jcoquito's Reviews

As a former Traktor user...I say it's a solid All-In-One unit

After 10 years of using Traktor with various different setups (Xone:32 w/ X1, Traktor S4 MK1, and currently a Traktor S5), I finally decided to switch to Pioneer. The main reason for the switch is to have the flexibility of a Rekordbox library since my friend has an XDJ-1000 setup, and the ability to broadcast the track name and other info to OBS (for Twitch streaming). After 4 days of tweaking the settings and mixing with it, here are my Pros/Cons:

NOTE: Running firmware 1.22 and using a USB flash drive for my library. Still have not tested the recording yet...will update the review if there's anything worth mentioning.

Pros: Excellent build quality Sound quality is excellent Layout and controls are intuitive Library search/navigation is fantastic (if you put an effort into organizing your library into Rekordbox) BeatFX is awesome and the beatpad makes it easy to shift the FX timings Chan 3 and 4 will let me expand my setup (planning to get a CDJ 2000 and CDJ 3000 in the near future) Master EQ is great for adjusting the output to fit your room better. You can also choose whether the Master EQ affects the Master signal only or both Master & Booth. You can change the Jog Wheel display to show track info, album art, or both. You can access your library via USB 1, USB 2, Rekordbox (using the USB port to computer), and via Pro Link (using ethernet). Supports FLAC format. This is more of a pro for RekordBox, but the mobile apps are convenient. Just export a playlist to your mobile device and you can prepare tracks on the go. I actually was able to prepare a number of tracks while I was on-the-go.

Cons: Most of the cons are entirely based on my habits/workflow that I've developed from using Traktor for so many years. With that said, these cons are subjective and may be irrelevant to you. - The BeatFX Filter can ONLY be used as an LFO filter (ColorFX Filter is the only non-LFO filter on the mixer). With Traktor, I'd have a filter for the Master output and individual filters for each channel. With the XZ, I have to turn the ColorFX knob for both channels which occupies both of my hands; in other words, I can't tweak the Q/resonance when I'm using the filter while mixing two tracks. If I add in a CDJ for Chan 3 and/or 4, forget about it. I wish you could set the BeatFX filter to be non-time based, but that would require another knob as there is only one for Time and Level/Depth. My workaround for this is to connect a RMX-500 to the master output (Pioneer doesn't recommend connecting RMX units via the Send/Return), but this means the built-in recorder will not record the effects done via the RMX. - Beat Jump is capped at 8 beats only. With Traktor, beat jump let's me quickly find a point to play for an unprepared track, like I'll find the drop and beat jump 16 or 32 bars back. With the XZ, I either have to tap the 8 beat jump 8-16 times or be sure to have cue points prepared ahead of time. -Hotcues will always play when pressed. I tried to changing the setting for Cue to behave as a gate when track is paused/stopped, but it does not affect hotcues. -Very minor, but I wished the headphone mix and level knobs were further down and away from the ColorFX section. Again, this is something I will need to get used to, but I'd accidentally tweak the Mix knob thinking it's the ColorFX Parameter knob. I just picked up 2 white DJTechTools knobs to make them pop out more and hopefully not get them mixed up.

Final thoughts: The cons I listed is the reason why I knocked off 1-star. If you are planning to switch from Traktor, take your time with organizing your music into Rekordbox and learning all of the different controls/settings. If I was a Pioneer/Rekordbox user, I might give it a 5 out 5; however, I still think there should at least be a master filter. Overall, I'm satisfied with my purchase and happy that my friend will be able to use his library when he's over and I'll be able to do the same vice versa. Would I recommend Traktor users to switch to Pioneer/Rekordbox? Only if you need to. If you're okay with mixing with a laptop, stick with it.

Great controller, but discontinued

Pros: - Intuitive layout - Lot of info displayed on the screens - You can browse/select tracks without having to use the mouse/trackpad (library organization is key though) - Great for track and remix deck mixing. Wouldn't recommend it for Stem Deck mixing.

Cons: - Discontinued which means lack of support. - If you're browsing your library on one of the decks, the FX controls above the deck are disabled until you load a track or exit the browsing screen. I had to compensate this by using a separate X1 controller for my global Filter & Delay (FX 3 & 4). - The touchstrip is very sensitive and it can detect the lightest touch. I wish there was a button or setting to disengage/engage the touchstrip. - It was designed before Traktor Pro 3 (which introduced the FX knob that replaced Filter knob). If you want to be able to switch FX types, you will need to do some tweaking to the MIDI mapping or use a 2nd controller.

Final Comments: I've owned my S5 for about 3-4 years now and it held up quite well. The lack of jogwheels felt strange at first, but it forced me to properly cue my tracks and made me more proficient with beatjumping. I highly recommend this for beginners and advanced Traktor users who are looking for a solid, mid-priced controller. The new S4 is future-proof, but if you're looking for a deal you may find a pre-owned unit for cheap.