The Numark Mixtrack Pro II was announced today ahead of NAMM 2013, offering an upgrade to the popular Mixtrack Pro, “the world’s best selling DJ controller” according to the company. (Update: Read our full Numark Mixtrack Pro 2 review).

The design is less clunky and more streamlined, and the platters take a leaf from controllers like the Pioneer WeGO, gaining illumination. The other headline feature is the addition of 16 backlit multifunction drum pads. Read on for more, or catch our Numark Mixtrack Pro II video talkthrough here.

It ships with Serato DJ Intro in the box, giving a great starter set-up which can easily be upgraded to Serato DJ for an additional fee (we’re assuming that fee will be the standard US$129), in order to unlock further functions of the software. The controller can also be used with other DJ software such as Virtual DJ and Traktor.

What we think

We’ve long championed the original Mixtrack / Mixtrack Pro as the best budget entry into digital DJing. With the addition of Serato DJ Intro to that formula (the best entry level software, in our opinion) last year, it became even more so.

This update is designed to cement that position in the market, although at a seemingly higher street price. It remains to be seen the actual price that the Mixtrack Pro II hits the streets at, but it needs to remain close to the price of the original if it is to remain the no-brainer budget option.

We’re at the NAMM Show this week and will bring you a video and further thoughts when we see it in the flesh.

• The controller will hit stores imminently, and has an “estimated street price” of US$299.

At first glance, do you think this improves on the winning formula Numark hit on with the Mixtrack and Mixtrack Pro? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.