5 of the Best All-In-One DJ Systems in 2023
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Overview
As the DJ controller market continues to evolve, ‘all-in-one DJ systems’ (sometimes referred to as standalone DJ controllers) have fast become a popular alternative to DJing with a laptop.
With this in mind, we’ve put together a simple overview of the 5 best all-in-one DJ systems in 2023 along with everything you’ll need to make a buying decision. As the market leaders in this category, they’re all priced between $1,100 – $3,200 US!
Who are these all-in-one DJ systems for?
An ”all-in-one” (or standalone) DJ system will be most applicable if you fall into one of these 3 categories:
- You’re an experienced DJ looking for a high-end DJ system for your home or studio setup.
- You’re a mobile DJ looking for a ‘no laptop required’ professional unit for their gigs.
- You’re a passionate bedroom or ‘hobbyist’ DJ that likes the idea of DJing without a laptop.
How to choose?
The 5 on this list are all high-end DJ systems, all with more functionality than most DJs would ever realistically use in a typical DJ set or at a gig. Specs and connections-wise, they’re all designed for professional use.
Once you’ve decided that an all-in-one DJ system is what you’re looking for, then it really comes down to how much you want to spend and what you plan on using it for. If you need more help before we jump in, also check out these posts:
Post #1: A quick introduction to DJ controllers (mostly for beginners)
Post #2: Best DJ software programs (breaks down the 5 main players in DJ software)
With that said, here are the 5 best all-in-one DJ systems in 2023!
1. Pioneer DJ OPUS-QUAD
Description:
Released in March 2023, the OPUS-QUAD from Pioneer DJ sits in a very similar bucket to Denon’s Prime 4+, which is next on this list. Whilst the two units have a number of differences which we’ll talk about – in short, they both represent the most technologically advanced all-in-one DJ systems on the market.
As you’d expect, the Opus-Quad integrates tightly with Pioneer’s rekordbox, and it also supports Serato DJ Pro. It’s Pioneer’s first ever all-in-one system to offer 4-channel playback in standalone mode.
Approximate price:
$3,200 US | £3,000 | $7,000 AU (see buy links below).
Best suited to:
Mostly mobile & event DJs (up-market wedding DJs will surely find it appealing). Also bedroom DJs with deep pockets.
| Key features/specs |
|---|
| 4-channel all-in-one DJ system; comes with Pioneer’s rekordbox and also supports Serato DJ Pro |
| Sophisticated contemporary style design with earth-coloured front panel trimming |
| Standalone four-deck playback (use of all 4 channels in standalone mode) |
| Large 10.1-inch glass touchscreen |
| Rapid track search with dedicated ‘Smart Rotary Selector’ |
| Built-in WiFi for access to streaming services and personal cloud library in rekordbox |
| Full-size mechanical jog wheels with customizable controls |
| Individual screens above each deck showing essential track data (similar to CDJs) |
| Hands-on control of effects via XY-pad |
| On-board track analysis, on-board beat FX |
| 16 hot cue pads – 8 above each jog wheel |
| Zone output allows you to play different music in different rooms |
| Supports USB thumb drives, USB connectivity for SSDs/hard drives and Bluetooth |
| Market-leading sound quality thanks to the 32-bit converter |
| External outputs to connect turntables or CDJs; all pro inputs & outputs as standard |
| Size: Width 925.7mm x Depth 499.7mm x Height 142mm |
| Weight: 13.2kg |
Key takeaways/conclusion:
Aesthetically and design-wise, the Opus-Quad is a big change in direction when compared to Pioneer’s other 4-channel standalone ‘club-style’ offering, the XDJ-XZ, which is No.3 on this list – noting that it isn’t a replacement.
Some key features include the 10.1-inch glass touchscreen, built-in WiFi (for streaming and cloud library access in rekordbox), the individual screens above each deck, market-leading sound quality (thanks to the 32-bit converter – the same found in Pioneer’s new industry-standard mixer), on-board track analysis, 16 hot cue pads, and full-size mechanical jog wheels.
It also supports Bluetooth, has USB connectivity for SSDs/hard drives, and has a ‘zone output’ that allows you to control multiple rooms.
Based on its sophisticated look and hefty price tag, the Opus-Quad is mostly aimed at up-market mobile & event DJs – offering all-new tech and modernized connections that compete with Denon’s Prime 4+.
As well as being curved at the front, the Opus-Quad slopes 5% upwards from the front to the rear. It’s also significantly larger and heavier than the Prime 4+, with the hot cue buttons located above the jog wheels, thus offering a more spacious workflow than the Prime 4+ does.
Additionally, it has larger mechanical jog wheels similar to those found on Pioneer’s pro gear, whereas the Prime 4+ has smaller ‘touch capacitive’ jogs (from a functional perspective these are the same found on most DJ controllers). Whilst neither option is ‘’better’’, necessarily, these things are all worth pointing out!
The Opus-Quad also has large individual screens above each deck showing essential track data, etc., again bringing it closer to a ‘CDJ-like’ experience – which many may prefer. Priced at $3,200 US, it’s easily the most expensive all-in-one DJ system on the market – and a mammoth $1,000 more than the Prime 4+!
If you need additional resources, visit the product page or watch this first look & review video from Nick Spinelli.
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