DJ Equipment Reviews

 

Numark Omni Control

Don’t worry: Numark made it tougher than TOTAL

When Numark introduced Total Control, a vast number of working DJs were probably waiting in line to see if this controller could really do all it had claimed. If so, it would take things to the "next level", providing physical controls DJs could map software functions with, doing so USB MIDI style. It was supposed to make all of this come to life through a very simple and very basic format you’d find with your average mixing console.

I think every DJ who went out and bought it can safely say the Total Control did all it said it would do…for its affordable price. I’m sure most working DJs can also say they were disappointed with the way it felt…it felt somewhat cheap, right? Almost as if it would crumble like a castle of cards. When DJs wanted metal, they got plastic. When they wanted solid controls, Numark instead provided flimsy controls that felt plain wrong against their fingertips. But thankfully, this leading DJ supplier came through in the end.

After unveiling the Omni Control, Numark proved to working DJs that it wasn’t all about great features and questionable build. As Numark states, the Omni control is a hardware controller with built-in audio and two software titles: Native Instruments Traktor 3 LE and MixMeister Fusion Live. Unlike the Total control, the Omni is fully decked with sturdy, durable, strong (you name it) buttons, faders and knobs that produce high quality precision with every performance. When you pick it, what do working DJs feel? A rugged exterior tougher than Lou Ferrigno’s muscles, and a metal- not plastic-housing.

The Omni features Traktor 3 LE 

On top of that, it also features:

• Complete professional computer-DJ package
• Hardware controller with built-in audio I/O
• Includes Native Instruments Traktor 3 LE and MixMeister Fusion Live software
• Heavyweight, sturdy feel
• Extremely clean, high-quality sound card
• Firm, reliable knobs, faders, and buttons
• Supports MIDI over USB

There’s no doubt the Omni is the improved version of Total. Numark kept a few things similar, such as the layout, which entirely resembles that of Total Control. After all, most working DJs had no problem with the predcessor, except one very unacceptable aspect: it felt about as flimsy as Barbie’s pink convertible. Fortunately, DJs get to keep what they want, which were the incredible features, the simplicity in use, and of course, easy set-up. (We can’t forget that impecable infusion of hardware and software) All the while, excluding what DJs don’t want. Furthermore, The Omni Control has a built in soundcard, something you definitely couldn’t find on Total Control.

The one thing Numark messed up with were the jog wheels. They’re made of rubber, they don’t look stable and I think many scratching DJs will disapprove of the quality in design, build and most importantly performance. Oh well. You can’t have win them all. What can’t be refuted is that Numark definitely built a controller that can say, "Watch your back, Vestax VCI-300", and have the quality to mean it.

Check it out on youtube; you’re watching video one of four.

 

 

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