You may recall that when I reviewed the Ecler NUO2.0, I was quite let down that despite it's Vestax PMC06 size and rugged style, the crossfader curve wasn't up to the task of fast finger style cuts. Well Ecler listened and made a fix for existing users available as well as making sure that all factory fresh models were up to the task. And that fix is for all NUOX.0 models as well, as witnessed by this hastily thrown together clip filmed between hot sweats, splitting headaches and coughing fits
This particular NUO4.0 has has the tweak done and an Eternal fitted and cuts like a dream. It doesn't effect the linefader curves and I'll also swap out the regular fader from the NUO3.0 and see how the curve mod works with that. I'll be updating my NUO2.0 review and tweaking my mainly written NUO3.0 review.
You'll also spot the somewhat marvellous Denon DN-HD5500. I figured that I'd use it for this clip just to show you how great it really is. I've also finished a review for the DN-S1200 as well and just need to shoot some video for it. When I don't look like an advert for heavy cold medicine, I'll knock out the video equivalent of one of my usual irreverent posts.
Bottom line - the NUOX.0 series now scratches brilliantly. You can buy one and cut with confidence.
UPDATE: As my rather sloppy skills have demonstrated, the Ecler NUOX.0 series have had their guts tweaked and are now scratch worthy. There is one limitation - it only works for the Eternal fader.
For those wanting to make sure that they buy a pre-modded mixer, these are the serial numbers to look for:
NUO 2.0 ......... 128940001 and above NUO 3.0 ......... 127950001 and above NUO 4.0 ......... 127900001 and above
I did swap out a regular Ecler fader from an umodded NUO3.0 and as expected, it didn't work - the fader wouldn't close, but I have no doubt that isn't the case with all factory modded NUOX.0s. I'm sure off the shelf models will operate just fine with the stock VCA fader, but only when you drop the Eternal inside will it transform into a scratch demon of epic proportions - in the right hands of course.
To be honest, scratchers would soon be having to change the stock VCA anyway so you might as well pay that bit extra for the Eternal anyway. Or the Innofader of course, but I haven't tested that.
25 comments to this story
On November 24, 2008, jay commented...
so how does one recognize the old stock from the new stock?
On November 24, 2008, earwax commented...
kewl. really like it when manufacturers do the right thing for those of us that work hard for our money. the new denon stuff is looking good too.
On November 24, 2008, barrelboy commented...
the 5500 is a lot of fun. looking forward to your review.
you may find that an old 45 vinyl for the control surface makes the experience that much more enjoyable.
On November 25, 2008, groovemixer commented...
dude thats awesome!!!
On November 25, 2008, Phil commented...
that news has made my day.
how would i go about getting the upgrade? should i contact ecler, henleys or the shop i bought the mixer from?
Jay - I've just sent an email for clarification. It wouldn't stop me buying one though. If the mixer ticks all your boxes than that's the one you buy.
On November 27, 2008, Angelo Brisimitzakis commented...
Glad the mod works great! I just wish my NUO 3.0 + eternal fader was right from the start...
On November 28, 2008, lbn commented...
Damn I feel so the same way
I have much problems to get mine fixed because I bought mine from uk to finland, I'm having hard time to believe that shipping a 2.0 mixer back from UK would cost over 60£ + I will naturally have to pay the shipping from finland also
There is a ecler service in finland but they would charge me 146€ + shipping.
damn, maybe I should just give up and sell the mixer and get one with proper curve
On November 28, 2008, lbn commented...
no one sells nuos in here in finland and because I bought mine out of country I can't get it fixed locally. sucks
On November 28, 2008, jay commented...
@ ibn just sell your nuo on ebay
at ecler's the're a bunch of liers tellin' me the eternal would work perfectly with a sharp cut in a nuo almost 1 year ago.
don't trust them and get rid of it.
On December 1, 2008, lbn commented...
So it only works with eternal? So they have done something different from hak mixers, didn't innofader work perfectly in 360?
On December 1, 2008, lbn commented...
if it aint improving the curve on innofader, the update will be pretty useless for me :(
On December 1, 2008, Audio Innovate commented...
The Innofader works perfectly in the HAK 360.
So Gizmo will you get a chance to check the Innofader at some point in a Nuo?
On December 1, 2008, lbn commented...
hopefully it would work, otherwise f*** ecler and I'll sell my nuo and get a vestax 06
On December 3, 2008, SiP commented...
Hello all, as the UK distributor for Ecler, we offer to perform this upgrade on any NUO .0 free of charge. We will also cover the cost of carriage to and from your dealer. This has always been the case, but unfortunately we are unable to cover shipping costs from Finland. We have spoken to lbn and have asked that he pays for the carriage.
On December 9, 2008, DjSKum commented...
Does anyone know if it's possible to Mod the sharpness of the cut on a Nuo5? Cuts like a fast fade and isn't very nice when crabbing etc.
On December 21, 2008, djmarcutio commented...
any word if this mod works with the innofader? I'd rather get more bang for my buck with the inno, but not totally dismissing the eternal's warranty to justify the cost.
On December 23, 2008, manpikin commented...
I don't think my 2.0 made the cut, it was manufactured in July 2008 I believe... will check when I get home.
On April 16, 2010, Kasun K commented...
Hey Giz,
After deliberating for over a year on whether to upgrade to the Eternal X-fader I finally bought one this week at £160,the price has gone up a bit along with most technology during the recession.
I installed the Eternal X fader in my Nuo 4.0 a couple of days ago. When crabbing the Eternal X-fader is no where near sharp as what I'd expect from a scratch X-fader should be (evidently proven in your vid) even when the cut in is set to minimal and the X-fader pontimeter is adjusted to it's sharpest.
My serial number of my Nuo is:11948****. I read on Scratchworx after I installed it (sod's law) that they modified 127900001+. Where I can get this modification done and who services Ecler in the UK. I live in the UK (Peterborough, in Cambridgeshire to be exact) and how much will it cost?
Drop a line to Simon Powell <simon.powell@henleydesigns.co.uk>and he'll tell you.
On April 16, 2010, Kasun K commented...
Will do, thanks a lot Giz. Happy Scratching, let you know how I get on.
On May 6, 2010, Kasun K commented...
Hey Giz,
I sent my mixer away to Henley designs about 2 1/2 weeks ago, I got it back a week later so they were prompt with the upgrade and kept me updated with what was going on.
I would like to say that thanks to Henley designs the X-fader cut in is so sharp now that when I'm cutting it feels like a different mixer so I'm enjoying having to re-learn my fader with the potential to learn new scratch tricks.
Finally, I can try and scratch properly on my X-fader (with no excuses) as it performs the the high level that I expected. The slightest movement of the X-fader results in instant signal from the opposite channel, finally being able to crab on my mixer, I am really happy that I'm getting the most out of my Nuo 4.0.
The Eternal X-fader is so light and smooth that I've noticed that when I playing with EQ settings and the levels on the gain I accidentally brush the X-fader now and then resulting in a unwanted signal from the other channel. (This is more to do with my clumsy long arms which don't help, plus I like wearing baggy hoods where the sleeves dangle so I'm getting used to being a bit more careful around the X-fader).
Cheers for the leads, much appreciated Skratchworx!
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On November 24, 2008, jay commented...
25 comments to this story