AlphaTheta OMNIS-DUO Review: A Pricey But Fun DJ Controller

Every year at NAMM, there seems to be a few choice bits of watercooler gossip floating around the various industry corners, and 2024’s NAMM was no exception; back in January, the rumor mill was alight around Pioneer DJ’s shift in branding towards the new AlphaTheta branding which coincided with the launch of their brand new traveling-friendly controller: The OMNIS-DUO.

And while I love a bit of industry gossip as much as anyone else, what I care more about is how the end product affects my life and my career as a DJ, and really, that’s about it. 

With that in mind, let’s sidestep the speculations and potential justifications behind the branding switch and instead break down what exactly AlphaTheta’s OMNIS-DUO is before diving into my hot takes, areas for improvement, and recommendations for users in this comprehensive review of this AlphaTheta OMNIS-DUO Review; a premium DJ controller for selectors of all skill levels. 

What Is The AlphaTheta OMNIS-DUO 

The AlphaTheta OMNIS-DUO is a portable, all-in-one DJ unit powered by a battery, making it ideal for mobile DJs who need flexibility and mobility. The device allows for Bluetooth connectivity, enabling DJs to directly play and manipulate tracks streamed from mobile devices. It features a unique capability to record and integrate tracks played over Bluetooth into live DJ sets, allowing for real-time cueing and looping, enhancing its utility for DJs who frequently handle spontaneous track requests.

Design-wise, the OMNIS-DUO distinguishes itself with a clean, modern aesthetic and a slightly larger form factor that accommodates a more traditional layout of DJ controls. This includes well-spaced knobs and faders, larger jog wheels compared to its competitors, and a touchscreen interface at the top of the unit. The touchscreen offers easy navigation and control, adding to the unit’s intuitive use. It also supports various connectivity options, including XLR outputs, USB-C for charging, and an SD card slot for additional music storage options.

In terms of functionality, the OMNIS-DUO is equipped with essential DJ tools such as beat effects, looping encoders, and pitch controls. The unit is designed to be straightforward, focusing on core features like cue points and loops without overcrowding the interface with excessive functions. The system supports music playback from various sources, including USB, SD card, and WiFi connections, allowing access to a broad range of audio files and formats for versatile DJing.

A Quick Rundown Of The Specs

• Controller Style: DJ Controller, 2-deck
• Jog Wheels: 2 x Jog Wheels
• Screen: Touchscreen Display
• Pads: 16 x Hot Cues (8 per deck)
• Faders: 2 x Channel Volume, 2 x Tempo Sliders
• Mic Inputs: 1 x XLR-1/4″ Combo, 1 x 1/4″ TRS
• Outputs: 2 x XLR (master), 1 x Dual RCA Stereo (booth)
• USB: 1 x USB-C (PC/Mac control), 1 x USB-C (45W power input), 1 x Type A (5V power output)
• Bluetooth: v5.2 (audio in/out)
• Data I/O: 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi
• Standalone Mode: All-in-one DJ System
• Effects: 8 x Beat FX, 6 x Sound Color FX
• Media: SD/SDHC/SDXC Card Slot (supports up to 2TB)
• Power Supply: USB Powered, Lithium-ion Battery (rechargeable, built-in)
• Dimensions: Height: 2.8″, Width: 19.7″, Depth: 12.1″
• Weight: 10.1 lbs

Now, with these vanilla tech specs and product descriptions, let’s explore what I thought about the OMNIS-DUO.

What I Liked Most During My OMNIS-DUO Review

It’s Approachable

One of the shining features of the OMNIS-DUO is just how easy I found it to use and how unintimidating it was to familiarize myself with. I bought my XJS-RX3 years ago for my at-home practice setup and, as a new DJ at the time of purchasing it, I was a bit overwhelmed by the amount of FX, knobs, sliders, faders, and all the other bells and whistles that are industry standard for most club systems I had aspirations to someday play at. 

However, the OMNIS-DUO does a fantastic job condensing the most essential features into its relatively small design and interface. 

In addition to its approachability, the OMNIS-DUO has a wide range of connectivity options, which I was genuinely shocked at. This was even after I was given a short demo back at the NAMM when AlphaTheta was debuting the device. It has everything from 1/4-inch and XLR outputs to USB, and it’s even got WiFi and Bluetooth, meaning you can connect this to any speaker you need and start jamming and playing music for your friends. 

Sure, features like WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity aren’t first-to-market features in the DJ world, as a handful of other devices sport similar functionality. But it is new for this company, and I loved seeing the companies whose gear I’ve been using for years adopt what will assumedly be industry-standard functionality in the near future. It’s limited in what you can tap into via Bluetooth, and it would have been great to see it syncable with other popular DJ streaming platforms instead of just things in the Pioneer DJ / AlphaTheta world. Still, I thought it was a great step in the right direction! And because it’s not hardware-related, I imagine a single firmware update could remedy this!

While it may lack some of the core performative features that come on Pioneer DJ’s most expensive setups, it packs everything I needed to compile an amazing-sounding DJ set, which is saying a lot.

It’s Size Its Great

This controller packs a punch for its size and has almost all of the pro-level features you would expect in a controller whose price point is as hefty as this one’s. Here’s a short and sweet rundown of some of the cooler features I was impressed by:

1. The Touch Screen LED: Using the encoder to the right of the LED touch screen and the screen itself made navigating around the digital interface to find tracks or load-up playlists super easy.
2. The FXs: Both the Beat and Color effects sounded pretty damn good, and the new and more ergonomic location of the Color effect made for even easier playability.
3. The Bluetooth: I know I spoke on this before, but it’s great to pull tracks from Rekordbox, my USB, and even my phone! (Yes, you had that right.) 

It’s All-In-On

A criminally low number of controllers and DJ gear on the market today allow you to play music directly from a USB stick, which I personally find a little is mind-boggling. This may be my perspective here, but anything other than the most entry-level controllers and decks should be able to play USB sticks if they want to be taken seriously.

This is not only because that’s what you’d be playing on if you get booked at a venue with a full set of CDJ-3000 decks and DJ DJM-A9 system, but also because of general portability.

Everyone from weekend hobbyist DJs to professional mobile DJs must be able to set up shop and play tunes almost anywhere (be it at a casual beach hangout or whatever wedding venue they’re hired to be at). And when playing in these spaces, you’re already carrying lots of expensive gear. Do you want ALSO to drag along your laptop (which I can only assume you also use for work, gaming, or other non-DJing responsibilities)? You will if you have to, but isn’t just a simple USB stick with all your tunes a much better solution for these specific purposes?

I think so, and that is why it’s a true all-in-one in every sense of the word is, hands down the OMNIS-DUO’s best feature.

It’s Efficient

This could probably have fit into the ‘It’s Great For Its Size’ section above, but I wanted to give it its own section because I think the fact that it has a pretty low power draw and can be charged just off of a USB-C charger is pretty slick and impressive.

That being said, if it dies completely, it will take a while of charging via the USB-C before it can turn on and be functional again (it took me well over thirty minutes before I saw any sign of life after plugging in the OMNIS-DUO with a completely dead battery).

What I Wasn’t A Fan Of Through My OMNIS-DUO Review

There’s A Slight Disconnect

This is an expensive piece of gear, priced just under $1,500 at the time of writing this article, which elevates it above what most would consider a product for a mere hobbyist and more into the realm of professional investment. Simultaneously, its compact design makes it look more like a toy made for newer DJs (even if its functionality allows it to hold its own against some of the most premium decks in today’s market). 

Now, I’m not saying you cannot host professional gigs or throw down pro-level sets with the OMNIS-DUO; you certainly can, and I saw many artists do just that during the product launch at NAMM. It can do whatever you need, regardless of your skill level as a DJ.

I am saying, though, that when you look at the OMNIS-DUO and then at something like the XDJ-RX3, there’s no question which one looks more “pro.” In an industry where perception brings most of the swagger and clout associated with the job title, I could see many working DJs still opting for the XDJ-RX3 despite its $600+ higher price tag. 

Only In Blue!?

It’s far from a deal breaker, really, but I was a little surprised to see that the only available color for the controller is a dark, albeit beautiful, blue. White and black are the two most commonly used colors for such devices, so I was surprised to see neither of those as an option.

It does open the door for future creative partnerships, collector’s editions, and limited runs of other colors, though, so I will certainly be watching for more colors as they come. 

Who Is The AlphaTheta OMNIS-DUO For?

Casual, City-Based DJs

I say this half in jest but mostly in all seriousness because all the initial press kits at launch surrounding the OMNIS-DUO were that it’s a fantastic mobile controller for DJing house parties, at the beach, at your campsite, wedding venues, and everywhere in between. But the brass tax is in its limited, albeit still sizable, battery life and its price point, making me personally hesitant to bring it to grittier gigs and spaces. It can hold a charge for nearly 5 hours (even more if you turn off the WiFi and Bluetooth through the Eco-Mode), which is more than enough for a day party at the beach. But it’s not like it’s waterproof, and with all the ports and entry points around the faders where sand or dirt could get in, I would feel uncomfortable taking it into the wilderness. 

But it’s a no-brainer for house parties or other social gatherings that are close to outlets and away from rain and dirt! 

Mobile DJs

This is an easy recommendation if you’re a working DJ who needs a low-maintenance, incredibly compact pro-level controller. It can fit into a larger backpack and doesn’t require much else to get rocking and rolling except a sound system. 

Its accessibility and portability are the two most prominent features that make this a fantastic option for on-the-go and working DJs. The biggest X-Factor is the Bluetooth ability that allows you to record music off other people’s phones. So, if a wedding guest or attendee has a strange song request out of left field, you can get it into your decks and fully DJ it into your mix via looping, FX, cues, and more. 

Smaller Venues

Over the last five years, the number of dual spaces has increased, where a coffee shop might flip into a venue after hours. I feel like Amsterdam definitely set the pace with this concept, and now the rest of the world is following suit. This is a fantastic controller for spaces to invest in for this purpose. 

There’s hardly a better option for businesses looking for a means to host small pop-up parties, bring in local DJs who are familiar with industry-standard club systems, and need a low-stress and low-maintenance way to just plug in and play. 

Add the fact that it’s got mic inputs as well, and this instantly turns into a fantastic mixer and interface for hosting Trivia nights, Drag Queen Bingo (that’s not just a Portland thing, is it?!), and so much more. 

Is OMNIS-DUO worth it?

In closing, the OMNIS-DUO is known for its sleek design and for combining high-quality features with user-friendly functions. Its small size and professional features at a high but reasonable price make it an awesome choice for new and experienced DJs. Plus, it has strong connectivity options like WiFi and Bluetooth, making it versatile in many different situations.

However, the OMNIS-DUO may appeal to some due to its limited color options and less-than-pro-looking appearance despite its fully packed suite of features. Also, its connection to streaming platforms is limited, but this could improve with future updates. These updates could enhance the device’s functions and how well it works with different DJ systems.

The OMNIS-DUO is perfect for DJs who want something easy to move around and use. It works well in various places, from indoors to outdoors, making it reliable for DJs who perform in different locations. Its durability and the ability to play music from a USB stick or wirelessly show that it’s designed for practicality and user engagement without complicated setups.