Feature:
This is a tough call because the Total Control fall short in some features but compensates nicely with others:
Bad: No on board sound output capabilities (like comparable controllers from Hercules or Behringer). This means you will need a peripheral to use monitoring headphones. There are a handful of satisfactory USB sound cards out there, but such an item is not included.
Good: Numarks CUE LE software is extremely intuitive, with a learning curve that makes the basics of DJing accessible to almost anyone. Also comes with Traktor LE, which I found a little cumbersome. Something for DJ's switching from analog to digital.
Quality:
Fit and Finish are great, though I'd prefer a controller with at least a partially metal enclosure. The body of the Total Control is plastic, but does feel solid and well constructed.
Value:
There are cheaper controllers out there, and though this lacks some necessary peripherals, it makes up for it in usability and by being bundled w/ CUE and Traktor's LE versions.
Desirability:
The product admittedly looks a bit toy-like, being made out of plastic. In terms of professional-cred, controllers like the Vestax VCI-100 and the Behringer BCD2000 certainly look the part.
That being said, it's not quite as rudimentary as comparable Hercules controllers and with a sufficient number of knobs and faders, you should be able to gain some respect.
Sound:
Being a midi controller, it doesn't produce sounds by itself. I'm rating it an 8 because on occasion, there is some very soft "cracking" that can be heard when adjusting volume, EQ Levels, etc.
Ease of Use:
Very straightforward install. As previously stated, you can learn the basics of CUE LE in a very short period of time.
Support:
I have called customer support. The operator was friendly although he didn't have the answer I needed, but directed me to who did. That office however was closed at the time.
( I figured out the issue myself w/o needing to call them a second time )
Overall:
I hope to learn more about DJing, and when I do I feel that I will outgrow what this controller has to offer. I don't anticipate that taking place for a good year or so. When I do replace it, I'm hoping that Numark will offer a controller more suited to the needs of a professional DJ, as I consider the Total Control to be more a tool for beginner DJ's.
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