Why not Prime 2+???!!!

Why is denon dj not launching a version of prime 2 in 2+? Why is prime 2 the only device in the prime series that is not coming in the + version like prime go in go+ and prime 4 in 4+, is prime 2 so worthless that it is not coming with a 2+ version?!! If denon does not update prime 2 by bringing it to 2+ like they did with the other prime models, it will be a disappointment and failure for denon dj!:slightly_frowning_face:`

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And your opinion is based on what?

We have 2 devices instead of one to substitute for Prime 2 - SC Live 2 and 4. Both priced nicely in the near range as Prime 2 but with even more options.

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Lol, because a random user tells so or what?

No but seriously, it is indeed a pity that the P2 got discontinued. I don’t regard the Live 2 as good replacement, it lacks too many important things (booth, aux, jog-screens, has just 4 pads, etc.) but the SC Live 4, even if you just need 2 channels, is a device worth a closer look. Comes at a similar price and size (is a bit lighter, even).

The market dictates how viable a product is.

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The SC Live range doesn’t even come close to the Prime 2 in terms of build quality and features.

  • The Prime 2, like all Primes, has a metal upper chassis.
  • The Prime 2 has two separate effects boxes, one per deck, compared to just one for all deck on the SC Live.
  • The Prime 2 has 8 pads per deck, compared to 4 for the SC Live 2.

The SC Live range is primarily intended for amateur DJs who want to have fun at home or host parties with friends. The Prime range is aimed at professional DJs.

I prefer a Prime 2 1000 times over to an SC Live 4, even though the Prime 2 has two fewer channels. A Prime 2+ would therefore be welcome for mobile professionals looking for a serious two-channel device as an alternative to the RX3 without sacrificing comfort and features.

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The trouble is, it wasnt popular enough so was pulled. My local store barely sold any of them, in fact i wouldn’t be surprised if i was about one of the only people.

There’s also the internal hard drive that is a good plus point (at least in my opinion).

I would only partially agree. What aspects define ‘amateur’ versus ‘pro’? While the Live 2 is indeed very limited, the Live 4 has all essentials you need.

Screen = same as Prime 2, but with added hardware buttons next to it. Faders = similar, including 100mm pitch faders. Didn’t notice any differences, only the crossfader isn’t as easy to replace, which is irrelevant for non-scratchers. Jogs = similar, bigger surface on the Live 4 and more helpful screens. I/O = very similar, you have Main as RCA + XRL and Booth as TRS. Aux-In as backup. Mic section is weaker, but mostly relevant for wedding DJs. Effects = You may only have one main effect bank, but that’s typical for most DJ devices. Also you get 4 SweepFX in return, and both units have TouchFX. Build quality = just because the P2 has a metal faceplate doesn’t mean it is far superior, it mostly adds weight. Many DJ devices, including former flagships like the CDJ-2000 series are fully plastic. SSD-slot = cool to have, but pretty specialized and not there on most DJ gear. VU-meters = Shorter, but sufficent, and for all channels. Internals like the SoC = Same, a bit better even (bluetooth and Apple Music).

Hence, I can’t agree with the classification. At least not with the Live 4. It is a robust mid-range device that punches above its weight-class. I wouldn’t use it for heavy-duty wedding gigs, as having a powerful Mic section is important there, but otherwise it works like any CDJ or AiO, without absurd dimensions or weight.

Would I love to see a 2-channel P2 successor on steroids like the RX3? Hell yeah. Is there a big market for that? Probably not (enough)

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Good point:

The only thing missing from the Prime 2 are external phono/line inputs on both mixer channels.

Many DJs don’t care about having 4 channels but would prefer a more compact and portable unit.

It may be a consideration that the one company (InMusic) own Denon DJ, Numark, Rane (and Stanton, but they haven’t released any Engine based systems under that name … yet) and don’t want to create consumer confusion at certain price points

Eg: lowest priced main powered Prime is too close to top of range Numark etc. Perhaps they didn’t want to introduce doubt or confusion in buyers at, or around, that approx price point.

The Prime 2 is built like a tank, the SC Live 4 is a child’s toy in comparison. The upfaders on the SC Live are low-end; I’ve known Hercules controllers that had better quality upfaders than those used in the SC Live. Anyone who has used both units will immediately notice the difference in build quality. We’re not at all in the same target audience. And I’m not even talking about the pads, which are much more pleasant and responsive on the Prime 2, while they’re as hard as bricks on the SC Live.

If you can keep an SC Live alive for years, even if you’re as gentle as possible with it, you’ll be lucky.

Whereas it will be easier to keep a Prime 2 alive for a long time if you take care of it. The quality of the components is completely different between the two units.

But if people aren’t/weren’t buying it, none of that matters.

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This is not logical at all because if sc live 2 is to replace prime 2 then sc live 4 would also be to replace prime 4, but not because the prime series is of higher quality and professional DJ equipment and sc live 2 is not compared to prime 2 in any aspect such as sound quality and professionalism, not even sc live 4 has the professional quality of prime 2, so I think that an improved prime 2+ would conquer the world of dj for 2 channels.

Certainly a statement I can‘t confirm. I own both the Live 4 and the Prime 4, both roughly the same age / production date and usage. The L4 doesn‘t feel like a toy. The plastic doesn‘t creak, and it has a pleasant, brushed-like surface, which feels sleek. The speakers and all pods are metal. And ironically, the linefaders feel worse on the P4, they have much more wobble, which I really dislike, as I need them for my SoundSwitch backed sets (doesn‘t work with CF). But Denon uses below-average ch faders in general, something hopefully getting adressed with future hardware.

I could perform any DJ set with my Live 4 if needed, and already did, when I hadn‘t my Prime 4 and the Live 4 (originally planned as bridge-unit) took the job, including a long outdoor-set in the chilly-moist autumn, where temperatures dropped below 12°C. No issues. I decided to keep both devices, as both are fun to use, with their unique advantages and shortcomings.

P4 —> feels more premium, more space, better pads (I fully agree with you on that), more LED feedback, bigger main screen, more I/O. Great for weddings and my studio video sets, also looks very cool in white

L4 —> still feels decent, but more portable, helpful jog screens, speakers are great as monitors for my video sets, overall killer outdoor device to DJ ‚in the wild‘, can be placed on portable desk, runs via my XTPowerbank 15600

Drifting into OT a bit, but I feel there is a bit unjustified hate for the Live 4. It actually gained a lot of popularity, and I doubt thats just among amateurs (I certainly ain‘t one). Is it better or worse than a Prime 2? Neither nor, just different, with pros and cons. I don‘t think Denon will release a P2 succesor the next time, so if you want the P2, get one from Ebay & Co. Everything else is pure speculation.

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I’m referring here to serious and professional use, such as in clubs, bars, mobile events, or weddings, where reliability and robustness are important criteria. Events where you know you can’t afford to make mistakes and where you must have complete confidence in the equipment you use. Because your customer satisfaction, and by extension, your reputation as a professional, depends on it.

The SC Live range is a compromise; the simple fact of choosing to incorporate integrated speakers clearly demonstrates the audience and use of these products. What professionals care about having 2 x 20-watt integrated speakers, no matter how good they are? Do you really think these integrated speakers are truly relevant/useful as monitor speakers at a professional event or in a club setting where you have several kW of sound power?

It’s probably a fun unit for DJing at home, at parties with friends, or for going out mixing in nature with a power bank. But these are clearly not units designed, thought out, or intended for use in serious, professional environments.

I certainly prefer having two microphone inputs that work properly for certain types of events where I might need them, and two separate effects boxes, rather than two 20-watt integrated speakers that I won’t need for most performances where I’d need a proper monitor anyway.

If we‘re talking about really serious club use, neither a Prime 2 nor Prime 4 will cut it. You need a professional, modular set of players + mixer. And usually, these come preinstalled (unfortunately, as this typical means dealing with Pioneer).

For weddings and mobile, yeah, I always use my P4 as primary device. But it‘s cool to have the L4 as backup, should something go wrong. Many fellow DJs have far inferior backup solutions (e.g. cheap controllers)

The speakers, you simply ignore and disable them if not needed. In the end it is all a matter of personal use-case. I used them in smaller venus like bars with a small dancefloor, and I use them for my youtube project - the definition of professionalism isn‘t solely limited to playing in a big club, it comes in many forms, just as there are many kind of DJs. Similar for you with the two EFX banks, for me that is of secondary importance, a pure nice-to-have.

I don‘t argue with you on the overall tiering, we can agree that the SC decks sit above the Prime AiOs, which sit above the Live AiOs, which sit above the Mixstreams. I just don‘t go with you on certain terms, like „for amateurs“ or „toys“, as that‘s a bit too oversimplified :wink:

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Can i just say, whilst ive done hundreds of gigs with the Prime 2, it has actually failed on me and did require 2 repairs, so its certainly not immune from it.

I wouldn’t be so categorical about club use. Many small clubs don’t have modular gear, and use RX3s, or AiOs like the XZ/AZ/Prime 4. The same goes for bars.

Moreover, there are more and more clubs or bars that don’t even have any equipment on site anymore, just a pair of XLRs connected to a mixing console, which is itself connected to the amplification system, and where you’re welcome to bring your own equipment to coordinate.

I agree, however, that a live SC could be a good solution as a backup, and even for this use, a MixStream Pro would be more than sufficient.

The Prime range is clearly aimed at professional DJs. The Live SC range is aimed at an intermediate audience, mainly amateur/bedroom DJs who occasionally host a few parties. The MixStream range is aimed at beginners who want to be able to use their product anywhere.

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In south of the Netherlands 99% clubs use modular setups. If a dj comes with his gear, that is already not a pro club, we are talking about. In PRO environment there is no all in one units.

@Skaratak you nailed all the details :+1:

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Obviously the prime 2 is a unit that had some design issues. As you know, I myself had to replace some defective original mosfets that caused the same problems you encountered on yours. But I think we need to differentiate things. It was a batch of defective mosfets that impacted a certain number of units produced. Once replaced the unit works perfectly well as it should. These are not components that undergo wear due to use. And I clearly think that for intensive use, the SC live will be much less durable and resistant over time regarding components undergoing wear such as buttons, potentiometers and faders.

A small batch of defective components doesn’t equate to a design issue.