Numark Orbit Controller TECH
Numark have managed to get the balance between sturdy and lightweight just right and the Orbit feels like a precision-engineered device that will stand the test of time. The rubberized-style plastic case also feels very nice indeed, giving a similar tactile sensation to the rubber pads used on the multitude of buttons, and the balance of this controller is also just right. All of the components come together perfectly to produce a very slick product that is both stylish and very well finished — especially when considering the very modest purchase price of the Orbit.
When it comes to MIDI controllers, no matter how many bells and whistles are packed into the box, they stand and fall on the design and usability of their control surface. At the very centre of the Orbit’s control surface is a large jog-wheel-style knob with a gorgeous halo-style ring of LEDs to provide visual feedback of the current setting. Sitting above the
knob are four buttons which will engage different knob modes that are completely user programmable. The size of this knob makes it perfect for whizzing through tracks when used as a jog-wheel, as well as tweaking effects, and the resolution is also fine enough for basic scratching. Two banks of eight pad-style buttons sit either side of the big wheel. These buttons are nicely sized, have a lovely action and as mentioned before, are backlit with RGB LEDs that provide vivid colors, a good level of brightness and are just generally all-round nice to use. At the top corners of the Orbit are two L/R-style buttons that will be instantly familiar to anyone who has used a PlayStation or X-Box controller and are used to engage the X and Y accelerometers that enable the Orbit to be tilted forward, backwards, left and right to tweak effects, browse menus or control any other MIDI parameters DJs and musicians are creative enough to dream up.
FASHION ACCESSORY? The wireless capabilities of the Orbit have been well thought-out and overall perform impressively. Thankfully the battery inside of the Orbit is rechargeable via USB so there is no need to have an endless supply of AAA batteries on hand. Wireless connectivity is via a USB dongle, which is connected to a PC or Mac, and the range and latency are perfectly usable, but obviously start to degrade once the unit is a considerable distance from the computer. While Wi-Fi might have been preferable, especially as dongles are notoriously easy to lose in dark DJ boxes, given the battery-hungry nature of Wi-Fi the dongle is a good trade-off that shouldn’t give too many headaches as long as owners are careful not to misplace them. One of the more unique features of the Orbit which is brought to the fore is the inclusion of a Velcro strap which attaches to the back of the unit to provide a way to make the Orbit “wearable”. While it is perfectly possible to wear the Orbit
like a watch, this sort of fashion mistake is more likely to gain looks of sympathy and mirth rather than awe-inspired gazes. Of course, this Velcro strap is perfectly serviceable for attaching the Orbit to stands or other equipment and is more likely to be found anchoring this controller to a DJ console than a DJ’s arm, but you have to give Numark’s marketing department points for creativity.
The Orbit will connect to any MIDI compatible software and already has MIDI maps for Traktor Pro, Serato and Resolume Video software with more likely to come in the future as well as the option of using the included Orbit Editor software to create custom maps quickly and easily. Also included is Orbit DJ software, which is perfect for newcomers and features effects, a cross-fader and some other neat features to get owners up and mixing in no time.
djmag.com 083
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