Numark CM200USB 19inch 4-Channel DJ Mixer.

The Numark CM200USB mixer is based on the standard CM200 Mixer from Numark, however with the addition of dual USB audio devices.

The built in USB audio is of a high quality and easily comparable in sound quality to that of a Maya EX7 or Egosys sound device.
The USB audio is switchable so you can use one for input and one for output to enable live recording onto a PC based machine.
Most DJ's however opt to use both USB devices as inputs and these are mapped to Channels 3 and 4 on the mixer to allow for true split channel mixing as would normally happen when using CD playback technology.

The Numark CM200USB is well made and quite robust with an easy to use tactile interface. Apart from some very slight Technical problems which in my opinion are very minor the only user related issued I had were the Microphone and headphone sockets which were both mounted on the mixers top panel. I always rack my mixers and like to have these pre-wired underneath the mixer to remove any stray cables that might get in the way of my DJing.

Overall the mixer features 5 channels two which can be switched between CD and Line inputs, two that can be used with theinternal USB or switched to Line, and channel 5 which can be used for line or mic use. The mixer also has a dedicated DJ mic channel which uses rotary controls.

 

I won't go any deeper into the actual user related aspects of this mixer at this time as this is intended to be amore technical review so we will now swiftly move inside the mixer and find out how well it's really made.

 

Rear Panel Connections from Left to right.


As you can see it has a multitude of inputs, making it very versatile for the Mobile DJ.
Balanced Out's are always very welcomed and the cool little phono plugs are a good idea to not only keep the sockets clean but to cut out hum if you accidentally flick open the channel.

Top Panel of the Numark CM200USB Mixer.


Click Image for Larger Version

Want to PIMP up your Numark CM 200 USB?




The Switches and LEDs are easily accessible so replacement switches can be fitted without stripping the whole mixer down, and the LEDs can be changed or upgraded to the colour of choice very easily.


Switches have two screw threads at each side for a reason... so why did Numark only use one screw per switch?
I will be fittting the missing screws if not just for peace of mind. Also note on these selectors I removed the switch toggles, as these are the USB channels, and I won't be wanting these to be knocked over by accident. The toggle can be pulled off without removing the Mixer panel.

The Transformer.


The Transformer, apart from being partially screened, it is a little on the small side for such a sized mixer, and does run fairly warm within minutes of powering up. They have the room so why not fit something a little more juicey and bask in the sea of Overhead Power.

Output LED Meters - The story of the HOT resistor.


On each side of the Master VU we find TWO resistors, these resistors get quite hot to say the least, they got bloomin' hot with the lid off, how hot would they become with the lid on and less air around them.




With the Lid off these resistors both measured up into the high 60' degree levels..
here is a photo of the Digital Thermometer reading one of the resistors.


Now when the lid is on, no doubt the temps will rise a little, also the Transformer is right behind this area which also produces heat, so this end of the Mixer will get fairly warm I imagine, especially when used under load.

Balance Control - or rather the lack of it.

The Balance Control does nothing for a full 1/4 turn, then all of a sudden within a very small distance of travel attenuates almost 100% of the signal.. Look at the 3 photo's above and see the balance knob and it's angle and check this against the LED readings, I also monitored this through my headphones set to PGM mode. and the sudden drop off was VERY noticable.
Note in photo 2 the balance is a full quarter turn and yet the signal has only attenuated 2db max.
Then in photo 3 the control is turned a very small amount and yet we lose 100% of the signal.
A much more linear control would be very welcomed in this area.