Review: Numark NS4 FX
DJing with 4 channels is possible with the very compact NS4 FX DJ controller, which is especially interesting for Serato DJs. We have examined its features, usability and practicality.
The front panel of the NS4 FX DJ controller by Numark.
Ten years ago, Numark had already brought forth the N4, a 4-deck controller for home DJ sets and mobile purposes. Technically significantly modernized, the new NS4 FX presents itself in anthracite-colored garb, and it works in conjunction with the associated Serato DJ Lite software.
Connections
The connections are mainly on the back, so the sound can be output via the booth output using RCA or as a master signal via XLR. You can also find the USB port there. There are also inputs for a microphone and an Auxiliary connection. A toggle switch above the jog wheel of Deck 1 can be used to determine whether the signal from microphone 1 or the line signal from the aux connector should be fed in. The volume and tone controls can be controlled separately. This also applies to microphone 2, whose parameter plus connector, as well as the headphone jacks have been placed on the front. Four more switches are dedicated to the assignment of the crossfader.
Decks and Performance Pads
DJs with an affinity for scratching will be pleased with the palm-sized, touch-sensitive jog wheels, which feel high quality and have a good grip. The scratch button makes the Jogwheel work like a record just right for hip-hop DJs. Conveniently, when you turn the Jogwheel and press the shift button, you can quickly browse audio data. Within the jogwheels, you get valuable info about the current track on the displays. The layer button can be used to conveniently switch between decks 1 and 3 or 2 and 4. Each deck has eight rubberized pads that play well and responsively. Depending on the eight available modes, these fulfill different tasks. Cue Mode places the starting points of songs, while below that, Pitch Play Mode invites transpositions of up to seven semitones. This, however, requires the installation of the optional Serato Pitch‘n Time expansion pack.
There are also auto loop and roll modes, as well as fader cuts. The latter can be used to mute a deck like crossfader movements. A sampler is also on board, which can be used to fire off samples. Pressing it twice takes you into Scratch Mode, but only if you have Serato DJ Pro. Then, vinyl breaks and spin-outs can be conjured up at the touch of a button, if you‘re not a skilled DJ. The slicer, which cuts the loop into individual fragments if there is a beatgrid for the track, is also reserved for Serato DJ Pro users. To call up alternative commands, the shift function helps. Then, the lower four pads are a special feature. Here is where you can find functions like stutter (to „stutter“a track), previous track, backward search, and forward search. This is thought to be very user-friendly.
Mixer and effects
Four channels can be mixed simultaneously on the NS4 FX mixer, so that mash-ups and live remixes via acapella and instrumentals can be implemented without any problems. Each of the channels has a 3-band tone control in the mixer with high, mids and bass. There, the DJ set can be selected in the effects section between six effects (high pass filter, low pass filter, flanger, echo, reverb, and phaser). The intensity of the effect portion is regulated by the Dry/Wet control. If required, the effects, especially the echo, can be mixed in beat-synchronously. Exciting effects can be applied quickly with the two FX rockers, either only temporarily by bending down or constantly by bending up. Qualitatively, there is nothing to complain about with regard to the effects.
Verdict
The NS4 FX is a compact four-channel DJ controller that has everything you need for professional DJ sets. Mobile party DJs, as well as home-streaming DJs, can access it with peace of mind. Communication with Serato DJ Lite runs stably and without delays. The quality and creative potential of the effects and filters also leave a positive impression; however, the full scope of the controller‘s strengths will only be revealed when you upgrade to Serato DJ Pro. ⸬