Virtual Dj: Numark Mixtrack Platinum Fx Link

The Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX is a powerhouse entry-level DJ controller that, when paired with Virtual DJ, transforms into a professional-grade mixing station. While originally designed with Serato in mind, its deep integration with Virtual DJ unlocks advanced features like 4-deck mixing and high-resolution jog wheel displays that make it a favorite for both beginners and bedroom pros. Seamless Plug-and-Play Setup

Setting up the Mixtrack Platinum FX with Virtual DJ is remarkably straightforward thanks to native support.

Hardware Connection: Use the provided USB cable to connect the controller to your computer. Connect your speakers via the rear RCA Master Output and your headphones to the front 1/4-inch or 1/8-inch jacks.

Audio Configuration: Upon launching Virtual DJ, a detection window will appear. Click "Use Soundcard" to automatically route your master and headphone audio through the controller’s high-quality 24-bit audio interface.

Licensing: Note that while the controller is recognized immediately, a Pro Infinity, Pro Subscription, or a specific Plus Mixtrack Platinum Controller License is required for full hardware control. Key Performance Features

The Mixtrack Platinum FX stands out in its price bracket by offering hardware controls usually reserved for flagship gear.

6-Inch Jog Wheels with Displays: The center of each jog wheel features a high-resolution color screen. These displays provide critical track data—BPM, time remaining, platter position, and pitch percentage—allowing you to focus on your mix rather than your laptop screen.

Dual Paddle Triggers: These quick-launch paddles allow you to trigger Virtual DJ’s internal effects instantly. You can flip them up to "lock" an effect on or pull them down for momentary "stabs," providing a tactile experience similar to professional battle mixers. virtual dj numark mixtrack platinum fx

4-Deck Capability: Even though it’s a 2-channel physical mixer, the "Deck Select" buttons allow you to layer and control up to four virtual decks within the software.

Long-Throw Tempo Faders: The 100mm pitch sliders are exceptionally long for a controller of this size, offering much finer control over BPM for precise manual beatmatching. Mixtrack Platinum FX - Setup - VirtualDJ

The Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX is a highly versatile 4-deck digital DJ controller that offers plug-and-play integration with VirtualDJ. Known for its professional features at an entry-level price point, it stands out with large 6-inch capacitive jog wheels featuring built-in high-resolution color displays. Technical Specifications Audio Resolution 24-bit, 44.1 kHz sound card Jog Wheels 6-inch capacitive-touch with color LCD displays Decks 4-deck layering capability Performance Pads 16 multi-functional backlit pads (8 per deck) Outputs 1 RCA stereo pair, 1/4” and 1/8” headphone jacks Inputs 1/4” microphone input Power USB bus-powered Key Performance Features

On-Jog Displays: Provide critical track data including BPM, platter position, time remaining, pitch range, and key lock status.

FX Paddle Triggers: Features two dual-paddle triggers for quick-launching six built-in software effects: Echo, Reverb, Flanger, Phaser, HPF (High Pass Filter), and LPF (Low Pass Filter).

4-Deck Control: While physically having two channels, the controller allows for 4-deck layering, making it suitable for more complex mixing and transitions.

Long Pitch Faders: Includes 100mm (approximately 4-inch) pitch sliders for precise tempo adjustments, mimicking professional-grade setups. The Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX is a powerhouse

Performance Modes: The 16 pads support various modes including Hot Cue, Auto Loop, Sample, and a unique "Fader Cuts" mode that simulates scratching techniques. VirtualDJ Integration & Setup Mixtrack Platinum - Numark

This review covers hardware build, software integration, feature set, and overall value for both beginners and intermediate DJs.

Part 3: Deep Dive – Hardware Controls in Virtual DJ

To truly unlock the potential of this pair, you must understand how the physical knobs translate to Virtual DJ’s engine.

Unlock the LCD Screens

If your screens show "Numark" but not track data:

You need Virtual DJ Pro (not Home). The Home license restricts external display output.
Navigate to View > External Screens > Enable Controller Screens.

Virtual DJ + Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX — Overview & Setup Guide

Summary

The Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX is an entry-to-mid-level DJ controller with jog displays, dedicated FX controls, and performance pads. It pairs well with VirtualDJ for hobbyists and mobile DJs who want a feature-rich, affordable setup.
VirtualDJ provides tight hardware integration, mapping for transport, mixer, pads, FX, and jog displays; you can use either VirtualDJ’s default mapping or customize mappings/macros for advanced control.

Quick specs (controller)

Channels: 2-deck mixer with filter and EQ per channel
Jog displays: Small integrated LCDs showing track info and position
Pads: 8 performance pads per deck (hot cues, loops, slicer, sampler)
FX: Dedicated FX paddles/knobs for real-time effects; browse/shift controls; touch-capacitive jogs
I/O: Master RCA, booth (if present on model), headphone cue with level/mix, USB to computer, mic input
Build: Lightweight plastic with metal-plated jogs; powered by USB

Why use VirtualDJ with this controller

Plug-and-play: Official or community mappings make most controls work immediately.
Advanced FX chaining: VirtualDJ’s effects rack complements the controller’s FX paddles.
Sampler and Pads: Map controller pads to VirtualDJ sampler, slices, and hot cues.
Visual feedback: VirtualDJ’s GUI provides detailed waveform, beatgrid, key, and FX state beyond the controller’s small displays.
Recording, broadcast, and streaming: Built-in recording and streaming tools in VirtualDJ.

Basic setup (Windows/macOS)

Install VirtualDJ (latest stable).
Connect Mixtrack Platinum FX via USB; allow OS to install drivers (if requested).
In VirtualDJ, open Settings -> Audio and select the Mixtrack as audio device (choose built-in 2-deck mapping).
In Controllers section, select the Numark Mixtrack mapping — VirtualDJ may auto-detect and load a default map.
Route outputs: Master to controller’s master, headphones to controller’s headphone outputs; set cueing in the software to match hardware.
Calibrate jogs/pitch if needed in VirtualDJ settings.

Recommended mapping tweaks

Map FX paddles to toggle single FX plus a modifier (Shift) to enable FX bank switching.
Assign a pad mode to Sampler bank A and a second modifier to access Bank B.
Map the jog display buttons for quick tempo sync, beatgrid nudge, and key lock.
Use VirtualDJ scripting to create a one-button “instant loop + roll” macro for live performance.

Performance tips

Use the jog display for quick glance info, but rely on VirtualDJ’s screen for precise cue/loop points.
Pre-load hot cues and loops for rapid transitions; assign pad colors in VirtualDJ for visual memory.
Use the controller’s FX paddles for tactile control, but configure VirtualDJ FX parameters for consistent beat-synced behavior.
Keep latency low: use WASAPI/CoreAudio and set buffer to 128–256 samples for stable performance without audio dropouts.

Troubleshooting

No audio: Confirm VirtualDJ audio device is the controller; check Master/Cue routing; increase buffer if audio stutters.
Controls not responding: Ensure correct mapping loaded; try re-installing controller mapping or use VirtualDJ’s “Factory Map”.
Jog behavior off: Re-calibrate jog sensitivity in settings or update firmware/drivers if Numark provides them.
FX irregularities: Verify FX are tempo-synced in VirtualDJ and mapped to on/off rather than momentary if you want latching behavior.

Advanced ideas

Use VirtualDJ’s video/Skin features to add visualizers tied to controller actions for VJ sets.
Create custom sample banks for rapid access to drops, jingles, and vocal tags.
Use MIDI learn to integrate additional hardware (e.g., external effects unit) alongside the Mixtrack.

Conclusion The Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX combined with VirtualDJ is a cost-effective, capable pairing for learning DJing, practicing, streaming sets, and small gigs. With simple setup and some mapping tweaks, you get hands-on control of FX, pads, and jogs plus VirtualDJ’s flexible software features.

3. The FX Paddles Control the Wrong Effect

Fix: Virtual DJ saves effect presets per deck. Right-click the FX panel on the Virtual DJ screen. Select "Set as Default Effect for Deck 1." Then, trigger the paddle. You can also use the "Config" tab to reassign MIDI values 77/78 (Paddle 1) and 79/80 (Paddle 2).

Key Features:

Full-Size, Velocity-Sensitive Jog Wheels: Unlike many budget controllers that use cramped, low-resolution platters, the Platinum FX boasts 6-inch, touch-activated jog wheels with an integrated high-resolution display screen in the center.
The "Screen" Advantage: Each jog wheel features a centralized LCD display that shows BPM, playback time, pitch, and the current beat grid. This allows you to keep your eyes off the laptop screen—a massive plus for live performance.
Dedicated FX Paddles: The "FX" in the name refers to the two paddle-style controllers above the pitch faders. These allow you to trigger Delay, Echo, Flanger, or custom effects instantly.
4-Deck Performance: Four channels of mixing with dedicated Volume, Gain, and EQ knobs for Decks 1–4 (using a bank switch).
Mutable Pitch Faders: Long-throw pitch faders for precise tempo matching (useful if you toggle Sync off).