Hercules introduced the DJ Control AIR, the first portable USB DJ controller to feature air control, in addition to touch controls (for PC and Mac) for amateur DJs. All you need is a computer, headphones and speakers, and you’re ready to start mixing.
Hercules has created an intuitive ensemble of controls on a unique mobile control surface. These controls have typically been only available to seasoned musicians via multiple controllers, each of which is programmable and/or dedicated to a specific function. The DJ Control AIR also features built-in audio outputs.
Mixing is in the air
AIR or “Adjustment by InfraRed”is a totally new control for computer DJ mixing consoles. The infrared proximity sensor built into the unit lets DJs control their choice of function (volume level, effects, etc.) without touching the controller, simply by moving their outstretched hand above the sensor. It’s like there’s magic in the air when performing a set!
The AIR control functions regardless of the ambient lighting, allowing users to modulate a software setting quickly and intuitively no matter where they are entertaining.
Let’s scratch and set the mood
Thanks to its two pressure-detecting jog wheels, DJ Control AIR is perfect for scratching. The jog wheels, each 4″ in diameter, detect the pressure exerted by the user’s hand. As a result, the feeling when scratching is as natural as when scratching on a vinyl record or a CD turntable — ideal for learning and perfecting scratch techniques, just like on professional DJ hardware. The jog wheels also allow for easy control of the pitch bend function, as well as browsing through playlists.
8 touchpads with progressive sensors
In the style of celebrity DJs, Hercules has included 2 sets of 4 progressive pads for users looking to control sounds with a minimum of gestures. These pads transmit a command and its velocity, to control loops, samples or effects. Just tap your finger on a pad to play an effect, for example: the pad lights up when touched, and transmits not only the On/Off command, but a gradual command as well. This lets the user easily vary the attack of a sound sample, or its volume, or modulate the amplitude of an effect. The backlit pads, along with the lighting on the other controls, allow for easy viewing even in low-light or dark conditions.
A VU meter that displays the beats
DJ Control AIR includes a VU meter displaying beats composed of 2 lines of 4 LEDs. Each line displays the beats in a track, allowing DJs to see at a glance whether the beats are in sync, without having to look at their computer screen. In this way, the DJ can stay focused on the crowd: if the LEDs light up at the same time for both tracks, then the 2 tracks are synchronized — and this, of course, is the basis of all mixing.
Built-in audio for the mix and for previewing tracks
Finally, Hercules DJ Control AIR features 2 stereo audio outputs:
- To play the mix over speakers: one 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack output.
- To preview tracks on headphones: one 6.35 mm stereo jack output.
The controller is bundled with the DJUCED DJing software: a powerful application that lets you mix, sync and manipulate tracks, and add your own personal touch to the music with the sampler and the arranger, while providing an intuitive graphical interface, for use with Mac and PC.
Features
- “Air control”, which lets you control the mix from above the surface of the device
- 8 large pads with velocity sensors
- A VU meter displaying the beats on the controller
Price and Availability
Hercules DJ control AIR is available now for $169.99.
