While there has been a lot of conversation about entry-level Serato DJ controllers and higher-priced professional DJ gear controllers, there hasn’t been all that much talk when it comes to those in the middle of the pack. DJ controllers are more advanced than those for beginners while also not as expensive and technologically dense as those for the elite.
Mid-range controllers are a great upgrade for DJs that have started to get a year or two’s experience under their belt and want to show their chops when performing. One of the better options out there is none other than the Numark NS4FX.
Numark’s NS4FX controller is a 4-channel DJ controller that loses out on some of the more advanced features (such as a standalone mixer or comprehensive RGB performance pads) while retaining other more practical things like mic & aux inputs as well as booth outputs.
In this review, we’ll do a full deep dive into what makes the Numark NS4FX tick and see if you’re better off seeing what it’s got or if you should just skip it for a “pro” controller instead.
Is The Numark NS4FX Any Good?
Before you throw your hands up in frustration and curse my name, hear me out. The Numark NS4FX DJ controller can be a fantastic piece of equipment if it meets your specific needs. If you’re a DJ who’s just starting out, the NS4FX could be the perfect entry-level controller to hone your skills.
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Numark NS4X: First Impressions
Immediately out of the box, the first thing you’ll notice about the Numark NS4FX DK 4-channel DJ controller is its size. Weighing around 3kg while having 60 x 27 x 6 cm dimensions, the controller is surprisingly quite big.
In fact, it’s a lot bigger than most beginner DJ controllers and honestly on par with most professional ones. True to form, it doesn’t have a mixer but does make up for that somewhat by instead coming with four channels, 24-bit audio, and an assortment of different in and out ports.
Build
Physically, the Numark NS4FX DJ controller isn’t that far off from many other popular controllers. As an example, it can be easily regarded as a bigger version of Numark Mixtrack’s Platinum FX controller, being longer, wider, and having more all-around depth in comparison. This doesn’t just stop in the initial first look sense but also when it comes to all of the different components of the DJ controller.
From the various buttons to the faders and paddles to even the knobs and jogwheels, there are a lot of aspects between Numark’s NS4FX and most of Mixtrack’s FX units. And if you know anything about Mixtrack’s FX units, you know that’s a pretty high compliment to give the NS4FX.
The only place the Numark NS4FX controller ever feels “cheap” is with the crossfader, and even that is only a slight annoyance rather than anything particularly bad. This means that, from an overall build perspective, the NS4FX is a great controller with not a lot of pushing against it.
Input/Output Ports
The NS4FX, as mentioned, does really make itself known for the number of input and output ports it has available. Not only are there mic inputs /aux inputs (complete with the tone controls), but the controller also comes with an additional mic input as well as a balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA output port. This all goes to affect its performance and makes it great for bars and clubs as well as lounges and large public events.
While not technically a port, the controller also has an option for either 1/4″ and 1/8″ headphones along with a power socket clamp to keep everything in place.
Design
From an aesthetic design perspective, the NS4FX has a slightly light grey color with performance pads that glow white while in use rather than red or yellow. They’ve decided to not run with a USB-powered DJ controller.
This does take away some of the mobility options, sure, but it also means you can produce bright LED and in-jog displays. Your controller can also punch much louder via the 24-bit audio we mentioned earlier.
- Very Solid Build
- 4 Channel DJ Controller
- Pro Inputs/Output Ports Microphone inputs
- Easy To Switch Between Multiple Decks
- Crossfader Feels Flimsy
- Limited FX
Read this next: Toe to Toe: Numark Mixtrack Pro FX Vs Platinum FX
Key Features
Looking further into the Numark NS4FX controller, you start to see a lot of the more interesting things it has to offer.
Capacitive Touch Jog Wheels: Displays
One of the first areas of notice is the in-jog displays for the two capacitive touch jog wheels. Not only are they brighter than most other controllers, but the jog wheels also record all of the expected areas when in use. Things like the BPM, elapsed and remaining track position time, key lock indicator, as well as a nice motion ring.
Software Options
As with any other DJ controller using the Serato DJ lite software, the NS4FX has access to one of the more impressive and useful DJ software options available. Not only that, but the controller also can work with other DJ software options, like Virtual DJ as well as Algoriddim’s djay Pro AI.
The only downside is that, since Serato DJ is the most impressive of the bunch, it does suck a bit that you’re only privy to the Serato DJ Lite software version.
If you want to get the full Serato DJ Pro option, that’s going to run you an additional $300. And while that’s worth it, the fact that Serato DJ Pro is not too far off from the controller’s price overall makes it a big ask for people who don’t already have Serato DJ.
Moreover, Virtual DJ is a solid option, is becoming super popular, and is a great DJ controller software all around. Especially for those just starting out.
Performance Pads
When it comes to the included performance pads and selectable pad modes, they work largely how you’d expect a set of performance pads to work. There are the sampler, hot cues, and auto loop buttons while also having a “fader cuts” option that essentially acts like a crossfader button.
The Fader Cuts pad has a choice of eight different speeds you can use and can rhythmically cut in and out at your pace.
For those that are using the upgraded Serato DJ Pro, you’ll have access to the slip roll, slicer, “Pitch Play”, and “Scratch Bank” feature via your laptop.
Read this next: Numark Mixstream Pro: Pushing the Standalone Limits!
Key Lock
The controller comes with a key-lock feature. That said, if you want to use the shift key, pitch play, or any slip button features, you’re going to have to use this via the Serato software as opposed to anything directly on the controller itself.
Layer Button
As there are four decks available without a dedicated mixer, it would normally be a bit difficult to parse out when to play which channel. Thankfully, the NS4FX comes with a “layer” button.
This acts as an artificial mixer, allowing you to effectively switch between multiple decks. I found that, while it’s certainly not on the level of a standalone unit, it does a good enough job at transitioning between each deck so long as you’re on your Ps and Qs.
FX
The NS4FX comes with a good number of different FX features to play with. One of their more popular functions is the paddle FX as well as their looping controls. These offer a great blend of immediacy for the track, letting you hear the effect’s use pretty much right as you’re pressing the button.
Outside of those two, the controller effects also include a wet/dry as well as a beats control effect while also having a BPM tap button. While many of these effects are very useful during a performance, the controller is stunted a bit due to the fact that you can only pull one effect at a time.
Livestreaming Feature
Lastly, one of the more unique features of the NS4FX is its “live streaming feature”. This feature allows any mic input or aux input that isn’t being routed through the software to be instead routed through the USB cable’s output signal, effectively blending them.
Practically, this more or fewer means that you can create a live stream by essentially “hotwiring” the audio via the USB cable along with the controller’s inbuilt audio interface.
What’s more, it does all of this while allowing your other mic/aux sources to play alongside the Serato music.
This ultimately negates any need for an alternative USB microphone or audio interface when live streaming on your laptop.
Overall Performance
What We Like
- Very Solid Build
- 4 Channel DJ Controller
- Professional Inputs/Output Ports Microphone inputs
- Easy To Switch Between Multiple Decks
What We Do Not Like
- Crossfader Feels Flimsy
- Limited FX
Read this next: Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX: Any Good In 2023?
Numark NS4FX: The Verdict
While not a perfect 4-channel DJ controller, the Numark NS4FX acts as the ideal middle-man for beginner DJs and professionals, both in price as well as function.
The Serato-based controller comes with enough features and functions that most advanced DJs looking to flex their performance muscles can do some really impressive things.
And while it doesn’t come with some of the “pro” features one may look forward to (like FX performance pads or a standalone mixer), it does have more than enough professional inputs, microphone inputs, and output functions to make up the difference.
Ultimately, as a mid-tier controller, it’s all about compromises and what you’re willing to include with how much you’re willing to charge. It’s precisely for this reason that most controllers either cater to one side or the other.
While there are some things we’d have liked to see with the NS4FX that didn’t quite make the cut, what they’ve put forth is seriously worth a strong consideration for anyone tired of their basic beginner controller and want to play with something with a bit more oomph to it.
