The Best of Both Phone, and Tablet-
"It has some features but there are many better options" on by rabbitsquare
Pros: Independent interface, sound processor and sound in/out
Cons: Expensive, features not well developed, simple and not professional
Summary: I do djing in clubs and house parties and have couple months ago switched to portable using a laptop and Traktor DJ studio with external controller. There is many good programs out there, but the most feature filled, user friendly and STABLE is the Traktor DJ Studio. I have also been looking into many different options as to control this software and it basically all comes down to an external mixer and or midi controller. I have used the hercules, the DM2 and the Kontrol DJ. So far, Hercules is the most expensive one and on a first look looks very professional but once you start using it you see that sometimes the buttons dont respond and does not have as many features as other which just cannot compete with the other devices. I currently use a hacked version of a Mixman DM2 controller. Its a USB controller that comes with its own software (but thats the level of a six year old kid). I bought this console of ebay for under $50 with shipping. I found a hack how to make it into a midi device so it can be used with Traktor DJ Studio and also a way to have the scratch rings respond to any movement so you can scratch like real vinyl. It doesnt sound like real vinyl but then again it comes damn close if you practice lots. Yet again, it makes up for it in other features such as ease of use, assignable buttons, and the price. If you are looking to get into simple DJ'ing, get DM2 with Traktor DJ Studio and stay away from this thing, its not worth it. By the way a great controller is coming out which is called the Kontrol DJ and its is with all studio turntable functions, durability functionality and features. Its just starting to ship this week but its gonna blow everything else away. Good luck.
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"Good device to learn the basics and a little more" on by skalar109
Pros: fully contrable turntable like features
Cons: no scratching , control stick sucks
Summary: I purchased this item in aticipation of using my laptop to dj without having to burn countless cd's for the perfect mix. It has given me the ability to do just that. I really have found this device to be an incredible addition to my DJ equipment collection. It is not the same as having two MKII's however, It will provide you with the basic needs to create mixes that will entertain your crowd for days on end..... if need be.
Alot of complaints must be coming from people with laptops that are not up to date.. I have no problems running this thing smooth as ice on my new HP Pavillion. I have never had a crash, freeze, or slow response to any of the knobs,sliders, etc...
I highly recomend this if you are serious about becoming a VDJ -
"Worth the investment once you see what it competes with!" on by Mike12mt
Pros: Features in the Software, all the knobs and buttons!
Cons: alittle small, websites could be nicer to customers that don't own the full version of the software, the mono-split is glitchy in the Headphone monitor.
Summary: >>Features<<
Hercules gives you a good amount of features to get you started into the world of djing. A fairly accurate BPM counter, decent cross-fading, smooth jog wheels for easy scratching (although alittle on the small side), shortcut keys on the keyboard for cueing, looping, and sampling. Hercules also gives its consumers open-source opportunities to improve on its plugin FX's techology ex: flanger, panning, devil chorus, back-spins, back-looping etc... The recording feature is nice when you wanna compare your first mixes in a basement party to mixing at a club with over 1,000 people.
>>Quality<<
The overall quality of this product is great. The crossfader feels smooth and solid. The jog wheels are senitive to the touch and responsive. The play and cue buttons are active to the touch but some might notice a 1ms delay once you really start making those fast-paced mixes but its easily adaptable. All the controls feels well-made so don't feel too bad after spending $250.
>>Value<<
If you're interested in a career as a DJ, this is a good place to start. The device is design to progress with you as you become more familar with the techniques many pro DJ's use. This product will not disappoint you.
>>Sound<<
Some experts might say that digital scratching will never sound as real as scratching with vinyls, but i'd say, with the right amount of talent, any DJ beginner or experienced will have no trouble making a good mix from this unit. The sound coming through the main speakers is great. The headphone volume is extremely loud with my Sony MDR-V600 though at times the switch that allows you to mono-split the two decks into each ear is alittle glitchy at times. A good way to correct this is while the song you're cueing up next is playing simply turn the knob fast through all the options until you hear each deck in their respected ears again. Otherwise you're left listening to a mono-version of your mix. The technology isn't perfect but when you think about it, a single usb cable can not split the sounds on your computer into discrete tracks, this device simply mutes each song until you fade into the next song.
>>Ease of Use<<
As a progressing DJ, i find this product to be very helpful in the developing stages of my career. At first, i didn't know what half the buttons on this thing were used for, but as i became more familar with it, i find that this unit is great for many beginners and well-experienced DJ's though at some point you may want your buttons and knobs to be spread-out alittle more as i found i tend to hit the jog wheels a few times while fading into the next song.
>>Support<<
The Hercules website is very geared towards customers who have purchased the full version of their software. Most of their plugins made by their company and from fellow DJ's are only available once you have proof you've bought the full product. This was kinda a let-down for me, but in a way, its a much more secure way of preventing hackers who have managed to overide the serial code detector and unlock all the the features only available in the Pro version to prevent free access to their site. Would of been nice if more features were available on lesser versions of the software.
>>>Overall<<<
I did find after a month of use, i started looking for other products simliar to this. I heard of the Mixman DM2 and the DJ Kontrol. But overall, i think with the ease of use, all the knobs and buttons bulit in to the device, the DM2 seems alittle cheap and out-dated. I'm told the jog wheels aren't as smooth as the wheels found on this product. All in all, this mixer is worth the investment once you see what it competes with. -
"Great Concept - Poor Software" on by Ewold
Pros: Excellent idea, easy to set up
Cons: poor software
Summary: I have purchased this product and have tried to use it. The software that is included with this is not the easiest or the most accurate to use. I'm sure with the additional purchase of PC DJ or BPM Studios software that may be compatible with this product, performance could be greatly enhanced. I have been an active night club DJ for the last 10 years and was very excited at the concept but unfortunately I was extremely disappointed with the actual product.
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"Its OK but..........." on by djdude
Pros: hook it up your laptop.good for people who play muic at there own parties.
Cons: Read Below to see the cons
Summary: First there was turntables and and you had to take them in and out (they were real big) and it keeped you busy. Then comes along dual cd players and digital cd players that you can scratch and now all you do is put the CD in and do cueing etc. (getting a bit less work)now there this thing and all you do is click the song and there... would you pay $2,000 or $3,000 bucks for a DJ for your wedding to come with this thing and a laptop and speakers....and you dont have to look for cd's or records just sit there on a chair doing nothing???? this would be good for people who want to paractice to be a DJ,wannbe,etc. Trust Me i have been a DJ for 6 years.
DJDUDE
Hercules DJ Console user reviews (PC)
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