Not long after the release of DJ Console, Hercules introduces its smaller and cheaper little brother to
the world. Apart from the striking emblem that shouts "Hercules DJ Control MP3", it looks exactly like its
bigger brother but a closer inspection reveals that this control unit does not have a build-in
soundcard. Everything is connected by a sole USB port which is located at the rear panel of the controller.
According to Mr. Joe, Managing Director of S.D.K. Technology Innovations, one is able to connect the
audio output directly from your laptop "audio-out" socket but an external soundcard is highly
recommended if you want better sound and minimized that latency problems.
The DJ Control MP3 comes bundled with that already famous Atomic "Virtual DJ" software which is specially
customized for Hercules. This software can emulate the layout of common 'real' consoles like the Pioneer CDJ500S
or many others but one can also install a skin that resembles the DJ Control MP3 unit.
LOOKS
DJ Control MP3 overall appearance is very solid and when it is plugged in, all the phosphorescent buttons
light up adequately for DJ to use in almost every DJ console which mostly are always very dimly lighted.
The unit measures at 235x200x650mm which is considered relatively small comparing it to its rivals, even
with my thick fingers, I am able to navigate comfortably without accidentally touching the rest.
CONTROLS
The control panel of DJ Control MP3 has two equal sets of knobs, sliders and a wheel and a "joystick" which
separates them. The "joystick" main function is to select the tracks in the DJ software but I found out
that it is quicker for me to navigate the list with my trusty mouse.
Apart from the usual buttons that are found on a "designed to DJ" CD players, the control unit has
that very important 3 knobs which controls the Treble, Medium and Bass frequency respectively that allows
DJ to make seamless transition between tracks.
The buttons and faders in the software correspond "real time" to all the knobs, faders and wheel
that are on the DJ Control MP3. That means if you press CUE on the control unit, the CUE button
on the software is lighted without any latency.
What I really like about this control unit is its Loops, Effects and Cue functions. It was a little tricky
at first as I have to press a button first in order to assign the use the advance functions. It only took a
few minutes for me to get a hang of it and after which things got really comprehensible.
The Loops function on a "designed to DJ" CD Player are a nightmare to set. One must know when is the right
moment to cue in and out. But not with this control unit. All one needed to do is set the software for
the amount of beats, i.e. 2, 4, or 8 beats, and the loop are made automatically at the touch of a
button. Easy Peasy.
OTHERS
Hercules claims that the DJ Control MP3 is able to mix and manipulate MP3 and CD-Audio music in real time
in equivalent to turntables or "designed to DJ" CD Players. Although I'm very impress with its overall
sound but I found that everytime I tried to scratch, the sound produced is somewhat plasticky. Perhaps
the fault lies on the software but I can't confirm it.
Another point to note is that, this whole step-up is not CPU hungry. With minimum requirement of Intel
Pentium III 800Mhz, the Intel Centrino 1.6GHz laptop that was used and even with two USB unit (one of
which is the external soundcard) attached to it, showed no signs of distress when accomodating to my beatings
of manipulating all the control protrusions.
VERDICT
This is a wicked product especially for beginners who are taking the first step into the DJing world, simply
because it is a cheaper alternative compared to buying a complete DJ setup which includes Turntables, CD Players,
DJ Mixers and of course its media. The cons are over-shadowed with positive points and the fact that it is easy
to use is a big big plus. I don't mind using this set-up for house parties or birthday celebrations but sadly
for serious DJs, this niffty little gadget could never replace the feel and sound of turntable and a "designed
to DJ" CD Player.
