6/5/2023 0 Comments Controlair controls![]() This could have been all in one to make it considerably less confusing for the beginner to get going. To start with, you need to install two pieces of software: There’s a helper program that controls master volume outputs, switches the “air” part (the proximity sensor) on or off, switches between Midi resolution settings and so on and then there’s the DJ software itself. ![]() The DJ Air control panel: Lets you adjust system settings, but it would be better placed in the configuration panel so as not to confuse beginners so much. ![]() For a consumer controller, it’s not the easiest software by any means to get your head around – using this makes you realise how refined some of the more mature programs have become over the years. While it feels like it’s based distantly on Virtual DJ, it has had lots of stuff tacked on by Hercules. To start with, this controller comes with software that’s until-now unheard of, called DJUCED. Overall, it feels like a consumer DJ controller, which at this price point is, of course, exactly what it is. Fair enough at this level, as that’s what most people will be using with it I’d guess. The audio output is 1/8″ TRS stereo, basically perfect for plugging computer speakers in. Rubberised buttons on the front control cue/mix for the headphones (1/4″ TRS) and headphones volume (curiously, it’s two push buttons for up and down), and round the back is a Kensington lock socket and a dimmer for the beat LEDs (more on those later). The jogwheels are rattly and feel average to turn, being cheaper descendants of the quite nice jogwheel design Hercules uses on its modern controllers higher up the range, but they at least have reasonably authentic weighting so they spin for a bit upon release, as vinyl would. The faders for channels, crossfader and pitch are again rubberised, and (necessarily on a controller of this size) rather short throw. ![]() The performance pads feel nice, being rubberised, and the other buttons – while not exactly pleasing under the fingers – at least have definite “clicks” when pressed, and feel like they’d keep working reliably. The EQ knobs are rubberised too, and firmly jammed on (I couldn’t get them off), but are rather cramped. As always, though, let’s see how it shapes up in practice… First impressions and setting upĭespite being a small, lightweight, moulded plastic unit, it’s actually rather neat looking, being black, with a matt finish all around except for the mixer section, which is high gloss. Despite this little plastic unit’s price and appearance, it appears to be capable of the lot. Sat on our workbench is the Hercules DJ Control AIR, a DJ controller with built-in audio, touch-sensitive jogwheels, eight velocity-sensitive performance pads, integrated software that includes sampling, effects, looping and recording, onboard library management, and an “air” sensor for altering the mix using your hand through the air.ĭespite being plainly 100% aimed at the consumer (or the curious, or the plain strapped for cash), the US$169 Hercules DJ Control Air has, on paper, got everything you need to DJ – and about ten times more stuff as well. ![]()
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