Denon Prime 4 vs Prime 4 Plus – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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

FeatureDenon Prime 4 PlusDenon Prime 4
Stems FunctionYesNo
Streaming SupportAmazon Music, Tidal, Beatport, Beatsource, SoundCloudTidal, Beatport, Beatsource, SoundCloud
Jog Wheel SizeSlightly largerStandard 6-inch jogs
Jog Wheel DisplayHigher-contrast displayStandard display
Pad MaterialUpgraded rubber finishStandard pads
Button FeelSofter, more tactile switchesOriginal mechanical feel
Chassis ColorDarker matte blackLighter grey finish
FX SectionUpdated FX engine with added Sweep FXOriginal FX engine
Bluetooth/Wi-Fi ChipNewer generation wireless moduleOlder wireless module
CPU / ProcessingUpdated internal hardwareOriginal platform
USB Port ConfigurationFaster USB accessStandard USB 3.0 ports
Amazon Music IntegrationYesNo
Firmware PriorityHigher for Engine DJ updatesStandard update support
Touchscreen UIUpdated color profile and responseOriginal color calibration
Cue / Loop ButtonsSlightly redesigned and reinforcedStandard layout
Fader DesignImproved smooth-glide fadersStandard faders
PriceCheck Prime 4 Plus PriceCheck 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

FeatureDenon Prime 4 PlusDenon Prime 4
Standalone OperationYesYes
Engine DJ OSYesYes
10.1-inch TouchscreenYesYes
4-Channel MixerYesYes
Dual Microphone InputsYesYes
Balanced XLR OutputsYesYes
RCA Booth OutputsYesYes
USB and SD Media SupportYesYes
Dual USB InputsYesYes
SATA Drive BayYesYes
Wi-Fi ConnectivityYesYes
Ethernet Link PortYesYes
Beat Sync and QuantizeYesYes
BPM FX and Sweep FX ControlsYesYes
Performance Pads (8 per deck)YesYes
Hot Cue, Loop, Roll, Slicer ModesYesYes
3-Band EQ per ChannelYesYes
Key Sync and Key ShiftYesYes
Recording Direct to MediaYesYes
Zone Output (separate music zone)YesYes
Price Check Prime 4 Plus Price
Check Prime 4 Price

FAQ

Does the Denon Prime 4 Plus require a laptop to operate?
No, the Denon Prime 4 Plus is a fully standalone DJ controller, meaning it can operate entirely without a laptop. You can load and play music directly from USB drives, SD cards, or an internal SATA hard drive.

Can the Denon Prime 4 Plus and Prime 4 both use Engine DJ software?
Yes, both models run on Denon’s Engine DJ platform, which manages music libraries, playlists, and firmware updates for consistent performance and workflow across devices.

What is the main difference between the Denon Prime 4 Plus and the original Prime 4?
The Prime 4 Plus includes new hardware enhancements such as built-in Stems separation, updated FX engines, Amazon Music streaming support, and improved jog wheels, while the Prime 4 lacks these updates.

Can both models stream music from online services?
Yes, both can connect to streaming platforms via Wi-Fi, including Tidal, Beatport, Beatsource, and SoundCloud. The Prime 4 Plus adds native Amazon Music support as an exclusive feature.

Do both models have the same display size?
Yes, each unit has a large 10.1-inch multi-touch display used for track browsing, waveform viewing, and FX adjustments, providing identical interface sizes.

Is there any difference in audio output quality between the two models?
Both deliver professional-grade sound through balanced XLR outputs and share the same 24-bit/96kHz audio resolution, ensuring identical clarity and output performance.

Can you use the same cases and accessories for both units?
Yes, both models have nearly identical dimensions, so most flight cases, decksavers, and accessories designed for the Prime 4 also fit the Prime 4 Plus.

Do both units allow direct recording of DJ sets?
Yes, both controllers can record your live mixes directly to an inserted USB drive or internal hard drive, making it easy to archive or share performances.

Are the jog wheels on both controllers motorized?
No, neither model uses motorized jog wheels. Both employ capacitive touch-sensitive platters for precise scratching and cue control.

Do both the Prime 4 and Prime 4 Plus support external audio sources?
Yes, both feature multiple line and phono inputs that allow DJs to connect turntables, CDJs, or other external audio sources for hybrid setups.

Can both models control lighting or visuals?
Yes, both support Denon’s StageLinq protocol and SoundSwitch compatibility, enabling integrated control of lighting and visual systems during performances.

Is the internal storage bay available on both devices?
Yes, each unit has a SATA drive bay that allows users to install an internal SSD or HDD for local music storage directly inside the controller.

Can both devices be used as MIDI controllers with a computer?
Yes, both can function as MIDI controllers when connected to a computer via USB, allowing integration with DJ software like Serato or Virtual DJ.

Do both controllers feature dual microphone inputs?
Yes, both models include two microphone inputs with independent gain and tone controls, designed for MCs, vocalists, or event announcements.

Are firmware updates available for both models?
Yes, both units receive firmware updates through Denon’s Engine DJ system, though the Prime 4 Plus is expected to receive newer features and updates earlier due to its newer hardware platform.