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Mixing Capabilities and Final Thoughts |
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Things that make
you go "Hhhmmm" |
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Before
our final thoughts, we wanted to touch on the actual
mixing performance of the Console. This area is hard a
bit of a challenge to make a universal evaluation of,
because the limitations of the DJ Console are basically
determined by the software package that is implemented
with it. However, the DJ Console offers such a user
friendly interface, that after the initial set up we
where spinning the wheels of steel... eerr... make that
"rubber" in a matter minutes. After playing with each of
the various pieces of software that were include in the
bundle, we decided that Atomic's Virtual DJ offered the
best overall experience with the DJ Console.
Certainly, the other included pieces of software do
offer individual benefits over one another, it's just
that Virtual DJ was the most well rounded package.
To keep things honest,
and unbiased, the DJ Console does have one minor flaw,
there is a bit of latency between button push, and
software response. Though, this is somewhat expected due
to the Consoles USB 1.1 connection to the computer.
The resident HH DJ (yours truly), was having a few
issues timing his beat matching/scratch/etc due to being
accustom to the instantaneous response of actual DJ
Equipment and traditional turn-table. All in all, we did
learn to compensate for the delay in response and we
were back to having fun with the equipment in short
time. One question can only be raised here however, as
to why a USB 2.0 interface was not implemented during
the design process of this console.
On the
whole, we have to say that we are generally impressed
with the Hercules DJ Console. Though this device is
aimed at a very specific niche market, it should grab
the attention of those in the DJ'ing industry. Offering
the latest in audio quality, 24bit and 5.1 Surround
Sound output, is truly an asset that the audiophile will
rejoice over. Though we at H.H. can not see a huge
number of people purchasing the DJ console as an
external sound alternative, these features just add to
its already asset rich offering. A quick glance may
inspire the thoughts of a toy like product, which is far
from the truth. Offering more functions then the average
DJ would look for, the DJ Console is well worth the
expected shelf price of $249.99 USD. The only draw back
in our opinion is the use of the USB 1.1 controller in
this unit. We are still slightly confused as to why
Hercules would produce a product of this caliber and not
incorporate USB 2.0 or Firewire support. Perhaps
the answer lies in some bandwidth versus latency
struggle at the engineering level but it would seem that
the over all responsiveness of USB 2.0 would enhance the
responsiveness of the Console as well.
Consider
a classy software bundle, a little literature, USB cable
and a shoulder strap to go with the unit and you have
the concept of the final retail package here. In the
end, for delivering such a unique product with fantastic
quality, price, performance and features, we are
awarding the Hercules DJ Console 8.5 out of 10 on the
heat scale.
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- Protective Cover
- Shoulder Strap
- High Output LED's
- Tactile Controls
- Loaded Software
Bundle
- 24bit Audio
- Loads of
Connective Options
- 100% USB Powered
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- No EAX Support
- USB 1.1, Not USB
2.0
- Slight Latency
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