New DJ uber-controller à la Pioneer? AlphaTheta XDJ-AZ reviewed

Decks and Jog Wheels

In contrast to the XDJ-XZ, it‘s now possible to play on all four decks from both the DJ software and from USB sticks. This makes DJing very convenient. The four decks of the XDJ-AZ are equipped with highly sensitive touch screens that allow you to precisely scratch, cue and navigate tracks. Even the beat loops can be read on the 8-inch jog wheels (as previously seen in the CDJ-3000). This independent 4-deck playback invites you to create exciting live mash-ups. Even with fast movements, you retain full control over the performance. You can switch between the decks using buttons 3 and 1 or 2 and 4 above the jog wheels.

Performance Pads

Each deck has access to eight Performance Pads that are not only used to control hot cues, but can also be used to set beat loops and beat jumps. The gate cue, beat loop 2, key shift and beat jump 2 modes can also be used by pressing twice. However, it‘s a pity that there is no sampler mode for firing off individual jingles or sound effects.

Mixer & Effects

On the mixing console, you not only have access to a good-sounding EQ per channel, but you also have access to very good-sounding effects such as space, dub echo, crush, sweep, noise and filters from the sound color effects. For refinement and creativity, the delay, echo, ping pong, spiral, reverb, trans, filter, triplet filter, flanger, phaser, roll, triplet roll, helix and mobius add 14 powerful-sounding Beat FX. You can selectively determine whether the effects should only be applied to low, mid or high frequencies. A 3-band EQ is also available for the overall processing of your DJ set. The faders on the mixer are pleasant to use, even if they are, unfortunately, not interchangeable.

Connectivity and Expandability

In terms of connectivity, the XDJ-AZ offers a variety of input options, including two microphone and two line/phono inputs. There are two outputs for the Master (both XLR and RCA) and one for booth monitors, as well as two more for headphones. The USB connection not only relies on two USB-A ports for external hard disks or sticks, but somewhat surprisingly, also on a USB-C instead of the usual USB-B port for an optional laptop. There is also a LAN connection and the option to expand the device with external equipment by way of MIDI functionality.

In addition, the controller is equipped with WLAN, and a wireless Bluetooth connection is also included. Thanks to the StreamingDirectPlay function, you can even stream music directly from the Beatport music portal if you subscribe to the Beatport Streaming Professional or Advanced subscription. Another practical feature is the Sonic-Link interface, which enables wireless monitoring with very low latency – finally, you can listen without tangled cables from your headphones!