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 techonlogy 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.
Feature:
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.
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.
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 techinques many pro DJ's use. This product will not disappoint you.
Manufacturer 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.
41 of 52 people
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Sound:
The sound could be improved. I was on a gig of about 50 people and Hercules mk2 with my laptop it was great, it worked fine, except sometimes i hear noise coming from the speakers as i move the volume or the cross fader. i don't know if its from speakers of the mk2.
Feature:
Compared to other dj cd players, this doesn't have any features at all. The jog wheel is not for scratch its just too small, so don't buy this for scratching. It has a sound card built into it, so its pretty handy. this unit will get you started, it do the job and thats what matters. it has a microphone input, but it didn't work for me. the headphone inputs are great, but sometimes you turn the wheel to listen to side A, but it plays side B. Minor problem.
Ease of Use:
Pretty straight forward, you got the usual high mid and low, and all the effects are on Virtual Dj.
Quality:
I had this for almost a year now, still working fine. 99% is plastic, what you expect?
Value:
I think you can get better with the price, get you a cd player instead just because they bigger and its professional. but if you just started djing then this is for you! you going to have to sell it one way or another after you get experience.
Manufacturer Support:
I called Hercules once to ask them about how i can convert pitch/ volume and they were helpful, that was the only time i called them.
The Wow Factor:
It's not that attractive compared to turntables and cdjs that people die for. But it does the job and it's very portable.
Overall:
Pretty good product, had it for year, still works fine.
14 of 18 people
(77.78%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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Manufacturer Support:
I had an issue with my unit after about a year. Customer support from the US distributor was excellent. After going through troubleshooting with a tech, I was told to send the unit back for full replacement. This happened quickly and efficiently. Nice people to deal with.
The Wow Factor:
Was a good mixer to start with. I have since moved on to a higher level professional model, but they cost ALOT more. This unit was a great introductory unit which pulled its weight at several house parties using the supplied software. Had some good times with it.
Overall:
Great to learn to mix with. Very versatile when used with a software package such as Traktor or virtual DJ, etc. Keep in mind though that this is not an upper end piece of equipment. You may want to move up one day to something a little more solid (ie more metal) especially if you plan on gigging with it. Fills the gap though before oyu go spend $1000-$2000 for a high end mixer effects unit and then decide DJing isn't for you. Good for making mixes to burn to CD too. Not to good for scratching with the dials.
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