Turntables are the preferred medium for many DJs for one simple reason: it's tough to simulate the natural feel of mixing and scratching when playing CDs and other digital formats. Numark addressed these limitations head on with its Axis 9 tabletop CD player, which is built around a touch-sensitive scratch wheel that offers unprecedented DJ realism. The wheel works in real time, delivering instant results with each twist and pause, making CD tracks feel as free and flexible as turntable tunes. The unit also includes a built-in Beatkeeper with auto-synchronization of effects, loops, and other media players such as MIDI units. The Beatkeeper's base function is to read the frequencies and rhythm patterns of a track, and then display the beats per minute on the LED so the DJ is always in time. However, it can also mix tracks using disparate loops, sounds, or songs, adding versatility and accuracy to your live performances.

In addition to the scratch wheel and Beatkeeper, the Axis 9 offers direct access to multiple DSP effects (including reverse); a selectable pitch control with ranges of +/-6, 12, 25, and 100 percent; and two complete seamless loops with three hot stutter starts. DJs will also delight in the Axis 9's ability to store 3,000 cue points, each of which is transferable to compatible units. This harmonizing function makes it easy to develop a large arsenal of tracks with specific prompts--a must for the modern mixer. Plus, the device employs 48 seconds of anti-shock buffer memory so that CDs won't sputter when the player is bumped or jostled.

Additional features include adjustable startup and braking speeds, fader/remote start and relay functions, a key lock feature that lets DJs increase or decrease the pitch without changing the key, and a transport bay illumination light. The user-upgradeable Axis 9 is compatible with custom CD-R discs and is covered by a two-year warranty.

What's in the Box
Axis 9 tabletop CD player, power cable, audio cable, user's manual.