Numark Mixtrack Edge ultra-portable DJ controller announced, we go hands-on

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Numark Edge ultraportable DJ controller announced, we go handson" data-src-height="412" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc05397-1365597450.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Just when you thought Numark couldn't invent any more DJ controllers, it's done it again. This time it's MusikMesse at Frankfurt, with the little guy you see above -- the Mixtrack Edge. It's described as "ultra portable" and when you see how big it is -- roughly the size of an iPad -- we're inclined to agree with that. In fact, when you see the device cooped up in its protective case with the lid down, you'd be forgiven for thinking that's exactly what it was (a tablet). But, no... this is another attempt at forging a new DJ controller category. Numark's done small before (like the DJ2Go), but the Mixtrack Edge has a significant trick up its sleeve -- a built in audio interface. This means no cable splitters, instead plug headphones right in, and line your audio out to your speakers. Sound good? We went hands on to find out, plug in after the break.</div><div class="post-gallery" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><h3 class="title"><b>Numark Edge hands-on</b></h3><br /><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc05434-1365596916_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc05396_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc05397_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc05399-1365596918_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc05400_95x95.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/dsc05401-1365596920_95x95.jpg" /> </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Looks-wise, it's a bit of a mixed bag, and reminds us somewhat of the MPC Fly from sister firm Akai. The brushed metal-effect finish aims to give a quality appearance, but touch any of the controls and that soon evaporates. The buttons feel decent enough, but the faders and rotary controls will test the patience of anyone above even the most casual user. Those platters? Yeah, you can leave those scratching ambitions at the door -- but they do let you get hands involved in the mix. That said, these are the considerations of someone who probably shouldn't be buying one of these in the first place. The Mixtrack Edge is clearly aimed at house parties, small gatherings, absolute beginners or even mixing on the road. As such, it offers all the essentials you need to do just that (apart from controls for EQ, which might have been preferable over the included FX dials). There are even semi-advanced options such as loop and sample triggering (again, we argue some would prefer EQs). The Mixtrack Edge is fully USB-powered and also adheres to the MIDI standard making it compliant with a whole host of software, and we'd suggest that likely includes core-MIDI iOS apps.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">In our brief time with it, it's hard not to overlook the things that might seem minor now. One example being the faders. Clearly in an attempt to shrink the overall footprint, the controls have been designed to sit as flush with the main surface as possible. While this works for the aesthetic appeal, it makes quick and animated adjustments very difficult. Did we mention there are no EQ controls? Perhaps the choice of controls on offer are indicative of a new breed, more interested in a quick mashing together of sounds, rather than drawn out, musical mixing? All things said and done, we're sure Numark has created something that will please a very precise section of the (potential) DJ market. We'll just have to wait and see exactly how well it does, given that, as yet, Numark's keeping the volume down on price and availability.</div></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="349" id="viddler-3ad82a10" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="//www.viddler.com/embed/3ad82a10/?f=1&offset=0&autoplay=0&secret=82372448&disablebranding=0&view_secret=82372448" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="545"></iframe></div>

Numark Mixtrack Edge ultra-portable DJ controller announced, we go hands-on

Just when you thought Numark couldn't invent any more DJ controllers, it's done it again. This time it's MusikMesse at Frankfur...

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