iPod DJing

Numark IDJ 2 Channel iPod DJ Mixer

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The Numark IDJ2 is one of the most revolutionary iPod DJing mixers out there, and essentially represents the third generation of iPod DJing technology. The Numark IDJ2 is essentially the predecessor of the The Numark IDJ, and as such fulfills most of the sort comings presented by second generation iPod DJing mixers, such as the need for two iPods, the lack of pitch control and so forth. The Numark IDJ2 is also the main competitor to the Cortex Dmix-300, whilst the Cortex Dmix-300 was launched in 2006/7 the The Numark IDJ2 was launched almost a year later, and with some fantastic publicity, heralding a new generation of DJing, where it was not only possible to DJ on an iPod, but it was also possible to DJ with the same amount of easy and flexibility as with normal vinyl and CD setups.

The first thing that hits you about the The Numark IDJ2 is the look, its clean, modern and retains that iPod-esq feel that made the iPod such a cult icon. Next thing to hit you about the The Numark IDJ2 is the colour screen that sites in the center of the unit, its big, easy to read and full colour, showing that the The Numark IDJ2 is capable of handing video as well as music. Whilst the finish of the The Numark IDJ2 is really good, its doesn’t have the sturdyness you get with the Cortex Dmix-300, and it would seem that the Cortex Dmix-300 is more of a club oriented iPod mixer when compared to the Numark IDJ2, the main thing in this regards that the Numark IDJ2 is missing is those sweet Jog wheels you get on the Cortex Dmix-300 with the Numark IDJ2, all you have are grooved rubber job wheels, which whilst sensitive, lack in both looks and feel, they just don’t feel right, in general this seems to be try of the finish on the Numark IDJ2, all the knobs, faders and switches seem to lack the robustness and professional feel you get with the Cortex Dmix-300, which gives the impression Numark still look at iPod DJing as more of a hobby and not something they are taking too seriously.

The layout of controls for the Numark IDJ2 is also a little unconventional, and doesn’t lend itself naturally to DJing, with cue play and stop buttons located where they could be accidentally pressed and with high, mid, low knobs placed horizontally above the jog wheel, meaning you could accidentally brush against the job wheel whilst you alter these controls, not good when you’re mid mix and the entire record goes off kilter. The Numark IDJ2 cross fader also seems a little…how should I put it, under achieved? it simply seems less than impressive and unlike the Cortex Dmix-300 cross fader, it isn’t replaceable.

The whole Numark IDJ2 setup just reeks of amateur finish so, whilst it looks great, it’s never going to be a Farrari, more of a Fiat Punto. This being said, the Numark IDJ2 is a Trojan horse the user interface which allows you to control te music on your iPod is fantastic and a great deal more usable than the Cortex Dmix-300, the best of both world would ideally be the Cortex Dmix-300 physical controls with the Numark IDJ2 digital/virtual controls. Regardless, for any iPod DJ, this is a fantastic product.

You find that the size of the Numark IDJ2 is also comparatively smaller than the Cortex Dmix-300, with its plastic finish its also a lot lighter, but its still not exactly portable, with the Numark IDJ2 needing mains power supply, this being said, if you’re a student or a mobile DJ then the Numark IDJ2 is a good and more pratical ption when compared to the Cortex Dmix-300.

All in all the Numark IDJ2 is a fantastic product, despite its finishing flaws its easy to use, looks reasonable and allows you to pitch control your iPod music all without breaking the bank.

Here’s a video of the Numark IDJ2 as part of a console, which adds more casing for the unit and an additional keyboard.