I already have a Hercules RMX model, but I still love this little guy. He got me started in my career.

Sound
This controller sounds pretty great, because of the direct midi out into a computer (depending on your sound processor and speaker system)it sounds near flawless. I own one of these, and it was my first DJ tech; I've got to say that I was very impressed right out of the box.

Features
This little deck comes with a great range of features, and including the software it comes with to use it. I love the virtual DJ software and its ease of use, and its customizability. In the software, you can change how the FX buttons effect the music, such as the flanger and the double beat. It was two vinyl jog wheels, and those are a little bit touchy, and an accidental touch of those can ruin a good sound, but if used correctly you can sound like a '90s DJ with the scratch effect. It has a cue button, if you know how to use it right then this is helpful for either backtracking, or skipping to your favorite part of the track. There are 3 EQ knobs for each deck side (for each playing track) so if you like the bassline of one song but want to the vocals of another over it, you can turn down the middle and treble and turn up the bass for one, and turn down bass and treble for the other. The sync capability is good with some songs. What it does is lower or raise the BPM of either or both songs, so that they match in beat/tempo.… read more It works fine.

Ease of Use
Once you get acquainted with the machine, and the software, you'll be playing all day. This was so easy to use; the day I got it, I sat on it for 6 hours straight playin around with it and the software. And keep in mind this was my first piece of DJ tech; I figured out what everything on it did within the first 30 minutes after unboxing. During your playing, you'll find that it is super simple to change songs, add effects, blend songs, and even search for songs. The VJDJ software implants a database file in your folder of music so that when you start it up, your music should just be right there in the folder section (I've found its easier to just have one folder with all of the music files in it and not have them seperated by album, because the database has a search function that you can use to narrow it down if you're looking for a specific track and you have hundreds of songs). The FX settings are just a press away. You press the Loops/FX button and then the four buttons below it are the effects.

Quality
I love this thig's portability and it hasn't broken yet. I just feel the vinyl-like jog wheels are a bit too touchy. Overall the quality is superb.

Value
This thing, for the $100, is definitely a good buy for beginners. Hercules has a few other models with more features, but I strongly suggest getting this one to get acquainted with the Hercules feel of the software integration.

Manufacturer Support
Haven't needed support, and unless you do some serious damage to your machine, I'm pretty sure you wouldn't either.

The Wow Factor
I've already got it, but before I had it, I was in love with the idea of getting it.

Musical Background:
a little over a year, synthesizers, and bass guitar

Musical Style:
electronic read less