Numark N4

If you want to switch between software decks and external players in a setup, you don't need a separate mixer unit. The Numark N4 combines four software decks with a standalone DJ mixer and can also use the mixer without a computer for connected audio sources. Two large, touch-sensitive wheels are used for scratching and navigation.

You can connect two external line or phono sources and two microphones to the mixer. The Source switches let you choose between the computer and an external input for the two corresponding channels. This lets you combine, for example, two software decks with two players. Line/phono switches and an earth connection are provided for turntables; the microphone channels have their own gain controls, a shared bass/treble EQ and an on/off switch.

The four software decks are operated using two deck layers: you switch between decks 1 and 3 or decks 2 and 4. Pitch faders with Keylock, Cue and Loop buttons, and controls for effects and samples are located directly on the unit. Each channel has Gain and a 3-band EQ; the channel faders and crossfader control the mix. You can adjust the crossfader's response. The headphone Cue Mix and level, as well as the Master and Booth volumes, can be adjusted separately.

The integrated USB audio interface transfers audio signals to the computer and supports USB recording of analogue and digital sources. For connection to the PA system, there are balanced XLR Master outputs as well as unbalanced RCA Master and Booth outputs. The Booth level can be adjusted separately. Two headphone connections, 3.5 and 6.3 mm, make it easier to connect different headphones.

For use with timecode, the USB routing can be switched; connected turntables or CD players can then control compatible DJ software. The Quickstart Guide lists VirtualDJ Pro for this purpose and notes that timecode is not supported in VirtualDJ LE. The N4 is class-compliant and does not require a manufacturer-specific driver on macOS or Windows. The original package included Serato DJ Intro and a four-deck version of VirtualDJ LE; access to current software features may depend on the software version and an appropriate licence.

With two microphone inputs, external line/phono sources and separate Master and Booth outputs, the controller suits setups where software and external players are intended to work together. The four deck layers, timecode option and USB recording support different workflows; you can find the dimensions and weight in the technical data.