Qbert’s “No Laptop Needed” Invader DJ Mixer Reappears at NAMM 2019

We left the NAMM convention floor for a few afternoon meetings right at the same time that Qbert and the Thud Rumble crew unveiled their brand new updated design for the Invader DJ mixer, which includes a built-in computer and interface. Qbert and his Thud Rumble team proud proclaim that the new mixer doesn’t require a laptop – and it’s true – everything you need to run DVS software appears to be right inside of the mixer.

Watch the full reveal on the official Thud Rumble Facebook livestream below – you’ll want to skip to around 21 minutes to see some actual cutting using the mixer as the beginning has some troubleshooting:

Invader DJ Mixer

The Invader mixer has been designed as a collaboration between Thud Rumble member Hard Rich and custom gear designer Jesse Dean. In the current state, it’s running Traktor on an Intel i5 NUC and uses some kind of touchscreen tablet as the monitor.

Instead of arcade buttons as on the original prototype, the new design uses 8 pads on each side of the mixer, and then puts a number of knobs above and below the screen for EQ, browsing, etc. It’s very much a non-traditional mixer design – but that’s kind of the point.

When Can DJs Get An Invader Mixer?

We asked Thud Rumble about this at NAMM and they told us it will be released in the fall for $2,500. On Thud Rumble’s webstore they’re taking $0 preorders, with this note:

The DJ mixer the World has been waiting for. It’s time for DJs to remove their laptop from their setup and engage again with their instruments. Reserve yours now, no purchase necessary, be on the waiting list to be contacted. To be on the waiting list, purchase the Invader at ZERO cost to you now and we automatically add you into our waiting list and Thud Rumble will contact you on how to be one of the first in the World to have their very own INVADER DJ MIXER.

Removing the laptop from the DJ booth might be a great idea, but only if the Invader manages to deliver a superior experience. We recommend the Thud Rumble team hit up Native Instruments ASAP to get Traktor DJ 2 running on the Invader, which is made with touch in mind and would be far easier to use than the super-small Traktor Pro UI in the current prototype.