Pioneer DDJ-RZ User Manual

DJ controller
DDJ-RZ
Operating Instructions
http://pioneerdj.com/support/
The Pioneer DJ site shown above offers FAQs, information on software and various other types of information
and services to allow you to use your product in greater comfort.
http://rekordbox.com/
For the latest version of the rekordbox software, access rekordbox.com and download the software from there.

Pioneer DDJ-RZ Specifications

General

MIDI	24 bit
Sample rate	44.1 kHz
Mixer section	Yes
Product color	Black
Frequency range	20 - 20000 Hz
Number of controls	6
Built-in optical drive	No
Number of mixer channels	4 channels
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)	111 dB
Number of dedicated effects controls	28
Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise (THD+N)	0.002 %
Input voltage	220 - 240 V
Power supply type	AC
Minimum RAM	4 GB
Minimum processor	Intel Processer Dual Core
Minimum processor speed	2 GHz
Mac operating systems supported	Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite, Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion, Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks
Windows operating systems supported	Windows 10 Pro, Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, Windows 8.1 Pro
Minimum display resolution requirement	1280 x 720 pixels
USB connector type	USB Type-B
USB ports quantity	2
Microphone connectivity	XLR
Apple docking compatibility	Not supported
Bundled software	rekordbox dj

Weight and Dimensions

Depth	419.5 mm
Width	870 mm
Height	98.4 mm
Weight	10700 g

Summary

Pioneer DDJ-RZ: Before Start

DJ Controller Features Overview

Details the core hardware and software features of the DDJ-RZ DJ controller.

rekordbox Software Integration

Explains the role of rekordbox software and rekordbox dj for DJ performances.

Key Performance Hardware Components

Highlights major hardware components like BIG JOG, Performance Pads, and 4-channel mixer.

Advanced Functions and Connectivity Options

Covers features like Sound Color FX, Dual USB ports, and durable fader design.

Software Preparation and Setup

What's Included in the Box

Lists the items included with the Pioneer DJ DDJ-RZ controller.

Installing rekordbox Software

Guide to downloading, installing, and activating the rekordbox software.

Driver Software Installation Guide

Instructions for installing the dedicated driver software for Windows and Mac OS X.

Pioneer DJ Software License Agreement

End User License Terms

Terms and conditions for using Pioneer DJ software, including usage restrictions and warranties.

Connections and Component Identification

Rear Panel Connectivity

Details on the rear panel's input and output terminals and their functions.

Front Panel Connectivity

Details on the front panel's input and output terminals and their functions.

Input and Output Terminal Connections

Connecting Input Devices

Diagrams illustrating how to connect various input devices to the rear panel.

Connecting Output Devices

Diagrams illustrating how to connect output devices to the rear and front panels.

DJ Controller Part Functions

Browser and Deck Section Controls

Overview of browser section, deck controls like rotary selector and jog dial.

Jog Dial and Performance Controls

Detailed explanation of jog dial, needle search, jog feeling adjust, and master tempo.

Tempo, Sync, and Takeover Indicators

Information on tempo slider, takeover indicator, and sync button functionality.

DJ Controller Operational Functions

Looping and Beat Control Features

Functions for auto beat loop, loop adjustments, and parameter settings.

Performance Pad Modes Explained

Explanation of Hot Cue, Pad FX, Slicer, and Sampler modes for performance pads.

Playback, Quantize, and Sync Controls

Details on Play/Pause, Cue, Quantize, and Sync buttons for track control.

Mixer, Sampler, and Effect Section Controls

Mixer Section Controls Overview

Details on mixer controls like USB selectors, level controls, EQ, and faders.

Effect and Oscillator Controls

Explanation of effect section controls for FX1, FX2, and oscillator parameters.

Sampler Controls and Indicators

Information on sampler volume, oscillator select, volume, and parameter controls.

DJ Controller Effect Functions

Beat FX and Release FX Operations

How to use Beat FX in single and multi-mode, including parameter adjustments.

Sound Color FX and Crossfader Settings

Applying Sound Color FX with channel controls and adjusting crossfader curve.

Jog Dial Display Interface

Jog Dial Display Elements

Explanation of the jog dial's operation display, cue point display, and VINYL mode indicator.

Basic Operation: System Setup

Connecting Unit and Computer

Step-by-step guide to connecting headphones, speakers, and the computer to the unit.

Powering On the DJ System

Instructions for turning on the unit, computer, and connected audio devices.

Starting the DJ System

Launching rekordbox DJ Software

Steps to launch rekordbox on Windows and Mac OS X operating systems.

Adding Music Files to Collection

Guide to adding music files to rekordbox's collection via drag and drop.

Loading and Playing Music Tracks

Procedure for loading tracks onto decks and outputting audio to speakers.

Basic Operation: Monitoring and Shutdown

Headphone Monitoring Setup

Steps to set up headphone monitoring, including CUE and level controls.

Quitting the DJ System

Instructions for quitting rekordbox, powering down the unit, and disconnecting the USB cable.

Advanced Operation: Performance Pad Modes

Hot Cue Point Management

How to set and trigger hot cue points for instant playback from specific track positions.

Beat Jump and Pad FX Usage

Functionality for moving playback position by beat increments and applying effects via pads.

Slicer Functionality Explained

Dividing tracks into sections and playing them in a loop using performance pads.

Advanced Operation: Slicer and Sampler

Slicer Mode and Loop Loading

Using the Slicer function and loading loops into sampler slots.

Sampler Preparation and Playback

Loading tracks or slicer areas into sampler slots and playing them.

Sequencer and Mute/Erase Modes

Using the sequencer for recording, playback, muting, and erasing sequences.

Advanced Operation: Velocity Sampler and Slip Mode

Velocity Sampler and Sequencer Operations

Adjusting sample volume by tap force and using sequencer for rhythmic arrangements.

Slip Mode for Performance

Using Slip Mode for scratching, hot cues, and auto beat loops without breaking rhythm.

Sequence Mute and Erase Modes

Controlling sequences via mute and erase modes for creative manipulation.

Advanced Operation: Slip, Dual Deck, and Fader Start

Slip Braking and Auto Beat Loop

Using Slip Mode for braking playback and creating slip auto beat loops.

Manual Slip Looping Techniques

Creating loops and applying slip mode to them for seamless transitions.

Dual Deck Mode Functionality

Controlling two decks simultaneously and understanding limited functions in this mode.

Fader Start Function Usage

Using channel fader and crossfader start functions for track playback initiation.

Advanced Operation: Effects Control

Crossfader Start and Load Adjustment

Using crossfader start and adjusting the crossfader's operating load for performance.

Beat FX Functionality Details

How to use Beat FX in single and multi-mode, including parameter adjustments.

Advanced Operation: FX Modes and Parameters

Beat FX Single Mode and Tempo Settings

Assigning effects in single mode and setting tempo using BPM auto or tap modes.

Release FX and Sound Color FX Application

Using Release FX to turn off beat FX and applying Sound Color FX with channel controls.

Sound Color FX, Oscillator, and External Inputs

Sound Color FX Types and Parameters

Details on various Sound Color FX effects available in rekordbox dj and their parameters.

Oscillator Functionality Explained

Adding built-in sound sources or rekordbox dj sound sources to the audio output.

Using External Inputs with the Mixer

Connecting CD players, turntables, and using the mixer without a computer.

Microphone, External Input, and Sound Mixing

Microphone Usage and Talk Over

Connecting and using microphones, including talk over function settings.

Mixing DJ Player and Turntable Audio

Instructions for mixing sounds from DJ players and analog turntables via external inputs.

Changing Settings: Utilities Mode Functions

Launching and Using Utilities Mode

Steps to launch utilities mode and change settings like fader start and demo mode.

MIDI Controller and Slip Mode Settings

Adjusting MIDI controller settings, slip mode flashing, and slip mode behavior.

Changing Settings: Sampler, Jog Dial, and Standby

Velocity Sampler Curve Configuration

Selecting velocity curves for the sampler mode to adjust tap sensitivity.

Jog Dial MIDI Message Interval Adjustment

Adjusting the jog dial's MIDI message sending interval for optimal performance.

Auto Standby and Talk Over Function Settings

Disabling auto standby and changing talk over function modes and levels.

Changing Settings: Fader, Monitor, and Utility Software

Crossfader Cut Lag and Peak Limiter

Adjusting crossfader cut lag and enabling/disabling the peak limiter.

Microphone Output and Jog Ring Brightness

Setting microphone output to booth monitor and adjusting jog ring illumination.

Mixer Mode and Input Switch Status Check

Setting the mixer mode and checking the status of input selector switches.

Using the Settings Utility Software

Guide to accessing and using the DDJ-RZ Settings Utility for various configurations.

Settings Utility: Audio and Driver Configuration

Setting Audio Data Output to Computer

Configuring audio data output from the unit to the computer via USB.

Adjusting Buffer Size for ASIO Drivers

Optimizing buffer size for ASIO drivers to manage audio latency.

Checking Driver Software Version

How to check the version of the installed driver software using the utility.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Power, Sound, and Software Problems

Troubleshooting steps for common problems like power, recognition, sound, and software instability.

Additional Information and Resources

Signal Flow Diagrams

Visual representation of audio signal paths within the unit for different modes.

Manuals and Software Downloads

Information on acquiring manuals and downloading the rekordbox software.

MIDI Messages and Trademarks

Details on MIDI messages and registered trademarks associated with the product.

Copyright and Usage Cautions

Music Content Usage Restrictions

Restrictions on playback and duplication of copyright-protected music content.