Numark Mixdeck Express Usb Continuous Play Usb Non Stop Play Songs

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1. absolutley not normal lol, my suggestion is make sure you stop all audio before switching, and make sure to run the firmware update. You do need a usb jump drive to do it, but it will help, if not, consider returning it and swapping out for another unit, sounds like you got a the bad one of the bunch lol...I have used this for several shows already and its done nothing wrong for me yet...

   Are you switching into usbmidi while a track is playing in traktor? If so, that will for sure cause issues. Make sure to update traktor as well and run the setup wizard in the help window and choose mixdeck for the controller, not mixdeck LE...hope that helps!
   ---
   absolutley not normal lol, my suggestion is make sure you stop all audio before switching, and make sure to run the firmware update. You do need a usb jump drive to do it, but it will help, if not, consider returning it and swapping out for another unit, sounds like you got a the bad one of the bunch lol...I have used this for several shows already and its done nothing wrong for me yet...

   Are you switching into usbmidi while a track is playing in traktor? If so, that will for sure cause issues. Make sure to update traktor as well and run the setup wizard in the help window and choose mixdeck for the controller, not mixdeck LE...hope that helps!

2. thanks for the reply

   .... Ok, I spent some time with hp support and I think I was having issues with my cpu... So that I believe was the freezing issue, not mixdeck.. BUT.. Regarding the switching into usb-midi from cd.. Yes indeed, When I have a track playing in traktor on one deck, and on the other I make that switch, I get the "glitch" sound... Thats not cool. I mean, why make all of the options available if you cant seemlessly switch btwn them?

   So anyway, I love the unit, but the freezing scared me.
   Another concern I have, is the play button light.,.. Sometimes it lights, sometimes it doesnt.. ie; when I'm using the play button to stutter in a new song to get it on beat after making a cue point.. And sometimes hit pause (anbd sometimes not), the light doesnt light sometimes..? Am I being picky? lol

3. Man... Tonight I'm having a few more bugs... (all while in usb midi mode using traktor pro) Things like not being able to go into scratch mode during play, then one time it stayed in scratch mode even though I hit the button and the light was OFF... I gave the platter a spin to seep up the bpm a tad during a mix and it spun fwd loudly, that coulda F'd me up in a live situation..

   Does ANY of that ever happen to you? Could it be because my computer is also currently downloading a large # of files? Seems like a hardware issue though? I dont know.. ?

4. What's up everyone?

   I been reading a lot of these pages and thought I'd contribute to it. I just picked up my mixdeck on Saturday. To update those who still do not have the unit here are a few things to consider.

   1. Not sure why some members noted that mixdeck comes with Traktor ? Maybe they use to? But the new Mixdeck comes with virtual DJ 6. Which in my opinion without offending anyone else who loves it is crap software. Do yourself a favor and get your hands on a Traktor Pro. I found that vitual DJ even though I upgraded to version 7 was beyond laggy. Sure I wasn't using a high end desktop but still found the software very limited, laggy, with a bad design. Again once you switch over to Traktor pro you will thank yourself that you did.

   Now Aside from all the negative complaints and issues reported I will say that I do love this unit. I been DJing on and off for over 10 years. Started out on the legendary Technics 1200s and phased into Pioneer CDJs. Event though I never thought this day would come since I always called myself a old school DJ I just got tired of carrying cases of equipment, cds, and vinyl. So I went on the market for a digital DJ point of view. I honestly can't lie when I say I never knew there were so many damn options out there. I guess what it comes down to is budget and use. I went in the market looking to buy the Hercules RMX but my eye caught on to the mixdecks. Why? versatility and options. Sure maybe the Hercules has better reviews and may be a little better controller but does it play cds? can you hoop up a hard drive or usb to it? Answer is no to both and no matter the controller you are limiting yourself to midi and laptop only. What if you're DJing a gig and someone brings a CD and says I have the most killer track you gotta play. Then what you say? Sorry I'm a laptop DJ only? Yes I'm sure I could have easily dragged my CDJ cases along with a controller but that's the whole reason I wanted this upgrade so I would only need 1 unit. Over all I love the unit. Sure it has some few issues and does take a little time to get used to it and figure out what works for you best.

   I'll list all my pros and cons.

   Pros

   Very sturdy and nicely made. All the faders seem to be nicely built and all knobs seem to be rugged. 3 media options CD, USB, and MIDI. Cue mix feature and knobs are perfect as I upgraded from my previous pride an joy Pioneer DJM 1000 with rotary knobs. EQ knobs for each channel with gains unlike some other controllers who have knobs all over the place. Carrying Case option ! I travel alot so its perfect to slip this in its case and hit the road. Compatible with multiple softwares. As noted previously had this only worked with Virtual DJ 7 this unit was going back because I hated VDJ. Multiple out/ins. You can basically hook it up to CDJs or even a friend who's running Serato. You know this is a good item when your pro Audio stores can barely keep these in stock. There is a HUGE demand for these things and they are flying out the doors. Main reason? CD, USB, MIDI enough said.

   Cons:

   I know it has been mentioned over and over but BPM counter and pitch control are definite issues. Pitch is very sensitive and if you don't know how to mix without an accurate beat count then not sure if this is the right product for you. You can use MIDI with Traktor and use its own BPM counter which is dead on at most times. But again if you are still learning beat matching or new to the field I wouldn't recommend using the CD or USB decks for mixing until you have lots of practice.
   Another issue I saw in this thread and I'll note again is audio. It's true some tracks have bad audio and since the cue mix does not indicate the LED for that channel in cue you have no idea what level that 2nd track is going to come into the mix. Again this takes experience and practice with a good ear to adjust proper EQ and gains for a good mix. Last thing is display when in MIDI mode for some reason in Traktor Pro LED displays are left blank. They do work with Virtual DJ but dont even want to touch that program.

   ***Note I read somewhere that you will need a tsf file for Traktor to display your LEDs on the unit. I am going to try this out and will update you guys when I do.

5. Very simple fix for all the issues people are facing with this unit - buy a Traktor S4...but if you insist on using the CrapDeck, the you can fix 99% of all your issues once you do a firmware upgrade. A lot of people are not doing this right...you must do the following:
   

   1. download the latest firmware
   2. put the latest firmware on a flash stick
   3. input the flash stick on deck 1
   4. turn off the unit
   5. hold the prog button and power the unit on
   6. when asked press the play button
   7. wait around 2 mins unit complete
   8. then turn off unit
   9. repeat above steps for deck 2

   If you're still having issues at this point then it's very likely your Traktor installation has gone wacker, your drivers aren't up to date or they've gone wack.

   There is also a very good chance that you've got a bad unit - lets hope that is not the case.

6. All the new Mixdecks already come installed with new firmware .38 Also not sure why you call it crapdeck lol can your S4 play USB/Hard Drive/ or CDs? Ya i know the answer already no need to tell me I like the unit. You wont see me dragging it to a club since almsot all have CDJs which I been spinning on for years but for mid size events throw this bad boy in a case grab your laptop with few flash drives and hard drives and you're done.

7. what a duck... The mixdeck is a sick unit.. If you cant give real advice, then keep it moving.. NObody needs your negative comments on a unit we happen to dig. I dont need anything mroe than this and truth be told, I've only had it for a few days, & I bet I'd BODY you regardless of what you're using. Keep it moving duck, go boost your self esteem elsewhere.

8. I completely agree. Ironically, I've had no hardware issues with the mixdeck since I bought it (August of last year...Jesus has it been that long?). I updated the firmware as soon as I bought it. I did have some sound card issues for a while but figured out that it was Vista being rude. I upgraded to 7 and never looked back. However, I've only used my Mixdeck with Tractor a handful of times and actually enjoy the VDJ user experience much more.

   Last edited: Jan 12, 2011

9. This a friendly forum and there is no need for you to have that tone - I love when they act macho behind their keyboards...

   "I bet I'd BODY you"...does this look like a competition? ROFL! I am giving good advice, go back to page one and read everything before you come on this post and go to the last page and starting flame/picking on people.

   By the way, I own both units and ever since I bought the S4, I stopped using the mixdeck, if anyone is stuck on using CD's, Flash Sticks and/or HDD, than yes, continue with the mixdeck. However, if you want to take a 7.5lb, 4 deck mixer, which comes with pro software in the box and that pro DJ's such as Pete Tong (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBjDxvG60vk) or Dubfire (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTWqk1HYQ_A) are using at clubs, than don't waste your time and money on this plastic junk. the one I own has gone in for repair 2 times due to the lack of it's quality (read earlier pages and see the crossfader, hiss and button cave in issues). From the LE version of Traktor that you have to upgrade which is $230 (on sale right now for $115 ) to the expensive flight case and all the other headaches that people are facing I would still call it the crapdeck.

   Go read about the S4 here and see what you can get for around the same price: http://www.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=nativeproducts&L=1 - it's worth every penny, from the quality, to the performance, to the amazing software that is bundled with it, no one could ask for more.

10. I read every page from page one and yes I know it has flaws. But you can't find a more complete unit. It's a shame yours gave you issues because mine has yet gave me any. Again this is not something you'll see me dragging to a club. I think if you call yourself a DJ then you should be fine with CDJs or even the good old 1200's. Both of which I have mixed on for many years. The reason I like this unit is because of its size weight and flexibility.

    If you want to start comparing good MIDI controller then I can call your S4 crap 4 vs the Allan and Heath's Zone. I have played with both and Zone is by far the best midi controller I have ever used. If you want to throw some names out there how about Richie Hawtin?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1H9W_iLff0

    The fact of the matter is if you want to go all out midi then there are better options then the S4. For me anyways I dont like only mixing on traktor. Call me old school but I still like throwing in a CD or two still in there to mix it manually. I find Traktor does to much work and takes away the actual art of DJing. Nothing wrong with using it hey at this age and era everyone uses some sort of software. But, for me to have the mixdeck with 3 options USB/Hard drive, CD, or Midi it was a no brainer. Plus let not compare prices. Allan and Heath costs over a grand and you are limited to only midi. Also Traktor pro can be ahhm found in other ways then paying for upgrade =) but you didn't hear that from me.

    Keep mixing have fun

    HiKe

11. When I saw this man I started to laugh my ass off and roll on the floor at the same time...are you kidding me? So in 2011, you still consider manually pitch bending and tempo adjusting to be DJing and if you don't do it, it's not the actual art? Dude, yes, you're right, it takes skill to do the above but "The Art of DJing" in 2011 is no longer how manual and good you beat match and mix 2 tracks - that's the easy part, it's what you do aside from that which will make you stand out and show your creative edge. In case I wasn't very clear, the S4 has the ability to mix 4 tracks at once or if you really get creative 10 tracks at once by use of the samplers. When you can take 2 disco tracks from the 70's, a rock chorus from the 80's and mix it into daft funk track on the fly and do it all within 60 seconds, that's when people go nuts - that's what the clubs want, and that's what the crowd enjoys these days (disclaimer: if the mix sounds like crap, no one will enjoy it ).

    Also, I have to say dude, you're on the NI forums and they make Traktor and it's worth every penny so please do not hint illegal activity on here, go on your favorite sites that do that there. We who are here, buy our stuff and are proud of NI for making stuff like Traktor and the S4 which caters exactly to what we've all been asking for.

12. I've got a mixdeck too. There's real joy in taking two completely analogue audio sources, like two records that are different bpms, and playing an entire set with little to no flaws in actually making the beats line up even without bpm counters Not so long ago and still in certain scenes, people didn't care about even if the music was matched properly, it was more about the experience of actually going dancing and not only that but doing it together. It got big because of This reason... and then companies started saying hey We can host these parties, and make money off them $$$ and then it became an "industry", and now we have it where a lot of the common "club" djs and the common "club" experience is more about drinking/drugs (it always included them but before there was more openness and connecting involved) and for alot of the new comer djs it seems they are obsessed with the equipment, like thinking if you've got better gear your a better dj. I started out on Belt drive turntables due to money issues, ones that dont even hold the song in pitch steadily That wasn't even that long ago, 2003. I could rock a pretty decent set for being on belts. Then upgraded to direct drives. Then i ran out of money from buying so many god damned records at 13 bucks a song! so I bought a midi controller and was using traktor for a while, and Wow it really feels different. It's very good for beginners because theres almost no work involved you can mix four tracks together by simply hitting sync as long as all the beginnings are aligned. I've since got my mixdeck (which I love but I only use for CDs because I was sick of using traktor[although i still like traktor, just craved the actual feeling of what djing felt like before autosync])

    I think what Mr. Hike is trying to say is that, that feeling that you get when you have a bunch of songs all running together and they sound GOOD and you get that feeling of Oh Yes!, imagine if you didn't achieve that by just hitting sync, and you actually managed you line each one up yourself. Hence the Art form. I agree the computer sync mixing is still an art, because you can indeed be very highly creative with it.

    I always said that to djs who said "ohh traktor isnt djing" well yes it certainly is, you can be highly creative with it if you don't have to worry about making sure the tracks stay in sync with eachother. Thats what your talking about platoon I think, it certainly becomes a whole new experience once you don't have to worry about beat matching because you can focus on other things like yes over laying slower or random music ontop of new beat oriented tunes, and not worry about them falling out of alignment. The S4 looks sick if you're into that kind of thing, but myself I like the neurotransmitter release when I am able to mix manually and the styles I do are more oriented on bringing the dancer into a trance for a few hours, as I play at alot of gatherings in the forests where people like to trance out all night and not hear rap vocals or anything crude or that might knock them out of trance (kinds of music like minimal and progressive tech, and goa)

    I like my Mixdeck because I can spin CDs, I can hook up my real vinyl turntables, I can mix from USB thumb sticks or I can even use traktor again if I really want to!

    These tools are not for arguing over. They're all unique instruments, not everyone is going to take a liking to every instrument. A trumpet player might not be good at a trombone even though they produce similar sounds and are used in the same kind of music, but the Trumpet player usually doesn't hate on the Trombonist They're part of a symphonie and that's what dance music is all about--We're all in it together, we're all Digital magicians and we're here to take our listeners on a magik carpet ride Can't do that if us, the organizers are all conflicted.

    Just my two cents
    ---
    and yep, guess what-- My unit makes a HISS too! but only on booth (yay) Is yours on both booth and master? i'm interested if they cheaped out on the booth output only. I haven't tried the XLR output yet because my amp takes those RCA plugs.

    I also use my Booth more, usually hook booth up at home and master when im out at radio show or forest festivals, because i always figured i'd wear out booth at home so i can still have a clean master for when i take it out--but lately I've switched to using master at home so I can see if it starts to Hiss after a few weeks. A friend of mine has the Numark Idj3 which came out with the mixdeck line, and it has a majorly disgusting hiss out of the Master output. Numark numark *shakes head*

    My mixdeck says September 2010 on it, perhaps it's from the same batch. YES it's not the best unit but it has a very attractive price range for two CD decks and a mixer (despite drawbacks).

    :::UPDATE::: The Hiss apparently only happens some times, and only when the volume knob is cranked so thats probably why alot of people don't recognize this problem

13. Ahhhh finally someone that is in the same line of work as me. Awsome post caktalfraktal ! Platoon your post just proves few things. A) I am much older then you and B) I wish I can place you in front of some of the clubs I jammed at and tell you to start mixing. Then we can see who will be rolling on the floor mixing =)

    I never dogged on Traktor or your Native Instruments. If I hated all of this I wouldn't be here or in the market for that matter of fact to go software. The things is us old school heads need time to adapt and no matter how much newbies rave about new toys we adapt to it slower only because we done this longer and its harder to let go of old habits. I'll admit I didn't want to let go of my 1200s for the life of me. I use to say I refuse to play on CDJs and you wont find me giving my my milk crates of records. But, slowly I moved to CDJs and progressed forward from there on. I just dont think there will come a day where I will just be a drag and drop DJ.

    As stated before its all depends on your upcoming and style of music. Myself I'm a trance DJ and I'm not all about mixing 8 tracks together to find joy in music. There is a market for your kind of DJs and there is a market for mine. I'm still getting used to traktor but for now my Mixdeck is okay to have in the bedroom to play with and once again adapt to a new style of mixing. Will I ever get sick of CDJs and rotary mixers? Not even for a second.

    So next time you roll on the floor laughing amigo I suggest at least show respect and try to understand that while you were in middle school running at recess some of us were grinding those 2 vinyls and busting our ass holding it together with the gold old uri. As mentioned we are all DJs at no matter the differences at some point the roads combine into one.

14. Hey caktalfraktal thanks for respecting the forums and not bashing, I life your post and your style.

    About the hiss, just take to where you bought it from and they will send it out for repair. They need to replace a faulty part, they did for mines and it stopped the hiss.

    P.S. I just traded the unit in for some other toys and got $750 for it

    Cheers
    ---

    Again, you're talking about what/where you've jammed at and how good you are - dude, this thread is not about who and how well you mix, we're talking about the actual unit and my points are very valid.

    I laughed at your post because for you to say that what we do is not an art is a pure laughing matter... also, don't call me or anyone an amigo - do you even know that if I was a Mexican I could consider that a racial remark? pft...you're a little too macho on here buds, I think you're just to good for all of us on your "MIXDECK"

    Lastly, I'm old as well and since you keep talking about what and where, I've been DJing since 1998 and started with 1200's and I have gone through at least 11 set ups before I found the one I am enjoying best, it allows me to get very creative and express my true talent (don't even let me get into my Ableton Live rig) - I think you're letting my username fool you in thinking I am some 20 year old who just started DJing last year.

    I will also end with the famous line "we are all DJs at no matter the differences at some point the roads combine into one..." From here on end I have nothing else to say to you.

15. does anyone with traktor pro have any latency problems

16. Fix For Display Issue

    This Fix For Display Issues Is Confirmed.

    To fix the display issue:

    1.update firmware on mixdeck
    2.update/reinstall drivers
    3.use full version of traktor (le/pro/scratch doesnt matter) 1.2.7
    4.run setup wizard and voila! its working.

    Key seems to be the 1.2.7, this did not work for earlier versions

    @DJVicious

    -make sure you have asio installed, those drivers are key when using pc for music
    -choose the asio version of the mixdeck output in your audio settings in traktor, then hit the settings button for the driver options, it will open the mixdeck settings dialog...hope that helps!

    Last edited: Jan 24, 2011

17. Mixdeck And Tracktor Freeze

    I Having Issue When The Mixdeck And Tracktor Le Are Working I Playing 20 Minutes Then Traktor Stop To Work
    Some Body Has Same Problem ? Please Need Help

18. Hey im using Traktor Pro with the mixdeck and was just wonering if the effects are supposed to be independant for each deck? When i use effects on one side the effects are heard on both sides. Is anyone else having this problem, or is this just a shitty sound card problem..

19. there is a button on the interface that says "FX 1" and "FX 2" make sure for channel one FX 1 is selected and for channel 2 FX 2 is selected

20. thanks, i had it set to 1 and 2.

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Source: https://www.native-instruments.com/forum/threads/numark-mixdeck-first-impressions.102549/page-10

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