Numark Mixdeck Universal DJ System (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

I purchased this item for house parties and just because I have always been interested in learning to DJ but never wanted to spend that much. The Mixdeck has done everything I expected from it. It allows multiple sources which I have found awesome as a backup for when I use it as a controller.I keep 2 duplicated flash drives in the usb ports with about 250-500 songs. There have been 2 occasions when I was dj'ing someone elses party and had my software crash on me but I was quickly able to swap from PC to deck and continue the music with less than a few second delay.I am giving it 5 stars because the device has exceeded my expectations but there are some negatives should probably point out.My requirments when this was purchased were for a device that I could:use with multiple sourcesuse as a controlleruse with or without computereasy to useportablegood build qualityall of these are a check and it is much better for scratching than I had anticipatedI purchased in July of 2012 and in 3 months I have learned more than I expected and feel I have outgrown the device primarily due to swapping from virtualDj to Traktor. I find that it is a very limited controller for use with traktor. The platters are also not as accurate as I would like (having tried other more expensive ones).This is nothing against the Mixdeck but rather my needs have changed. I would purchase this again and will be keeping mine because its still excellent for what it does.Another negative is that you can't access both flash drives from either deck.The BPM reading is not always very accurate but the "tap" for manual BPM fixes that, also it forces you to learn to beatmatch by ear. (most BPM calculators on hardware do not scan the whole song and thus can give the wrong BPM)I will buy Numark again possibly the S2.My recomendation for anyone getting into djing and eyeing this device is to think of what your main use will be. Are you only planning to plug into a computer and use as a controller? If thats the case then there are better options out there, mixdeck quad? others.Want a stand alone device or an all in one then this is awesome.

I've been using this controller for about 6 months now. I've played at least one show a week with it since i've had it and have become very comfortable using it. I began playing from thumb drives and CDs with it but have since acquired a laptop and have been using the copy of VDJ-LE. Virtual DJ is an adequate program. I have learned a TON on this controller and have really enjoyed having it. There are a couple missing features that bother me. Only the decks of the controller communicate with a computer, the mixer itself doesn't send out MIDI, making recording on a computer a pain in the ass. The knobs and faders all feel a little bit cheap. As a whole the controller looks a little plastic and slightly toy-ish. I purchased the case Numark makes for it to make it look more professional as well as protect my investment. I wish the thumb drives on each deck were connected, or rather that there was only one thumb drive input necessary. The iPod input isn't worth a whole lot, can't really be used to mix with but maybe they intended it simply for recording ability? Seems like they could've either left the feature out entirely or made it a little more useful. There is no Fade effect built into the deck, although it can be mapped in Virtual DJ but then you lose control of something else. Despite all of these complaints/criticisms, this is an alright little controller. This price range is a difficult one to find real quality in, it's almost worth saving twice as much and getting the next step up. I pretty quickly outgrew this deck and am now really hungry for more but to satisfy it will cost a lot of money so for now I'm sticking with the Mixdeck.

The best thing about this unit, aside from all the features it boast, is that you don't have to bring your laptop. If you really want to use your laptop to mix then this probably isn't the best solution. Rather go with something like the Numark NS6 or NS7. On the other, if you want to ditch the laptop with all the config/software/BSOD/blah blah blah problems associated with it and hit the road as minimalist as possible, then this is the mix console to buy along with the Numark Case of course. Now all I have to bring with me to rock any party are two 16GB USB thumb drives loaded with identical music needed for the gig, my MIXDECK, headset and mic, two powered speakers with tripods, a powered sub, all the cables and cords, and nothing more. It's a one man show pushing 3000 watts of clean and continuous power, and everything fits in my Neon. The MIXDECK is the ultimate mixing system for the DJ desiring to be mobile, accessible, and flexible.

Honest and true, Numark had a great idea in conceptualizing such a product. It seems to have everything a DJ needs for a set, or for any type of engagement. Problem is, it only last for a glorious moment.The soundcard is faulty... I plugged it in the day I got it, and started operating it, no problems. mixer worked, and the midi CDJs worked (keep that in mind, it's a sound card and 2 midi's, not all in one). The day after that, the soundcard stopped working. Then the CDJs broke down on me. I had to do research to find out that the CDJs have to have firmware updated. I also found out that I wasn't the only one having soundcard issues - and that it wasn't a simple firmware update fix.My issue is, for a product I have bought and paid for, Brand new, I should expect quality and perfection out of box. I've bought used equipment that worked perfectly, so I expected more from a product NRFB.I just sent it back and got my refund. Not worth the hassle; I'm investing in a NS7 soon.