Main differences between VirtualDJ DJC 5 and VirtualDJ Pro 5

The main differences between the DJ Console Edition of VirtualDJ and the pro version of VirtualDJ are:

= VirtualDJ DJC 5(for the Rmx)


= VirtualDJ Pro 5

• Connected device: VirtualDJ DJC 5 requires a DJ Console Rmx connected and installed on the computer, while VirtualDJ Pro requires no specific controller,
  
• Audio: VirtualDJ DJC 5 plays audio only on DJ Console Rmx integrated sound card, and VirtualDJ DJC 5 cannot split the audio playback with 1 stereo output dedicated for each deck, while VirtualDJ Pro plays on any sound card and can split the audio playback per deck,
  
• Video: VirtualDJ DJC 5 mixes video files only in a small window on the same screen as VirtualDJ graphic interface, while VirtualDJ Pro 5 mixes video files up to full screen, and can possibly play video on another display (TV set or computer screen) than VirtualDJ graphic interface,
  
• Skins: VirtualDJ Pro lets users loads tons of skins, while VirtualDJ DJC 5 is limited to its default skin,
  
• Time code: only VirtualDJ Pro lets deejays control their mixes with time code vinyl discs or time code CDs.
  
• Remapping: only VirtualDJ Pro lets the deejay change the assignations of functions on the buttons of the controller.
  
• Automation: Only VirtualDJ Pro offers a lot of automation, from an auto-BPM, auto gain, and several automated adjustment up to multiple automix functions.

DJ Console Rmx: a few shots

3 shots of DJ Console Rmx:

Rear side




Front side


Zoom view

What are the DJ mix software compatible with Hercules DJ Console Rmx?

Today, DJ Console Rmx can control the following DJ mix software:

• VirtualDJ 5 (VirtualDJ DJC and VirtualDJ Pro) in Mac OS and Windows XP / Vista (http://www.virtualDJ.com),
  
• Traktor DJ Studio 2.5 and 3 in Mac OS and Windows XP / Vista (http://www.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=traktor3&ftu=4870c539f991942),
  
• Ultramixer Pro in Mac OS and Windows XP/Vista (http://ultramixer.com/)
  
• Deckadance in Mac OS and Windows XP/Vista (http://www.deckadance.com/)
• Mixxx in Mac OS and Windows XP/Vista (http://www.mixxx.org/)
• Mixvibes Cross in Windows XP / Vista (http://www.mixvibes.com)
  
• MegaSeg 4.0 in Mac OS (http://www.megaseg.com/controllers.html)
  
• DJDecks in Windows XP / Vista (http://djdecks.be/index.php)
  
• PCDJ VJ (Video Jockey) and PCDJ Dex in Windows XP / Vista (http://www.pcdj.com/products/video-karaoke-software/vj/).
  

Play external audio sources on DJ Console MK2

DJ Console MK2 has 2 stereo audio inputs to connect external audio sources. You can so connect external audio sources as turntables, CD players, MP3 players, groove boxes.
Once an external audio source is connected to DJ Console MK2, it can replace a sound track loaded on DJ Console M2 decks:
- the source connected on input 1-2 can replace the music file loaded on the left deck
- the source connected on input 3-4 can replace the music file loaded on the right deck
as DJ Console MK2 Source 1 and Source 2 buttons let you switch between the USB streaming and the external audio sources.


Connect CD Players
Your CD player has generally a dual RCA output, so you can plug it to the input 1-2 or 3-4 of DJ Console MK2 as additional audio source for your mixes, and you must switch DJ Console MK2 line/phono switches in line position. DJ Console MK2 line inputs are designed for line level inputs, so for CD players whose input level is:
- a consumer line level signal (-10dBv), you must turn up the DJ software gain knob to add software gain on the audio input in your DJ software,
- a pro line level signal (+4dBu), the default level on DJ Console MK2 should be OK,
- higher than standard pro line level signal (as Pioneer CD players whose output level is 2V, which means +8dBu), you must attenuate the signal in an external device before plugging into DJ Console MK2 line inputs to avoid saturation.
The external attenuating device can be:
- a dedicated attenuator, as SM Pro Audio Nano Patch
http://www.smproaudio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&Itemid=68



- an analogue audio console, as Behringer Xenyx 502 or UB 502
http://www.behringer.com/502/index.cfm?lang=eng
http://www.behringer.com/UB502/index.cfm?lang=eng

- an in-line volume control for headphones, as Shure PA235 or Koss VC20
http://www.shure.com/PersonalAudio/Products/Accessories/CasesAdapters/us_pa_pa235_level_attenuator
http://www.koss.com/koss/kossweb.nsf/p?openform&pc^ac^VC20


- a multimedia hub, as Trust Multimedia hub
http://www.trust.com/products/product_detail.aspx?item=12304
- an analog DJ mixer, whose gain knobs can attenuate the input signal.
- an amplifier for headphones, as Behringer MA400
http://www.behringer.com/MA400/?lang=ENG


Connect vinyl turntables
If your vinyl turntable output level is line level, you can plug it to DJ Console MK2 input as if the turntable was a CD player.
If your vinyl turntable output level is a phono level output, then its dual RCA output comes with a ground cable, and you must:

• plug the RCA outputs to the input 1-2 or 3-4 of DJ Console MK2,
  
• attach the ground cable to DJ Console MK2 ground screw,
  
• switch the phono/line switch in phono position.
  

The turntable cell must have a strong output level as Shure M44-7.
In case the phono sound seems noisy, make sure you have attached the turntable ground cable to DJ Console MK2 ground screw. DJ Console MK2 ground is connected to the computer ground via the USB cable, so if you still get noise on the phono source once the turntable ground cable is attached to DJ Console MK2 ground screw, then the ground of your laptop may be too small and you can improve the audio quality:

• either by connecting the DJ Console MK2 to the laptop via a USB hub which has an independent power supply (so that your add the ground of your USB hub)
  
• or by adding a regulated power adapter to DJ Console MK2 (to use this adapter's ground).
  

Connect MP3 players
The headphones output of MP3 players can be connected to DJ Console MK2 RCA line inputs 1-2 or 3-4, and DJ Console MK2 line/phono switch must be set in line position on this input.
Adjust the MP3 player output level by setting the headphones volume on the MP3 player, and afterwards you can use DJ Console MK2 gain knob to change the software gain on the audio input in your DJ software depending on the output level of each track on your MP3 player.

Mobile DJ Mix release 1.07

Hercules has released a new version of the software Hercules Mobile DJ Mix, release 1.07, compatible with both Hercules Mobile DJ MP3 and with Hercules Mobiles DJ Preview Edition.

This new version improves
- the mix of audio CDs with an intelligent CD detection and loading (which means the audio CDs you have already loaded in Mobile DJ Mix 1.07 are recognized when you re-insert them in your CD/DVD-Rom drive, and you don't need to retype the name of each track (if you did it on the first insertion), and you don't need to re-analyze the tracks to calculate the BPM rate
- the samples supported on the FX buttons, which can now go up to 30 seconds.

http://ts.hercules.com/eng/index.php?pg=view_files&gid=2&fid=28&pid=201&cid=5

New look for DJ Console MK2

Hercules has updated the DJ Console MK2 with:

• the top surface beige and dark grey colours replaced by 2 colours (aluminium and darker metal grey),
  
• the 8 black rotary knobs replaced by longer and grey knobs,
  
• the white logo in a transparent plate replaced with a metal-colour logo in a black plate,
  
• jog wheels which don't turn as easily as before,
  
• the beige cover replaced by a transparent cover,
  
• the Mac version of VirtualDJ 4.3 DJC Edition is added in the package of the DJ Console MK2 with VirtualDJ 3 DJC Edition for Windows.
  

The colour box of this new version of the DJ Console MK2 is updated with both Mac logo and Windows XP and Vista written on front, and the photo of the console is updated with these new colours.

New look for DJ Control MP3

Hercules has updated the DJ Control MP3 with:

• the top surface aluminium colours replaced by 2 colours (aluminium and darker metal grey),
  
• the 8 black rotary knobs replaced by longer and grey knobs,
  
• the white logo in a transparent plate replaced with a metal-colour logo in a black plate,
  
• jog wheels which don't turn as easily as before,
  
• the addition of a transparent cover,
  
• the Mac version of VirtualDJ 4.3 DJC Edition is added in the package.
  

The colour box of this new version of the DJ Control MP3 is different from the previous version: it has a Mac logo on front, and the deejay with headphones who was on the front of the previous packaging is no longer on the packaging.

DJ Control MP3: new driver for Mac OS 10.5 (Leopard)

Hercules has released a new driver for DJ Control MP3 in Mac OS 10.5 (Leopard)
ftp://ftp.hercules.com/pub/webupdate/DJMP3/HDJMP3_4_02.pkg.zip

DJ Console MK2: new driver for Mac OS 10.5 (Leopard)

Hercules has released a driver installer for DJ Console MK2 in Mac OS 10.5 (Leopard).
ftp://ftp.hercules.com/pub/webupdate/DJMk2/HDJMK2_5_14.pkg.zip

A New Version Of Hercules Mobile DJ: Mobile DJ Preview Edition

Hercules has released a new version of its Mobile DJ wireless controller: this Mobile DJ Preview Edition is the same hardware as Hercules Mobile DJ MP3, coming with the same Hercules Mobile DJ Mix software, with 2 changes:
• The DJ controller is black and its USB receiver is black
• It comes with wireless headphones (whose audio transmitter is connected to the sound card)






The extension "Preview Edition" means the headphones are intended to preview your next music track.

Hercules Mobile DJ Mix 1.05 release

Hercules has released an update of the software Hercules Mobile DJ Mix, it is called release 1.05 and is downloadable on:
ftp://ftp.hercules.com/sound/exe/MobileDJ/HerculesMobileDJMix_105.exe

This software is made for the controllers Hercules Mobile DJ MP3 and Hercules Mobile DJ Preview Edition, its change compared to release 1.04 is to be less CPU intensive in the playback of large MP3 files.

Computer Active review on Mobile DJ MP3

Andrew Zarkesh, from Computer Active, has published a review on Mobile DJ MP3 in the issue of 4 to 17th October 2007.

http://www.computeractive.co.uk/computeractive/hardware/2200348/review-hercules-mobile-dj

This review is also online on vnunet.com website:
http://www.vnunet.com/computeractive/hardware/2200348/review-hercules-mobile-dj

DJ Console MK2 / Traktor 3.3 LE update

Native Instruments, the publisher of Traktor 3 LE, has announced a free update to Traktor 3.3 LE, for PC and Mac.
If you have DJ Console MK2 bundled with Traktor 3 LE, updating your release Traktor 3.1 LE to this release Traktor 3.3 LE fixes a few issues:
- in file browsing: each time you enter a directory with Traktor 3.3 LE, you choose whether Traktor 3.3 LE scans it or not, while Traktor 3.1 LE always scanned the new directory,
- in AIFF files playback: Traktor 3.3 LE plays back AIFF files on some Mac OS configuration where Traktor 3.1 LE failed to perform the same operation.
Update on http://www.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=updates
More on Traktor 3 LE http://www.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=tds3le

How can I avoid saturation when a CD player plugged in DJ Console MK2 line input plays a too strong signal?

Some CD players output level is +4dBu while DJ Console MK2 is designed to support input signal around -10dBv: as a result, when the CD plays a +4dBu signal in DJ Console MK2 line input, DJ Console MK2 input may saturate, and cause a bad audio quality.

The solution consists in attenuating the CD player output level by connecting between this player output and DJ Console MK2 input an attenuating gear as volume knob for headphones (cheapest solution)
- Koss VC-20
- Shure EA650
or a mini mixer (more expensive solution) as
- Nady mini-mixer
- Behringer Xenyx 502

How can I record the DJ mix with the microphone talkover in DJ Console MK2?

DJ Console MK2 talk over function is a hardware mixing of:
- the microphone analogue signal
- with the analogue signal output produced by the DJ software in DJ Console MK2,
so the talk over is not processed in the DJ software (VirtualDJ or Traktor), and as a result when you record your mix in the DJ software, the talk over is not recorded.

To record the mix with the talk over signal, you must
- connect DJ Console MK2 output 1-2 to the stereo line in of your computer integrated sound card (with a stereo cable)
- and record the stereo line in on your computer integrated sound card with a software (as Syntrillium CoolEdit Pro, Adobe Audition, Sony Sound Forge, Waveosaur….) which will record the mix as background task.

How can I avoid saturation noise on the hi-fi systems playing sound from DJ Console MK2?

On some hi-fi systems, DJ Console MK2 audio output is noisy and saturated, because DJ Console MK2 output level is +4dBu (pro level) while hi-fi systems generally expect a -10dBv output level (consumer lever). Lowering the audio level in DJ Console MK2 control panel doesn’t change anything since the control panel mixer reduces the audio signal but keep the output level unchanged, so the noise remains equal.

The solution consists in attenuating DJ Console MK2 output level by connecting between DJ Console MK2 output 1-2 and the hi-fi system an attenuating gear as volume knob for headphones (cheapest solution)
- Koss VC-20
- Shure EA650
or a mini mixer (more expensive solution) as
- Nady mini-mixer
- Behringer Xenyx 502

If you meet this saturation issue after connecting DJ Console MK2 to some DJ mixers which don’t support +4dBu signal, setting the input gain button on the DJ mixer input at 25% should suppress the noise.

How can I delete the Cue points in Hercules Mobile DJ Mix?

Mobile DJ Mix automatically places cue points in the music tracks, so if you want to play your music from the start, without cue points, your must change this setting.

There is a simple way of having no cue points with Hercules Mobile DJ Mix:
1) You need Mobile DJ Mix 1.04 or 1.05 (downloadable on Hercules website), since Mobile DJ Mix 1.03 doesn't provide this function.
2) Before analyzing the tracks for which you want no cue points, you must click on Cfg button, and in General menu, enable the option "Disable Automatic Cueing".

If you have already analyzed your music tracks while the AutoCue function was on, the Cue points have already been set, so to delete the existing cue points for a music track which has already been analyzed and cue points saved:
3) You need Mobile DJ Mix 1.04 or 1.05 (downloadable on our website), since Mobile DJ Mix 1.03 doesn't provide this function.
4) When Mobile DJ Mix software is off, move in the directory C:\Documents and Settings\Username\HerculesMobileDJMix Data\Stripes, and delete the file of the music track name with extension fst (for example, if the music track name is "I_Wanna_Be.MP3", the information file to delete is "I_Wanna_Be.fst")
5) You can then start Mobile DJ Mix software, click on Cfg button, and in General menu, enable the option "Disable Automatic Cueing".
6) Then when you load your music track whose .fst file was deleted, this Cue points have disappeared.

Software update: Mobile DJ Mix 1.04 for Mobile DJ MP3

Hercules has released Mobile DJ Mix 1.04 software for Mobile DJ MP3.
This new version, downloadable on http://ts.hercules.com/eng/index.php?pg=view_files&gid=2&fid=28&pid=201&cid=5 , adds some new features :

- you can control on Mobile DJ MP3 the music track you preview (the previous release of Mobile DJ limited the control of the preview on the sftware interface)

- you can mix on 1 sound card and preview on another sound card, so laptop users limited to the stereo output of their laptops can use USB headphones for the preview, while they mix for the audience on the laptop integrated sound card stereo output.

- you can also change the pitch and the volume of the sound effects you loads.

Can Mobile DJ interfere with WLAN networks?

Mobile DJ communicates with its USB dongle in a proprietary 2.4 GHz protocol: it uses neither WIFI nor Bluetooth. Mobile DJ proprietary protocol operates at a base frequency of 2.407GHz, and when it detects noise in its frequency, it moves by steps of 250KHz to the next noise free frequency channel.
The dynamic frequency adjustment lets Mobile DJ adjust to 2.4 GHz wireless networks (WIFI, Bluetooth) so that
- Mobile DJ doesn’t interfere with wireless networks,
- and the wireless network doesn’t interfere with Mobile DJ.

You should place Mobile DJ USB dongle at 2 feet or more from any other 2.4 GHz transmitter (WIFI, Bluetooth or audio/video proprietary transmitter) to get a good transmission range, since if they are closer, both systems will continuously jump from 1 frequency to another to avoid each other disturbance, and such continuous channel changes reduce the transmission range.

For the same reason, you should place a WLAN device at least 2 feet away from another 2.4 GHz device (Bluetooth, audio/video transmitter..) to optimize the range of your WLAN network.

How can I preview each deck in MegaSeg with Hercules DJ Console MK2?

MegaSeg is a DJ mix software in Mac OS.

1) In MegaSeg, if you use the Discrete Output Mode, and select both Hercules outputs using the Aggregate device output, then you can use DJ Console MK2 headphones selector to select the various cue modes.

2) But MegaSeg default mode is different, since instead of the left and right decks being hardwired to one output, MegaSeg has a "Preview" button to route either deck to a 2nd output for cueing or previewing. In this mode, both decks would output to a single output device (on a single stereo channel), and then you can press Preview and switch either deck to a 2nd output to cue (like the built-in headphone jack). This function is mapped to the cue button on the DJ Console MK1, and now the Audio source select on the DJ Console MK2. As the audio source select is also on this button, it means you must push this button twice to toggle the Preview mode.

What is the solution when I get no sound in DJ Console MK2 headphones?

If you hear no longer DJ Console MK2 Deck A and Deck B in headphones preview mode, then you may have upgraded DJ Console MK2 drivers to the last release (2.cmk2.2007) but you have forgotten to update your version of VirtualDJ.
To restore a proper preview mode, you must
- either install VirtualDJ 3.4.1 ,
- or switch in ASIO mode (run VirtualDJ in mode "Equalization on audio inputs").

Is Mobile DJ MP3 compatible with rechargeable batteries?

You can power Mobile DJ MP3
- either with 2 pre-charged batteries (C type / LR14) (Alkaline or zinc carbon batteries)
- or with 2 rechargeable batteries (C type / LR14) (Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH) or Nickel-Cadmium (NICAD or NiCd))
The only difference is the operation time, which is longer for alkaline batteries.

It is not recommended to power Mobile DJ MP3 with 1 rechargeable battery + 1 pre-charged battery since their operation times are different and their voltage are different (1.5v for the pre-charged battery versus 1.2v for a rechargeable battery).

CNET review on Mobile DJ MP3

Donald Bell from CNET has released a review of Mobile DJ MP3 on
http://reviews.cnet.com/audio-components/hercules-mobile-dj-mp3/4505-3022_7-32466616.html?tag=prod.txt.1#more

This review is also on ZDNET
http://review.zdnet.com/audio-components/hercules-mobile-dj-mp3/4505-3022_16-32466616.html .

How long can I mix with Mobile DJ with the same 2 batteries?

Battery lifetime depends on your battery model
- alkaline batteries capacity is the highest (up to 7500 mAh)
- carbon zinc batteries capacity is lower than alkaline
- rechargeable batteries have the smallest capacity (up to 3000/4000 mAH per charge, but you can recharge them).

Mobile DJ consumes over 300mA with LCD backlight on, but not much as soon as the LCD switches off.

Mobile DJ should provide continuous mixing for
- 15 to 25 hours with 2 fresh rechargeable batteries (akkus)
- 30 to 50 hours with 2 good alkaline batteries.
It may be shorter with old batteries and longer with excellent batteries.

How can I set the cue points in music tracks with Mobile DJ Mix?

Mobile DJ Mix software includes an AutoCue function in the analysis of the sound track to :
- define a Cue In point (Cue In = the moment where the song playback starts in a DJ mix, which is the moment where the software detects a regular beat)
- define a Cue Out point (Cue In = the moment where the song playback ends in a DJ mix, which is the last point where the software detects a regular beat)

The analyzes of the Cue In / Cue Out point is in general
- relevant for music with a fixed beat and for dance / techno / country / rock music,
- irrelevant for music with changing rhythms, as for example classic music, pop songs starting with vocal solos, slow electronic music and in general music whose rhythms are far from techno/dance...

The solution for the music tracks with bad cue points is for the user to define one's own Cue In / Cue Out points:
1) load the music file
2) browse in Mobile DJ Mix software (with the slider over the waveform) at the point of the waveform where the user wants to place the Cue In point
3) Click on the "In" button of Mobile DJ Mix software on the deck where the song is loaded (left and right of Automix button on the software screen), to define the point which will be the Cue In point,
4) Click on the button with a triangle down on Mobile DJ Mix software to set the Cue In point,
5) browse in Mobile DJ Mix software (with the slider over the waveform) at the point of the waveform where the user wants to place the Cue Out point (the end of the music playback)
6) Click on the "Out" button on the deck of Mobile DJ Mix software where the song is loaded (left and right of Automix button on the software), to define the Cue point will be a Cue Out point
7) Click on the button with a triangle down on Mobile DJ Mix software to set the Cue Out point
8) Once the Cue In and the Cue Out points have been saved for the music track, save the Playlist with the button "Save".
If the user doesn't save the playlist after changing the cue points, the new cue points won't be saved.

Mobile DJ MP3 in Top Ten superstar DJ gadgets

Techdigest has listed Mobile DJ MP3 in its top 10 superstar DJ gagdets.
http://techdigest.tv/2007/05/top_ten_superst.html

Mobile DJ MP3 in The Guardian

The Guardian describes Mobile DJ MP3.
http://technology.guardian.co.uk/weekly/story/0,,2080802,00.html

Mobile DJ MP3 reviewed in video by ShinyShiny.tv

ShinyShiny.TV has put on YouTube a video review on Mobile DJ MP3.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eHKMyixk0Q

Mobile DJ MP3 on Techdigest

Techdigest has released a short review on Mobile DJ MP3.
http://techdigest.tv/2007/04/hercules_mobile.html

Mobile DJ MP3 in Engadget

Engadget describes Mobile DJ MP3.
http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/23/hercules-mobile-dj-mp3-mixes-it-up-sans-wires/

DJ Console MK2: move to Vista

To use DJ Console MK2 to Vista 32-bit, you must not only use new drivers (package 2.CMK2.2007,  on ftp://ftp.hercules.com/pub/webupdate/DJMk2/2007_CMK2_2.exe with:
- DJ Console MK2 firmware 13.7
- DJ Console MK2 control panel 1.4.3.2) 
but you must also upgrade VirtualDJ 3 DJC Edition to VirtualDJ 3.4.1 DJC Edition (free upgrade, on VirtualDJ website).

New Kid on the Block: Mobile DJ MP3

Hercules has released a new computer DJ controller, Mobile DJ MP3.
Mobile DJ MP3 is a handheld, wireless dual-deck DJ controller to mix from any place in a party.
You don't need to remain in front of the computer to mix as an embedded display lets you browse in the music library to select the music track you want to load on each deck. This DJ gear is white, communicates in radio frequencies with a USB dongle, so you plug the audio output of your laptop in your speakers or your hifi amplifier, you run the software Hercules Mobile DJ Mix, you load your music tracks in the software so that it analyzes all, and you can animate the party from anywhere, the sofa while talking with your friends, the bar, the kitchen, any place where you can hear your music.

Hasta la Vista: 32-bit Vista drivers for DJ Console MK2 now

Hercules has released a new driver package for DJ Console MK2 and the old DJ Console MK1.
This package 2.CMK2.2007 makes it possible to mix with DJ Console and DJ Console MK2 in Vista-32 bit in addition to Windows XP.
The package 2.CMK2.2007 includes both a driver update and a firmware update for each console version.
http://ts.hercules.com/eng/index.php?pg=view_files&gid=2&fid=28&pid=177&cid=1

Traktor 3 LE users: upgrade to Traktor 3 full version for US$119

Native Instruments has announced on the Musik Messe that owners of Traktor 3 LE can upgrade the license of Traktor 3 LE to the full-featured TRAKTOR 3 at a special price of $ 119 / EUR 99, enabling a multitude of additional creative features including four playback decks, advanced looping and cueing functions, Native Mix Recording, additional EQs, filters and effects, and more.

This upgrade offer is proposed to all customers of DJ Console MK2 Traktor Edition (also called DJ Console MK2 Mac).

For a comparison between Traktor 3 LE and Traktor 3, click here.

How to mix audio files with DRM protection?

You cannot mix directly DRM protect files, since DJ software cannot load iTunes DRM protected files, so the solution consists in;
- burning the DRM music files you buy on a CD audio on the computer on which you purchased the files (it means you need a CD burner on the computer where you buy music files with DRM, for example in iTunes),
- and afterwards either mixing the CD audio in your DJ software if your DJ software plays CDs, or extracting first the CD-audio tracks into MP3 files to mix them in your DJ software.

DJ Control MP3: Move to Vista

Hercules has released a new driver package for DJ Control MP3, 1.CMP3.2007, which supports Vista 32-bit in addition to Windows XP.

What is the difference between DJ Console MK2 PC and Mac?

There is no hardware difference, both DJ Console MK2 are the same.
The difference is only the DJ software:

• DJ Console MK2 PC comes with Virtual DJ 3 DJC Edition,
  
• DJ Console MK2 Mac comes with Traktor 3 LE.

If you have a DJ Console MK2 PC and want to use it in Mac OS 10.4, you just need to have a Mac DJ Software and to download DJ Console MK2 Mac drivers.

DJ Console MK2 on MusicTech

DJ Console MK2 was reviewed by MusicTech Magazine of November 2006.

DJ Console MK2 released for Mac

One year after the release of DJ Console MK2 for PC, Hercules releases its DJ Console MK2 Mac Edition, with Native Instruments Traktor 3 LE software.
Compared to the previous DJ Console Mac, base on DJ Console MK1, DJ Console MK2 Mac Edition has not only a new cosmetic, but also new audio features as 2 stereo audio inputs, so that in addition to mixing your MP3 files on your computer, you connect vinyl turntables or CD players to DJ Console MK2 audio inputs.
DJ Console MK2 for Mac offers hybrid mixing in merging analogue and digital audio in the same mix, since you can:
- set the gain on analogue inputs sound in Traktor 3 LE to set a similar level for external sources and MP3 files,
- set the volume on analogue inputs with DJ Console MK2 volume fader,
- equalize analogue inputs via with DJ Console MK2 EQ buttons
- mix analogue inputs with MP3 files on DJ Console MK2 crossfader.

DJ Console MK2 Mac Edition is compatible with Mac OS 10.4 on both G4/G5 and also Mac Intel based Mac computers.

How can I preview my music with DJ Control MP3?

DJ Control MP3 is a DJ mix controller without audio, so you need a 4-channel or 5.1-channel sound card to preview your music.

In VirtualDJ DJC Edition PC
- you get the mix on output 1/2 (front left/front right),
- you get the preview on output 5/6 (surround left/surround right),
then you preview a deck when you push down the monitor button of the relevant deck on DJ Control MP3 (the button with a headphone logo) AND YOU KEEP THE PREVIEW BUTTON PUSHED DOWN, since the preview stops as soon as you release the preview buttons.

If you don’t hear any sound in the output 5/6:
1) Make sure you have enabled the output 5-6: click on Start > Settings > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio devices > Volume : Speaker Settings : Advanced Settings > 5.1 Surround Speakers. If your setting for speakers is stereo, you cannot get a sound in the output 5-6.
2) Make sure your headphones have a low impedance (32 ohms or less) since standard sound output on 5-6 has a line level, a level not strong enough to playback sound on high impedance headphones, so you can use 200 or 600 ohms headphones only with headphones preamplifier.

How can I suppress the background sound of the preview in the mix output and vice-versa?

You should not hear the sound of the preview in your mix or vice versa, so if you hear it, a 3D virtualisation effect is positioning the sound in your multi-channel sound card. You must disable the 3D positioning in your sound card control panel.

Is DJ Control MP3 compatible with Mac OS?

Yes, DJ Control MP3 is compatible with Mac OS 10.3 and 10.4 if you download the drivers on Hercules website.
But there is no DJ software compatible with Mac OS in DJ Control MP3 box, so you need to have your own DJ software for Mac OS as Traktor or MegaSeg.

Which headphones can fit with DJ Console MK2?

Headphones recommended for DJing have:
- a low impedance, from 16 to 64 Ohms, to keep the sound punchy especially on bass (high impedance headphones tend to be less punchy),
- with a high sensitivity (100 dB or more),
- isolating ear cups attenuating the ambient noise,
- comfortable soft ear cushions (you must bear the headphones for hours),
- a long cable (10 feet),
- a stereo jack 1/4" plug, or a jack 1/8" plug with a 1/4" adapter,
- preferably foldable earphones, to allows double or single ear monitoring.

Never use in-ear earphones: they are not appropriate for DJing, too difficult to remove, not protective enough from the ambient noise, and not comfortable enough.

You can use other headphones with DJ Console MK2, as hi-fi headphones over 100 ohms, but with headphones the higher the impedance the lower the volume in the headphones, so while high impedance headphones can be OK for bedroom DJing, their volume may be too low to cover the sound and screams of the audience in a party. 

DJ Control MP3 in "24"

In "24", Season 5, Episode 22, DJ Control MP3 makes a short appearance.








OK, there is no DJ mix in this episode, simply the playback of an MP3 file.

How can I repair my DJ Console MK1 to get a better response on the Play and Cue buttons?

DJ Console MK1 Play and Cue buttons response decrease with the time because the contact dots on the printed circuit board activated by the buttons become rusty when the console is not stored in a dry atmosphere.
You can improve the response by cleaning the contact areas of the printed circuit board:

1. Remove the caps of the equalization and volume buttons,
   
2. Disassemble DJ Console MK1 in removing the screws placed on the ground side below the red feet,
   
3. Unscrew the printed circuit board to remove the top case,
   
4. Remove the 2 keypads with the Play and Cue buttons, clean with non abrasive solvent (typically white spirit) the black contact dots on rear of this keypads: don’t brush heavily, these carbon contacts must remain black to make a contact on the printed circuit board. You just have to remove possible rust from these black dots.
   
5. Also clean with white spirit the contact areas of the printed circuit board.
   
6. Reassemble everything.
   

In the future, store your DJ Console MK1 in a dry atmosphere to avoid rust (if you must store it in a cellar or a garage, place it in a closed plastic bag).

This Play and Cue buttons issue doesn’t occur on DJ Console MK2 and DJ Control MP3 since:

• there are 4 contact dots below each Play and Cue dots on DJ Console MK2 and DJ Control MP3, versus 2 contact dots on DJ Console MK1,
  
• DJ Console MK2 and DJ Control MP3 printed circuit boards have received a protection against rust.
  

DJ Control MP3 reviewed in The Gadget Show on Five

The Gadget Show on Five on TV invited Pete Tong to test DJ products and the famous DJ enjoyed  DJ Control MP3.
http://gadgetshow.five.tv/jsp/5gsmain.jsp?lnk=401&featureid=134&pageid=280&show=s4e10&section=Features

DJ Control MP3 reviewed on GadgetCentre

Gadgetcentre has released a review on DJ Control MP3.
http://www.gadgetcentre.com/news/article/mps/UAN/289/v/1/sp/

DJ Control MP3 in The Guardian

The Guardian makes a short description of DJ Control MP3.

DJ Console MK2 on DJ Mag

DJ Mag has released a review on DJ Console MK2
http://www.djmag.com/img/pic.php?id=578&table=picture&field=image&field_type=type

DJ Console MK2 in DanceVibes.be

DanceVibes.be has reviewed DJ Console MK2.

DJ Control MP3 reviewed on CNET

Cnet has posted a review on DJ Control MP3.
http://crave.cnet.co.uk/digitalmusic/0,39029432,39195934,00.htm