Yes, the picture we posted earlier this week of the MPC DJ was very much real, and we’ve got a full look at what the prototype unit looks like. Additionally, we took a quick look at the brand new Numark 4Trak controller, designed to be Numark’s flagship Traktor controller, in response to users who were dissapointed with the NS6/7 mappings for Native Instrument’s DJ software.
So it looks like the MPC DJ isn’t quite ready for prime time, but they’re most certainly looking for feedback. What are your thoughts on it? If you were a product designer, what would you do?
Here’s the complete stats on the Numark 4Trak:
Manufacturer: Numark
Product Name : 4Trak
Price: $1099
Release Date: Q1 2012 – within a few weeks!
Key Feature: Sensible Traktor-oriented mapping and controller layout
- 12-knob FX Kommand Console with FX unit and Filter controls
- Super high-res jogwheels with two-color LED rings
- Brushed aluminum top contributes to all-around solid build quality
- Strip search working well in Traktor
My God DJ’s are we forgetting competitions??? players and controllers are now designed for kids with small platters and weak assembly!!! most of the features on all players, controllers are similar but good handling requires decks we can control!!! bigger platters are in demand and DJ’s are asking for them??? why go smaller as if push button will be the final destination??? the joy of playing music for people should be with more tactics> push button effects, scratching, effects on the fly etc!!! Numark is holding it’s own but joining the rest of companies by going smaller?? where are we going with this? I am saddened by these changes. Rock on turntables, cdj’s, CDX’s.
I have Just bought the Numark 4Trak and have spent the last two days trying to get it to do what it’s supposed to without anywhere near 100% success. My first impressions were that if it performed as well as it looked and felt then all would be well. As it stands I’m already feeling as though I should have taken more notice of my reservations after reading up for the last few months of other peoples problems. I have been using Traktor for years now and when working I use timecode CD’s with scratch pro. This unit was bought for home use and a bit of fun with friends. My criticisms are as follows. Evertime I turn it on different lights are on or off all of the time, others just light up randomly when a button is pressed, not helpful if your not constantly looking for little icons on a laptop. The volume controls seem to need resetting at the loading of each track, also there is full volume sometimes even when all faders are at zero. The headphone monitoring system is non existant, I can only seem to monitor the next track if voumes are up, that is of course assuming you managed to mannipulate the level via the fader beforehand. These are my initial problems and it’s been out of the box less than 24hrs. I don’t expect to pay a lot of money for something that doesn’t work without lots of further investigation into soloutions to problems that should not exist. In my opinion this piece of equipment has been rushed out into the marketplace without being properly tested either in the factory or in the field. I’m not at all happy and will be looking for a refund. By the way, another of my reasons for buying this product was that it acted as a stand alone mixer, the same as the Denon MC6000 which I also own, and I would add works floorlessly and has from the moment I set it up which took about ten minutes. I liked the spacing and layout of the 4Trak and felt it was a bit less cramped than the Denon which I will now be going back to unless Numark email me with a miracle cure.
Think very very seriously before laying out your money for this product.
I have Just bought the Numark 4Trak and have spent the last two days trying to get it to do what it’s supposed to without anywhere near 100% success. My first impressions were that if it performed as well as it looked and felt then all would be well. As it stands I’m already feeling as though I should have taken more notice of my reservations after reading up for the last few months of other peoples problems. I have been using Traktor for years now and when working I use timecode CD’s with scratch pro. This unit was bought for home use and a bit of fun with friends. My criticisms are as follows. Evertime I turn it on different lights are on or off all of the time, others just light up randomly when a button is pressed, not helpful if your not constantly looking for little icons on a laptop. The volume controls seem to need resetting at the loading of each track, also there is full volume sometimes even when all faders are at zero. The headphone monitoring system is non existant, I can only seem to monitor the next track if voumes are up, that is of course assuming you managed to mannipulate the level via the fader beforehand. These are my initial problems and it’s been out of the box less than 24hrs. I don’t expect to pay a lot of money for something that doesn’t work without lots of further investigation into soloutions to problems that should not exist. In my opinion this piece of equipment has been rushed out into the marketplace without being properly tested either in the factory or in the field. I’m not at all happy and will be looking for a refund. By the way, another of my reasons for buying this product was that it acted as a stand alone mixer, the same as the Denon MC6000 which I also own, and I would add works floorlessly and has from the moment I set it up which took about ten minutes. I liked the spacing and layout of the 4Trak and felt it was a bit less cramped than the Denon which I will now be going back to unless Numark email me with a miracle cure.
Think very very seriously before laying out your money for this product.
Did you ever get the “monitor the next track only if voumes are up” issue fixed?
Cheers Mike
the mpc dj doesnt need 2 platters,too big too much.go with one.
MPCDJ
Ok – After a little thought here my penny’s worth.The the controller concept is great, as is the decision to use premium components in its build. My only nag, I cannot see a Fx section. I guess it will be sold as an optional extra like the ns7fx – a bit rubbish but not the end of the world as I would guess most producers would want fx post fade.Given controllers are just that….. controllers. The success of this unit is in the hands of Akai developing great software. So here is my software want list from a Dj’s perspective.1- The best possible sound quality and format flexibility. 2- A pre performance option to “warp” variable BPM’s3- Dummie proof post performance “ableton Mixtape” feature4- Auto gain5- Rock solid music “file tree” search. ( VDJ have done this very well) 6- Beat synced fx7- Possibly a Midi clock for lighting or VJ software expansion?8- Mutable decks9- Assignable deck lock. A one command effects all system- i.e, spin back player 1and the deck 3 playing a loop is also spun back in perfect sync leaving deck 2 unaffected.
Am I nuts or are the MPC things platters spinning the wrong way? I seem to recall my 1200s going clockwise.
Great – I forgot the link 🙂
http://www.petermunch.com/blog/numark-4trak-dj-controller-review/
I posted a review of the 4TRAK Controller here. Just a quick overview & hands on comments. Next up is developing a couple of custom maps for Traktor 🙂
Comments about the 4Trak:
I bought the 4Trak it really is the product I expected. I now awaiting delivery. I work with Torq 2.0 and I have already tested its NS6 works really well. Now I also worked with Traktor.
– We Needs individual channel meters for each channel. (VCI400)
– I would like to have a microphone input as the MC6000.
– Good construction quality.
– I like this size.
Great Blog!! That was amazing. Your thought processing is
wonderful. The way you tell the thing is awesome. You are really a master.
Hardwood Flooring
Lowell MA
considering the build quality and feature set of this unit, I think the pricing is bang on. I had the pleasure of putting it through its paces @ NAMM, and I really liked it. I’ll be getting one.
The Numark Mpc is my wet dream. I picture Araab Muzik meets Laidback Luke. However like they said this is all contingent on the software. This will be a oversized paper weight otherwise. My biggest concerns is lag. I sometime Dj with a partner and if one person is using the Mpc and the other is launching effts and scratching for example. Will the software be able to handle it? I have an i7 chip with 8 gigs of ram and a ssd and Traktor will freeze on me every now and then.
If they can integrate the PADS to work with ableton live and Live or Itch, this will be one beast of a DJ/Producing Machine. I would def be interested to test one out.
I was at NAMM this past weekend and was able to use the Numark 4Trak for quite a bit I can honestly say It was not bad a bit weird on the way the effect buttons are slanted on top but I can say I will stick to the S4 for now.
Maybe they should start by giving us V7 users a damn Traktor mapping before making another V7 hybrid.
Bought the v7`s ages ago, and waited ,and waited for traktor mappings the units were way to heavy and I had crashes with itch , the support was terrible, I bought an s4 and never looked back it was , simple ,light and it worked with the software out of the box, although some manufacturers make awsome units which look attractive and promise the earth , if the manufacture of the software and hardware are not the same you can find yourself wading through pages on furums trying to find solutions to problems. My advice buy an s4/s2 job done.
2nd that. Love the V7’s but waited almost a year before i could use them on the road.
Comments about the 4Trak: I really like the design, clean thru-out the device. The one thing the i believe is critical at this price point is the ability to launch clips. If this map follows previous Numark devices, the wont be a focus on clip launching, and manipulation. With new trends in music and the art of Dj’in, clips are becoming more immersive than most ever anticipated.
Im really excited about the Numark MPC DJ product. Its actually what I have been waiting for. I love the NS7, but always wished for 4 channel mixer. I personally LOVE motorized platters and it always surprised me that most products dont include it. Thats why I loved the NS7. Motorized platters. I like the concept of the MPC DJ because it aslo included the MPC, which is something that I would normally carry externally. So having an all emcompassing unit makes it great. Looking at the demo unit, I dont see any knobs/faders for the effects? This is a complete necessity so that is one area I would suggest.
the numark / akai / mpc unit is really ugly as shit. i never liked the NS6/7. thought they are too bulky and too heavy. and who actually does need moving platters on a controller anyways? there are things, called turntables in every club – why would you want to bring this unit to your gig (and don’t give me that “because I am used to it” bullshit.
what are those level faders all about? is this piece of gear meant to be editing your 4 video tracks or what? they really don’t look like the mixer of a dj mixer.
the only good thing i could imagine, is that this unit has some real potentials for turntabelist, if those moving platters were not in the way. i like the idea to have all the pads and functionalities available in the middle of the unit, where a dj and a turntablist actually performs. so having all the pads for samples, loops and oneshots right there, where also all the EQing, juggling etc. takes place is a good idea.
so drop the platters. deliver an mpc style mixer with some proper faders, and maybe then we are talking.
and what is that edge in the middle about. why is that mixer part longer? ugly…
hey a forgot to say and i agree with Jack when he referes about:
“Needs individual channel meters for each channel” for the Numark 4Trak.
as for me, playing lounge to house and some tech-house, i never use the crossfader, it would be cool to have the option and remove it from the controller. no need this for me.
hello hello from Portugal….
The Numark 4Trak looks pretty damm good, superb construction and offerable connection for other dj gadgets.
I think price anunced is to high, but could be similar with the DDJ-T1 from Pioneer.
Lots of people choose the DDJ-T1 because looks cool and for the good products they have been releasing. DDJ-T1 is full plastic construction. it loose quality compairing with the 4Trak from Numark.
i think this one (Numark 4Trak) is a much better choise (quality/functionality/price)
lets see if price goes down a little.
sorry for my Inglish, kind rusty
I agree with you… the price is a bity steep… I would like to see it drop down to compete with the NI Traktor Kontrol S4. Then it would really make waves… I am excited about the large (6″ diameter platters?) with 3600 points of resolution. I dont much like the brushed metal finish. I mean it’s nice to know that it IS metal, but to me it looks like a kitchen unit especially with the angled fx unit. kinda looks like stove top with small dials… hehe :p
I think I would get a skin for it… Maybe I’m lame but I prefer it looking black. How about you my friend? do you like the metal finish?
By the way, your English is perfect!
Bom dia, ter um bom domingo!
Correction: Eu espero que voce tenha um bom domingo.
Was about to buy the s4 but gonna wait till this beast comes out… I think it is brilliant…
I would like to see Numark add dedicated knobs for controlling effects, replace the faders with dj-style mix faders, but most of all increase the decks sizes to 10″ or 12.” I can’t for the life of me understand why companies insist on making dinky platters and expect to recreate the feel of vinyl.
Yes, I know that 7″ is the size of 45’s. But who scratches with 45’s anyway? By the way, I am a scratch DJ who is in the process of archiving all of my vinyl and (hopefully) switching to digital decks. I have a pair of Numark TTXs, and a Numark CDX. The concept of the CDX refreshed is what I’ve been looking for from hardware producers, to no avail. Denon has a device with a 9″ platter, which is okay, but the torque is way too low for my tastes. Stanton has a controller with a 10″ platter, but it is firewire (really?).
Numark, I hope that you will cater to scratch DJs in addition to the button masher/jog wheel crowd (in no way intended to be a pejorative description, you guys rock). In sum, bigger platters with high torque, better faders, and more knobs for effects.
Sincerely,
A Scratch DJ
Oh man. I would love to see the mpcdj with a instant gratifacation mapping for the 16 pads. And maybe a mapping for cue points and sample decks.
Comments about the 4Trak:
– Needs individual channel meters for each channel. Numark made this same mistake with the NS6.
– If the pots are plastic stems like the NS6 then the same durability worries are still there. They should be metal not plastic.
– Get rid of the cheesy, silly, fake 45 adapters silkscreened on the platters. What are we, 12 years old?)
– The yellow LED lighting is hideous.
– Offer a rotary option for channel faders (for NS6 too).
– 60’s/70’s hifi-esque brushed aluminum lends itself to wood paneled sides.
http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy304/innerwebs/Numark_4TRAK_BlackScience_modfix1.jpg
yes yes yes!
might as well make all knobs metal
Re: MPCDJ… “They’re still looking for feedback on the design”? OK, why don’t the platter chassis’ flush out at the top with the mixer section? It looks like a mis-matched Frankenstein project that Stevie Wonder built. Make the chassis all one dimension along its edges.
I hope the street price of the 4Trak will be lower.I thought i will be able to afford one,when i first saw the news,but man there are other controllers with just the same features like the 4Trak under 1K..
For the love of god will people stop discrediting the moving platters! There’s a zillion static platter controllers available already! Not every body cares about how light it is.
Largely it depends on the software workflow approach, but to enable a better variety of controls the four channel mixer strips should be ditched. Two revolving platters and MPC equals Hip Hop style dj/performer and or turntablism, simple. But the current controller layout sits some where in the middle between Ableton and four deck controllerism, neither of those markets have great interest in moving platters or weighty controllers.
Dj hardware with identity problems are white elephants, it needs to sit firmly in one camp or the other! Like I said revolving platters and MPC equals hip hop and turntablism so the controller should be geared towards bringing the best of A to B trick mixing paired with live performance features of an MPC.
For me it should adopt the 2.1 layout channel approach, A to B mixing complemented buy a sampler/sample player sequencer. The four channel mixer seriously needs to be replaced by clutter free 2 channel battle mixer style that appease the turntablist dj who want to perform fader tricks which really means traditional fade caps rather than studio style caps.
I kind of the feel the EQ rotary’s could move to either side the faders, which would free up the top section above the pads for MPC type controls features, group, transport and maybe a set of endless rotary encoders covering EQ and volume, think native instruments Maschine workflow, to adjust a parameter of individual sample you hold down the sample pad of choice and twist/push a rotary/button to adjust parameter. This method gives full access to every parameter on every pad without needing to touch the computer.
Obviously all will hang on the software, but when I think of a controller like the one I’ve described, weather its with one shots or loops I’d want to be able to perform on the pads and then copy any live composition in to either of the decks, with that in mind a Jack input for foot pedal control is a must! Equally I would want to be able build compositions via post fade sampling weather its recording your self skratching, mixing, fx jamming or finger drumming, all should be able to built and sequenced live in to the 4*4 grid.
Make this come true and you’ve covered a shed load of features that would normally take 4-5 individual pieces of hardware to achieve.
Studio fader caps? No no no.
Other than that, everything looks great.
Although the 4trak looks awesome, I’m hoping for a Traktor version of the MPCDJ 🙂
personally i think the rotating platters is a little to much. I mean its already a massive unit. I’m not really a big fan of studio fader caps anyway so if they went with normal ones it would be much better to me.
If you have your eye on the forums, many are still intrigued by motorized platters. I think it’s a nice, compact balance between vinyl and midi. Quite brilliant in my opinion.
i would like to see something like this fit into the bridge, or maybe a co-op with traktor and ableton? this would own that mapping so hardcore.
also seems like it could kick into the new teaser that Native instruments put out.
kinda uber psyched to see more like this! its like a dream i had…. 🙂
@Numark:disqus
(1) Ditch studio-style line faders for traditional/NS7 faders
(2) Will it be running on Itch or TP? Also, will there be separate studio software to take advantage of those huge 16 squares in the middle of the console?
(3) Not sure if spinning platters are necessary, especially if weight can be decreased.
AKAI back for the kill shot on this one( MPC VERSION). Ive always said the mpc was the origin of this thing called controllerism. Can you hear me now! Must be able to control pad samples with turntables(scratch) would be nice. MPC sequencing software able to sync with tables ie the bridge.Built in effects.LEGACY MODE(MPC60).
FX unit!!! 16 pushable knobs + 16 fx buttons
Integrated Hard drive.
Full Traktor & Itch support.
Chroma caps and sliders 😉
Im saving my pennies for this beast
word!
…And price it under $1099!!
why are the jogs on the mpc dj spinning in reverse?
Ok, I’m not the only one that noticed that
reversed video clip
Ok, I’m not the only one that noticed that
Linefaders shouldnt be like studio faders and the things in the midde of the jogweels should be removed for better control
The new traktor might just be the perfect match for the Akai Numark hybrid.