Numark V7 with Serato Itch
November 18th, 2010
NUMARK V7 W/ SERATO ITCH REVIEW
by Brock Seraphin
For a couple years, Ableton Live has been my primary tool for both production and DJ work. It wasn’t until the recent price drop on the Numark V7 ($399 after rebate) that I finally had a chance to acclimate myself with Serato software, and the V7 has proven the perfect companion on this journey.
With a one-to-one software to hardware interface and standard turntable/CD-J functionality, the V7 makes DJ’ing with Itch a breeze. Perhaps my favorite feature of the V7 is that it allows you to control two decks per unit. This is great news for beginners and DJ’s on a budget transitioning to Serato, as you have a tool equipped to do the job with just one unit. (This feature also facilitates for seamless transitions between DJ sets and for sets to be run off multiple computers)
FEATURE OVERVIEW:
• USB connection
• Serato Itch Software
• A touch pad strip across the top allows for easy scrubbing
• A combination of intuitively labeled buttons and knobs control browsing, song loading, and song prep
• Options for manual and auto looping modes with easy-to-use loop length controls
• Motorized realistic feeling turntable controller with slip mat
• A handful of familiar DJ FX with Dry/Wet fader and parameter knob.
• 5 Hot cue points
• Light indicators to signify BPM sync (on opposing decks) and when tracks are playing at their default BPM.
• Tempo and pitch adjustments
OBSERVATIONS:
• The V7 provides an economic solution to DJ’s who want the feel of real turntables while mixing from a laptop (the V7 is practically as cheap as Scratch Live).
• The hardware feels very durable, and Numark is running a promo for a free Flight Case with the purchase of a new V7. If you’re lucky enough to cash in on this deal, the V7 will be sturdy enough to take just about all the abuse you can throw its way.
• Unlike a lot of the controllers you’ll find in the mid and low price ranges, the V7 looks like a work-horse, not a toy. The buttons, faders and knobs all feel very sturdy and it casts off some pretty cool lights in the dark.
THE BRIDGE:
• For me, the announcement of Serato and Ableton’s partnership via The Bridge was one of the biggest announcements in the DJ / pro-audio world. As an avid user of Ableton Live (and a DJ only by way of producer), I can’t help but get excited about pairing the infinite possibilities of Ableton with the tactile control afforded by Serato. The Bridge will not be available for Itch until 2011, but the preliminary reports from Scratch Live / Ableton users are resoundingly positive. I’m guessing that Numark will jack the prices up on these things after they catch on during the Christmas season.
