By Elianne Halbersberg

Numark recently introduced two unique controllers, the iDJ3 and MixTrack Pro. Designed with professionals in mind, but user-friendly for all DJs to work with, both offer some similar features as well as distinct options.

Planet Ill spoke with Chris Roman, product manager for Numark, about these innovative new products.

Planet Ill: What is new about the MixTrack Pro and the iDJ3 when compared to other Numark controllers? How do they differ from each other, aside from the obvious iPod/iPhone port in the iDJ3?

Chris Roman: MixTrack Pro is targeted for the professional DJ looking for a powerful, yet cost-effective computer controller solution with audio built in. Extra controls are included for effects and sampling. Touch-sensitive platters are pleasantly unexpected at this price point, offering valuable control over your music. Included software offers a wide range of options — from general music mixing and scratching to both videos and Karaoke playback. Access to your iTunes library, as well as other music/video libraries, is built in. iDJ3 offers the unique option to play back your iPod as well as mix in your iTunes library from your computer. This controller is also supplied with audio, so you can both cue and output separate audio to your speakers.

Planet Ill: Who is the target audience for each of these products?

Chris Roman: MixTrack is targeted to DJs looking for real control and wanting to leave the mouse put away. iDJ3 is targeted to the party DJ looking for the ability to play music from an iPod and their computer.

Planet Ill: How should DJs decide which controller is best for their needs?

Chris Roman: Obviously, this is personal choice. Do you need audio built in? If so, both offer this. Do you need touch-activated platters? If so, both offer this too. Do you want to play music, videos or Karaoke? Still, both units offer this. Do you like to tweak your music, play samples and use effects? If so, then MixTrack Pro is for you. Do you need to play music from your iPod or your friends? If so, then iDJ3 is for you.

Planet Ill: How does Numark consistently remain ahead of the curve in developing new products?

Chris Roman: We pay attention to new technology, have a team of experienced, real, working DJs in development, and listen to the customer. Nobody knows better what working DJs want than working DJs themselves.

Planet Ill: Can you tell us a bit about your product developers and how they stay on top of trends and market research?

Chris Roman: The team consists of seasoned professional DJs and musicians who gig regularly and are technically savvy and constantly looking for ways to harness new technologies to make every DJ’s performance more impressive and, of course, more fun.

Planet Ill: Are these controllers compatible with other Numark products? If so, which ones?

Chris Roman: They are all compatible with Numark’s CUE software and can be used as an integral component of a larger system. The idea behind both, however, is you may wish to add a Numark headphone or microphone, but for the most part you can plug these directly into your amp or powered speakers and go.

Planet Ill: In the case of iDJ3, the system can play back from iPods and iPhones. How does the playback work?

Chris Roman: It works based upon what your iPod is capable of. If you have an iPod classic, you can play on the iPod and it will play. If you have an iPod touch or iPhone, you can play back from any application, so the possibilities there are in the thousands.

Planet Ill: How user-friendly are these controllers, particularly for a first-time customer?

Chris Roman: VERY! In the case of both, we include Virtual DJ LE, which is by far one of the easiest DJ software packages to understand. Installation is a breeze, and in mere seconds your application can be installed and up and running with your controller plugged in. No special configuration is needed. Each knob and button is pre-mapped and does what it says.

Planet Ill: Both controllers come with Virtual DJ software. What can you tell us about this particular software package and its capabilities?

Chris Roman: Virtual DJ has been providing DJ software for close to ten years. They have millions of registered users who genuinely enjoy the remarkable features of Virtual DJ. The software can play back just about any audio, video or karaoke file you put in it. It allows you to scratch, create effects for both audio and visuals, and has a full sample bank. The latest version allows up to 99 decks of control.

Professional DJs also require song and playlist management, which is available too, so this is another very strong feature often missed when not present in DJ software. In Virtual DJ, songs can be sent to playlists, saved and even automatically beat mixed if desired. Access to your iTunes library with cover art really makes it easy. In the LE version of the program we provide, you get to use most of these features and can even try out the pro version for 30 days.

Planet Ill: For readers who already own a Numark controller, what are the advantages to upgrading to one of these new systems?

Chris Roman: These new systems offer a price-to-feature ratio that is hard to beat. They also offer a larger layout than previous models, with substantial touch-activated wheels and audio capability. iDJ3 may represent someone’s first chance to record their sets to their iPod. The remarkable look and feel is also sure to turn a few heads.

Elianne Halbersberg is a freelance writer whose work has been published by Guitar Edge, Mix, Premier Guitar, Gibson.com, Electronic Musician, Audio Media, Ink 19 and numerous other magazines and websites.

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