Hercules DJ Console Mk2

Originally written by mark_renton on Audiofanzine FR.

Features that motivated my choice:
1. It's a full-featured sound card (standalone system)
2. Price
I use it to mix when I'm away from my turntables...


Rather easy installation under Win XP. On the other hand, I still have problems with a Mac...
The user's manual is too imprecise...


It's fun to use it and it's easily transportable. It's really nice to have the possibility to mix MP3 files.
Very short latency on my PC.



Nice, transportable and convenient compact mixer for small performances.
I don't plan to use it for professional applications!!
Good value for money.
I don't regret having bought it, given the use I give it, but buy something else for professional MP3 mixing applications. In this case, you'd better choose M-Audio Xponent or vestax vci 300.
I'm adding the following comment after six months of use: It turns tedious... Too many limitations! Its unergonomic design makes you wanna throw it away after two hours of use...
But it's still fun to warm up...

I plan to buy a Vestax VCI!!

How long have you use it? : I use it since 2009.

Have you tried many other models before buying it? This is the first midi controller and I bought my first console to the "real" mix. (Before I had two CD players without speed control (it was the players ^ ^).

Have you tried many other models before buying it? : No

What is so special that you love the most, least? :
- The best: it's ergonomics and handling is top, and we identify the functions directly. The build quality is not too bad. preview mode, the functions

- The least: The sound card. it is true that for that price do not expect something great, but with regard to my computer, first, I think the problems is not very "serious" and that the ASIO drivers are sometimes capricious. But hey, for that price I would recommend a quiquonque who wants to learn or mix is ​​to have a little device to have fun with friends.

PS: it's still a great camera for beginners.

- What technical specifications motivated your choice?
Both phono and CD inputs (with switches) attracted me
The 3-band equalizer

- For what purpose?
I use it for accessories and also for my personal pleasure and train ...

-What is your config?
Rcent low-end computer ...
80 GB HDD
DDR 256 + 256 additions
CPU 2.6 GHTZ
DVD player
CD RW
Win XP home SP2

- Which instruments or Systmes (console, prampli, DTD ...) you use it and how connections? ..
2 comes into RCA (cinch), 2 RCA outputs and 2 in mini jack.
I use a PA system 2 x 150 Watt Amp + JCB
1 Jack-RCA cable + adapter supplied minijack-jack

- Installation is it without problem?
Problem in one of sries MK2: no srials for Virtual DJ ... in a call I got, if no other problem.

- Have you experienced any incompatibility?
Yes, with DJ Mixstation 3, so I use Virtual DJ 3.1 provides, almost identical

- The configuration gnrale is easy?
Yes, pretty simple

- The manual is clear and sufficient? ...
Yes, except the functions cited, but not found with MK2, such as "INPUT EFFECT"

- The drivers are stable?
Yes ...

- Are they often put day?
Not at the moment ...

- What software do you use most often?
Virtual DJ (Mixvibes is not supplied)

- What you get lag?
almost no latency ... config with a sufficient

- How many tracks you get record / playback simultanment? ...
2, the only two existing runways

- How long have you use it?
For the past one week, I'm glad trs, especially for the price (180)

- What is the particular feature you like best and least?
The jog wheels for scratching are not bad, I use quite Intgr effects and loops ...

- Have you tried many other models before acqurir?
Not ...

- How do you report qualitprix?
Really exellent, I see no major default, and I've never tried XP10 and other

- With the exprience, you do again this choice? ...
Definitely

-My choice was the Hercules console for its simplicity, its size and board functions. Indeed VDJ software alone has little interest. The preview to the headphone was also one of my motivations. After you download and read the instruction manual, I cracked the jogger is also larger and more precise, it is a good introduction to the scratch. Moreover, it is a handheld, small, very convenient.
"I'm in a personal use at home and in the evenings and it's more than enough for a user like me who wants to mix his mp3 on pc. In addition, this console is widely seen affordable features.
Ma config: Motherboard: ASUS P4P800 E
CPU: PIV 3.2GHz
RAM: 1024DDR
HDD: 80GB + 60GB externally
"I use the console for now only with my PC and my Altec Lansing 2.1 speakers. In the evening, I use this amp, or I do lend a ...

-Installation is very easy to connect the console to the pc, just follow the manual, very explicit. Now I did not try to connect turntables or DJ console .. I do not.
-No incompatibilities encountered, except in the very first launch VDJ DJConsole edition, it did not recognize the console, I simply disconnected and reconnected.
-The configuration could not be simpler, only three tabs in the configuration tool console. The button configuration is done in software.
-The manual is clear but does not explain the operation of VDJ ... probably because you can use other software, but with VDJ comes with the console, they might be able to put a manual to explain (though I was already using it before ... it would have been useful for new users)
-The only problem is to install VDJ was missing the CD key, so I called the customer service which has provided me immediately.

-The drivers are very stable. No problem so far on this.
-The console has a single update for now.
"I only use Virtual DJ 3.2 dj console edition (that comes with the console)
-I do not look or auditory latency with my setup (I have not tested with a lower config)
-I can read two tracks simultaneously, the two tracks of the software (and console)
-Just a small point, he could have put a system of blocking the jogger because they are very accurate, and the slightest movement makes it sratcher on music, so be careful in mixing not to touch them if you do not want missing the mix. But it is a matter of habit.

"I use the console for 1 week.
-What I like most is having a console to mix on the pc .. is incomparable with the keyboard / mouse. The preview to the headphone quickly becomes indispensable for an occasional DJ like me, this console is a perfect solution. The functions that are excellent as they embark to control almost entirely VDJ software (for example) and this software is already very powerful.
-What I like least is its size can be, but it's on purpose, is a portable, easy to transport that does not take place. The buttons are large enough not too many problems at this level. Only the cover is difficult to remove .. but it may just be on my console.
-I never tried the other models before.
-The price / quality ratio is excellent. When you see the price of a table mix + 2 decks, all to be connected to the PC for use with vinyl timecoded ... I prefer the DJ Console MK2. Some say that the scratch it has nothing to do .. and they are right ... nothing can replace a vinyl. But for me, as an amateur DJ who mixes for fun in the evenings and at home, I do not spend my time sratcher and I did not buy the console for this purpose. I mix the pieces with great combos, which is the purpose of the console.
-With experience, and given my use, I think I would do this choice.