While there is more and more professional DJ equipment available, it usually costs far too much for amateurs and those who only want to learn the DJ trade. Thus, there has always been a gap to bridge between professionals and "ordinary" computer sound-card users with DJ aspirations. DJ operations such as cross faders, joggles and pitches require more than what a sound card and software can offer, which is where Hercules comes in with its DJ Console, a crossbred device with a USB sound card and a hardware DJ interface.

The console also doubles as a multimedia card, albeit with limitations, as we shall see. Hercules' main goals here was to offer MP3 or other sound file mixing functions on a hard disk and to offer functions that go with being a DJ.


http://www.tomshardware.com/video/20031111/index.html

Well hey, I think it's great for those who want to at least get a start on the whole thing. Maybe? I dunno, something about it is strange, but I don't see it making any huge impacts on the industry.

And it won't in any way be the demise of the superstar dj. lol

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There are so many alternative technologies to turntables and records, but there is just something special about playing vinyl. Even amature djs know there's something to the touch and sound of a vinyl that can never be replaced with fancy computer mixers and digital song formats. Sure, the gadgets can add to a dj's repertoire, but the fundamental idea of a dj is still the same. Enjoy the music, and have fun.

I don't think the hurcules will hurt the scene. If anything, it gives amatures a head start and thats good for everyone. The more djs out there, the stronger the scene will grow. (Mind you, once the shitty ones have been weeded out.)

P.S. I wouldn't mind owning one of these....

ummm....cool, but not very impactful I think. At the end of the day, the source of the sound is irrelevent. You still need to understand the concepts and be able to master HOW to mix...ie: mixing on key, understanding bar structures, flow etc. Anyone who thinks just beatmatching any two tunes is all that's needed is going to be rudely surprised when they find it takes years to master a seemingly simple process. Oddly, I see it like Golf....Club, hit ball, get in hole.....so easy, yet men/women take lifetimes learning.

I disagree with the articles theme. It is just one more possible tool in the spectrum of mixing and the best will just use such things to add to their versitility while the weak will mash through it like any other format.

"A bigger hammer never made a better carpenter"

FF

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very nice toy. i'll have to pick it up for myself for xmas

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no sig, no prob

these types of technology will definately cause a bigger impact in terms of producing than it would for DJ'n ...

in the end i think it's good for everyone ..

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i have mixed feelings about this toy. Good start for DJs who wanna start, but it's gonna give the impression that mixing is easy as taking some toy and plugging it into some computer and then u will be ranked #1 DJ in the world.

Having said that, TO EACH HIS OWN.
The end result is the same: if it sounds good, use it.

all i know is, i'll be spinning vinyl regardless (unless ofcourse they stop pressing records for good or vinyl becomes highly reactive with chemicals in air, rxn releases toxic gasses, and it all dissolves and kills everyone within a 20 mile radius... but that will not happen anytime soon)

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