Numark DJ CD Players

I've been DJ'ing as a hobby for probably 5 years now. I own a Mackie 808S professional powered mixer that I use for gigging as well so it was a natural progression to take the PA equipment and DJ once in a while as well. I usually do small events, but have done 2 weddings when asked by friends. I guess I do OK at it because I'm constantly being referred, just don't have the time to do it full time. I purchased this Numark CD Mix-1 online from Musician's Friend. I paid $299 for it. I needed something with a little more flexibility, especially when folks bring up their own CD's for me to play a few tracks. Usually I'm DJ'ing with a loaded mp3 player. I like the fact that the CD Mix-1 gives you a pair of players and everything you need to keep grooves endlessly rolling. The players feature front-load transports with 30-second auto door close, track programming, 16% pitch/jog wheel, 12% pitch control, BPM counter, large backlit display, and true continuous play. I also like the built-in handles. Only one mic input. I know, not a big deal since I'm already running it through an 8 channel Mackie mixer, but it would have been a nice feature to have. After all you can't give a product a glowing review and still be honest. I also do not like the fact that there seems to be a slight delay with the start button - not an instant start like they advertise. Anyone that knows anything about CD players knows they need to spin up to speed, but still - don't say it if you don't got it. The Numark CD Mix-1 is built really well, but the layout of the controls sometimes doesn't make sense. Maybe I'm just being picky here. Overall, though, handles vibrations pretty well and although I haven't dropped it, it could probably take some minor bumping without problems. Overall I'd say I made a decent purchase. I guess for $300 it's not bad - but not the greatest either. I would recommend it only after checking around for competitive models in this price range - then compare features based on what's important to you and go for it. I like the unit well enough. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

The Numark CDX 1 is a table top do unit that has a record player type of feel to it, for the old school DJ’s switching over to CD’s and mp3’s this unit is perfect for you. Just slide your cd in the front loading dock and you can start scratching with the “record” that’s on top of the unit. it’s a nice big scratch wheel/ record. Its made to look like a record so you actually have the feel of an old school turntable which I personally love. I feel like Numark hit it right on the head with this unit. Some people who aren't in tune with all the DJ gear and equipment will actually think you are on an actual turntable. With dim lighting and from a short distance you cant tell that its really an mp3 or cd player!. You can loop and scratch on this unit and not to mention the automatic beat matching which is awesome. There are many effects on this unit like the filters which I like a lot and how easy it is to get the echo chain that I want. All of the effects can be changed how you want them to you will have complete control. The Numark CDX 1 is mp3 compatible and all of the cool functions that you love about these units can be done on cds as well as mp3’s. I love the features of the Numark CDX 1. Some of the featurs of this unit are, that it has a “matrix display that will show all the info such as the time, mp3 song name and show you the wav form of the song and all of the cue spots and bpm. All of the slow down and start up speeds are easy to alter and use. The Numark CDX 1 is a straight forward piece of gear that will do exactly what you need it to do when you need it to do it. If you can spend a little more money look into some of the higher end Numark’s, you will get more features and effects.

I have used the Numark NDX 400 on several occasions , though I do not own this unit at the current time but a friend does and I get the chance to use it a lot. I have ready no manual for this device and can use all of the functions without a problem. Maybe because of other units like it that I have used in the past enabled me to navigate this one? The Numark NDX 400 seems to be very durable and strong, havent dropped it yet but im sure it could handle its share of drops and dings. It also has a slot loading cd player. You can also plug your usb thumb drive in for quick acces to your music files. If you are a DJ there is a very big scratch wheel, it actually takes up about 50 percent of the face of the unit. So you can definitely go to work if you are looking to use that feature. This unit unlike other units is made more just for DJ’s. that’s not hard to tell either once you get into using it and seeing the features. The Numark NDX 400 is a very powerful unit for a bunch of different music formats (or atleast all of your main ones like mp3 and .wav formats). The display on the unit is very big but its very usable, and very easy on the eyes. You wont have to strain to read. When using in a dark setting or club and night scene the screen illuminates a very easy on the eyes color and all of the text on the screen is big enough to read. I actually love this unit and for the price it could be one of the best ones on the market. I used to have a Numark turntable years ago and I know that Numark products last a long time because I put that turnable though all types of beatings! So im sure this unit can take it as well. Numark’s NDX 400 is well worth every penny spent.

I've been using them for four years with a Numark DXM 06 mixer. Easy-to-use and practical decks. My opinion after four years of use: Pros: - User friendly - CDs are quickly loaded - CD tray illumination - Reliable in spite of heavy vibrations and damaged CDs - CUE play function (a very rare feature) - Very good effects - Loop functions (stutter or on the fly), two storable loops - Pitch and KEY - 3000 storable cue points - Value for money - Possibility to sync decks Cons: - SOUND: not enough output gain (compared with other DJ decks) - Easily audible noise - CD load via tray (archaic and bulky) - Manual too short (it doesn't mention tips to solve different problems) - Lack of digital output (although it's not very useful) - No CD-RW or MP3 CDs support - Not compatible with CDs over 80 minutes!!! - Bulky compared with Denon products or a Pioneer CDJ-400 Note: don't expect too much considering the current AXIS9 price... Problems: Processor overheat on a deck Signs: display malfunction, faulty playing and smell In short, the desk was unusable (very annoying when you have to start your performance two minutes later)! It worked again two days later and it never happened again... The jog wheel is no longer touch-sensitive on both decks, which means no scratch function nor effects anymore. Conclusion: Good value for money, easy handling (even for beginners). I don't regret my choice at all. I would choose a deck with a USB input now, like the Pioneer CDJ 400. Originally written by djmotion on Audiofanzine FR.

Originally written by djbabydrive on Audiofanzine FR. Despite the sentimental value (they are my first DJ decks), I can honestly say that even while being a low-budget product they are one of the best decks for beginners, IMO. Excellent loop function with very useful "reloop stutter" for creative mixing. Several storable cue points and other basic functions... This product is not fully packed with features but provides enough functions for mixing! The manual BPM is precise enough to easily sync two tracks. The pitch is rather reliable considering the price. I recorded a demo mix for a DJ contest and I got accepted, whch means that the product provides enough features for a basic mix! Do you have a small budget and effects are not essential? Do you want to learn how to mix without hassles? With reliable equipment? (Two years of intensive use without trouble): don't hesitate and buy them!! You won't be disappointed: this product will even surprise you! Very good value for money! Thanks to Numark: finally a really affordable DJ deck with enough features and perfect reliability! 8/10

There are so many features I haven't explored all of them yet ;) The loop engine is nice, the effects are decent, including the filter. ONE thing I would like the CDX to have is a card reader (Compact Flash)... Instead of burning CDs of my sounds each time, it would be handy to simply drag them on the card to use them. Price paid $700 The sound quality is very good. Even if you scratch fast, the sound does not seem to come out of a video game and remains smooth. It is quite easy to use if you want to scratch. The manual is not perfect though and I find the loop/sampler engine to be a little confusing still. It is heavy and solid. I love it because it is unique. Using the CDX is quite special. It does feel like a vinyl turntable, you can "grab" the platter from any angle, the size and weight of it adds to the charm. Everyone who comes over and touches the CDX is blown away. Originally posted on FutureProducers.com Posted by: mano 1 ( 6-, 2005)

Searchwheel features 2 speeds to search disks. CDR no problem but no CDRW-MP3 support. +/- 12 % pitch. Illumination is good. This is a older CD player so no effects no master tempo/key lock no digital out. Stutter function quite good. Price paid: $ 1200 Sounds: Good. Even without a digital out. Very easy to use and nice layout . It might skip last tracks of 75 to 78 minutes CDs. Built quality is very good. Over 2 years no flaws. Overall : this is a good CD player but after 2 years the market has changed and some extra features are well worth trading up. Numark built quality for CD players is quite good. If you don't need all those extra features this a good basic player. Originally posted on FutureProducers.com Posted by: Unknown (January 1-, 2003)

The tabletop player features effects like: sonar, scratching, phazer, pan, chop, A.D, reverse, Bleep and some others I don't remember. The player also got a quite big jog wheel! There are so many other things it's got I Can't remember it all. The quality of the effects is excellent! Price paid: 4000 kr I don't know much about sound quality, but I haven't experienced any problems. The sound is perfectly allright in my ears. It was 2 service once, but that was only the loop in button that was a bit slow.. Don't know how 2 expain it, so I just say, It's well built!! Taken in consideration its my first equip, I have 2 say: I LOVE IT!!!!! For me its got everything, and im happy with that! Originally posted on FutureProducers.com Posted by: be9 ( 9-, 2005)

Tons of features. Except... No Sampling. No wave-form display. No resistence or touch sensitivity on the scratch platter. Price paid: $375 USD Sound is actually very good, except when you start key correcting. Should be paired with a transparent mixer that doesn't soften the sound at all. Extremely easy to use. A miracle of ergonomics. Relatively light. Two and a mixer in a soft case with CD wallet can be carried by hand to a car. I have had severe problems with these units during the entire 6 months of owning them. Sloppy internal design. Buttons wearing out. Inconsistent button "feel". CD mechanism has failed three times. Occasional freeze ups, which can actually cause the other side to freeze, too. Numark's repair people are lackluster, though the senior people try to make up for problems if you ask them to. When the problem is their fault, they don't pay to pick it up, though. Make sure you actually tell them your concerns and what you'd like to see done to remedy the situation. It can do things that no other unit can. I can have an entire, advanced CD djing system in a soft case, including my records. It looks great, and when it works, sounds greats. The software is upgradeable and now is up to the level of their new CDN-90. Just buy locally and don't put up with any quality control inconsistencies until you get two flawless sounding and feeling units. Originally posted on FutureProducers.com Posted by: Unknown (January 1-, 2003)

I have had this unit for over a year and it is great for an "all in one" unit. It has a good feel on the mixer that allows for a tight mix. The physical quality seems good and it appears to be well built. This is a good way to get some pro options for little money. This is maybe an option for the beginner DJ (with a little practice at first). I use this with my mp3 player in one channel and mix in cd's on the other and it works great. I bought this at an online auction site for cheaper than I could've got if from the typical big box store and I am happy with it. For the money I spent on this, it makes way more sense than buying a separate mixer and cd players.