The Numark Party Mix, an affordable controller that mainly targets beginners, yet it’s also perfect for those that want something really compact and cheap. Despite its size (only 325 mm wide) it has all the controls and parameters normally associated with more expensive controllers whilst not compromising on versatility.
Numark Party Mix Review – Introduction
The Party Mix from Numark is a feature-packed, portable DJ controller well suited for mobile DJs looking for a small form factor and professional features.
What you get with the Numark Party Mix is a fully compliant 2-channel DJ controller with a built-in soundcard. As far as basic DJ setup goes the only feature missing is a Mic input and channel. However this is a more than acceptable omission considering most people interested in the Numark Party Mix will mainly want to learn to mix.
Numark Party Mix Review – Features
The Party Mix has a pretty simple layout with a dual deck setup. Each deck has a jog wheel, gain control, a 2-band EQ, pitch slider and four color-coded pads. I would have loved this controller if the EQ was 3-band, but you can’t always get what you want I guess.
As you toggle through the pad modes, you will find an autoloop function that creates loops based on 8, 4, 2, and 1 bar phrases. Sampler mode provides access to pre-loaded samples and drum loops. Cue mode allows the pads to recall four cue points set within the song. Considering the size of this controller this feature turns out being very useful when you’re performing.
The dual scratch platters and slider controls give you optimal control over your mixing, letting you drop the track when and where you want it in relation to your mix. There’s also the ‘Sync’ function that helps beginners, as it gives you the ability to mix songs easily and learn how to beat-match. This is another reason why I think this controller aims to the DJs that are just starting out.
The master section offers a dedicated browser knob with deck 1 and 2 load buttons, a master gain knob, a cue mix knob, a cue gain knob, and a crossfader. The Numark Party Mix is powered by the USB cable. It includes a stereo RCA main output and an 1/8″ mini-jack headphone output for the cue system.
Numark Party Mix Review – The lights
Not content with building disco lighting into its speakers, Numark has now added lighting to a DJ controller. The three LED light-arrays sync to your mix flashing from the back of the Party Mix, illuminating your performance. The lights are completely programmable and you can turn them off if you want.
I like the idea of having some kind of visual effect built in a controller. I also understand those who prefer sticking to music only. It kinda depends from the situation in which you’re performing. Personally, I probably wouldn’t use these light during a serious gig, but if I’m home playing tunes by myself or with some friends, why not?
Numark Party Mix Review – Software
Included with the Numark PartyMix is a free copy of the Virtual DJ LE Software. This software lets you select, import and arrange your music library with a few mouse clicks. You can import your iTunes library and play the songs that you have in there. Importing and building your music library as a DJ can be tedious and time-consuming. Virtual DJ LE Software combats this with its seamless user interface and convenient importing tools.
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