Behringer NOX 404

Vinyl, line-level sources and music from a computer can be brought together in a setup with a compact DJ mixer. The Behringer NOX 404 has two channels and adds USB audio, a separate stereo AUX input section and a switchable effects loop for external equipment.

The unit connects to a PC or Mac via USB to play digital music files or record the mix. The connection works without additional drivers or installation; it transmits a stereo signal at 16-bit and 44.1 or 48 kHz. For conventional sources, two phono/line inputs and two line inputs are available. There is also a microphone input with a XENYX preamp.

The contact-free optical Infinium crossfader is 45 mm long; its tension and curve can be adjusted. The channel fader curves are also adjustable. With the 3-band EQ and Full Kill function, you can attenuate or completely cut frequency ranges. Channel peak hold and the VU meter help you monitor levels while mixing.

The internal effects section includes 12 digital effects. Use the two parameter controls to adjust frequency or time and intensity; you can assign the effects to the microphone, channel 1 or 2, or the master. You can enter the tempo manually using the tap button. You can also connect an external effects unit via the effects loop: the switchable stereo FX loop has balanced 6.3 mm TRS send and return connections.

The stereo AUX inputs accommodate an additional source, with its level controlled separately; there is also a dedicated stereo AUX output. For connecting to the PA system, there are balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA master outputs. There is no booth output. Headphones connect via a 6.3 mm jack socket on the front, while the microphone connects via a 6.3 mm jack socket on the rear.

The NOX 404 is suited to DJ setups that require two mix channels, USB playback and recording, and connections for phono, line and microphone signals. With its effects loop, AUX connections and two master output formats, it is also suitable if you want to integrate external effects or use different PA inputs.