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Over To You: My DJ Controller’s Phones Level Is Too Quiet

Mixtrack Pro

The Mixtrack Pro ought to be able to power most decent DJ headphones enough for you to DJ in public properly using it; our reader finds that in his case, this isn’t true. Pic: Wilkz

Digital DJ Tips reader Neil writes: “I’ve got a Mixtrack Pro and I use it with Virtual DJ. The problem I’ve got I’d that the headphone volume is just too low through the Mixtrack Pro. My headphone level is fine when I plug the same headphones into my laptop sound card.

“I was just wondering what I can do to alleviate this? The problem is that although I can use the unit at home, it’s not loud enough in the headphones for DJing in a public venue.”

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Controller Clinic #19: Mixtrack Pro Vs Mixtrack Pro 2

Mixtrack Pro II

The Mixtrack Pro 2: Those performance pads look nice, but in reality don’t offer a massive amount of extra functionality over the original model, so if money’s tight, we can still recommend Mixtrack Pro.

Digital DJ Tips reader Rhowell writes: “I’ve been following your free digital DJ course for a time now, and I thought now it’s time to buy a controller and start for real. I’m on a very tight budget, and was looking for something decent for a low price.

“I’ve read your review on the Numark Mixtrack Pro, and was considering to buy that one, but now that the Numark Mixtrack Pro 2 is out, I’m not really sure what to do any more. I was wondering what you will recommend me doing, and if the Mixtrack Pro would be a decent enough controller to show up at a small gig with.”

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NAMM 2013: Numark Mixtrack Pro II Launched

Numark Mixtrack Pro II

The Numark Mixtrack Pro II updates and streamlines the best-selling Mixtrack Pro, and will be in the stores as of January 2013.

The Numark Mixtrack Pro II was announced today ahead of NAMM 2013, offering an upgrade to the popular Mixtrack Pro, “the world’s best selling DJ controller” according to the company. (Update: Read our full Numark Mixtrack Pro 2 review).

The design is less clunky and more streamlined, and the platters take a leaf from controllers like the Pioneer WeGO, gaining illumination. The other headline feature is the addition of 16 backlit multifunction drum pads. Read on for more, or catch our Numark Mixtrack Pro II video talkthrough here.

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Serato DJ Arrives for MC2000, DDJ-Ergo & MixTrack Pro Users

Denon MC2000

The Denon MC2000 is one of our favourite basic DJ controllers, and now it can be used with Serato DJ, its capabilities have just got considerably larger.

Users of the Numark Mixtrack Pro, Pioneer DDJ-Ergo and Denon DJ MC2000 can now upgrade from the Serato DJ Intro software as supplied with their controllers to Serato DJ, Serato’s flagship DJ controller software.

The one-off US$199 upgrade is available as of today from the Serato website. It currently includes a free licence for the Serato Video plugin, normal price US$149, which lets you mix music videos or add visuals to your sets.

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BPM 2012: New Decksavers For This Year’s Gear

Decksaver XDJ-AERO

One of the latest batch of DJ gear covers from Decksaver, this one for the Pioneer XDJ-AERO.

Decksaver knows that for many DJs, dropping hundreds on a piece of gear and then not buying a cover for it is sacrilege. And they also know that having a smart acrylic cover for gear is hardwired in to many DJs’ DNA, probably thanks to the iconic Technics lids that have protected delicate turntable parts for decades.

So Decksaver has made a bit of a niche for itself selling these covers, which of course opens the company up to an often-repeated question from DJs: “When is a cover coming out for…” (insert new DJ controller here). Well, at BPM 2012, a whole load of bang-up-to-date covers were announced. Here’s the full list:

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Controller Clinic #14: Improving The Effects On Virtual DJ LE & Mixtrack

Mixtrack Pro effects section

The effects controls on the Mixtrack Pro: What you actually get depends on the software you use it with, and with Virtual DJ LE, your options are quite limited.

Following our recent tutorial video on when to use DJ effects, Digital DJ Tips reader John Spiegel writes: “I use a Numark Mixtrack with Virtual DJ LE. In the effects section there is no filter, either hi or low pass. I was wondering if there’s a way to either get around that or fix that.

“Also, on the echo section, I can’t quite figure out how to control the timing of the echo. When I turn it on it just goes crazy. I realize this is sort of vague, but any chance you could help me out?”

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Your Questions: How Can I Record With Traktor LE or Serato Intro?

Serato Intro Mixtrack

Serato Intro works great with the Mixtrack Pro... until you want to record your sets, that is.

Digital DJ Tips reader Ashwim writes: “I was wondering how to record my mixes. At the moment I have a Numark Mixtrack Pro running off either Traktor LE 2 or Serato Intro (whichever I feel like at the time I play). Do I need to upgrade anything to record?

“And also, do you think that I should in your opinion maybe change my Mixtrack Pro to something like the Numark N4 or the Traktor Kontrol S2?”

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Controller Clinic #4: Best Upgrade From Mixtrack Pro For Club DJing?

Mixtrack Pro

Numark Mixtrack Pro: It's the best value controller at its price point, but our reader is looking for a change.

Reader Frazer writes: “I’m an aspiring DJ and I’m becoming quite recognised in my local area through posting mixes on Facebook and having a weekly radio show with another (well known) DJ.

“I have the opportunity to play the most popular weekend venue in my area (a pub with a nightclub dancefloor upstairs) within the next few weeks and I was wondering what would be the best controller to get for under £200? I have the Numark Mixtrack Pro but I feel it’s much too flimsy, plasticky and big. I would prefer something smaller and sturdier.”

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Your Questions: Is the Numark Mixtrack Pro Suitable For Club DJing?

Mixtrack Pro

The Mixtrack Pro is a popular controller, and is even sometimes used in clubs - although it's not really intended for this purpose. Pic: Bluehand Entertainment

Reader Chris Thiele writes: “I bought the Mixtrack Pro about nine months ago, along with the Traktor X1, and Midi mapped the Mixtrack Pro to Traktor. I bought it to learn how to DJ on, and it’s been great for that. But I’m now quite close to securing a regular gig at my student union in Glasgow. I’m a little apprehensive as to whether the Mixtrack Pro is reliable / robust enough for a club.

“I’ve noticed sometimes the crossfader goes a little crazy on Traktor when it’s stationary on the Mixtrack… not really what I want! Do you think I could get away with using it, or should I upgrade? And if so, to a better Midi controller or Traktor Scratch and my Traktor X1?”

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Your Questions: Older vs More Modern DJ Controllers

Mixtrack Pro

Mixtrack Pro: A great value, modern DJ controller.

DJ and reader Nick D writes: “I’ve been playing out for a few months now using my friend’s set-up, which is a Hercules RMX mapped to Virtual DJ. While I have no real quarrels with the Virtual DJ software, I really do not plan to purchase a Hercules unit after working with one and seeing how unresponsive it can be.

“Since I cannot depend on my friend’s set-up forever, I’m looking to buy my own. The two controllers I’ve narrowed it down to are the Numark Mixtrack Pro and the Numark Omni Control. I like the steel casing on the Omni; plus it looks like it has more knobs for controlling effects than the MixTrack Pro does. The addition of more ins/outs is a big plus, so is the fact that it comes with Traktor LE, which I want to start learning.

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Your Questions: How Do 4 Decks Work With 2-Channel Controllers?

Mixtrack Pro

Mixtrack Pro: How does it handle four decks in Traktor?

Reader DJ MW writes: “I have decided to sell my CDJs and go digital. However I regularly use a third deck in my sets. I am considering the Mixtrack Pro and I understand that I will need to upgrade to a pro version of whichever program I end up going for to support four channels (probably Traktor) and mapping buttons so that I can switch between decks A and C.

“My question is: How would it work in relation to volume/pitch controls when switching? Does it lock them in or does it just follow the physical faders when you switch back and change the values, messing up the mix?”

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Your Questions: Can My Mixtrack Pro Work With Traktor Pro 2?

Mixtrack Pro Traktor Pro 2

The Mixtrack Pro 2: Comes with Virtual DJ LE in most of the world, but you can use it with Traktor too. Here's how...

Reader Arjun from New Delhi, India, writes: “I just ordered my first controller, the Mixtrack Pro, which ships with Virtual DJ. Though it is a great software, I was wondering if there is a Traktor 2 mapping available for the same. Since I am a beginner DJ, I won’t really require four decks at the beginning, but I would still like the flexibility of using Traktor 2 and Virtual DJ, since I am adept at using both the softwares.

Can I do that? What will I need to do if i want to switch my software when I want?

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Numark Mixtrack Pro Video Review

Judging by the global lack of availability right now and the number of people who contact Digital DJ Tips with questions about it, the Numark Mixtrack Pro is the budget controller that’s grabbed everyone’s attention over the past few months.

And not surprisingly, too – it’s well built, well laid out, just the right size, has excellent jogwheels, comes with a built-in sound card, and retails at a very keen price: US$249 / £169 / €194.

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DJ Controllers: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide 2011

DJ controllers buyer's guide 2011

The Traktor Kontrol S4 is one of the most desirable DJ Midi controllers on the market today.

34 36 of the best DJ Midi controllers reviewed and rated

Most people get started in digital DJing out of curiosity. They tend to download a trial or limited version of one of the big software packages such as Traktor or Virtual DJ, loading some MP3s onto the screen, and having a go. Indeed, some never progress past this stage, happy to DJ with a keyboard and mouse or trackpad.

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Numark Mixtrack Pro: The Best Controller Under $250?

Numark Mixtrack Pro DJ review

The switch to Virtual DJ is a surprising but sensible move.

As exclusively revealed on Digital DJ Tips six weeks ago, the Numark Mixtrack Pro ($249/£168/€194) is Numark’s latest DJ controller, taking its successful Mixtrack DJ controller and adding a two-channel sound interface to make an all-in-one DJ controller that knocks the socks off the competition at this price point.

When we first saw our unit for this Numark Mixtrack Pro review, we weren’t surprised to see it had had a subtle rebrand with silver rather than black knobs and faders, Of course, it also adds sound and headphone outputs, and there’s a microphone input too. (The sound interface is presumable going to be good quality as Numark also makes the excellent budget DJ IO sound interface. We didn’t hear it properly as we were at the BPM show when we got our hands on one.)

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Numark Mixtrack Pro DJ Controller Coming

Mixtrack

The Numark Mixtrack: the Pro version will add a sound interface.

Numark has confirmed that a Mixtrack Pro DJ controller with a built-in sound interface is on its way, following the successful launch of the Numark Mixtrack earlier this year.

The forthcoming controller was mentioned on the Virtual DJ software forum by Simon Bangs, Product Development at Numark Pro DJ, promising more details to follow.

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