The size of an iPad or a QuNeo, with a built-in case, built-in audio interface and all the controls you need for two-deck DJing, the new Numark Mixtrack Edge looks set to carve out its own niche at the ultra-portable end of the DJ market. Announced in time for this week’s Musikmesse show (from where we’ll bring you a closer critical appraisal of the unit) the USB-powered Mixtrack Edge comes with Virtual DJ LE and Algoriddim’s djay LE in the box, has a built-in protective case, a brushed aluminium control surface, metal platters, and backlit buttons.
Because it’s class compliant, it doesn’t need drivers, but more interestingly that means that with the addition of an Apple Camera Connection Kit, it should be possible to use this with an iPad running djay or, say, DJ Player. This is a good thing: The iPad would be the most natural pairing with this over a bulky laptop, after all. While its control surface is necessarily limited, it does have: sync; three hot cues; basic beatmatched looping; platter-controller browsing, pitch and headphones mix; and even basic FX and sampler control.
Being a standard Midi device, you can also map it any way you like, to make use of the controls on offer to suit your particular workflow or choice of companion software. Both headphones output and master out appear to be 1/8″ stereo jacks, which makes sense for such a unit. Overall we like the idea, although we think the lack of any EQ is one omission too far, and at an expected $149/£129, it’s not particularly cheap.
Nonetheless, design and build will dictate whether this is a desirable DJ controller or not; if it feels nice to hold and use and looks good, there should prove to be a space for it with many DJs as a second controller, a portable “in the bag” model for practising anywhere, or even as a primary controller at minimal micro venues where a full DJ set-up wouldn’t make sense. We’ll know more when we have a play at Musikmesse; meanwhile you’ll be able to get your hands on the Mixtrack Edge “later in 2013”, according to Numark.
Do you like the look of the Mixtrack Edge? Can you see yourself buying one of these for a second controller, or even as part of your primary set-up? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Phil Morse
