NS6 First Impressions
NS6 First Impressions Posted on: 27.08.2011 by Asha Kravetz Hi guys,I picked up a new ns6 4 hours ago.. just thought i'd share the first impressions. Wow.. This is insane. The platters just feel right for once.. This is why I got the Ns instead of the S4... the s4's jogs were flat out terrible and the pressure activation was even worse... Sound quality is ridiculously awesome! Definitely something more focused on Dj'ing for mixing and scratching instead of controllerism, but I actually like that.. Completely feature loaded... i'm shocked... Review coming later | |
| Rebbecca Fennell 13.10.2011 |
Originally Posted by mart21har
EDIT: that was someone else that said that. |
| Rebbecca Fennell 13.10.2011 |
Originally Posted by mart21har
|
| Alfreda Banholzer 10.09.2011 |
Originally Posted by Topps
Originally Posted by djshemeck
But you really can't be competitive today without using Serato/Traktor, effects and remixing tracks on the spot.. The NS6 just replaces larger more expensive hardware with smaller more affordable hardware. You on CDJs and someone on a hardware controller is basically the same.. You have access to the same effects and buttons with CDJs as I do with a NS6.. You even have more options.. You also say you rather drink and interact with the crowd then push a button.. Well that doesn't make sense as these controllers and software have only made it EASIER for djs to have a drink and interact with the crowd.. Less time beat matching, finding spots on records, finding records in cases, fiddling with multiple pieces of hardware, etc.. Some people don't have the money or space for a "full" dj setup... Some people just don't need it but need something that works and feels good.. Also wasn't CDJs the first to have beat matching? |
| Asha Kravetz 09.09.2011 |
Originally Posted by djshemeck
Numark wasn't targeting it to be in the controllerist market. It's more or less a high quality controller meant to get away from all that crap.. Sure Numark posts stuff about routines, but in the end, it's a solid scratch and mix controller... The long throw pitch faders are there for a reason. 1 Effect slider is there to help you in your mix.. LPF when bringing in a new track for example.. |
| Lacey Volkert 09.09.2011 |
Originally Posted by freakerz
I actually had a chance to play with all current controllers yesterday side by side (Denon, S1, T1, NS6, S4, NS7) and honestly the knobs from Denon felt the best but the layout is too cramped. Here is what I've realized: I've owned bunch of gear in the recent years (Gemini Belt Driven TTs, CDJ800s, DVS(connectiv, scratch pro(twice I sold it and bought it year later again) CDJ2000s DDJ-T1 and probably more that I dont remember) In the last months I sold all of my dj gear, because I realized that all that "controllerism" its bunch of BS. I knew it but I kept lying to myself. My current perspective is: Leave production for the studio, stop trying to mash up 10 tracks at once along with 20FX because it will probably sound like crap anyway... Bottom line, nobody cares whether you press 200 buttons during your set. If your track selection is shit, all of that "controllerism" its not going to help you. Another thing rahther than pressing button I would rather have a drink during my sets and interact with people. So im not buying no NS6 I will just stick with CDs and im good. |
| Jacquelyn Swiatkowski 08.09.2011 |
Originally Posted by mart21har
|
| Alfreda Banholzer 14.10.2011 | That's too bad but then the S4 and Traktor are a much better combination. I would have never considered the NS6 if Traktor was my software of choice. They work well together but not perfect. Good to hear the store took care of you tho not leaving you stuck with the NS6 and to deal with Numark. |
| Irina Passarella 14.10.2011 | Well that's a bummer sorry to hear about this :eek:. What were the circumstances that brought this about? Anything out of the ordinary? Wouldn't this be covered with warranty? I would assume so. Sounds like a defective unit, because I have not heard of anyone else with this issue To me the jogs have felt so solid & was one of the main reasons for the purchase. Been gigging with it with no issues. Once again sorry to hear, and hopefully the S4 treats you right. |
| Rebbecca Fennell 13.10.2011 |
Originally Posted by mart21har
EDIT: that was someone else that said that. |
| Asha Kravetz 13.10.2011 | jog came loose.. if i'm dropping that much on a controller, it better damn be reliable |
| Rebbecca Fennell 13.10.2011 |
Originally Posted by mart21har
|
| Asha Kravetz 13.10.2011 | Update: Ns6 was defective. s4 is in its place... |
| Alfreda Banholzer 12.10.2011 | Just want to update this. I still love the NS6 as much as the first time I posted in this thread. But one thing that is EXTREMELY important for anyone doing scratch tricks is upgrading to the free fader plate. http://www.numark.com/trickedoutfaderplate There is some dead space on both ends of the stock crossfader plate makes doing some tricks difficult... |
| Alfreda Banholzer 10.09.2011 |
Originally Posted by Topps
Originally Posted by djshemeck
But you really can't be competitive today without using Serato/Traktor, effects and remixing tracks on the spot.. The NS6 just replaces larger more expensive hardware with smaller more affordable hardware. You on CDJs and someone on a hardware controller is basically the same.. You have access to the same effects and buttons with CDJs as I do with a NS6.. You even have more options.. You also say you rather drink and interact with the crowd then push a button.. Well that doesn't make sense as these controllers and software have only made it EASIER for djs to have a drink and interact with the crowd.. Less time beat matching, finding spots on records, finding records in cases, fiddling with multiple pieces of hardware, etc.. Some people don't have the money or space for a "full" dj setup... Some people just don't need it but need something that works and feels good.. Also wasn't CDJs the first to have beat matching? |
| Asha Kravetz 09.09.2011 |
Originally Posted by djshemeck
Numark wasn't targeting it to be in the controllerist market. It's more or less a high quality controller meant to get away from all that crap.. Sure Numark posts stuff about routines, but in the end, it's a solid scratch and mix controller... The long throw pitch faders are there for a reason. 1 Effect slider is there to help you in your mix.. LPF when bringing in a new track for example.. |
| Lacey Volkert 09.09.2011 |
Originally Posted by freakerz
I actually had a chance to play with all current controllers yesterday side by side (Denon, S1, T1, NS6, S4, NS7) and honestly the knobs from Denon felt the best but the layout is too cramped. Here is what I've realized: I've owned bunch of gear in the recent years (Gemini Belt Driven TTs, CDJ800s, DVS(connectiv, scratch pro(twice I sold it and bought it year later again) CDJ2000s DDJ-T1 and probably more that I dont remember) In the last months I sold all of my dj gear, because I realized that all that "controllerism" its bunch of BS. I knew it but I kept lying to myself. My current perspective is: Leave production for the studio, stop trying to mash up 10 tracks at once along with 20FX because it will probably sound like crap anyway... Bottom line, nobody cares whether you press 200 buttons during your set. If your track selection is shit, all of that "controllerism" its not going to help you. Another thing rahther than pressing button I would rather have a drink during my sets and interact with people. So im not buying no NS6 I will just stick with CDs and im good. |
| Latrice Atcherson 09.09.2011 | I still don't get how Ean wanted more rubber on the knobs.. lol But biggest thing for me when switching from TP to Itch is the snap/grid.. It's much harder to make "complex" transitions.. but I guess I haven't practiced much. |
| Asha Kravetz 08.09.2011 | No more shiny gear hype 2 weeks later..... Honestly speaking. Clearly the jogs beat out any other controller on the market besides the NS7... Itch 2.0 is glitchy at times and there are virtually no effects.. but it'll do. The buttons are very clickety.. You definitely know you're pressing them. Much better than the rubbery S4 Buttons (i tried the s4 out at gc) The sound quality is simply stunning.. 1MS Latency is one of the bigger pluses with itch Syncing on itch is almost impossible.. Forcing me to learn to beatmatch.. another + Big chunky rubberized knobs and a sturdy build contribute to how truly amazing this controller is. Give it a shot. You won't regret it.. As of now i'm going to try and do my own custom mapping with TP2.. |
| Jacquelyn Swiatkowski 08.09.2011 |
Originally Posted by mart21har
|
| Asha Kravetz 07.09.2011 | I use Itch 2.0... It's simply amazing! |
| Lacey Volkert 07.09.2011 | im getting one as well, cant wait |
| Irina Passarella 07.09.2011 | Itch 2.0 ... |
| Evelyn Navarijo 07.09.2011 | Are you guys using it with Traktor or with Itch? As a Traktor user, I'm sorta torn between this one and the Denon MC-6000 when the time comes to upgrade (I want something with a built-in mixer and lots of nice outputs) |
| Irina Passarella 08.09.2011 | I also picked up a NS6 on Friday over Guitar Center for their Labor Day sale. I came from a VCI-300 MK2, which I liked alot but wanted a little more freedom. The jogs are the NS6 are very well built. the whole thing is built like tank top notch qulaity far from toy like. Hahaha I also thought something was up with the jogs on the Pioneer series, & then proceeded over to the CDJs & they felt the same way. I thought to myself this is industry standard, pretty crappy especially for the price tag that Pioneer nails to it. Everything is intergrated very well into the NS6, & feels like one of the best purchases I have made yet. I had considered the S4 at one point but once I got to Guitar Center I didn't like the short throw faders, and pitch control. The platters were also a little too small and didnt like the way they engage for scratch mode (button like) instead of pressure sensitive like the VCI-300, & NS6. I feel like the NS6 is going to be around with for awhile in my studio and out performing. Side note....& yes the Skratchworx review was very in depth and spot on about the unit. |
| Alfreda Banholzer 07.09.2011 | I went in looking for the DDJ and I had to ask the guy if it was broken. I've never used CDJs but he explained that's how they feel and that they are loved by most. Have you seen this review on the NS6? Very indepth. http://www.skratchworx.com/reviews/ns6.php |
| Asha Kravetz 06.09.2011 | In addition to that.. The jogs are insanely high res.. 3600 ticks per revolution.. that's 10 ticks per degree... flat out insane. I totally agree with it feeling just right... I was coming in there to buy an s4.. but the jogs were downright pathetic, being pressure activated and all. The DDJ-S1 is going for the same price as the NS6 now. However, it sort of drags down the itch label. When you get used to it, Itch 2.0 is far from rudimentary Dj software. The NS6 makes full use of it. The DDJ... well... doesn't. Bottom of the line? NS6. Win DDJ. Fail |
| Alfreda Banholzer 06.09.2011 | I gotta say scratching on this thing is awesome. If I can't scratch on it I'll get bored of it quick and want to return to my real tables. This hardware really has a lot going for it for scratch djs. It's the PERFECT size your hands aren't jammed into a tiny area you can easily work the platters and the crossfader with adult sized hands/arms. The platters have a heavy weight that I believe matches a slipping record very nicely. Immediately when I touched the platters for the first time it felt "right". Unlike with the DDJ where I wondered if maybe the platters were damaged. Also when you move the platter for a scratch movement it moves the track an amount that makes sense hiding the fact the platter is smaller than a full size one. A great side affect of no needles is you can really pound on the "turntable" while scratching without fear of the needle skipping or picking up noise. 4 tables for layering sounds, 5 cue points (or more depending on how u setup the 4 tables) You can also layer multiple effects! It's too bad Itch has very few effects. They are offering a free "high-quality D-Type Digital Fader" upgrade on the NS6 website. |
| Alfreda Banholzer 06.09.2011 | Just picked this up also. It really is the closest thing to real turntables without being gimmicky. This thing is feature rich for under $1k its really impressive. My other option was the DDJ but the platters felt too stiff and "gritty" for my tastes. My only complaint is the Platters move too easily when I take my finger off. Makes doing tight scratch tricks a little difficult. If I could figure out a way to mod them to be just a small amount stiffer they'd be perfect. This helps me understand why the NS7 having the moving platters is soo important. |
<< Back to Reviews of DJ equipment Reply