PRIME 4 Has Grown Up – Again

The original PRIME 4 made a major statement when it arrived: professional DJs could run a genuinely capable four-deck setup without making a laptop the centre of the performance.

That concept continued to evolve through the PRIME platform and Engine DJ ecosystem, and the new PRIME 4 G2 pushes it considerably further.

This isn't simply about adding another effect or updating a screen. Denon DJ has focused heavily on how DJs interact with the system during an actual performance.

Stems become part of the hardware workflow. Performance pads become more expressive. Lighting control becomes more integrated. FX have more ways to be manipulated. Jog wheels are full-sized. Inputs, outputs, streaming, storage and external sources all sit within one central performance environment.

MPCe Performance Pads Could Be One of the Biggest Changes

One of the most interesting additions to PRIME 4 G2 is its new bank of 16 MPCe velocity and pressure-sensitive performance pads with 3D-sensing technology.

Conventional DJ performance pads typically respond to a simple trigger: press the pad and something happens.

PRIME 4 G2's multi-zone MPCe approach is designed to go further by allowing multiple functions and parameters to be combined within a single expressive pad interaction.

That opens the door to a more performance-oriented way of working with hot cues, effects, lighting and other creative functions rather than treating the pads simply as on/off buttons.

Stems Are Now Built Into the Performance

Stems have rapidly changed what many DJs expect from modern performance hardware, and PRIME 4 G2 brings them directly into its standalone workflow.

The system features onboard Stems rendering and playback alongside dedicated Instant Acapella and Instrumental controls, a Stems pad mode and Stem Level EQ.

That gives DJs the ability to isolate and manipulate elements of a track while performing, opening up much more room for live mashups, transitions, layering and creative remixing.

Proper Four-Deck Standalone Performance

At its core, PRIME 4 G2 remains exactly what many professional DJs want from this category: a true four-channel, four-deck standalone DJ system.

You can perform using Engine DJ without needing a laptop as your primary music source, with access to locally stored music, removable media and compatible online streaming services.

The four-channel mixer provides substantial routing flexibility, while the advanced on-screen mixer gives access to parameters including:

• Crossfader assignment
• Crossfader curve
• FX channel assignment
• Channel input assignment
• Fader Start
• Microphone routing
• Microphone FX
• 10-band software EQ for Main, Booth and Zone outputs

Channels can also be assigned between sources such as Engine, Line, Bluetooth or Computer, making the mixer much more than a closed standalone DJ environment.

The 10.1-Inch Touchscreen Remains Central to Everything

The PRIME workflow has always relied heavily on its touchscreen experience, and G2 continues with a large 10.1-inch, 1280 × 800, optically bonded multi-touch display.

This is where track browsing, waveforms, library management, mixer settings, effects and many of the system's deeper functions come together.

Multi-touch gesture support makes navigation feel familiar, while three dedicated Playlist Bank buttons allow DJs to quickly recall assigned playlists during a set.

Full-Size 8-Inch Jog Wheels

Another important physical upgrade is the move to full-size 8-inch high-resolution jog wheels.

For DJs who spend several hours behind a controller at weddings, clubs or events, jog size and feel matter considerably more than they sometimes appear to on a specification sheet.

PRIME 4 G2's jog displays also provide immediate visual feedback including Stem status and cue position indicators.

Denon Has Gone Big on Effects

Effects are another area where PRIME 4 G2 moves beyond a traditional all-in-one controller layout.

Main FX

Two dynamic internal Main FX modules provide more than 25 effects, supported by physical toggle paddles and Favourite FX buttons for faster access during a performance.

Touch FX

There are also 10 reactive Touch FX that can be manipulated through the display, complete with latch functionality.

Fader FX

Fader-triggered effects introduce another performance method, again with quick Favourite FX access.

Sweep FX

Each mixer channel has a dedicated Sweep FX control, with four available effect options ready for immediate manipulation.

Built-In DMX Could Be Huge for Mobile DJs

This may be one of the most practical features on the entire system for mobile, wedding and event DJs.

PRIME 4 G2 includes an isolated physical DMX output and onboard Engine Lighting powered by SoundSwitch.

That means compatible DMX lighting can be controlled directly without having to add a separate USB DMX interface simply to get a basic lighting system connected.

The onboard DMX interface supports one universe with up to 512 channels.

Compatible SoundSwitch hardware including the SoundSwitch DMX Micro and SoundSwitch Control One can extend supported control to a maximum of two universes or 1,024 channels.

Smart lighting support also includes Philips Hue and Nanoleaf.

Bluetooth Audio Finally Becomes Part of the Mixer Workflow

Every working DJ knows the situation.

A client approaches with a song on their phone. A performer wants to play an audio file. Someone needs background audio connected quickly.

PRIME 4 G2's Bluetooth Deck lets compatible tablets and smartphones feed audio into the system and become part of the mixing workflow.

Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity also supports compatible Bluetooth keyboards.

It's a relatively simple addition on paper, but potentially one of those features working DJs end up using regularly.

Wi-Fi and Direct Music Streaming

Integrated dual-band Wi-Fi provides access to supported online music services directly from the system.

Supported services include:

• Amazon Music Unlimited
• Apple Music
• Beatport
• SoundCloud Go+
• TIDAL
• Spotify – support planned for early 2027

Streaming services may require an internet connection and separate paid subscription. Service availability and functionality can change.

Serious Audio Under the Hood

A flagship DJ system still needs to sound like a flagship DJ system.

PRIME 4 G2 uses an ESS ES9017S 32-bit DAC, with Denon quoting a dynamic range of up to 119 dB A-weighted through the balanced main outputs.

The balanced main output is capable of up to +20 dBu / 8 Vrms, making the system suitable for connection to serious professional PA systems and installed audio environments.

Main, Booth and Zone all receive balanced XLR outputs, while an additional RCA main output is also provided.

Don't Underestimate the Independent Zone Output

The independent Zone output has long been one of the genuinely useful professional ideas associated with the PRIME 4 concept, particularly for mobile and venue DJs.

PRIME 4 G2 provides a separate balanced XLR Zone output with dedicated Cue functionality and the ability to send an individual deck or playlist to a second audio setup.

Think background music in a reception area while you're performing in the main room, a second room at a venue, or a separate audio area requiring independent content.

For the right user, Zone isn't just another output socket. It can eliminate the need for another playback system entirely.

Built for DJs Who Actually Work Events

The microphone section is another clue as to who PRIME 4 G2 is built for.

Two microphone inputs use XLR / 1/4-inch combo connections and include:

• 3-band EQ
• Echo
• Reverb
• Talkover
• Anti-Feedback

Mic 2 can also operate as an instrument input, adding another layer of flexibility for live performers, musicians, hybrid DJ sets and event applications.

USB, SD and Internal Storage

DJs aren't locked into one way of bringing music to the gig.

PRIME 4 G2 provides:

• USB Type-A media connectivity
• USB Type-C connectivity
• SD / SDHC / SDXC card support
• Internal SATA 3.0 drive bay

Installing compatible internal storage is particularly attractive for working DJs who want a substantial primary collection available inside the controller while retaining external media for backup or additional libraries.

Supported file systems include exFAT and FAT32, while playable formats include AAC/M4A, AIFF, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, MP4, Ogg Vorbis and WAV.

And Then There's OmniSource

Denon DJ is also positioning PRIME 4 G2 as a system that can bridge standalone and computer-based DJing more seamlessly.

OmniSource capability is planned for late 2026, with future integration intended to allow DJs to mix between standalone Engine sources and compatible computer DJ software within the same workflow.

Planned software support includes Serato, Algoriddim and VirtualDJ.

Who Is PRIME 4 G2 Really For?

PRIME 4 G2 has an enormous feature list, but the more useful question is whether those features make sense for your type of DJing.

Mobile & Wedding DJs

This could be one of the strongest use cases. Independent Zone output, dual microphones, Bluetooth audio, standalone operation, built-in DMX and extensive media support all solve genuine problems that appear during real events.

Club & Open-Format DJs

Four decks, large jog wheels, Stems, extensive FX and a performance-focused pad system give experienced DJs plenty of room to develop more involved sets.

DJs Who Want to Leave the Laptop at Home

This remains one of the fundamental reasons to buy into PRIME. Prepare your library, connect your media and perform from the hardware rather than keeping a laptop open in front of you all night.

Event & Production Professionals

Professional outputs, independent zones, DMX control, external audio inputs, microphones and multiple storage options make PRIME 4 G2 interesting beyond traditional bedroom or club DJing.

PRIME 4 G2 Key Specifications

The Questions We'd Ask Before Buying

Do I genuinely need four standalone decks?

Not every DJ does. But if you're already working across multiple decks, layering tracks, using Stems or building more complex open-format performances, four independent decks provide significant creative headroom.

Will I use the event-focused features?

For mobile DJs, things such as Zone output, microphone processing, Bluetooth audio and built-in DMX may be far more valuable in everyday use than another headline performance feature.

Do I want standalone first or laptop first?

PRIME 4 G2 makes the strongest case for DJs who genuinely want standalone operation at the centre of their setup. Future OmniSource functionality should add more flexibility, but the core proposition remains a powerful hardware-led Engine DJ system.

Denon DJ PRIME 4 G2 FAQ

Is the PRIME 4 G2 fully standalone?

Yes. PRIME 4 G2 is designed for four-deck standalone DJ performance using Engine DJ without requiring a laptop as the primary music source.

Does PRIME 4 G2 have Stems?

Yes. It features onboard Stems rendering and playback, Instant Acapella and Instrumental controls, Stems pad mode and Stem Level EQ.

How large are the jog wheels?

PRIME 4 G2 uses full-size 8-inch high-resolution jog wheels with integrated visual feedback.

Does it have built-in DMX?

Yes. PRIME 4 G2 includes an isolated physical DMX output and onboard Engine Lighting powered by SoundSwitch. The built-in interface supports one DMX universe with up to 512 channels.

Can I connect turntables?

Yes. Channels 3 and 4 provide stereo RCA Line/Phono inputs.

Does PRIME 4 G2 have Bluetooth?

Yes. Bluetooth 5.4 is included, with Bluetooth audio input allowing compatible tablets and smartphones to be incorporated into the mixer workflow.

Can you install an internal SSD?

PRIME 4 G2 includes an internal SATA 3.0 drive bay for compatible internal storage.

Which streaming services does PRIME 4 G2 support?

Supported services include Amazon Music Unlimited, Apple Music, Beatport, SoundCloud Go+ and TIDAL. Spotify support is planned for early 2027. Individual subscriptions may be required.

What is OmniSource?

OmniSource is planned functionality intended to make it possible to work more seamlessly between standalone sources and compatible computer DJ software. Support is scheduled for late 2026 and is expected to include Serato, Algoriddim and VirtualDJ.

Is PRIME 4 G2 suitable for wedding DJs?

Very much so. Features including dual microphone inputs, independent Zone output, Bluetooth audio, built-in DMX lighting, standalone operation and flexible music sources make it particularly interesting for professional wedding and mobile DJs.

Product features, streaming service availability and future software functionality are subject to change by the manufacturer and relevant service providers. Upcoming features including OmniSource and Spotify integration should not be considered available until officially released for the applicable hardware and software version.