x
DJ Experience - BPM Supreme Contributor - February 28, 2020
Travel Controllers for DJs: Numark DJ2GO2 Touch & Hercules DJControl Starlight
Share

The life of a DJ is fast-paced. Whether you’re a radio DJ, mobile, wedding, or club DJ, one thing we all have in common is our on-the-go lifestyle. We also know that practice and preparation are the keys to delivering a perfect DJ set. From hopping on a plane to go across the country or hopping on a train to go one state over, some of the newest compact and portable controllers make it easier for DJs to prep a set and even practice mixing on the road.

Today we are taking a look at two great travel controllers for DJs: the Numark DJ2GO2 Touch and the Hercules DJControl Starlight. Keep reading to see a few pros and cons of both, and let us know which controller is your choice.Numark DJ2GO2 Touch

Numark DJ2GO2 Touch

The Numark DJ2GO2 Touch is the latest version of the DJ2GO2 first debuted in 2017. This pocket-sized controller is not only portable, but it comes equipped with Serato DJ Lite for Mac and PC. DJs can easily map the DJ2GO2 Touch with other popular DJ software or upgrade to Serato DJ Pro when ready. Plus, this controller has a built-in sound card so speakers aren’t required.

New to the Touch model are capacitive touch jog wheels. This feature gives DJs the option to practice scratching from virtually anywhere. The controller also comes with a USB cable, a quick start guide, and a 1/8” to RCA cable.

Priced at $79, check out some pros and cons below.

Pros

  • ‘LOAD’ button (x2) for added convenience when assigning tracks to Deck 1 or 2
  • Very light for ultimate portability
  • Tidal/Soundcloud streaming capability
  • Built-in sound card

Cons

  • Having to remap for better use with software other than Serato DJ Lite
  • No button to shut off ‘SYNC’ feature
  • Scratching capability could be improved
Hercules DJControl Starlight

Hercules DJControl Starlight

The Hercules Starlight comes with all of the essentials you need to start DJing, including a built-in audio interface that makes it easy to prepare tracks and practice your sets while you’re on the road. Plus, the Starlight is also plug-and-play with Serato DJ Lite.

More features include bass EQ/Filter knobs, 4 pads x 4 modes (hot-cue, loop, FX, sampler), as well as touch-sensitive jog wheels. Beginner DJs and professionals looking for an option for backup gear will definitely appreciate this small 2-channel controller.

Priced at $89.99, here are some of my favorite things about this controller, as well as some cons.

Pros

  • Easy to cut off ‘SYNC’ feature when DJing
  • Better feel; scratching is above average on this device
  • One-year warranty included
  • 2-channel/Dual Deck

Cons

  • USB reportedly can come loose
  • No ‘LOAD’ button
  • Price is slightly higher than the Numark DJ2GO2 Touch

Numark and Hercules have both created genius products that can be used by DJs all over the world. I think each controller has more than enough features to make any traveling DJ happy. To learn more about these controllers, visit the official Numark and Hercules websites.

Let us know which controller has more of the features you need or want. Leave us a comment below!


About the Writer
Brooklyn native Cory Giles has a ten-year history in the music industry, working with companies such as Def Jam Recordings and Hot 97. A graduate of Jam Master Jay’s Scratch DJ Academy in NYC, Giles has worked with brands like Louis Vuitton, Mohegan Sun, The W, T-Mobile, and the WWE. In 2018, Giles joined Dash Radio’s Taste Radio Channel as a weekly host and DJ on “The Corner.” He is also the official DJ for the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun.
Related News