Hercules 4-Mx DJ Console

Review by Stacy Zemon

Hercules, a leader and pioneer in digital DJ controllers for computers, announces the newest version of their DJ Console line for Pro DJs, the DJ Console 4-Mx.

The DJ Console 4-Mx has a steel and aluminum crafted body with 89 controls in 2-deck mode and 150 controls in 4-deck mode.

The controller is bundled with VirtualDJ®7 LE 4-Mx DJing software. The software’s graphic interface has been adapted to the console, allowing for mixing on up to 4 virtual decks on both PC and Mac®. The DJ Console 4-Mx is compatible with other 4-deck or 2-deck mixing software (if the software is fully controllable via MIDI).

The controller also features large jog wheels (each equipped with touch sensor), a built-in audio interface tailored for DJing for easy connection with existing analog gear, and intuitive control over 2 and 4 virtual decks. There is one microphone input, with talk-over function, with the user’s choice of one connector on the top of the console or one on the front panel.

Features Galore

Detection Sensors - featuring an integrated technology with sensors that detect the weight of the user’s hand on the jog wheel tops and that cause them to depress by less than 1mm, like on some CD players. This mechanical type of detection in the controller works under all conditions and eliminates the kind of interference that can disturb electrical detection: an electrical touch sensor can be interrupted by static electricity, or by lighting truss systems, carpeting or shoes which electrically insulate the DJ.
Backlit Indicator in the center of each jog wheel - (a handy visual effect) indicates the activation of “Touch Wheel” mode, which lets the user stop/restart music playback by simply changing their hand’s pressure slightly.
External Ring for additional control - In addition to manipulating the jog wheel via its upper surface, the user can also control it by its external ring: Hercules has carefully designed its width, non-slip texture and the design of its exclusive relief to provide an excellent grip.
Portable Dimensions - 15.75″ x 9.8″ in size, it’s completely portable while still providing enough space for mixing with all of the controls that’s comfortable.
3 clearly distinct sections - To make it very intuitive to switch between using analog DJ gear and mixing on a computer, the upper surface of the console is divided into 3 clearly distinct sections which reproduce a set of 3 separate mixing devices: 2 decks and 1 mixing console, distinguished by color (grey/black), feel (brushed/lacquered) and material (aluminum/steel).
An effects/loops/Hot Cue zone - 6 transport buttons can be doubled up using its Shift button while a rotary encoder lets you modulate these effects.
Control Customization Option - Customize these 12 controls, by assigning a function to each of the buttons, changing the bank of functions on the fly during a mix, and/or modulating the effects or the length of a loop.
Pitch Faders - provide extended 14-bit resolution, a 60mm range of travel, and easily adapt to the DJ’s needs thanks to 2 buttons to change the pitch scale.

Your Input

2 independent stereo outputs on the back panel, for mixing and previewing tracks.
4 RCA connectors to connect a hi-fi system or a mixer.
4 mono jack connectors (6.35mm) to connect PA gear, with a Ground Lift switch on outputs 1-2 (in the event of a ground loop).
1 stereo jack connector (6.35mm) for headphones, with the user’s choice of one connector on the top of the console, or one on the front panel.
2 analog stereo inputs (4 RCA inputs) to connect audio sources.
4 input levels: phono level (for vinyl turntables), consumer line level (-10dBv, for MP3 players), pro line level (+4dBu, for studio gear), and boosted pro line level (+8dBu, for the most powerful DJing CD players).

The Bottom Line

For both mobile and club DJs, this solidly built and ultra-flexible unit offers a lot of features for the money.

Find out more about the Hercules 4-Mx DJ Console

The unit will be released in Nov., 2010 at an SRP of $449.99.

Publisher & Chief Scribe

Stacy Zemon is a self-described serial entrepreneur (Equal parts creativity and business). She is a distinguished industry leader who is widely considered an authority on the DJ business. Stacy is a veteran disc jockey, writer for DJ Times magazine and author of the world’s best-selling DJ books: The Mobile DJ Handbook, The DJ Sales & Marketing Handbook and The Mobile DJ MBA. To check out Stacy’s copywriting, business consulting and other services, click here.