The Orbit’s non-volatile memory will store the current settings when the battery expires or when you turn it off with the power switch on the right-side panel, next to the USB port. The big center knob can also have four function buttons (K1-K4) per Pad Bank, meaning 16 total uses of what Numark calls the Virtual Knob. No matter how you use it, the Orbit’s 16 pads and four Pad Banks give you ample fodder for your programming delight - 64 pads that you can color code to your liking with 10 LED colors. It’s perfectly suited for tabletop use as well, with rubber feet for a good grip on the bottom, and you can use it wired over a USB cable to a computer if the internal Li-ion battery needs charging. But the unit is equally adept as a general MIDI controller for any MIDI-compatible software: music, video, lighting, etc. Whether its filtering tracks or scrolling menus, the accelerometer controls can manipulate just about anything, and they can both be active at once.Įnvisioned as a wireless, handheld controller that lets a live performer tweak two functions via left-to-right or back-to-front motion, the Orbit has hooks in the front and underside for attaching the unit to a strap to wear around the neck or attach to an arm band, belt, etc. The Orbit’s look and feel harkens to the Sony PSP, mirroring its general size, shape, two-handed grip and thumb-oriented control it even has two top-panel buttons for the forefingers, which are designed to toggle on the 2-axis motion control, courtesy of the onboard accelerometer. Now Numark has basically hacked the portable video game design ethos to create a fully MIDI-compatible controller aimed squarely at DJs and live producers. You’ve probably seen plenty of people hacking video game controllers to operate their DJ software. The Bottom Line: With a unique feature set, solid build, and affordable price, the Orbit’s versatility and novelty make it one of the more compelling small-format controllers available. USB dongle is wider than it should be for cramped laptop layouts. Extreme accelerometer motions feel physically unnatural. Occasional latency upon initial wireless connection. The Bad: Large Virtual Knob feels clunky and slippery in the middle. Rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts for about 8 hours of continuous use. Rainbow array of 10 customizable LED colors. Lightweight, handheld MIDI controller with Traktor Pro + GrandVJ mappings (and more program mappings on the way. Motion-controlled, 2-axis accelerometer has almost no latency over a clear wireless connection. The Good: Wireless operation with a 2.4 GHz frequency USB dongle, or wired use with a USB cable. Mac: OS 10.7 or 10.8, 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo or faster, 2 GB RAM, 1,280×800 display resolution Windows 7 (32/64 bit) or Window 8 (32/64 bit), 2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo or faster, 2 GB RAM, 1,280×800 display resolution Ships with: Orbit DJ and Orbit Editor software, USB dongle, USB cables, user guide.ĭimensions: 7.1 x 4.3 x 0.9 inches (18 x 10.9 x 2.2 cm) Price: $149 (MSRP), $99 (common retail price) Reviewed: Numark Orbit Wireless MIDI Controllerz But how is its response and programmability? Read on for our play test. Sitting in both your hands, it lets you thumb and wave your way to multi-colored effects madness like a caffeinated kid on a PSP. The Orbit wireless controller with 2-axis motion control feels like a video game. If DJing is your game, Numark has something that may level up your life.
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