Numark has launched a new standalone DJ controller this week that comes with an array of powerful features: the Mixstream Pro. With the goal of providing its own fresh take on DJing and a revamp of capabilities that can be placed into the hands of artists, it includes its own built-in WiFi system and the ability to link to streaming content from major platforms. It also comes with built-in monitor speakers, lighting control, and a set of pro DJ features thanks to the combination of its hardware layout and connection to the Engine OS software system.
Let’s take a look at some of the major features included.
Built-in WiFi, streaming abilities, and Dropbox library access
The controller’s WiFi feature brings the concept of connectivity to another level, as it means that any DJ will be able to access streaming content anywhere they go (though, we’re curious to know how well this will work at festivals with minimal cell service, or in remote areas where WiFi may not have a strong signal). Regardless, it creates an opportunity for users to connect to their accounts on Beatport LINK, Beatsource LINK, TIDAL, and Soundcloud Go+ – meaning that their library can be infinitely massive with millions of tracks and playlists at their disposal.
Mixstream Pro users can also bring their downloaded tunes to the controller in a few different ways. There’s the opportunity to sync their music library – whether it’s a few playlists or all of your thousands of tracks – to Dropbox and access it on the controller. The playback here claims to not be an issue, either – the songs are buffered into the internal memory as they’re loaded. They can also export their music to a USB drive or SD card and plug into one of the 2 USB inputs and 1 SD card on the hardware, where they’ll be able to play their tunes directly.
Built-in speakers
The Mixstream Pro is the first standalone controller to include its own built-in monitor speakers with its own dedicated volume knob. It’s a helpful addition for practices, personal monitoring, and those quick moments where you want to hear your tracks out loud without having a sound system to plug into.
Lighting control via Philips Hue
The built-in WiFi also connects wirelessly to the Philips Hue smart home lighting system so that you can set up a beat-synchronized lightshow as you’re playing. You can change colors and use the auto-generated lighting programs included, or pre-analyze your library ahead of time with the SoundSwitch desktop software and have full control of DMX lighting capabilities. This is all doable on the controller itself, aka no need for a DMX controller or laptop.
Other performance & hardware features to note
The controller comes with quite a few hardware features:
- 6” capacitive-touch jog wheels with Smart Scratch feature for on-beat scratching
- 4 dual-layer performance pads on each deck
- 4 performance mode pads on each deck (Cue, Saved Loop, Auto Loop, Roll)
- FX section with 4 effects and 2 toggle switches
- Large Filter knob on each deck
- Pitch Bend buttons and dedicated Pitch Slider
- Selectable Pitch ranges of 4%, 8%, 10%, 20%, 50%, and 100%
- Dedicated Sync, Cue/Stop, and Play/Pause buttons
- 3-band EQ on each deck
2 USB inputs
• 1 SD Card input
• Balanced XLR Main outputs
• RCA Main outputs
• ¼” microphone input
• ¼” and 1/8” headphone output jacks
Price + availability
It’s an interesting release to see from Numark that opens the door for DJs of all skill levels to explore their own creative ways of DJing. The built-in WiFi capability is also massive, as it gives an artist the ability to expand their library immensely.
The Mixstream Pro is on-sale now for $599 US/£499.99 [UK]/€599.99 [EU].
We’ll have an in-depth review of the new Mixstream Pro coming soon. You can grab it in our DJTT shop now for $599.
