Hercules DJControl Instinct P8 for beginners
Hercules have just announced a new Dj controller. It is called the DJControl Instinct P8 and it’s not 100% new, more of an updated version of their DJControl Instinct but now with a P8 added.
So what’s new with the now longer and harder to remember Hercules DJControl Instinct P8 to warrant an extra P8?
Well the pads are now at the bottom of the controller. This makes sense since the usual transport buttons – cue/play/sync are almost always at the bottom of any player and the pads form part of this in the digital arsenal of the laptop DJ. The DJControl Instinct P8 also gets the same fader and knobs from the Hercules P32 which does not have jogwheels but definitely has better controls than the original DJControl Instinct so that’s a definite improvement.
The overall look of the DJControl Instinct P8 is a tad on the gaudy side but as an entry-level controller it has its virtues; Price is a big one at a very reasonable $129,99 which in South African rands is only R 1,746. With import duties it’ll probably sell for around R 2K.
That’s pretty darn cheap for a first time controller and not a bad way to get going for a noob. It’s also a cheap option for someone who just wants to have some fun at home.
The DJControl Instinct P8 includes their proprietary DJUCED 40º app for DJing which will work seamlessly with the unit, the only snag being that if you want to learn on the industry standard software such as Traktor and Serato, you’d need to buy this separately and MIDI map it or find a ready-made MIDI map online.
DJControl Instinct P8 Features List
The original back in 2012 was always a very basic entry-level unit and so is the new updated controller. It has its virtues but brand like Numark also contend in this entry-level market so it’s always good to check out one’s options.
- Dual-deck DJ controller
- 8 sample pads with multicolored lighting, allowing better comprehension
- Loop mode can be triggered temporarily, using the pads, or permanently, using the encoder
- Effects control and adjustment
- Dedicated SYNC, Cue, Play/Pause buttons
- Separate MODES on each deck
- Touch-sensitive deck and SCRATCH mode
- 3-band equalizer with volume fader and crossfader
- More functions are accessible using the SHIFT button
- Built-in sound card with 2 RCA outputs for mixing and a 1.8″/3.5 mm mini-jack stereo output for previewing tracks on headphones
- Detachable USB cable
- Easy to install, USB-powered port; no drivers required
- PC / Mac compatible
