U N DER T H E HOOD
Numark’s Scratch Mixer By Brian Berk
Numark, an inMusic brand, hopes to do much more than scratch the surface with its latest product release. The company, which was one of the original creators of DJ mixers in the late 1970s and 1980s, continues to be a dependable source of products for both experienced DJs, as well as those newly interested in the art of DJing. The Cumberland, R.I.-based company has introduced its Scratch mixer, exhibiting pro features and comprehensive software at an affordable price point. According to the company, the Numark Scratch offers a versatile array of features with powerful simplicity unheard of in this category of affordable mixers, including six direct-access software FX buttons, delivering quick entry to a comprehensive array of effects with both timing and intensity controls. These effects are triggered by a pair of performance base toggle paddles, usually only found in mixers at premium price points. In addition, Scratch offers four performance pads that provide hot-cue triggering, rolls for creative buildups and quick beat stabs, and sampler control, so DJs can spice up their mixes. Separate "Most new direct-access software looping controls users don't have are found on each channel, allowing DJs to unleash their creativity. Plus, there is a $1,700 to $1,900 in Low/Highpass filter that is not software their pocket to learn dependent, so it works as conveniently and effectively with analog turntables the art of the scratch as it does with software-based FX and DJ, though we know controls, Numark stated. The professional quality of the Nuthese mixers do sell mark Scratch is evidenced with a 108dB well at this price S/N ratio; true balanced, high-level XLR outputs; separate Zone/Booth control; point.... The Numark and an included professional standard innoFADER crossfader. This crossfader Scratch is simple, is designed for scratch DJs. The Scratch reliable, affordable includes the full version of Serato DJ Pro and the complete DVS Expansion and an incredible Pack included. Its DVS Expansion Pack value." enables DJs to connect turntables or CD/ media players, giving them the ability —Chris Roman 46
to control Serato DJ Pro using Noisemap Control tone vinyl or CDs. With the included Serato DJ Pro license, DJs can also connect any dedicated controller, like the Numark NDX500, and have a full setup at their fingertips. “For dozens of years, Numark has provided affordable DJ mixers to both the professional and hobbyist community,” Chris Roman, Numark’s senior DJ product manager, told the Music & Sound Retailer. “Witnessing the rebirth of the scratch DJ market through various gear like the PT01 Scratch turntable, and continued strong sales of the NS7 controller lineup, as well as understanding the successes of other high-end DJ brands in the scratch-mixer category, we could see there was an opportunity to create an affordable alternative. We wanted to create a solution that brought modern-day features onto a mixer, with high quality, while maintaining easy and non-intimidating workflows. The Numark Scratch completely satisfies this requirement.” Scratch is available now at a $499 retail price, a big selling point for the mixer, added Roman. “Most new users don’t have $1,700 to $1,900 in their pocket to learn the art of the scratch DJ, though we know these mixers do sell well at this price point,” he said. “We also know from the incredible success of the PT01 Scratch turntable that the market is strong and growing for this category. We are also watching growth in the scratch community of more and more DJ battles, like DMC, Goldie Awards and Redbull, that inspires new users. The Numark Scratch is simple, reliable, affordable and an incredible value, offering a full Serato DVS license, as well as pad, effect, loop and even track-select controls. To top it off, we include one of the industry-standard crossfaders, the InnoFADER. To get an even remotely similar feature set you’d need to spend more than three times more than the asking price of our Scratch.”
Separating Itself
There’s no question that Numark has plenty of competition regarding its DJ products. We asked Roman to describe how the company separates itself from the rest. “Everyone who works on the Numark development teams is either a working DJ or musician,” he responded. “This is vital. As performers ourselves, we really do understand the needs of our fellow DJs. This puts us in a unique and strong position AUGUST 2019