Hercules UNIVERSAL DJ - User Manual

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HERCULES UNIVERSAL DJ OVERVIEW
Hercules Universal DJ is a 2-deck DJ controller featuring Bluetooth®
wireless technology. It makes it easy to mix with:
- your computer, using the DJUCED™ 40° software,
- your iPad or Android tablet, using the custom DJUCED™ App
application, or
- dual screens, using the DJUCED™ 40° software on your computer, and
the DJUCED Master app available for download on your tablet or
smartphone.
MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:
DJUCED™ 40° :
Computer with 2 GHz processor or higher
2 GB of RAM or more
Windows Vista, 7, 8 (32 or 64-bit)
Mac OS X 10.7, 10.8, 10.9 (32 or 64-bit)
DJUCED™ Master :
iOS 7 or later
Android 4.0 or later
To check the list of compatible devices, flash this code:
DJUCED™ App :

Summary

Safety Instructions

Connecting Headphones and Speakers

Front Panel Headphones

Instructions for connecting headphones to the front panel audio jack.

Rear Panel Speakers

Instructions for connecting speakers to the rear panel outputs.

Loading Music in DJUCED 40

Monitoring a Track

Mixing Tracks

Scratching on a Track

Working with HotCue Points

Working with Effects

Working with Samples

Working with Loops

Creating a Loop

Steps to activate and create a loop using the controller pads.

Adjusting Loop Length

How to increase or decrease the length of an active loop using the encoder.

Creating a Playlist

Technical Support

Consumer Warranty Information

Additional Warranty Provisions

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Connecting Headphones and Speakers
4. Loading Music
5. Monitoring Tracks
6. Mixing Tracks
7. Scratching
8. Working with HotCue Points
9. Working with Effects (FX)
10. Working with Samples
11. Working with Loops
12. Creating Playlists
13. Maintenance Features

The Hercules Universal DJ is a versatile 2-deck DJ controller designed for seamless mixing across various platforms. It integrates Bluetooth® wireless technology, allowing users to mix with their computer, iPad, or Android tablet. The device supports a "dual screen" mode, where the DJUCED™ 40° software runs on a computer, and the DJUCED™ Master app operates on a tablet or smartphone, extending control capabilities.

Function Description:

The core function of the Hercules Universal DJ is to provide a comprehensive interface for DJing. It features two jog wheels with pressure detection, enabling precise scratching and track manipulation. Each deck includes dedicated controls for synchronization, setting cue points, and play/pause functions. The device offers a 3-band equalizer for sound shaping, scratch on/off toggles, and a record mix function for capturing performances. Easy transitions are facilitated by two high-pass filters.

Navigation through music files and folders is managed via a browser knob, with dedicated "LOAD A" and "LOAD B" buttons for loading tracks onto the respective decks. The controller also includes a crossfader for smooth transitions between tracks.

For advanced mixing, the Hercules Universal DJ incorporates 8 pads per deck, which can be assigned to various functions through a mode selector. These modes include:

• HotCue points: Allowing users to set and trigger up to 8 markers within a track for instant playback from specific points.
• Effects (FX): Enabling the application of various effects, with an encoder to modify effect parameters and intensity (Fx amount/MacroFx amount).
• Samples: Triggering short audio snippets or sounds, with pads lighting up for the duration of the sample.
• Loops: Creating loops of preset sizes (from 1/16 beat to 8 beats), with the ability to increase or decrease loop length using the encoder.

The device provides a 6.35 mm headphones output for monitoring (channels 3-4) and a corresponding volume control. For main audio output, it offers RCA mix outputs (channels 1-2) and a 3.5 mm mix output (channels 1-2). Auxiliary RCA inputs (channels 1-2) allow for connecting external audio sources.

Usage Features:

The Hercules Universal DJ supports three primary modes of operation, selectable via a mode switch located at the back of the device:

1. Laptop Mode: In this mode, the controller connects to a computer via USB and utilizes the DJUCED™ 40° software. This setup provides a full-featured DJing experience, with the computer handling the primary software interface and audio processing. The Hercules Universal DJ control panel, installed on the computer, allows for fine-tuning of jog wheel settings (enabling/disabling, sensitivity, touch sensitivity), output balance, and channel volumes.

2. Multi-screen Mode: This mode extends the computer-based DJUCED™ 40° experience by allowing a smartphone or tablet (running the DJUCED™ Master app) to act as a remote control. The controller remains connected to the computer via USB, while the tablet/smartphone connects wirelessly via Bluetooth®. This setup offers enhanced flexibility, enabling remote control of certain DJUCED™ 40° functions from a mobile device.

3. Tablet Mode: In this standalone mode, the Hercules Universal DJ connects to a USB power source (or a computer's USB port for power) and pairs directly with an iPad or Android tablet running the DJUCED™ App via Bluetooth®. The tablet becomes the primary control interface, allowing users to mix music directly from their mobile device without a computer.

Connecting Headphones and Speakers:

Headphones are connected to the front panel, and users are advised to adjust the volume carefully to prevent hearing damage. Speakers are connected to the rear panel via RCA or 3.5mm outputs.

Loading Music:

Music files are loaded into DJUCED™ 40° by browsing folders and files using the rotary browser knob and "LOAD A" or "LOAD B" buttons. The software automatically analyzes the BPM of loaded tracks. DJUCED™ 40° supports popular audio formats like mp3, wav, wma, and aif, provided the necessary codecs are installed on the computer.

Monitoring Tracks:

Monitoring allows DJs to preview and prepare the next track without the audience hearing it. This involves using the headphones output and dedicated "Headphones" buttons on each deck. The "Cue" button is used to set a temporary playback point.

Mixing Tracks:

Mixing involves seamlessly transitioning between tracks. This is achieved by loading tracks onto both decks, adjusting volume faders, and using the crossfader. The "Sync" button helps synchronize BPMs for smooth transitions. An alert is displayed when a track is nearing its end, prompting the DJ to prepare the next mix.

Scratching:

The device supports scratching when the "Scratch" button is activated. Users can manipulate the jog wheels to perform scratching effects.

Working with HotCue Points:

HotCue points are markers placed within a track for instant playback from specific locations. Up to 8 HotCue points can be set and triggered using the pads. HotCue points can also be deleted.

Working with Effects (FX):

In FX mode, pads trigger various effects, and an encoder modulates their intensity. The DJUCED™ 40° software displays the active effects. Mapping configurations for effects can be customized in the software settings.

Working with Samples:

In Sample mode, pads trigger short audio samples. The pad lights up for the duration of the sample.

Working with Loops:

In Loop mode, pads activate loops of preset lengths. The encoder allows for increasing or decreasing the loop length (doubling or halving it).

Creating Playlists:

Users can create playlists within DJUCED™ 40° to organize tracks by genre or theme. Tracks can be added to playlists by highlighting them and clicking the "create playlist" button, or by dragging and dropping files.

Maintenance Features:

The Hercules Universal DJ is designed for durability and ease of use.

• Cleaning: The device should be powered off before cleaning. A damp cloth should be used, and aerosol cleaners should be avoided.
• Internal Components: Users are advised not to open the device, as this risks damaging internal components. Any maintenance or repairs should be carried out by the manufacturer or an authorized representative. The device contains no user-repairable internal parts.
• Power Adapter: Only a power adapter of the type stipulated in the manual should be used (Input: 100/240 VAC, 50/60 Hz; Output: 5VDC, 1 A).
• Environmental Considerations: At the end of its life, the product should not be disposed of with standard household waste. It should be taken to a collection point for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) recycling, as indicated by the crossed-out wheeled trash bin symbol. This ensures proper recycling and minimizes environmental impact.

Hercules UNIVERSAL DJ Specifications