FutureMusic gave the Pioneer DJ XPRS Sound System a solid workout this past spring and felt the PA is certainly a contender in the portable segment. We subjected the XPRS1152S subwoofer and the XPRS102 satellite to a long-term test to see how the PA would fair in real world usage. While the feedback from our reviewers was mostly positive, (their comments in quotes below) advancements made by other manufacturers may push other solutions to the front of your shortlist.
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Pioneer DJ’s XPRS102 can also be utilized as stage monitors
Pioneer DJ’s XPRS102 two-way, bi-amped active speaker features a 10″ woofer and a 1″ compression driver. The 2000 watt Class-D amplifier provides adequate power to support the claimed 50 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response with a max SPL of about 129 dB. Pioneer targets their XPRS system for mobile DJs and electronic musicians and the rear panel offers three inputs controlled by a micro, three-channel mixer with rotary knobs: Channel One: mic/line XLR-1/4″ combo jack, Channel Two: Hi-Z/Line XLR-1/4″ combo jack and a stereo 3.5mm microjack line input. Built-in Bluetooth connectivity is missing, but you can buy a separate receiver to plug into the 3.5mm jack. “There is nothing very sophisticated about the XPRS [102] rear panel with a LCD screen from 1996,” stated one DJ. The rear panel also features a summed XLR output to round out the connectivity.
Pioneer DJ’s XPRS102 Sports A 50 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency Response
Considering what other manufacturer’s are offering, the DSP is somewhat lacking. Factory EQ settings are regulated to Speech, Music, Live and Monitor and there are sixteen slots for your own settings. The EQ models were “just okay,” but with such a wide variety of electronic music genres, you’ll want to customize the settings yourself.
Front & Back Of The Pioneer DJ XPRS102 Active Speaker
Both the XPRS102 and the XPRS1152S subwoofer are contained in an all-black plywood cabinet with rubber feet. The “fit and finish is first rate” and “the grills look the business” with “a refined aesthetic.” The choice of plywood over plastic allows the cabinets to output a “more grounded sonic signature,” but at the expensive of added weight. Pioneer DJ claims the wood chassis can withstand outdoor environments, and our reviewers allowed that the paint and varnish will certainly repel moisture to an extent. Built-in carry handles are a welcome addition, but you’ll need a hand truck to effectively position both the XPRS1152S and XPRS102 into their allotted locations, if you don’t want to add a trip to the hospital to your gig schedule.
The “fit and finish is first rate” and “the grills look the business” with “a refined aesthetic.”
The XPRS1152S subwoofer utilizes a 15″ ferrite woofer married to a 3″ voice coil to kick out low frequencies ranging from 45 Hz to 120 Hz with a max SPL of 129 dB. A 4000 watt Class-D amplifier delivers power. The bass for “techno was on point with planted, direct thump” and “hard, rolling kicks.” For house, the feedback was less enthusiastic with our DJs looking “for more definition and buoyancy.” Our wedding DJ, who plays mostly pop and classics, felt the sub provided the drive and bass output necessary “to keep butts on the floor” without “overwhelming people trying to have conversations” on the periphery. Finally, our Eurorack/modular performer liked how the bass response “anchored” his more bass-heavy compositions, but warned “it can get muddy, if you’re not careful.”
Like the XPRS102, the subwoofer does contain factory DSP modes, Boost, Extended LF and Normal, but does not offer any customization. Normal worked the best for our wedding DJ who felt the Extended mode “submerged the bass lines in tracks like Billie Jean and Blurred Lines.” Our house DJ didn’t feel that any of the flavored modes “helped with the bass definition” he was seeking. Our live performer eschewed the Extended and Boost as well. This is clearly an arena that Pioneer can improve on for future versions.
Front & Back Of The Pioneer DJ XPRS1152S Active Subwoofer
Both the XPRS102 and the XPRS1152S subwoofer support 110 V to 240 V (50 Hz/60 Hz) voltages.
Pioneer DJ XPRS102 Specifications:
- 10 inch – 2-way active loudspeaker
- Frequency Range: 50 – 20000 Hz
- Maximum SPL: 129 dB
- Amplifier Output: Class D – 2000W peak
- Power consumption: 800 W
- Cross Over Frequency: 2 kHz
- Pole socket: 35 mm / Rigging point: 10x M10
- DSP modes: Factory Presets (LIVE, MUSIC, SPEECH, MONITOR); Sub Setting for selecting the high-pass frequency; EQ (4-band equalizer); User Programs (16 presets)
- Amplifier Protection: Thermal limiting / Digital Limiter / Digital compressor
- Supports 110 V to 240 V (50 Hz/60 Hz) voltages
- Weight: 34.17 lb
- Dimensions: Width: 11.77″ x Height: 20.47″ x Depth: 12.2″
Pioneer DJ XPRS1152S Specifications:
- 15 inch ferrite LF cone driver
- Frequency Range: 45 – 120 Hz
- Maximum SPL: 129 dB
- Amplifier Output: Class D – 4000W peak
- Power consumption: 800 W
- DSP presets modes: BOOST / EXTENDED LF / NORMAL
- Pole socket: 35 mm / Rigging point: 10x M10
- Amplifier Protection: Thermal limiting / Digital Limiter
- Supports 110 V to 240 V (50 Hz/60 Hz) voltages
- Weight: 58 lbs.
- Dimensions: Width: 22.83″ x Height: 17.72″ x Depth: 19.8″
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Conclusion
Pioneer DJ’s new XPRS is a nice entry into the PA field for DJs and electronic musicians who are looking to support their performances with their own rigs. While we feel that FutureMusic readers should definitely look into other options, namely Mackie’s SLT series, which won a FutureMusic Power Award and was included in 2021’s Holiday Buyers Guide, the Pioneer XPRS is definitely worth consideration.
Pioneer XPRS1152S + XPRS102 Rating: 83%
Cheers:
+ Build Quality
+ Aesthetic
+ Overall Sound Quality
Jeers:
– DSP Options
– Weight
– Bass Reinforcement
Pioneer DJ’s XPRS1152S and XPRS102 retail for $1099 and $799 respectfully. Both are available now.
The Future: Pioneer DJ should consider revamping and expanding the DSP functionality for both models. The addition of Bluetooth aptX technology would also provide value when you just want to add background music to an event. Finally, for a portable system, the units are quite heavy and can only be positioned by one person, if your name is Dwayne Johnson. Built-in wheels or some other mechanism for transport should be considered.
