If you are a beginner in the DJ playing music, then the Hercules DJ Control MP3 e2 is one of the best products available on the market. The first impression is that the DJ Control MP3 e2 actually like an ordinary toy, but this toy is really what you are looking to start your DJ career.
The Hercules DJ Control MP3 e2 lets you mix two tracks with a single controller. This ultra-mobile, USB-powered controller hooks right up to your PC or laptop, with no power supply needed. It features a crossfader and two separate decks, each with a vinyl-style jog wheel, playback speed and effects, volume fader, and three-band EQ. Combined with the included VIRTUAL DJ 3 DJC Edition software, it's the perfect way for beginners or casual DJs to advance their chops.
Also one of the best things is its price which is less than $ 130 (Unit, plus the software included with the USB sound card for headphones monitoring) and you are ready to be a DJ. Overall, DJ Control MP3 e2 is a very solid product for the aspiring DJ. It comes with everything you need to make it work on pretty much every PC: 64-bit drivers, Virtual DJ (which really isn't essential as Virtual DJ is free, but you know), and even a little guide on how everything works for the complete beginner.
The MP3 e2 serves its purpose very solidly and offers a DJ everything they really need in a mixer: crossfaders, channel faders, and 3 channel EQs; the works. The MP3 e2 works right out of the box, and it works well. It is very portable as well.
The good and the bad things
-Compact and portable, smaller than a 14 inch laptop
-Less than $130 (Unit, with software included plus USB sound card for headphones monitoring)and you are ready to DJ.
-Fast response, not noticeable delay between pressing play and the start of the music.
-Intuitive software, bpm counters and graphical display of music that will make it easy for beginners to start beat-matching.
-Backlit buttons is a nice feature.
The bad:
-The included software is Virtual DJ DJC Edition. Unless you upgrade to the Pro version for an extra $250 there are going to be some limitations of what you can do with the software, the most important in my opinion:
-The software does not open if the unit is not connected. Big issue if you want to prepare music with your laptop without carrying the controller with you at all times.
-No skin customization
-No keyboard shortcuts, makes browsing slow.
-Scratching, it does what a budget unit should do, but do not expect the plastic faders to survive heavy duty treatment. You would not be looking at this unit if you were interested in scratching anyway.
-Knobs for pitch control instead of sliders, not a major issue for me since the unit has pitch bend buttons and the jog wheel can be used to adjust the tempo (when not in scratching mode).
-Due to small size is relatively easy to unintentionally press buttons.
All in all, the DJ Control MP3 e2 offers a very solid out of box experience for the budget DJ who has learned the basics and is ready to jump into DJing for themselves. Although you won't get the fullest, most hands-on DJing experience, with the MP3 e2 and Virtual DJ, you will be able to create mixes at the same level as any other DJ. If you are content with your music being synced through your software and aren't too worried about scratching, I very highly recommend this product to anyone.
