Numark X2

Vinyl and CDs can be controlled on a surface while playing, without giving up the direct access of a turntable. The Numark X2 combines a direct-drive turntable with a CD/MP3 player: a special control record on the spindle lock transfers scratch and cue movements to CD playback, without needing a needle to control the CD.

For records, 33 and 45 rpm are available, along with adjustable speed. The 12-inch aluminium platter is driven by a direct-drive motor with 2.8 kg·cm of continuous torque and 4.3 kg·cm of short-term torque. Start and brake behaviour can be adjusted. The solid housing, low-friction platter and adjustable anti-vibration feet are designed for low-vibration operation.

The aluminium tonearm can be adjusted for height, cueing and anti-skating. Depending on your preferred working style, you can fit the straight or S-shaped tonearm; the tonearm system is interchangeable. A removable target light makes it easier to work in low light.

The side-mounted slot-in drive plays audio CDs and MP3 data CDs. The control record is attached to the spindle lock and controls the CD via the platter. Vinyl and CD playback can run simultaneously. The separate outputs let you route both signals to different mixer channels – for example, to play a CD while scratching a record over it at the same time.

For CDs and MP3s, features include pitch control, scratching, seamless loops, two hot-stutter starts and memory for 3,000 cue points. Anti-shock buffering stabilises playback. Beatkeeper automatically calculates the tempo; the display shows MP3 track titles, BPM and time, among other information. The pitch ranges can be switched between ±6, ±12, ±25 and ±100%. For vinyl, the motor range is limited to −80%; for MP3, DSP control is limited to +50%; according to the product overview, Key Lock is available up to ±100%.

For connection to the mixer, there are separate stereo RCA outputs for CD and phono, as well as a switchable CD/turntable output. A fader-start connection lets you connect compatible mixers or a remote switch; the relay connection links CD operation to another CD player. Fader-start and relay apply to the CD function. A backlit CD slot, adjustable anti-vibration feet, a sleep mode and the option to update the operating system round out the features.

The X2 suits DJ setups where vinyl and CD control via a turntable is required. The separate signal paths are particularly useful if you want to use CD playback and vinyl scratching simultaneously on one mixer; to operate the unit, you need a suitable mixer with line and phono inputs.