I try to be as neutral as possible in my reviews...being an ECLER distributor, I still feel its neccassary to be as open about the product in question and not tot bash other makes.
To answer some questions:
1) The fader for the effects is an ECLER PRO fader (same as on any ECLER mixer's cross-fader, same as the Tascam XS-8). Very smooth and light...I'd say its about normal. It's not very stiff...its just like a normal everyday crossfader (cause thats actually what it is!)
2) Yes, the effects are beat synchronised to the music. No need to tap in the BPM, it does it all automatically (and quite well I might add!).
3) For now, the edi:lab software is mainly used to modify the 12 effects that are included with the mixer. But I assume it can also be used to add new effects or updates, provided by ECLER (it has a function to upload your settings to the mixer, I do not see why not). And, I also assume that computer savvy hacker types can probably hack into the mixer and mess around with it
4) I would place the XONE:92 and
the NUO-5 at a tie at the top. The XONE:92 has a few more features than the NUO5 and uses VCF filters (no digitization going on there). The NUO-5 has many more effects and is user reprogrammable, which is a nice feature. BOTH sound incredible! And both are built of high-quality components. The Denon is a nice mixer, although I've heard some complaints about it. I played around with one at a store, it's pretty neat, although it feels a bit toy-ish to me, and I really was not fond of the faders. The DJM-600 is and will always be the classic 12" FX mixer. It is straightforward and easy to use, but with these new mixers coming out, the sound quality does not compare and it is overpriced, especially when you compare it to the new breed of mixers (for instance, the NUO-5 and DJM-600 are at the same price level, which would you choose?). As for the Tascam, I know nothing about it, but I dont think they've been selling too well.
ki_cz--I'm still unsure about this. I've used the A&H a bit, and I personally didnt like it. I didnt like the 4 EQ's, I didnt like the cueing system and the upfader knobs kept popping off. But it's still a quality mixer. The NUO-5 has more effects, MIDI output and MUCH better faders, plus the USB port to modify your effects. What features are more important to you?