I dj 2-3 times a week and often take my equipment in and out of venues so I need equipment that is durable and reliable. Ive had a pair of axis 9's for a few years now. They have turned out to be quite reliable and consistent where more expensive models weren't .. very important if you dj'ing at a gig.
If you are a laptop Dj the Axis 9's works fine with all the major software, VDJ, Rockit, Traktor etc.
There are some new features on the axis 9's along with all the standard feature on the axis series. Pitch-lock (called key-lock on numarks) is one of the most useful features I use and in my opinion axis 9's do this much better than others in a similar price range like 1200DZ or CDJ 200. They have very decent effects that are really easy to use, most notably, the scratch function which is a direct improvement from previous models like the axis 8. This is ideal if you are into Hip hop or urban styles of music. The looping buttons are easy to use. You get 2 loop banks to work with, each with their own set of buttons. Once you learn to beat match them, it becomes effortless. The build is sturdy and the buttons are a nice rubber. The wheels have nice feel and are very responsive. The units are very mobile and simple. I actually LIKE the loading tray because there is no confusion when changing CDs. You won't wonder, is there one already in there, you won't ruin labels, and it's less likely to "eat your CD". I've not had a single mechanical problem with them.
If you want to Dj from an external sound bank (mp3 player or your laptop etc) they are good. I regularly use Virtual dj with my axis 9's and they work great. You can scratch, you can loop, you can key-lock, you have plenty of range of pitch/tempo adjustment. You do have a BPM counter with a helpful tap button to really dial it in and beat match your effects, you can do a fader start, you can setup a relay between them, and theres also the effects. There are 8 buttons, 4 have 2 effects each and the other 4 have can be toggled to hold their effect, or immediately warp back to normal when you let go of the wheel. With a pair of axis 9's, I can completely embarass most other DJ's who have much more expensive equipment. From my experience, they are the best value among the CD players.
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