The long-awaited Mixdeck Quad… lots of DJ fun in a large package?
The all-singing all-dancing Mixdeck Quad from Numark has been widely publicised since April last year at Musikmesse and that certainly feels like a long time ago! Finally, the Mixdeck Quad is in stock and shipping.
But with so many CD decks, mixers and DJ controllers on the market, does having all of these functions in one product make sense? We’ve spent some quality time with a sparkly new Mixdeck Quad to find out.
Overview
The Numark Mixdeck Quad is an updated and expanded version of the Mixdeck unit, giving you four channels of audio to play with simultaneously, coupled with a wealth of input and output options that should satisfy most types of DJ. The build quality is similar to that of the N4 and Mixtrack Pro units (consumer, but durable), with flexibility being the main selling point of the Mixdeck Quad over those.
The unit comes packaged with a copy of Serato DJ Intro, a flat-folding iPad stand, power cable and a heavy duty 30-pin connector cable. In addition to working with Serato DJ Intro, it also has support for Virtual DJ Pro, Traktor Pro and djay by Algoriddim. As we mentioned last week in our iOS app update round-up, iOS support has now been added to the djay and vjay apps (also by Algoriddim), both of which immediately recognise the unit once connected via the supplied cable.
A dedicated iOS input socket transports Midi out, audio in and powers your iPad to boot.
The unit has two jogwheel-based decks positioned either side of a four-channel mixer, with a wide array of input and output connections on the rear panel as well as two mic inputs.
With this variety of options in its use, the Mixdeck Quad is nothing if not an all-rounder, ticking a lot of the necessary boxes in terms of functionality for DJs from mobile and club to bedroom.
It definitely feels like Numark has aimed the product squarely at those wanting to take their DJ rig on the road, with inset handle slots on each side and rubberised feet to keep position of the unit rock solid during use. Lifting the Mixdeck Quad in and out of cars shouldn’t be too much effort since its weight has been kept down through use of a toughened plastic rather than metal casing.
When powered up, the “clicky” yet tough plastic (not rubber) buttons are backlit in red, except the “Play” button which is blue. The jogwheels also get their own lighting effect; during playback a red light chases around the base of the wheel which changes to a pattern if using one of the available FX – a little like the Pioneer DDJ-ERGO-V.
The LED displays at the top of each deck are diminuitive, but show the critical information you need, such as BPM, time elapsed/remaining, current pitch change value, track title and a progress bar split into rectangular blocks (gradually disappearing as the track plays).
A point to note is that the track title length is currently limited to 12 characters, scrolling along if longer. No waveforms are shown here if you’re using the built in CD decks or USB inputs for audio, however of course if you’re using the Mixdeck Quad in connection with Dj software on an laptop or iOS device, then your connected device will provide your main visual cues.
The jogwheels are well-sized for those who want to scratch…
For those who are familiar with Numark’s N4 unit, the jogwheels look identical. They are perfectly sized for those who want to scratch, providing plenty of space for even the largest of hands to take control.
They can be switched between jog mode or scratch mode. In scratch mode, the touch sensitive top surface indicates to the controller that you are scratching. By using the sides of the wheel you can still jog the track slightly to bring it into the mix perfectly.
There are other settings on the jogwheels, to alter what scratches are heard and whether the track playback continues from where the scratched point ends or where the track would have been under normal playback.
Getting connected
The biggest strength of the Mixdeck Quad is the variety of input and output connection options.
The USB drive inputs allow you to load a track into each deck, through something Numark calls “Crossplay Technology”, so if your USB drive fails you can quickly resort to an alternative without creating a panic.
Plenty of flexibility here, including a split between master, booth and record outputs.
This may win over some of the iPad critics who are unsure of using an iPad alone for live gigs. With the Mixdeck Quad you can at least give it a good chance, and then if the iPad doesn’t hold up under constant Midi over USB communication, you can easily switch to a backup USB drive or a tried and trusted CD selection using the same functionality without any cable messing about to deal with.
It’s worth noting that the Mixdeck Quad is the first DJ product on the market that not only can transport Midi over USB to an iOS DJ app and send the audio signal back, but also charge the iPad at the same time. No more worries about your battery life…
Don’t forget (as if you would) the “Quad” aspect of the product; you have four channels of audio available to play with at the same time. The channels on the mixer are labelled as follows;
- Channel 1: Deck 1, Mic 2, Midi USB 1
- Channel 2: Deck 1, Aux 1, Midi USB 1
- Channel 3: Deck 2, Aux 2, Midi USB 2
- Channel 4: Deck 2, Aux 3, Midi USB 2
Aux 3 is the dedicated input for use with an iOS device and Midi-compatible apps (such as djay and vjay). Although the channels are labelled in this manner on the mixer section, on each deck you can choose the audio source for the deck. You can mix and match your sources too. So for instance you can have one deck for USB audio with the other sending Midi out, then after you’re done with those tracks you could switch source to something different if you wanted to.
Four-channel mixing and a replaceable crossfader?
Each channel can be directed to either side of the crossfader at the bottom of the mixer or left with no setting at all (ie constantly on, regardless of the position of the crossfader). The external audio inputs don’t get any FX treatment on the Mixdeck Quad, however you can adjust the EQ, gain and volume if needed.
After some experimentation, I was feeding a twin-deck DJ app running on my iPod Touch through Aux 1 (effectively allowing me to play two tracks mixed through a single stereo channel) and doing the same with my iPad on Aux 2. This gave me four additional tracks I could overlay (through channels two and three) on top of the two tracks already playing via USB drive (through channels one and four) with the Mixdeck Quad. Six-deck mixing!
To be fair, my first attempts were chaos however I’m sure with practice and at certain times this could be amazing (and always fun!). Of course you don’t need to use iOS devices in the Aux channels, there’s a phono/line switch so you could add a traditional turntable if you wanted.
The Mixdeck Quad also supplies two mic inputs, one situated on the front-facing panel (with gain, bass and treble control) and the other on the top of the mixer via through channel 1. The dual mic inputs would be useful for wedding DJs, allowing you to hand a mic over to the groom (or anyone else) and keeping the second mic at the booth.
You could set the Mixdeck Quad up at a venue, send the booth and master audio signals independently and also record directly out from the unit at the same time…
The audio outputs are usefully split into master, booth and record – all using RCA connectors, bit with the master also offering balanced XLR outputs.
This means you could set the Mixdeck Quad up at a venue, send the booth and master audio signals independently and also record directly out from the unit at the same time – something I wish I’d had during my days as a mobile DJ. In addition to these, you also have the ability to link audio output from each deck independent of the other (again through RCA connectors), for use with timecode CDs/vinyl.
Other features…
If used with vjay, the Mixdeck Quad looping can go further than what is normally allowed within the app itself!
Although the Mixdeck Quad has plenty of standard features such as looping, hot cues/samples, key lock, onboard effects with a Wet/Dry slider and a “Bleep/Reverse” switch, these all feel like icing on an already large cake. That is meant in a good way though… and some of these are covered in the video review, so be sure to watch at the end.
I soon found out that I could use the Loop buttons on the Mixdeck Quad to extend the loop functionality in the vjay app beyond the four beats that the app is normally restricted to. I’d always been a little frustrated by the paltry four-beat loop limit in vjay, so this was a personal success.
In use
I thoroughly enjoyed using the Mixdeck Quad. It was a breeze to set up and instantly with one USB drive I was able to start mixing tracks. As a DJ who’s come from vinyl straight to iOs, I haven’t used jogwheels before, so it was a pleasant surprise to me that I could get scratching with good results on a smaller platter than I was used to with vinyl. Four-channel mixing is something I’d always had dismissed as being only for the specialist and way beyond my capabilities (and budget)… however with a little practice I was becoming more confident and soon starting to contemplate how I could use track stems in a set on the Mixdeck Quad.
A view of the Mixdeck Quad from above… those buttons glow brighter than on this picture.
Sure, the buttons are hard plastic but they work perfectly, are well lit and are labelled clearly, so any initial desire for bouncy, soft-touch, rubber buttons soon faded. As for performance, I’ve included a tiny example section at the end of the video review. Admittedly these snippets were all filmed on the day and night after initial unboxing, using just a single USB for the audio source, but you get the idea.
It’s been some years since my last mobile DJ gig, but after a couple of weeks with the Mixdeck Quad I was starting to consider how I’d start to get myself back in the game. The “all-in-one” nature of the unit does mean that if a CD drive (for example) experienced an issue that needed fixing, you’d have to take the whole unit back to get it checked out. However, the upside is that in this circumstance, if it happened during a live environment you could easily switch to another input source and carry on without anyone noticing (worthwhile if you’re booking Moby – last year he tossed a faulty CDJ out into the crowd during a gig).
Conclusion
The difficulty with assessing the Mixdeck Quad for this review is that there are very few products like it on the market for comparison (if any).
The Mixdeck Quad could provide the perfect fit for several different types of DJ…
There are plenty of CD decks, four-channel mixers, USB midi controllers and even a few iOS-compatible controllers, however there’s nothing else (that I could find) that comes close to combining all of these.
However it feels like such a useful and accommodating piece of kit that I’m surprised that the competition is not there. The Mixdeck Quad could provide the perfect fit for several different types of DJ:
- Bedroom DJ – multiple channels mean you could overlay spoken word, acappellas or other snippets into your mixtapes with ease. The USB drive inputs give you a quick way of getting tracks off your computer and into the mix.
- Mobile DJ – whether you’re a wedding DJ or covering parties, the multitude of inputs means you can easily cater for any request that comes your way. In fact if someone passes you their iPod you could quickly plug it into an Aux channel and cue a track without much effort (mixed blessing maybe). The twin mic inputs also mean you can get your voice heard as well as someone else’s!
- Club DJ/Promoter – the split outputs (master, booth, record) will appeal to those playing at clubs. The flexibility of inputs also means your handovers between DJs should be smooth if managed carefully (for example, agreeing that every DJ will finish their set on a track from a USB drive or CD, freeing up the other channels/inputs for the incoming DJ)
In short, if you’re in the market for a new pair of CD decks, perhaps a new mixer or even considering becoming more serious about your DJing and looking for something that doesn’t restrict you to one format alone, then you should definitely be thinking about the Mixdeck Quad.
Video
Summary
We like:
- Wide variety of input and output options
- Great value for money
- Nothing else quite like it
We don’t like:
- USB drives limited to MP3 only
- Not pro build quality
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Product details:
Size & weight: 29 x 17.3 x 6″ (737 x 439 x 152mm); 19lb 7oz (9kg)
Price: US$399 / £409 / £607
Buy from: Amazon (US), Juno (UK), Juno (rest of Europe & world)
What do you think?
What do you think about the flexibility offered the Mixdeck Quad? Are you a mobile, club or wedding DJ who’d consider using one of these units to replace several pieces of gear? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Now go to:
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Review: ION iDJ2Go USB Controller For iOS
Will iOS6 Bring Stereo Headphone Cueing For iPad & iPhone DJs?
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Tags: Numark Mixdeck Quad
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
It’s still missing the sample trigger buttons used in Traktor Pro 2.5 (via controllers like the Twitch, VCI-380 and moreso the Kontrol F1 and the MIDI Fighter 3D)… I guess they weren’t really concerned about that.
[ link ]Hi DJ Forced Hand, don’t forget that behaving as a controller is just one aspect to the Mixdeck Quad. Other dedicated controller units are purely focused on as near complete integration with all aspects of the paired software. The downside (for all involved) with this approach is that the software is likely to extend over time and the controller finds itself trailing behind because of a lack of buttons/sliders/whatever.
I think the Mixdeck Quad does a good job covering all bases as far as it can without sacrificing space. There is the possibility of firmware updates in the future, so perhaps some clever use of the push button could double up button use (eg use the push button to switch the loop buttons to sample trigger use).
[ link ]In Europe this thing costs 930 euros… and then it comes with Serato DJ Intro?! I can understand they deliver DJ Intro with budget devices 100-250 euros, but when you pay 930 euros you’d expect software that goes with the price (and probably your level)
[ link ]It looks and sounds great, but I was worried anbout quality. I have the Numark Mixtrack Pro, and as great for beginners as it is, the plasticky build has meant broken buttons very early on, even after little to no karting about or banging it around.
[ link ]I noticed for the quad one of the cons was “not pro build quality” which worries me. I would not want to shell out all that money just to run into the same cheap-feel and quality-related problems.
I have the original mixdeck (2 channel + ipod) and I can say its a great piece of kit for its price. A massive plus is the cd outs which means you can send the signal to a serato or traktor box and back into the mixer for timecode action.
I personally use SSL with mine playing the timecode signal through the usb player of the cdj’s so I can keep my cd slots free for any CD’s I would like to play (I copied the signal off the timecode cd and converted it into a high quality mp3 for playback through the usb player).
Highly recommended for any small mobile dj setup.
[ link ]i would have bought this piece of kit, but if you gonna rock 4 channels on it you will need a laptop to do that
[ link ]Not necessarily, the central 2 channels can have anything pushed through them, not just laptop. You could have an iOS device passing audio through these channels, or a CD or turntable.
I think I understand what you mean though, you can’t put CD and USB through on all 4 channels.
[ link ]I have the Mixdeck & I just upgraded to the Quad. I love Traktor Pro over Serano any day, i guess its because I started using Traktor program first. The problem I’m having with the Mixdeck Quad is trying to get Traktor Pro to play with it. My first mixdeck came with the drivers software. The quad didn’t, it only came with Serano Intro. Can some one point me in the right direction. I really need to get Traktor Pro up running right with the Quad before I have another gig.
[ link ]My question is….
If i have an interface like SL2 w/ Serato Video… Can i use that and be able to use the crossfader on the Mixdeck Quad to mix my videos. If can i use it as a controller to mix my videos and sound while in side of Scratch Live then I’m sold. and yes i’m aware that i’d have to use one usb for SSL2 and another for the Mixdeck. But can i mix videos?
[ link ]I don’t see why now, as SSL is Midi mappable.
[ link ]Thats great because i really don’t want to buy one of those really expensive rane mixers just to mix video and audio at the same time…
[ link ]I currently have been using (for 2 over years mostly for mobile gigs) and truly love the original mixdeck. I especially like the flexibility of being able to switch between sources quickly and easily. I do have a few minor issues with the Mixdeck, but the positives more than outweigh the negatives.
[ link ]The Quad should be more of an already good thing. Now I have to decide whether to keep my current setup, upgrade to the quad or select a different (more professional build) unit altogether?
For beginners to intermediate-level DJ’s I would highly recommend a mixdeck. ~ DJRC @rcl4rk
Great video! Can you run the Djay & Vjay at the same time ? in real time Thanks
[ link ]Two questions:
1) Does it have a ‘sync’ button?
2) can the 4 channels be used to control the EQ’s when 4-deck mixing through VDJ?
[ link ]Yes, and yes!
[ link ]100% defo yes on both?
Not that I’m doubting you or anything lol, just I’m seriously considering upgrading from my mixtrack pro to this beast. I’ve recently started using the 4 deck skin on virtual dj, trying to step my dj-ing up a notch, and this would be much easier with seperate EQ and gain conrols for each of the 4 virtual decks. Alternating the controls between deck A and C and B and D is a pain!
I’ve seen a couple of video reviews of this thing and couldn’t see the ‘sync’ button anywhere. Guess I should have looked closer!
Cheers for your help Phil
[ link ]I’ll double check with DJ Hombre who reviewed the unit – watch out for a reply from him.
[ link ]I’m finally looking into getting my own equipment instead of always relying on the club’s. I know someone with the original mixdeck and he loves it. I’m very interested in the quad but wanted to know if there’s a way to utilize all four channels without using any software (I do not own a laptop or ipad). I only use CDs now and would like to add flash drives or an external hard drive to the mix. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
[ link ]Is the Quad anywhere near as adept at controlling DJay on the iPad as the Mixdeck Pro?
[ link ]Woops, I meant iDJ Pro
[ link ]With the Numark Mixdeck Quad, this unit has everything a professional DJ would want. Not only does it play in midi mode, but also USB memory stick, CD player and iPad or iPhone product. I can use a single USB memory stick for both decks, same thing in the midi mode. It is truly a plug and play from the box. No drivers to install, no software other than the Serato Intro DJ software.
[ link ]Great machine for mobile DJing due to its versatility with the multi-sourcing media input features. Having the two USB inputs as well as the two built in CD drives can save the party or wedding (and your reputation) if a computer crash occurs. If anyone is worred about the plastic construction do as I did and buy the Odyssey carrying case with the sliding laptop stand. Quick and easy for setting up and tearing down. I had the original Mixdeck previously and upgraded to the Quad for the extra flexibility. Having started mobile DJing with the original Technic MK1200′s and cassettes back in 1976 (I am “slightly” over 39 years of age
) this is a fabulous machine for mobile DJing using today’s technology. Anxiously awaiting for the upgrade to Serato DJ. Can’t go wrong with this combination. Still rockin’. Cheers! DJRon3
[ link ]if i put in the usb or cd without connecting it to a laptop/dj program that it offers, can i still use the controller as a mixer? and can the same usb be used on both mixers?
[ link ]Can someone point me in the right direction on playing Traktor Pro with the Mixdeck Quad
[ link ]Ian: there isn’t a sync button on the controller but as you know sync can be mapped to most controllers by going into midi map setting and adding it. What software are you using for this? As for usb drives and cds there is no sync option.
[ link ]DJ Funches: Traktor mapping can be found here. http://community.numark.com/numark/topics/mixdeck_quad_traktor_2_5_mapping
Add this site to your bookmarks.
Cheers
Hi… I want to know that can this unit save your cue points???? Like in some pioneer products
[ link ]It’s The software not the hardware that remembers cues, so yes.
[ link ]Thanks to Phil’s helpful topic about reading the manuals that comes with your gear, I just learned that cue points can be stored if you use the unit in CD mode. There is a designated button [STORE/RECALL] that allows you to store multiple cue points for a CD. When the CD is inserted at anytime in the future, the LED display will alert you that there are “Cue Points Available”. You can then access those cue points by pressing the [STORE/RECALL] button…..
[ link ]There is only one VU meter on this device and it ALWAYS monitors the main output… (i.e., if you are cueing one of the tracks, the VU meter won’t tell you how loud that track is, only how loud the main output is). this is REALLY frustrating for anyone who wants to DJ without a laptop (which is kind of the point, no..?)
(also one small thing: you have the UK price wrong here! it’s actually around 700£)
[ link ]Hi, the price and link to online shops seems like refers to mixdeck express. The quad cost more than $1000
[ link ]