The Numark iDJ3 controller is like the Mixtrack, only wider and with an iPod dock.
Hot on the heels of our review of Numark’s runaway success the Mixtrack, comes a look at the more intriguing Numark iDJ3 DJ controller.
A bit of history. First Numark released the iDJ, which was a gimmicky dock for two iPods, letting you mix from each. This was let down by one fatal flaw: Who has two iPods?
This was followed by the iDJ2, which was a far more grown-up affair, which let you mix from one iPod, and had a cool colour screen for scrolling through your library etc.
The iDJ2 is actually a practical piece of kit, and I have seen mobile DJs with it flight-cased at the heart of their setups. However, it is a controller from the time (not really so long back) when nobody had got scratching right on jogwheels on DJ controllers, and it has two small jogwheels that aren’t very good for club-style DJs at all.
So to our Numark iDJ3 review. You’d think from looking at it that it’s a logical development from the iDJ2, allowing you to mix on two decks from one iPod but with the acclaimed styling and tactile feel of the Mixtrack. But looks can be deceiving. Let’s delve a little deeper…
The controls are laid out sensibly and there are some nice touches, including good illumination feedback from the buttons.
It looks like wider Mixtrack
First thing to note is that the Numark iDJ3 looks like a stretched Mixtrack. It’s got the same style of controls, including the great jogwheels that make the Mixtrack so much fun.
It also has the same cheapish feel to it, although once you start using these new Numark controllers you forget that – and they are keenly priced after all.
So what’s different about the iDJ3 over the Mixtrack? Three crucial things:
- It’s got an iPod dock
- It’s got a built-in soundcard
- It uses a different DJ program*
* Hang on, you may be saying, DJ program? I thought it was an iPod DJ station? Well it is and it isn’t… but more about that later on.
Features and controls
There are nice touches, like a centre light on the pitch controls to tell you when they’re set to 0; proper “kill” switches for the bass, mid and treble controls (that cut the frequency 100% when tapped, bringing it back up to where it was when tapped again – great for swapping basslines, dropping out vocals etc.); and handy autoloop controls to set up quick beatmatched loops for on-the-fly remixing (or just a loop at the end of the playing record while you quickly find another tune).
There are also deck reverse buttons, and scratch off/on controls to turn the platters from “scratching” behaviour to nudge behaviour, ie where you can nudge the track slower or faster to keep it in perfect time with the other one.
(Don’t worry, though, all you “I can’t beatmatch!” DJs – there are big sync buttons alongside the standard cue and play/pause buttons.)
The transport controls also feature stutter buttons which allow you to momentarily drop the track in from the cue-point for chopping up vocals etc.
Finally for the “normal” controls, there are little pairs of pitch bend buttons at the top left and right of the unit, for times when you have the platters in scratch mode and wish to nudge a track back into time.
It’s also worth noting here that there are no FX controls, so no filtering, echoing, phasing etc with this setup.
The Numark iDJ2 offers full control over the iPod by a DJ controller, unlike the iDJ3.
How the iDJ3 works with your iPod
OK… so about that iPod dock bit. This unit should definitely be seen as complementing the iDJ2, which I imagine will continue in production, as the iDJ3 does something different here than Numark’s earlier unit.
Firstly, you have to use this with a laptop (or desktop, if you decide to go that way). The iPod won’t even play through it if you don’t! So if you’re looking at this unit to let you DJ without needing a computer, the iDJ2 is for you, not this one. (That’s why, if you know the iDJ2 and had been wondering, there’s no screen built-in for the iPod this time.)
Secondly, look at that third volume fader. Yup, you got it right. That’s for the iPod. You can’t use the platters to mix with the iPod at all. You can’t use any of the controls for either deck to manipulate the iPod’s music – you can simply play it and mix it in to what’s going on on the platters using that middle volume control
No, this is not an iPod mixing station – it’s a normal laptop DJ system which happens to have an iPod dock letting you play music from iPods too – as I say, as long as the computer is plugged in.
So a few questions immediately – what’s the advantage of having that iPod dock? And how does this work with a PC? What software does it have? Is it any good? Let’s answer those questions, starting with why that iPod dock might be useful for you:
How you can use the iPod dock on the iDJ2
- You could have this with a laptop and speakers as your home stereo/DJ system - Thus you can listen to your iPod through it (remember, you’ll still need the laptop on), and mix tracks in as you wish. We don’t always want to be mixing but it’s nice to have music on in the background. Your partner can play their iPod through it too without filling your iTunes with their music
- You can record on the iPod- The system is such that you can use the iPod to record your mixes as you’re playing from the PC. So if the idea of recording your DJ sets on the iPod for listening to on your headphones later straight from your iPod with no fuss appeals, you’re catered for here
- You can download tunes to your iPod and play them immediately - Say you hear a tune in the car on the radio on the way to a gig. You can get on to iTunes, download it, and drop it into your set straight from your iPod in your gig immediately
- You can play upfront, exclusive, hard-to-find tunes from other people’s iPods when you’re DJing - Say you play every week at a bar or club and have a group of friends and other DJs who sometimes have tunes you’d love to play with them. You can just plug in and play straight away from their iPods
- It can be your iPod docking station for charging - If you have this set up in your living room as your main stereo as described above, you can (if you plug in an optional AC adapter rather than let the unit take its power from the USB which otherwise it is happy to do) use this as your iPod charging station
OK, so we’ve established the iPod bit is actually an add-on to a controller that is pretty much a Mixtrack with a built-in soundcard (learn more about DJ soundcards here, but basically, you don’t need one with this unit. One tick for simplicity). What about the software that comes with it?
The MixVibes Cross software is competent, and offers tight integration with iTunes.
MixVibes Cross LE software
The Numark iDJ3 comes with MixVibes Cross LE rather than Native Instruments’s Traktor Pro LE as with the Mixtrack. (The LE stands for “light edition”, by the way, meaning if you want all the features you have to upgrade to a paid edition. Pretty standard policy by most hardware manufacturers.)
While not as popular as Traktor, MixVibes Cross is a competent and functional piece of software, and has one feature (parallel waveforms, for easier visual mixing or “waveriding“) that I think is nice to have in DJ software. Plus, it has very tight iTunes integration, which is probably the reason for the choice by Numark, what with the iPod dock on the hardware unit.
Conclusion
The Numark iDJ3 is a strange unit insofar as you might expect it to offer full mixing capabilities from the iPod. Personally, I’d not want to do that as I much prefer the library and display features including waveforms that a proper laptop screen can offer me for DJing. But if you were looking for a unit that you could DJ from without a PC, this as mentioned before is not for you – look at the iDJ2 instead (unless you’re serious about mixing).
However, if you’re looking for a unit that gives you some intriguing possibilities with recording and allows you to drop the odd track in from iPods, and you don’t want to mess with a separate soundcard, and are either happy to use MixVibes’s software (or are actually seeking a controller that works natively with this software), then this could be the DJ controller for you.
Price: US$299
Have you bought a Numark iDJ3 for your digital DJ set-up?? What are your views of it? Do you DJ with your iPod? what equipment do you use? Let us know!
Now go to:
DJ Midi Controllers: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide 2011
Review: Numark Mixtrack DJ Controller
4 New Budget DJ Controllers for 2010
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Tags: Cross, Cross LE, idj, idj2, idj3, ipod, iTunes, mixvibes, numark
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Nice review Phil, however it seems like this piece of kit is doomed for failure in my opinion, it appears you had to think REALLY hard to find a few advantages for the idj3 ipod facility, and all of them could be done without the unit itself, downloading tracks, borrowing tracks, playing music through speakers can all be done with a laptop only and are hardly revolutionary, so i cant see the advantage of this unit over any other controller other than pleasing ipodophiles and macswooners….. if only theyd incorporated its ipod features as a standalone controller it might be worth considering…. Hope all is good, and hoping you get back to Manc for a gig sometime soon…….Penance
[ link ]Very interesting…
)
[ link ]im still using the IDJ2 and from this explanation,
i think this idj3 its not the best tool for my needs..
there are still some problems downloading the firmware latest software, for idj2 and the idj3 will take a while to be a handy tool for dj.
This is a great review. I was looking for a review like this before I purchased the iDJ3, but I could not find anything. Nonetheless, I am happy with the iDJ3 controller.
I looked into the Vestax Spin and Typhoon due to their competitive pricing. I found the dJay software intriguing but the controllers just didn’t do it for me. Then I read a few reviews on Numark’s Mixtrack. Just when I thought I had found a new controller, I learned it did not have a built in sound card.
Then I came across the iDJ3; it has all the features of the Mixtrack plus a built in sound card. The iPod features are pro bono to me. I had an iDJ2 but I found the recurring task of rebuilding the library after adding new songs cumbersome.
If you like the Numark Mixtrack but want a built in sound card then the iDJ3 may be for you.
[ link ]Thanks for your comments on the review, and glad to be of assistance.
[ link ]I forgot to mention this in my previous reply:
[ link ]If you like the Numark iDJ3 or already have one and are interesting in a flight case, it fits great in the Cortex FC-DMIX flight case available at musiciansfriend.com and guitarcenter.com.
Larry, i think u are right.
[ link ]If u are using the idj2 u have to bee very organized on your library, and the update sucks.
But there is a latest version of the firmware 1.09 for the idj2 that i cant update only the librarian 1.50, if at least i could update i could see if it would be better then the previous one.
Thank u for the tips.
Vedor
Vedor,
Try updating to firmware version 1.13. You may have more success with it. Version 1.13 also uses librarian version 1.50 so you should be in good shape there. I did have any problems updating to version 1.13.
[ link ]Good review. Sad to read that it isn’t a true iPod mixing console. — What were they thinking?
[ link ]I went from the IDJ2 to the IDJ3 and I couldnt be happier. It does have a cheap feel, but I’m a cheap DJ on a buget and it does the trick. The only thing I wish they would of included is the CF slop option. No problems with mixvibe either. I would of left the IPOD option out and added some more features like gain control knobs. its frustrating trying to use the mouse to control gain.
[ link ]To G-Rude Thanks for your comments. I’m interested to know why you went from the IDJ2 to the IDJ3?
[ link ]Im on the bench between this controller and the Mixtrack Pro. Which would any of you recommend I get?
[ link ]I’d go for the Mixtrack Pro unless you have a pressing need to run an iPod straight through the thing.
[ link ]hi, after etensive shopping around i think i’ve finally decided on the idj3 as a present for my boyfriend, the only thing is im struggling to find a repuable site to buy it off of in the uk, seeing as i know nothing about djing, do you have any suggstions? thanks
[ link ]It’s not actually out yet in the UK which is probably why you can’t find it… it’s due out soon though!
[ link ]The iDJ2 is a better product, but costs GBP500, so a bit out of your league.
There are unfortunately no other products in that price range worth your money that can play from iPod… but it is unusual to want to do this, as most DJs prefer to use a laptop with DJ software. If so, there are lots of products available, I’d say the Vestax Typhoon is a good choice.
[ link ]yes just discovered this.. in that case would you be able to reccomend a similar product with the ipod dock feature, that is around £2-300? i like the idea of the more compact models, and unfortunately it being here in time for his birthday (17th nov) has to take priority over this specific model..any suggestions, even brand names to look our for would be so much appreciated, and i will definitely direct him to your site for all his future digital djing information. thanks.
[ link ]was looking at the numark idj3, mixtrack pro and the vestax typhoon could you give me your advice as ive looked at different reviews on all but can get my head around one
[ link ]Unless you desperately want to dock and iPod on it, avoid the iDJ3. Out of the Mixtrack Pro and the Typhoon, the Typhoon is marginally better made but the Mixtrack Pro is bigger and less fiddly. They’ll both do you fine, it’s the size thing and what you prefer the look of mainly.
[ link ]thanks for the advice, dont think ill go with the idj3 dont really need the ipod, will look into the typhoon and mixtrack
[ link ]Can you take tracks from your ipod using the dock to put it through the software on a laptop, thus being able to use the scratching and conventional mixing techniques you would expect on a cdj?
Really good review, I would have gone out and bought one under false pretences already if I hadn’t read this!
[ link ]So, I was thinking of iDj 2 or 3;
I have an iTouch where i keep all my music(mainly techno-deadmau5,tiesto,etc- and Dubstep is what I’d mix), and no laptop, so I’m looking for a unit which can support my iTouch and basically with a pair of subwoofers and music, give life to a party.
And I don’t have a laptop, so I guess iDj 3 comes outta the option list since it seems it needs an laptop;
what else could I choose, knowing that I’m new, and I have a 600$ budget(though I could borrow) as a starter for turntables & so?
-I’d like some advice, since I’d like to get started with it asap
Thanks
[ link ]You could look at the Cortex dMix 600 (US$369
from Amazon) that will let you DJ from an iPod, it’s been around a while though and I’ve never used it so can’t vouch for it.
You sync your iPod Touch with iTunes, right? Why not just get a Mixtrack Pro ($249 / £168 / €194) and a cheap laptop? Or if you want full iTunes integration, a Vestax Spin (US$249 / £205
/ €229) instead of the Mixtrack Pro, as that integrates 100% with your iTunes library?
The reason people love laptop DJing is that it is so much more fun! Having all those controls on screen feeding back to you transforms the whole experience.
[ link ]Phil, I went with the IDJ3 because the IDJ2 was not meeting my needs anymore really. It was frustrating with the IPOD and organization. Plus I have an IPONE4 and it was not compatible to mix with. I wanted to try a controller and, to my surprise, one was availible at the local best buy. I picked it up and am pretty happy with it. The only thing I’m not fond of is that is seems to have some latency between the controller and computer. Apart from that its all good. I have everything on ITUNES so the interface beetween mixvibes and Itunes is great. I’m thinking of upgrading to a vestax VCI-300 or a used Numark Ns7. I mix a lot of dubstep
[ link ]Glad you’re happy with it. There’s certainly no discernable latency on either of the ITCH controllers you mention, but I guess you get what you pay for! I’m a fan of the Numark controllers – they’re great value.
[ link ]How is it that numark continues to make close but fatally flawed units every time?
All I want is an 2 deck self contained mixer unit with mass storage reading and touch sensitive platters.
Thats not too much to ask right?
I had the cortex 600, which would have been a perfect machine if it was not so bug ridden and cheaply assembled.
It malfunctioned constantly and simply could not do the things it was built to do.
So I thought, IDJ2 right?
Non sensitive pads.
How about Numark mixdeck?
Looks to be the closest thing to offering the 3 attributes that I need (scratching, Thumb drives, and no computer). But its overpriced and cluttered with other doodads and whistles that I dont need like cd drives, an ipod dock with a third fader and PC controller functions.
Then I visit the numark page today to read more about this “mixtrack” (it doesn’t have a headphone jack!), and I see the IDJ3!
Yay, I say to myself.
They finally got it right.
But no, this is numark we’re talking about.
Yes indeed they’ve added scratching platters, but now it no longer supports thumb drives only an ipod.
And guess what, the scratch platters DONT work with the ipod.
(Whaaat?!)
I have to wonder to myself if there is a final approval stage at numark where they take a look at an almost perfect new product and then make sure to add a fatal flaw to hamstring it either with over pricing or an asinine design decision.
At this point I guess I’ll wait and see the price for the mixtrack 2 even though I’d rather not be tethered to a laptop because I just cant afford 700 bucks for the mixdeck very soon.
Also thank you for the review, it was very thorough and told me what I needed to know.
[ link ]The Mixtrack doesn’t have a headphone jack because it doesn’t have a sound card – it is a Midi controller, not an interface. If you wanted the same thing with a sound card, the Mixtrack Pro is it.
To be fair this is a wonderful product and is doing well for them, deservedly.
[ link ]Thanks, I’ll look into those, meanwhile I downloaded Virtual Dj 7 and I’ll play around with it;
[ link ]I just bought an iDJ3 today and it looks cool. All I need is headphones because I can’t hear a thing. Wish I had known that.
One question I do have is. .. Is there another way of recording your mixes? Say, straight to your computer? Or do you have to record it on your iPhone? If you do, is it recorded in high quality? Would really appreciate a reply. Thanks!
[ link ]The quality of the iPhone recording will be fine. However, if you want to record directly to your computer you’ll have to upgrade Virtual DJ LE to the full commercial version.
[ link ]I was just wondering why all my music doesn’t load when I start up the software. I have over 8000 songs in Itunes but only 6400 load when I plug it in. Am I doing something wrong?
[ link ]I’m looking into purchasing an iDJ3 or the new Mixtrack Pro but I’m a bit confused as to which to buy. The only advantage the iDJ3 seems to have is the ability to record to the iPod, and if I get the upgraded version of Virtual DJ I could do that with the Mixtrack Pro correct?
I use a laptop so would it make more sense to use the Mixtrack Pro? And the final question I have is, effects wise, does anyone know what advantage one has over the other (such as loops, phasers,etc)
Any help greatly appreciated, thanks!
[ link ]Effect-wise they’re the same. I’d say just go for the MIxtrack Pro, the iPod bit is a bit of a gimmick to me, especially as you can’t actually mix with it properly (ie route it through the turntables). You’re right, if you upgrade to Virtual DJ Pro (which you should), you can record anyway.
[ link ]My fiancee bought me the IDJ3 for Christmas and i unfortunately can’t use it yet. I have never done any Dj-ing in my life although I’ve always wanted to. I have no experience with a turntable or mixing songs, nor do I know anyone who can teach me how. Is there some source of information or tips you would recommend to get me started?
[ link ]Also, great review, very helpful.
It sucks you can’t scratch straight from the ipod.
We’re actually running an absolute beginner’s course after Christmas. Meanwhile you could read through this post here: “Help! I’ve Just Bought My First Digital DJ Kit. What Do I Do Now?”
[ link ]Hi everybody and Phil,
Thanks for your reviews and comments.
I’m trying to back into the Djing and I’ve took out my old DJ set. So I have 2 vinyl turntables (MK2) and a Gemini ps626 mixtable which is a bit tired and I want to go to a bit more into the digital mixing, with ipod and computer but I still want to play with vinyl…
So I wonder what is the best solution/configuration to me ?…
I think the IDJ2 is the best to aggregate analogic and numeric sources.
I’m also looking on a DENON DNS 3500 to complete my DJ set and perhaps replace one of my vinyl turntable.
I’m a bit lost into the “new” numeric DJing possibilities.
To be more precise, what I want to be able to do is being able to mix vinyls and numeric sources (from ipod and/or external hard drive), doing some remix, and why not having a computer remote control to control and/or compose music… Wow ! I want a complete music studio ! lol.
I’ll not become a professional, it’s only for my pleasure and to play parties at home.
Do you have any advices about my needs ?
Thanks.
[ link ]Fred. (37y/o from paris)
Fred, only the IDJ2 will let you mix properly from iPod (iDJ3 won’t) and it is limiting if you want to DJ properly with DJ software too.
I’d forget the iPod if I were you and just use your laptop as your digital source.
You might consider the Numark MixDeck as an all-round DJing station – it’s not professional but it is great for home/parties.
[ link ]I just got the Idj3 for Christmas and love it. But it told me to go on the numark’s website and update my firmware to 1.0.3 so i did, the download came with hot to download firmware instructions I am stuck on step 3. And it appears I deleted something on the Idj controller because it doesnt work now. Please help I am about to return it to bestbuy to get a new one.
[ link ]I Downloaded the firmware update too. I then proceeded to use midiox to send the info to the deck. when I did, the lights flashed quickly as the instructions said they would. then an error came up saying the controller is busy. so i adjusted the way i had the map set for the midi software driver to send it properly. when i restarted the steps by holding the sync and stutter while plugging in the usb, the cue a and cue b lights illuminated as the instructions said they should. Only this time the two key lock buttons were illuminated as well. and when the program sent correctly without an error, the loop #1 button illuminated and the lights did not flash quickly as they should have. i bought this thing saturday and still have not even heard anything out of it in the virtual dj program it came with. if someone buys this product and has not had experience sending things to it using a midi transfer program, it would be helpful to know exactly how to use the update for the firmware. the instructions just say after u download the software “update the firmware”. i am going to return this piece of crap. can someone help me out updating? i tried to contact numark for help by phone and by email as the instructions stated if i needed help. no phone call or email received still….please help so i can see if this thing is worth the frustration to even get it to work. travishudson7@aim.com
[ link ]Hi Travis, not got an iDJ3 here so can’t help you at all on that.. I hope someone else can.
[ link ]I had the same problem with the Idj3. there was no proper isntruction on how to use the midi transfer software. I did manage to see that I had to increase a buffer to 60000 and the firmware went thru. but now the IDJ3 crashes anytime i plug in a iphone or itouch.
[ link ]Still have not receive a reply from my email and its been sever days. getting frustrated with the response time for support.. and I think this is what makes a company.
oh well. still waiting.
wow man. i just bought the IDJ3 a couple hours ago and the SAME thing happened to me.. how do you increase the buffer to 60000?
[ link ]after this, i have just seen the best solution for me eva as a DJ with this I can play clubs and mobile gigs with the least amount of fuss and after using traktor an knowin that this is midimapable to other software as most controllers are i can cut down the amoun of kit i use and use the i pod dock as a back up if my mac goes belly un no other controller can offer this function this is an best all dj controller in the market for what you get in build quality functionallity and what you pay… defo thumbs up
[ link ]What advantages does the mixtrack pro have over the idj3? You seem to like the mixtrack pro more.
[ link ]Thanks for the review. I am going to purchase this and it really helped to have the confidence in buying it and getting something worth the money. I found it new for $236 on ebay with free shipping. It comes with Virtual DJ Limited Edition software though. Is that bad?
[ link ]It’s not bad, but you may want to upgrade to the full version of the software at some point this article will explain more: http://www.digitaldjtips.com/2010/08/dj-controller-software-bundled/
[ link ]Hey man
Thanks for the help, i bought a idj 3 from bestbuy for 330..heh.
I started ,about 20 days ago..its not great for scratching, so I didn’t bother practicing.Meanwhile,yesterday morning I thought of doing a lil freestyle mixing.
This is what I got:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqYz_gUtAU4&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
Could you please help, by pointing what wrongs I did,except some rare overlaps and some gaps in sound(due to some difficulties with the crossfader and Virtual DJ, sometimes it messes up A/B and places them on the same side, or opposite side.) either by comment,or here,it’s fine for me.
-Thanks,
[ link ]Cam
hi i like the idj3 the only thing i need to now is (how to play the of the same songs together) like if i,m playing a song on table A and i want to play the same song on table B wile in play is their any key their is to do that?
[ link ]Ok, So I’m a beginner DJ and I can’t decide what’s best…
[ link ]The Numark mixtrack or Mixtrack pro (not much difference besides the sound card software and price), the Numark mixdeck, and the numark Idj3. Now since I’m just starting I would like to go for something cheaper so I think the Mixdeck is out. But…. What software is the best? what would you guys suggest for me?
If you want to be able to use CDs too, the MixDeck. If you want to record on / play the odd track through your iPod Touch / iPhone, the iDJ3. If not (and I suggest not), the Mixtrack plus a sound card or the Mixtrack Pro will give you the same result, the former will be more flexible in the future but it’s two boxes, the latter easier to set up but the sound card is built-in so not as flexible. If it were me? I’d get the Mixtrack Pro.
[ link ]hey excuse me phil if the idj3 has an inbuilt soundcard does that mean i would be able to use headphones with it and i wouldn’t have to buy an external soundcard like a NI audio 2 ???
PLease help phil
Great review overall love it helped heaps !
[ link ]Also Phil would i be able to record my mixes with the IDJ3
[ link ]Yes you’ll be able to use headphones, no you won’t ned an external sound card, and yes you can record your mixes, but only directly onto your iPod (from where you can transfer to your PC’s iTunes if you wish).
[ link ]hi Phil, I Would like to ask about idj3..im a beginner and i want to ask about how user friendly is it?..i just bought right now and it delivers here on my door probably next week..how was your rate for this from 1-10?..as a beginner..thanks..
[ link ]It’s a good controller for beginners.
[ link ]Help has any body figured out how to fix the firmware update problem for the idj3.
[ link ]Hi just wondering how the sound quality of the idj3 is..and do you really need it hook to a mixer first or can you run it through a sonic maximizer then to an amp
[ link ]You don’t need to do either – you just plug it straight into your amp. If you are using it at a venue, they tend to have balanced connectors to their PA equipment so you can’t plug these straight into a consumer unit like the IDJ3, hence the need for a mixer in-between – but most venues have a mixer anyway of course. Sound quality wise the IDJ3 is 8/10 compared to the top pro gear – perfectly good for beginner to intermediate DJs. I don’t know of any DJs who use a sonic maximizer to alter their sound so my advice would be to forget that idea.
[ link ]hi phil, i got my idj3 already and i want ask somethng about this,is there any add-on controller that fits with this?..i just want to add effects for this..thanks..by the way,is it possible to change software like VDJ to Mixvibes?…looking forward to ur answers..thanks alot..
[ link ]You can add any Midi controller you like and map VDJ to it but you’ll have to get your hands dirty. There’s no dedicated FX controller. Best way to see if other software will work on it is to go and look on the Mixvibes, Traktor site etc for compatible controllers. Then it’ll just be a case of installing the software and installing the mapping.
[ link ]Hey Phil,
I recently got the IDj3 and had a few questions. I want to upgrade to the vdj pro but i’ve heard i have to remap the mixer? How difficult is it exactly to remap it without messing anything up. Also can you control/install certain effects onto vdj pro and use them on your keyboard alongside the mixer? This is basically what I’m trying to do with my idj3. Appreciate your feedback.
[ link ]As long as you back up the original mapping, you can always just switch back to this therefore you won’t mess anything up.
It is possible to map functions to the keyboard easily with Virtual DJ, using VDJScript mapping language. Look for it on the Virtual DJ forums.
[ link ]I love the idj3 but I tried updateing it and it completely stopped working. it deleted my old firmware and now i need to upload a new firmware to it but i dont know which firmware to download and how to download it. do you got any answers
[ link ]I’m afraid we haven’t got an iDJ3 so can’t help you on this one – try Numark’s helpline.
[ link ]do u atleast know how to download firmware and upload it ingeneral to any dj system
or atleast know where i can download a new firmware
[ link ]Hi Phil, this is a great review thanks for the detail.
I have 1 question before I buy my idj3, can it be connected directly to powered speakers? I understand it will be connected to the pc via usb and know it has a sound card but can it connect to 2 powered speakers directly?
[ link ]Your help is appreciated.
Thanks again.
Yes, that is precisely how you connect it – the only cable going to the PC is the USB cable, and the sound is handled by the unit.
[ link ]Hello I am buying an Idj2 from Craigslist. Is there a.software needed with this unit that should be included? THAnk you.
[ link ]Yes, there will be software with it. Make sure you ask for it! You should get a DJ program, although not sure which one in your territory.
[ link ]I’ve looked at a lot of units out there. I was considering the Numark idj3 till read the reviews and realised the ipod feature is not much use on this unit. Is there one that allows you to add the ipod and a laptop and manipulate the two. I have alot of tracks on my ipod that are not on my laptop/pc and visa versa. Can you recommend units worth a look if so
[ link ]No, not that I know of. Just copy the tunes over to your laptop, otherwise you’re overcomplicating things. You should have a backup of your music anyway, so why not treat your laptop library as a backup for your iTunes and then DJ from that library?
[ link ]What is a good dj set that is less than $200. Can u put a mixer on the idje
[ link ]I mean idj3
[ link ]Just got for the Mixtrack Pro for just over $200 – nothing else comes close at that price range.
[ link ]i have IDJ3 it work great xcept for one thing when i play thru my system my mic work find but when i stream my music to my website the mic don’t work i have to us my mic plug into the pc instead of the controller,an i’m using VDJ program
[ link ]i bought the IDJ3 3 days ago but have not been able to use it because it says that the controller cannot be detected even though it is! i have no idea what the problem is but i really wanna use it. any suggestions to my problem?
[ link ]I am just waiting for Numark to get it right. I have been using idj2 for a couple years now in the night clubs. Waiting for a numark mixer with 4 channels, that has the features of idj2, 2 cd decks, built in sound card, and Traktor / virtual DJ pro mapping, and 4 RCA inputs. In the typical professional night club environment there is limited space. If I can get a mixer with this capability then I have a reason to actually buy it. Any laptop djs I have at my events can just plug and play with no hassle, cd djs are happy, and I am happy becuase I get to use my ipod. Numark, please get it right. I am tired of Numark pushing out equipment that can do one thing but not the other. Whats the point?
[ link ]Thanks for your Numark comment on the blog. You have very particular needs and I suspect you may wait a while for a product with all the features you require. Still, no harm in hoping…
[ link ]The full review and a BETA mapping can be found here:
[ link ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40HScvyrWWE
Can you use this with Serato scratch live?
[ link ]No, you can’t.
[ link ]Hi,
I bought the IDJ3 and notice that the speaker input ports are very basic and not all speaker setups can be connected. Is there an adapter that can be purchased?
[ link ]Ye there is in maplin thanks
[ link ]I LOve the IDJ3 it has a blend of being a basic and complex look. it is very simple and easy to use it for know what you are doing.
[ link ]I love the IDJ3. I do two gigs or more a week with it. Mine came with Virtual DJ LE.(happy for that). I soon will upgrading to another midi, but I have no problems with this one. I’m glad I started out on this one.
[ link ]I just want to know if the numark idj3 can use on clubs or big party?
[ link ]Small parties, bars? Yeah. Clubs etc? No.
[ link ]It is the best dj mix I had easy to use and fun
[ link ]anyone using the iDJ2 has had any issues with the latest firmware and Librarian software?
[ link ]and any info on numark not releasing any upgrades?
I think the IDJ2 could use some improvements like some FX, etc.