Hercules introduces DJ Control Steel mixing deck
By Donald Melanson 
posted December 17th 2008 12:10AM
posted December 17th 2008 12:10AM
While those only versed in the ways of the iPod-based DJ mixer may want to steer clear, those with a bit more DJing experience will no doubt find plenty to like in Hercules' new DJ Control Steel mixing deck here, which can be hooked up to the Mac or PC of your choice via USB. As you can see above, the unit itself will give you two mixing decks, along with 13 rotary switches, six faders, and no less than 46 push buttons, including five effects buttons and six kill buttons. To add your own stamp to the deck, you can also remove the steel center plate and replace it with a customized one, and you can use it with the MIDI-based DJing software of your choosing if the included Virtual DJ 5 isn't to your liking. At $299.99, it also won't be too much of a hurt on your bank account, although you'll have to wait until December 22nd to actually get your hands on it.
Yes, the world will need more DJ's
:-(
Computer DJing is a bit like driving a car with an auto, and the "proper" old-skool way of vinyls and CDs are like cars with proper manual transmissions. Both can be brilliant but CDs and vinyls take some more skill and is more fun, and really, that's the whole point of a hobby/enjoyable profession.
And another thing, if I wanted to DJ completely digitally from mp3's or a harddrive, I'd go for a Tonium Pacemaker, the mobility allows a DJ to be actually on the dancefloor when mixing and THAT is revolutionary. (See DJMag's video if you don't believe me)
Level 5, I kind of agree with your stance on this issue, but no need for the anger. Chill out. CDJs rule.
oh and another thing i've noticed through the ages, is
A) people don't even realize vinyl is still cut and made today
B) having a "wheel" on your controller device automatically makes it a scratch wheel. honestly, has anyone tried to scratch with one of these? you sound like a 3 yr old messing with daddy's record player. inconsistent and full of skips and lags.
@ V Langs
Thanks for the advice V Langs. I appreciate it!! Ive looked at those DJ bundles from Stanton...Ive thought about those but hesitated cuz of the price of serato. I guess I should look at Traktor or something of what you use.
I dont have the luxery of having freinds that have tables so I cant mess around...but the bundle is looking like a better option over a controller. I know it will take a long time to learn so I can deal with dropping 200 bucks for now. thanks!!
Who the fuck scratches anyway
@Mobius_1
Sasha has been using the custom "Maven" controller for a few years, and then now and again you will see him using a korg Zero8, Ithink he use the 8 on the last tour.
Yes, I know that much from Wikipedia :)
My point is, he's using a computer (with Ableton and Logic Pro) to do his sets and uses them to great effect, and he is, definitely, no doubt, a REAL DJ.
It's not what you play it on, it's what you play and how you play it.
Peace
Because the analog vs. digital battle is long and there are no winners, I will just offer up a bit of where I come from. I started out DJing on vinyl in the mid 90's, went strictly into producing for the majority of the time, and as of the last few years got back into DJing. Since my chosen style of music is industrial, rhythmic noise, power noise, etc, these releases are not readily available on vinyl these days. Most are CD's and MP3-based. So immediately I have very few choices. To make sure I'd be into it again, I bought a shitty Hercules MK2 (precursor to the Hercules RMX and now, this one).
After trying out a few different pieces of software (VDJ, Traktor, Deckadance, Mixx) I settled between using either Traktor or VDJ (depends on my mood), but then moved up to a Presonus Firebox for my soundcard (firewire sexiness), and the Vestax VCI-100 for my MIDI controller. When I want to have a bit more fun when not out DJing with that rig, I use Serato and timecoded vinyl, and when I have my CD book around, I'll switch over to some CDJ's or whatever else is laying around.
Case in point - don't use beatlock, don't use "auto mix" or any of that crap - still go by your ear as any proper DJ and you should be fine. And get the Vestax VCI-100 damnit, it's one of the best controllers out there.
Ooooh, so this is how the DJ Hero controller will look like.
I don't see why any on ewould complain that the console is not ... a pair of thechnics.. blah blah blah...
It is what it is. I work as a photographer for my day job, and use £20,000 camera + £40,000 worth of lenses + £10,000 of lights for a commercial shoot... but when I went to a friends wedding I took along a Canon G10 compact and took some shots the bride/groom loved.
I'd guess that if I was a DJ used to what ever set up in clubs, I wouldnt want to take all my kit along to a friends garden party, but I might take a laptop and the hercules.... um which is exactly what I do (although I have the original Mk1). It's a bit of fun and anyone can have a go without worrying about scratching vinyl or trashing cartridges.
I could also suggest that if the you are DJing and the crowd can notice what kit you are using, then maybe it's the DJ that needs upgrading not the equipment.
We use this in our club along with the deckadance software. Granted we aren't a huge club (100 or so people on friday nights) we are still professionals. After having stability problems with serato and quality problems with the VCI's (everyone swears they are great.. pfft ) this setup is a godsend. It may not feel like a brick, but we love this controller. There is a lot of idiots in here, most of which probably don't even own a setup, let alone know how to use one.
Uhh This comment came from a public computer I left logged in. It's fine and all, just dont bug me about whatever that guy said.