Welcome to The DJs Guru and our Denon DJ Prime Go Review!
The Denon DJ Prime Go is the world’s first battery-powered full-featured DJ controller. As a fully standalone mixer, it works with either a USB stick or SD card – no laptop needed! It offers two channels of mixing, each with a 3 band EQ and gain controls. Also included is integrated WiFi functionality that allows DJs to stream music from a variety of sources including Beatport Link, SoundCloud and Tidal.
Each channel has a 3″ touch-sensitive jog wheel with low latency for scratching and mixing. If you want to integrate your music with your light show you can send a control signal to SoundSwitch using the built-in Stage Link input. Mobile DJs will be happy to see dual XLR microphone inputs for announcements and crowd hyping. Speaking of connections, you’ll find XLR main outputs along with RCA and 1/4″ for a robust variety of options. The versatility of the ins and outs lends itself well to DJs on the go who have to manage events like weddings and corporate functions. That said, the Denon DJ Prime GO is also the perfect at home, practice or even beginner DJ controller due to its incredible array of convenient and innovative features. Now, without further delay let’s dive into The DJ Guru’s Denon DJ Prime Go review!
So what’s it like working on it?
Next in our Denon DJ Prime Go review we’ll talk about what you should expect during usage. Firing up the controller you’ll see the Denon Engine operating system on the screen. Whether you prefer horizontal or vertical waveforms, you’ll see the layout that suits your tastes. Below the screen are easy to understand navigation controls and wet/dry effects knobs. Above each deck are standard controls for cues, loops, rolls, and samples. Due to the small size of the controller the buttons are a little cramped, but we had no problem finding and using the controls we needed. Toward the top of each deck is an effects control unit for tweaking your music to your liking.
Taking the controller on the Prime GO out and about you’ll notice one of the first drawbacks of the controller – screen glare. With the screen built into the mixer at a fixed angle, it can be tough to see in bright sunlight. For those looking to use the controller outside, it’s worth knowing you’ll need some glare protection. Speaking of being on the go, you’ll want to grab a solid case for the controller. After all, if you’re going to spend good money on DJ equipment it’s worth protecting it! We opted for the Magma CTRL Case XL II, which fit the unit nicely, but there are a handful of road cases and other options available.
Battery life for the Denon Prime GO is rated at a conservative 4 hours. With our testing, we first saw a battery warning indicator at over 4 and a half hours. The controller still kept going, proving that the 4-hour specification isn’t just fluff but legit.
What We Like.
The first and most obvious benefit of the Prime Go is the included battery. Without being restricted by the need for power, DJs can take their performances to all sorts of new places. Pair the controller with a battery-powered speaker and you can throw a party just about anywhere. The compact size of the controller definitely lends itself to easy transport. Battery life exceeded the stated specs, which is always nice to see when you’re depending on equipment. If you like the controller but don’t want to trust the battery, you can still use it with a power cord.
However, in our mind, the greatest benefit is the fact that the PRIME GO is self-contained. It’s not just a controller, but a computer, software, and a music library all in one. All the DJ needs to provide is a USB stick or SD card and they can start mixing immediately. There’s no need to worry about computer specs, compatibility, or software versions. These questions pop up all the time and DJs using the PRIME GO will avoid dealing with them all!
What We’d Change.
The first thing we wish we could change is the price. While we aren’t manufacturers, it seems that the price is a bit high for a two-channel DJ mixer. The included battery and standalone (built-in CPU) capabilities definitely raise the price more than a standard DJ controller, no doubt. But with a small mixer that really seems to be aimed at beginners, the price could be a little steep for those looking to get started.
The second issue we saw with the controller is the screen glare. For a controller that’s marketed for people on the go, not being able to use the controller in the sun is tough to deal with. The addition of an aftermarket glare shield or an overhead canopy will help, but it would have been nice to see some sort of glare control from the factory. Perhaps a model with a tilting screen will make its debut down the road? We definitely hope so.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Denon DJ PRIME GO is a solid DJ controller. The sturdy all-metal construction feels professional and it has the looks to back it up. Numerous inputs and outputs offer mobile DJs the versatility they need to perform at their events.
Having a battery-powered controller opens up new doors for DJs. The most obvious application is for cocktail hours, wedding ceremonies, and other applications where you need quick setup in less-than-ideal locations. With two microphone inputs, you could easily provide sound in a remote location with a battery-powered speaker.
If you have never DJ’d before and are looking to get started, this should definitely be near the top of your list. Being able to get started the second it shows up at your house without having to buy a laptop, connect a USB, and install software and drivers is a huge benefit.
On the other hand, if you’re a seasoned pro the PRIME GO will do a great job serving as your secondary mixer. While we all enjoy mixing on our flagship controllers, hauling those beasts to small events and family gatherings isn’t as enjoyable. Having a more compact secondary mixer makes picking up and DJ’ing at short notice or for lower stakes events much easier. There are just so many applications for the PRIME GO – we highly recommend it!
What do you think, we always love your questions so please feel free to drop them below. Make sure to check out our other blog articles and our coaching packages for those who want to take their business to the next level. We’ll see you on the flip side!
Last but not least, check out our video review below:
-The DJs Guru
