Numark DJ controllers reviewed

If you have stumbled across my site, I assume you have a genuine interest in Numark or DJ Controllers, so forgive me if this is boring for you, but for those who are new to DJ Controllers, here are the very basics:

In the good old days, DJs would traditionally mix a set using two record decks and a mixer. It was a very hands on process. You would physically manipulate the record, speed it up, slow it down, scratch, etc. When mp3 came out, and DJs started to want to utilise this format on laptops or ipods, and incorporate it into their sets, software companies rushed to produce software which would allow them to re-create the mixing process virtually on a laptop. But they also needed to design hardware, which enabled the user to physically control what was going on in the computer, using the computer language of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface).

At the time, it was very crude, and would involve a lot of DJing with a mouse, pulling hair out trying to find the right track, and let's face it, the equipment was very uncool. DJ's looked more like they were booking a holiday online rather than mixing a set.

Early equipment allowed DJ's to mix tracks between two ipods, but the major drawback of this was the lack of facility to change the pitch of each track. So essentially DJs were paying a lot of money for a fancy crossfader.

The more popular this form of DJing became, companies like Numark started to catch on to the idea that designing high spec, user friendly equipment was the way forward. Not to mention the massive advance in the technology, which allowed this to happen.

So that's the basics, and from here I start my review of the best Numark DJ Controllers. Other controllers are available, but Numark is the brand I use, and have tested, so I feel it is only right that I can review equipment that I can speak about with some authority.

For an explanation of some of the software involved, I might recommend checking out a good lens on this topic at www.squioo.com/djonyourcomputer

First of all my friends, do not be fooled by the price of this DJ Controller. Just because you can pick it up for less than a hundred bucks from Amazon doesn't mean that this is not a serious piece of kit. This entry level DJ Controller although perfect for beginners is still a lot of fun, and very effective for professional users.

The Numark iDJ Live comes complete with iPad stand and custom headhpone/speaker audio cable so connecting to your sound system of choice is easy. You can also connect your iPod touch, iPhone or iPad in seconds using the built-in dock connector. It's that simple to set up.

As far as features, it's all set out very perfectly with the two decks and a mixer setup. The two large decks, feel decent enough, the crossfader is very responsive, and you also have the ability to change the pitch of each track, as well as adjusting the bass and treble.

On its launch Numark recommended using DJAY by Algoriddim as the software controller for use with the iDJ Live, but others were available. It all depends on your own particular preference. DJAY was a good package, but now Numark have teamed up with Mixmeister to produce the iDJ app for the ipad, which is an incredible piece of software.

When it first came out, there were some complaints that the iDJ app kept crashing, but it appears that these have now been resolved with the release of version 2.0.

On the Numark iDJ app it is very straightforward to load up tracks from the iPod library and get started. SImply click on the deck which you want to play a track, choose from your iphone/ipad playlist, and voila. The real beauty here is that during import , tracks are analyzed for tempo and key, so even a complete novice can have seamless mixes in minutes because of the automatic beat matching .

Pros

- Amazing price. For less than a hundred bucks you are getting a serious piece of kit, which would stand up for use at any house party.
- Easy to use. A complete novice can be producing mixtapes within minutes.
- Responsive crossfader
- Choice of different apps to use
- Very fun to use
- Looks cool
- Very portable

Cons

- May not have enough features to excite hardenned professionals
- Not quite robust enough for professional use in clubs
- To get maximum benefit you need the ipad, to utilise the large screen. You may be struggling to see with the iphone.

Overall I would highly recommend this product. As a piece of hardware it's decent enough. The price is amazing considering what you get for your money. As the range of apps available become more sophisticated, this little beast is going to be a serious contender.

For the professional Mac or PC DJs who want something that is going to stand the test of time, the Numark Stealth Control Professional Computer-DJ Performance Deck is a serious contender.

The first thing you notice about this product is the quality., heavy duty metal chassis. The thing is built like a hummer. Which if you are using it to play professionally in clubs, is a must.

Key Features of the Numark Stealth Control Professional Computer-DJ Performance Deck

- Plug-and-play USB connection, requires no AC adapter
- Heavy, professional feel for high-energy performance
- Rugged, stiff, rubberized knobs
- Black Slate Metallic finish
- Includes Native Instruments Traktor LE and MixMeister Fusion Live software; mapped for Traktor Pro
- MIDI-over-USB communication

Having started off 20 years ago using two decks and a mixer, I must say that the Numark Stealth Control has a certain professional old school kind of feel to it. Sometimes you forget that you are controlling music off a laptop. Particularly as the advanced programming of the software and hardware, means that once you have the software running, you don't need to touch your computer again. The Stealth control contains buttons an knobs so that you can scroll through, select, and load tracks right from the controller.

The feel of the controller is very good. Numark claim, "All of STEALTH CONTROL's knobs, faders, and buttons feature pinpoint performance because you need professional stability. You'll feel the difference immediately with one button press, fader touch, or knob turn.". I have to say I agree with them.

The jog wheels have two effects - one is to control pitch/ tempo, the other to scratch (if the scratch button is pressed). It takes a bit of getting used to remembering this. If you forget that you are in scratch mode, you can have some devastating effects on your mix, as I learned!

There are 31 buttons in total - each deck is equipped with a play button, set cue, play cue, pause cue, loop, pitch bend, key, sync, delay tap, efffects on/off, select, scratch, load track, preview, reloop, and interlock.

You have an abundance of knobs - not the cheap hard plastic knobs that some controllers have. These are the rubber knobs, which at first seem a bit stiff, but are very accurate. These are used to choose a type of effect and control how much they are added into the mix.

The Numark Stealth Controller comes shipped with Native Instruments Traktor LE and MixMeister Fusion Live software; mapped for Traktor Pro. One thing to be weary of though, is Traktor is only the demo version. You will need to register to get the full version, otherwise it will cut out after 30 minutes. Once you have it set up though, both Traktor and Mixmeister Fusion Live are fantastic pieces of software.

The only other thing to be careful of is the Numark Stealth Controller does not have an internal soundcard, which means that you will not be able to cue up using the headphones without the use of an external soundcard such as the Numark DJ I/O Multi Channel USB 2.0 DJ Audio Interface. Not such a big issue as Amazon are selling these used for around 50 bucks.

Alternatively you can buy the Numark Omni Control, which is effectively the same as the Stealth Control, but features a 24 bit professional high quality soundcard, with ultra low latency. Obviously you pay a little more for it. Ebay have some good deals on at the moment for a new model, or Amazon have some used for good prices.

Pros

- Built like a Hummer. This will take some serious abuse in a professional setting.
- Very responsive controls
- Well layed out
- Excellent effects
- Good interface between Traktor
- Very short learning curve.
- No need for separate power supply, powered directly by USB

Cons

- No internal soundcard
- Traktor only demo
- Jog wheels take a while to get used to

Amazon have seriously slashed the price of this product, which is in no way a representation of the quality of the product. It is a fantastic piece of kit, which will suit both beginners and serious professionals alike.

This is an upgrdade to the popular Mixtrack. Numark responded well to criticism that the Mixtrack lacked an onboard soundcard, so the Pro version now houses a complete audio interface, which enables you to input and output high-quality sound. Whether you're connecting Mixtrack PRO to the computer, to the sound system, for recording, previewing in headphones, or talking over the music with a mic, the Numark Mixtrack Pro gives you all the inputs and outputs you need.

The build of the Mixtrack Pro is good, although more plastic than the Stealth. Nevertheless it's still a decent controller for Professional use.

The jog wheels are smooth and responsive (especially for scratching) and the mixer puts everything at your fingertips - cues, looping, effects, EQ, pitch bend. The Browse know is also very good as it allows you to access your tracks from your laptop without having to touch your laptop.

It comes complete with Virtual DJ Light software, which although basic, does the job well. You may want to think about investing in something superior like Numark Cue Professional Dj, or Traktor, if you feel that you have outgrown Virtual DJ Light.

Pros

- Very good price for what you get
- Excellent sound quality from the onboard soundcard
- Feels fantastic. Very responsive
- Very easy to get to grips with
- Can be used in a professional set-up, as well as in the bedroom
- Good effects

Cons

- Slightly plastic - but good plastic!
- May need to upgrade software at some stage

Now I am going to be completely biased in my reporting, because this is the piece of kit that I own and use, and I FREAKING LOVE IT!.

Sorry about that. Take a read through the official specifications while I get myself together:

High-resolution digital DJ controller with effects, built for Serato ITCH and compatible with Scratch LIVE libraries
Direct-drive, motorized turntable platters with classic and modern feel settings
Activate and control the effects in Serato ITCH
Includes Serato ITCH DJ software
Built-in audio with audiophile-grade circuitry, 24-bit interface
Extensive loop, cue, and track-access controls
Strip Search (patent pending) virtual-needle drop control
Controls most MIDI applications without requiring a mouse or keyboard
Rugged, all-metal construction
Integrated laptop stand
Fits in NS7 CASE for protection in transit to the gig
High quality, replaceable, adjustable CP-PRO crossfader and D-TYPE line faders
Support for Whitelabel.net files in ITCH
Mix using either 33rpm or 45rpm speeds

Right. I'm okay now. Basically this is one serious piece of kit. It looks and feels fantastic. It's rugged, robust and oozing with features. If, like me you were mixing on a pair of 1210's prior to going digital, you will love the feel of the NS7FX, because they closest thing to the feeling of real decks as I have ever experienced.

The NS7FX features two seven-inch, motorized, high-torque aluminum turntable platters, with adjustable torque. If you choose the "modern" setting, the pitch fader responds very quickly, and feels similar to something like the Numark TTX turntable. In the "classic" setting the pitch fader is repsonse is gentler and feels like the good old 1210. It truly is amazing. You even get real slipmatts and vinyl to add to the authenticity.

It features solid, rugged, rubberized buttons and knobs, which compliment a high precision, replaceable CP-PRO crossfader and D-TYPE line faders for an unquestionably high-quality feel. Everything is laid out brilliantly, and can take a good battering.

The real beauty of this beast is the software in the Serato Itch software. Check out the video below from Andre Cato, which fully explains it. The model he is using is its predecessor the NS7, but it helps to explain the software.

Pros

- Feels just like real decks
- Rugged and robust, yet portable
- Awesome sound
- Fantastic range of effects
- Amazing software
- Incredibly easy to use
- All your friends will be jealous
- Excellent range of uses from bedroom to club
- Huge range of functions
- Audio inputs for CD player, ipod, etc

Cons

- None. Well ok, maybe it's not in everyone's budget. Do whatever you can to get your hands on one.

NUMARK MIXTRACK PRO / USB DJ CONTROLLER



Numark NS7 Advanced DJ Controller



Numark Stealth Control Professional Computer-DJ Performance Deck



Numark Omni Control DJ Control Surface with Audio I/O