Numark's HDX HDD turntable

Numark has launched the HDX, a tabletop HDD/CD/MP3 player with an ultra-high torque, motorized 12-inch platter that holds a vinyl record for the ultimate in vinyl scratch feel. Styled after Numark's highly successful CDX player, the new HDX is the most advanced DJ media player available. Incorporating an onboard hard drive accessible via USB 2.0 and an 8x CD reader, the HDX is the perfect tool for professional and aspiring performing DJs, mobile DJs, as well as club installers.

The HDX has a 80B HDD which can be loaded with MP3, WMA and WAV audio files. One of the benefits of this is that DJs will now be able to store a huge part of their music collection on a relatively small device, making it less necessary to transport their heavy music library.

Adding further convenience, the HDX features an onboard Gracenote CDDB (CD database) to automatically recognize and tag audio CDs. The unit's enhanced search capabilities facilitate easy file location by artist, album, genre, track, plus BPM. The HDX includes support for PS2 connectivity-enabling string searches and navigation through the menus via a QWERTY keyboard. And with high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity providing full access to the hard drive for both Mac and PC, updating content has never been easier.

When it comes to real scratch feel, nothing beats vinyl-and in this area, the HDX is best in class. Featuring an ultra-high torque motorized 12-inch platter that holds a real user-replaceable vinyl record, the HDX interface is as good as it gets. The new HDX features an industry maximum 4.7 kgfcm torque direct drive motor, aluminum platter, dual “battle-style” controls, and forward/reverse toggle. Additionally, this exceptional player incorporates a superior Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD), slot-load CD transport mechanism, CDR compatibility, and extensive DSP functionality.

With its ability to rip CDs directly to the hard drive for playback and storage, the HDX makes it easy to build one's onboard music library. The HDX also records live via its analog inputs and encodes the input signal directly to the hard drive. Further, the HDX offers an S/PDIF digital output. For even greater versatility, the HDX provides a proprietary link connector for connecting two HDXs together-facilitating access to content via either unit's hard drive or CD reader.

Additional HDX features include several modes for scratching and looping, including auto beat matching and smart looping via Numark's proprietary Beatkeeper technology. Onboard beat-synched digital effects include sonar, slide, filter, echo, plus chop-and effects can be manipulated via a separate control wheel interface. The HDX also offers a pitch slider programmable up to ±100% pitch control, as well as a high quality, 100% key lock.

The Numark new HDX HD/CD/MP3 player will be available Q3 of 2005.