- Limited software without upgrading
- Plastic build quality
- Limited inputs and outputs
- Large Jog Wheels
- Performance pads
- Integrated displays
- Serato compatibility
Numark is one of the top companies in the world for audio technology and DJ tools. When the company released its Mixtrack Pro FX original, the world of music creation changed forever.
Since then, various new versions of the Numark Mixtrack have appeared, including the sensational Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 – a two-channel DJ mixers ideal for beginners.
The most recent solution to join the Mixtrack lineup is the Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX.
Arriving around a decade after the release of the original technology, the Numark Mixtrack is a fantastic tool, building on the technology that introduced countless DJs to the possibilities of MIDI controllers.
The Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX covers everything a budding professional DJ needs to develop skills and unlock new opportunities.
The 24-bit 4-deck DJ controller includes a dedicated software FX section for effects, high-performance job wheels, and so much more.
In this article, we’re going to explore what the Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX can really do, for DJs in search of the ultimate entry-level 4-channel DJ controller.
Is the Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX any good? (in short)
This is a product that really outshines its rivals by including a lot of more expensive, premium features within a budget design. If you’ve been a fan of the Numark Mixtrack collection before, and you appreciate how functional and creative these devices can be, you’ll love the Platinum FX.
Video Review
Overview
Just like the Numark Mixtrack Pro controllers that came before it, the Mixtrack Platinum is a professional-looking device available for a reasonable price.
Immediately, the Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX seems like something you’d spend a decent amount of money on. Everything looks uniform and well-designed, with a lightweight finish that’s excellent for portability.
The Mixtrack Platinum FX is designed to include all the tools features you need to begin your journey as a top DJ.
The 4-deck digital DJ controller has a set of large 6-8 inch jog wheel with their own built-in displays, as well as a selection of multifunctional performance pads.
Features include:
- 3-month free subscription to TIDAL Premium
- Two months of access to Sound Switch
- Serato DJ Lite download
- Microphone input, headphone output, and RCA output
- 24-bit audio output
- 16 Performance pads for access to loops, cues, fader cuts, and more
- Full 3-bad EQ with filter knobs
- Dedicated support for instant loop control
- Access to leading track supply solutions
- High-res capacitive 6-inch jog wheels
- Quick-launch effects with dual paddle triggers
- 4 deck layering controllers
Key Features
Intended as a replacement for the previous Numark Mixtrack Platinum, the Platinum FX takes entry-level build quality to the next level.
Though many of the components in this device are made from plastic, the product doesn’t feel cheap.
Everything is beautifully well-done, from the large, professional jog wheel with their central displays, and the tactile performance pads.
The Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX also has a huge selection of FX features and software solutions to explore. Let’s dive deeper into some of the features.
Build Quality and Design
The Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX fuses with the same plastic design as the previous products. The controllers do feel wonderfully weighty and professional, however.
There’s even a set of cutouts on all sides that elevate the underside of the chassis, giving you room for a laptop to slide beneath.
The slightly larger footprint of the Mixtrack solutions from Numark ensures that you don’t get a cluttered or overwhelming interface. Compared to smaller controllers, space here is wonderfully well-used, with a range of critical features carefully aligned to deliver exceptional results.
The overall styling of the Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX makes for a DJ controller which feels so much more impressive than previous models.
Inputs, Outputs, and Controls
The Platinum FX from Numark has the wide selection of inputs and outputs you’d expect from a controller like this, including two headphone output options, 2 RCA output options, a microphone in, and a USB for your computer, which also acts as the power source.
Serato DJ Lite software compatibility is included as standard, along with a range of additional software options we’ll come back to later.
To get your device up and running, all you need to do is plug it into a laptop and choose the software you want to use.
If you don’t have a Serato DJ account set up already, we’d definitely recommend getting one before you jump in with this product.
It’s also worth taking advantage of the three months of available streaming and track-management tools included with your purchase.
Jog wheels
One of the first things to grab your attention on the Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX is the larger 6-inch capacitive jog wheels. These are some of the most professional wheels we’ve ever seen on a DJ controller at this price point. The units are beautifully responsive and smooth, with needle position stickers to guide you when you’re just getting started with scratching.
The Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX has a rugged, capacitive jog-wheel design with a set of built-in displays so you can access valuable information.
The LCD screens show you things like needle position, pitch position, time remaining, BPM, and even range. The jog wheel feel remarkably similar to the kind of wheels you’d expect on a much more advanced, premium controller.
If we’re mentioning the impressive jog wheels on the Numark Platinum FX decks, we should definitely draw attention to the pitch faders too.
These are surprisingly large again for the price of the controller, and they’re almost as long as the jog wheel, with incredible control over deck tempo. You’ll find dedicated pitch buttons under the fader for moving the track if you don’t want to use your jog wheels.
The Mixtrack FX models, including the Platinum version, also come with dedicated auto-looping controls with double and halving buttons.
You can hold shift down if you want to use manual controls.
- Limited software without upgrading
- Plastic build quality
- Limited inputs and outputs
- Large Jog Wheels
- Performance pads
- Integrated displays
- Serato compatibility
The Mixing Experience
As mentioned above, the Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX is technically an entry-level controller, though you’d be forgiven for thinking otherwise.
There’s no stand-alone mixer mode for your external connections.
You’ll only have a ¼-inch microphone jack with a dedicated volume control included on the rear of the controller. The rear panel is also home to RCA outputs to connect your speakers, as well as a USB-B port for your computer.
The two-channel DJ mixers in the Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX feature a three-band EQ, dedicated trimming controls, and a fantastic effects section.
There is a crossfader and up-fader curve options, but you’ll need to control these through your available software.
Once again removing itself from similar price-point solutions, the Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX also features a set of 1/8 and 1/4 headphone output ports, which is quite a rare addition for most devices like this.
The new premium dual paddle triggers give you fantastic support over built-in software effects, and there’s access to a range of buttons and essential effects like Reverb, echo, phaser, Flanger, and more.
User Experience:
One of the things we liked most about the Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX, is how wonderful it feels to play with. You can actually have a lot of fun with a device like this, thanks to the helpful displays, large jog wheels, and range of exceptional features to explore.
The pitch sliders are wonderfully simple and great for manual beat mixing. We also like the fact that the layout follows standard expectations so you shouldn’t be too confused.
With things like gain, three-band EQ, and access to a helpful filter knobs, it’s easy enough to browse through and load tracks at the pace that suits you.
There’s a Cue button, Cue Gain, and Cue mix knobs for monitoring headphones and other tools. You’ll also have access to microphone volume and master volume on the top of the controller.
Ultimately, the Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX gives you everything you need to start mixing and enhancing your DJ skills out of the box.
Whether you need the ultimate dedicated mixer section, plug-and-play high speed USB connectivity, or an amazing set of microphone tools, this device has you covered.
You can even upgrade your lighting experience because the product includes a 2-month trial for SoundSwitch Premium DJ lighting.
The FX
While there are a lot of things worth bragging about on the Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX, the effects are usually what gains the most attention.
The Numark Platinum FX comes with dedicated paddles for each deck, although you generally just control the same effect through your entire controller.
The effects are built into the Serato DJ Lite service, including a low-pass filter, high-pass filter, flanger, phaser, Reverb, and Echo.
One interesting ability is the option to control the cycling length of the effect, which the Numark team refers to as “Beats”.
You can “tap” beats if you think the software hasn’t guessed the BPM properly. There’s also a dry/wet knob for controlling how much of your output is influenced by an effect.
Many professionals believe that the effects on most controllers are overly complicated, so Numark’s simplistic approach is certainly a breath of fresh air.
You can dial in the type and amount of filter you want easily, triggering them on or off as you please.
Although you are limited to one effect at a time, this isn’t a massive problem for the people this controller is aiming to support. If you’re looking for an advanced solution, there are more options out there, but for beginners, the Numark is extremely impressive.
Performance pads
Another massive selling point of the Numark Platinum FX is the 16 multi-functional DJ performance pads, which are all backlit.
There are eight pads under each jog wheel, designed to give you more ways to experiment with your audio. There’s a third row of four buttons above the two rows that contain the eight main pads, giving you more control over what you can do.
The extra buttons provide quick access to things like auto-loop, hot cues, fader cuts, and samples. You can easily create a host of experiences with these buttons, but they don’t work perfectly with software like Serato DJ Lite.
After all, you can do a lot of things without these buttons if you’re using Serato DJ. What’s more, Serato DJ Lite can only offer four access cues. If you have the Pro version of Serato DJ, then you will get those extra pads in all of their glory.
The four function pads come with an auto-loop, which controls and duplicates the function of the new loop. You can also access sampling in Serato DJ Lite, though there’s more function in the Pro version.
The most exciting feature is the Fader Cuts button, which usually appears as “transform” on more expensive kits. This function allows you to cut in and out of a track according to a specific rhythm, which is something you might hear a lot with scratch DJs.
Keep in mind there are other controls to explore on this device too.
The big buttons on the bottom left of your jog wheels are your shift button. You can also access a button that switches between vinyl and scratch on your jog wheel to the bottom right of the machine.
Other Features to Consider
We mentioned above that these four layered deck devices come with Serato DJ Lite built-in for your software functionality, but that’s only the beginning of what you can do from a software performance.
The Mixtrack Platinum FX is pre-mapped for Serato DJ, and the software is included with demo music and a simple walk-through tutorial for beginners.
You can also upgrade to the Pro version whenever you like.
Aside from Serato DJ, you’ll also have access to Wi-Fi music from Soundcloud and TIDAL, so you never run out of mixing options.
All that, and you get the SoundSwitch premium solution for 2 months to help you light up the display.
Compared to the similar recent release within the Mixtrack FX environment (the Pro FX), the Platinum FXoffers a lot of excellent capabilities to discover.
The platinum jog wheels are very professional, and extremely expensive feeling when you consider the size and price of the controller. The Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX option does give you a little more guidance with needle positions printed onto the wheel for scratch and turntable DJs.
The Platinum device also features the option to switch into secondary layers where you can control your four playback decks. Playing within your secondary layers means the music layers over your existing channels when you mix it in.
This can be a little confusing for a beginner, but it’s a great way to ensure that you have the scalability to really deliver amazing music.
Pros and Cons
The DJ set demands for simple and powerful entry-level tools for DJs isn’t going anywhere. Numark has clearly developed a fantastic product with the Mixtrack collection.
The more the company continues to invest in these impressive, but budget-friendly devices, the more they continue to take over the world, at least among newer DJs.
As the latest incarnation in the Mixtrack collection, the Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX is a reminder of what made the original Mixtrack so impressive. This is a worthy addition to the portfolio, with various improvements over the previous platinum.
The FX in the Numark Platinum FX is a lot more fun and immersive than it used to be. Plus, it’s worth remembering that you’re getting some seriously professional pitch faders and jog wheels.
The technology here is a lot more premium than you would expect from such an affordable device.
The DJ performance pads and your various looping options are also more impressive in this version of the Platinum than they were in the previous version.
We loved experimenting with the Fader Cuts option, which we haven’t seen on other entry-level products.
Just keep in mind that this is still a beginner solution, limited by access to Serato Lite software. You will need to upgrade if you want the full experience.
Pros:
Cons:
Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX: The Verdict
Throughout this review, we were constantly impressed by the category-busting performance and functionality of the Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX. This is a device that really blew us away with a sensational performance, full-sized pitch channel faders, and powerful jog wheels.
While this is still an entry-level controller, it’s one of the more versatile ones you can buy, capable of scaling rapidly according to your DJ style and needs.
If you’re looking for something that really breaks the mold in terms of entry-level functionality, we don’t think you’ll be disappointed by this sensational device.
This is a product that can really make a difference in your skills and development as a DJ.
- Limited software without upgrading
- Plastic build quality
- Limited inputs and outputs
- Large Jog Wheels
- Performance pads
- Integrated displays
- Serato compatibility
