So, what’s new on the Prime 4 Plus?

Boasting a brand new minimalistic and classy finish, the new Prime 4 + version is a revised and updated model of the original Prime 4. There’s a lot to discuss, so let’s dive right in!

Stems

An exclusive new feature of the Prime 4 + is its bespoke stems, and it’s the first controller to include stems within its actual hardware. Used to separate tracks into their component parts, stems are a popular feature for DJs who want to do more than just blend music using EQ, filter, and effects.

In the case of the Prime 4 +, you can isolate either the vocal or the instrumental, allowing you to layer vocals over instrumentals of different songs and individually add effects to each stem.

As the concept of real-time stems in the hardware of a standalone DJ controller is still in its early days, the stems on the Prime 4 + don’t perform as well as Serato stem separation technology and, with only two layers of separation, it’s rather basic. However, don’t let this put you off, as, despite the issues, Denon are always releasing firmware updates for their controllers and software updates for Engine DJ.

So, there is definitely room for development when it comes to this technology, and I wouldn’t be surprised if, in the near future, they perfect the stems built into the controller.

Streaming and Internet connectivity

Utilising network streaming services with your DJ equipment is the ultimate mod con for DJ controllers as it gives you access to the almost-infinite music libraries of Tidal, Soundcloud, Beatport Link, and Beatsource Link. This is great for mobile DJs, Wedding DJs, and club DJs who might need to take requests from their audience members and adapt their playlists on the fly to suit the occasion.

With the Prime 4 +, you now have unlimited access to Amazon Music, an incredibly in-depth streaming service with millions of tunes, thanks to the controller being fitted with an Amazon Music standard secure chipset.

You can also remotely access cloud folders such as Dropbox or Engine DJ Desktop through built-in WiFi connectivity. This is ideal for backup options in case of accidental loss or corruption of your music storage device.

Engine DJ updates

Released in conjunction with the brand-new Engine DJ 3.1 update, the Prime 4 + is the first controller to harness the new power of an improved FX capability and organisational upgrades.

Touch FX

Each Prime 4 Controller has dedicated BPM FX controls above each jog wheel that allow you to dynamically manipulate your music. On the Prime 4 +, you can utilise updated BPM FX with these controls. A few of the effects are post-fader which means that for a short time, they’ll linger after you put the fader down for a dramatic and smooth withdrawal of the tune.

You can also now use effects on certain sections of a track’s frequency range and intricately apply them to different aspects for nuanced and detailed mixing.

Not only does Engine DJ have updated BPM FX but it also features brand new Touch FX that lets you use the 10-inch touchscreen to interactively control your effects, utilising X/Y grids to navigate parameter change and an option to latch the effect on and off. Touch FX allows you to get really creative with your mixing in an uncomplicated and user-friendly manner.

Smart playlists and music analysis

New smart playlists or “Smartlists” provide the ultimate music organisation tool, which will automatically arrange your tracks based on BPM, key, genre, and rating, and you can set the rule of Smartlists when you create them. You can also convert Smartlists into normal playlists, and they will retain the same playlist name and music content.

Sampler

Engine DJ has featured a sampler since version 3.0 and, thanks to the 3.1 Engine DJ update, you can now route the 16-slot sampler to any channel or the master output. This allows you to add callouts, airhorns, vinyl spinbacks, and absolutely any sample you desire to your DJ sets. The mode is accessed by double-tapping the Roll button.

Professional makeover

A darker, sleek design gives the Prime 4 + a more reserved and professional aesthetic.

If you feel like flashing lights and colours distract you when you’re DJing, the Denon DJ Prime 4 + combats that with a more minimalistic approach. Denon DJ have redesigned the backlit pads so that they still show colour but don’t stand out too much.

By removing silver and grey trims, finishing the unit with a matte black profile, and changing the colour of the VU meters to less harsh colours, Denon DJ have ensured this controller blends into your DJ booth like an air force stealth fighter.

Improved jog wheels

So, the jog wheels are the same diameter as the previous Prime 4 design, and you’re sat there thinking, “How have they improved them? Surely a larger jog wheel is better?”

Well, Denon did a neat little trick and steepened the slopes of the jog wheel to increase its touch surface area by 10%. This gives you more surface area to perform scratch routines and spinbacks, as well as jog and cue your tracks.

Not only has the jog surface been increased but the jog wheel spin has also been refined, this gives you a more accurate jog adjust and an all-around better feel when controlling your mix.

Summary

This controller is a fantastic piece of DJ equipment. Its combination of a user-friendly interface with simple yet effective controls and innovative DJ software that is always being developed make it a useful, fun, and in-depth mixing machine.

It might not be the next generation of Denon DJ Controllers, but it’s definitely a well-needed modernisation of the Prime 4. I’d recommend this controller to professional DJs who are always on the road or home DJs who need a compact and powerful DJ controller.