Mixvibes USB U-Mix Control

Scratching and beatmatching digital tracks requires direct access to both decks, without having to reach for the mouse for every adjustment. The Mixvibes USB DJ U-Mix Control as a 2-deck controller controls the included Mixvibes DJ software via USB and gives you controls for playback, transitions and creative input.

The two jogwheels are used for scratching and navigating the media collection; tracks can be searched for directly on the controller and loaded into the players. You can manually match the tempo using the pitch faders and pitch-bend buttons. Automatic BPM detection and an Automix function assist with matching and synchronising tracks.

For mixing, a 3-band EQ with frequency kills, crossfader and channel faders are provided. The crossfader curve can be adjusted using the control on the rear: a fast curve is suitable for cuts while scratching, while a longer one is suited to smooth transitions. Master Tempo can change the playback speed without altering the original pitch; the speed range is −100 to +100 per cent.

Each player has three CUE points, as well as controls for manual and automatic loops. The three included effects are Flanger, Sweep and Phaser. Four buttons per deck are available for samples; the software includes 500 audio samples and a 16-pattern sampler with four assigned controls per deck.

Beyond controlling the decks, the software supports track management with iTunes import and can record the mix as a WAV file. The controller is not a standalone audio interface: audio output runs through the computer's internal sound card or a separate sound card. To monitor audio, the relevant output must be set up in the audio settings.

The documented minimum requirements for the included 3DEX LE software specify Windows XP SP2, Windows Vista SP1 or Windows 7, an Intel Pentium III 1 GHz or equivalent processor, 512 MB RAM (1 GB recommended), a free USB port and storage space for music. For USB operation, the controller is connected to the computer; alternatively, a 9 V, 0.5 A power supply is specified, available separately. The software only starts when the controller is connected.

With its two decks, readily accessible scratching and mixing functions, and integrated track management, this model is suited to computer-based practice and DJ setups where you want to match tracks manually and control transitions or samples from the controller.