Numark NS7III Review & Talkthrough

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Digital DJ Tips Full NS7III Review: www.digitaldjtips.com/?p=2292101
Digital DJ Tips Full NS7II Review: www.digitaldjtips.com/2013/11/...
This video walks you through complete DIY setup of Numark's NS7III, their flagship controller for Serato DJ software. A fully featured piece of gear with high-torque, motorised platters, Akai Pro performance pads, 4-channel standalone mixer capability, high resolution on-board screens, and long pitch fader control, the NS7III works well for hip hop DJs, serious mobile setups, home use, or those looking to reduce laptop reliance. Analogue users switching to digital will feel comfortable using the powerful, responsive platters that behave similar to high quality turntables, and mobile DJs will appreciate two mic inputs with full 3 band EQ. The video visually explains and demos anything that's difficult to get across on paper - the full article review has the rest.

[@DJAlboogie55]

This is the Best controller if you are a Turntabelist or if you made the transition from turntables to controller. Solid construction and the spinning platters are just top notch!!!!!!! The King of Controllers.

[@digitaldjtips]

👑

[@P4boot]

I came back to see if the hype on the rane one is really worth it.... I have mixed feelings! Lol

[@done.8373]

Thanks for showing the touch feature of the knobs; no one else seemed to cover how they work, in practice.

[@digitaldjtips]

Of course 👍

[@teacee]

Still relevant today works with the latest Serato stems, I had one in the original box for one f my sons he never got into it so I am using it now.

[@atomicrus]

Thanks for review, very informative

[@jamesthomas1134]

Hi Yourself, Phil! Thanks for the video. This is excellent, and comprehensive as usual! :D

[@digitaldjtips]

Glad you found it useful, James. Cheers :-)

[@Babyscalps]

i really like how you explained about the screens close to the end of the video it solved one of my questions. im on the market for my 1st dj controller and was kind of in between getting the nsii and the nsiii. personally i wouldnt mind not having the screens if it means purchasing it on a budget for my 1st equipment. thanks for the review !

[@digitaldjtips]

Glad to help!

[@obedaguilar663]

i want one daammm!!! thats for me complete big fan of your channel :)

[@BobbyBriscoeBeats]

My friend got the s2 with the screen and I love it.

[@digitaldjtips]

+CBK81 Awesome :)

[@danielleking1171]

im not a fan of all in one controllers but i love this one.Its a wonderful beast and the screens are cool two

[@digitaldjtips]

Nice, yeah it's a solid controller 👍

[@ipodcastculture]

this is the best for mix masters!!!!

[@artdog9521]

Good Job Phil Morse.

[@hot4futureyears2come]

The best controller, period

[@jamesthomas1134]

I agree. THIS is the perfect controller to go from Vinyl to MP3 and skip the damned CDJ's. I love the platters, I barely miss my wax since having it transposed to MP3! :D

[@TeleporterM11]

Jose Lugo My sister and her husband just dumped a ton of vinyl in the trash, recently.

[@2119rocky]

I agree had it for about a year now love this controller man

[@rickydeleon2134]

thank a lot phil! im planning to buy this month! great video 👍

[@Certain]

I love my NS7III.

[@digitaldjtips]

Great! Thanks for sharing :-)

[@DjDiamondLee]

I love you Phil!! Its funny how you say Weight so many times.. I was waiting for the NO-Pun intended!!

[@digitaldjtips]

:D

[@salvadoribarra1985]

Smashing!!!

[@bioabelhudo]

really enjoyed

[@digitaldjtips]

Great to hear that Fabio, we're glad you enjoyed it :)

[@misterpotato4245]

as of 10/29/2023 the ns7iii and a reloop 8000-s mk1 are still going strong.

[@BouncyHouseuk]

Would luv to have 1 of these

[@AndyCue]

Hi Phill, I am very impressed with this machine. Thank you for the cool video.

[@digitaldjtips]

You're welcome Andy!

[@denismulabegovic2147]

Sick

[@jdm6784]

Subscribed!

[@digitaldjtips]

+Jonathan David Nice! Thank you :)

[@wolfrobots118]

If I had that controller I would think I went to heaven.

[@digitaldjtips]

It's awesome!

Esas pantallas se pueden utilizar con virtual dj?

[@speedlimit6869]

It's big but it is a nice big, the flight case makes it bigger to the point of too big, but that's the case and the cost of protection that the case gives to the NS7lll. I bought the Ody black label case with the sliding top for the laptop, the dam thing is sooo big it has wheels on it.

[@digitaldjtips]

Definitely big, but heavy too! That's the trade-off for those lovely platters...

[@PunchineloPow]

Nice video again, will you be doing a review for the rz?

[@digitaldjtips]

+PunchineloPow We're currently awaiting review samples. Thank you for watching!

[@moneymoney5434]

I have to have this Dj Time

[@OgDj2024]

NICE

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for checking it out J

[@DjMesta]

ok, so it looks great.. luv the heavy feel too.. but the huge and heavy could become a problem when you gig around.. not all dj booths have the space to fit it, especially when you guest dj in clubs where other djs are playing. And above all, how can you put this on a plane? I guess it can't go as hand luggage.. please share some light regarding practical day to day moving around, flying with this and fitting it into dj booths

[@digitaldjtips]

+Dj Mesta Right, it's awesome, but not exactly portable! Best for use as a Mobile DJ, private parties, etc, or check with the venue before you show up with this. We have an article on flying with DJ gear: www.digitaldjtips.com/2016/02/your-questions-can-i-fly-in-the-usa-with-my-dj-gear/

[@clips2watchmania]

Traktor soft with this epic :":)

[@VaaliD93]

I would get this if Pioneer didn't dominate the DJ booths so much. I'm a 'controller DJ' who is looking to get a more serious controller with views to DJ'ing at clubs etc. This looks awesome but the Pioneer XDJ-RX is realistically gonna set me up best for the transition so I think i'm gonna go with that one.

[@rahe1167]

@TG Leviathan same here I never like Pioneer ofcourse its over priced not durable enough but the marketing skills makes the difference

[@Shawndoh]

Like the el Camino or spork looks like the best of both worlds

[@digitaldjtips]

Good way of putting it :)

[@josueisaac967]

Hi phil i love your reviews. Helped me out alot. I have a question. So im looking to upgrade. i Have the NS7 the first one and i cant decide whether to buy the NS7II or NS7III. What are the differences between the NS7II and NS7III? Besides the screens. Thank you. Hope you can get back to me

[@xection2948]

not too much its just a couple knobs like 4 i think but its not a big of a difference so give the ns7 2 a try unless u really just want the ns7 3

[@digitaldjtips]

+Josue Isaac It's essentially the same controller with colour screens added. Here's our full review on the NS7III: www.digitaldjtips.com/2015/11/review-video-numark-ns7iii-serato-dj-controller/

[@BRAVE_dj]

Awesome review. Is there anyway to record cue points loops and playlists straight from a hard drive or usb flash drive. Or you need to do it in serato before?

[@digitaldjtips]

Can you be more specific just so we know we're answering your question correctly? :)

[@BRAVE_dj]

@@digitaldjtips can we record cue point loop and playlist without computer?

[@smithmiesterman]

this is the best controller for the money period !!. not the best out there but to get another make with the same quality you will prob pay at least double ;)

[@digitaldjtips]

It's heavy, but really good!

[@giovannipau1792]

when i hook up 2 turntables does it work with DVS as well so i got 4 vinyl decks ??

[@miketheperformer5972]

I'm in love! You keep saying about how heavy it is, but exactly how heavy IS it? I couldn't find the specs anywhere. Now all I need is to find $1500 lying around. :P

[@digitaldjtips]

+Maiko Herajin 31.57 lbs - they have detailed specs listed on their product page

[@alexanderfdj]

15kg

[@terryfincham7252]

im lookining into purchasing my first controller ,coming from vinyl,Technics 1210s so these style platters would suit me. Curious how an older controller like this compares to the newer pioneer and Rane models. Im guessing an older controller would be easier on the wallet buti wouldnt want somethi g bought to be outdated. Im obviously clueless atm . Any advice appreciated 👍👍

[@DMan-G]

I love you

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks! 😊

[@brianking7483]

i hope one day Numark can make a setup like this full-scale 12 inch platters

[@digitaldjtips]

That would be one rather large controller!

[@brianking7483]

***** yeah you're right but it'd be nice if they made it separate components

[@keithwashington6158]

will the Numark NS7III laptop stand still attach to this unit with the screen connected.

[@jameshintonjr2476]

Could you post a video on using effects on the microphone?

[@digitaldjtips]

+James Hinton Jr Hey James! We no longer have the unit in for review - I imagine there might be one showing mic FX floating around the internet, hopefully! :)

[@seancantrill4272]

"Big up the screens"

[@rickydeleon2134]

hi phil just want to ask if the serato software is free or you have to buy it ? sorry im just a beginer in controler, im a old school dj thanks!

[@digitaldjtips]

+ricky de leon That's okay! While some controllers only come bundled with intro software, the NS7III provides full version Serato DJ software...no upgrade purchase needed. Good stuff!

[@joeseth1978]

I have this DJ controller and in the process of trading it in for the Pioneer DDJSZ2 Controller. I really wanted to enjoy this controller mainly for the rotating platters that many turntablist/scratch DJs may find appealing. It is just that Numark has the right idea but fell short on the reliability of this 3rd gen interface and hardware. Issues I have experienced so far right out of the box, was audio drop out within 10 minutes of playing. The issues persisted as I continued to troubleshoot, I even rolled my MAC back to an older version OS. Between Serato and Numark help forums it has been a major hassle to pin point the actual problems. This is my very bias opinion, what I mean is that I have been a Numark supporter for many years from very first DM1002 MK2 to the Orbit, I am very disappointed with this product. For those DJs, out there whom do professional venues, use caution with this controller. Do further research on other controllers, I have tried to do the same and ignored all other discussions/issues in forums regarding the unreliability of this device (actual moving platters, yep they got me) I still wanted to believe that it was only a few devices with flaws. Needless to say the NS7-3 has given me many problems within the 40 days of owning it. I would not recommend using this as a primary DJ controller. The chances of receiving a properly functioning device is not in your favor. I will be posting a video on the issues I have, before returning it.

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks very much for the detailed feedback. Sorry to hear that you have had so much trouble with it. Please post back with the video when you have made it. Cheers :-)

[@akekestory493]

so is there a name for this type of djing like with turn tables that have turning motor is there away to play music with out it spending

[@digitaldjtips]

You can turn off the platters and make them more jogwheel-like

[@dhamlad]

Hi, does it work with traktor? And if yes, how can i get the mappings please

[@seasickvision]

I thought the NS7III was a great controller. But I figured if I was going this route, I might as well get real turntables...

[@hellaflushhonda]

djseasickbaby real Turntables are more maintain, more space, harder to move around, more that could go wrong and usually more expensive I paid 1200 for my technics and cases, then 1800 for my mixer and case. That's 3,100

[@reikojons]

I had a full set of vinyl decks and having my entire music library with me in my pocket beats carrying 500 lbs of records anyday.

[@dj_cklips]

mine both side spin when i press play on one and when i pitch up or down on one side the other side pitch too so i cant beatmatch , is there a way to fix that ? anyone? i just bought it

[@anthonyjoines2846]

I currently have the ddj sx2. There’s one thing I didn’t notice the ns7 had was the illuminated cue pads. My question is does the ns7 have illuminated pads or is that a function just for Pioneer controllers?

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes, it does - they're just more subtle (they illuminate around the edges).

[@mixxinmel]

one question can the wave forms be used in vertical mode instead of horizontal mode?? all the videos ive seen only show waveforms in horizontal mode???

[@digitaldjtips]

+mixxinmel Unfortunately no, not on the built-in screens (just within Serato DJ on the laptop)

[@rickydeleon2134]

hi phil just want to ask if we can put an innofader pro in numark ns7iii? and if yes can you do a video how, thank you very much!

[@digitaldjtips]

+ricky de leon Looks like it might work with the NS7 and NS7II, but not the 3

[@aesop180]

I wish you could see the key on the track menu. That very important when blending tracks. I wonder if an update is possible?

[@digitaldjtips]

+calvin smith Possibly! I know others have requested this, so it's on their mind at the very least :)

[@aesop180]

+Digital DJ Tips I'm still going to purchase it. I'll just organize my crates by key.

[@vapon]

It is *unacceptable* that it's not functional without a computer. Much chipper equipment from the same brand it is fully functional by just plugging a usb flush or hdd.

[@ryanharrison1472]

Still good in 2018? I would go for a s1000 but I like serato and not rekordbox

[@digitaldjtips]

Yeah it is an awesome controller.

[@kyledewar2117]

Still great in 2021 had mine for 4 years now and still love it

[@geeoa327]

are the screens compatible for the ns7 one?

[@NEWFSTAH]

I'm using the original NS7... I am used to looking at my Mac screen. Should I move to the 3 or the 2? And, how does it work with the new MAC lightning ports?

[@digitaldjtips]

Well, if it ain't broke...

[@MoistMoments]

Does anyone know the name of that track?

[@RADIANTSLUDGE]

Hi Phil, Digital Dj Tips I’m thinking about getting this controller but I read a lot of comments about volumes dropouts. Has any of you encounter that kind of issue?

[@digitaldjtips]

No, it works fine in our experience.

[@gpmcd1044]

Ok, you've stated several times that it's heavy. I even heard one review that suggested it takes 2 people to carry/move the thing. Can you give me the precise weight of the controller (in pounds pls)?

[@minty958]

The Numark website specs list it as being 31.57 pounds.

[@TeleporterM11]

Can it run without the computer . How does it operate directly from the hard drive

[@digitaldjtips]

It can't, you can use the onboard screens with your laptop tucked away, but it still needs the laptop to run everything :)

[@djlituation215]

On my turntables my have slipmat is smooth and not hard to hit backspins or scratch is not that hard could I adjust the jog wheel

[@digitaldjtips]

Worth a shot :)

[@djlituation215]

im doing play as you go with zzsounds thank you

[@ollieparker5970]

What do you reckon? This or the Denon MCX8000?

[@MrCIRCASKATER44]

Ollie Parker that’s where I’m stuck my buddy has a denon and it’s beautiful but the school i work out has this and it as well runs awesome

[@HADZIsejtan]

ok, after programing can I just plug in usb and play or do I have to carry my laptop every time

[@neah2k11]

It's not a standalone mixer not a standalone controller. You need Serato to play music

[@tricky4amit]

only think that would worry me is the durability of the controller, how long the motors will last , will it burn off ?

[@digitaldjtips]

Understandable concern - haven't tested it over longterm so can't say firsthand, though it's possible they might give you trouble after years of constant use (then again, that could happen with any gear)

[@tricky4amit]

Digital DJ Tips just found out Numark has Discontinued this unit, hopefully something Even better coming out

[@NEWFSTAH]

I've had the original NS7 for almost 10 years... no issues with the motors yet.

[@moneymoney5434]

One year later I have my ns7 3😁😁😁👍

[@digitaldjtips]

Nice, my main controller as well! - Scott

[@moneymoney5434]

Digital DJ Tips 👍👍👍😁

[@The3Kway]

If all the screens require is a usb line and power supply can you use the screens with any controller?

[@xection2948]

has to be an NS7 controller

[@djransonnn5815]

why is the faders opposite to the decks tho, is there a way to change that?

[@digitaldjtips]

Don't believe so, just the design

[@MrDamning]

Its a Turntablist thing the crossfader set opposite is called Hamster style. Basically its a reverse way from normal scratching. There probably a switch to assign the decks according to whatever side of the deck you want.

[@sssss3750]

There is a switch for each deck to assign it to the side of the fader you want, though each time you turn off the unit you must move the switch back and forth to assign it as the software does not seem to know the positions of the switches when you turn it on.

[@LoDaKid]

Any other controller on the market have a spinning mechanism like this?

[@digitaldjtips]

Not much like it really

[@moonlitdreamsrc]

which is the better one to buy - this or the xdj - rx? 😞 they are a very similar price?!? 🙁

[@digitaldjtips]

Hey Rich, both are great - the XDJ-RX is ideal if you want it to function w/o needing a laptop, and/or like using Rekordbox DJ. For Serato DJ, scratching and such, the NS7III would be a good choice

[@moonlitdreamsrc]

Digital DJ Tips thanks for the reply much appreciated 😉

[@djyosit]

Hi can i use this directly to laptop without the lcd monetor or screen?

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes :)

[@aesop180]

I'll have to make crates from 1A to 12B

[@michelevitarelli]

can you adjust the brake? can you play in reverse?

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes and yes, it's an amazing controller, my main one - Scott

[@P4boot]

@@digitaldjtips So what makes the rane one special or better than this?

[@matthewgouveia5234]

How would I play tracks continuously if I had to go somewhere for a few minutes and leave my controller?

[@MrDamning]

it doesn't have a needle so you can play a short mixtape or the rest of your loaded track while you are doing other things

[@reinaldoortiz4421]

Question, I have a Numark NS7 and the problem I have is the latency because of the laptop internal sound card. Is there a external audio interface for NS7.

[@digitaldjtips]

You're not using your laptop's sound card at all. The sound card is built into the unit, that's the one driving your speakers and headphones.

[@DjPietro]

can this work with only usb?

[@digitaldjtips]

+DjPietro The USBs work to connect the screens, and also act as external storage - it's not bus powered, though. Our full review might help clarify a bit more: www.digitaldjtips.com/2015/11/review-video-numark-ns7iii-serato-dj-controller/

[@djchicao]

Let me ask you something, i can put 1 pen drive and dont use serato? Because i really dont wanna buy another macbook pro....

[@digitaldjtips]

No, you will need to still hook the controller up to your computer to use Serato DJ. Sorry about that :-)

[@ronhouston6958]

Does this have a hard drive in it? Would be nice to have a hard drive in the controller. I wouldn't have to lug my computer and hard drives with me

[@digitaldjtips]

You still need a laptop

[@djbhangzmusic5112]

Do you need lisence key for serato or is it plug and play

[@digitaldjtips]

Plug and play

[@brunotraore3810]

I just bought one from pawn shop. The display just show the numark logo and most key are not working

[@digitaldjtips]

Get your money back

[@LioSintra]

With a price as 1400 euros in thoman it should work only with a usb pen without computer. I like it very much but i wont buy it for that reason. My option will be Denon mcx8000 and a professional rack for the same value... Think about that usb "problem" and make a new version of it, meanwhile low the price for the same as Denon and you may have a bit more sucess ;) Tks for the review it was very good.

[@digitaldjtips]

+Lio Dasilva You're welcome for the review, glad you liked it :)

[@derekallen1081]

AM i the only one that has bought the ns7ii and it has NOT got the secondary power lead under the usb slot ? where am i gonna attach the screen for power.

[@xection2948]

its a separte power supply it dosent take power from the controller

[@xection2948]

the screen only plugs into the controller

[@runitback2back]

Any one know if there's a difference between the 2 and 3 other than the Screen?

[@digitaldjtips]

There isn't any

[@lupojacobo9892]

This guy is fucking aswome

[@digitaldjtips]

Hah, thanks!

[@tricky4amit]

Digital DJ Tips this feel so much better since pioneerdj has increased its price stupidly so high here in U.K.

[@gixxerboy555]

Can you also record the mixes u've made?thnx

[@djctrlentertainment]

You look like the editor guy in Super Girl.

[@digitaldjtips]

:D

[@djwillmanofhouse]

Nothing beats pioneer

[@djtarrussvg9954]

denon mc 7000

[@dn30001]

maybe when pioneer comes out with THEIR motorized controller

[@snmink]

Did they make a newer version. This one is discontinued.

[@digitaldjtips]

They haven't - the newest one in the NS line is NS6II

[@P4boot]

Rane one! Lol. But it is kinda inferior to this!

[@trulsbdyb]

where can i get this? i need it shiped to Norway.

[@digitaldjtips]

Check the Numark website they should list suppliers in your region to contact :)

[@djrednitro4116]

where to buy ? I can't find it. How much does it weigh ?

[@digitaldjtips]

This is a pretty old controller now if you're struggling to find one brand new I'd contact Numark

[@giovannipau1792]

does it also work with rekordbox software ? or only serato

[@digitaldjtips]

Only Serato.

[@giovannipau1792]

ty

[@0neworldempire]

why do you always need a computer,why can't you plug in a hard drive usb with music on it?

[@dj-peterofficial2753]

You don't... A controller is just that, controlling the software in a computer. The unit itself can't do anything because it's just buttons and faders. Nothing under the shell, thus the name. What you want is a stand alone all-in-one unit. Not many to choose between, but you have the Pioneer XDJ-RX, XDJ-R1 and the Denon MCX8000. There's a few more out there but they're more like toys. The three I mentioned are on a level where you can have them for professional use and they all have different pros and cons. They can all be used as controllers with a computer as well as just plug a prepared USB stick in and play. Both Pioneer and Denon provide you with free software to prepare and analyze your music in a computer before exporting to the usb storage device. That way you have wave forms, cue's, loops and hot cues ready to use when you load your tracks. You don't need to prepare your music, but then you'll only have basic control over your tracks.

[@TeleporterM11]

So how well does this one work with a usb hard drive or a usb stick. And what is basic control of tracks.

[@charleswrigley9488]

Needs a different engine inside basically bit like some rekordbox controller or a denon mcx8000 controller.

[@richarddevreede125]

Strange why denon removed the sc-3900 all off a suddenly, they are just upgrading it...but this is also nice, but, pricy

[@djturbomr215youtube5]

can you use it on Traktor pro

[@Shawndoh]

Would be perfect if it ran serato like firmware usb hard drive

[@digitaldjtips]

Would be good :)

[@djduniel]

i want to buy controller what us beetter ns 7 or pionner

[@digitaldjtips]

Hi there. It depends on your budget and what you would need it for? Home or club use?

[@djvendetta2325]

those screens are literally just a numark dashboard

[@MelloState]

You have like 1 good camera. For as many years as you guys have been around you REALLY need to up the quality, 720p and below on most camera angles and horrid audio quality... This is 2018 where 1080p video is super cheap to get and great audio is also pretty cheap as well.

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for your feedback, this one was from 2015. Hopefully you like some of our newer ones! :)

[@lmBubby]

so you need a laptop to run this table or can you just pop in a USB and its ready to go?

[@digitaldjtips]

Hey Rob, still needs a laptop to run the software - though if you have well organised playlists you can DJ with the laptop out of sight and just use the screens (there's no keyboard search, so might be a dealbreaker for mobile DJs): www.digitaldjtips.com/2015/11/review-video-numark-ns7iii-serato-dj-controller/

[@CYRRYANC97]

El Bandido still needs a laptop but I have the NV and with the screens I barely look at my laptop unless I'm doing a search

[@manuelcaserinmanuel0]

Min 5 track?

[@digitaldjtips]

+manuelcaserinmanuel0 Whitest Boy Alive "Timebomb" :)

[@deejayshmoove]

Are the effects POST fader??

[@adammdc2]

Yea thats the biggest difference n the NS7 and V7 the V7 are pre

[@rjmn1]

@@adammdc2 if you use the v7 in HID mode the efx work post fader.