We've certainly heard this "
world's smallest" claim before in the world of DJ controllers, but as components shrink and plastics get thinner, we aren't shocked to see one company leap-frogging another. According to
Hercules, its new DJ Console Mk4 is "the most portable and most compact 2-deck DJ controller with built-in audio for PC and Mac," checking in at 10.4- x 7.3-inches and weighing just 3.3 pounds. Making its musical debut at Musikmesse 2010, this controller boasts a pair of stereo outputs (one for mixing, one for previewing tracks), a duo of analog inputs, the ability to hum along on USB power alone and a bevy of knobs / faders for those who actually know what they're doing with a pair of platters spinning in front of them. It's slated to ship this June in the UK for £179.99 ($268), though no US availability seems planned at the moment.
Update: Good news! Hercules pinged us to say that the unit will be out in America this June with an MSRP of $199.
posted March 28th 2010 7:40AM
The whole reason that I like the Numark NS7 is the fact that you can move your hands around, turn knobs, and press buttons with out bumping any other controls. In my opinion they should be making MIDI controllers that follow the way of the NS7 and give you room to move around. Given, that doesn't apply to everyone.
@Brack89
I do agree with you that making stupid mistakes can come about with cramped buttons & faders, but sometimes its just not practical given the lack of space in most DJ booths. I have a Hercules RMX and have had problems in the past just setting it up with my laptop in a booth, where generally the only real space is at the *back* for record boxes! I'll certainly be buying this MK4 controller, just to see if its compact size advantage outweighs any issues with cramped layout!
@hardino
You'd think in a world without 1200 decks, there would a lot more room in the booth, but I guess there always something new to toss in there heh
FIRST yeah
@tpbftw Whoops fail
@tpbftw
lawl beat u :P
DJs that dont use old skool CDs or Vinyl are not DJs as theres no skill required as anyone can DJ with MP3s, AACs playlists, and dont get me started with DJs that only use iTune playlists
@OCEAN CLAK
Please tell me how using Serato software, whether with timecodes or midi, is any different than your "old school" way. Oh wait, it's not any different.
So when they no longer make those products and they no longer exist no one can be a "DJ" in you books right? What a joke. Go back to telling kids to get off your lawn.
@OCEAN CLAK
You have obviously no clue about DJ'ing then. I know plenty of people who own CDJ's and Turntables and can't DJ for cr@p. And same with Digital DJ's. A DJ that can mix and blend or beat match etc good and sound good and put on a good show is a REAL DJ with skill. Whether it is with Vinyl or Virtual DJ. It's how you use your tools and how good you sound. If you use auto play and compiled playlists I do however agree your not a DJ or at least a good DJ to be fair LOL
@OCEAN CLAK
I'm old enough to remember that being a CDJ was considered not being a *real* DJ. Funny how when new technology comes along the goalposts change. Regardless, that old chestnut "vinyl vs CD vs PC/Mac" could go on forever and as previously mentioned, its about how the crowd reacts and not what kit you're using. Anyway I wouldn't dream of saying to my friend that he should only be using a philips screwdriver to install his shower otherwise he's not a *real* plumber!
@DJ Babylon
I know how to use my tools
@OCEAN CLAK
Everything a real DJ needs is a mouse and a 'sync' button. Well, that, and an internet connection to check their email/facebook while the tracks are playing in the background.
I'm very happy with my reloop digital jockey interface edition, thank you.
This device is just a little too basic.
i was in musikmesse yesterday,
this is not good at all, it is just a kids toy...
Unuseful.
like mentioned up there, buy the NS7
Interesting price point, I'd be tempted to try those out as I've never owned a 'digital' setup, mostly because I've never been good enough/professional enough to justify spending more on gear.
"Can we go to McDonald's instead? See, I have these tiny hands, and the big beefy double cheeseburgers at Burger King will just make them look tinier..."
Here is one of my latest dj mixes. Using vinyl,cd's,and a laptop. http://soundcloud.com/dsds/relentless I have been djing since way before there was a cdj, so I do know how to beat match by ear. I don't hate, people should embrace the tech at hand and push the limits of what can be done.
Oh and this probably is "toy" quality, but if you're good it doesn't really matter. I wouldn't use it in a club, but I would buy it for my son to start learning how to mix songs in key. I might hook it up in my car as well, in the past I've dj'd with my pacemaker on long roadtrips.
I don't get the point of DJs. I mean, they look silly -- standing behind their Fisher-Price mixers, hopping up and down like they're actually doing something. What are they, beyond a meat-powered playlist?
@WOPR
"whika whika wah"
think about it
Why would would the guy in the picture use the hercules when there's a set of CDJ400's right next to him? I know which I'd rather use!
@RufusWhite Thats too funny. I didn't notice the pic, but you are correct. I'd be on the cdjs.
i just got a Mk2 for 5 bucks at goodwill :-D
This would be perfect for keyboard cat.
Just on the off-chance that Hercules read the comments (judging by the update they might)... is there any chance they could offer this in black? Silver plastic is *so* 5 years ago.
I thought the whole point of the larger turntables was to give you more precise control.
I feel like the smallest movement on a turntable this small would skip ahead several seconds...
@petepete
Depends on the resolution of the sensor. Usually, you get 128 messages per channel, which is either adequate or not, depending on what you're doing. Pitch resolution - not really, unless you max your range to +/- 4%. Seeking - seems OK.
How does it stack against Hercules's own DJ Control MP3 e2? The units look the same, except for color/finish, and MP3 e2 has backlit controls. Mk4, OTOH, doesn't. If I were in the market, I'd rather go with MP3 e2.
anyone tried using these tools with a USB interface for recording (like with garageband)? i tried using something similar with my presonus interface and the beats just sounded tinny. Am I doomed to tinny sound unless i get something that plugs straight into my computer via USB?