Does Numark NV change everything
Numark made a huge statement by implying that their new Numark NV controller “changes everything”, as with many product launches these statements are usually scoffed at, so is this a serious game changer or is this just hype, we take a look at the features of this controller reflecting on features and response its getting from other major reviewers:
Firstly lets look at the features of this controller
The main new feature this controller has is two 4.3” lcd screens which integrate with the information being shared on the Serato layout on each selected deck
The Numark NV screens are located at the top of each deck and are angled towards the user so they can be easily seen in different conditions. The metal-top jog wheels are relatively small due to the inclusion of the screens, FX, and Performance Pad sections all in the deck areas. The touch sensitive effects, filters, and EQ modes are pulled directly from the Numark NS7. There’s more familiarity in the performance pads, which are based on the traditional Akai MPC pads, and whilst a little smaller than some, are very comfortable to use.Pad modes that include cues, loops, sampler, and slicer functions on the 16-velocity sensitive RGB Pads.
Build quality is good; as with most controllers, the bulk of the build is plastic,with onlynthe mixer facetop being metal but it feels well put together and the jogs and controls feel solid and robust. In terms of dimensions, the NV sits firmly in the mid-size category, being roughly the same size as the NI Kontrol S4 and the Pioneer DDJ-SR. That makes it a very portable unit, much more so than monsters like the DDJ-SX or the NS7 II, but it isn’t so small that the controls feel cramped, even with four channels on board.
Numark NV successfully allows users to see mostly all the information within Serato DJ that one could want without looking at their laptop screens during the performance, only occasionally to find yourself glancing at the laptop screen to search the music deep in your library.
With Serato Dj included in the package the NV is also took it on to be the first all-in-one controller to ship with Serato’s new Flip functionality with a licence included. What this means is that there is an extra mode for the performance pads, and the parameter buttons to the left of the pads also serve as controls for recording your Flips.
It’s very creative once you’re used to how it works Other controllers are being ‘retro-fitted’ with Flip, of course, but having that license included is a nice bonus, and being able to see which flip is currently active via the onboard screens helps with usability, in the same breathe they also included “TOOLROOM” remix Packs to get you started
One small gripe is the fact that the mixer on this unit is not a standalone mixer and is also not a DVS interface, something that turntable dj would find hard to intergrate , if they wanted to expand their setup.
This particular device might not be for everyone, but be guaranteed that in a year’s time, this unit will be looked on as the start to the new age controllers where onboard processing, onboard screens and control be considered the basic features.
Check out this video on the capabilities of the NV:
