![]() ![]() The NS6 can run as both a controller and a mixer with each of the four channels having their own input selector between PC or Mic/Line/Phono inputs as well as a gain and three band EQ. The platters are another step up on the other two with 3600 ticks of resolution per rotation as well as bi-colour LED’s around each deck that provide an indication of both the deck in control and the decks playback status. The same 14-bit MIDI system on the N4 is in use on the NS6 so the platters, pitch faders and search strips really have a defined and sensitive response to all the subtleties of mixing. The NS6 is the biggest of the three controllers but the extra space is well utilized with the platters, faders and buttons all a lot more comfortably spaced from each other. ![]() The first thing you notice with the NS6 is its weight and feel with a metal housing adding an edge of brawn to its appearance. One of the premier pro grade controllers available, the NS6 makes great use of many of Numark’s most innovative features such as strip search and beat skip while integrating seamlessly with Serato’s Itch mixing software. There is a normal or scratch contour switch right next to your mini or quarter inch jack headphone output and the entire N4 is cast in a shiny lightweight grey plastic with a smart black covering on the face. The front of the N4 offers two Mic inputs each with a gain but a shared two band EQ. This brings me to another great feature of the N4 that it is set-up to run Timecode so guys can still break out the decks and use them. The master section of the N4 features balanced XLR and RCA outputs on the master output as well as an RCA booth output alongside two RCA inputs for phono or line. The video mixing on the N4 has also received some attention with dedicated buttons for video fading, crossfading and video effects. The N4 also makes great use of Shift buttons for its effects, sample and loop sections so all of those rotaries double up to other functions like halving and doubling for the looping section, volume for the sample section and hot cues. ![]() The N4 FX section gives you two selectable effects per channel with two rotatable sample slots and Loop In, Out, Reloop and Smart loop buttons. The control wheels are similar to the brilliant ones found on the Mixtrack Pro but the pitch faders are far longer and therefore you can really “feel” the response with a lot more sensitivity and accuracy thank to the N4’s High-Resolution 14-bit MIDI feedback system. The N4 manages the four deck transition quite gracefully with its unique colour four deck system which will light up the Play/Pause in either green, blue, red or orange depending on which channel you are on. The N4 is one of the lowest priced four channel/four deck controllers from pretty much anyone if you are shopping for a device with a built-in audio interface with control wheels that can also run as a standalone mixer. The Mixtrack Pro’s audio card is a solid 4-out card so you have stereo outputs on both the RCA master and quarter inch jack headphone outputs. ![]() You also have a three band EQ but no dedicated gain button while all of your browsing is coordinated via a push-in rotary with a back button to navigate your files and Load A and B to assign the tracks to their decks. Most of your important buttons are backlit and you have three effects slots, three hot cues, as well as simple Loop In/Out and Reloop buttons per side. They are both touch sensitive to allow for scratching on the top part of the platter while the sides are used for bending. The Mixtrack Pro has a very simple layout and feel with the best control wheels you are going to find at this price the only real hitch I have is that the pitch faders can feel a little cramped on the upper outside edges but those control platters are really worth the extra space. This is the perfect way to kick off this review, not only because of the price point, but also from a beginner’s perspective. Dave Skinz looks at three of Numark’s leading contenders in the highly competitive market of DJ controllers, from entry level, to semi-pro to professional. ![]()
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