Buttons on a Budget – Numark Mixtrack Review

Written by djdrk on September 5th, 2011 86 Comments

Numark, known for their reasonably priced and feature-rich DJ equipment, released the Mixtrack around mid-2010. The Mixtrack, apart from being budget friendly, packs a plethora of features in a compact chassis with controls and layouts that are recognizable by a DJ of any capacity. Weighing in at only 4.15 lbs its super convenient to grab along with your laptop and transport straight to your gig.

THE GOOD

Solid, plastic construction and mappings available for Traktor and VDJ7.
Robust and efficient jog wheels.
USB powered.
Well spaced layout.
Everything on the surface sends out MIDI control.
Backlit buttons on most controls.

THE BAD

The buttons are slightly uncomfortable because they’re rigid and have a firm press and release.
Not equipped with a built in sound card.
No tension control on the jog wheels.
faders can be easily bent if a lot of pressure is applied.

A NO-HASSLE BUDGET CONTROLLER

You’ll be right at home with this easy to use and fully outfitted controller from Numark. It’s almost too easy to transport to your gigs and back. The unit also comes with ready to use versions of Traktor or Virtual DJ, so there’s no hassle setting up or purchasing software to get started. The lack of an internal audio interface is a letdown, but All in all, this is a really cost effective controller.

UNIT OVERVIEW

The Mixtrack was released as an entry level DJing console but it possesses the potential for an even greater use. It might not have all the bells and whistles of a super controller (like The Traktor S4), but it is actually more practical than a Vestax VCI-300. For those that require a sound card, Numark released the Mixtrack Pro ($229.99 MSRP) which is the same controller with a basic internal sound card. There’s also another version that’s totally compatible with your iPod, called the iDJ3.

Even though the buttons on the unit are plastic they can withstand a beating. One downside is that they don’t have that soft squishy feeling like some high-grade controllers and can feel fairly stiff at times. The crossfader is relatively smooth and can be used for scratching although it might not be as long as you might like it to be.

The line faders have a smooth resistance but can get bent easily. The quality is on par with the price point, but don’t expect to take this thing on the road for extended periods.

One area of strength is in the touch sensitive jog wheels, which are large and fairly responsive. For such a in-expensive product, you do get a lot of surface area to play with.

One benefit of the plastic buttons is the visual feedback you get from the backlighting, which is strong and clear. I should also mention that it is powered straight from your computer’s USB bus, so there’s no need for any external power supply.

The control surface has cue gain and cue mix knobs so you can hear what you need to. There’s a set of 3 band EQ kill buttons on both sides of unit. Key lock and cue (headphone) buttons are placed at ideal locations. Manual and Auto Loop buttons are a good addition to the beneficial controls. The ‘Scratch’ button toggles between using the jog wheels like a vinyl or a pitch bend tool (like beatmatching when the record is already playing). Then you have all the basic transport controls like Play/Pause, Stutter, Cue and Sync.

The Mixtrack is a fully MIDI-compliant controller. Therefore, you’re not restricted to using Traktor or Virtual DJ and can use any other software that supports MIDI mapping. It works seamlessly with Traktor and VDJ straight out of the box as they both provide built in templates that match the controls. There’s no need to even install drivers on a PC or Mac.

Price: $129
Communication: MIDI over USB (doesn’t require power supply) / Mac and Windows
Available: Now!
Ships with: Virtual DJ LE (America & Canada), Traktor LE (Europe & Asia Pacific)

THE BOTTOM LINE

With the two years that I’ve had my Mixtrack, I have to say, this unit has brought me further into the world of DJing and hasn’t let me down even once. If you’re looking for a cheap, entry-level controller, this very well might be the unit for you.

I Loved This Article >

http://www.facebook.com/witthoft David Witthoft

An extra 80 bucks for the built in sound card on the Mixtrack pro? No thank you. I’ll take a 10 dollar USB soundcard instead
http://www.facebook.com/witthoft David Witthoft

An extra 80 bucks for the built in sound card on the Mixtrack pro? No thank you. I’ll take a 10 dollar USB soundcard instead
http://www.djayggregator.com/2011/09/06/more-buttons-for-your-budget-%e2%80%93-numark-mixtrak-review/ More Buttons for Your Budget – Numark Mixtrak Review | Djayggregator

[...] being budget friendly, packs a plethora of features in a compact chassis with controls and… Read more Go to Source Share this on: Mixx Delicious Digg Facebook [...]
http://twitter.com/JustinSxE Justin Sy (DJ EDGE)

*Mixtrack

But yes, it’s a great entry-level controller, I’ve played my share of gigs with it, and it hasn’t let me down since I bought it.
http://twitter.com/JustinSxE Justin Sy (DJ EDGE)

*Mixtrack

But yes, it’s a great entry-level controller, I’ve played my share of gigs with it, and it hasn’t let me down since I bought it.
Tim

great controller if you like mapping the crap out of it, i think i have re-mapped at least half the controller allready. My only complaint is that it doesn’t have channel meters but small complaint for a 150 dollar controller
Tim

great controller if you like mapping the crap out of it, i think i have re-mapped at least half the controller allready. My only complaint is that it doesn’t have channel meters but small complaint for a 150 dollar controller
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=535064285 Jeli Maniago

the good thing is the sound card. but theres nothing on it
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=535064285 Jeli Maniago

the good thing is the sound card. but theres nothing on it
kiet kat

I got this controller when it came out in august 2010: the buttons are sturdy enough for everyday mixing, but I like to pound the buttons like a midi fighter which ended up wrecking a couple of buttons, but it was a really easy fix: it is like a russian tank cheap sturdy and gets the job done.
kiet kat

I got this controller when it came out in august 2010: the buttons are sturdy enough for everyday mixing, but I like to pound the buttons like a midi fighter which ended up wrecking a couple of buttons, but it was a really easy fix: it is like a russian tank cheap sturdy and gets the job done.
FooJ

I just got one of these. Every once in a while if I scratch a LOT, the jog wheel will stop responding, and I have to switch scratch mode on and off. But nobody else seems to be complaining about it, so maybe I just got a bum one. You can scratch and juggle with it! I actually get less drift using the mixtrack to juggle than I did with relative timecode vinyl.
Knoware74

im wondering what the manuel button does… maybe you press it and a dude comes and cleans your pool?
Knoware74

im wondering what the manuel button does… maybe you press it and a dude comes and cleans your pool?
Roman

odd review this seeing as the original Mixtrack came out some 2+ years ago

but i co-sign it being the BEST entry level controller on the market!!!!
Roman

odd review this seeing as the original Mixtrack came out some 2+ years ago

but i co-sign it being the BEST entry level controller on the market!!!!
Anonymous

I’m not sure if this is the same controller, but I played around with a low end Numark controller at Bestbuy a few months back, and it felt WAY, WAAAAY cheaper and toyish than my hercules steel. Granted, the steel doesn’t have touch sensitive jogs, and it sucks for scratching, but it definately makes up for it in every other aspect. I have beaten and slapped it around so much in the last few years and it still feels like new, faders, buttons, knobs and all. I can’t stress how good of a controller the steel is for the money. I honestly don’t know why djtt has not done a review on it.
Rob Francis

Your review needs more pictures – can’t see the whole unit anywhere
Rob Francis

Your review needs more pictures – can’t see the whole unit anywhere
http://www.facebook.com/people/Frank-Labate/548587176 Frank Labate

“The Mixtrack was released as an entry level DJing console but it posses
the potential for an even greater use. It might not have all the bells
and whistles of a super controller (like The Traktor S4), it actually
more practical than a Vestax VCI-300.”

I hope I don’t have to point out this grammatical error. Also would be nice if you expanded upon how this controller is “more practical than a Vestax VCI-300″…
http://www.facebook.com/people/Frank-Labate/548587176 Frank Labate

“The Mixtrack was released as an entry level DJing console but it posses
the potential for an even greater use. It might not have all the bells
and whistles of a super controller (like The Traktor S4), it actually
more practical than a Vestax VCI-300.”

I hope I don’t have to point out this grammatical error. Also would be nice if you expanded upon how this controller is “more practical than a Vestax VCI-300″…
guest

I found this review hard to read – it felt really poorly written and had some really awkward wording/phrasing and grammar. Dunno, maybe the writer only took one pass at it, or maybe theyre just not experienced at writing reviews…
guest

I found this review hard to read – it felt really poorly written and had some really awkward wording/phrasing and grammar. Dunno, maybe the writer only took one pass at it, or maybe theyre just not experienced at writing reviews…
http://www.eangolden.com Ean Golden

totally agreed. some-how this slipped through our editors hands and it came out with a lot of errors. I have since cleaned it up.
http://www.eangolden.com Ean Golden

totally agreed. some-how this slipped through our editors hands and it came out with a lot of errors. I have since cleaned it up.
Xjaja0

There might be some modding potential for the mixtrack too, but I think the thread for it on the forum is dying.
Xjaja0

There might be some modding potential for the mixtrack too, but I think the thread for it on the forum is dying.
Jasoncourageouslion

I got the mixtrack pro and novation launchpad. Really good cheap but fun combo. Really good traktor mappings out there too for both controllers. I have full control over tp2. Plus with novation I have MF effects, awesomeness !!
Jasoncourageouslion

I got the mixtrack pro and novation launchpad. Really good cheap but fun combo. Really good traktor mappings out there too for both controllers. I have full control over tp2. Plus with novation I have MF effects, awesomeness !!
Anonymous

Some vids of this thing in action would be rad.
Anonymous

Some vids of this thing in action would be rad.
http://www.facebook.com/piopro James ‘Pioneer’ Burkill

well the mixtrak pro should have been reviewed built in sound card hello…
http://www.facebook.com/piopro James ‘Pioneer’ Burkill

well the mixtrak pro should have been reviewed built in sound card hello…
djerikt

I got my Numark MIXTRACK as open box at Guitar Center for $99. I love the controller. I use it for practicing, mix tapes, and performing live. With all of the new 2 channel controllers coming out, the MIXTRACK or the MIXTRACK PRO should be an option for anyone in the market for 2 track mixing controller. One major complaint is that the USB cord is not removable. I always wonder if squeezing the controller into my bag will bend and break the cable connection.
Love this site, read it all the time, but this is not a great review. The product being reviewed is actually spelled wrong in the title of the post itself. :(
djerikt

I got my Numark MIXTRACK as open box at Guitar Center for $99. I love the controller. I use it for practicing, mix tapes, and performing live. With all of the new 2 channel controllers coming out, the MIXTRACK or the MIXTRACK PRO should be an option for anyone in the market for 2 track mixing controller. One major complaint is that the USB cord is not removable. I always wonder if squeezing the controller into my bag will bend and break the cable connection.
Love this site, read it all the time, but this is not a great review. The product being reviewed is actually spelled wrong in the title of the post itself. :(
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000531686375 Futureglue Musik

Sounds great for an entry-level controller.

Now I’ll know what to recommend.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000531686375 Futureglue Musik

Sounds great for an entry-level controller.

Now I’ll know what to recommend.
PrimateCuts

Nice review, you really should mention the mixtrack PRO though, that actually has a build in sound card. So that point does not have to be on the contra list in my opinion.
PrimateCuts

Nice review, you really should mention the mixtrack PRO though, that actually has a build in sound card. So that point does not have to be on the contra list in my opinion.
PrimateCuts

oh yeah there it is, my bad….still shouldn’t be on the “BAD” list as there is a version with and without a sound card.
djerikt

that was a fast fix, but its still spelled wrong in the url.
selkie

options are not BAD
http://twitter.com/80sbham 80s Night

About time some one at DJTT dig into this! I have been a loyal Numark Total Control user for years (already on my 2nd one) but the platters on it are awful.

The Mixtrack looks great and they fixed the platters! Too bad they couldnt squeeze a few more knobs on it so it’s more like the Control…
http://www.djshazamm.com/buttons-on-a-budget-%e2%80%93-numark-mixtrack-review/ Buttons on a Budget – Numark Mixtrack Review | Las Vegas Electronica

[...] Numark, known for their reasonably priced and feature-rich DJ equipment, released the Mixtrack around mid-2010. The Mixtrack, apart from being budget friendly, packs a plethora of features in a compact chassis with controls and layouts that are… Read more [...]
Jamie

it doesn’t have it beat on the price.. It’s twice the money and still has no built in sound card :-/
K NOB5

a mexican named MANUEL comes out and cleans your pool jajaja I am mexican so I can tell this joke!
K NOB5

a mexican named MANUEL comes out and cleans your pool jajaja I am mexican so I can tell this joke!
http://twitter.com/djKonrad Ken Quinn ?

Why wasn’t the one WITH the internal sound card reviewed?
You know, the one Numark came out with INSTANTLY after when people were like “WTF, Why you no sound card?!”
Anonymous

Last I checked, one could be had for as low as $170. Definately worth the difference though. But I wouldn’t recommend the rmx as the soundcards in those are not that great. If you can get past the lack of touch sensitivity, and don’t care to scratch, the jogs work great for FX. I have different Beatslicer settings mapped to my cue/play/stop buttons and just reach one finger up to move the jog to change the sound. Not a big deal.

Otherwise, every bit as good of a controller as the original vci.
Anonymous

Last I checked, one could be had for as low as $170. Definately worth the difference though. But I wouldn’t recommend the rmx as the soundcards in those are not that great. If you can get past the lack of touch sensitivity, and don’t care to scratch, the jogs work great for FX. I have different Beatslicer settings mapped to my cue/play/stop buttons and just reach one finger up to move the jog to change the sound. Not a big deal.

Otherwise, every bit as good of a controller as the original vci.
Anonymous

Last I checked, one could be had for as low as $170. Definately worth the difference though. But I wouldn’t recommend the rmx as the soundcards in those are not that great. If you can get past the lack of touch sensitivity, and don’t care to scratch, the jogs work great for FX. I have different Beatslicer settings mapped to my cue/play/stop buttons and just reach one finger up to move the jog to change the sound. Not a big deal.

Otherwise, every bit as good of a controller as the original vci.
Obleezy

I picked one of these up brand new on amazon for $99, I LOVE IT. Easy to transport, looks way more expensive than it is, performs way better than you’d think for such a low price. I use it on Torq as they recently released a patch for it that allows full integration of the mixtrack with the software. Highly recommend it.
Dylan Thomas

Bought one of these dirt cheap. Apart from a broken cue button (from getting too enthusiastic) which I could easily fix, it’s been great.
Ginkgo

Can we talk about why anyone would design a controller with the master fader tucked right in between two narrowly spaced volume faders? I know that’s easily mapped to another control, but lordeeee…..
http://www.facebook.com/lamusicaquerida Laura Vasquez

seriously? common guys this is dj equipment review not a grammar class
http://www.facebook.com/lamusicaquerida Laura Vasquez

a winning combination:
mixtrack + audio 2 dj After a night of painful mapping, this unit works flawless, it easily beats more expensive consoles like the VCI-300, hercules, M Audio xponent, yes the plastic like feel of the knobs is a minus but compensate with the spaced layout and the resistance in the knobs and faders.

the bad

* no detachable USB cord (I always worry when I put it in the bag)
* plastic like feel of the knobs

the good

* fully mapable (if mapable is a word)
* the backlights are awesome (I even have some sync with the beat so I can tell if the tracks are unsync just by looking at the controller)
Dan

I prefer your review
Dan

I prefer your review
sid

Ean, the quality of the site’s articles continue to fall as DJTT becomes larger. I feel as if your controller business’s success has allowed this site to become a second priority. Look at the photos for instance. 3 images, none with which provide any real understanding in the design or layout of the Mixtrack. Not to mention, the appear to be amateur shots when compared to say, the pictures in Chris’s Pioneer DDJ-S1 review. The content of the article is short and uninformative, making only basic descriptions of the controller. Honestly, it’s so basic, it almost sounds like it was written by someone relatively new to Djing.

You have a lot of people on your staff. Maybe its time to hire some professional writers?
sid

Ean, the quality of the site’s articles continue to fall as DJTT becomes larger. I feel as if your controller business’s success has allowed this site to become a second priority. Look at the photos for instance. 3 images, none with which provide any real understanding in the design or layout of the Mixtrack. Not to mention, the appear to be amateur shots when compared to say, the pictures in Chris’s Pioneer DDJ-S1 review. The content of the article is short and uninformative, making only basic descriptions of the controller. Honestly, it’s so basic, it almost sounds like it was written by someone relatively new to Djing.

You have a lot of people on your staff. Maybe its time to hire some professional writers?
Skatepittsstop

I started out with a Numark Mixtrack Pro, great unit for the money but be sure to get it with Traktor! Virtual Dj is lame in my opinion
keithace

just got one…i like it so far…remapping some things though…
http://www.ohdratdigital.com Chris

I’d just like to clarify that I am in no way implicated in this article’s publication. I know Ean didn’t mean to say that any errors were my fault, but in case there’s any doubt, they weren’t.
http://www.ohdratdigital.com Chris

I’d just like to clarify that I am in no way implicated in this article’s publication. I know Ean didn’t mean to say that any errors were my fault, but in case there’s any doubt, they weren’t.
Oi

a DJ named Manuel Juvera will do all the mixes for you :P
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Aphro79

Im pretty new to mapping but and I did see using the jog wheels to control 3 effects but I was wondering would it be possible if I created toggle buttons on lets say my laptop keyboard so if i pressed Z (just a example) it would allow me to control effect 1, X for effect 2, and C for effect 3 and pressing one would activate one effect but if none of them are pressed then all 3 effects would resume. If anyone understood that please reply lol
Knecht_r

i seem to have the same problem. it only appears occasionaly though.
Alan

I just bought traktor pro with a numark mixtrack to start getting into the DJ world. Does anyone know the best way to get jumpstarted on this? (besides youtube)
DJ~PARADISE

i got the virtual dj software,the mixtrack [not the pro] , and my laptop, what els do i need like speaker and amps and stuff like that to do a school dance gig??? for the lowest amount of ca$h???
Anonymous

Don’t spend and extra $80 on the Mixtrack Pro sound card or spend and extra $10 . Make a smart investment by buying the Native-Instruments Traktor Audio 2 DJ .