We are all familiar with the iconic DJ scratching away on vinyl, as the art of turntablism grew these DJ would create more complex routines using just vinyl records, turntables and a mixer. Over time with the move away from vinyl to digital, all these complex mixing routines have now moved onto the computer, to be controlled via DJ controllers. One of the big names in digital DJ controllers is Hercules and this year at NAMM 2016 they had some new hardware to show off, the Hercules P32 DJ controller and the DJUCED 40 3.0 software.
What is a DJ Controller anyway?
So moving away from a vinyl or traditional CDJ setup, DJs now employ digital controllers to manipulate music in a DJ software program or in more mobile setups, an app. Many DJ controllers have the same basic format which borrows heavily from the history of DJing. Even the most basic DJ controllers offer 2 deck controls, which encompass buttons like play, pause, cue and some sort of jog wheel or touch strip, which help to seek through tracks, adjust cue points and so. In the middle of the 2 deck controls, is the mixer section, which has volume, EQ and more controls for each deck. More advanced DJ controllers offer even more buttons and knobs to trigger more FX, samples, loops and whatever DJs can come up with.
Enter the Hercules P32 DJ Controller
Hercules has been making DJ controllers for quite some time now and has become a recognized name among DJs new and professional alike. This year at NAMM 2016 Hercules showed off one of their newest pieces of hardware, the Hercules P32 DJ controller. With this new controller you can clearly see that Hercules is taking steps to appeal to the more digital crowd as it has replaced the more common jog wheels with 32 backlit performance pads and comes with a built in audio interface. The 32 pads offer DJs a great way to utilize DJ software features like remix decks, loops, samples, hot cues and more. Its also rather small and offers a great amount of control for a much more mobile DJ setup. Check out the video below to see the Hercules P32 DJ controller in action.
Plus the Hercules DJUCED 40 3.0 software
Hercules also showed off their latest DJ software, DJUCED 40 3.0, which is designed to be used in conjunction with the Hercules P32 DJ controller. With veteran digital DJs in mind, DJUCED 40 3.0 is very much a performance based DJ software. It feature two audio decks, numerous effects, synchronization, waveform displays, advanced loop management and more. With this combination of software and hardware it’s clear that Hercules is trying to pack as much as possible into this mobile friendly duo.
Hercules has even more controllers to suit any level of DJ
Hercules also offers many more DJ controllers for all levels of DJ. The Hercules Compact DJ Controller, offers a great way to get started DJing, it’s small, has all the essential controls and it supports not only Hercules’ own DJ software (which it also includes) but some of the other big names in the DJ software arena as well (such as Traktor and Virtual DJ).
For the more advanced DJ looking to get a more robust experience from their controller of choice Hercules also offers controllers like the Hercules Instinct S DJ Controller or the Hercules Console 4 MX Black Edition DJ Controller. Both offer tons of control over your chosen DJ software and offer a professional sound experience for a skilled or intermediate DJs.
I might not use Hercules equipment when I DJ, but I know many DJs who started on Hercules controllers and several who still use them to this day. All of them have said the same, Hercules offers great compact controllers that can take a beating (all the bumps, drops and spilled drinks that happen in DJ life) and keep sounding great.
