I recently reviewed the Pioneer CDJ-2000s which are set to become the standard for DJs globally over the next few years and also the Mixmeister 7 Express software for DJ mixing. However, for DJs that want to control their DJ software in a live environment hooked up to their PC and Mac then the stunning Numark Mixtrack DJ Software Controller could be for you.
Independent Review of the Cheap Mixtrack DJ Software Controller
The Numark Mixtrack is very easy to use for DJs familiar with using CDJs. It uses a similar layout to most CD decks and a mixing unit so you should pick it up in no time at all. Plus, it’s very portable and you can carry it from party to party with your laptop and simply set-up and start your gig. This is my independent Numark Mixtrack DJ Software Controller review so please read on for the full details on this budget cheap DJ software controller.
Numark Mixtrack DJ Software Controller Overview
The Numark Mixtrack is reasonably sturdy and so should stand up to being carried around between DJ gigs and parties. It’s not a very heavy item which is down to the fact that a lot of the components are made from plastic rather than high-end quality metal that more expensive controllers are made from.
It comes with touch-sensitive jog wheels meaning you can exert very fine control over your dance music tracks, cue points, spins, and scratching. The faders aren’t as impressive as they are quite short meaning very fine adjustments can be a little difficult. But we’re talking such small adjustments here, that for most DJs this will not be an issue.
The Numark DJ Software Controller also comes with backlit buttons. This is good as it means you don’t rely as much on looking at your laptop screen – and instead can concentrate more on the actual hardware in front of you. The lights will show you how your controller is set-up and also displays the status of the software at any given time during your DJ performance.
Video Review of the Numark Mixtrack DJ Controller
Soundcard Issues with Numark Mixtrack
This DJ software controller doesn’t come with a built-in soundcard. This means that you will need to purchase one – and you can get a cheap compatible soundcard from Amazon for under $70 US Dollars. This is relevant even if your PC already has a soundcard because you will actually need two. The reason being is that if you are cueing up the next track whilst the current track is playing then you will need two sound outputs – which is just how you would do if DJ’ing with traditional CDJ decks.
Despite what soundcard you might have though, there is one negative aspect to the Numark Mixtrack DJ software controller and that’s the scratching. It can tend to sound very digital and computerized no matter how good your soundcard which is something to be aware for the perfectionist DJs amongst you.
The Difference Between Numark Mixtrack Pro and Numark Mixtrack
If you have also looked at Numark Mixtrack Pro which is the model above this then there are a few subtle differences. Mixtrack Pro does solve the missing soundcard issue as it comes with one in-built. The Pro version also feels a little bit more quality with what appears to be better made components. The Digital DJ Tips website has a fantastic video that explains the differences between Mixtrack and Mixtrack Pro which you can view below:
Differences Between Mixtrack and Mixtrack Pro
What DJs Should Use the Numark Mixtrack DJ Controller?
If you are professional DJ playing to thousands of clubbers each week then you will probably want a DJ software controller that’s a little bit more robust than the Numark Mixtrack. However if you are a bedroom DJ, or someone who has the odd gig in clubs and parties then this really good be the best piece of DJ software controller hardware equipment to suit you.
It will probably suit the following types of DJs:
- DJs that are looking to put their own live mix CDs together for promotional purposes and just love DJ’ing for their own pleasure
- Traditionally vinyl-based DJs who want to try their hand at digital mixing and want a cheap solution that won’t break the bank
- People new to DJ’ing who are not sure if they will get the hang of it at first and want a cost effective DJ software controller for learning purposes
- DJs that want a cheap software controller to take to parties and events rather than taking their more expensive audio equipment
Features of the Numark Mixtrack DJ Software Controller
The Numark DJ Controller comes with some handy features which include:
- Very large touch sensitive CDJ style platters that let you control and scratch
- Use the classic, dual-deck layout with complete mixer section
- Lighted controls indicate status in software, therefore less reliance on PC screen
- The MIDI-over-USB controller is compatible with virtually all DJ software
- Compatible file types include MP3, WAV, AIFF, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, WMA (non-DRM, Windows only), AAC (non-DRM), and audio CDs (requires CD drive on the PC)
The Numark Mixtrack controller is compatible with virtually all DJ mixing software. It is a fully Midi-compliant controller which means you don’t have to use it with the industry standard Traktor LE or VDJ Pro mixing software, but can instead map the controls easily to other software packages instead. All you need to do is use the attached USB cable to connect to any laptop computer which will then let you start mixing and DJ’ing using your preferred DJ mixing software.
Having said that, it really does work with Traktor the best and you can start mixing straight out of the box. There’s no requirement to install any new drivers on either PC or Mac, you simply plug and play and can start putting some awesome mixes together – which can then be exported as a Wav or MP3 file, whatever your preference is.
How to Become a DJ with the Numark Mixtrack
By using the Numark Mixtrack DJ software controller you could very well be on the first steps to becoming a professional DJ. If this is a career path that you want to follow then you might be interested in an article I wrote on how to become a DJ. It includes loads of hints and tips on how to build your own DJ brand, how to approach club promoters, and the etiquette when it comes to DJ’ing in nightclubs when warming up for big name DJs.
More Information
For more information on this product please visit the Numark Website who are the manufactur and so will feature a full technical specification and support FAQs sections.
Buy Cheap Numark Mixtrack DJ Software Controller
Amazon is currently looking like the cheapest online retailer of the Numark Mixtrack including the more expensive Mixtrack Pro version. You will also be able to purchase a very good soundcard from them which is compatible with this professional DJ mixing console.
