As we continue our meander down the memory motorway, one of my personal favourites has made it to the top of the pile. The Numark NS7 series all in one motorised controllers left such a lasting impressing that I’m yet to find another controller that would take its place in my heart. Yet.
Here’s the review where I give my heart to the NS7 and then get accused of obviously being paid because I’m supposed to just hate things even if I don’t.
Being as old as I am and utterly entrenched in a vinyl background, the NS7 ticked all my analogue boxes plus every digital one I had too. While I enjoyed the smaller controllers, the meaty goodness and heft of the Numark NS7 made me feel safe while spinning. Everything was solid and just worked.
Importantly the scratch performance was exactly as I needed it to be. Well, it was in Serato ITCH and subsequent Serato software. While we were in the grips of the controller age where expectations were that everything would work with everything because of the MIDI gods. But that clearly was not the case.
Almost everything could be mapped, but the platter was a different matter. DJ Quartz kind of sort of got it working in Traktor, but it wasn’t the best experience, and pretty indicated that the days of MIDI-based interoperability were over. And these days it’s only VirtualDJ that continues to make sure that anything that comes out works with their software. Well almost — some tech is just too proprietary.
More than anything, through all the Numark NS7 versions, it delivered the most fun I’ve ever hand in DJing. And even though the Denon DJ SC5000M and 6000M offer what the NS7 range had and more, somehow being in an all in one unit delivered a completely coherent experience.
Now, make me a standalone Rane Ninety Seven (definitely that name) with 6000M platters, a four-channel Rane mixer, and a big touch screen in one big bulletproof box, and that’s my forever controller right there. I should really mock that up and let it go viral for shits, giggles, and market research purposes.
OVER TO YOU
Did you own one of the Numark NS7 family? Float your boat or just break your back? Should I start a clichéd petition on change.org asking inMusic to make a new Rane branded all in one controller because that always works, doesn’t it?
GALLERY
How do you think the NS7’s wheels compare to the Kontrol S4 Mk3?
Chalk and cheese. The NS7 is like a mini turntable with real vinyl, whereas the S4 MK3 is a spinning jog wheel. For vinyl feel, I’ll take the NS7 every time.
If I was to buy a controller, I’d probably still pick one of these up used over any of the newer units. I don’t need every feature under the sun, but some rotating platter on well built controller…..
Yes.
I kinda feel like this also marked Numarks heyday. I have (yes, currently) own the NS6v1 which was basically the non-motorized cousin. Since then, it just seems like they just started slapping the same features on all their controllers like the Touch EQ and shoehorn screens into them other than when they came out with the portablist sweetheart the PT01. Now the only time you really hear of them is when someone is listing off the companies that inMusic owns.
It’s only to be expected when a corporation buys up a load of brands. Numark, Denon DJ, and Rane all jockey for position on the brand roster, and inMusic has clearly spent more time with Denon DJ in recent years. Numark did have the Numark Scratch mixer last year, and there’s some new stuff on the roadmap soon too. But I doubt you’ll see units like the NS7 under Numark again.
I’ll just leave this here…
https://cdn.digitaldjtips.com/app/uploads/2014/04/07034815/Numark-Teases-New-All-In-One-Serato-DJ-Controller-copy.jpg
Ahhh… the adventurous trial balloon that became the NS7III aka NS7II with bolt on screens. Cracking looking unit, but the separate unit was a better business decision.
The beauty of this thing was its simplicity. The NS7 2 and 3 added extra channels, pads and a screen but that sort of took away from the pure ‘two decks and a mixer’ aesthetic. If I was picking up one of these it would still be the original version – plus they’re only about £150-£200 on ebay now!
I just had this same conversation on FB. There’s something about the design and simplicity that makes the NS7 more appealing to me. I like features as much as anyone, but design wise I’m a less is more type.
Forgot how cool this thing was when it released. I was amazed at how it felt and then amazed at how hefty it was. What a great product.
I have the mk2.
Nothing to complain. The best all-in-one controller. Period.
Would like to get Serato and Remote updates (vinyl-like browsing experience and multi screen support).
The only thing I miss is the 33/45 switch. Some routines would need it. Unfortunately can’t be mapped.
What’s your thoughts on the NS7 (especially the ii or iii) for house music. I’m contemplating one but dont really want to scratch on it and it feels like head vs heart. Or can you scrub and beatmatch with ease? Dont want to just get a DDJ-1000 like a juggle!