Scratch That iPod! Numark iDJ2

Well, it seems like each passing week brings iPods closer to the full and eternal integration with the professional audio equipment, first with Alesis mixers and now with the newest contraption of the DJ-gear wonder-making manufacturer Numark.

We're speaking about the newest Numark mixing desk for DJs , the iDJ2, running on the classic technology that has made Numark one of the premiere choices around the world and now embedding full iPod support. Unlike other similar gear, the Numark iDJ2 treats the iPod as the primary source for music and is clearly dedicated to this player: you can either feed both decks with signal coming from one iPod or have two players feeding separate things and therefore actually doing the mix.

The Numark iDJ2 sports extensive support for a lot of USB devices and can be connected to pretty much anything sporting the proper USB plug. Now, don't think that everything went down the drain: the Numark iDJ2 still sports full XLR and RCA connectivity so you can work with anything you used to involve in your mixes, without any problems.

Each deck on the Numark iDJ2 sports its own jog and scratch wheel and the DJ has complete control over the sound by means of a 3-band EQ and a slider adjusting the pitch; common commands are also available on the Numark iDJ2 surface. Another cool thing is the interactive LCD screen placed in the middle of the console and providing interactive operation as well as critical info on what's happening with your mix. The iPod socket is adjustable and can comfortably accommodate several types of such players for enhanced functionality.

The Numark iDJ2 is scheduled for release somewhere in September and the announced price is $600, not too cheap, yet not expensive. A mix of the two, I'd say.

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