With DJ software makers persistently trying to move DJs away from the “play one tune then another” paradigm into a different type of creativity, Hercules has jumped into the fray with the Hercules DJ P32, a new pad-based DJ controller, just launched here at NAMM.
The new Hercules DJ P32 controller and DJUCED 40 3.0 software offer a much smaller and more accessible take on this type of solution than, for instance, the Traktor Kontrol S8, and thus represents an attempt to bring this type of technology into the mainstream.
The Hercules DJ P32 has 32 backlit performance pads, with quantise and slip to keep things in time and on beat. Sample packs can easily be loaded in one go onto any of the Remix Deck-style grids, and the software shows loop length, effects racks and cue points, It also features a sampler and slicer, and as you’d image the unit has a built-in audio interface.
Hercules says the P32 will go on sale as of 3 March 2016, priced at €249. We’ll go and check it out at NAMM and bring you a talkthrough video as soon as we can.
Do you think the launch of this shows this style of DJing is gaining traction? Will a wider audience, in your view, want to play sets based around samples and loops like this? And what do you think of the unit and software?Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Phil Morse
