OVERVIEW
It's an established fact that CD technology is at a point where creating players that simulate vinyl djing is not a problem. We now have at least 4 different brands making CD players that can duplicate the vinyl experience with scary precision, so what sets them apart is their extra features and functionality. With the CDX, Numark has expanded your options with yet another unique entry into the CD turntable market. While other CD turntables have only mimicked the construction of a standard vinyl turntable, the CDX actually looks and feels exactly like one. The design of the CDX is based closely on that of Numark's popular TTX-1 turntable and features a real 12" record as the controlling surface. It's as close as you can get to using a standard turntable while playing a cd.

FEATURES
The construction of the CDX is truly its main attraction. The basic layout is very similar to their TTX turntable, about the same size, with the dual start/stop buttons on either side of the platter so you can position the turntable in standard or "battle" direction. The platter is the same height as a normal turntable and is run by a very high torque (5.0kg) direct drive motor, with adjustable controls for start and stop times. Slipmat included. You can also swap out the standard Numark 12" with any record of your choice. The pitch control has an impressive range of ±6, 12, 25 and 100%, accompanied by the necessary key lock (master tempo) feature that allows vocals to stay in key even when the tempo is dramatically increased. The CDX also features a fairly broad choice of internal effects (echo, kill, sonar, filter, etc) which you can control with a dedicated wheel, multiple play modes for different scratching effects, looping functions, and an internal memory capable of storing up to a very high 3000 cue points.

OUR OPINION
All roads of opinion on the Numark CDX have to come back to its design and feel. If you are looking for a CD player that functions like a vinyl turntable- and even looks & feels just like a vinyl turntable- this is your best option. The performance is more than satisfactory, with enough cd-player type functions to keep most of us interested. There may not be as many advanced functions on the CDX as other players in this market range, but Numark has nailed the ones that are most commonly used.

- ultra-high torque (5.0 kgf/cm) direct drive motor
- full size 12" aluminum platter with vinyl record control
- slot-load CD transport with CDR compatibility
- integrated DSP effects include sonar, slide, echo, filter, chop, auto-pan, and auto-dissemination
- multiple scratch modes for tricks and effects
- seamless loop with smart loop, live trim, and beat shifting
- built-in beatkeeper with auto-synchronization of loops, effects, and MIDI devices
- bright VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Display) shows BPM, time, and unit status.
- dedicated wheel for effects and search control
- MIDI I/O for synchronization with drum machines and other MIDI devices
- 3,000 cue point memory
- 2 hot stutter starts
- dual "battle-style" turntable platter controls
- adjustable start and brake speeds
- forward/reverse toggle with bleep
- +/- 6, 12, 25 and 100% pitch control
- key Lock at any tempo up to +/- 100
- anti-Shock buffer technology
- S/PDIF digital output
- fader/remote start and relay play
- user-updateable through internet downloads

• manufacturer's website

reviewed by the mgmnt