There has never been a better time to explore an interest in DJing. There is an excellent selection of budget DJ controllers available. In this review, we check out the Numark DJ2GO2 Touch, a compact and portable controller aimed at new DJs.
Numark DJ2GO2 Touch
Mixer Section
Performance Pads
Looping Controls
FX Controls
Jogwheels
Design
The Numark DJ2GO2 Touch is unique in that it is one of the smallest DJ controllers currently available. Despite its compact size it still has a lot to offer new DJs. Let’s check it out.
PROS
- High-Quality Audio Interface
- Super Affordable
- Compatible With Serato
- Compact And Portable
CONS
- No EQ Controls
Features
Despite its compact size, there is still a bit to cover. Let’s dive into the details of what the Numark DJ2GO2 Touch has to offer DJs.
Mixer Section
The Numark DJ2GO2 Touch is very small. As a result, it doesn’t have the usual layout you’d expect from a DJ controller. The central section has a short crossfader to move between the two available channels. Above the crossfader is a button for controlling the pad modes which I’ll cover later in the review.
The Numark DJ2GO2 Touch doesn’t feature any EQ controls.
Moving further up is a large browse knob for scrolling through your music library. Load buttons sit to either side of this knob allowing you to load tracks to the respective channel.
Each channel also offers a volume knob to control the output volume of the channel. A Master volume knob is also present to control master output volume. The final knob is for Cue Level. You can send specific channels to the cue output (your headphones) via dedicated buttons for each channel.
The main omission is the lack of any EQ controls. You won’t have any way to alter low, mid, or high EQs on the controller. You will need to make any changes using your laptop or PC with the included DJ software.
Software
The Numark DJ2GO2 Touch is compatible with Serato DJ Lite which is available to download from the Serato site. This is a very lightweight piece of software. All the buttons are pre-mapped so it’s plug-and-play ready.
Serato is an excellent piece of DJ software but the Lite edition does contain some restrictions. The biggest restriction is the lack of mix recording. If you want to record and listen back to your mixes you’ll need to upgrade the software.
While Serato DJ Intro is perfectly fine for getting started you should factor in the upgrade cost down the line.
Jogwheels
The Numark DJ2GO2 Touch has tiny jogwheels. Not surprising considering the size of the unit. Getting to grips with these tiny jogwheels is a challenge and requires some practice.
The Numark DJ2GO2 Touch has small jogwheels that can be used for basic scratching.
Unlike the original, the Numark DJ2GO2 Touch does allow you to scratch. While this is a big improvement from the last model it is still difficult to comfortably execute scratches.
The small size coupled with the proximity to the surrounding buttons and faders makes it feel cramped. If your goal is to become a scratch DJ I’d suggest you look for a different controller.
Pitch Faders
Pitch faders are critical for manual beat matching. The pitch faders on the Numark DJ2GO2 Touch are tiny, much like the rest of the controller. As a result, it can be very difficult to make fine adjustments to the pitch.
Beatmatching by ear is far easier with longer faders. Considering the size of the unit it’s not surprising to see that the faders are small. But, you can use the Sync functionality if you want the software to automatically match your beats.
Performance Pads
The Numark DJ2GO2 Touch also includes some basic pad functions. You can switch between the 4 modes by pressing the Pad Mode button above the crossfader. Each deck offers 4 pads.
The first mode allows you to set and recall Hot Cues. The second opens up Auto Loop controls based on your software preferences. The third gives you access to start and endpoints for manual loops. Finally, the last mode allows you to fire one-shot samples.
The pads themselves are more buttons than pads and have a noticeable click to them. Performing intricate pad routines is near impossible with these. The small size also makes them tricky to use especially if you have large fingers. Still, I have to give credit that a small device like this even offers pad modes.
Dimensions
By far the biggest advantage the Numark DJ2GO2 Touch offers DJs is portability. This lightweight and compact controller will fit into your backpack and you can take it anywhere.
The Numark DJ2GO2 Touch is one of the smallest DJ controllers available.
The small size even allows it to sit on your laptop. If you want to grab your laptop and controller and head around to a friend’s house the DJ2GO2 Touch is the ideal option. It can also serve as an excellent portable backup to your main controller.
FX Controls
The Numark DJ2GO2 Touch doesn’t feature any FX controls. If you want to add extra FX you’ll need to make these changes on your laptop or PC using Serato.
Looping Controls
The looping controls are basic but functional. Setting Auto or Manual loops using the pad modes is effective. Further controls like doubling or halving the loop are available via Serato.
Connection Options
One of the great features of the Numark DJ2GO2 Touch is the included audio interface. This high-quality interface sends data at 16-bit/44.1kHz. This gives you good sound quality and doesn’t need your laptop or PC to have a sound card.
Connection options include a ⅛ inch headphone jack on the right-side panel along with a USB connection point for your laptop or PC. A ⅛ inch Main Out connection sits on the left side panel for connecting to speakers.
Build Quality & Design
The build quality of the Numark DJ2GO2 Touch is not amazing but when you factor in the price point it still offers a lot of value. It feels solid enough for what it is. At this price point, you can’t expect top of the line components.
The DJ2GO2 Touch is compact and sleek with a slight update compared to the previous model.
The design has also improved from the previous generation. It now offers a brushed metal faceplate along with improvements for the knobs. While it still has that toy-like appearance it has matured.
What Others Have To Say
The Numark DJ2GO2 Touch sits in an interesting spot. Most people will be quick to recommend other controllers. But, those controllers are more expensive and not as compact. But for the right kind of DJ the DJ2GO2 Touch is an excellent and cheap option.
Benefits of Portable Controllers
We live in a world where space is at a premium. This is where compact DJ controllers excel. They offer both new and established DJs the ability to mix anywhere.
Compact controllers are a great portable alternative to pro gear.
If you have a small apartment you may not have space for a large controller. These more compact controllers are also easier to take around to a friend’s house for a party. They are also excellent choices for taking with you on the train or holiday.
While they often have fewer features they are also very affordable. Excellent for DJing on the go or as a backup controller if something goes wrong with your main gear.
Other Options
Most people looking at the DJ2GO2 Touch are beginner DJs. With so much interest in DJing, there are some compelling alternatives.
Numark Party Mix II Review
If you want a bigger feature set the Numark Party Mix II should be on your list of options. It still maintains an aggressive price point but has a few extra bells and whistles.
- 2 Band EQ for adjusting frequencies on the controller.
- Larger jogwheels for easier scratching.
- Included lights to add some atmosphere when mixing.
Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 Review
The Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 is another excellent beginner controller. With native iPad app support, you can start DJing without a laptop.
- Excellent build quality with great features.
- Full software included along with iPad app support.
- You can’t use it with other DJ software platforms.
Numark Mixtrack Pro FX Review
Stepping up in price within the Numark ecosystem is the Mixtrack Pro FX. It features a fun FX section and a more comprehensive layout and mixer section making it an enticing option for beginners.
- Full mixer section with 3-band EQ and FX paddles for extra mixing flexibility.
- Despite all the extra features, it still maintains an approachable price.
- Much like the DJ2GO2, it only comes with intro software.
Should You Buy?
The Numark DJ2GO2 Touch is a bargain option for new DJs or DJs looking for a backup controller. While it has a limited set of features it still allows you to get more hands-on tactile control. If you need a portable controller that can handle the basics of DJing the Numark DJ2GO2 Touch is a good option.
