Hercules DJ Console Mk4 Controller Review
Site Review: So, we’ll have to admit, with our usual focus on Pro DJ equipment reviews, we’d not come across Hercules until they (or their PR people to be more accurate) contacted us wanting to send a review unit for their new MP3 controller. We of course obliged and herein lies a much fuller than usual Hercules DJ Console Mk4 review (hint hint to any other manufacturers reading this!). You can also read more on the company by checking out this profile.
Do you own one of these? Used one? Add your reviews below and
let us know how it performs!
The first thing we noticed about the DJ Console Mk4 is the size of the thing – it’s tiny (around the size of a net book computer) and comes with a cover and shoulder strap! It’s clear to see that this product is aimed at the bedroom/amateur/mobile DJ equipment market, from the size & price point, and this review bares that in mind.
Product Information
Brand: Hercules
Model: DJ Console Mk4
Channels: 2
Main features: compact & small for mobile DJ market, good software integration with VirtualDJ MK4, flexible connectivity options, loop & FX buttons.
Expect to pay: £164.00 + FREE P&P
Photo:
The Positives
- Connectivity is always key for flexibility, and the Hercules DJ Console Mk4 doesn’t let you down here. Alongside the USB 2.0 connection for mixing with MP3’s on a laptop, it comes with a 4-in 4-out stereo phono setup (supporting line/phono/pro line/boosted pro) allowing you to connect two other devices such as CD or vinyl decks for example, allowing an MP3 to vinyl to CD deck mix. Note though there’s only two channels, so switching between the sources is required - hold fire on your 3 and 4 deck mixing dreams for now.
- The DJ software that comes with was also impressive for this price point, and VirtualDJ Mk4 was ready to go inside 10 minutes of inserting the install CD. More importantly, it was easy to learn and work out the features, and especially impressive was the clarity between tracks being played and tracks being cued up – distinguished by a blue & red wave file overlaid on each other. It also offers additional features that can’t be reached from the controller.
- The Hercules DJ Console Mk4’s up faders were fairly stiff, which would usually be a bad thing, although on a unit of this size – we’re noting it as a positive given it’s so compact and the wrong things could be knocked easily. Embarrassing moment potential – saved!
- The 4 Loop & FX buttons per channel come as one with a select switch to choose your move – and the good news - they could be used by a granny & still sound in time! It’s also possible to overlay the FX onto each other, although using loops & FX in combination isn’t due to the aforementioned select switch – something you would find on more upmarket DJ software & controllers.
- The unit comes with cool lighting on the switches, which light up blue when engaged, file & folder buttons to navigate your tunes from the DJ controller and a choice of plastic covers (solid & sheet) for protection from drink spillages etc.
The Negatives
- We witnessed a few strange happenings during our testing. On the first track we played, audio started playing without either channel fader up & the cross-fader in middle! We couldn’t repeat this feat, as putting the channel fader up then down seemed to engage the controller, but it was slightly weird. Audio playback was also glitchy in places, with minor stutters in the sound now and again. This was on a newish Dell Windows 7 dual-core laptop too.
- Annoyingly there’s no gain adjustment on the Hercules DJ Console Mk4 controller – mouse action in the software is required if you’ve got tracks that differ in volume slightly – which most do! Somewhat of an oversight given the other features this packs.
- With portability and the light weight this requires – comes plastic – and lots of it! We can understand this on the casing, but some of the buttons didn’t feel right in our opinion and needed to be smoother in action.
- A few connectivity moans too - no phono lead is provided to connect the master out to an amp which in a mobile situation, could be an important backup. There was also no USB cable with our review unit when the box says it’s provided with a 2m one, but that’s just us being cranky & a good job we had a scanner USB cable to hand!
In Summary
Whilst we’ve reservations as to performance & reliability if you were using it for a gig where the crowd’s focus is on you & your performance, the Hercules DJ Console Mk4 is a great, fun little unit to use with plenty of positives if you’re just starting out; are on a limited budget but want to make moves into MP3 DJ’ing; or are a mobile DJ - wedding DJ’s, you should be fine!
Do you own one of these? Used one? Add your reviews below and let us know how it performs!
