Denon DJ is one of the biggest names in the audio innovator landscape. The Devon DJ Prime is among the company’s most popular products, so it only made sense for the brand to create a compact version of this market-leading tool.
The Denon Prime 2 is an all-in-one standalone controller that provides access to sensational technology, in a neat, affordable package.
The Prime 2 is essentially a sibling to the Prime 4 – the flagship controller from Denon. However, don’t be distracted by the smaller size and lower price tag.
The Prime 2 is still an extremely powerful controller.
Today, we’re going to be taking a closer look at the Denon DJ 2, to find out whether this compact controller is worth the investment for DJs on the move.
Is the Denon DJ Prime 2 a good DJ controller?
The Prime 2, much like the rest of the Prime range from Denon, is a reliable and highly capable unit. It’s difficult to compare this product to any other similar portable DJ system on the market, which is a testament to its unique functionality and performance capabilities.
Introducing the Denon DJ Prime 2: Features
The Denon DJ Prime 2 is a few hundred dollars cheaper than the flagship version of the product, and it also comes with a two-channels format.
Although this is certainly a smaller product than the Prime 4, that doesn’t mean that you’re going to miss out on a premium experience. The unit still looks and feels extremely professional, with an over 7kg weight that offers reassurance on this solution’s durability.
The screen is clear and easy to use (though it isn’t adjustable). Additionally, the workmanship of this product feels beautifully well done.
The Denon DJ Prime 2 effects unit also doesn’t feature individual screens for each effect unit here. The primary display shows the relevant information for onboarding effects, like the Prime GO.
You’ll still get physical controls for things like time division, selection, and values at the top of each deck. Some of the features include:
- A comprehensive standalone 2-deck console
- 7-inch touchscreen with gesture management
- Built-in 2.5-inch SATA drive for storage
- Wi-Fi and wired internet connectivity
- Capacitive jog wheels with HD display
- Rekordbox and music file access with USB
- Standalone track search preview
- 3-band EQ and filter
- Multi-functional performance trigger pads with triggered audio manipulation
- RCA aux input for media players, phones, and tablets
- Compatible as a Virtual DJ controller
Denon DJ Prime 2 Review: In Use
The Denon DJ Prime 2 is an appealing solution to the Denon DJ Prime series. If you’re a fan of the functionality and performance of the Prime 4, but you don’t have the cash to splash on something huge, or you need something more compact, you can try the Denon Prime 2.
This compact device is a completely standalone controller, with a 7-inch touchscreen that relays useful information immediately.
The two 6-inch capacitive-touch jog wheels feature central displays (with HD visuals), for quick and handy feedback without a laptop computer.
There’s even wireless streaming functionality to help reduce the number of cables tying you down.
Despite a smaller size, it’s worth noting that the Denon Prime 2 is still built for long-term use, so you don’t have to worry about working with a flimsy controller.
Denon knows that this is the kind of controller you’re going to take with you on the road.
Since moving from one location to another at high speed can be rough on your hardware, Denon has spared no expense in making this machine as durable as possible.
Let’s take a closer look at what this product can do.
The Decks
If you’ve seen the Prime 4 before, then you’ll feel right at home with the Denon DJ Prime 2. The layout of this product is almost identical to that of the big brother version, with the same 8 performance pads, with the same loop, slicer, and hot cue modes included.
The loop section has an encoder dial with in/out buttons on the upper left of each deck.
The beat grid controls have disappeared, but the onboard analysis DJ system means that you probably wouldn’t have to use those anyway.
You also lose the four sweeping effects from the Prime 4, as they seem to have been replaced with basic pass/low filter options.
This might be quite a blow for people who loved experimenting with the sweeping functionality on the Prime 4.
The Jog wheels
Created primarily for mobile, club, and event DJs who do a lot of traveling, the Prime 2 is a standalone smart console similar to the Prime 4.
This 2-deck offering comes with Engine OS power, and it has a lot of value to offer.
The Jog wheels on the Denon DJ Prime 2 are completely capacitive and they come with a central LCD screen in the middle.
There’s no color-changing ring on the surrounding of the wheels, which might be disappointing to some.
However, for most, it won’t be a massive loss.
The Mixer
The Denon DJ Prime 2 is a two-channel unit, making it a significant degree smaller than the Prime 4.
However, this could be ideal for people who move around a lot with their audio manipulation.
The Denon Prime 2 aims to make it easier to enjoy an ever-evolving DJing experience in a range of environments.
There’s even a dedicated AUX channel included, with a dedicated volume control if you decide to plug in another device.
Aside from the Aux channel, you also get 2 microphone inputs with TRS/XLR combo jacks, and a shared three-band EQ.
While the Prime 4 features individual EQs for the DJ system, and echo functionality for the microphones, it’s worth remembering that the Prime 2 is much smaller.
Fortunately, the Denon Prime 2 still has all of the crucial features and capabilities you need to explore your DJing skills.
There’s a contour-controlled crossfader, line faders, and an expressive 3-bad EQ DJ system to explore to shape your mix to suit your needs.
The dual-FX modules on the 7-inch display come with access to filter control for additional music triggered audio manipulation.
Outputs and inputs
As mentioned above, the 2 level-controlled microphone channels on the Denon DJ Prime 2 are excellent if you decide you want to take part in a Pro DJ battle or bring a partner into your mixes.
There’s even a handy talk-over feature included.
The Denon Prime 2 also comes with a full-sized and mini headphone jack input for days when you forget your cable adapter.
With master output managed by balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA, you shouldn’t have an issue connecting your Denon Prime 2 to any sound DJ system.
The booth output is also supported by balanced XLR, just like with the Prime 4.
From an input perspective, you can access and play your music via 3 USB ports, and 1 SD card slot. There’s also the option to store significant music collections using a built-in 2.5-inch HDD bay.
This ensures that you could even record your entire DJ set for an upcoming gig.
There’s the option to record directly from any media source, even if it’s the one you’re currently playing with.
Changes to loops, hot cues, performance preferences, and more are also saved on your source media drive for later use.
Touchscreen
The Denon DJ Prime 2’s 7-inch touchscreen is one of the most compelling features of the device.
This high-definition DJ system feels similar to using a tablet or smartphone, with easy intuitive navigation built-in.
You can casually swipe your finger across the DJ system to load tracks, search through music libraries, and rearrange your songs and playlists according to your needs.
If you feel like getting creative, you can flip your waveform playback view to horizontal from vertical and choose to monitor a range of DJ features too.
Via the touchscreen, there’s also access to the “track search preview” feature for pre-loading songs. There’s also needle-drop searching available too.
Connectivity
Connectivity is another major feature worth noting with the Denon DJ Prime 2. This high-performance compact controller combines sensational 24-bit/48khz audio quality with an amazing range of connectivity options.
You can add the StagelinQ technology into your setup to create dynamic video and lighting shows through Resolume and SoundSwitch.
Thanks to the option to choose between a wired ethernet connection or wireless connectivity, the Prime 2 stands out as a highly mobile and flexible controller solution.
You don’t need to be tied down to a laptop, computer, or a wired internet connection unless you decide that you want to be.
Streaming functionality
The Denon DJ Prime 2’s connectivity goes above and beyond the basics of a standard standalone controller.
The inbuilt Wi-Fi also means that you can access streaming services like TIDAL.
This means that you’ll have more than 60 million songs to choose from, with just your Prime 2 and no computer.
TIDAL is the main streaming service supported by the Denon Prime 2, but extra options are rumored to be on the way, such as Beatport Link, and Soundcloud.
The streaming capability is fantastic for any DJ who doesn’t want to be caught out without the music requested by listeners. The technology comes with onboard track analysis, and you can read almost any music library without a problem.
The smooth and seamless interface is a wonderful experience for any pro.
Media control
The Denon Prime 2 promises to help users take their sounds even further. There are 4 USB ports and an SD card slot for accessing your own music library, and you can use the HDD SATA drive input if you have a hard-drive ready.
The lower USB inputs on this device even come with a slightly higher amp output, so you can charge your smartphone while you play.
Once you have access to your music libraries, you’re ready to start experimenting with ultra-responsive trigger pads straight away.
You can explore open-format DJing with a wide range of tempo and musical key options, as well as class-leading, time-stretch functionality.
Software
As a standalone controller for Denon Prime fans, the Denon Prime 2 comes with access to its own software for instant functionality.
The Denon DJ ENGINE OS is available as standard with this controller, offering super-fast performance and a smooth UI that’s easy for anyone to get used to in a hurry.
The Engine OS keeps your music flowing perfectly as you move from one track to the next in your music collection. You can also access Engine PRIME music library software.
The music library software available for your Mac or PC means that you can set up full libraries for upcoming performances and sync your music collections in advance.
You can use the software to pull together audio FROM Traktor, Serato DJ, iTunes, and RekordBoxDJ alike.
Even without an additional laptop, you can import a full RekordBoxDJ collection into your Prime2, and the DJ system will internally analyze the music, loops, and hot cues for your performance.
To get the full experience of the Denon Prime 2, Denon also reminds users that the device is Virtual DJ compatible.
The 1:1 Feedback for all your mix functions, combined with direct control of your video and audio FX, ultra-innovative touchscreen controls, and more means that you’ll be able to create the perfect custom user interface.
Denon DJ Review: Pros and Cons
Denon DJ has created an incredibly popular music collection with Prime controllers.
The flagship workstation, the Prime 4, is one of the leading tools on the market for professionals who want access to a wide range of features in a future-ready device.
However, for some music creators, the Prime 4 may be simply too expensive, or too bulky to suit their needs. If that’s the case for you and you’re looking for something smaller (and more affordable), then the Prime 2 could be the ideal thing.
The Denon DJ Prime 2 controller is missing some of the functionality you might get with the Prime 4, but it’s also several hundred dollars less expensive and may be easier to transport when you’re on the road.
The Prime 2 also allows for a highly versatile and impressive mixing experience, no matter what kind of performance you’re used to giving.
With its innovative touchscreen display, capacitive jog wheels, and wide range of effects options, it’s hard to see why any DJ wouldn’t fall in love with this product.
Add the extra benefit of Wi-Fi connectivity, and you’ve got an extremely portable and versatile machine on your hands.
However, if you think you’re going to be upgrading to a Prime 4 soon anyway, then you might want to skip the Prime 2.
There aren’t any line or phono inputs here, and you do get filters instead of sweep FX.
There’s also the added issue of the Prime 2 not being Serato DJ compatible.
Pros
- Robust, reliable, and compact design, great for travel
- Standalone performance with built-in power that requires no laptop
- Gesture and swipe-based touch display that’s easy to read
- Extensive range of creative mixing options
- Excellent capacitive jog wheels and pads
- High-quality sound DJ system
- Brilliant wireless or wired connectivity options
- Lots of fun to experiment with
- USB ports, hard disk, and SD card slot
- Access to streaming from solutions like Tidal
- Easy to get used to with the convenient interface
Cons
- No line or phono inputs
- Missing sweep FX in favor of filters
- Not compatible with Serato DJ
- No color LEDs around the jog wheels like with the Prime 4
Denon DJ Prime 2: The Verdict
It’s impossible to argue with the fact that Denon DJ knows how to make a fantastic controller solution for its customers.
Denon DJ has once again given the new unit in its Prime series access to fantastic processing power to handle all kinds of tasks with ease.
We love the fact that the Denon Prime 2 is so powerful on its own. ENGINE OS means that you can access your music with ease and stream conveniently from any environment.
The ENGINE PRIME librarian software also makes it much easier to prepare for performances in advance and create entire music collection to take with you on the move.
The presence of the HDD slot within the device itself means that you don’t even need to take a laptop with you when you’re rushing between clubs or events.
The interface, with its highly customizable and feature-rich design, also makes working with the DJ Prime 2 an absolute dream.
Look at most reviews from DJs that have worked with this product before, and you’ll see that many of them talk about how fun the service really is to use.
Of course, there are some limitations to this product. While the Prime 2 has a lot to offer, it still doesn’t match up to the massive Prime 4.
If you’re planning on upgrading your kit to something a lot more advanced, then you may want to hold on and splash out for the Prime 2’s bigger brother.
The Denon Prime 2 might offer portability and simplicity, but that’s not all a DJ might want from their controller DJ system.
The Denon Prime 2 still struggles to meet up with the Pioneer XDJ-RX2, which is the product gaining the most attention in the portable powerhouse market today.
