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DJ Tech Reviews

Pioneer DJ DDJ-RZ

A rekordbox flagship controller with club-size jogs and two USB sound cards; discontinued, unsupported in rekordbox 7.

Pioneer DJ DDJ-RZ at an angle

Photos: Pioneer DJ / AlphaTheta Corporation

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100%

of 6 reviews recommend it5.0/5 from 1 Guitar Center owners

See reviews
Best for
rekordbox or VirtualDJ users who want a used, club-style four-channel controller.
Skip it if
You need rekordbox 7 support, built-in screens or something easy to carry.

The Internet’s Opinion

From 6 professional reviews and 1 owner review: a fair amount of evidence.

All six reviews recommend it as a professionally built rekordbox controller with club-size jog wheels, strong sound and two USB sound cards. The reservations are its price, its size and weight, and a workflow that still depends on the laptop screen.

6 recommend0 mixed0 avoid

What people praise

  • Solid, professional build
  • Full-size jog wheels that feel like club players
  • Clear, high-quality sound
Show 3 more
  • Two USB sound cards for laptop changeovers
  • Sampler, sequencer and pad effects worth exploring
  • Professional inputs and outputs, usable as a standalone mixer

What to know first

  • Expensive
  • No screens: the workflow depends on the laptop
  • Big and heavy to carry

Owner ratings, as the retailers publish them

See the 6 reviews behind this

6 professional reviews (6 recommend, 0 mixed, 0 avoid); 1 owner review read at Guitar Center (Thomann no longer lists the DDJ-RZ)Compiled 2026-10-12How this is compiled

Prices

Before you buy

Released
September 2015
Status
Discontinued

Works with

  • rekordboxNot guaranteed

    rekordbox's ver. 7 FAQ lists the DDJ-RZ among equipment no longer supported by rekordbox, which is not guaranteed to work. Manufacturer spec sheet (rekordbox), checked 2026-10-12

  • rekordbox dj licenceKey in the box

    The box includes a rekordbox dj licence key that activates rekordbox dj; the key cannot be reissued. Manufacturer spec sheet (Pioneer DJ (operating instructions)), checked 2026-10-12

  • VirtualDJPaid licence

    VirtualDJ publishes a DDJ-RZ manual; a Pro Infinity or Pro Subscription licence is needed, and without one the controller works for 10 minutes each time VirtualDJ restarts. Manufacturer spec sheet (VirtualDJ), checked 2026-10-12

  • Turntables and CD playersSix inputs

    Four CD/line and two phono RCA inputs; Pioneer DJ says the unit can be used as a stand-alone mixer for CDJs or turntables. Manufacturer spec sheet (Pioneer DJ), checked 2026-10-12

  • Two computersDual USB

    Two USB sound cards and ports let two computers connect at once, with an A/B switch on top for changeovers. Manufacturer spec sheet (Pioneer DJ), checked 2026-10-12

You’ll also need

  • A computerDecks need software

    The decks control rekordbox on a PC/Mac over USB; there is no USB-stick playback, and only the mixer works on its own. Manufacturer spec sheet (Pioneer DJ), checked 2026-10-12

  • Speakers or a PANot in the box

    Master 1 is balanced XLR, Master 2 is RCA and the booth output is quarter-inch TRS. The box holds a power cord, one USB cable, the quick start guide and the rekordbox dj licence key. Manufacturer spec sheet (Pioneer DJ (operating instructions)), checked 2026-10-12

  • A second USB cable (optional)Only one included

    Only one USB cable comes in the box; connecting a second computer needs another USB 2.0 cable. Manufacturer spec sheet (Pioneer DJ (operating instructions)), checked 2026-10-12

Key specs

Channels
4
Software
rekordbox (rekordbox dj licence key in the box); not guaranteed to work with rekordbox ver. 7
Standalone
No (decks need rekordbox on a PC/Mac; the mixer works stand-alone for its 6 inputs)
Outputs
Master 1 (XLR), Master 2 (RCA), Booth (1/4" TRS), headphones (1/4" and 3.5 mm)
Performance pads
16 back-lit rubber pads
Display
No screens; jog wheels show illuminated cue point markers and a countdown
All 14 specifications
Weight
10.7 kg
Power
AC 110–240 V, 50/60 Hz; 30 W
Inputs
4 x CD/line (RCA), 2 x phono (RCA), Mic 1 (XLR/1/4" TRS combo), Mic 2 (1/4" TRS)
Crossfader
Magvel magnetic crossfader
Audio interface
24-bit A/D and D/A, 44.1 kHz; S/N 111 dB, THD 0.002 % (USB)
Frequency response
20 Hz – 20 kHz (USB, CD/LINE, MIC1, MIC2)
USB
2 x USB Type-B (two computers, A/B switch)
Dimensions (W x H x D)
870 x 98.4 x 419.5 mm

14 of 14 figures sourced; hover one for its source

Our take

Rory TassellWritten from the sources on this page, not from a loan unit.

All six professional reviews recommend it, praising its build, full-size jog wheels, sound and two USB sound cards, while four call it expensive and three note that, without screens, it depends on the laptop. Only one owner review could be read. Pioneer DJ has archived it, and rekordbox lists it among units no longer supported and not guaranteed to work. Buy one used only if VirtualDJ, which still documents it, suits you.

What it is

Status, October 2026: discontinued. Pioneer DJ has archived the DDJ-RZ page without naming a successor, and the rekordbox ver. 7 FAQ lists the DDJ-RZ among units no longer supported and not guaranteed to work.

What it is

The DDJ-RZ is a four-channel controller for rekordbox, announced in September 2015 alongside rekordbox dj. Pioneer DJ calls it the first professional, native controller for rekordbox (Pioneer DJ product page). Its layout mirrors the software, with dedicated controls for Hot Cues, Sampler, Slicer, Sound Colour FX, Beat FX, Beat Jump and Pad FX.

Each deck has a full-size aluminium jog wheel with adjustable resistance, illuminated cue point markers and a countdown. The 16 back-lit rubber Performance Pads trigger Hot Cues, Slicer, Sampler and Pad FX. The Oscillator Sampler overlays Noise, Sine, Siren and Horn sounds, a sequencer records and loops pad routines, and Slip mode, Needle Search and Release FX are on the surface. It also supports rekordbox DVS control.

The mixer uses Magvel faders and a magnetic crossfader, and works as a stand-alone mixer for its six RCA inputs: four CD/line and two phono. There are two mic inputs, one XLR/quarter-inch combo and one quarter-inch. Outputs are Master 1 on XLR, Master 2 on RCA, a quarter-inch booth output and two headphone jacks. Two USB sound cards let two computers connect at once, switched with an A/B button on top.

It measures 870 x 98.4 x 419.5 mm and weighs 10.7 kg. The box holds the unit, a power cord, one USB cable, the quick start guide and a rekordbox dj licence key.

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