Pioneer XDJ-RX3 Review

So you’re considering investing in a Pioneer Rx3 and want to know if it’s worth the upgrade from the Rx2.

The Rx3 has made significant improvements, particularly with its 10.1-inch touch screen and expanded selection of effects, but is it really worth the price tag?

Whether you’re a professional DJ or a hobbyist, the decision to upgrade your equipment is a crucial one.

Let’s take a closer look at the Pioneer Rx3 and dissect its performance, user experience, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.

Key Takeaways

  • The Pioneer RX3 offers significant hardware and performance upgrades compared to its predecessor, the RX2.
  • The 10.1-inch touch screen with higher resolution provides enhanced visual feedback and navigation.
  • The integration of the touch screen with features like Pad mode and Performance mode improves accessibility and ease of use.
  • The RX3 offers a variety of effects, inputs, and outputs, making it suitable for various DJ scenarios and providing good value for its price.

Pioneer Rx3 Tech Specs

The Pioneer RX3 boasts a comprehensive range of technical specifications that contribute to its versatile and high-performance capabilities. With a new 10.1-inch touch screen, it offers an enhanced user experience, featuring improved navigation and track access features such as Playlist Bank and Touch Preview. This is the largest screen on any of Pioneer’s all-in-one systems, providing DJs with improved visual information and navigation.

The RX3 is also compatible with rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro, making it a flexible option for different software preferences. Additionally, it offers a larger selection of effects and improved wheel rotation responsiveness, enhancing performance capabilities for DJs.

The hardware features a variety of inputs and outputs, including line and phono inputs, mic inputs, USB ports, and headphone jacks, catering to different setup requirements.

However, at a price of $1,999, it’s slightly more expensive than its predecessor, the RX2. Despite this, the Pioneer RX3 presents a significant upgrade in terms of hardware and performance capabilities, making it an attractive option for DJs seeking innovation and versatility.

New Touch Screen Features

Featuring a 10.1-inch touch screen, the Pioneer RX3 introduces innovative and intuitive new touch screen features that redefine the DJ experience. The RX3 showcases a higher resolution touch screen, providing enhanced visual feedback and navigation.

Pioneer DJ says the new touch screen functionality offers improved access to features like Pad mode and Performance mode, allowing for seamless and intuitive control during performances. The Playlist Bank and Touch Preview features enable easier navigation and track access, while updates to the track view, such as the Phrase Display and 3Band Waveform, enhance track management and visualization.

Additionally, the RX3 offers a wider array of effects, matching those available on the DJM-900NXS2, and integrates the touch screen with the X-Pad for applying complex effects. Moreover, the new touch screen features enable convenient access to recordings made on USB, direct recording from the XDJ, and improved wheel rotation responsiveness for enhanced beatmatching accuracy.

With these advancements, the Pioneer RX3 stands out as a standalone DJ system with cutting-edge touch screen capabilities, catering to the needs of modern DJs seeking innovative technology.

Performance Tools and Effects

Integrating seamlessly with the new touch screen features, the XDJ-RX3 offers an array of enhanced performance tools and effects, elevating the DJ experience to new levels of creativity and control.

The following features contribute to an advanced DJ setup:

  • The Beat FX Bank allows you to save four favorite effects for quick activation, providing easy access to a range of dynamic effects during your sets.
  • The Pad Status Display shows Performance Pad mode before hitting a pad, enhancing your ability to trigger samples and effects accurately.
  • The X-Pad integrates into the touch screen for applying complex-sounding effects, unlocking a new level of creativity and control.
  • The jog wheel track info displays album artwork, jog mode, Master channel, and Sync status, offering advanced performance tools and effects for precise track manipulation.
  • Accessible release effects via Performance Pads like Vinyl Brake, Backspin, and Echo Out deliver a range of creative performance options, allowing you to add unique touches to your mixes.

These performance tools and effects, combined with compatibility with Serato DJ Pro, empower you to craft innovative and dynamic DJ performances.


Essential Gear EVERY DJ Needs!
Gator Cases G-CLUB Series Carry Bag for DJ
SNIGJAT DJ Controller Case
IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor
SanDisk 2TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD
AxcessAbles Portable DJ Laptop Stand
Shure PGA48 Dynamic Microphone
Gator Cases G Club Series Carry Bag for DJ Style Headphones & Accessories
SNIGJAT DJ Controller Case for DDJ-FLX4/ DJ 400/ DDJ-REV1, Padded DJ Controller Bag with 5 Pockets for Laptop, Headphones, Cables, DJ Carrying Case with Adjustable Shoulder Strap, 21.5"x11.8"x2.5"
IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor 50 watt Portable Wireless Bluetooth Studio Reference Monitors, Dual Speakers for Music Production, Mixing, Mastering, Composing, producing and DJs
SanDisk 2TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD - Up to 2000MB/s - USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE81-2T00-G25
AxcessAbles Portable DJ Laptop Stand with Bag | Folding Laptop Stand | Elevated MacBook Stand for Home Office, Music Production, Gaming, DJ Controller | No Assembly Required (White DJ Stand)
Shure PGA48 Dynamic Microphone - Handheld Mic for Vocals with Cardioid Pick-up Pattern, Discrete On/Off Switch, 3-pin XLR Connector, 15' XLR-to-XLR Cable, Stand Adapter and Zipper Pouch (PGA48-XLR)
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Price not available
$43.99
$349.99
$219.99
$34.99
$45.00
Gator Cases G-CLUB Series Carry Bag for DJ
Gator Cases G Club Series Carry Bag for DJ Style Headphones & Accessories
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Price not available
SNIGJAT DJ Controller Case
SNIGJAT DJ Controller Case for DDJ-FLX4/ DJ 400/ DDJ-REV1, Padded DJ Controller Bag with 5 Pockets for Laptop, Headphones, Cables, DJ Carrying Case with Adjustable Shoulder Strap, 21.5"x11.8"x2.5"
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$43.99
IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor
IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor 50 watt Portable Wireless Bluetooth Studio Reference Monitors, Dual Speakers for Music Production, Mixing, Mastering, Composing, producing and DJs
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$349.99
SanDisk 2TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD
SanDisk 2TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD - Up to 2000MB/s - USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE81-2T00-G25
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$219.99
AxcessAbles Portable DJ Laptop Stand
AxcessAbles Portable DJ Laptop Stand with Bag | Folding Laptop Stand | Elevated MacBook Stand for Home Office, Music Production, Gaming, DJ Controller | No Assembly Required (White DJ Stand)
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$34.99
Shure PGA48 Dynamic Microphone
Shure PGA48 Dynamic Microphone - Handheld Mic for Vocals with Cardioid Pick-up Pattern, Discrete On/Off Switch, 3-pin XLR Connector, 15' XLR-to-XLR Cable, Stand Adapter and Zipper Pouch (PGA48-XLR)
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$45.00

Last update on 2024-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


User Experience and Interface

With a 10.1-inch touch screen and an array of effects, the Pioneer RX3 offers an enhanced user interface and creative experience for DJs. The larger touchscreen provides improved visual information and navigation, including features like Playlist Bank and Touch Preview. However, the top-heavy design may pose a challenge for portability. The RX3 boasts a variety of effects, including 14 beat FX and 6 Sound Color FX from DJM-900NXS2, enhancing your performance creativity. While the touchscreen isn’t multi-touch, it allows smooth navigation through tracks and library controls. The RX3 is suitable for various DJ scenarios, providing a versatile and user-friendly interface for different needs, especially for those who prefer the rekordbox ecosystem and Pioneer mixers.

FeaturesDescription
Jog WheelsProvides tactile control for precise beatmatching and scratching.
USB PortsOffers convenient connectivity options for external devices and peripherals.
Pad StatusAllows for easy monitoring and control of the performance pads.
rekordbox SoftwareSeamlessly integrates with Pioneer DJ’s rekordbox software for efficient track management and performance preparation.

Pricing and Value Analysis

Despite the enhanced user interface and creative features offered by the Pioneer RX3, the pricing and value analysis of the XDJ-RX3 at $1,999 presents it as a relatively affordable option with notable functionality.

The Pioneer DJ still falls under the $2k mark, offering good value for the new features and functionality it provides. The gear is considered a decent upgrade with a reasonable price increase, making it an attractive option for DJs looking for an all-in-one system.

The XDJ-RX3 offers a mix of pros and cons compared to previous models, and future updates and releases are expected to further improve the gear, making it a good long-term investment.

The gear is currently on backorder, but it can be purchased once available, indicating its popularity and demand in the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pioneer XDJ-RX3 Worth It?

The Pioneer XDJ-RX3 offers impressive sound quality, versatile performance features, and a user-friendly interface. Its portability factor, connectivity options, and DJ software compatibility make it worth the price, providing a solid build quality and excellent touchscreen display.

How Good Is Rx3?

The Pioneer RX3 offers a great user experience with its intuitive touch screen and extensive connectivity options. Its performance features and sound quality are top-notch. However, some may find the screen distracting. Overall, it provides good value for money.

Which Is Better RX3 or Xz?

In comparing the RX3 and XZ, the RX3 offers improved sound quality and portability. The XZ excels in mixer features and connectivity options. Considering price, performance, user interface, and software compatibility, the choice depends on your specific needs.

When Was the Pioneer RX3 Released?

The Pioneer RX3 was released in November 2021. It offers a 10.1-inch touchscreen, improved performance, and functionality. User feedback has been positive, and it competes well in its price range. Firmware updates enhance its features.

Conclusion

Our Pioneer XDJ-RX3 review found that it offers a significant upgrade from its predecessor with its new touch screen features, improved performance tools and effects, and user-friendly interface.

The expanded selection of effects and improved wheel rotation responsiveness enhance the overall DJ experience.

While the price increase is reasonable for the added features, some users may find the larger size and weight to be less convenient for portability.

Overall, the Pioneer Rx3 is a solid option for DJs looking for an all-in-one system with advanced capabilities.