Why can’t Denon players switch seamlessly between USB and computer mode?

Engine DJ Hardware Media Players
1

One thing I’ve noticed with Denon gear is that you have to physically switch the players between Standalone and Computer mode, there’s no quick way to jump from a USB stick to laptop control (e.g., Serato) mid-set. On Pioneer CDJs or Standalone units, you can just go to the source menu and choose USB or computer control without touching the hardware.

This makes back-to-back sets with other DJs harder, if one of us is on USB and the next wants to plug in a laptop, we have to stop and reconfigure the player instead of keeping the music flowing.

Is there a technical reason Denon hasn’t implemented seamless switching yet? Are there workarounds or plans to add this? Would love to hear from anyone who’s run into this or found solutions.

2

The engineers have done a ton of really great things with the rather limited hardware that is in these players, and nearly 100% of the time, this answer is yes.

3

MCX8000 has this, I use it every week. That’s the main reason I won’t get a Prime 4 as this very important feature was removed.

On my Prime Go+ the fact you have to reboot the machine between modes renders it useless during a live gig. You need to either use VDJ or Engine for the whole night.

4

It’s been confirmed as not doable on current gear due to a hardware limitation, so no workaround or plans to change.

You can use a sub mixer to play something else whilst you switch if you absolutely have to, otherwise pick a format for the night and stick to it.

5

Ahh got it. I love my Denon gear and I know Pioneer has most nightlife on lock but really just wanted to see what ways or possibilities to make choosing Denon even easier. I also see a good work around at least for club setups is have an 1850x denon setup and another controller or standalone player connected in one of the channels. Thanks for the answer though.

6

I don’t neccesarily mind cause Denon has so many great feautures but I DJ with Serato sometimes and have friends that use laptops and USBs and have an 1850x mixer so I want to make it easy for them to DJ on my gear sometimes. Thanks for the reply.

7

It was confirmed as a hardware restriction.

Some users wil only use their prime one way , so not every buyer would benefit from a second (or individual per channel) soundcard - it would just be unnecessary addition to the price ticket - obviously puoneer stuff has a massive price ticket anyway so they can afford these “might help a few” additions

8

You can also use the other brands’ player separates as sound cards, which is nice.