Denon DJ Prime 4+ Review: Ultimate Pro DJ Controller
In the ever-evolving world of DJ technology, every few years a piece of gear drops that shifts the landscape entirely. The Denon DJ Prime 4+ is one such device. Building on the widely respected foundation of its predecessor, the Prime 4, the new Prime 4+ delivers everything a modern DJ could dream of—and then some.
Whether you’re spinning at a packed club, commanding the energy of a festival crowd, or simply leveling up your private event gigs, this controller promises to elevate your sets and streamline your performance. Let’s dive deep into what makes the Denon DJ Prime 4+ not just a worthy successor, but arguably the best all-in-one standalone DJ controller on the market today.
First Impressions: Power Meets Elegance
Pulling the Denon DJ Prime 4+ out of the box feels like unboxing a futuristic spaceship control panel designed exclusively for DJs. Sleek, solid, and stunning, the controller looks every bit the part of a flagship device. Its brushed metal finish and vivid full-color touchscreen immediately signal that this is not a toy—this is a tool for professionals who are serious about their craft.
With its rugged build quality, you can tell it’s made to withstand the demands of the road while still looking sharp on stage. The jog wheels now feature customizable LED rings, which not only look impressive but serve as practical indicators of deck activity.
Core Features That Redefine the Game
1. Massive 10.1” Multi-Gesture Touchscreen
The centerpiece of the Prime 4+ is its ultra-responsive 10.1-inch touchscreen display. Bigger, brighter, and smoother than ever, it brings laptop-level control to a standalone unit. Browsing tracks, loading playlists, triggering effects, or even waveform scrubbing is a breeze—no lag, no delay.
Multi-gesture support makes navigating your music library intuitive. Swipe, pinch, and scroll through tracks and menus with tablet-like ease.
2. Four Truly Independent Decks
Where many “4-deck” controllers compromise, the Prime 4+ delivers. Each deck is fully independent with dedicated controls, EQ, and effects routing. That means you can mix, loop, and layer four tracks live without juggling or switching layers. This opens the door for more creativity, live mashups, and seamless transitions.
3. Engine DJ OS: No Laptop Required
One of the biggest draws of the Prime 4+ is its ability to run entirely standalone via the Engine DJ operating system. This is more than firmware—it’s a full-featured, lightning-fast music management and performance platform built into the controller itself.
You can prepare and analyze tracks via Engine DJ Desktop and load them via USB or SD card—or even analyze tracks directly on the device. No laptop? No problem. You’re not tethered to anything but your talent.
4. Advanced FX Engine and Onboard Sampler
With over 25 high-quality, fully tweakable FX and an onboard sampler, your sets gain depth, energy, and atmosphere. You can assign effects to individual channels or across the master output, while the 6 dedicated FX knobs make real-time control natural and inspiring.
The sampler allows for quick stabs, loops, or vocal drops, adding another layer of flair and personalization.
5. Built-In Wi-Fi and Streaming Capabilities
Streaming is here to stay, and the Prime 4+ meets the moment. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you access platforms like TIDAL, Beatport LINK, Beatsource LINK, SoundCloud GO+, and more, right from the controller. Forgot a track? Need that last-minute crowd-pleaser? No worries—you can stream it on the fly, seamlessly.
6. Serato DJ Pro and Virtual DJ Integration
While it excels as a standalone unit, the Prime 4+ plays well with others. You can use it as a powerful controller for both Serato DJ Pro and Virtual DJ with full control over decks, effects, and library.
This hybrid flexibility means you’re never limited to one ecosystem. You choose how you want to play.
7. Versatile I/O for Any Gig Scenario
The rear panel is a connectivity dream. Featuring balanced XLR and RCA outputs, dual mic inputs with EQ and talkover, multiple USB inputs, SD card slot, aux in, and even a zone output, the Prime 4+ is ready for anything.
Whether you’re plugging into a house system, sending a feed to a separate lounge, or running a livestream, the Prime 4+ covers every base.
Workflow That Sets You Free
The best DJ gear doesn’t get in the way—it empowers you to do more. With its intuitive layout, touch-capacitive controls, and high-resolution jog wheels, the Denon DJ Prime 4+ makes creativity second nature.
Everything is where it should be. You’re not buried in submenus or distracted by awkward controls. The faders are smooth, the crossfader is sharp, and the performance pads are super responsive, letting you finger-drum or trigger hot cues with ease.
Add in the ability to record your entire set internally to any storage device, and the workflow becomes complete. No fuss. No compromise. Just freedom.
New Upgrades Over the Original Prime 4
Denon didn’t just slap a “+” on the name for marketing. The upgrades are real and meaningful:
- Improved FX workflow: Smoother operation, better routing, and new FX types
- LED jog wheel rings: Visual cues for active decks and improved aesthetics
- Enhanced touchscreen response: Faster browsing, swiping, and loading
- Updated I/O: Expanded connectivity and more robust USB compatibility
- Increased processing power: Faster boot times and more stable performance
The Price of Power: Is It Worth It?
Pricing:
- United Kingdom (GBP): £1,999.00
- United States (USD): $2,199.00
Yes, it’s an investment. But when you compare the feature set, performance capabilities, and future-proof design to other high-end controllers on the market, the value becomes undeniable.
Most pro-level controllers that require laptops hover in the same price bracket. Yet here, you’re getting an all-in-one powerhouse that eliminates the need for a computer entirely. That alone can save you money—and headaches—over time.
Who Is It For?
- Professional DJs who want a portable, standalone rig that doesn’t skimp on features.
- Wedding and mobile DJs who need zone output, wireless streaming, and rugged build quality.
- Club DJs seeking tight integration with Serato or Virtual DJ and four-deck mixing.
- Producers and performers who want sampler functionality and FX layering in a live environment.
If you’re serious about your sound and your setup, the Prime 4+ is serious about serving you.
The Verdict: Denon DJ Prime 4+ Is the Future of DJing
The Denon DJ Prime 4+ isn’t just a controller—it’s a statement. It tells the world that you’re ready to command every beat, every transition, and every crowd with precision and power. It’s a bold leap forward in standalone DJing, and it doesn’t look back.
It’s not just built to perform—it’s built to inspire.
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your gear or switch to a laptop-free setup, that moment is now. The Prime 4+ represents the culmination of years of innovation, and it’s more than ready for the main stage.
Ready to Elevate Your Sets?
Take your DJ game to the next level with the Denon DJ Prime 4+. Engineered for excellence, designed for freedom. Don’t just play music—command it.
Buy now and experience the future of DJ performance:
Purchase Denon DJ Prime 4+ Today