Denon DJ PRIME 4 G2 vs PRIME 4+: What’s New and Is It Worth Upgrading?
The Denon DJ PRIME 4+ established itself as an exceptionally capable four-deck standalone DJ system for mobile DJs, event professionals and performers who wanted to work without a laptop. The arrival of the Denon DJ PRIME 4 G2 does not abandon that formula. Instead, it introduces a new generation of processing, performance controls, jog wheels, Stems tools and direct lighting connectivity.
That creates two important questions. If you are buying a professional standalone DJ system today, which model is the better choice? If you already own a PRIME 4+, do the PRIME 4 G2 upgrades justify changing?
This detailed Denon DJ PRIME 4 G2 vs PRIME 4+ comparison examines the verified differences between the two systems, including their jog wheels, performance pads, Stems workflow, effects, lighting control, connections, dimensions and weight.
At a Glance
Choose the PRIME 4+ if you already own one and its six-inch jog wheels, desktop-prepared Stems and existing performance workflow meet your needs. It remains a four-channel, four-deck standalone system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, professional outputs, extensive media support and an independent Zone output.
Choose the PRIME 4 G2 if you want the new eight-core processor, onboard Stems rendering, full-size eight-inch jog wheels, MPCe performance pads, redesigned FX controls and built-in three-pin DMX output.
Denon DJ PRIME 4 G2 vs PRIME 4+: Feature Comparison
| Feature | Denon DJ PRIME 4+ | Denon DJ PRIME 4 G2 |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone decks | Four-deck standalone performance | Four-deck standalone performance |
| Mixer channels | Four channels | Four channels |
| Main display | 10.1-inch HD multi-touch display | 10.1-inch, 1280 × 800 optically bonded multi-touch display |
| Jog wheels | Six-inch capacitive jog wheels with centre displays and selectable RGB lighting | Full-size eight-inch jog wheels with dynamic high-resolution displays |
| Performance pads | 16 RGB performance pads | 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive MPCe pads with multi-zone 3D-sensing technology |
| Stems preparation | Four-part Stems are prepared in Engine DJ Desktop and exported to a compatible drive | Stems can be prepared on a computer or rendered directly on the hardware |
| Dedicated Stems control | Standalone four-part Stems playback | Dedicated Instrumental and Acapella controls, Stems pad modes, Stem FX and Stem Level EQ |
| Processor | Processor and RAM specifications are not stated on the supplied PRIME 4+ product page | Eight-core ARM processor with 4GB RAM |
| Processing improvement | — | Denon DJ states that the G2 provides four times the processing power |
| Main FX | More than 25 customisable Main FX, four Sweep FX and touchscreen-controlled Touch FX | Assignable FX toggle switches, Favourite FX controls, Sweep FX, Touch FX, Fader FX, Microphone FX, Stem FX and MPCe FX pad modes |
| Lighting | Engine Lighting control for automatic and customised light shows | Engine Lighting plus an integrated, isolated three-pin DMX output |
| Direct DMX connection | An onboard DMX output is not listed on the supplied PRIME 4+ specifications | Built-in one-universe DMX interface supporting 512 channels |
| Playlist access | Library browsing through the touchscreen and hardware controls | New dedicated Playlist Bank buttons and multi-function navigation encoder |
| Zone output | Independent balanced XLR Zone output | Independent balanced XLR Zone output |
| Internal storage option | Internal 2.5-inch SATA drive bay | Internal SATA 3.0 drive bay |
| Software operation | Serato DJ Pro hardware unlock; VirtualDJ support requires a paid licence | Designed for future OmniSource integration with Serato DJ Pro, Algoriddim djay and VirtualDJ |
What Has Actually Changed?
The PRIME 4 G2 is more than a cosmetic revision. The fundamental concept remains familiar—four standalone decks, four mixer channels, a large central touchscreen, extensive media options and professional Main, Booth and Zone outputs—but several of the physical and processing elements have been redesigned.
The most noticeable change is the move from the PRIME 4+ system’s six-inch jog wheels to full-size eight-inch jog wheels. The G2 also replaces conventional RGB performance pads with Denon DJ’s multi-zone MPCe pads and adds substantially greater onboard processing power.
That additional processing enables one of the G2’s most important practical upgrades: Stems can be rendered directly on the unit. PRIME 4+ users can perform with four-part Stems, but those tracks or playlists must first be analysed using Engine DJ Desktop and exported to a drive.
The PRIME 4 G2 also introduces a built-in three-pin DMX output, updated FX controls, dedicated Playlist Bank buttons, redesigned faders and more specialised control over Stems.
PRIME 4 G2 vs PRIME 4+: Stems
How Stems Work on the PRIME 4+
The PRIME 4+ supports high-quality four-part Stems, allowing a DJ to isolate or remove the vocal, melody, bass and drums from a track. However, the preparation stage takes place in Engine DJ Desktop. Tracks or playlists are rendered on the computer, exported to compatible media and then loaded into the PRIME 4+.
This provides genuine standalone Stems performance once the preparation has been completed. It works particularly well for DJs who organise their music before an event and know which tracks they want available for Stems-based mixing.
How Stems Work on the PRIME 4 G2
The PRIME 4 G2 can also use Stems prepared on a computer, but its eight-core processor allows Stems to be rendered directly on the hardware. That reduces the dependence on advance preparation and gives the DJ greater freedom to process music within the standalone system.
The hardware controls have also been expanded. Denon DJ lists dedicated Instrumental and Acapella buttons, Stems pad modes, Stem FX and Stem Level EQ among the G2’s creative Stems tools.
Eight-Inch Jog Wheels and MPCe Performance Pads
The PRIME 4+ uses six-inch capacitive-touch jog wheels with central displays. Those displays can show album artwork and custom DJ logos, while selectable RGB lighting can be used to distinguish the decks.
The PRIME 4 G2 increases the jog-wheel diameter to eight inches. Denon DJ describes them as full-size jog wheels and equips them with dynamic high-resolution displays capable of showing essential track and Stems information.
This is not a minor size change. DJs who perform long blends, make frequent manual adjustments or prefer a larger physical deck surface may find the eight-inch jog wheels one of the most immediately noticeable differences between the two systems.
The pads have changed just as significantly. The PRIME 4+ provides 16 RGB pads for functions including Hot Cue, Loop, Auto Loop, Roll, Sampler, Slicer and Slicer Loop. The PRIME 4 G2 introduces 16 MPCe pads that respond to velocity and pressure and divide each pad into multiple control zones.
Depending on the selected mode, the G2 pads can be used to control Hot Cues, Stems, Rolls, effects and lighting. This makes the PRIME 4 G2 particularly relevant to performance-focused DJs who want the pads to do more than trigger a single command.
Effects and Performance Workflow
The PRIME 4+ already offers an extensive effects section. Denon DJ lists more than 25 customisable Main FX, four channel-based Sweep FX and a Touch FX mode that turns the 10.1-inch screen into an XY effects controller.
The PRIME 4 G2 develops this workflow with two assignable FX toggle switches, quick-access Favourite FX buttons, Sweep FX controls, Touch FX, Fader FX, Microphone FX, Stem FX and several MPCe FX modes.
The difference is therefore not simply the presence or absence of effects. Both systems provide substantial creative control. The G2 places more effects functions on dedicated or rapidly accessible hardware controls and integrates effects more deeply with Stems and the MPCe pads.
Engine Lighting and the Built-In DMX Output
Both systems support Engine Lighting, allowing compatible lighting shows to be synchronised with saved or streamed music. Denon DJ states that PRIME 4+ users can control parameters including colour, dimming, chases, moving-head position, strobe and blackout.
The major hardware difference is that the PRIME 4 G2 includes an isolated three-pin DMX connection on its rear panel. This provides direct output to a compatible DMX lighting system without requiring a separate DMX interface for one-universe operation.
The built-in interface supports one DMX universe with up to 512 channels. Denon DJ also lists SoundSwitch DMX Micro and SoundSwitch Control One compatibility for systems requiring up to two universes or 1,024 channels.
The G2’s Lighting MPCe Pad Mode provides hands-on access to controls including colour, position, strobe, intensity, Auto Loops and Static Looks.
Denon DJ PRIME 4 G2 vs PRIME 4+: Technical Specifications
| Specification | Denon DJ PRIME 4+ | Denon DJ PRIME 4 G2 |
|---|---|---|
| Decks | Four | Four |
| Mixer channels | Four | Four |
| Main touchscreen | 10.1-inch HD multi-touch display | 10.1-inch, 1280 × 800 full-colour optically bonded multi-touch display |
| Jog-wheel size | Six inches | Eight inches |
| Performance pads | 16 RGB pads | 16 MPCe velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads with 3D sensing |
| Processor | Not stated on the supplied official product page | Eight-core ARM processor |
| RAM | Not stated on the supplied official product page | 4GB |
| Main outputs | Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA | Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA |
| Booth output | Balanced XLR | Balanced XLR |
| Zone output | Balanced XLR | Balanced XLR |
| Headphone outputs | 3.5mm and 6.35mm | 3.5mm and 6.35mm |
| Line/phono inputs | Four stereo RCA line inputs; two are switchable to phono | Two stereo RCA inputs on channels 3 and 4, switchable between line and phono |
| Microphone channels | Two independently controlled microphone channels | Two balanced XLR/6.35mm combination inputs; Mic 2 also supports Instrument mode |
| Media connections | Four USB Type-A ports, SD/SDHC card slot and internal 2.5-inch SATA drive bay | Two USB Type-A connections, two USB Type-C connections, SD/SDHC/SDXC slot and internal SATA 3.0 drive bay |
| Wi-Fi | Built in | Dual-band 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth audio input and output listed | Bluetooth 5.4 supporting audio input devices and Bluetooth keyboards |
| Direct DMX output | Not listed | Three-pin isolated DMX output; one universe and 512 channels |
| Dimensions: W × D × H | 28.68 × 19.56 × 4.08 inches Approximately 72.85 × 49.68 × 10.36cm |
30 × 19.57 × 4.13 inches 76.2 × 49.71 × 10.49cm |
| Weight | 21.34lb Approximately 9.68kg |
21.83lb 9.9kg |
| Power connection | IEC | Locking IEC |
Music Sources and Streaming
Both products are designed to operate without a laptop and support removable media, internal storage and Wi-Fi-based music access.
The official PRIME 4+ page lists Apple Music, Amazon Music Unlimited, TIDAL, Beatport, Beatsource, SoundCloud Go+ and Dropbox among its available services and sources.
The PRIME 4 G2 page lists Apple Music, Amazon Music Unlimited, Beatport, TIDAL, SoundCloud Go+ and Dropbox. Denon DJ notes that TIDAL offline locker support is coming soon. Appropriate subscriptions may be required, and service availability can change by platform, region and software version.
Inputs, Outputs and Mobile-DJ Use
Both systems provide balanced Main, Booth and Zone outputs. The independent Zone output is especially valuable for weddings, hotels and multi-room events because it allows a separate playlist or audio feed to be sent to another sound system.
For example, a DJ could operate the main dancefloor while sending different music to a reception area or adjoining room. This remains an important professional feature on both generations.
There is, however, a notable difference in their external analogue inputs. The PRIME 4+ product page lists four stereo RCA line inputs, with two switchable to phono. The PRIME 4 G2 provides stereo RCA line/phono inputs on channels 3 and 4. DJs integrating several external players or turntables should examine this difference carefully.
The PRIME 4 G2 adds two balanced XLR/6.35mm combination microphone inputs, with the second input also offering an Instrument mode. Its official specifications also identify a 32-bit ESS ES9017S digital-to-analogue converter for the main outputs.
PRIME 4 G2 OmniSource Explained
Denon DJ describes OmniSource as an architecture intended to allow DJs to move between saved media and supported computer software within the same performance workflow. The company lists planned compatibility with Serato DJ Pro, Algoriddim djay and VirtualDJ.
However, Denon DJ’s official PRIME 4 G2 page currently states that OmniSource software support is coming soon. Anyone buying specifically for this feature should verify its release status and supported software before making a decision.
The PRIME 4+ has an established Computer Mode. Denon DJ states that connecting it to Serato DJ unlocks Serato DJ Pro, while VirtualDJ requires a paid licence.
Should Existing PRIME 4+ Owners Upgrade?
The answer depends on which parts of the G2 directly improve the way you perform.
The PRIME 4 G2 Is a Meaningful Upgrade If You Want:
- Stems rendering directly on the standalone hardware
- Full-size eight-inch jog wheels
- Velocity- and pressure-sensitive multi-zone MPCe pads
- Dedicated Instrumental and Acapella controls
- Stem FX and Stem Level EQ
- A built-in three-pin DMX output
- Expanded hardware access to effects
- Faster browsing and processing
- The future OmniSource workflow once officially released
You May Be Better Keeping the PRIME 4+ If:
- Your existing system is reliable and already meets your professional requirements
- You are satisfied with its six-inch jog wheels
- You prepare your Stems in Engine DJ Desktop before performing
- You do not need a built-in DMX connection
- The G2’s MPCe pads and additional FX controls would not materially change your sets
- You require the PRIME 4+ system’s greater number of external stereo RCA inputs
The PRIME 4+ has not suddenly become incapable because a new model exists. It remains a professional four-channel standalone system with four-deck control, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Stems playback, professional outputs, extensive media connectivity and Engine DJ features.
The PRIME 4 G2 becomes most compelling when its new hardware solves a specific limitation for you—particularly Stems preparation, jog-wheel size, direct DMX connection or performance-pad control.
Which One Should a New Buyer Choose?
For a new buyer choosing between the two generations, the PRIME 4 G2 is the more advanced platform. Its faster processor, onboard Stems rendering, larger jog wheels, MPCe pads, dedicated DMX output and expanded performance workflow give it a clear technical advantage.
That does not automatically make every remaining PRIME 4+ a poor purchase. If a PRIME 4+ is available at a sufficiently attractive price and its feature set suits the buyer, it can still provide an extremely capable standalone system. The decision should be based on the actual price difference and whether the G2’s new functionality will be used.
DJBox Verdict
The Denon DJ PRIME 4 G2 is the stronger choice for a new buyer who wants Denon DJ’s most advanced four-channel standalone performance system. Its eight-core processor, onboard Stems rendering, eight-inch jog wheels, MPCe pads, dedicated Stems workflow and built-in DMX output represent substantial upgrades.
Existing PRIME 4+ owners should base the decision on workflow rather than specifications alone. If you need faster processing, onboard Stems, larger jog wheels or direct lighting output, the G2 offers meaningful improvements. If those features are not central to your work, the PRIME 4+ remains an effective professional system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the PRIME 4 G2 work without a laptop?
Yes. The PRIME 4 G2 is a four-channel, four-deck standalone DJ system that can perform from supported USB, SD, internal-drive and streaming sources without requiring a laptop.
Can the PRIME 4+ use Stems?
Yes. Tracks or playlists are rendered into four-part Stems using Engine DJ Desktop and exported to compatible media for standalone performance on the PRIME 4+.
Can the PRIME 4 G2 render Stems without a computer?
Yes. Its onboard processor supports rendering Stems directly on the hardware. Stems can also be prepared in advance on a computer.
Does the PRIME 4 G2 have larger jog wheels?
Yes. The PRIME 4+ has six-inch jog wheels, while the PRIME 4 G2 has full-size eight-inch jog wheels.
Does the PRIME 4 G2 have a DMX output?
Yes. It includes an isolated three-pin DMX output supporting one universe and up to 512 channels directly from the system.
Does the PRIME 4+ have a built-in DMX output?
A built-in DMX output is not listed in Denon DJ’s official PRIME 4+ product specifications. The PRIME 4+ does support Engine Lighting control.
Is the PRIME 4 G2 the same size as the PRIME 4+?
No. The PRIME 4 G2 is approximately 76.2cm wide, while the PRIME 4+ is approximately 72.85cm wide. Their depth and height are much closer. A fitted case should therefore be checked for confirmed G2 compatibility.
Is the PRIME 4 G2 much heavier?
No. Denon DJ lists the PRIME 4 G2 at 9.9kg and the PRIME 4+ at 21.34lb, which converts to approximately 9.68kg.
Does the PRIME 4 G2 currently work with Serato DJ Pro?
Denon DJ lists Serato DJ Pro as part of the planned OmniSource software workflow, but its official product page states that OmniSource software support is coming soon. Buyers should confirm the current release status before purchasing specifically for software control.
Where can I buy the Denon DJ PRIME 4 G2 in Ireland?
The Denon DJ PRIME 4 G2 is available from DJBox.ie. You can also explore our wider digital DJ equipment collection or visit our Tallaght showroom for advice.
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Choosing a standalone DJ system is about more than selecting the longest feature list. Consider how you organise music, whether you use Stems, how much external equipment you connect, how you control lighting and which features will make a genuine difference during a live performance.
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