access to great software
- Wi-Fi and wired connectivity options to suit any environment
- The portable design makes it ideal for mixing on the move
- Dual-layer trackability
- Numerous ports for making the most of your input and output options
- Looks and feels completely professional on every level
Cons:
- A bit of a learning curve for beginners to get used to
- Might seem a bit overwhelming at first with all of the functionality
- Might be difficult to manage pitch bend controls, hot cue triggers, and other tools at the bottom of the device if you’re used to simpler controllers
On top of all that, you get a device that’s wonderfully durable and well-made. This is a product that’s not just there to get you started in the mixing landscape – but to ensure that you can get the most out of every performance.
Denon DJ has broken the mold with a media player that’s as customizable and versatile as you need it to be. You can add hard drives to keep your songs available whenever you need them, and link to other devices too.
For a competitive price, this could be the perfect addition to your list of mixing tools.
Finishing Thoughts
Denon DJ is pulling out all the stops with this standalone media player. The impressive Denon DJ SC6000 will transform your performance opportunities and give you new freedom in your workflows. Everything in this device is put together to inspire and motivate your artistic side, with the opportunity to easily search through and connect with your music on a significant level.
Denon DJ has gone above and beyond to deliver not just the largest multi-touch DJ workflow solution on the market, but something that performs like nothing else too.
This revolutionary device will help you to unlock a new level of functionality, with the freedom to mix and perform your tracks simultaneously with dual-layer tracks and two independent digital/analog outputs.
Enabled for both Wi-Fi and ethernet connectivity, Denon DJ ensures that you have what it takes to perform in any environment.
Additionally, this device comes with access to best-in-class performance features, like cross-BPM open-format time stretch functionality.
Compared to previous devices in the portfolio, the biggest changes to this mixer are mostly cosmetic.
However, it does have a few nice functionality tweaks too.
If you need a compact and portable tool that delivers exceptional functionality, next-level track manipulation, and unbeatable audio quality, Denon DJ has you covered.
