Discover the full review of the Numark Mixtrack Pro FX and Mixtrack Platinum FX—the best entry-level DJ controllers for beginners. Compare features, pros and cons, pricing, and find out why these controllers lead the 2025 DJ market.
Numark Mixtrack Pro FX & Platinum FX Review: Are These the Best Entry-Level DJ Controllers for Beginners?
If you’re starting your DJ journey or looking for an affordable upgrade, the entry-level market has just been shaken up. Numark, a brand renowned for making accessible DJ gear, has unveiled two new controllers: the Mixtrack Pro FX and the Mixtrack Platinum FX. In this review, we deep dive into both models, compare their features, and explain why these could be the top contenders for best beginner DJ controllers in 2025.
Table of Contents
- Overview: New Features & Design
- Numark Mixtrack Pro FX vs Platinum FX: Key Differences
- Detailed Feature Analysis
- Software Integration: Serato DJ Lite & Pro
- Sound Quality & Audio Outputs
- Practical Beginner Features
- Pros and Cons
- Who Should Buy Pro FX vs. Platinum FX?
- Final Verdict
- Frequently Asked Questions
Overview: New Features & Design
Numark’s Mixtrack Pro FX and Mixtrack Platinum FX are positioned as affordable yet advanced entry-level DJ controllers, both building on the legacy of previous Mixtrack models. With significant improvements in design, features, and performance, these controllers offer new DJs a hands-on, professional mixing experience at an unprecedented price.
- Mixtrack Pro FX: Two-channel DJ controller, designed for simplicity and value.
- Mixtrack Platinum FX: Adds onboard jog wheel displays and basic four-deck control, targeting DJs who crave more visual feedback and mixing flexibility.
Both units share a sleek, modern chassis, tactile controls, performance-oriented features, and compatibility with Serato DJ Lite, making them plug-and-play for beginners.
Numark Mixtrack Pro FX vs Platinum FX: Key Differences
| Feature | Mixtrack Pro FX | Mixtrack Platinum FX |
|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP as of 2025) | $199 | $249 |
| Deck Control | 2 decks | 4 (layered) decks |
| Jog Wheel Center Displays | No | Yes (BPM, time, pitch info) |
| Jog Wheel Marker | Yes (printed scratch line) | No (uses display instead) |
| Intended User | Beginners, scratch learners | Beginners wanting visual feedback |
| Visual Feedback | Minimal (LEDs, markers) | On-jog digital display |
The $50 price jump from the Pro FX to the Platinum FX gets you jog wheel displays for critical track info and the introduction of four-deck mixing (with limitations—explained below).
Detailed Feature Analysis
Jog Wheels and Build Quality
Both controllers feature 6-inch capacitive-touch jog wheels, providing one of the best tactile response experiences at the entry-level. Remarkably, these jog wheels are derived from Denon DJ’s higher-end models, delivering premium feel and responsiveness usually reserved for much pricier units.
- Pro FX advantage: Includes a printed marker for scratch DJs, helping track the start point for precise scratching techniques.
- Both jog wheels are responsive, with low latency, essential for beatmatching, cueing, and scratching.
Build quality: Despite the price point, Numark leverages manufacturing synergies (through parent company inMusic, which owns Denon DJ and Akai) to deliver robust, high-quality components that set a new standard for beginner DJ gear.
Onboard Displays & Visual Feedback
- Mixtrack Platinum FX: Features dual center jog wheel displays providing real-time BPM, elapsed time, pitch range, and track position—crucial for seamless mixing and track management.
- Mixtrack Pro FX: Utilizes a physical marker for scratch reference.
While the Platinum FX’s displays significantly aid in professional-style beatmatching and transitions, the Pro FX’s simplicity can appeal to scratch DJs and those who prefer tactile over visual feedback.
Performance Pads and FX Controls
Both models include high-quality, Akai-derived performance pads—responsive, soft, and ideal for triggering cues, loops, and samples without the dreaded “clicky” feedback found on cheaper controllers.
Modes include:
- Hot cues (jumping to different song sections)
- Auto loop & beat jump
- Sample triggering
- Fader cuts (a beginner-friendly way to emulate scratch cuts)
- Extra modes (with Serato DJ Pro upgrade): pitch play, Serato Flip, more cue banks
Onboard FX: Both models inherit premium “paddle” FX selectors from the Numark Scratch mixer, allowing quick toggling and expressive control of Serato’s built-in effects (echo, reverb, filter, flanger, phaser).
- FX controls are tactile and intuitive, especially appealing to scratch DJs and creative performers.
Mixing & Scratch Capabilities
- Jog wheel performance: Both models are ideal for scratch training and traditional beatmatching, aided by high-resolution jog wheels and long-throw pitch faders.
- Pro FX: Better for scratch learners due to physical jog wheel marking.
- Platinum FX: Better for “routine” DJs focused on transitions and complex mixes, aided by visual displays and multi-deck layering.
Four-deck mixing (Platinum FX): Supports deck layering—essentially allowing you to control decks 3 and 4 by toggling controls and layering output over channels 1 and 2. This is a functional introduction to four-deck mixing but is limited by shared channel EQ and volume controls. Advanced mixing across all four decks simultaneously is constrained compared to true four-channel controllers.
Software Integration: Serato DJ Lite & Pro
Both controllers ship with Serato DJ Lite—universally regarded as a user-friendly DJ software for beginners. The unlock process is simple, allowing for immediate use without extra setup or purchases.
- Serato DJ Lite: Free, includes core mixing functions, streaming integration (SoundCloud Go, Tidal).
- Serato DJ Pro (paid upgrade): Unlocks advanced features such as set recording, extra performance pad modes, and support for Serato expansions (Serato Flip, Pitch ‘n Time, etc.).
Performance pad functionality expands with Serato DJ Pro, adding cue banks, advanced looping, and more. Some functions, like saved loops and shift layers, may require custom MIDI mapping for advanced users.
Sound Quality & Audio Outputs
Despite being entry-level models, both controllers offer:
- 24-bit audio output via standard RCA connectors (suitable for home and small gigs)
- Headphone outputs (¼-inch and ⅛-inch jacks)
- Microphone input with dedicated volume controls
Audio is clean and punchy, easily meeting the demands of bedroom DJs and beginner club performers.
Practical Beginner Features
- Full-sized tempo faders: Enable precise BPM adjustment, something missing from many budget competitors.
- Dedicated loop section: Intuitive, with single-button activation and beat-multiplier controls.
- 3-band EQ with total kill: Effective for smooth transitions and creative mixing.
- Sturdy crossfader: Light and responsive, suitable for basic scratch techniques.
- Instant doubles: Simplifies beat juggling and creative routines.
Other thoughtful touches include a tactile browse knob for quick track navigation, clear pad labeling, and a simple layout that never feels overwhelming—even for first-time DJs.
Pros and Cons
Mixtrack Pro FX
Pros:
- Lowest price / best value
- Physical jog wheel scratch marker—ideal for scratch practitioners
- Responsive jog wheels and pitch faders
- High-quality performance pads
- Intuitive FX paddles and mixer layout
- Solid build for entry-level
Cons:
- No onboard display; less visual feedback
- Limited to 2 decks; no deck layering
Mixtrack Platinum FX
Pros:
- On-jog display with real-time track info (BPM, time, pitch)
- Layered 4-deck control for advanced mixing
- All Pro FX features included
- Great for transition practice and routine mixing
Cons:
- Slightly higher price
- Four-deck mixing shares channel controls—limiting complexity
- No physical jog marker for scratch DJs
Who Should Buy Pro FX vs. Platinum FX?
- Choose Pro FX if: You want a budget-friendly way to learn DJing basics or scratch techniques, and prefer physical markers to digital readouts.
- Choose Platinum FX if: You value visual feedback for BPM and track position, want to experiment with four-deck layering, or foresee transitioning to more advanced digital mixing.
Regardless of your choice, both controllers represent outstanding value and performance for the price—making them top picks in 2025’s crowded starter DJ controller market.
Final Verdict
The Numark Mixtrack Pro FX and Mixtrack Platinum FX set a new benchmark for entry-level DJ controllers. Both share outstanding build quality, industry-leading jog wheels, premium FX controls, and intuitive layouts—belying their budget price tags.
For $50 more, Platinum FX’s on-jog displays and four-deck layering introduce beginner DJs to advanced mixing concepts and workflow, making it the better choice for most users with the budget to spare.
If you want uncompromising scratch training or are on a tighter budget, the Pro FX is unbeatable value. If you want pro-style visual feedback and creative mixing headroom, step up to the Platinum FX. Either way—you’re getting the best beginner DJ controllers on the market today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use these controllers with Virtual DJ or Algoriddim Djay?
A: While they are officially supported on Serato DJ Lite/Pro at launch, community support and mapping for other platforms may arrive over time.
Q: How do the jog wheels compare to the Pioneer DDJ-400 or Roland DJ-202?
A: The jog wheels on the Mixtrack Pro FX/Platinum FX are widely regarded as superior for both scratching and mixing at this price, inheriting tech from Denon’s professional line.
Q: Are they suitable for live gigs?
A: Yes, both offer solid performance for bedroom or small bar gigs. For larger venues, you may want more outputs and a true four-channel mixer.
Q: Are the effects hardware or software-based?
A: FX paddles control Serato DJ’s software effects, but they’re intuitively integrated into the controller hardware.
Reviewed by DJ-Producer.com, August 2025. All rights reserved.