Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX: FX Paddles and Jog Displays
· re:union Radio editorial · 3 min read
Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX: 6-inch jog wheels with color displays, two FX paddles and Serato DJ Lite. What the controller offers and where its limits lie.
The Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX bets on something rare in entry-level controllers: two spring-loaded effect paddles in the center and color displays built right into its 6-inch jog wheels. Numark calls it a 24-bit, 4-deck controller aimed at small parties and anyone learning to DJ. We went through the manufacturer's specs and Bonedo's hands-on report to show you what sits behind the buzzwords.
At a glance
- 6-inch capacitive-touch jog wheels with color displays for BPM, platter position, time remaining, pitch and key
- Two effect paddles with direct access to Echo, Reverb, Flanger, Phaser, high-pass and low-pass filter
- 16 performance pads for Hot Cues, Auto Loop, Sampler and Fader Cuts
- Serato DJ Lite included; according to Bonedo, switching to four decks requires Serato DJ Pro
The effect paddles make the difference
The centerpiece sits between the channels: two large levers that Bonedo calls "transformer paddles", already used on Numark's own scratch battle mixer. They let you pick one of six Serato effects: Echo, Reverb, Flanger, Phaser, HPF and LPF. According to Bonedo, you set the beats with a knob, tap in the tempo and adjust the dry/wet balance.
The paddles have a hold position and can also be triggered momentarily. That lets you build breaks and transitions without diving into menus. One limitation: the effect program is identical for both channels.
Jog wheels, pads and mixer
The jog wheels measure 6 inches, respond to touch and show BPM, platter position, time remaining, pitch and key in their displays. The 16 backlit pads, eight per deck, call up Hot Cues, Auto Loop, Sampler and Fader Cuts. Fader Cuts emulate a 1- to 4-click flare on the crossfader from the pads.
Mixing happens on two channels with a 3-band EQ, filter knobs, channel faders and a crossfader. Bonedo highlights the long pitch fader with a resolution of 1/100 and notes that there is no talkover and no microphone on/off button. If you want to dig deeper into EQ mixing, read our DJ tip on transitions with the EQ.
Technical specifications
| Decks | 4 (switching only with Serato DJ Pro, according to Bonedo) |
|---|---|
| Mixer | 2 channels, 3-band EQ, filter |
| Jog wheels | 6 inches, capacitive touch, with color display |
| Performance pads | 16 (8 per deck) |
| Effects | 6, via two effect paddles |
| Audio | 44.1 kHz, 24-bit |
| Outputs | 1 RCA stereo pair, headphones 1/4" (6.35 mm) and 1/8" (3.5 mm) TRS |
| Input | Microphone, 1/4" (6.35 mm) TS |
| Power | USB bus power |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 53.6 × 24.6 × 5.1 cm (21.1" × 9.7" × 2.0") |
| Weight | 2.3 kg (5.0 lbs) |
| Software | Serato DJ Lite (included), upgradeable to Serato DJ Pro |
Who the Platinum FX is for
Numark aims the controller at people developing their DJ skills and playing small events. Serato DJ Lite comes with demo music and an onboarding tutorial, and you can stream music from TIDAL and SoundCloud. On top of that you get a two-month trial of SoundSwitch lighting software.
If you want four decks, Bonedo says you need to buy Serato DJ Pro separately. With Serato DJ Intro you can only use four of the eight pads per side creatively, because the bottom row works as an extended transport section. Still weighing it against club gear? Our article DJ controller vs. CDJs helps.
"Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX and Pro FX are two rock-solid controllers for Serato DJ beginners that give you the basics you need to (learn to) DJ"
— Peter Westermeier, Bonedo (translated from German)
Frequently asked questions
Does the Mixtrack Platinum FX need a power supply?
No. According to Numark, the controller is powered via USB.
Can I use four decks with Serato DJ Lite?
Not according to Bonedo: deck switching via Shift and the Scratch button only works with Serato DJ Pro.
How does it differ from the Mixtrack Pro FX?
According to Bonedo, both are identical apart from the jog wheels. Only the Platinum FX has jog wheel displays and four-deck switching, and it weighs about 100 g more.
Source: Numark – Mixtrack Platinum FX, Bonedo – Numark Mixtrack Pro FX und Platinum FX
