Hercules DJ Console
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What is it? |
Test machine |
Website |
Price |
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DJ interface + Soundcard |
$309 |
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I wonder why no-one ever came up with a idea like this before, a USB soundcard with a DJ interface with two scratch pads, cross fader and lots of other knobs and buttons to keep most of the DJs happy. All of this is connected to a PC and DJ software is used to mix all your favorite Mp3s. There are of course other competitors to the PC DJ Upon opening the package I was still amazed how small it was although I have seen pictures of it before. The size of the unit is good for mobility and it comes with a cover which doubles as a bottom to raise the unit a little form the table. Also a carry strap is included for carrying the console around. As the name suggests it is a DJ Console, this means it has a interface most DJs will be accustomed to : two sides with both their scratch pads, cross fader to fade between the two, 3 Band EQ knobs and a few buttons and sliders to adjust pitch, volume, etc. Also both sides have their multiselector to select FX, Cue and loop points. And there are buttons to start the music and fast forward and rewind. That's about as far as I will say about the hardware. In this case the hardware is only as good as the software. The software that come with the Console are: Virtual DJ, New DJ, Storm DJ Edition and demos of OTS scatch. The software included is a good bunch to start off with but you will probably grow out of it soon. Nevertheless the software gives a good start point with the console Most of the problems I am having are in the software, one of them is that the decks cannot be scratched when playing in new DJ, although you can do this in the software with your mouse. The other one is the small scratch pads, I had little problems with these, because they are so small they are rather hard to get a good grip on although they are made in a way to maximize grip. So maybe it is just that I have big hands, but it is sure that the scratch pads aren't as accurate as the good old 12" records. The thing is that only a handful of programs can take use of all the DJ console's features. The Hercules DJ mapper can only map the digital controls to be used in any application. On the bright side, Hercules is getting more and more software makers aboard to implement the full capability of the hardware in their software. Its also a soundcard Although it is mainly a DJ console, it is also a decent soundcard. Actually the soundcard functions have been divided into three areas :The ASIO mode that provides you with low latency drivers to be used in the likes of reason. Then there is the general mode which allows you to playback your DVDs in 5.1 surround mode. Lastly there is the DJ mode which allows you to turn the DJ Console to its purpose, this provides you with a out to your speaker and a additional outputs at the back for your headphones in addition to the output from the front. The sound card has 24 bit converters, but unfortunately you can't take the full use of these features on USB 1.1, therefore the sample rate is limited to a max of 24bit/44.1KhZ . You might be asking the reason behind the 24bit converters, but they do enhance the sound in a few respects. The ultimate DJ tool? I was actually amazed about what I could do after being able to do with the DJ console after a few months of practice compared to what I could do when I just got it. Sure it isn't exactly as good as the turntables or the good CD players, but it is amazing what you can create with this and a bit of imagination and the included function in the software to record your sessions makes it easy to store your best scratching sessions. Conclusion: The DJ Console is a great DJ interface with quite a lot of buttons and knobs, don't expect it to be as good for mixing as a set of turntables and a DJ mixer, but it is not that far off that it can't be used to achieve good results. 8.5 - A great idea, but unfortunately has turned only into a good product. DJ console provides the user with a good interface for basic DJing, but lacks that responsiveness and feel of a CD or Vinyl deck. However it is a good product for beginning DJs, but the more advanced might feel that the DJ Console is a bit limiting. UPDATE March 22nd: Forgot to mention about the midi controller abilities that the DJ console has. Most of the controls can be assigned to midi to be used in the program of your likes. Also due to a rushed last update I forgot to include a picture of the product:
Reviewed by Aleksi Haapajoki |
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