Numark NS6II Announced

Numark Announces NS6II 4-Channel Serato DJ Controller

NS6II 4-Channel Premium DJ Controller | Numark



I have the original NS6; the reason I bought it instead of any other controller was the unique hybrid software+analog mixer functionality. I can run Virtual DJ and external mics/sources all from the controller without an external audio mixer, and I can assign either a software deck or an analog input to any fader. I realize some controllers offer phono inputs or a half-hearted "mic in" with a volume knob on the front, but this was all seamlessly integrated. It also has balanced XLR outs for direct connection to speakers or amps, even with long cable runs. Last, it's all-metal and just an all-around good looking controller. I get compliments on it all the time from both gear nerds and non-tech people alike.

I still love it and had no intention of replacing it... until now.

The thing I like about this new version is the dual-USB input. Obviously, they're marketing it to club DJs that want to switch off between sets. For a wedding DJ though, I can see it as a way to hook up a backup laptop without needing a second controller. For my current setup, I have a secondary laptop hooked up to an older Mixtrack Pro as my 1st layer of disaster recovery (followed by iPod/iPad etc.) While 2 laptops into one controller would make the controller a single point-of-failure, I've never had a controller fail on me.

The thing I DON'T like -- mic inputs are now controlled by knobs on the front, and cannot be assigned to the faders. Only phono inputs can be assigned to the two outer faders. At least they provided 2-band EQ for each mic, though.

djmagicmoments said:

The turn-around time for any repairs from Numark is north of 60 days... no thanks!

Click to expand...

Thankful to say I've never had to find out... to be fair, though, what would the turnaround time be for, say, a Pioneer product?

DJ Bobcat said:

Always good to hear about gear others have had good experiences with. I use Traktor though, and the NS6 is not on the supported controller list. I've seen third party mappings and I could map it myself if I wanted to, but not sure I'd want to. Saw several lightly used NS6's on eBay for around $300-$400... is that a good price range for one in very good condition?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Click to expand...

I can tell you that I paid $350 or so for mine very lightly used on Craigslist 3 years ago. It couldn't have been more than 3 years old at that point given the 2011 release date, so I'd say I got an above average deal. Considering eBay fees and shipping costs, that price range seems reasonable for one in good condition. (The funny thing is, I paid nearly 2/3 of that -- $200 -- for the damn Odyssey hard case! Model FRNS6BL)

Also -- the NS6 was intended for use with Serato Itch (it's even screen printed on the side). I've always used mine with Virtual DJ, not sure who did the mapping, but the functionality was plug-and-play for VDJ and I've never had a problem. I've never even gotten my hands on Traktor, to be honest...