Hercules

The Hercules DJ Control Instinct is not only affordable but it has a very nice feel to it for it to be in this price range. There are two jog wheels that are pressure sensitive and there are mixer controls in the center of the set up with individual deck controls on the left side and on the right side for each individual platter. The stereo mini jack output is very loud so it can be heard over all of the other sounds during a performance. Setting this controller up is very simple. It is bus powered via USB so all I had to do was just plug it in. I never had any driver issues or anything with this controller and never heard of any driver updates for it. This controller is also very easy to take with you anywhere. I would not use it as my main controller or rely on it for major shows but it could work as a backup. It comes with software but you can also use it with which ever software you want to use it with if you are not a fan of the “DJUCEDTM” software that comes with it. Though it provides software is very easy to use and has some features that even a seasoned DJ can appreciate. Knowing what I know about this product now, I probably wouldn’t purchase it again if I could go back and do it all over because I never really got my money’s worth out of it and never used it as a main controller for my set up. So mainly it was a back up unit and never got tested on the big stage. I recommend someone to look into some of the beginner packages (DJ controller packages) from Numark and similar companies. They have some really good affordable units to learn with.

The RMX Pro is a control surface that has a built in audio interface. It is made better than the first version of the Hercules that came out before it and for that matter it cost about a hundred dollars more. This console comes with a talk over feature, you will just need to plug your microphone into the input slot and you can use it very easily. There are 2 stereo inputs that will also let you bring in MP3’s or other audio files directly from other pieces of gear. This is a great surface to use for a live show; it is actually made for that reason. It is built tough with metal castings. The RMX also comes with a carrying case; it is very convenient to have it because if you are traveling a lot you do not want your console to get damaged or dinged form it being moved around so much. This console does have a well made job wheel, the jog wheel will give you control over the curser to select songs with. Adding effects on the RMX Pro is very simple, the effects are not very good but if you know how to use them they will work just fine. This is a great value that you are getting with this product for this price. Yes there are better options to go with for this price range, but the RMX Pro will not let you down. It is very easy to use and set up; you will be using it within 10 minutes after opening it up out of the box. Load up the drivers and you are done, there are not a lot of buttons or knobs. So if you need a control surface with more flexibility to sync with your software then you might want to check out some other controllers.

The Hercules DJ Control AIR is a control surface for the mobile DJ. The main attraction of this controller is that you can have touch free control over your performances because there is a sensor that will allow you to change things quickly just by waving your hand over it. This is not as responsive as you might think it should be. I have noticed many issues with it not reading properly or as quickly as it should read when you swipe your hand over it. I would not use this for a performance just because it is not that reliable, the last thing that I would want is to be performing and it not read my actions and mess up my whole show. The AIR does have a built in audio interface, which is a good feature to have depending on your set up. There are also 8 performance pads that are a good size. Since this is just a controller you will need to use a DJ program that you are comfortable with, the one that comes with AIR is not one of my favorites at all because I felt like it was too difficult to fully understand. But getting it to work with this controller was not hard at all. The idea of this controller is great, it would be awesome to have the ability to change your settings and effects/transitions just by swiping your hand across the sensors but it just was not tested enough to work out the kinks. It is very affordable and to say the least, it will work great as a controller. The price makes it a must try, but if you are buying it for the “swipe” capabilities then do not get it. You will be very upset with how unresponsive the swipe action really is.

The Hercules HDP M1001 are very well built and remind me off some of the upper end Shure line of DJ Headphones. The HDP M1001 will allow you to get a clear listen to your music no matter if you are at the club or a studio and even a home setting. They are very quiet and do a good job keeping all external noise out. When I am home I use these to make music with, not to DJ with per say. I have got some good mixes out of my own music with the HDP M1001. You can fold up the M1001 and remove the card as well for the best storage or transportation. The ear cups are soft and don’t get un-comfortable after you have them on for hours. The ear cups don’t have the foam feel to them, its almost like they have some type of a top coat on them that makes them kind of shiny but still keep them soft. They wont break apart or chip off and leave black stuff on your ears. The HDPM1001 can fit all size heads and provide complete comfort. You can rotate the ear pieces 180 degrees to use it just in one ear, it comes with ¼ and 1/8 adapters and a carrying case/pouch to take the M1001 from place to place. They have a full dynamic frequency range of 5hz to 30kH. The value of these for the price (169) is about right on point with what it should be. When they first came out they cost about 50 dollars more than that. Don’t be afraid of these because they are not “Shure” or “Pioneer” or any other name brand that is popular amongst DJ’s. These are very good headphones and at a good price. I would buy them again if I needed to and don’t regret my decision to purchase them in the first place.

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!!

Originally written by tweak on Audiofanzine FR. When I bought it, I needed a new sound card very quickly. I chose it because I thought I would get a sound car plus a controller. I needed a sound card for monitoring and also to mix my MP3s with my vinyl records. I had PROBLEMS during the installation because it wasn't recognized by the computer, but I finally succeeded after many attempts. The manual is enough. The latency time is ok. I used the software tools provided but they are not quite finished technically speaking. I had latency problems and the cue points were not reliable. I could only playback one single track. I kept it one year and it didn't do what I expected. I later bought a secondhand Edirol FA 101. The sound was much better and I didn't notice any latency. Now, I have an Echo Layla and I guess the sound quality will increase again. I sold it again. This was my worst buy and also my worst sell ever. --Awful! Just a toy! For the same price, you'd better buy an Edirol or an EMU.

Originally written by Fender2a on Audiofanzine FR. Bought in 98. It was the only one at this price which provided an external rack housing, eight inputs and a comprehensive software package. Use: home studio for guitar and keyboard recording Computer system: CPU AMD Athlon, 1 GB Ram, two hard drives, dual boot with Win Millenium (for the Isis) and XP. UTILIZATION Installation can be a bit tricky, but it works if you use the latest driver version (somewhat old) and follow the procedure. The only problem is the lack of support for XP. That's why I use a dual boot system with Millenium for the sound card. Stability is not an issue, the system never crashes. GETTING STARTED I use it with Cubase Vst5, Acid pro and Wavelab I record only audio, no latency problems. OVERALL OPINION After so many years with my Isis, I must admit that it will be difficult to part with it. When I bought it, it was a very good product. It's a pity that there is no XP support. I would buy it again. I created an area dedicated to the Isis on my homepage. Visit it and tell us your experience. https://jmantoni.capitello.com