The only differences between the XDJ-RX and its DJM900/CDJ2000NXS relatives are the platters and the design of the hot-cue functions. The hot-cue functions are actually convienient and aesthetically pleasing given their cool blue, with mode switches sitting right above them. They divide into hot-cue, auto-beat loop, loop slice, and shift. The platters on the XDJ-RX are noticeably smaller and utilize a touch-sensitive area to that mimics a vinyl record, which makes it rather pleasing for vinyl dj's who like to touch their music as they beatmatch. From this standpoint you will quickly noticed how sexy your interaction with the XDJ-RX is in comparison to the CDJ setups. Of course, the sexy and intimate character of the XDJ-RX is also makes it a strictly bedroom/home-studio device unlike CDJ's.
You can mobile with this unit, but it is not suggested given that the XDJ's refined feel and interaction makes it more sensitive to being damaged - you will notice this by contrasting the touch-sensitive platters with the clunky weight/spring actuated platters of the CDJ/XDJ-1000s. Furthermore, the XDJ-RX is not light and is best at home sitting in your relatively-small 46" home studio workstation as opposed to being 'backpacked' around town to your nearest bar/lounge. Many on the internet have argued this is one of the disadvantages of this unit given that it still does not disincentives novice DJs from buying a controller as they upgrade from entry level gear. Furthermore, there are many who will assert that this unit is in an awkward place in Pioneer's lineup given that upon graduating from, say, a DDJ-SB1/2, one can either buy a DDJ-SR or spend the moolah to get the some-what larger but fairly mobile DDJ SZ/RZ. This is a further point of contention with mobile DJs given that all bars/lounges/clubs that advertise themselves as having dance-floors in google or Yelp are not dedicated enough to club life to justify the purchase of a DJM/CDJ setup where this unit would prove beneficial. While it is an arbitrary point that many bars, lounges, and some clubs allow mobile DJs to bring their own equipment, for a beginner DJ who is not invested in Traktor, Serato, or Virtual DJ, this unit will hands down prepare you to play in a serious club. If you aspire to play in clubs akin to Rumor in Philadelphia (where they use a DJM900/CDJ2000 setup), or a place like Club Space - Miami where the latest equipment is employed (no doubt a DJM900NXS2/CDJ2000NXS2), the XDJ-RX will make your learning curve more linear and far-less versus moving from a controller. In this manner, the XDJ-RX is an undeniable investment that negates the value of buying a controller unless one is doing a mobile gig where a controller is more ideal - a wedding or a work party. Of course, with the XDJ-RX sitting at home, there is little incentive to invest in anything more expensive beyond appearing 'professional'.
With that said, this unit will provide dividends for more experienced working/professional DJs given that you have essentially all of the features of the late model DJM900NXS/CDJ2000NXS setup without the same footprint, cost, and headache of setting up. This unit lends itself to those who find space expensive - especially livign in the city - while also via rekordbox serving as a place to practice one's sets. Not only does the unit feature two USBs for for back to back playing, if one wanted to practice with a friend as par your B2B performance, or both as a way to practice potential sets for live-playing/mixtapes/soundcloud and as a means of recording said mixes for your listening before you mix the final product.
I love this unit because so far it is the only unit I have needed given that my current opportunities to DJ are as a member of an Open Format DJ meetup The Philadelphia DJ Grou, which uses CDJ 900s. (Check us out on Facebook, Mixlr/Periscope on Thursdays from 5pm - 10pm EST, or join us on Meetup if you live in the area and come to 'The Saint Lazarus Bar' (Southwest corner of Girard and Front)). Because I am still fairly 'out of the bedrooom', this uni is perfect because it gives me a CDJ-level amount of preparation and skill-development from the comfort of my own home studio. Second, it disincentivizes one from spiralling into G.A.S (Gear Acquirement Syndrome) given that the power of virtually two CDJ2000NXS and a DJM900 mixer are all here in one unit. You will not go wrong, beginning DJ or Professional.
Beyond beginner Djs wanting a solid, fundam