Numark NS4FX Review: Pro Performance At A Mid-Range Price?

The earlier controllers in Numark‘s NS series, the NS7 and NS6, were renowned as real workhorse devices for professional DJs. With the NS4FX, are the company continuing that legacy, or going in a new direction? Mojaxx gives us his full review on the new episode of “Beatsource Tech.”
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[@percyarnold6368]

I am slowly turning into a Numark fan boy since I've been using my mixstream pro. They are builded like tanks!

[@djroyal414]

My first controller was the NS6!!! That was an awesome controller and was built like a tank!

[@mdzic7628]

*another fantastic review. You’ve been essential to my gear choices in the last 3 years. Thanks and well done. 😎🤩🤠 I’m all Technics 1200s, but still love the way you’re teaching us about the new gear.

[@FernandoHenao-gd4io]

Numark NS4-FX Mic Solution/Workaround: 1. Get/Buy an RCA to female XLR cable 2. Plug in the RCA to the RCA Aux - White and Red. 3. Plug the Mic to the other end of the cable: The XLR female end 4. The Mic1 / Line Button Switch -- Set it to Line. That's it. Now you have a perfectly sounding Microphone with NO distortion.

[@rapwithzorro]

I still use my very faithful NS7 II the four decks have been useful in two ways for me. 1. Decks 3 & 4 are useful to keep a bunch of scratch samples in so you can go to them and scratch over tracks without affecting what you load into decks 1 & 2. Also 2. It's useful on events like birthdays and wedding receptions to have an intro track required by a bride/birthday person or even a backing track for an upcoming singer can all be left on standby in decks 3 & 4

[@DjDecanus]

Great video, keep them coming. Agreed most Djs don't "need" four decks but it's a nice handy tool to have songs cued up in decks 3-4 that you can cut too without digging them up. For me, I like to have a nice Kick loaded in one and Vocals loaded in the other... not often and not most djs

[@mischief33]

4 Channel mixers are great for layering in drum loops, percussion and samples for music like techno.

[@lime9836]

I agree

[@HBKCommish]

I think a lot of people are missing the main selling point of this controller. It's not about the amount of decks or if it comes with Serato Pro. It's all about those balanced XLR outputs. That's it! This controller or the Native Instruments TRAKTOR KONTROL S3 are the only controllers in this price range that offer this feature. For Pro DJ's that like to do a lot of mixing and scratching, this isn't a big deal to them and they are more focused on the fact that it doesn't come with Serato Pro so you don't get all the Effects. To 90% of Wedding DJ's and even a lot of Party DJ's, this doesn't matter. They just want clean sound going to their speakers without having to worry about the distance of their cords or buying a mixer or dual active direct box

[@louprimo6062]

I don’t understand why it has a dedicated high pass and low pass filter effects on the effects section with the controller when it already comes with a high pass low pass filter knob. They should have added two different effects or just leave the effect banks blank and add any effect you desire like the Rane One. Just my thought. Thanks again Mo for a great review.

[@djla4558]

Dope and on point video.

[@ErvahNoir]

I caught Serato pro on a sale a while back and I'm glad I did. Using lite with my old Mixtrack Platinum actually made more sense on the Pro software as there were functions I couldn't utilize in spite of having buttons on the face of the controller to tell me otherwise. Great review! I'm glad to finally see someone really speak their mind about the software limitations on controllers these days.

[@FRST2012]

I agree, the hardware seems to be excellent. In the UK the NS4FX is just over the £410 mark at the time of release, add Serato Pro, pitch n time and it almost aligns on price with the FLX6 and the Mixstream Pro. There are pros and cons for each, but Numark are putting out some solid releases. The only thing missing here if I am being picky was led meters for each channel.

[@jojorilu]

For me the most important thing is the XLR outputs, since i would use it for smaller gigs that don't have their own hardware or serato friendly hardware. And with the cheaper versions i won't be able to connect to the speakers directly. A bummer that the pads arent RGB, and yeah not the biggst fan of the software FX in Serato, but if hardware FXs would be included it would cost around 1000 dollars.

[@DMulabiTalejan]

As always: short, concise and on-point review. I agree. I would the Mixstream instead of this

[@OliviaPussycat]

Hey. Love your reviews and Twitch stream! 😁 I think for people upgrading from an entry level controller to mid-level for 4 channels, the software issue really isn’t a problem. I’d rather NOT pay for an extra copy of Serato DJ Pro because I already own all the plug-ins anyway. I realize I am only one type of consumer though and many may not already own the software. My real dilemma now is choosing between this and the Pioneer FLX6, with a Reloop Mixon 4 kind of straggling behind (due to the price).

[@DJShuffle07]

Now that part there, the picth in time on my DDJ FLX6 I customize midi mapping one of the pads, now I feel comfortable with it. 😎 1:58

[@Msantor1605]

It's really funny that you make the comment that most DJs don't need more than two decks because right now I'm really trying to find a solid Pro grade 2 channel controller and they are getting harder and harder to find. SR2 and the Rolla d 707m are about the only 2 real pro grade options you have. I would love to find a NIB Vestax VCI380 in a shop somewhere. I want a bombproof 2 channel controller like the days of old.

[@FreakishNerd]

I used Serato DJ Lite for all of 40 minutes before I upgraded to Pro. Luckily at the time it was on sale for $30 and PnT was on sale for $10 so it only ran me $40 total, but Serato DJ lite is just not a viable software for anything other than coming to DJing with no knowledge. I agree with your points well, the NS4 does not seem like the type of pro controller Numark wants to bill it as.

[@djgingecoldwell10]

Run it on Virtual DJ 2021, Get access to all channels and all features, however, I've got the NS6 ll, the best controller, I've ever owned, always hoped that Numark may have moved to an NS6 lll , and tided up some weak point's on the MK2. like the Microphone control, and placing a switch on it, like the NS4 had (I wore that controller out), and also put a digital Microphone that would run through too DJ software, So that you can stream and record, I use a Focusrite Scarlett for streaming my sets, maybe this feature is similar on the NS4 FX to what I'd love to see on an NS6 lll (If they ever build one) However, I do like the look of the looping buttons on the NS4FX, I'd like to see similar on an NS6 lll, however, I bet Virtual DJ would unlock the control in the due cause, I did, unfortunately, purchase a Pioneer DDJ FLX6 (i was not impressed) as a backup controller while the NS6 ll was in for repair, however, Virtual DJ did a fantastic job of mapping all effects on the DDJ FLX6 including the big Magic Button, or as Mojax referred to it as your "Get Out Of Jail " control.. I'm still wondering why Numark stopped the production of the NS6 ll, after such a short production run and seemed to move more toward more budget and mid-level controllers and streaming stand alone? Just another point to note my Numark NS6 ll cost me 500 euros in 2019, if you want one now, I've seen them online for sale now at $1500, three times their original price, I wish Numark would move back toward flagship models. Great Review also Mojax love your work, Best Wishes from Zakynthos Greece

[@mistazed1170]

I mix drum and bass and 4 decks are awesome. Admittedly I only use 3 but it’s really useful having that extra deck loaded and ready to go for quick blends

[@trevor_mounts_music]

Exactly - It's super nice to have a track or two ready to drop in when the time is right

[@muhleeshuh1764]

Thank you! I agree, deserves pro level software!!!]

[@treddah]

Literally waiting for Hercules to bring out a 4 channel impulse controller 🙏🏼🤞🏼🙏🏼🤞🏼it will come.

[@itsamedjmario]

another reason why DDJ 400s / Rekordbox flooded the beginner market, especailly since covid.. . Not having SDJ Pro hardware unlock, Come on Serato.. Step up your fkn game.. I teach students, and they all want to go with the 400 because they dont have to pay for a full version of software.. Its very rare that ill have a new student that wants to go with Serato.. sucks for me becuase i hate RB, and been rocking with Serato since the SL1 box 🙃

[@bosmanragga51]

Exactly my words, these guys have locked this software for too long, I dont like RB either, I bought a 400 and I never use it long put it aside, with Serato by now we should be able to route its audio output to any 4 channel soundcard like VDJ and RB but the software is just locked no EQ no nothing, I bought Serato Play for EQs but when I connect hardware the EQs disappear and you cant even use them, Serato is so disappointing as the main Software

[@jimboblivesforever]

I honestly believe some people go for 4-deck controllers because they are physically bigger and look a bit more pro from a distance

[@dabaddestdj2010]

I would like a 4 deck controller like the DDJ 1000…I own a DDJ 800 and while it’s a 2 channel controller 4 decks can be used so I’ve gotten used to that but it would be nice to have 4 dedicated channels instead of 2 that can control 4

[@OliviaPussycat]

Note: you don’t have to jump from $200 to $300 Serato Pro. Extra plug-ins are á la carte - so Pitch N’ Time can be purchased separately. You can start with regular Serato Pro and add on extra plug-ins or effects whenever you have the money or feel like it.

[@Mojaxx]

I didn’t actually didn’t realise that, was only looking at the package pricing. But then that’s still a $240 upgrade (Pro + P&T) so I think the point still stands. The FLX6 comes with Pro and P&T for $140 less… Not saying I necessarily prefer the FLX6, mind you.

[@miamichi5]

Great review 👍! ? Will it also work with virtual dj pro ? Thank you.

[@djrickyredz]

a $399 price point would have made way more sense IMO.

[@CitrasFlava]

Mixtrack platinum as my first co troller and very disapointed by serato light, ended up with virtual dj because of the price difference

[@EnnisSmith]

Nicely done sir. Thanks for the feedback. I had my eye on this as a step up from the Platinum FX. However, based on your review and the fact that I’m already using Pro with many of the add-ons, I’m going to pass. That’s no knock against the controller. I simply can’t justify paying $550 for two extra decks that I (maybe) might use (someday). Everything else is similar to the controller I’m already using.

[@badwolf1984]

4 channel is essential, gives you the flexability what 2 cant do.

[@OgierJ1]

I think as soon as you get past absolute beginner level DJing dnb, you will miss having at least 3 decks when you start looking at incorporating double drops throughout your mix

[@djmacatack]

I hate myself for trying to flick off that hair at 3:20

[@DJTechnoboom]

Numark! + Djay pro!

[@hyperfocus4866]

4 decks - 🤔 I guess the scope in progression in say DnB is always handy. Double drops an the extra for a quick mix and even use the 4th for scratching.

[@csababodi]

As I see on this controller, the same problem can be found on it like my Platinum FX. The selected pad function button has almost the same bright light like the others. Could you please inform about this problem the Numark? I did that, but nothing has changed... :(

[@househeadspeakz]

I feel you MoJaxx on the fact Numark could have included Serato DJ Pro to this controller. Calling it a Professional controller but adding an entry-level software is a letdown to DJs like myself. I prefer to get the Mixstream Pro because I don't have to deal with a laptop and it comes with the Engine Pro software. If Numark would have add Serato DJ Pro and the cost of $99, it would be a win. Why do DJ companies think we are back out in gigs. The big names may be but the small and mid-entry DJs are not seeing the gigs opening due to the Pandemic.

[@anthonygato407]

need 3 channels, sir. even for deep proggy techno. learned on decks and vinyl on xone 62. no sampler looper efx stuff. just the filter(popped) so tend to do things differently.

[@dj.icewatersbeatz]

Where’s the Numark NS7 4 at Numark keep acting like the NS7 Dj.controller never existed.. like where’s the continued Version At ? .Like Numark keep making these other machines. That’s not Motorized . 🗣 WE WANT THE NS7 4 Motorized platters

[@qassimmembery3870]

Hell yes need 4 decks

[@charleswrigley9488]

Don't get why they haven't put in a removable fader what's the the point of having scratch buttons.if the original fader dosent cut it.the controller looks good but since moving over to Denon OS with the mixstream pro

[@Timbmusicaaa]

I am wondering if you could hook the NS4FX up to a vinyl player, I hope you can, because this controller is highly on my want list

[@wieszo2112]

Nice

[@markus_scott]

Does this work with djay pro? If so I would definitely get this over the flx6

[@ruimarto]

I think you should consider that some people might already have a Serato Pro licence, since even with a beginner controller it's possible to feel Lite's limitations. And in the past at least, sales were common for Serato. I bought it cheap at the time, so that wouldn't be an issue. Also, you're being hard on the AC powered thing, as it usually allows for more powerful sound/LEDs/screens and what venue would have power for speakers, mixers, laptop, etc, but not for the controller? Just carry a multi-socket power extension strip in your bag. I do feel what you mean about looking too similar to the Mixtrack FX. However, at the moment, it's not like there's many amazing mid-tier Serato options. You have the FLX6 with gimmicks and FLX4-level hardware, without proper pro outputs and labeled for Rekordbox. :/ Or twice the price for the SX/SR line.

[@robertbalint9752]

I stil think the best ever midrange controller from numark its the numark nv 2 😉😉💪💪 I relly hope to see in a close future an upgrade like NUMARK NV3 or something, with all the cool stuf the nv2 have and mor plusis like biga screens biga jogs some usb,s and stuf like that 😉😉😉 and that weel be a controller to make many many dj,s to think about numark 😉😉

[@chidanandadas522]

Need Guidence, It is a great video but I want to know How to use beat fx like pioneer in numark NS4FX ?

[@DJMIXXTHAT]

2 is all i need.

[@gamingheadztvMediaHeadztv]

I use at most 3 decks

[@dexterdunlop3293]

For those like me who already bought the Serato DJ Pro software it makes no sense to pay an additional $100 or more to buy the controller just to get something we already have.

[@AparatorulPoporului]

Its better S2 mk3?

[@The_Ambassador-xx6qe]

You Are Spot On About The Software. Why should the DJ spend so much for hardware and not get top performance DJ software. A waste of money

[@Panslapper]

Can an Innofader Plus S be used to replace the crossfader like the original NS4?

[@alexzanderking1556]

Good controller poor business decision re the software not sure numark will sell many of these they should just sell with Serato pro

[@DJkingFari832]

The pi9neer is more for recordbox and doesn’t have the inputs or outs as the ns

[@MJtheDJ2019]

how to Trun off the echo on ns4fx so i can talk in headset mic?

[@favour1975]

How do I listen to a song on headphone if I’m playing via the aux input ?

[@tepanganiban]

gotta have 4 to make your own remixes

[@hornkix]

Hello. i want to buy this...how is the quality of the sound ? thank you in advance .

[@danizm78]

lost me at serato lite!

[@mauricemcgary10]

Can anyone guide me to a system? I'm not a pro but I sometimes use 4 decks to create songs I like 4 decks with virtual dj. I would like to know how I can use 4 decks & a controller that has stems. without the high price.

[@MrEvanTea]

Numark NS4FX or a Pioneer Rev 1?

[@fnk101]

I wonder if it better to by a Pioneer Sx2 one of those models

[@atypical_blk_guy]

I can't tell if this is a legit question or a joke but an sx2 is far superior to the numark. It's often compared against the ddj 1000srt. Albeit it's quite old, you get rgb pads, I want to say it has hardware fx.

[@OgDj2024]

Why don’t the performance platters spin??

[@bboymac84]

For beginners it’s fine.

[@uniqueflowsnake]

ecler warm 2 review, when?

[@mintomax2]

I must admit its been a while since I've been mixing but when I was I was using 4 channels however I generally was using 2 of those channels with loops of songs more as a transition tool rather than playing 4 tracks however with the editions of the pads this maybe a bit redundant now however I would feel better having those extra 2 channels there in case I still need them rather then finding out I need them and being stuck however I do suspect you are right 4 channels are not needed just control of 4 decks with the pads. However the extra 300 usd plus the fact that the battle fx are limiting to only 6 of the range of fx as well as only being able to use one at a time makes this a bad choice for 800 usd Numark seem to have shifted focus and seem to be making controllers for people that do not take djing seriously but more as a toy. even the marketing from Numark is aimed this way. I do not know if its because of the merger with Denon that Denon do not want them making serious controllers as it may lose sales of Denon mixers and have stopped Numark making anything decent. What made me laugh is the Numark ad/review video for this lists 3 band eq as a feature come on your listing something that is standard on 99 percent of mixers for over 30 years as a feature? its like selling a car and listing a steering wheel as a feature.

[@LuisMorales-gf8sy]

purchased plat.pro fx to get used to using a controller (turntable user not turntabalist)...does not work well with VDJ. Serato lite too limited

[@andrewboyd1495]

I mix with 3 channels and use the spare to have me next track on a loop from the point were I wanna start it, I time it up and let it run and when I’m ready for it it’s already running in time and with whatever effect I want on it. Also sometimes if I’m doing doubles or scratch routine over a mix I’ll have a turntable in channel 4 and switch between relative and internal and it means same again, scratch plate is nearly always ready in sample/noise to go. I use DDJ 1000, Mixars LTA best TT I’ve owned since me PDX2000’s for cutting and a CDJ2000 nexus which I hardly ever turn on lol cause the DDJ is a bad motherfu***r 😅

[@ChristianJackson47]

Can it work in Traktor?

[@guido69x]

White LED Lights?Really?In day time playing outdoors would be almost impossible!

[@djinkentertainment]

i used to like numark, but I'll stick with my white edition Hercules controller. that came with full version of Serato and some decent ports for audio. For cheaper price than this controller

[@imaniinternational7853]

Question..What are the upgrades for the NS4FX? Everything is lagging - scratching , cue pads , sound FX all delayed!

[@MzMahoganyHoneyBrown]

Did you find resolve your hot cue lagging situation? Also do you use Serato or a different software?

[@imaniinternational7853]

@@MzMahoganyHoneyBrown using Serato. May come down to a subscription issue .. Scratching a bit better (not perfect- I have to compensate a bit lol).. I tried serato DJ lite also .. Same thing, first sound FX pad button plays on time, the rest delay for seconds or don't play at all.

[@floydaaron9744]

No travel cases for it here in the U.S. is also another miss. I know it was promoted during the pandemic but still a miss.

[@juniorpops7632]

I quite agree its not worth it, the software package is garbage, plus Numark could off done something better about the cross fader. Can you change the FX , I know this was a issue in the 2 channel one.

[@OT83]

Is Numark running out of ideas or is Serato raising their license pricing? Hmmmm.... That's what I see is happening for an entry level controller. IMO this should be a 2 channel DJ controller and open up the budget for Serato DJ Pro to be included. The avg beginner DJ can barely get 2 tracks to mix, stop with the 4 channels already!. Upgrade the crossfader (they will never do that) for the heavy handed beginner that will break the crossfader in 6 months, and then sell for $499. Your welcome Chris :-)

[@lerrynhawke3375]

With good looping now days 4 decks are just not necessary for me.. I'm almost 22yrs djing now and 4 decks just took me away from doing a better mix on the 2 decks anyway.. not saying there isn't a time or place for 4 decks or stems but in front of a crowd I'm too busy picking the next few tunes and engaging with the peeps and trying not to f up the mix I'm in, trying 4 decks, loop stations, fx pedals ect live in my experience just makes me more of a shit dj.. just being honest

[@mdzic7628]

I’m noticing more and more DJs throwing in tracks from their iPhone/iPad on channel’s 3 and 4. Successfully. I do this myself even from time to time with tracks via KZbin etc. I’m guessing it’s reasons like this why we’re now seeing everything have 4 channels?

[@lindsaydavid8124]

It is too bad you bought nx4 and then have to buy the license for 300. I bought one and had to return it . Also it does not work with Virtual DJ. Only has sound through earphone on virtual. Not through speakers.

[@arej00ryan]

The unit is too small IMO. Great bit of kit for the price tho

[@2pash89]

This guy obviously doesnt do trench aka riddim ( subgenre of dubstep) 4 decks shoot even 6 decks is really popular

[@jonm3236]

Not Safe For FX - Marketing genius.....

[@megadj5657]

Someone should talk about that serato raised the price of the serato pro license to 200$ ! That’s A lot of money for someone who just bought a controller for 500$ ! and lets say the truth, serato dj lite is too poor to use even for a new dj...

[@Sirch100precent]

the fact that controllers now do the scratching for you is an L in my opinion. DJs of the future won't even know the true fundamentals.

[@Drrolfski]

The idea of must-have four faders is massively overrated. In reality, 90% of the DJs simply won't use them.

[@Sirch100precent]

it's not needed unless you're a superstar dj doing 5 hour sets of house music imo. I'd rather have a solid smaller controller than a clunky big one with too many faders.

[@EllisJohnsonTheBest]

@@Sirch100precent it's very useful for dnb, which is why the flx6 has become so popular amongst dnb bedroom DJs

[@kvnkrz271]

Idk inmusic needs to really start going all out with their gear. Stop being apple

[@tobsen_coebeatbbq6559]

Why a dj need 4 decks ? I have no clue 😹🤙

[@DjTecniq]

Wow the left pitch fader is literally fucking the filter knob…nope 👎🏼

[@Badhabit1962]

To many controllers ,there is not too much difference in none of them

[@rayr268]

Pro version is now $250. $50 in a year due to greedfaltion

[@Gregatron82]

Numark lover here, but... Hard pass.

[@GroundBeatDe]

hi, i think its not a mid range controller...its a beginner controller at a mid range price :D. it sucks. Better the old 2 channel (4 channel are overrated). I find the dj 202 and the hercules 500 better than this, but without pads :(. controllers suck. Better to get turntables..hhihihihi

[@dansfosterthanyou]

'4 decks', 2 tempo sliders. Stop this nonsense.

[@Dinglezz]

Meh...

[@timg350]

This thing sucks 😆

[@dansfosterthanyou]

How do they release such terribly designed product in 2022?

[@TRYBEmusic]

It is horrible..

[@DJGeorgeDisco]

$700 is too much. I would be interested if the price were around $500.