It’s not possible to overstate the impact that the original Numark Mixtrack Pro had on the DJ scene. The numbers that Numark shifted were unheard of, and to my knowledge are unmatched today by anyone. And we’ve seen various iterations over the years, each one dipping into what’s hot in the DJ scene and delivering a more affordable version for beginners. And this is very true of the new Numark Mixtrack Pro Fx and Mixtrack Platinum FX models — yes two this time.
Heaps of words and pictures to digest, and then we can get into the details that separate them:
NUMARK®’S NEW MIXTRACK FX DJ CONTROLLERS GIVE EASY ACCESS TO PROFESSIONAL EFFECTS
The Mixtrack Platinum FX and Mixtrack Pro FX controllers give all DJs easy access to pro features with effects buttons, large 6-inch capacitive-touch jog wheels, and 16 multi-function performance pads.
Fort Lauderdale, FL USA (May 12, 2020)— Numark (numark.com), a long-time innovator of DJ solutions, introduces two new DJ controllers, the 4-deck Mixtrack Platinum FX and the 2-deck Mixtrack Pro FX. These controllers establish new benchmarks at this DJ controller price point for delivering a full roster of features, great sound, ease of use and remarkable value for DJs just getting started, as well as established DJs looking for professional features at a great price.
Mixtrack Platinum FX—
This 4-deck DJ controller with jog wheel displays and effects paddles provides easy access to the key features any DJ needs to create their best performance. Everything a DJ needs to sound professional right away! The large 6-inch jog wheels, 24-bit digital soundcard for pristine sound quality, six dedicated software effects buttons for easy transitions, 16 performance pads for hot cues, auto loop, fader cuts and sampling make it easy for any DJ to sound their best.
An easy-to-navigate effects section delivers perfect transitions. Dual paddle triggers, previously only available on higher priced controllers, enable DJs to mix with software effects on each channel. Apply dry/wet and adjust the beat multiplier for just the right feel.
At the heart of the Mixtrack Platinum FX is direct access to six dynamic software effects:
- Echo
- Reverb
- Flanger
- Phaser
- HPF (High Pass Filter)
- LPF (Low Pass Filter)
Control the Music with Large 6-inch Jog Wheels
The capacitive-touch jog wheel design has a large 6-inch surface for more control over scratching and precise cue placement. Rugged grooves on the side enable the DJ to nudge their mix into place. In the center of the jog wheel are bright, high-resolution displays with critical song information such as:
- Beats Per Minute (BPM)
- Platter position
- Time remaining indicator
- Pitch adjustment and speed position
Four Decks in the Mix
With the Mixtrack Platinum FX, DJs have access to four layered decks to create remixes and mashups on the fly. Access decks 3 and 4 by simply tapping the deck select button.
Stream Millions of Songs
Never run out of music and keep the dance floor shaking! Both of these controllers come with Serato DJ Lite, giving streaming access to millions of songs via TIDAL or SoundCloud. Upgrade to Serato DJ Pro to unlock even more features. Plus, Mixtrack users get three free months of TIDAL!
Mixtrack Platinum FX Key Features
- 4-deck layering DJ controller
- (6) Fun, quick-launch effects with dual paddle triggers
- Large 6-inch, high-resolution capacitive-touch jog wheels with color displays
- Dedicated instant loop
- Full 3-band EQ and filter knobs to create audio sweeps
- (16) Performance pads to access cues, loops, fader cuts and samples
- 24-bit audio output
- Microphone input and headphone output
- Includes Serato DJ Lite
- Free 3-month subscription to TIDAL Premium upon product registration*
Mixtrack Pro FX—
The Mixtrack Pro FX has all the features of the Mixtrack Platinum FX, but in a 2-deck configuration, replacing the jog wheel displays with standard capacitive-touch jog wheels. The perfect DJ controller for those looking to develop and build their DJ skills.
Mixtrack Pro FX Key Features
- 2-Deck DJ controller
- (6) Fun, quick-launch effects with dual paddle triggers
- Large 6-inch, high-resolution capacitive-touch jog wheels
- Dedicated instant loop
- Full 3-band EQ and filter knobs to create audio sweeps
- (16) Performance to access cues, loops, fader cuts and samples
- 24-bit audio output
- Microphone input and headphone output
- Includes Serato DJ Lite
- Free 3-month subscription to TIDAL Premium upon product registration*
“With the new Mixtrack Platinum FX and Mixtrack Pro FX DJ controllers, Numark has re-defined the performance feature set and ease of use for all DJs, whether they are just developing their skills, or are well-established, advanced users,” said Chris Roman, Senior Product Manager for Numark. “The key here—as with all Numark DJ products—is fun. It’s fun to let your ideas and creativity flow with a controller whose features work with you instead of getting in your way. These new Mixtracks make you a better DJ, no matter where you are on the spectrum.”
The Mixtrack Platinum FX and Mixtrack Pro FX will ship in May 2020 with the following US retail pricing: Mixtrack Pro FX: $199.00
Mixtrack Platinum FX Pro: $249.00
*Available to new TIDAL customers only
A quick comparison
Before I get into the product differences, let’s have a quick scan over the changes from the last Mixtrack release:
- Bigger jog wheels
- A red/black aesthetic like the Numark Scratch mixer.
- Asymmetric layout i.e fader on the right of the jog wheels
- A more conventional mixer section layout
- Large filter knobs in line with EQ
- Easier pad mode access
- Fat effects paddles
- Central effects section (software, not hardware)
- More accessible loop controls
- …and probably more. There’s always something.
Overall, the new Mixtracks have a much better workflow. I won’t miss the strip search or the more Traktor like effects implementation, and welcome the named effects and how they work.
It’s interesting to see the effects paddles seen on Rane and Pioneer DJ mixers make it onto the Mixtracks too. As well as working well, they offer a more visual element for DJs.
BUT DO WE NEED BOTH?
This was my first question when I saw them. The jog wheels are obviously different between the two, but the other changes less so. I had to look at the PR to see what was different, and it seems to the jog wheel displays, 4 decks (but not four channels — hate that), and if the manual is to be believed, the Platinum lacks the censor button too. Hmm… $50 difference you say?
Now when I asked Numark, they explained that $50 at this price point is a big difference, and some may well prefer to keep that money in their pocket and look at the laptop screen instead. I can understand that, but my head is telling me that if the Pro didn’t exist, they’d sell just as many Platinums. Now if the Platinum had true 4 channels and came with Serato DJ Pro, then I could understand both models, but I still have my reservations.
Ultimately it doesn’t matter. Numark is going to sell these by the containerload because they are bloody good controllers by the look of them. The Mixtrack Platinum in particular on a pure controller level looks as good as anything out there in this price bracket and possibly higher.
SUMMING UP
While inMusic threw heaps of cash at the Rane and Denon DJ brands, Numark has been taking a bit of a breather. The excellent Numark Scratch mixer was out towards the end of last year, and with the target audience of the new Mixtracks, Numark seems to be finding its feet again, sitting neatly below Rane (their premium turntablist brand) and Denon DJ (their premium club brand) and filtering down the best features of both but at a more affordable price.
Speaking of which, the Numark Mixtrack Pro FX is $199/€249/£194, and the Mixtrack Platinum FX is $249/€289/£229. Given the current climate, I’d expect them to be in shops soon, but when is anyone’s guess.
GALLERY
