Numark NV — everything you need to know
mark Settle·
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Numark NV — everything you need to know

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As digital DJs, we’re all guilty of it. And our audience is more than aware of it too. And its name, rather unfairly, is Serato Face. This is the phenomenon of being rather more transfixed on the laptop-based waveforms and playlists than the actual DJ gear or crowd. But the Numark NV (that’s ENVEE not EN FIVE) aims to banish this blight on the DJ performance via a pair of built-in high res displays, all powered by Serato DJ.

Let’s get into the detail from Numark first, and then dissect it as only we do:

Numark NV — everything you need to know

Numark Unveils NV Controller

Premier DJ manufacturer unveils the first intelligent Serato DJ controller with integrated software feedback screens.

Cumberland, RI, USA – July 14, 2014. Numark (numark.com), the world’s leading innovator of DJ solutions, announces NV, an intelligent controller for Serato DJ. Featuring high-resolution color screens that provide extensive visualization of Serato’s flagship DJ platform and advanced interactive controls, NV opens all-new doors for the modern performing artist.

With two 4.3-inch, full-color screens integrated into its sleek, compact chassis, NV completely redefines the software-hardware experience for professional DJs. Using NV, performers experience feedback of Serato DJ – an award-winning software platform for digital DJ’ing – within critically acclaimed Numark hardware. Another first for DJ controllers, NV includes downloadable Remix Packs from world-renowned Toolroom Records, allowing artists to remix with audio stems from the leading electronic dance music label.

NV’s backlit performance screens deliver vivid, real-time visualization of Serato DJ; complete with spinning Virtual Decks, effects (FX), Cue Points, waveforms and more. Supporting four decks of control, its screens also provide song library navigation and detailed waveforms respective to each deck. Now, performers can manage set elements with the source laptop closed or out of sight without sacrificing functionality. Further, eye travel from the laptop screen to the controller is eliminated for seamless operation.

“NV has that ‘x-factor’ DJs have been searching for,” says Karl Detken, Numark Marketing Director. “It completely re-imagines the DJ experience while infinitely expanding creative performance options. Feedback elements are placed in the middle of the action, not away from it. The crowd will never again question what the DJ is doing in the booth, nor will the DJ question what they are doing with their hands.”

Incorporating the groundbreaking touch-activated controls and performance pad modes introduced with NS7II, NV empowers progressive track manipulation on-the-fly. FX, EQ and filter knobs are capacitive – responding with a twist, a touch or both. Now, DJs can unlock textures and transitions limited only by the imagination. All-new touch-activated metal platters provide jog, scrub and scratch duties while intelligent adaptive platter technology optimizes touch-response based on the user and host environment. Users can expect the tactility and reliability needed for the stage’s biggest moments, every time. A total of 16 velocity-sensitive pads provide intuitive control over 10 pad modes for finger drumming, sample slicing, effortless looping, hot cues and more. The ultra-thin NV and its intelligent controls were painstakingly crafted to inspire confidence in transit or in the booth.

“With its embedded, full-color screens, the Numark NV is a breakthrough in digital DJ controller technology,” noted Serato CEO AJ Bertenshaw. “Numark has achieved an unprecedented level of integration with Serato DJ that blurs the line between hardware and software. We cannot wait for performers to experience it first-hand.”

Highlights:

  • Intelligent Serato DJ controller with dual high-resolution screens
  • 4 decks of Serato DJ software control in a sleek, low-profile design
  • Screens provide 1:1 real-time feedback of Serato DJ so you can focus on the music, not
    the computer
  • Dedicated hardware controls for critical software functions
  • Touch-activated knobs provide groundbreaking control of filters, EQ, and more
  • Dual 5-inch hyper-responsive metal platters with search and scratch modes
  • Adaptive learning platter technology for optimum response in any environment
  • 16 velocity-sensitive trigger pads with backlit RGB feedback
  • 10 pad modes for hot cues, loops, song slicing, and sample triggering
  • Dedicated 3-way touch-activated filter knob on each channel
  • Dedicated touch-activated control of Serato’s 12 professional iZotope® FX
  • Built-in professional 24-bit USB 2.0 audio interface
  • Zone/booth outputs and balanced XLR outputs for club use
  • Plug and play with Serato DJ (included) – no upgrade purchase required
  • Toolroom Records Remix Packs included (download) 

DJs will see NV at DJ Expo, August 11-14 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. NV will be in stores this fall for $699.99 USD. For more information, visit: www.numark.com/nv

Numark NV Serato DJ Controller (4)

Envy for the NV?

Yes I went there, so that nobody else had to.  So let’s get into what the Numark NV is, does, and also might do.

We were lucky enough to see the Numark NV via a Skype call on Friday. My first knee jerk reaction to it was “updated NS6 with screens”. That’s not wholly inaccurate, but looking a little harder, you’ll see that a more apt description is “NS6, NS7 II, CDJ-2000, and SCS4DJ in a blender”. You can see the heritage and features from all of these distilled into the Numark NV.

The first thing to say is that the Numark NV is smaller than you might expect, and deliberately so. It’s just about the same overall dimensions as the Traktor Kontrol S4 (so bag and flight friendly), and comes in at just 3/4″ thick at the front. The construction is quote “like a Push”, so that’s rugged plastic that feels a step up from budget plastic offerings.

Numark NV — everything you need to know

The screens are custom high resolution offerings — think smartphone sized. They’re not touch screens though — that’s something that will come in time I suspect. The screens operate over three layers:

  • The Serato “widget” including hot cues
  • Wave forms and effects info
  • Library navigation

Essentially it’s the stuff that you’d be Serato-facing into your laptop for.

See also

So far as I can tell, the Numark NV does no work of its own. All the data including waveforms is coming from the laptop so it should all be instant loading.

It’s worth differentiating this from the visually similar Stanton SCS.4DJ. The NV video shows the laptop being closed, but it needs to be connected to continue working. This will mean using something like Caffeine if you want to fully close your laptop. That depends on how well the screens work, and indeed if people will want to adapt to a small window. That’s going to be a hard habit to break. But to be clear  — the Numark NV has no standalone operation, neither is it bus powered.

It’s not a mixer

There has been a trend for making controllers also act as mixers, as if being able to use it for both was a positive benefit. Well perhaps it was for a small number of people. But generally speaking, my own experience is that people buy a controller because they want to move away from mixers and turntables/CDJs, or to have a compact option in addition to their full setup. And this seems to be echoed in Numark’s research as well. So those expecting to be able to hook up turntables and run Serato DJ in DVS mode are out of luck. The upside of that is that it makes the NV more affordable.

Mapping the screens?

Be in no doubt — the Numark NV is a wholly Serato DJ dedicated product. The screen voodoo that has been developed is very much a partnership between Numark and Serato and aims to stay very much within that domain. While it’s likely that some clever buggers will work out how its done, the screens officially remain as a Serato DJ thing. So you’ll be able to map other software to the rest of it, it’ll be a long way from the complete NV experience. And in all honesty, experience shows that using Serato controllers with any other software is a less than fulfilling experience. It’s designed for Serato DJ, and that’s how really you should use it.

That said, I’d be interested to see if algoriddim or iMect could work their djay and DJ Player iOS based magic on it.

That magic “stems” word

It does keep popping up in chatter at the moment, and. But this is the first reference to it in any kind of official PR, so one has to wonder if this is going to be the next big thing to come from software vendors. Case in point — the Numark NV comes with content from UK dance label Toolroom Records. Looking at the NV, there’s not much that is different in the hardware, so it’ll be interesting to see how people use the NV to handle stems. This is one feature I’m keen to be let loose on for sure.

Summing Up

Numark and Serato appear to have taken the popularity of NI’s Kontrol S4 very seriously, and the Numark NV looks to be the response with bells on. It does fill the gap between the entry level Mixtrack Pro and the high end NS6 and NS7 II, but doesn’t seem to skimp on features. Strip Search is a notable omission, as is the removal of analogue mixer capability. But the Numark NV still comes across as being a very complex and comprehensive controller, that if anything has more focus because it is only a controller.

You’ll be able to see the Numark NV for the first time at DJ Expo in Atlantic City in August. It’s priced at a very competitive $699, and once the final software features have been honed, it should be available “early fall”. We’re looking forward to pulling it apart in due course.

UPDATE: Street price is £559.99 and €699.99

Over to you

Game changer or rearranger? Has the next revolution in controllers been realised with the lines between hardware and software being blurred? Would you like this more if it were full standalone? Give Numark some honest and constructive feedback – they’re reading. 

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87 Comments

  1. Going to need a lot of money this Christmas I think….expect new products from Pioneer and NI soon..As soon as I saw Karl was hired by Numark I knew something big was coming.

    Pioneer still the club standard and NI will still have the controller market locked until big “EDM” stars use it, which is why Karl was brought on…do the same thing he did for V Moda.

    Looks good..will wait for reviews and my hands on.. But definitely looks good.

  2. It will be a big step going from laptop screen to something smaller and it will be interesting to see how it works of you are the kind of person used to seeing the wave forms side by side or on top of each other, given that you’ll now be working with 2 distinct displays.

    I like the way it is taking us back to a simpler and more historically familiar set up, more of a 2TT and a mixer feel.

    A bigger step would be a full stand alone unit. I take it that this is an interim step towards that and depending on what the competition does and how the sales are well see where it goes. …

    Not sure if it has the cue marker lit up somewhere on the jogs? I think that’s key moving back to a more traditional layout as you won’t need to look as much at waveforms if you can see some of that cue marker info around the jog.

    Probably doesn’t go as far as I’d like in terms of hardware and software integration but probably a good step. Not sure of the market though. I can’t see many who have controllers already upgrading to this just to swap laptop screens for controller screens.

      1. Definitely for new buyers I think. I would have liked to know my laptop could be stored away safely.

        If it becomes a ‘thing’ then newcomers adopting this workflow will surely be an easier sell to upgrade to a stand alone proposition when the time comes.

        Interesting to see how it goes and if anyone else follows suit!

  3. Whilst the idea of a stand alone unit is what we all want, the horse power required, storage options, cooling and the all important OS upgrades and bug fixes will probably make the unit unprofitable …. but put me on top of the list for one if they do figure that out. Meanwhile this sounds ideal and if priced right by retailers it should change the game and give serato the best line up of dedicated controllers.

        1. I don’t want redundant gear . I already have a computer that’s most likely more powerful and don’t want to be forced into buying another one.

          I also enjoy having the option of using wifi to pick up new tunes on the fly if the occasion warrants.

          I don’t know what you mean by “tied to a computer” either since my current DVS setup and this unit both rely on computers :S Anyway – to each his own…if this floats your boat – more power to ya.

    2. I would love a completely standalone controller, I hate having to use a laptop when all i really need is some CDJ2000 sized screens on a controller to give me all the info I need.
      I don’t think it’ll be that far off, with the rapid advance of mobile technology cpu’s and whatnot can be made smaller and use less power than ever. Most people probably have a smart phone that is almost as powerful as they’re laptop, if not more so! It is generally just storage and software issues holding back mobile cpu’s.

    4. This is really what people don’t seem to understand: the cost of a standalone unit. I see the biggest cost factor being software. I can’t see Serato being *fully* operational on just two small screens which means Numark would have to roll their own software. That’s just out of the question as they’re in no way a software company and they wouldn’t even have a base to even work off of like Pioneer have with rekordbox & CDJ firmware or Stanton have with the SCS4D’s software.

      The best company in a position to do a standalone unit would be Pioneer. The most logical route would be to do an updated XDJ-R1 that, in my opinion, ditches the CD drives, adds CDJ-esque screens, adds 2 more channels and runs a modified version of the software inside CDJs. Include a standalone mixer more like the DDJ-SX’s (the SZ’s is overkill) and you may be able to price it around $1300 which most people in the market for such a device would pay.

      My main gripe with the NV is that it looks a bit cheap in some places and my fear is also that if they do a higher end version it will be too big like the NS7II or the DDJ-SZ and it will have needless things like motorized platters that just inflate the price. My perfect size for a controller is along the lines of a DDJ-SX.

  4. Surely Serato and Numark know and believe a standalone solution is what people are after. Maybe Serato’s time would be better spent developing a rock solid ipad solution (Other tablet brands welcome but you cannot deny iPad’s dominance). Serato could focus on a single software solution for multiple users – all in one controllerist, modular controllerist, DVS and ipad only users etc. Manufactures could do whatever they wanted around it, full integration, tethered via cable etc.

    As great as this looks, dependance on hardware controls – buttons and knobs – for on screen activities, is kind of like carving in stone and could render such a unit obsolete way before it’s time. Touch/software controls are best as can be re-witten and configured how and whenever needs keeping functionality fluid – especially looking at add ons such as Tuna Knobs https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/samuelverburg/tuna-knobs-stick-em-to-your-tablet-and-its-a-contr)

    Next step? Numark introducing touch screens to units? integrating OS and storage? I’d be mighty impressed if they could compete with the iPad/iPod, which leads to the question why?

  5. I’ve never understood “As digital DJs, we’re all guilty of it. And our audience is more than aware of it too. And its name, rather unfairly, is Serato Face. This is the phenomenon of being rather more transfixed on the laptop-based waveforms and playlists than the actual DJ gear or crowd.” – Last time I checked, staring at a laptop was 100% optional. In fact, I know many DVS users (self included) who place the laptop below the work surface or even behind them. Basically just pick a track as we’ve done forever with vinyl, load it up, then all hands, eyes, and ears on the gear (decks/mixer) and crowd in front. Another baffling part of this is DJs who use CDs who criticize other DJs who use computer equipment to DJ with: Out of curiosity, please, if you don’t mind, explain this position of yours. What exactly is it about computers being used that seems to cause you so much angst and disdain for those who use them? Is it simply ignorance about the equipment or is it something else? There are many of us who are perplexed by this stance and would like to better understand it—especially considering just a few of the following facts:
    • CD players designed for DJ-use are actually computerized hardware/software equipment themselves

    • CD players designed for DJ-use read the exact same digital audio file formats as computers do (i.e.: AIFF, WAV, FLAC, MP3, etc.)

    • CD players designed for DJ-use have displays and graphical user interfaces that provide the user with the exact same information about the digital audio files they read as computers do (i.e.: library/crates, track titles/artists, track length, time elapsed, time remaining, track position, track waveform, key, tempo, pitch, BPM, cue points, bar count, grid markers, loop sections, album art, etc.)

    • CD players designed for DJ-use have the exact same button/controls/features as hardware/software designed to be used with computers do (i.e.: track select/search, play/pause, cue, pitch/tempo adjust, jog, scrub, key lock, looping, hot cues, quantizing, sync, etc.)

    • CD players designed for DJ-use have the exact same type of digital-to-analog processors, soundcards, etc. as computers do and the DJ-use hardware/software designed to operate with them.

    1. What exactly is it about computers being used that seems to cause you so much angst and disdain for those who use them?

      I love computers being used. I embrace all technology from turntables to iPhones and every stop in-between, and have done for my 30+ years of DJing. I have no clue why you would think otherwise considering that I’ve been running a technology-embracing DJ site for over a decade.

      I’m merely reporting on the phenomenon of gazing into a laptop screen to the detriment of the physical presence of the DJ. Good for you if you and others put it out of the way. But not everyone does, and the NV may well help them with that, even if it is gazing into two small screens instead of one big one.

      1. Sorry Mark, that wasn’t being directed towards you in anyway, rather those that have this perplexing view. LOVE your site BTW. Please keep up the great work!

  7. Am I the only person who doesn’t know what serato flip is? It’s mentioned on the nv page on Numarks site, have I unearthed something or have I been living under a rock?

  8. Here are some FAQs:

    – Price: $699
    – Does it come with Serato DJ: YES, included in the cost.
    – Does it work with Traktor, Virtual DJ, etc: YES! You can map it just as you would any other midi controller. The only advantage of having Serato is you get the visual feedback on the screens. No visual feedback with other software.
    – When is it available: September or so
    – Are there any more videos? Yes and they will be released (1) per month. Teaser and tip vids.
    – How come you didn’t put moving platters? We wanted to keep the price affordable.
    – Can I get a deal from Karl? NO ;)

    Karl Detken
    Numark

    2. Hi Karl,

      Great new device in collaboration with Serato!

      But I hope (but have my fears) Numark / Serato haven’t forgotten its NS7II customers. Though marketed as the best controller ever build (period) there are still some pretty pressing issues with the unit. For example no instant start (unless a work around is used) and abnormal drifting and loss of sync. All issues that have been posted by several users in the various support fora but sofar have not been dealt with. Not the support worthy of the most expensive Numark controller.

  9. An additional thought – wouldn’t it be nice if these screens could be used in addition to the laptop? So instead of having to close the laptop, perhaps the screens could display some additional info to compliment the laptop screen.

    1. That Mark would be a winning feature! It is not like Numark is intending to eradicate Serato face with the release of this product… the more flexibility they can provide with the conbination of all features offered, the more heads will turn towards this controller…

        1. It will be interesting to see how Serato video can be incorporated into the screens too.
          I think the data sent from Serato won’t be live streaming video as it’s “widget” style but it’s something that will grow as the product matures.

          This is a “slicer moment”. Remember when we first saw the Twitch?

          As for the remix stems, there was a reference to a new Serato feature on the NV feature plan which has since been removed but live remixing is on the way. The description was beyond cool but as it’s been removed I will wait for Serato to announce more but Native Instruments need to step up with something new now. Serato are going to me the average jock happy with this. I’m buzzin’.

  11. The price is good (if it translates to £410 UK) but yes, I would personally have liked to see something fully standalone. If you’re putting screens on it, then put a CPU & HDD inside and ditch the external laptop.

    Of course it’ll cost more but as is common with many manufacturers, there could be variations on a theme with the top model being a DDJ SZ style beast but with the ability to be used standalone a la Aero /R1.

    I had hoped for Numark to revisit the HDMIX concept but with a side-by-side layout. Now’s the time!

      1. Looks like it will be in the £550-560 region after all.

        My thoughts post-BPM three day playing: Needs a keyboard search on the unit itself, otherwise you still need access to your computer kb.

        Maybe a f/w update to add texting style chars to the pads?

  13. I think it looks amazing. Are the closed laptop adaptions a precursory reference to the successor of the NS7 mk2? Will touch screen scrolling capabilities be included in future NS7 decendents? This sort of thing evolves so fast I can’t help but think no matter how good the reviews are I’m still droolling over an essentially atavistic Darwinian electronic concept in flux. However, having said that, no matter how bittersweet a realisation this is, I must say I can’t wait for the future, especially given the smart and appealing aesthic of this =D

  14. I think Numark nailed it with this one. Would I buy it? NO. I’d like to have the mixer part please. I want to hook existing equipment. Great for a beginner but that’s where it ends.

  15. Hmmm. I think the denon 6000mk2 is a better bang for the buck even though there are no screens. I’m sure pio has something I the worx.

    Numark you should have put ai stand alone mixer. It might have raised the price a little but most people like to have a backup plan.

    1. Numark did their research – most people don’t need a built in mixer. It just adds to the base price for that potential market that doesn’t need it.

      And I think it’s a given that if Numark has a feature, then not far behind are Reloop and Pioneer with their take on it too. Perhaps it will be a single big screen with stacking waveforms.

        1. People plug iPods into the aux port of their controllers too. I’m talking specifically about the need for full sets of phono and line inputs along with the relevant circuitry and switches to run them through the controller.

  16. I like the Idea but it would be nice to have leds on the jogs … and how does the library space hold up My collection is large does it accetps 3.0 usb?

  17. Nice stuff, but for a professional use, I need a send/return FX. When will I see this on a controller? Perhaps with the next big thing of Numark :)

    It would be a cool feature to have a video preview or thumbnail when you mixing with Serato Video also. Don’t forget that Numark was one of the first DJ company with some DVJ gear, but it was too early. Now there is some awesome softwares like Mix Emergency or Serato Video.

    @ Karl Detken, if you want to kill the Pioneer supremacy in the club environment and not only in the bedroom or with mobile DJ, you need to make a perfect CDJ killer, I want the next V7 with screen, pad, working with serato DJ or USB key…
    I know it’s a big challenge, but It will be better for the DJs to have the choice when they going to mix in a club.

    1. I see this comment about needing a send/return loop a lot. Given the range of iZotope effects (both bundled and available to buy), and how they’re implemented, the majority of users are probably perfectly happy. And it’s a lot simpler too, which in turn keeps the price down.

      1. DDJ SZ kills this with the fact the SDJ soft efx are not post-fader. No fault of Serato mind you just a trade off by Pioneer with the implementation of DVS in the SZ.

        1. the SDJ software fx ARE post fader, it is the SZ that is hardware based that can’t get the post fader trail from the serato fx (as opposed to the DDJ SX which can)

      2. I agree, Mark so this NV is a all in one easy mobile setup at good price, but I’m waiting for the next generation like a lot of people, something more professional with that send/return function … It’s actually why I stopped to use a controller after 4 years with it.

        Go to next step numark.

        I want to use my mad Pioneer RMX 1000 … Even the pioneer SZ at high price can’t do that. Be the 1st :)

      3. I don’t agree, iZotope effects are garbage and limited compared to effect boxes like a kaoss pads or rmx-1000. I even use studio gear effects from alesis that is the best.

  19. Not really seeing the point of this. The built in screens are supposed to keep the dj’s eyes off their laptop so they can focus more on the crowd, but why does a laptop hinder a dj from focusing on the crowd? Really, a dj is going to focus on waveforms whether they’re built in to the controller or on a laptop screen either way. It’s almost like Numark is just taking the distraction and moving it.

    1. Because rather than looking like they’re checking emails, they are engaging with their “instrument”.

      There’s no big screen (or even a 13″ screen) between the DJ and crowd.

      I get it.

  20. why can’t they just bloody make one that requires no laptop. i just want a better quality SCS4DJ with that type of info on screen, why would i want to have my laptop closed stashed away (or in my eyes getting hot through no ventilation)

  21. I think this is a good move. One thing I would have like to see in this controller and previous controllers is a send and return efx for the mic. Native Instruments controllers S2/S4 and Z2 allows you to send mic to Traktor’s efx, however the S2 and S4 has no eq which is a big turn off for me.

    Now I know SDJ don’t have this feature, but If the NV had a external send and return for the mic I would buy it.

    It’s a shame no controller has this feature. I see almost all the features of the traditional mixer has carried over to the controllers except this feature.

  22. I’m not sure that moving the screen location from one place to another is going to change DJ behavior (staring at a computer screen vs staring at a controller screen), but if it helps DJs get faster/better access, by all means, this is good.

  23. I think this is useless because the computer is Still mandatory. It’s just another gadget. I would prefer a 4 channels controller with dvs capabilities like s4 or sz, with 2crossfaders (video), enough pads and a strip search. No need of an external mixer.
    It would be great with cross dj…

    1. But this will come.

      We are seeing the first “baby steps” of a product and this will be refined with future models incorporating more and more until the laptop vanishes. You don’t just jump to it, you test the water.

      To eliminate all but a keyboard is a pretty good step to the elimination of the laptop.

      £500 mobile phones are getting upto laptop speeds now. To put anot app or custom OS onto one and use the processor and memory as a “computer” would be better. Just a pumped up Stanton thingy.

      And I can’t agree it’s “useless”.

      If you didn’t look at a screen it’s as good as an NS6.

  24. It’s a shame that they bundle this with Serato DJ. Or more to the point, it is a shame that they aren’t planning on making it available to use with other DJ programs. That’s enough to make it a no-go for me. I’m tired of all these Serato bundles….I am a proud Virtual DJ user, and it would be amazing to see Numark really take the reins and market a controller to take full advantage of the awesomeness that is Version 8. Oh well, alas, I wait…

    1. Well they have to work together then.

      Hardware/software companies develop relationships and bounce ideas back and fourth to see what is technically possible and if it’s financially beneficial then features like this go ahead.

      You can’t knock it for being only Serato as they have helped develop it. Maybe if Atomix once again teamed up with a hardware partner something like this would be possible. Just don’t expect Numark and Serato to pump money into R&D for this to be ‘piggybacked’ by someone else.

      Anyway, if Numark did all the R&D themselves with no input from tell guys over in New Zealand (highly unlikely) then if VDJ stump up the cash they could probably get access to the screens.

      It’s a Serato controller designed to work with Serato wit development from Serato. I doubt they’ll open up for all to use.

    2. You can use it with other DJ programs, but when being used with other DJ programs the only part on the controller that is not usable is the 2 screens, other then that everything else is able to work with other software.

  25. if this works 100 percent, all the time: THANK YOU NUMARK.

    There are many, many, many of us that like CDJs, specifically CDJ 2000s, but cannot afford them/don’t want to spend that kind of cash.

    I DJ weekly in public for money. My stuff can’t not work ever.

    On to the design: LONG-THROW PITCHFADERS. YES.
    For those of us that DJ in a traditional way, this is what keeps us away from controllers. Though i do wish the deck layout was mirrored, meaning: why is the left pitchfader on the left + right pitchfader on the right?

    It’s black! Thank you. Most of us who DJ for money don’t want our controllers looking like DJ Hero controllers.

    It has LED’s! Crucial, if one wants to be able to close the laptop. We all know about the loudness wars, and even legitimately purchased tracks from a few years ago are softer than stuff coming out today. Gotta be able to see our gain levels.

    It has MPC pads, like almost every other toy controller on the market.
    DJ controller manufacturers: let me tell you something: 99.999 percent of DJs don’t use performance pads. DJ Shiftee or the DJ Tech Tools guy uses them to make mashup brostep once in a video. No one else ever really touches them. MPC pads are just something that’s ‘in’ right now because of AraabMuzik + Jeremy Ellis, and because bedroom DJs are told this is something they need. Oh well.

    METAL CUE/PLAY/SYNC BUTTONS? REALLY? YES!!!!!!
    Numark is finally realizing that these buttons will be pressed 10000 times more than any other buttons on the unit. Might as well make them sturdy and accurate to press. This is something Denon gets wrong with their soft buttons…sure they feel nice, but when you’re trying to engage a cue/play/hotcue, you need a ‘click’!

    The whole design looks OK. not Pioneer-perfect, but not bad.
    I know, the DJs who like the spinning platters of the NS7 are screaming right now…but surely that will be an option in the future for those who want it.
    Same for people who want send/return, mixer capabilities etc: y’all chill. Numark and other manufacturers will have your back with other models that do this.

    As mentioned before, if this thing works like it says on the tin (no random shutdowns, screen loss etc) this is a WINNER.

    Gemini tried to do this with the CDJ 700…and largely succeeded. The design, button feel, and screen were all on point.

    But what Gemini was missing with the CDJ 700 was the organization and workflow thats packed into the Pioneer CDJ series with rekordbox.

    With a DVS system, i can be at a gig, grab a playlist, and search it instantly for BPM and key information. Heck, I can search my whole collection using a number of search parameters if i want to. Having this ability at a gig is an advantage. However, some don’t like DVS because of setup/breakdown issues during multi-DJ gigs, and of course there’s always the presence of a damn laptop in the booth or on stage.

    This is why the CDJ 2000/2000 Nexus works: it gives you the benefits of a DVS with the reliability of CDs.

    If this is reliable, it will do what a $3000-$4000 group of products do for only $600, because all of the CPU heavy lifting is done by a laptop instead of inside the units.

    NICE.

    I obviously don’t see this replacing the Nexus players and DJM 900s/Xone 92s at Fabric or Berghain, but for 70-80 percent of DJs, this seems like a perfect solution.

    One could have this rig at home, use it for practice, and also take it to gigs where you are the sole performer. Using this gear and learning this workflow would mean that CDJs and DJMs and Xone 92s would be easy for you to work with after cutting your teeth on the NV.

    Again: NICE.
    If this works perfect, Numark, you have done something really legit here.
    It looks pro and has pro functions, and isn’t extremely expensive.
    Plus, you can close the laptop if you want to!

    1. Yep, this is like a cheaper CDJ setup.
      Those who are mad about ‘no parallel waveforms’ — keep the laptop open! That, or learn to nominally beatmatch.

  26. What excites me most about this isn’t the unit itself, it’s the statement that Numark is making. They’ve taken what has been a much sought after feature and implemented it (yes, I know there have been other products to do this but none that have been as compelling as this iteration). I’m excited to see how the other heavy hitters of the industry will respond. NI has been pretty quiet as of late, maybe they’re planning something similar? And can you imagine something like the SZ implementing this kind of tech (with some external USB compatibility thrown in for good measure)? I’m drooling just at the thought.
    Many kudos to Numark for stepping up their game in such a dramatic way. The future looks bright, indeed.

      1. In general I would say Serato is more suited to one (slightly bigger) screen in the middle, than 2 screens that mock the usual CDJ layout.
        I wouldn’t want to miss the stacked waveforms of Serato. For me its one of the best features.

  28. Correct me if I’m wrong, but do the 3 “screen layers” not show what auto loop count is currently selected? If not, they need to add it in because that’s probably the only thing someone would “need” to see on screen aside from time elapsed/remaining.

  31. In response to the “not a mixer” section… Consumers want it to be a stand alone mixer in case software craps out. We want the option so we have a backup ready to go so we’re not stuck like a deer in headlights. That’s the positive “benefit” not to use both at once.

  32. I really like this. Last week i got my laptop with music and my Traktor S4 stolen in a armed robbery. As i now have to start from ZERO with music and controller, I will switch to Serato DJ using this controller . looking forward to this new venture

  34. So, how can I see the four channels working together? I mean, If I want to see or put some samples while there’s 2 channels already playing music? In Traktor S4 there’s a button to change between decks. Where can I see that in this controler?

      1. Thanks a lot for your answer, but I have another question. How can I navigate in my notebook playlists and load the tracks to the decks? There’s a button for that or do I need to use the navigate button of the screens?