# Prime4+ slows down after some time of use
**URL:** https://community.enginedj.com/t/prime4-slows-down-after-some-time-of-use/66080
**Category:** Standalone Controllers
**Created:** [October 16, 2025, 10:11pm UTC](https://community.enginedj.com/t/prime4-slows-down-after-some-time-of-use/66080 "2025-10-16T22:11:28Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 5
### Author:  [@DigitalDjinn](https://community.enginedj.com/u/DigitalDjinn)
#### Post date: [January 5, 2026, 12:48pm UTC](https://community.enginedj.com/t/prime4-slows-down-after-some-time-of-use/66080/84 "2026-01-05T12:48:59Z")
> [@U-w-B](#):
>
> In your case, I’d actually suspect the files/tag.
>
> MP3Tag is a great tool for clarifying this. Are all the bitrates the same? I once had a few files with only 22kHz, but they only played back half as fast, while VDJ didn’t seem to mind. That’s why I know Engine DJ isn’t so tolerant.
>
> What do your album covers look like?
>
> Perhaps a tool embedded extremely large covers in the files?
That’s all well and good. A music file is not just a music file.
But a device that is built for one specific purpose must run firmware whose top priority is to maintain the absolute basic functions (the music seems to keep playing, but the GUI becomes more and more unusable).
This firmware also needs to be capable of handling exotic or corrupted files, timeouts to a streaming service, and other edge cases. Memory leaks indicate that such scenarios were either not taken into account or not tested sufficiently.
From what I’ve understood, these problems didn’t exist in the past and only appeared with a later update (4.4.x?).
I currently own an XDJ‑AZ myself and I’m considering switching to the Prime 4+ because of the stems. But as long as users keep reporting memory leaks, I’m certainly not putting two grand on the table.
---
### Author:  [@akuku.wapno](https://community.enginedj.com/u/akuku.wapno)
#### Post date: [January 5, 2026, 3:27pm UTC](https://community.enginedj.com/t/prime4-slows-down-after-some-time-of-use/66080/85 "2026-01-05T15:27:22Z")
> [@U-w-B](#):
>
> My last gig lasted 9 hours. Not exactly pleasant, and it got really tough later on. But the P4 ran absolutely flawlessly. I usually use VDJ, but this time I used the MC4000 for a different event.
>
> Everything ran in standalone mode, with just over 8000 tracks on the internal hard drive (SSD), and Tidal was also used for a few requests.
>
> I use stems quite often, even though they don’t sound nearly as good in Engine DJ as they do in VDJ, and the interface is rather… well, let’s just say it’s not great. Loops, cues – the usual stuff. Twice I thought it was taking a long time to search.
>
> There were occasional minor glitches in the waveform, but I don’t really care about them.
>
> I exclusively use FLAC, although I don’t think the format is the problem. Maybe there’s some strange junk in your file tags? I’m very careful to only use the tags I need, especially in the comments, which I use for extended genre differentiation.
>
> In your case, I’d actually suspect the files/tag.
>
> MP3Tag is a great tool for clarifying this. Are all the bitrates the same? I once had a few files with only 22kHz, but they only played back half as fast, while VDJ didn’t seem to mind. That’s why I know Engine DJ isn’t so tolerant.
>
> What do your album covers look like?
>
> Perhaps a tool embedded extremely large covers in the files?
>
> These are just ideas.
>
> If this were a fundamental problem, there would certainly be a huge outcry by now – then it would be a widespread issue.
I wrote at the beginning that I have a new, clean library. My music files processed by mp3tag contain only the title and artist, no cover art. The cover art is simply placed in the Engine Library folder, as Denon recommends.
---
### Author:  [@akuku.wapno](https://community.enginedj.com/u/akuku.wapno)
#### Post date: [January 5, 2026, 3:31pm UTC](https://community.enginedj.com/t/prime4-slows-down-after-some-time-of-use/66080/86 "2026-01-05T15:31:11Z")
I’ll tell you that I’ve had it for over a year when the 4.0.0 update came out and only after some time I started noticing these performance drops and stutters, previously I thought it was supposed to be like that.
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### Author:  [@Homeland101](https://community.enginedj.com/u/Homeland101)
#### Post date: [January 5, 2026, 4:02pm UTC](https://community.enginedj.com/t/prime4-slows-down-after-some-time-of-use/66080/87 "2026-01-05T16:02:58Z")
From what I have seen using the service overlay there is a clear lack of RAM in these units. I get glitches when loading the second deck on the Prime Go plus so I can only imagine it would be worse on a 4 channel unit.
Using the lighting module (introduced far later) eats even more RAM which is not the way these players were designed.
The platform is seriously out of date and even the two plus versions are operating on ancient and under spec hardware.
I was contacted about joining the beta team to test new firmware to see if this has improved but the person who messaged me hasn’t replied since I filled in the application form quite some time ago.
Its becoming a joke for supposedly professional equipment.
---
### Author:  [@DJ.JAX](https://community.enginedj.com/u/DJ.JAX)
#### Post date: [January 5, 2026, 4:48pm UTC](https://community.enginedj.com/t/prime4-slows-down-after-some-time-of-use/66080/88 "2026-01-05T16:48:59Z")
I’ve had the Prime 4+ Since August 2025 from new, running the latest firmware, and just wanted to pipe in that I also have this issue. I’ve used it a lot since I bought it and I’ve tried to self diagnose it myself. The unit will be fine when you first boot it, but after maybe 2 or so hours it starts to slow down as time progresses and can get reeealy slow if you have it on for like 8 or so hours.
Initially I thought it was my storage, but I’ve replaced it with a very quick Crucial SSD that’s far in excess of what should really be needed to play music. I have around 12k songs on the SSD and it’s sitting below 200GB in storage used. The library has been exported straight from the latest version of Engine DJ Desktop. I’ve ran my library through mp3tag and removed any strange characters from the metadata and have downsized the artwork of all my songs to a very low size.
I also use TIDAL streaming on the unit alongside my local library. I’ve had nights where I’ve used exclusively Tidal and exclusively my local library and the issue seems to happen no matter where the music is coming from.
When it starts to slow down it becomes very difficult to actually use the unit, especially if you’re an open-format DJ like I am and constantly need to sort through playlists and search for songs. The waveforms start to lag, and sometimes if you trigger a loop it can just freeze the waveforms entirely for a few seconds. If you switch between Tidal and local storage it can take a long time to do anything.
I honestly do not believe that this is caused by the unit getting too hot. At one of my gigs, I play alongside a band. When the band are on, if I restart the unit it immediately goes back to normal and it takes another few hours for it to start slowing down again.
I love the unit (I own an RX3 too and the Prime4+ does blow it out of the water when it’s working properly. the RX3 is also tremendously buggy and just freezes sometimes) but I’ve also had issues with build quality (the paint is starting to come off the unit already…) and in general I don’t think I could trust the unit at a gig where I would need to play for a prolonged period of time.
The whole reason I bought the unit was because it is advertised as an all in one. I shouldn’t have to rely on a backup source of music to restart it to make it usable again. I suspect it’s poor memory/ram management. either that or there’s an issue with the CPU in these units but I doubt it. I think the latest firmware has improved the situation slightly but there’s still a problem somewhere.
---
### Author:  [@U-w-B](https://community.enginedj.com/u/U-w-B)
#### Post date: [January 5, 2026, 5:26pm UTC](https://community.enginedj.com/t/prime4-slows-down-after-some-time-of-use/66080/89 "2026-01-05T17:26:15Z")
> [@akuku.wapno](#):
>
> Ich schrieb am Anfang, dass ich eine neue, saubere Bibliothek habe. Meine Musikdateien, die mit mp3tag bearbeitet wurden, enthalten nur Titel und Künstler, kein Cover. Das Cover wird einfach in den Engine Library-Ordner gelegt, wie Denon empfiehlt.
I have a few more tags, and my album art is embedded in the tags. One possibility is that the track is longer.
Unfortunately, there are hardly any real extended versions like in the old days, which were around 7 minutes long.
These days, a normal song is often under 3 minutes, and the extended version is then only 30 seconds longer—what a joke. Have you perhaps played any extremely long tracks?
Come to think of it, I’ve never given the P4 anything longer Tracks than 11 minutes. Like I said, just thinking out loud.
The fact is, the device simply has to work. I had the “AZ” alongside my Prime 2 for six weeks. After three gigs, during which the device completely crashed on the third, I returned it to the music store and bought the P4+.
It’s been working well so far, but I only use it in standalone mode every two to three gigs. VDJ is often a useful alternative for me.
Unfortunately, I’m running out of other ideas, since several people have now confirmed the problem you’re experiencing, and that doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.
---
### Author:  [@djliquidice](https://community.enginedj.com/u/djliquidice)
#### Post date: [January 5, 2026, 6:54pm UTC](https://community.enginedj.com/t/prime4-slows-down-after-some-time-of-use/66080/90 "2026-01-05T18:54:21Z")
> [@U-w-B](#):
>
> These days, a normal song is often under 3 minutes, and the extended version is then only 30 seconds longer—what a joke
yes. it’s effing horrible.
---
### Author:  [@Rafal](https://community.enginedj.com/u/Rafal)
#### Post date: [January 21, 2026, 5:51pm UTC](https://community.enginedj.com/t/prime4-slows-down-after-some-time-of-use/66080/91 "2026-01-21T17:51:16Z")
Can we expect any comments from Denon Representatives? I thought this forum was for two-way communication. We can all see that this is not a problem affecting just one user, but many people. I would like to know if an investigation is underway and what remedial measures are planned.
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### Author:  [@Homeland101](https://community.enginedj.com/u/Homeland101)
#### Post date: [January 21, 2026, 6:12pm UTC](https://community.enginedj.com/t/prime4-slows-down-after-some-time-of-use/66080/92 "2026-01-21T18:12:44Z")
Apparently there’s a new firmware that may solve the issues. I was contacted by a beta representative but rejected because I already beta test for another platform. Sort of ironic as I thought they’d encourage experienced beta testers but hey ho …..
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### Author:  [@Moewe](https://community.enginedj.com/u/Moewe)
#### Post date: [January 22, 2026, 3:35pm UTC](https://community.enginedj.com/t/prime4-slows-down-after-some-time-of-use/66080/93 "2026-01-22T15:35:53Z")
I was simply sent an old version, which I have been using ever since without any problems. Unfortunately, it doesn’t include Apple Music.
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### Author:  [@DigitalDjinn](https://community.enginedj.com/u/DigitalDjinn)
#### Post date: [January 22, 2026, 3:51pm UTC](https://community.enginedj.com/t/prime4-slows-down-after-some-time-of-use/66080/94 "2026-01-22T15:51:03Z")
I personally don’t use streaming anyways, so this sounds interesting to me.
To which version did you downgrade?
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### Author:  [@Homeland101](https://community.enginedj.com/u/Homeland101)
#### Post date: [January 22, 2026, 3:53pm UTC](https://community.enginedj.com/t/prime4-slows-down-after-some-time-of-use/66080/95 "2026-01-22T15:53:49Z")
I don’t use Apple Music any more so I’ve gone back to version 4.2. Be interesting to see if it’s any better at my gig on Saturday.
This is for the Prime Go+ but it has similar issues with tracks glitching, specifically during load.
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### Author:  [@Moewe](https://community.enginedj.com/u/Moewe)
#### Post date: [January 22, 2026, 4:04pm UTC](https://community.enginedj.com/t/prime4-slows-down-after-some-time-of-use/66080/96 "2026-01-22T16:04:36Z")
They also gave me a 4.2.0 - But with the new RGB Waveforms and hopefully also a mixer etc. I have to update my 4+.
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### Author:  [@djveleno](https://community.enginedj.com/u/djveleno)
#### Post date: [January 22, 2026, 4:35pm UTC](https://community.enginedj.com/t/prime4-slows-down-after-some-time-of-use/66080/97 "2026-01-22T16:35:07Z")
did they give you a version with rgb waveforms?
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### Author:  [@Moewe](https://community.enginedj.com/u/Moewe)
#### Post date: [January 22, 2026, 4:41pm UTC](https://community.enginedj.com/t/prime4-slows-down-after-some-time-of-use/66080/98 "2026-01-22T16:41:23Z")
of course not 😃 that was already a few months ago.
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### Author:  [@djveleno](https://community.enginedj.com/u/djveleno)
#### Post date: [January 22, 2026, 4:41pm UTC](https://community.enginedj.com/t/prime4-slows-down-after-some-time-of-use/66080/99 "2026-01-22T16:41:52Z")
😀 😀 😅 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣
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### Author:  [@DonutDj](https://community.enginedj.com/u/DonutDj)
#### Post date: [January 25, 2026, 11:18pm UTC](https://community.enginedj.com/t/prime4-slows-down-after-some-time-of-use/66080/100 "2026-01-25T23:18:03Z")
Hello. I’ve been having problems with my P4+ for a while now, specifically with the system and the screen itself after about 4 hours of use. The screen lags terribly, terribly. Quickly entering a song title in the search bar is practically impossible. Changing menu options or browsing directories is very slow. When changing the BPM, the “waveform width” should change, but it only does so after a while of playing the song or after fast-forwarding. I’d also like to point out that the sound itself and the “button” functions work without any problems. I play at various events, clubs, and special occasions, so I use the “Denon Lightning” lighting controller when I’m not at the club, and it doesn’t affect the device’s performance. First, I’m considering installing an older version of the software…
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### Author:  [@Homeland101](https://community.enginedj.com/u/Homeland101)
#### Post date: [January 25, 2026, 11:22pm UTC](https://community.enginedj.com/t/prime4-slows-down-after-some-time-of-use/66080/101 "2026-01-25T23:22:54Z")
I tried 4.2.0 last night and had exactly the same issues. Tracks pausing when loading the other deck. Happened probably 10 times in a 5 hour gig so rolling back isn’t a solution.
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### Author:  [@Reese](https://community.enginedj.com/u/Reese)
#### Post date: [January 26, 2026, 7:57am UTC](https://community.enginedj.com/t/prime4-slows-down-after-some-time-of-use/66080/102 "2026-01-26T07:57:29Z")
Factory reset fixes most issues after firmware down/upgrades, but it’s a bit of a hassle when you need to make your own settings again.
I think the team is aware.
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### Author:  [@MarioDjs](https://community.enginedj.com/u/MarioDjs)
#### Post date: [February 10, 2026, 7:48am UTC](https://community.enginedj.com/t/prime4-slows-down-after-some-time-of-use/66080/104 "2026-02-10T07:48:51Z")
ja też testowałem inne wersje i wróciłem do 4.2 bo działa najbardziej stabilnie. Wiadomo do ideału daleko. Pograsz 2- 3 godziny i widocznie spowalnia ale jakoś działa. No i jest jeszcze jedna rzecz w 4.2 a mianowicie nie ładuje folderu Steam, pokazuje informację update ale to wszystko , zawartości folderu nie ładuje.
Też wielokrotnie pisałem do supportu i dostawałem różne sugestie np. słaby dysk , żele sformatowany i tak dalej … sami wiecie jak odpisują . Nawet na małej playliście sprawdzałem z 2 - 3 giga muzyki. To samo…..
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