Hercules DJ Console RMX

• Digital audio console designed for advanced and professional DJs features built-in 4-in/4-out audio interface and rugged metal casing
• Two decks, each with jog wheel, pitch fader/buttons, playback control, 3-band EQ with kill buttons, loop/bend/fx/sampler buttons, and more
• Two independent stereo inputs with line/phono RCA connectors and ground, independent RCA and 1/4-inch outputs, front microphone input
• Includes VirtualDJ 5 DJC Edition software, with features/settings specific to the Hercules DJ Console Rmx; the Rmx is MIDI compatible for other apps
• Four directional buttons for browsing menus and two buttons for loading tracks on the decks

I have decided to write two different reviews for this product. One of them will be for the beginner, and the other will be for the advanced user of products such as these.

Beginner's Review:

The Hercules RMX the best entry to mid-level midi controller on the market for those looking to get into the world of mixing. While pricier than other controllers, the RMX has the most and best amount of software options to choose from. The Hercules may be somewhat difficult for beginners to set-up right out of the box, but once you do, playing is a breeze. The RMX comes with Virtual DJ software specifically mapped for the product, so you automatically can start to enjoy mixing your music library. Not only that, you are also given a carry-on bag, and lengthy instruction manual on the basics of scratching and mixing. You'll be on your way to hosting parties in no time.

Tech Review:

The Hercules RMX is a multi-faceted midi controller used to control software dj programs such as Virtual DJ, Traktor, or for use in live mixes like Ableton live. It comes with a metal casing, and is a dedicated soundcard, having four input / output plugs. The RMX doesn't come with any type of additional connectors besides the usb cable, so you will have to provide your own stereo jacks.

The controller can be set up for any type of gig. You can run your vinyl turntables or CD players through it, and have multiple outputs, so you can mix at a venue while broadcasting live on radio or internet stream. The buttons can be configured to have little to no lag between interfaces, and the jog wheels can be used to do various DJ scratching. Do NOT expect to scratch like a pro on the jog wheels, they are no substitute for actual vinyl.

The most important thing about the RMX are the drivers, and thankfully Hercules has updated them for windows 7 and Mac compatibility. Many midi controllers on the market selling still are only Vista capable, so be wary of other products like this. They also have a huge support forum, and an excellent customer service record. Expect that if you're having problems, you can google the issue and find the answer.

The RMX comes with Virtual DJ Basic. The software is subpar, and you're probably better off using programs like Traktor or Abelton, which give you more freedom with effects and midi mapping. Those products cost money, so expect to shell out another 400 dollars for a good version of the software.

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Having the proper mixer is one of the most important equipments for a mobile Dj. This is that mixer. I initially bought the Hercules MKII, but returned it when I found this one for $80 dollars more. It's been fantastic and user friendly. Using Virtual DJ, you can program up to 12 different effects((6 per deck). I use it for mobile gigs and all I bring is my laptop, hard drive, powered(pre amped) speakers, and this mixer...then I'm good to go. You can even control your music videos and of course Karaoke. I've even used this mixer to plug into the club(that I guest DJ at) and it has worked great. Other Dj's compliment me on the mixer once they try it. I don't use it for scratching, I plug my cd decks to the mixer though and do the scratching through them. Yes, you can plug either turntables or CD decks. Again, A Must for mobile DJ's.

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Wonderful item, it does what it says it does. Out of the box, installation was less than 10 mins with installation of the software and drivers. I was up and running and after figuring out some of the functions that weren't that well described in the manual, pretty soon it took me back to the old days when I used to mix vinyl records. The problem is that the jog dials, though very responsive, aren't accurate enough for the scratching motions needed for turntablist hip hop scratching. You can scratch and do pullbacks and do some scratch tricks, just don't expect to be mixmaster mike with this fader. There is a little latency from the movements of your wrist and the actual sound coming out of the speakers. For fading in between songs it is fine, and for minimal scratching it is ok at best. Otherwise, for everything else, it is a wonderful toy for the hobbyist dj, you can loop, sample and add effects with ease. But smoke and mirrors aside, professionals should definitely look elsewhere, and they wouldn't be reading up on something like this anyway with their purist attitude.

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I would definitely recommend this product for the price.

I am not unhappy for the amount I spent.

It's construction is rugged.

Looks great, feels great.

But keep the following in mind when purchasing:

1) The "kill" buttons DO NOT HAVE LEDs! Supposedly this is to save power over USB, but it nearly makes these buttons useless.

2) The jog-wheels do not really have inertia like say on the Vestax VCI-300. They do work very well for making fine adjustments.

3) The mixer is not really a mixer. They're just controls that bind/pair with the software. So you may be unhappy with the detail of their response. A REAL analog knob control, will have more finite control over levels.

4) The bundled version of Virtual DJ (Console) is old and simply horrible. I can't imagine using it. Even if you get over the crappy skin they give you, the software's responsiveness and usability is just not as good as the later versions. Be sure to see which up to date versions support using a console. Once I upgraded, it was a very usable and happy experience.

How I'm using it:

I have a touch screen laptop/tablet, this console, and a set of headphones.

It's primary value comes from being a dual sound card and console in one. I don't use all the features of the console, but it does make a difference to be able to touch knobs and physical levers versus being forced to use the tablet input.

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I'm a hobbyist (into house music) and here's what I've found after owning the RMX for about 6 months. If you're looking for a well priced, slightly better than entry level midi controller to learn on, this seems to be it. I use the RMX with Traktor Pro. It's been easy to customize the midi mapping (after watching a few youtube videos), and has worked pretty much out of the box with minimal tweaking also nice that it's powered by USB. I didn't spend much time with the included software, so I can't really comment on it. What I can say is that I have outgrown this mixer fairly quickly. Controlling the bass/mid/treble and the effects (in Traktor) requires some pretty quick fingers and a lot of double duty button mapping with the RMX (for example I had the bass/mid/treble buttons and knobs also programmed to switch and control effects when the shift button was held down works, but not ideal). I bought a Traktor Kontrol X1 to go along with the RMX and that helped me a lot now the bass/mid/treble controls serve only their intended purpose and the effects are controlled by the X1 helpful because having rotary knobs as well as buttons to control the effects and loops becomes necessary pretty quickly.

If you're serious at all about mixing, I'd recommend looking at the NI Traktor Kontrol S4 coming out in winter 2010. For about $1000 ($100 less when I do a search currently) you'll get a 4 channel mixer with sampling capabilities, touch sensitive jog wheels and a full version of Traktor created specifically for the S4. Add in the fact it comes with a soundcard (NI AUDIO 8 DJ quality), separate effects rotary/button controls, and the S4 is a no brainer.

When I got the Native Instruments Kontrol X1, I was impressed by the build quality. The Hercules RMX left a little bit to be desired the buttons are hard plastic and loud when pushed as opposed to the more rubberized, quiet buttons on the X1. The RMX buttons work fine and get the job done, just not as refined.

In short, I spent about $300 on the RMX, $200 on Traktor Pro and about $200 on the Kontrol X1 (look to Korg or Akai for something similar to the X1 but less expensive). This has provided me with a good set-up to learn on, but if the S4 had been out at the time I'd be kicking myself as the difference in overall price looks like the step-up from bedroom hobbyist to the real deal.

I don't want to scare anyone away, the RMX is a good mixer especially for the price -just not as professional/robust as the S4 will be, and if the S4 is built like the X1, it's gonna be sweet! Like I said, if you're serious, I encourage you to go and watch some youtube (or dj tech tools) videos on the upcoming Kontrol S4 before making a decision. Or, wait until the S4 comes out and you'll probably be able to find a good RMX used.

I hope this helps happy mixing.

Oh, and if you're into serious about scratching, the S4 might not be the mixer for you as the newly created version of Traktor Pro for the S4 doesn't support time coded vinyl, but it probably will soon.