Pioneer XDJ-RX3

The Pioneer DJ XDJ-RX3 is an all-in-one DJ controller on which we find many features that are also on the well-known CDJ-3000 and DJM-900 NXS2. Moreover, it has a touchscreen of a whopping 10.1 inches.

Pioneer XDJ-RX3 gives you familiar feeling

Basically, the Pioneer XDJ-RX3 is a DJ controller that allows you to play and mix tracks stored on a USB stick or external hard disk. You can connect a laptop, but it is not necessary for an all-in-one controller. After all, your tracks are on a USB storage device and the large display shows you all the information. The XDJ-RX3 is already the third member of this series. The controller was designed with the flagship (CDJ-3000) in mind. The goal is that you recognize the familiar feel of the popular club set (CDJ-3000 + DJM-900 NXS2) in everything this XDJ-RX3 has to offer.

Compact size of XDJ-RX3

Let's start with the first big advantage of the XDJ-RX3 and that is its size. Obviously, an all-in-one controller should be suitable for taking to gigs. Despite its list of features, the Pioneer XDJ-RX3 is still a compact, portable controller weighing less than 10 pounds. By comparison, an XDJ-XZ weighs 13 pounds.

Improvements over its predecessor

It should come as no surprise to anyone that the XDJ-RX3 is the successor to the XDJ-RX2. The important question, then, is what the improvements are. Surely the most obvious is the large 10.1-inch display. In fact, at the time of introduction, this is the largest screen ever on a Pioneer DJ controller. On the XDJ-RX2, the screen was 7 inches in size, as on the XDJ-XZ, for that matter. It results in a noticeably higher resolution and also the number of tracks in your browse section has gone from eight to 12 because of this. So less scrolling with the Pioneer XDJ-RX3!

Touch preview and playlist bank

Another very useful function on the XJD-RX3 is Touch Preview. This allows you to easily "preview" a track, without actually loading that track. We already know this from the CDJ-3000. By the way, the browse section also comes directly from the CDJ-3000. It makes for intuitive navigation through your playlists. Completely new on the Pioneer XDJ-RX3 is the Playlist Bank function, which gives you instant access to your four most favorite playlists. A funny feature is the countdown timer, where you can see directly in your display how long you can/should still play.

On Jog Display new on XDJ-RX3

For the first time on an RX controller are the On Jog Displays. These displays are located on the jog wheels of the XDJ-RX3 and instantly show important track information and the artwork of the track you are currently playing. And yes, finally, just like on the more expensive players, you can adjust the "weight" of your jogwheel to your liking. They have remained the same in size, which means they are still a bit smaller than on the XDJ-XZ.

Significant difference in time to load Hot CUE

Waiting is killing for a DJ.... So loading tracks and Hot CUEs quickly is essential. While an XDJ-RX2 takes 6.75 sec, the Pioneer XDJ-RX3 takes only 1.82 sec at 320kbps MP3!

More Beat FX and Sound Color FX with XDJ-RX3

First of all, the XDJ-RX3 has all the effects that its predecessor also has, but also offers six additional Beat FX and two Sound Color FX. This completes the comparison with the DJM-900 NXS2 mixer, which has the exact same effects unit.

Design and layout

As mentioned earlier, the Pioneer XDJ-RX3 is designed with today's best DJ set in mind. Aimed at DJs who regularly play on a CDJ-3000 + DJM-900NXS2 set, but are looking for a more compact, more affordable set for home, for example. This is reflected in the layout of the XDJ-RX3. Almost all buttons are similar to the well-known, more expensive models, especially the most commonly used functions such as play/CUE and the browse button.

Connections of Pioneer XJD-RX3

The XDJ-RX3 has two balanced XLR microphone jacks. Ideal for an MC or drive-in-show DJs. On the top right of the controller we see USB port 1 and 2. The master output is provided in both XLR and RCA and for the monitor connection we see the familiar jack jacks. Want to play a song from a tablet or smartphone? Then use the AUX connection, which on the Pioneer XDJ-RX3 is designed as a 3.5 mm mini-jack. Finally, connect to a laptop with the USB connection on the back.

Ready for the future!

With the Pioneer XDJ-RX3, you'll be ready for the future. Whether you want to upgrade from the XDJ-RX2, or are just looking for a simple, compact, but very comprehensive all-in-one DJ controller! In our opinion, this is an ideal controller for drive-in shows, bars or home use.

• all-in-one dj controller with many key features of the CDJ-3000 and DJM-900NXS2
• large and clear 10.1-inch touchscreen
• four playlists can be stored in the Playlist Bank for quick access
• touch Preview lets you quickly listen to a song without loading it
• features On Jog Displays that show important track information
• the weight of the On Jog Displays is adjustable
• fast loading of tracks: 1.82 sec at 320kbps MP3
• plug-and-play with rekordbox or Serato DJ Pro
• equipped with 14 Beat FX & 6 Sound Color FX

Included accessories:
- 1x power cable
- 1x USB cable