New York, November 9, 2011 - Hercules, leader in mobile DJing controllers for computers, recently announced that it would be extending its DJ range to include monitoring speakers. Today, Hercules is proud to unveil its latest creations: a line of headphones designed for DJs.
 
Drawing on its 20 years of audio expertise, the Hercules team is bringing a fresh new personality to the world of DJ headphones by combining professional sound quality and ergonomic design with the comfort demanded by exacting users, whether DJing at home, in the studio or performing live sets.

HDP DJ-Pro M1001: Professional sound and long-wearing comfort

With their stylized design, the HDP DJ-Pro M1001 headphones are perfect for semiprofessional and professional DJs. They usher in Hercules’ signature design featuring a continuous arc from one earpiece to the other, to avoid pressure on the user’s head, while at the same time perfectly shielding the DJ from external sounds. Additionally, their large ear-cups feature the same distinctive relief found on the jog wheels of Hercules’ range of DJ controllers.

With their black color emphasized by blue stripes, the headphones’ provide a stylish, sleek look that has been designed with all head sizes in mind.

Designed for previewing tracks, the HDP DJ-Pro M1001 headphones allow DJs to precisely analyze sounds, thanks to their 5 Hz to 30 kHz frequency range - a very wide audio spectrum, allowing the wearer to hear a precise rendering of their audio tracks, and thereby optimize the different settings before playing the mix for the audience.

The headphone drivers are 50 mm in diameter, guaranteeing the clear sound and deep bass response that DJs expect. Their low impedance (32 ohms) and sensitivity of 107 dB at 1mW provide a powerful audio level which does away with the risk of being overpowered by PA system speakers.

The ear components pivot along 3 axes of rotation: each ear-cup swivels vertically about its hinge by 180°, while the hinge swivels 90° horizontally and toward the inside of the headphones by 120°, providing great flexibility for DJs carrying out one-ear monitoring.
This mechanism also allows for the headphones to be folded and easily transported in their carry bag. Their cable, which measures 3 m in length when extended, can be connected to the left ear-cup for right-handed DJs, or to the right ear-cup for left-handed users.
The large, soft ear pads perfectly cover the shape of the user’s ears, completely shielding the DJ from ambient noise.
Particular attention was paid to comfort when developing the headphones’ structure, this being essential for extended audio previewing sessions.

HDP DJ-Adv G501: Style and listening comfort for all DJs
 

Because style and comfort are not just for professional DJs, Hercules has created the HDP DJ-Adv G501 headphones. Designed for both advanced and amateur DJs, they provide high-quality sound reproduction and excellent listening comfort. Sporting a shape similar to the professional HDP DJ-Pro M1001 version, the HDP DJ-Adv G501 model is distinguished by its black lacquer finish and green highlighting elements.
Its pivoting ear components (with 3 axes of rotation) let the wearer preview tracks with just one ear, and allow for easy folding and transportation.
 
Designed for precise audio reproduction, allowing DJs to effectively prepare their mixes, this new model of headphones has an impedance of 32 ohms and sensitivity of 102 dB at 1mW providing a strong audio level, 50 mm diameter drivers with accurate bass response, and a 10 Hz to 25 kHz frequency range.

The HDP DJ Adv-G501 headphones will be available from late November 2011, at a suggested retail price of $129.99.

HDP DJ M40.1: The solution designed for all users

Last but not least, Hercules has created a third model for all mixing fans: HDP DJ M40.1. The headphones’ DJ look and two axes of rotation for ear components (ear-cup 180° vertical rotation and 120° hinge rotation toward the inside) will appeal to a large number of users.
 
Their sensitivity of 95 dB at 1mW and 50 mm diameter drivers provide clear, pure sound: perfect for mixing sessions at home, and also for listening to an MP3 player or other audio device without bothering those around you.

They will be available from late November 2011, at a suggested retail price of $39.99.

Hercules DJ Control AIR brings innovations that make mixing intuitive and spectacularly fun - whether you’re an amateur DJ, or just getting started:
- "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

Taking a great leap forward in the world of 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 a 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.

Hercules DJ Control AIR is the versatile, innovative digital DJ controller that lets amateur DJs get mixing right away: all you need is a computer, headphones and speakers, and you’re ready to go.

Released in November 2011, at a suggested retail price of $169.99.