[Tech]

HERCULES MIX ULTRA: PORTABLE DJ CONTROLLER FOR PHONES

Hercules DJControl Mix Ultra review: 1.9lb portable DJ controller for smartphones with 10-hour battery, Bluetooth connectivity, and $219 price.

image about the Hercules DJControl Mix Ultra, a compact DJ controller designed for smartphone use. The device weighs 1.9 pounds, measures 12.4 by 6.9 inches, and connects via Bluetooth to iOS and Android devices. Key features include a 10-hour rechargeable battery, eight programmable effects pads with sampling capabilities, three-band EQ controls, and Neural Mix technology for isolating track elements. The controller includes a protective cover that doubles as a phone stand and works with the free djay app. Priced at $219.99 USD, it targets beginner and hobbyist DJs rather than professional users. The article covers technical specifications, connectivity options, audio routing limitations, and practical applications for the device.
Hercules
image about the Hercules DJControl Mix Ultra, a compact DJ controller designed for smartphone use. The device weighs 1.9 pounds, measures 12.4 by 6.9 inches, and connects via Bluetooth to iOS and Android devices. Key features include a 10-hour rechargeable battery, eight programmable effects pads with sampling capabilities, three-band EQ controls, and Neural Mix technology for isolating track elements. The controller includes a protective cover that doubles as a phone stand and works with the free djay app. Priced at $219.99 USD, it targets beginner and hobbyist DJs rather than professional users. The article covers technical specifications, connectivity options, audio routing limitations, and practical applications for the device.
Hercules
image about the Hercules DJControl Mix Ultra, a compact DJ controller designed for smartphone use. The device weighs 1.9 pounds, measures 12.4 by 6.9 inches, and connects via Bluetooth to iOS and Android devices. Key features include a 10-hour rechargeable battery, eight programmable effects pads with sampling capabilities, three-band EQ controls, and Neural Mix technology for isolating track elements. The controller includes a protective cover that doubles as a phone stand and works with the free djay app. Priced at $219.99 USD, it targets beginner and hobbyist DJs rather than professional users. The article covers technical specifications, connectivity options, audio routing limitations, and practical applications for the device.
Hercules
image about the Hercules DJControl Mix Ultra, a compact DJ controller designed for smartphone use. The device weighs 1.9 pounds, measures 12.4 by 6.9 inches, and connects via Bluetooth to iOS and Android devices. Key features include a 10-hour rechargeable battery, eight programmable effects pads with sampling capabilities, three-band EQ controls, and Neural Mix technology for isolating track elements. The controller includes a protective cover that doubles as a phone stand and works with the free djay app. Priced at $219.99 USD, it targets beginner and hobbyist DJs rather than professional users. The article covers technical specifications, connectivity options, audio routing limitations, and practical applications for the device.
Hercules

Summary:

  • Lightweight controller (1.9 pounds) designed specifically for smartphone and tablet use
  • Features 10-hour battery life, Bluetooth LE connectivity, and eight effects pads with built-in sampler
  • Priced at $219.99 USD, targeting beginners and casual users rather than professional DJs

The DJControl Mix Ultra from Hercules represents the company's latest effort to make DJ equipment more accessible to newcomers. This controller prioritizes portability and smartphone integration over professional-grade features.

At 12.4 inches by 6.9 inches, the device fits into standard backpacks without difficulty. The 1.9-pound weight makes it suitable for users who need to transport their equipment regularly. Battery life extends to 10 hours per charge, with a full recharge cycle completing in one hour.

Connectivity relies on Bluetooth LE technology, which reduces power consumption while maintaining a stable connection to mobile devices. The controller works with both iOS and Android platforms through the free "djay" app, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Audio routing uses your phone as the primary source, supporting both stored music files and streaming services. The included splitter cable allows simultaneous connection of headphones and speakers, though this creates two mono channels rather than stereo output. This limitation primarily affects users seeking higher audio quality standards.

The device includes eight programmable pads for various functions. The "Neural Mix" feature isolates individual track elements such as vocals or basslines, allowing users to manipulate these components separately. Other pads handle hot cues, loops, and audio effects. A dedicated sampler pad comes preloaded with sounds while accepting custom samples.

Standard DJ mixer elements include a three-band EQ covering low, mid, and high frequencies. The rubber-coated knobs provide smooth operation during mixing sessions. Pitch control functionality allows tempo adjustments for beatmatching.

Hercules designed a dual-purpose protective cover that transforms into a phone stand when removed from the controller. This setup creates a workspace where the controller sits on the cover while the phone slots into a rear-mounted holder.

The CES 2025 Innovation Award recognition acknowledges the product's design approach, though the controller clearly targets entry-level users rather than club-standard applications. Professional controllers typically cost between $3,000 and $4,000, making the Mix Ultra's $219.99 price point accessible to hobbyists.

The controller serves users who want to experiment with DJing without significant financial investment. More experienced DJs might find it useful for casual sessions or travel situations where full-sized equipment isn't practical.

Hercules sells the DJControl Mix Ultra directly, with pricing set at £149.99 GBP and $219.99 USD. The device is currently available for purchase.

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Thomas Gabe

Thomas Gabe

is a seasoned technology editor based in Berlin, Italy. With over 5 years of experience, Thomas excels at making complex tech topics. He holds a Computer Science degree and in his free time, he enjoys experimenting with gadgets and mentoring budding tech journalists.