Four video effects per channel plus 96 wipes and other video gadgets. Manipulate picture in picture mixing around the screen.
AUDIOVISUAL CONTROL STATION
PRICE 695 CONTACT 400 numark.com TECH * Audio and video mixer combined. * Link and unlink audio and video fading. * Two banks of four video effects. * Apply more than one effect at a time. * Four audio and video input channels. * User-replaceable crossfaders. * Three-band EQ per channel. * Mic input with EQ. 104

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Mix video and audio independently, or link the two together digitally.
Master area offers booth output, cue mixing and small and large headphone jacks.
Numark steal the show again with the rst accomplished audiovisual DJ mixer. But does it tick all the boxes?
DJs and VJs have been pushing the
performance boundaries for years now and while audiovisual performances are nothing new, the two worlds of A and V seem to be getting closer and closer. Its been literally decades since pioneers such as Coldcut and Addictive TV rst started performing to the masses using DIY equipment, spurring an abundance of eager contemporaries. And only now, in 2007, are we blessed with an off-the-shelf mixer capable of mixing audio and visuals at the same time and heres the important bit with proper DJ functions! control it actually looks and feels like a DJ mixer now and the build quality is better. Improvements include replaceable crossfaders with better feeling faders and buttons. Performance has been improved, as the video crossfader can be linked to the audio at the push of a button, making straight DVD mixing easier as theres no need to fumble with two controls. Improved audio connections make it better suited for use with professional rigs, and plenty of inputs cater for diverse AV and DJ set-ups. Numark have also thrown in loads of tiny renements to make the whole mixing experience far slicker. inputs are available. The mic input is also signicantly improved with a front panel mounted Neutrik connector that takes jack and XLR in one plug and the audio can be ne tuned with low and hi EQ. An additional mic input is available on the rear for permanent xtures and more comprehensive EQ control provided by channel one, but no talkover feature unfortunately. The channel EQ and audio in general is in line with other recent Numark mixers especially the DXM range. The EQ is typically at sounding, boosting frequencies rather than adding richness, but separation is good on the cut, and its cool to be able to remove frequencies almost completely for that ltered effect. The audio quality is not outstanding, but its really sharp and crisp and suffers from very little background noise interference. The bass is quite subby, but still retains relatively good control on larger rigs. It almost sounds like there is a tiny bit of

STEPPING UP

The AVM02 is the successor to the AVM01 the rst mixer to have a crossfader for both audio and video in the same unit. However, it lacked decent audio control and suffered from poor overall build quality. The AVM02 has successfully resolved these main issues by implementing proper DJ
Four audio channels each provide threeband kill EQ, individual cueing, crossfader assigning, plus inputs for decks, CDs and DVDs. Two channels have switchable line/ phono inputs, so if you dont use turntables, a grand total of seven line

www.djmag.com

22/1/07 12:46:22

words DAVID ESERIN

AUDIO CONTROL

NUMARK AVM02 TECH

compression going on, which in some respects gets more volume out of a rig, but is also an indication of a less dynamic range than top of the range mixers. video chip, which supplies effects heavily steeped in the early 90s. But used subtly, they can add a sense that theres something a little more than average going on behind the decks, and of course some effects will accompany certain genres of music and visuals more than others. One thing that can be cool in the right hands is the picture in picture (PIP). Connect a camera to add live video footage to the show and move it around the screen in a little bubble using the joystick, or double the input up, apply an effect to one channel and move that effect over portions of the originally very gimmicky, but a laugh all the same! And for people getting a bit more technical, there are chroma key functions to overlay images in, say, darker areas of another image perhaps some weather maps! The mind boggles. *
* Video mixing options include
fades, 96 wipe patterns, and pictureinpicture (PIP). * Both Chroma Key (blue screen) and Luma Key (black screen) capability for superimposing images. * Two video effects sections with mosaic, strobe, freeze, paint, and invert. * Capable of multiple simultaneous effects. * Joystick control for wipes and pictureinpicture operations. * Ten background colour options provided. * Four video channels with both composite and Svideo inputs. * Two master video outputs, both on Svideo and composite. * Four composite video monitor outputs. * Seven stereo RCA inputs, with two switchable phono/ line. * Two microphone inputs with audio cueing section. * Both 1/4 and 1/8 headphone outputs. * Master audio output on XLR and RCA. * Booth output on RCA outputs. * Power supply on kettle lead with 100-240V. * 19 rackmount design. * Compatible with PAL (N/M), NTSC (4.43) and Secam.

FADER MATTERS

The AVM01 video crossfader was really sticky, which is great for smooth transitions as it smoothes out juddery movements, but this stiffness is no good for quick cuts. Thankfully, both the audio and video crossfader on the AVM02 are relatively loose in comparison and suitable for rapid, rhythmic cutting. Those with a shaky hand can use the auto fade option. When engaged, the fader acts as a speed control and fades are initiated by tapping the start button. Another new trick the AVM02 brings to the table is crossfader curve control for audio and video. There are three settings available for each which are affective, but the severity is lacking. It doesnt come anywhere near to a switch style effect for cutting in to achieve a video cut, the fader has to be swiped all the way across, regardless of this setting. The volume faders are a lot more sticky than the crossfaders, which is not to everyones taste.

GUEST REVIEW

ADDICTIVE TV
NUMARKS latest AV offering is a welcome niche ller, aimed squarely at the cost-effective end of the market. It seems robust and well nished, but there are pros and cons to its functions. Its less of a vision mixer than the now standard Edirol V-4, and much less of an audio mixer than, say, a Pioneer DJM600. But thats missing the main point; it takes up less space and costs less than having a separate audio and video mixer. On the audio side its a shame it has no audio send and return for connecting an effects unit, since it has no audio effects itself. On the video side, the functionality seems to be exactly that of an early 90s Panasonic video mixer including auto fades/wipes and choice of wipes and solid background colours. Although the unit has separate monitor outputs for each of the four video channels (which is good) you cant preview the effects before you use them (which is bad). The AVM02 reveals its budget nature again in the way cuts dont always seem fully synchronous and often produce a slight glitching. And when blending from track to track using picture-inpicture mode, it only works from channel A to B. You cant do the same fade from B to A, which is extremely limiting. The manual itself does say theres a bus dominance, but even taking this into account we couldnt seem to get the right picture to come in with the right sound in the exact way we wanted it. Minor gripes aside, the fact that the video mixer can function independently of the audio mixer is good and the ability to link and unlink the main audio and video faders at the push of a button is great. The bottom line is that its great someone is making this kind of kit; it gives a real affordable opportunity to newbie DJs and artists wanting to work audiovisually.

VERDICT

SCORES OUT OF 5

VIDEO ELEMENTS

To match the audio there are four video inputs available on S-Video and Composite connections. A maximum of two inputs can be mixed together at once and are assigned to the video crossfader using the pushbutton controls at the top. These two channels each have four identical video effects. Choose the same video input on both channels and its possible to crossfade between and create effects combinations. This actually turns out some decent results. The effects (apart from freeze) have three stages of intensity: slow, medium, and fast strobing. The only issue here is that its not possible to preview these effects. Luckily, its not as traumatic for the viewer as hearing an ill-timed delay or echo destroying the rhythm of the music. The AVM02 video effects dont bring anything new to the table really and we get the feeling all these mixers use the same

BUILD QUALITY SOUND QUALITY EASE OF USE FEATURES VALUE FOR MONEY HYPE

3.5 3.5 4.5 3.5 4.5

Connect a camera to add live video, then move it around the screen in a little bubble.
For the price of a video mixer, control the audio and visuals with precision from one compact unit. Loads of connections to accommodate professional and complex rigs. Multiple effects and video control offer rudimentary video manipulation.
Weve lack of video previewing, and audio send and return channels let it down. And video effects are dated and limited.
Overall the AVM02 is pretty intuitive and simple to use, and as things move more towards AV, its a great budget way to use only one mixer incorporating both A and V.

TECH VERDICT (OUT OF 5)

22/1/07 13:01:26

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WWW.NUMARK.COM
P 401.658.3131 | F 401.658.3654

PRODUCT OVERVIEW 2006

PROFESSIONAL AUDIO/VIDEO MIXER WITH EFFECTS

APPLICATIONS

The Numark AVM02 provides unparalleled convenience to DJs wanting to incorporate visuals into their entertainment mix. With an affordable price tag, and a design that facilitates both tabletop and rackmount operation, the AVM02 is ideal for:

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Designed for mobile DJs and club installations, Numarks AVM02 Audio/Video Mixer with effects delivers numerous features optimized for live performance. The AVM02 offers separate, replaceable DJ crossfaders for audio and video with linked mode operation and slope control, Chroma Key (blue screen) and Luma Key (black screen) capability for superimposing images, plus numerous fades, wipe patterns, picture-inpicture (PIP) capability, and two video effects sections. The AVM02 is capable of multiple simultaneous effects. The mixer also incorporates joystick control for wipes and picture-in-picture operations and provides ten background color options
Mobile DJs Permanent installation in clubs/churches/broadcast Anyone seeking easy, yet comprehensive control over their music and visuals

KEY FEATURES

POSITIONING
For the DJ wanting to incorporate a complete multimedia experience into ones presentation, the AVM02 Audio/Video Mixer with effects is an ideal choice. With comprehensive connectivity for integration with other equipment, both PAL and NTSC compatibility, and a rugged rackmount design, the AVM02 the perfect addition to both mobile and permanent installations.
High delity 4-channel Audio/Video Mixer Separate, eld-replaceable DJ crossfaders for audio and video with linked mode operation and slope control A broad range of mixing options, including fades, 96 wipe patterns, plus picture-in-picture (PIP) capability Both Chroma Key (blue screen) and Luma Key (black screen) capability for superimposing images Two video effects sections with mosaic, strobe, freeze, paint, and invert Capable of multiple simultaneous effects Joystick control for wipes and picture-in-picture operations Ten background color options provided Four video channels with four composite and four S-video inputs Two S-video, two composite main outputs, and four video monitor outputs Seven stereo inputs and two microphone inputs with an audio cueing section Both quarter- and eighth-inch headphone outputs Provides master balanced, unbalanced, and control booth outputs