Denon DJ Prime 4+: Standalone Controller with Live Stem Separation

The Denon DJ Prime 4+ is a standalone 4-channel DJ controller that runs completely without a laptop. On Engine DJ, Denon's proprietary operating system, the unit brings stem separation to a standalone system for the first time—according to the manufacturer, a first in this device class.

At a glance

• 4-channel mixer with 10.1-inch HD multi-touch display
• Runs on Engine DJ with wireless over-the-air updates
• Streaming integration with Tidal, Beatport, Beatsource, SoundCloud GO+, Apple Music, Amazon Music Unlimited and Dropbox
• Industry-first standalone stem separation according to Denon

One console, no laptop cables

The Prime 4+'s core concept remains that of the Prime series: four decks, a large touchscreen in the center, plus four USB inputs, an SD card slot, and room for an internal 2.5-inch SATA drive. If you want to play, you need neither a laptop nor software on a separate computer. The high-resolution 6-inch jog wheels are RGB-backlit, joined by 16 RGB performance pads and an 8-slot sampler for loops and one-shots right on the unit.

Stem separation right on the hardware

The manufacturer touts the Prime 4+ with a feature previously known mainly from software plug-ins: stem separation directly on the standalone system, no computer detour required. This lets you isolate and toggle individual track elements—vocals, bass, or drums—during your set. That's backed by more than 25 main effects and four sweep effects, plus a dual-mic section with its own echo and EQ for announcements.

Streaming instead of USB sticks

Beyond local files, the Prime 4+ integrates a whole roster of streaming services directly: Tidal, Beatport, Beatsource, SoundCloud GO+, Apple Music, Amazon Music Unlimited, and Dropbox as cloud storage. For mobile DJs who don't want to pull every playlist offline beforehand, that's a practical difference from pure USB players. An independent XLR zone output also lets you feed a second room separately from the main mix—think foyer or terrace at an event.

FAQ

Does the Prime 4+ need a laptop?

No. The unit runs independently on Engine DJ, plays files from USB, SD card, or internal drive, and hooks up streaming services directly.

What does stem separation actually do for you?

It splits a track live into individual components like vocals, bass, or drums, so you can bring them in and out of the mix separately—according to Denon, the first implementation of its kind in a standalone controller. If you're generally into transitions and track selection, you'll also find basics in the Camelot Wheel Guide.

If you're familiar with CDJ setups, you'll find many of the same workflow concepts—hot cues, beat jump, and the like—right here, too; see the CDJ Tricks 2026 piece for more.

Source: Denon DJ, Prime 4+ product page.