Numark NDX 500 Review - Numark NDX long term review

I forgot to mention that the NDX 500 does not support lossless files via usb. It will only play mp3 files. Again, since I am recommending this as a media player for home use, I don't see that as a deal breaker.
Here is the link to DJ Ellie-El's review as a Serato controller.
• NDX500 + Serato DJ sec...
Here is the link to my demo mix with the NDX 500.
• Tech House DJ Mix Set ...

[@JXVI]

Great review bro. Straight to the point, no bias!

[@theboyb83]

Excellent review. I have the NDX400 which I thought were great value for money. I'm looking to upgrade on a budget. These are definitely a contender. Thanks.

[@mattclay513]

Great review, every minute gets better 😁👍

[@la_clave]

Thank you for this video! I run a serato DVS setup with an SL2 but I wanted a way to play digital files in my vinyl only mixes without spending a bunch of money. I just ordered one and probably will run this in HID (midi) mode mostly, but it's the versatility of this unit that interested me. I'm still trying to master beat-matching and mixing, so I wanted something without waveform display that is going to challenge me and force me to use my ears.

[@DroidApproved]

I'm glad you found the review helpful. Please let me know what you think of the ndx.

[@ReyHugoTelevision614]

So much fun with the loop buttons and cues

[@ReyHugoTelevision614]

I copped one this year for $136. Love it, get caught up spending countless hours on it. I want another one

[@MotoShaneGame]

Great review, thanks.

[@danquay9504]

When you said $250 a piece, that out of budget and know I know why these are expensive, due to the features, they look professional, great video

[@rjmn1]

Picked up 2 of these for 100 Australian, they are awesome for serato dj, mixing and basic cuts are really good for what they are, sometimes using one and an akai amx in my local pub gig, better than using my sb3 if I'm being honest 🤷‍♂️

[@elliel2k2]

Thanks for the mention 👍

[@DroidApproved]

You bet. Good review, man.

[@djrichiemixx8455]

Clear n cut good info thanks 👍👍

[@chrislittle9057]

I have a pair of ndx400 and the jog wheels so fantastic they are Buttery smooth and spin freely ........

[@knightriderexplorer335]

I have a question what type of flash drives should i get as far as speed cause i was watching this other video about the speed test and it showed that with some type of flash drive it loads on the fly and with other type it took a while to load. Thanks n

[@robjennings7502]

Thanks for the detailed review. I'm seriously looking to replace my (over) 20 year old Pioneer CDJ decks with these, but I'm curious about the sound quality. Love the price point, but is it one of those things where "you get what you pay for" as far as the sound goes? I'm not an expert audiophile, but I can certainly hear the difference between how the Pioneers sound compared to the other lower tier brands I've played on in the past. Not sure about the Numarks though....haven't tried them out yet. The build quality looks solid though!

[@DroidApproved]

They are not on par with Pioneer, but I would not say that they sound bad at all. For home use, I think they are perfectly fine.

[@rustymixer2886]

Great video

[@DroidApproved]

Thank you. Please like and subscribe.

[@lodadj]

i have a 2 tb hard dive hooked to it!! give it about 1:30 and it reads it. it works like your computer. it reads before it shows! its a great buy tho!! really great buy! i have 4

[@koreaboo6224]

These remind me of the old Numark Axis CD players. (2, 4, 8, 9) Not a lot of bells & whistles, but reliable.

[@cadillacphilli]

Thanks for posting very informative. I have a question, I just bought one of these and could not get the PC part of it to work. Got on the phone with tech support and they tried everything. Finally sent me another one but the same problem with the second one, say's connected but still would not work on PC. CD, USB all works just not PC. Now my laptop is a newer HP, do you recommend anything?

[@DroidApproved]

Thanks. So, the NDX is just an official Serato accessory. This means it works with Serato straight out of the box, but you will still need a device to access the software, such as a Serato enabled mixer or an sl-2 or newer box. If you don't have an unlocking device you will not be able to use the NDX to control the software. Check out the link to DJ Ellie El's video in my description. He does a good job of explaining how to use this deck as a Serato DJ controller.

[@totoscalera4621]

i don't know if bought the cdj 400 or this "chipper Numark", any advice for me? I would go to play not only in my room if I could

[@haramsbae1507]

Perfect for the home dj

[@djresource717]

Class thanks for the inspiration

[@DroidApproved]

You bet! Please like and subscribe if you haven't.

[@user-qw5ms5sn8n]

Good work! I would like to know where did U buy these stands for the NDX500? i need two of them!! did you adapted them or something? thnx in advance man

[@DroidApproved]

www.amazon.com/On-Stage-LPT5000-Laptop-Computer-Stand/dp/B001AYONXU/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=onstage+lpt5000&qid=1562723025&s=gateway&sr=8-1

[@juicy_rickys_world3273]

are those just regular old dj laptop stands? Looking for something for my NDX units to prop them over my turntables.

[@DroidApproved]

Yup. Here's a link to the exact stand. www.amazon.com/On-Stage-LPT5000-Laptop-Computer-Stand/dp/B001AYONXU/ref=sr_1_25?keywords=dj+laptop+stand&qid=1550101913&s=pc&sr=1-25

[@jamesw2831]

I'm late. Would you suggest these as a good tool for beginner DJs who have club aspirations since clubs still use CDJs and mixers?

[@DroidApproved]

As I said, they're primitive by today's standards, but imo they are suitable for fundamental mixing for anyone on a budget.

[@elliel2k2]

Just wanted to add some functions you mentioned work better with software (Serato) than as a media player ie; the tap button & key lock.

[@DroidApproved]

I'm sure, but my guess is because those functions are coming from Serato, and not from whatever engine is in the NDX itself.

[@SolitaryBro]

Reverse incase you have to know what satan wants to say to you..... Classic lol

[@glebfonarov3079]

Thanks for this video! Very useful for those who are building their setup. One question! How will You describe the output sound quality? For example in comparison to the cdj... Is there any primitivism noticable?

[@DroidApproved]

I have only used the ndx on relatively small systems i.e. 450W max. At that level it sounds relatively decent to me. I tend to think there are other factors, such as mixer and speakers, that have more of an impact on the sound quality. I hope this helps.

[@DroidApproved]

Also, I would appreciate you giving this video a like if you found it helpful. Thanks.

[@glebfonarov3079]

@@DroidApproved well, You know, I believe that the quality of the inner d/a converters makes a big difference, which for example defines the price level of the audio interfaces... Hope these Numarks don't make the sound too flat, as can be basically expected due to the budget price...

[@DroidApproved]

Sound is subjective. If you are using them at low levels at home, I don't think it makes a difference.

[@taneltolsting2900]

Thanks for review. I know people have to wait a ton of time for tracks to start when played by usb-stick, unless they had run these tracks through software before. That's the case with pioneer and such. But this one - do the tracks start immediately? If your memory stick is almost full of tracks (ex 20gigabytes), would the tracks start still as quick? The fact that there isn't much information to be shown on display - it kind of gives hope that they may actually start fast. This might be the real foolpooof concept here.

[@DroidApproved]

They load up relatively quickly.

[@johnjames3873]

Can I attach the ddx 500 to my serato to play cds ?

[@michaelharris4389]

Great info im really thinking about get a pair as my old cd decks are good for sod all now plus ots a cheaper way of getting in to USB for me killing two birds with one stone thank you

[@lucasmaia8315]

I'm really considering getting these, I have a pair of CDJ 900s that are being rented and I have nothing to practice on. These look like a really solid option

[@cees-gc8xt]

I need one for just playing music at home..would i need a 3 channel mixer or can i stick with my 2 channel mixer and use line in.

[@DroidApproved]

Correct. You can just use the line on one of your channels. Please like and subscribe if you haven't.

[@ericmejia2585]

Your MP3 files on your flash drive. Where they WAV files befor and you converted them or where they MP3 from the begining? If so what did you do to get it to all work? Any help would be appreciated. Great video super helpfull.

[@DroidApproved]

I download most of my dance music as 320 mp3s. However, you can convert wavs easily with any audio editing software with a LAME encoder. Just open the wav, then export it as a 320 mp3. Thanks for checking out my video.

[@uservinc]

Hi, I would like to buy one of these used on Amazon just for listening musics. What would be your opinion? Thank you.

[@DroidApproved]

I would imagine there are less expensive options that are better suited for regular playback, but these will work for that purpose as well.

[@frogpop]

awesome

[@aldogalvanmusic4360]

I have trouble mixing with my numark ndx500 players, especially due to the bpm's instability either through USB memories and CDs, since it is impossible to square both songs for this problem. Anyone having the same problem? any solution?

[@DroidApproved]

The bpm does not actually fluctuate, only the display does, which is why I said it doesn't work well. It is possible to mix smoothly with the 500s, but you have to keep an ear on the blend and make any drift corrections with the pitch control or the jogwheel. That is the same as beatmatching with any sort of deck. How long have you been mixing?

[@valentingheorghe1693]

You can take the BMP info only as a rough estimate and mix using beatmatching by ear. It's the most satisfying method for mixing because you rely on your ears ability to listen and your skills to mix. Of course that if Numark decided to offer BPM info should have been able to function flawlessly, but what can you expect from a brand that it's content to be regarded as a budget one? Maybe they'll offer a future update to improve on features...

[@tomskitaylorboi7467]

Hi, I’m looking into buying these, I currently have the numark mixtrack platinum but want to get away from using a laptop and focus more on using my ears. Only thing putting me off is I’ve seen a review of the Numark ndx900s and apparently the bpm/tempo can move whilst mixing and off course I wouldn’t want this to happen on the ndx500s as the 2 decks would go off beat whilst mixing and ruin the mix! Are you able to clarify if this happens at all? Also is it pretty easy to adjust tempo bpm on each deck so they match each other? Cheers!

[@DroidApproved]

It is only the display that changes. The actual bpm of the song that is playing stays constant. Don't worry about looking at the the bpm display. Use your ears. ;)

[@haramsbae1507]

@@DroidApproved Are you suggesting that a person should match a beat by what they hear, and not by looking at numbers on a display?? The absolute cheek of you!!!

[@DroidApproved]

I know, right? What's wrong with me?

[@garethfoster9961]

Iv got the 400s and i experience differnt features turning themselves on or off every now and again. But maybe they fixed it in the 500s...

[@DroidApproved]

You could have gotten some bad units. I used a pair of 400s pretty regularly for several years without issue. I have since passed them on to a friend who is currently using them, and he has never mentioned anything about them malfunctioning. At the end of the day, gear is gear, and all of it has the potential to fail at some point.

[@PissingPinscher1980]

New to this. I just wanted to use this as a CD/media player. Been looking for a CD player with pitch control. Can you hook these up directly to a stereo system?

[@DroidApproved]

Yup, as long as it has an rca input.

[@hamilton914]

I'm new to all this and I bought a NDX500 thinking I could use it as a stand alone. However, I can't get any sound through? Any ideas? I bought Active speakers too, but nothing. Can you help me?

[@DroidApproved]

The ndx 500 needs to go into a mixer which then outputs the sound to your active speakers.

[@Rayfn14]

serato not working why with my ndx 500

[@delta3garcia]

Most of my music via stream- primarily Amazon Music. Can I connect my phone or an iPod to the usb and play music through this?

[@DroidApproved]

It will only play from a 32 gb max usb stick.

[@alejandrovasquezsantiago6300]

Is it a good idea if I buy a pair of these with an M6? I've been using my Numark MTPRO3 for years and I would like to upgrade and get this kind of experience with CD players.

[@DroidApproved]

Absolutely. Check out my review of the Numark m2, which I also recommend. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWmzgKiPratle5I Please like and subscribe if you haven't. Thanks!

[@rustymixer2886]

@@DroidApproved does it really scratch from usb and scratch pad is good feel and sound?

[@haramsbae1507]

@@rustymixer2886 absolutely mate. These are bang on perfect for a home dj

[@jackrabbit4907]

hi! Can you load wave files from the usb? Thanks.

[@DroidApproved]

You can only play mp3 from the usb. If you want to play wav files, you need to use the cd slot.

[@gagsm11]

Can you record from these to audacity on a lap top via the USB?

[@DroidApproved]

Sadly, no.

[@savagegirl1953]

Can u tell me the model of the usb ur using on them.they look cool

[@DroidApproved]

Thanks for checking out my video. Here's the link to those usb sticks. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZY25WHY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@theromanceofwax]

do these display the track names ?

[@DroidApproved]

Yes. However the screen is quite small, so the display scrolls from right to left.

[@jawzzo6761]

hi i know you said theirs no link between the two decks for a USB drive, i'd need 2 flash drives with identical tracks on to have my full library on both?

[@DroidApproved]

That is correct.

[@jawzzo6761]

@@DroidApproved thanks for answering i dont mean to keep asking stuff but I'm really lost right now! would you advise these to someone who has a real big library (500song playlists) it seems the navigation through songs could be a problem, also can i run my songs through rekordbox to set up hot cue points?

[@DroidApproved]

The ndx500 will only accept 32gb usb sticks, so that will limit what you can load at one time. Also, it will load slower if the stick has a lot of files one it. The 500 is not compatible with Rekordbox, and it does not save cue points. Watch the video again. I discussed this info already. Thanks for checking it out, and please like and subscribe.

[@majidbess6845]

I have a numark m6 usb mixer and a stanton t62 vinyl turntable and want to mix with vinyl and digital, can i use this ndx500 (or 400) for home use or little party with friends ?

[@DroidApproved]

Absolutely.

[@majidbess6845]

@@DroidApproved im beginner in mixing and i dont want to use laptop, only mixer,turntable,ndx500 and of course speakers , its possible ?

[@DroidApproved]

Absolutely.

[@majidbess6845]

@@DroidApproved thanks

[@srmgrd7782]

Is a laptop required or can I use these with out one and just a mixer

[@DroidApproved]

The usb plugs into the ndx-500.

[@ReyHugoTelevision614]

No laptop necessary, just usb stick or cd

[@ivancrash437]

can you compare this Numark 500 to the Gemini MDJ600?? Bigger display screen on the Gemini

[@DroidApproved]

I can't speak for the mdj-600, but I used the Gemini cdj-700 once. After 20 minutes the tracks were skipping and glitching off the usb stick. From my experience, I would not buy or recommend Gemini media players.

[@ivancrash437]

Droid Approved thx for response. I was debating between the two players. I have a Gemini 4000 (mixer and dual CD), its ok, but have experienced some skipping and not reading cds. I've had Numark before...been happy.

[@DroidApproved]

The Numark doesn't have as many features, but it is reliable. I would recommend it.

[@SolitaryBro]

I have recently bought a pair of NDX 500's... Whilst I was doing my research I discovered the Gemini's... Lots of bad reviews, infact, I think all the reviews were bad! The Gemini's look good because they have a waveform display that I feel would attract a few more customers to the Gemini product.... I feel happy with my decision on the Numark CDJ's...

[@MrDoug380]

i had these players since 2017 and still mix cd's, works very well still todate,

[@majidbess6845]

Hi, how many times in the week/month or in the year you use them ?

[@errickbrandonstone9875]

I have the same units i cant get it to work with flash drive please help or could you do a video of how to do it? Thanks for any feedback

[@DroidApproved]

Try reformatting the usb stick to FAT32. Also, the files have to be mp3. It won't play lossless files.

[@errickbrandonstone9875]

Appreciate it ill definitely give that a try.

[@DroidApproved]

Let me know if that works.

[@DroidApproved]

Also, the 500 will only take a 32 gb stick.

[@errickbrandonstone9875]

Ok cool ill definitely let you know

[@vinshiqin3621]

i love it!!! bro your pendrive kills me...

[@charleswrigley9488]

I see your using two separate thumb drives you ever tried using a usb splitter to like link it because this is what am going to try to do. Female to male splitter

[@DroidApproved]

What would the benefit in that be?

[@slim5481]

@@DroidApproved 1 usb drive for 2 turntables. I.E, you plug the splitters into the turntables and plug the usb on the other end so it's less work to load tracks

[@jabwana9946]

They link by the remote

[@DroidApproved]

That is incorrect.

[@stevereppard5593]

Where did you get cdj platforms from?

[@DroidApproved]

Those are Onstage ltp5000 laptops stands. You can get them pretty much anywhere, and they're relatively inexpensive. I think I paid maybe $16 each for mine. Try Amazon.

[@stevereppard5593]

@@DroidApproved thank you

[@DroidApproved]

You're welcome. Please give the video a like if you haven't already.

[@emcalone]

Do they play lossless files?

[@DroidApproved]

They will only play mp3 via the usb, however, you can play lossless audio by using the cd slot.

[@valentingheorghe1693]

Numark NDX 500 is a good player for it's price tag, but in my opinion, also because of it's pricetag it suffers in the most important area - sound quality. Many people, especially the young ones, who aspire to be a dj or just wanting to learn how to mix music, don't take into account the sound quality sent by the source player into the mixer and then to the speakers. All budget players, Numark included, skimp on sound quality to keep the price down. Ultimately the user ends up with a low sound quality and this should matter most. I think all DJ equipment brands who want to establish themselves as worthy competitors to Pioneer and Denon should put better components inside their gear to improve the sound quality (signal-to-noise ratio, channel separation and total harmonyc distortions) even if this means increasing the price tag. The overall price tag still could be lower than Pioneer who can afford to be gready at this time from their position of leader. But what puts Pioneer in the top row, besides features present on their gear? Sound quality.

[@DroidApproved]

You are correct, however I am recommending this for home use. I am not suggesting that this be used as a club install or for mobile work. All of my reviews of budget gear are aimed at the home hobbyist.

[@valentingheorghe1693]

@@DroidApproved I understand your point of view. But personally I would not sacrifice audio sound quality no matter the environment. Maybe I am too pretentious, but from a young age I was used to listen music on good audio equipment, I also did sound restoration and mastering and maybe that's why I tend to notice the "garbage" in sound immediately. Noise and artifacts detracts your attention from what you want to hear. Still, brands like Numark and Gemini should not be affraid to step up the ladder in order to encrease the quality of their products, because in the long run they will enjoy the gains. As for Numark in particular, given the fact that it's a brand owned by InMusic which also owns Denon, it will be a little harder to step up because this will mean it will compete with products in the same corporation. I really hope for Numark to continue to inovate and to try to improve it's quality and reliability.

[@DroidApproved]

I think the InMusic merger will shake out like this: Denon will be the premium moblie/club gear, Rane will continue to cater towards the turntablism community, and Numark will become more solidly the beginner/budget brand. The best anyone can hope from Numark is gear that will function properly over time, but it will never be top notch. Gemini? Forget about it.

[@valentingheorghe1693]

@@DroidApproved Denon is really making an effort to offer something useful to the end users, but the way they develop the gear makes you wonder sometimes if they have a clear objective regarding the whole product functionality. Take for example the Denon MCX8000 unit. They designed a piece of gear with a good concept in mind, packed with features, only to discover at the end, on the expense of the users, that all those features lack a good and reliable power source to drive them. It's like no one thought to estimate the total power requirements of the unit in order to function without any issues. It is not normal to reduce the brightness of the display to prevent the unit from shutting down. Imagine the frustration of a user who is forced to send the unit to their service for replacing the power source, instead of enjoying the functions of the gear and to provide feedback to the company in order to improve the operating system and the firmware. It is not a professional attitude for a company to rush a product into production and delivery to the users without performing rigurous tests on the hardware and software functionality. Where is the pride of a company who has an image to defend, maintain and improve?

[@DJRonification]

I use them with a ddj sz. It gives me control over 4 decks. My system is 6000w. Sound is fine. Numark have always been good.

[@johnsokolowski3201]

Decide to sell them ever let me know looking for a mint pair

[@DroidApproved]

They're not hard to find.

[@darrendeep]

Where did you get your USB sticks?

[@DroidApproved]

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZY25WHY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@anode8]

Pumpkin spice latte levels of basic, LOL!

[@DroidApproved]

I didn't realize you had this channel. Subscribed!