Denon Prime 4 Plus & Denon Prime 4 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Denon Prime 4 Plus rather than the Denon Prime 4.
Why Do I Recommend The Denon Prime 4 Plus?
- The Denon Prime 4 Plus comes with built-in Stems separation for real-time vocal and instrument isolation during live performances, while the Denon Prime 4 has no onboard Stems capability.
- Denon Prime 4 Plus features Amazon Music Unlimited integration to access and stream millions of tracks directly over Wi-Fi, whereas the Denon Prime 4 supports streaming from other platforms but lacks native Amazon Music access.
- It includes larger and smoother jog wheels for better precision and tactile control when scratching or nudging tracks, while the Denon Prime 4 uses smaller, standard jog platters.
- The Denon Prime 4 Plus has upgraded pad materials and improved button tactility for more durable, responsive performance during extended DJ sessions, whereas the Denon Prime 4 uses the original pad design.
- Denon Prime 4 Plus features an updated FX engine with enhanced Sweep FX for more expressive live mixing options, while the Denon Prime 4 relies on the older FX engine with fewer dynamic effects.
- It supports newer wireless chipsets for faster Wi-Fi connections and more stable streaming sessions, whereas the Denon Prime 4 uses earlier-generation connectivity hardware.
- The Denon Prime 4 Plus comes with refreshed internal processing hardware to ensure smoother firmware updates and added headroom for future features, while the Denon Prime 4 operates on the original platform with limited upgrade potential.
- Denon Prime 4 Plus includes a darker matte chassis with refined design elements for improved durability and a more professional stage appearance, whereas the Denon Prime 4 uses the lighter original housing design.
Maybe the Denon Prime 4 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Denon Prime 4 Plus. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Denon Prime 4 Plus | Denon Prime 4 |
| Stems Function | Yes | No |
| Streaming Support | Amazon Music, Tidal, Beatport, Beatsource, SoundCloud | Tidal, Beatport, Beatsource, SoundCloud |
| Jog Wheel Size | Slightly larger | Standard 6-inch jogs |
| Jog Wheel Display | Higher-contrast display | Standard display |
| Pad Material | Upgraded rubber finish | Standard pads |
| Button Feel | Softer, more tactile switches | Original mechanical feel |
| Chassis Color | Darker matte black | Lighter grey finish |
| FX Section | Updated FX engine with added Sweep FX | Original FX engine |
| Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Chip | Newer generation wireless module | Older wireless module |
| CPU / Processing | Updated internal hardware | Original platform |
| USB Port Configuration | Faster USB access | Standard USB 3.0 ports |
| Amazon Music Integration | Yes | No |
| Firmware Priority | Higher for Engine DJ updates | Standard update support |
| Touchscreen UI | Updated color profile and response | Original color calibration |
| Cue / Loop Buttons | Slightly redesigned and reinforced | Standard layout |
| Fader Design | Improved smooth-glide faders | Standard faders |
| Price | Check Prime 4 Plus Price | Check Prime 4 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Standalone Operation: Both models are full standalone DJ systems that do not require a laptop, letting DJs perform using USB drives, SD cards, or internal drives. This independence from computers makes them ideal for professional events or mobile setups.
- Engine DJ OS: Each system runs on Denon’s Engine DJ operating system, ensuring identical workflow, library handling, and feature updates. This software platform allows consistent performance and future firmware compatibility.
- 10.1-inch Touchscreen: Both units include a bright, responsive 10.1-inch multitouch display used for browsing, waveform analysis, and FX control. The large screen offers a similar intuitive experience for navigation and live performance adjustments.
- 4-Channel Mixer: Both controllers feature a professional-grade 4-channel mixer with individual EQ and gain controls. This provides flexibility for multi-source mixing, external gear integration, and complex transitions.
- Dual Microphone Inputs: Each device includes two dedicated mic inputs with independent volume and tone controls. This enables DJs to use both primary and guest microphones without affecting main mix channels.
- Balanced XLR Outputs: Both offer balanced XLR master outputs for professional-grade audio signal routing to PA systems. These connections ensure noise-free and high-quality sound delivery at live venues.
- RCA Booth Outputs: Each unit includes booth outputs for connecting secondary speakers, giving DJs independent booth monitoring control. This helps performers hear their mix clearly without interfering with the main audience sound.
- Ethernet Link Port: Each device has an Ethernet port that supports Denon’s StageLinq or network features for lighting and video control. This allows integration with professional stage systems and network synchronization.
- Beat Sync and Quantize: Both models share the same beat synchronization and quantization features for precise timing during transitions. These tools help maintain consistent tempo alignment across tracks.
- BPM FX and Sweep FX Controls: Each unit includes built-in effects engines with BPM-linked and sweep-based FX for creative mixing. DJs can apply effects like delay, echo, and filter in real time without external hardware.
- Performance Pads (8 per deck): Both controllers provide eight velocity-sensitive performance pads per deck. These pads support cue triggering, looping, rolls, and slicer actions, enhancing live creativity.
- Hot Cue, Loop, Roll, Slicer Modes: Each system offers the same pad modes for performance effects. DJs can quickly access hot cues, roll loops, or slice tracks to manipulate playback rhythmically.
- 3-Band EQ per Channel: Both feature a 3-band EQ on each mixer channel, allowing fine control over low, mid, and high frequencies. This consistency ensures familiar tonal shaping across mixes.
- Key Sync and Key Shift: Each device provides automatic key matching and manual pitch shifting tools. This enables harmonic mixing and smooth blending between tracks in different keys.
- Recording Direct to Media: Both models can record performances directly to connected storage devices. DJs can easily archive sets or create mixes without additional equipment.
- Zone Output (separate music zone): Each unit supports a zone output function that lets DJs send a different track or playlist to another room or zone. This dual-output design is ideal for multi-room events or venue setups.
Common Features
| Feature | Denon Prime 4 Plus | Denon Prime 4 |
| Standalone Operation | Yes | Yes |
| Engine DJ OS | Yes | Yes |
| 10.1-inch Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| 4-Channel Mixer | Yes | Yes |
| Dual Microphone Inputs | Yes | Yes |
| Balanced XLR Outputs | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Booth Outputs | Yes | Yes |
| USB and SD Media Support | Yes | Yes |
| Dual USB Inputs | Yes | Yes |
| SATA Drive Bay | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet Link Port | Yes | Yes |
| Beat Sync and Quantize | Yes | Yes |
| BPM FX and Sweep FX Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Performance Pads (8 per deck) | Yes | Yes |
| Hot Cue, Loop, Roll, Slicer Modes | Yes | Yes |
| 3-Band EQ per Channel | Yes | Yes |
| Key Sync and Key Shift | Yes | Yes |
| Recording Direct to Media | Yes | Yes |
| Zone Output (separate music zone) | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Prime 4 Plus Price | Check Prime 4 Price |
FAQ
Does the Denon Prime 4 Plus require a laptop to operate? Can the Denon Prime 4 Plus and Prime 4 both use Engine DJ software? What is the main difference between the Denon Prime 4 Plus and the original Prime 4? Can both models stream music from online services? Do both models have the same display size? Is there any difference in audio output quality between the two models? Can you use the same cases and accessories for both units? Do both units allow direct recording of DJ sets? Are the jog wheels on both controllers motorized? Do both the Prime 4 and Prime 4 Plus support external audio sources? Can both models control lighting or visuals? Is the internal storage bay available on both devices? Can both devices be used as MIDI controllers with a computer? Do both controllers feature dual microphone inputs? Are firmware updates available for both models? |