I was just thinking about this today. I googled “Prime 4 MK2 Mockup”, and this thread popped up in the search results. Personally, I think this is precisely the direction Denon should take the Prime 4. The XDJ-XZ has proven that people are willing to transport an all-in-one controller nearly the same size as the components they are combining (900NXS2/2000NXS2). I think the P4MK2 should mirror the LC6000 and X1850 spec for spec (mostly).
Some of the things I think would make it great are…
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Rather than stack the Cue Pads, I think they should be laid out in a linear line (1-8 left to right) just like they are on the LC/SC6000. So much surface area could be saved by doing that. Sure the width of the controller would have to be stretched just a little, but like I’ve already mentioned, by the wild success of the XZ, it’s already been proven that people are willing to carry around a larger all-in-one controller.
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I also think the Forward/Back & Selection Pot should be present above both platters. Perhaps with 2 buttons underneath the Selection Pots…Left side: Decks 1 & 3…Right side: Decks 2 & 4. Keep the ergonomics as close to mimicking a full X1850/SC6000 setup as possible.
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I think the Filter Pots & Sweep EFX Pots should remain separate as well. That’s one of the standout features of the X1850 when comparing it to the competition.
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Perhaps introduce an 11" screen (brighter & higher resolution) with ratcheted positioning rather than dinky kickstand that’s present on the Prime 4 MK1.
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Tension Adjust is a MUST for the jog wheels!
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And if Y’all really wanted to stand out from the competition, implement a Send/Return for outboard EFX.
Charge $2,500.00 for this beast and I could not imagine many people would continue to choose a Pioneer XZ over this. We all know damn well that Pioneer are not going to add 4 Deck standalone to the XZ. It goes against their business model of selling you more CDJs. No, the XZMK2 will be similar to the RX3. Neutered. As per their slow, incremental hardware updating model. As for adding on complimentary components, the beauty of this beast (P4MK2) is people will probably want to buy additional LC6000s to pair to it and have 4 full size jog wheel control. Or, perhaps one LC6000 and a Akai Force or MPC Live since we now have Ableton Link.
Lord, I hope they make it. I know I would be one of the first adopters, and I already have SC6Ks, and an LC6K. I truly think an all-in-one of this caliber could be the catalyst that transforms the game in Denon’s favor.