There are five mixers within the range that run the gamut from the simple battle-style mixer to the all-singing-and-dancing club set up. We are going to concentrate on the NOX404, a two-channel ‘battle’-style mixer with “contact-free” VCA crossfader. Because they are “contact-free”, it means that (theoretically) it ought to last considerably longer than usual crossfaders, as there are no contactable parts to wear away and degrade as time passes. Being used, the new-style crossfader incorporates a very pleasing feel, and scratchers will be pleased with the overall performance.
The 404, much like the other NOX mixers, incorporates a beat sync-able FX engine which can be fairly user friendly. At the top of the mixer is the FX area, comprising of three knobs, a slider and three buttons. The primary of the knobs permits the DJ to allocate the FX to either of the two-channel outputs — the master or even the microphone output.
The next is the frequency knob. This can be utilized in a variety of ways. In beat-sync mode, engaged by tapping the rhythm using the illuminated TAP button on the left, it will determine the FX tempo divisions. Additionally, it may modify the rate of the FX on its own, if beat-sync is not employed or not available. The intensity slider regulates the wet/dry mix of the effect — how much of the FX is blended with the unaltered signal. On our test model, whilst it worked nicely, there was clearly a lag between dry and the FX actually being added into the mix. Maybe this was a design issue or simply a gremlin on our mixer — whilst it was annoying, it wasn’t too much of a distraction.
The Tap button is used to sync the effect to the tempo of the music by pressing it in time with the audio that is playing. This is a manual operation — there is no auto beat-syncing on the 404 — but it’s a simple enough operation. There are 12 digital effects that can be chosen by the DJ, covering the usual suspects, such as hi pass and low pass filters, flanger, phaser, echo, vocoder and various other delights. Choosing the FX is easy — use the selection knob to rotate to the desired FX, then push down on the knob to choose it. There are two other little buttons: one for turning on and off the FX, and one for cueing the FX in headphones. Once again, easy operation. There is also an additional FX send & return loop to connect external FX devices. This can be activated by the mid section of the mixer, with two more knobs and a slider for controlling how much of the external FX is to be applied. The connection options on the NOX 404 have been well thought-out, and other mixers in the price range will find themselves lacking.
Below the FX section is the main body of the mixer, housing the essential parts that make the magic happen.
The NOX 404 may be a two-channel basic four input mixer, but with all the extra input options, DJs can actually make this a six input mixer. Channel one has the USB connection and can also be used with a computer, as the NOX range of mixers are all equipped with built-in USB soundcards, but there is also an additional AUX input and output for connection of an extra sound source. The AUX volumes can be controlled by two dedicated knobs on the front panel of the mixer.
The NOX 404 is simple to set up, but offers a lot of features for relatively little money. It works well, the sliders and faders do the job, the buttons and knobs have a decent feel. So you’re not getting pro specs and top-of-the-line features, but there is enough goodness in the NOX 404 to keep any DJ happy, and when taking into account the market it’s aimed at, there is no cause for concern!
