With the original Numark Mixstream Go already being a DJ gear MONSTER hit, people were curious about what Numark would come up with next. Well, as it turns out, their Numark Mixstream Pro Go presents itself as the next logical step forward in just about every way imaginable.
From its in-built speakers to its incredibly acute touchscreen, to its most impressive feature of having a rechargeable battery, making all of your performances 100% cord-free and wireless.
This all culminates in a DJ controller that can truly go just about anywhere you need it to while still retaining all of the benefits of being a standalone, all-in-one piece of equipment.
In this review, we’re going to do a complete rundown on the controller, from an initial first look (judging its build and design) to a deeper inspection of its various internal aspects, such as its streaming and software capabilities.
By the end of this feature, you’ll not only know where we stand on it, but you’ll have a good enough understanding of the controller to determine if it’s right for you.
Is The Numark Mixstream Pro Go Any Good?
Overall, the Numark Mixstream Pro Go is a reliable and capable DJ controller that delivers a solid DJ performance in a portable package.
The Numark Mixstream Pro Go is a versatile DJ controller that offers a range of features suitable for both beginners and experienced DJs. It provides a compact and portable design, making it convenient for on-the-go performances.
This controller from Numark includes a built-in rechargeable battery, allowing for wireless operation, and it supports both standalone and computer-based setups. It also features a variety of connectivity options, including Bluetooth and aux inputs, enabling DJs to easily integrate external devices.
- Streaming Option Is Great
- Engine DJ Software
- Rechargeable Battery
- Great Build Quality
- No Option For Serato Or Rekordbox
- Potentially Confusing Design
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First Impressions
Build
One of the first things you’re probably going to notice is that, right out of the box, the Numark Mixstream Pro Go is extremely well put together. It’s clear that, while the controller isn’t necessarily meant for professionals, what it offers is all very impressive and worth paying attention to. Not only does it feel sturdy in your hands, but it also has a ton of tech stuffed in for good measure.
The Mixstream Pro Go is almost entirely built from plastic casing, and while this may seem like they skimped out a bit, the truth is that this isn’t the flimsy cheap plastic that you’re probably thinking of. As mentioned earlier, the entire body and physical makeup feel like they could survive more than a couple of drops without falling apart.
Design
The Numark Mixstream Pro Go is a two-channel controller that has larger jogwheels (around 6 inches) compared to the Denon DJ Prime Go and has managed to make the larger 7-inch touchscreen a benefit more than a distraction by giving it shorter pitch controls while also playing a bit with the mixer, putting the EQ and gain knobs to the left and right of the controller respectively.
They further offset this by putting the filter knobs to the left and right of the touchscreen so that everything was easier to get to.
If you’re a longtime standard controller user it may take you a few passes before you get used to what they’ve done. I had to play around with it for a couple of minutes before I felt confident using it. Unless you plan on performing right before opening this bad boy up you’ll have plenty of time to futz around and get the hang of the different positions.
The controller comes with four performance pads, including cue, auto loop, saved loop, and loop roll. These can all be assigned a designated pad based on your comfort. There’s also an included pitch slider, though it isn’t particularly long compared to those from other markets.
The top left of the controller has various mix knobs as well as the volume control for headphones while the top right includes the control knobs for the internal speakers as well as the main output controls.
There’s an included mic socket near the headphone port while the back includes a pair of USB ports along with an area to put an SD Card.
The DJ controller comes with a balanced XLR as well as an unbalanced RCA main output socket. All of these things, while not new unto themselves, are all made fresh based on either where they’re set up on the controller or what has been put near them. Again, while some of these things may be initially surprising, I don’t expect anything to throw you off too much once you’ve got a chance to play with it.
Speakers
One interesting setup is where they’ve positioned the speakers. For some reason, they’ve set them around where your hands naturally find themselves. I think this is just a result of the earlier-mentioned shifts around. Again, I think you’ll probably get a handle on things much sooner than you’d expect, with previous users of other Pro+ devices feeling more at home than people getting involved with Numark for the first time.
Rechargeable Battery
One of the newest aspects of any DJ controller is Numark’s inclusion of a rechargeable battery. It has around three hours of functional life, so it’s meant for one (maybe two) performance before getting plugged back in. I imagine that this will get revamped in later models, but even now it’s perfect for going on stage, doing your thing, and coming back right before it shuts off.
The battery life is largely contingent on various outside factors like the brightness of the touchscreen or how high you have the internal speaker volume. The good news is that you won’t need to worry about the speakers when it comes to actual stage performances since you’re probably going to be using some type of external option.
This means you really only need to focus on the brightness of the touchscreen, which probably doesn’t need to be “that” bright in most settings. I say all of this to say that, while outside factors are worth factoring, unless you’re actively trying to wear the battery down by cranking everything up to the max, you should be well within the three-hour timeframe.
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A Deeper Look
Actually Playing Music
While the previous Numark Mixstream Pro had streaming functions, the Mixstream Pro Go seems to take it even further. Essentially, they’ve gotten to a point where the controller doesn’t need to be connected to a cable to charge or have an existing library to play music. It really is meeting that “standalone” and “go anywhere” labels.
There are three major ways to play music through streaming, your Dropbox account, or with an SD or USB drive.
The first method is via streaming and involves connecting to your WIFI before logging into a music streaming service. These service options include Amazon Music Unlimited, Beatport, Beatport, TIDAL, and SoundCloud Go+.
This is probably the option that is a bit newer than the other two though can grant you access to countless songs compared to what you may personally have on your Dropbox or SSD card/USB drive. While big names like Spotify or Apple Music aren’t included, options like SoundCloud and TIDAL generally offer more than enough for the vast majority of DJs.
The second method is by exporting a DJ playlist from your Dropbox account. This method also requires using the WIFI and syncing your Dropbox account directly with the Engine DJ Desktop software.
This is a great option for those that have a designated account for their music playlists but don’t want them stored on an individual laptop. Just keep in mind that you’re going to need to export the playlist from Dropbox rather than “pseudo-streaming” from them directly.
Lastly, the third method is the most tried and true option on this list. Simply put, you’re going to use either an SD Card or a USB Drive. This is arguably the simplest and less intrusive, though also the most restrictive based on the size of the external storage. This is also the best option when used together with the unit itself.
This is because, in addition to having access to whatever songs and playlists you have, you can also keep track of any cue points, loops, or other effect or performance markers that would probably have to be reestablished if you used the other methods.
Engine DJ Software
While certainly not on the level of Serato or Rekordbox, Engine DJ is making a name for itself as a serious contender and has only become more impressive over time.
Some of the more recent inclusions for the software include having a “heads up” display for the performance pads as well as including touchscreen access in instances where the controller may only have four of the eight pads as physical options.
The software also has a feature known as “Smartlists” which essentially creates an intelligent music playlist based on whatever rules and parameters you originally set up. The feature has a “day” mode which makes performances easier during the day.
There’s also a Bluetooth-in option for using your phone as a wireless backup option in case anything funky happens. Lastly, it has a feature known as “Fuzzy Keymixing”, which makes key sync not only extremely useful but also a huge asset compared to when other controllers use it.
Keep in mind that these are only the most recent updates and featured expansions, with others coming later on down the line. As I said before, it’s still got some roads to cross before it is a legitimate competitor to Serato or Rekordbox.
However, when it comes to what the Mixstream Pro Go has to offer when used together with the Engine DJ software, it is seriously a combination worth paying attention to, especially if you’re not in the upper bracket of professional DJs and want something fun to play with and great for performances.
- Streaming Option Is Great
- Engine DJ Software
- Rechargeable Battery
- Great Build Quality
- No Option For Serato Or Rekordbox
- Potentially Confusing Design
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Overall Performance
What We Like:
- Great Build: Numark’s Mixstream Pro Go has a great physical build that is both durable and quality made. They’ve taken some liberties with the controller design compared to your more usual setup, but this ultimately works out to a better-functioning touchscreen and the various knobs being very easy to grab it. While old heads may take a minute or two to wrap themselves around it, if you’re just getting started, this is a great quality introduction to DJing.
- Rechargeable Battery: Probably the most impressive aspect of this controller, the rechargeable battery really puts the “go” in Mixstream Pro Go. Seriously, the fact that you can do an entire performance without being tied to an AC adapter is kind of crazy. Sure, you’re not going to be able to play forever or all day, but the three-hour charge should be more than enough for most gigs, with plenty of time for a brief encore just before needing a recharge. The worst-case scenario is things get a little long and you plug it up like every other controller.
- Engine DJ Software:Â In terms of software types that are relatively new, there’s a lot to love with Engine DJ. Though it doesn’t quite compare to Serato or Rekordbox, its seamless connection with Dropbox, the various streaming options, or even the fact that it retains all of your USB or SD cue and loop points makes it a great option for anyone getting started.
- Streaming Option Is Great: Although a lot of controllers are getting streaming options, Numark’s Mixstream Pro Go is definitely showing that it was made with this in mind. Spotify and Apple Music are still elusive options but TIDAL, SoundCloud, and even Amazon Music Unlimited are all great streaming options for pretty much any DJ performer.
What We Do Not Like:
- Potentially Confusing Design: Probably the only real drawback against the Mixstream Pro Go is its design tweaks. While I certainly get why they went the direction that they did, the simple truth is that it’s just going to take a few minutes to get a firm handle on what’s been moved where. As mentioned earlier, it’s not like you’re not going to get a handle on the new layout; just that it’s probably going to throw you for a loop right out of the box.
- No Option For Serato Or Rekordbox: While I like Engine DJ, it’s still clearly the new kid compared to the more impressive options like Serato or Rekordbox. As with the other con, it’s not a serious enough issue to disregard everything going for it, but if you’re a fan of either software, it’s going to be a bit disappointing that you don’t at least have the option.
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Numark Mixstream Pro Go: The Verdict
When it breaks down to it, the Numark Mixstream Pro Go is clearly meant for the newer generation of DJs. From its overall build to its innovative rechargeable battery the Engine DJ software become more mature and developed now than it’s ever been before.Â
This isn’t to say that DJs that have been in the game for years won’t find what Numark’s put together to be fun, but rather those that are only just getting started will find fewer things to be get confused over.
The Numark Mixstream Pro Go is not only an affordable and ideal controller for entry-level DJs, but it comes with things they’re likely more used to, like an emphasis on streaming and a reduced requirement for a ton of cables, speakers, and outside additional equipment.
It’s truly an all-in-one controller experience. It’s not perfect, no, but it’s such a great option I’d seriously recommend it over the vast majority of established devices on the market to date.
Unless you’re a professional with a few years in the game, I really can’t recommend the Mixstream Pro Go highly enough.
It is definitely a Yes from us! ‘GO’ check it out!
