Hercules DJControl Starlight Full Review & Guide

The DJControl Starlight is one of the smallest and most portable Serato DJ controllers on the market. With its low price and brilliant performance features, is this the must-have controller for professionals and beginners alike? In this full review and guide, DJ Holland finds out!
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[@Crossfader]

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[@JL2LB]

What kind of speakers work with mixer

[@chuck1880]

Does this work with you dj or not??

[@franciscakleine751]

Jammer

[@franciscakleine751]

Ja

[@dylanpajuelo8352]

Couldn’t you use Dj pro if you wanted to and mix songs from Spotify etc

[@DeccyJ]

This little thing has actually saved me a couple of times, just having it in the bag as the backup for my backup. And I use it at some gyms I DJ at where there is literally no space and it's not worth taking my SX2. Works a treat and good tip about turning the filter back to normal as that has got me a couple of times, just thought it may have been a fault. Although sometimes the vinyl feature doesn't work as it should, but I don't rely on it so that's not too bad. Good review

[@FAKoLL]

Fantastic review. This is exactly what I needed. All aspects of the device explained in a very straightforward way. I'm looking to buy it and now I'm convinced :) great job. You earned a sub!

[@Crossfader]

Great to hear! Thank you!

[@caoimhinsaunders8494]

I got one today for Christmas it is absolutely superb

[@pabelloradeleon5603]

Crossfader family, I appreciate your work and knowledge. Thank you.

[@marmanlive]

Absolutely a brilliant review... the best available on the internet, thanks much!!!

[@Crossfader]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@kaizerdragon3458]

This is a very interesting controller for sure, it does do good things for beginnner DJs.

[@djmajesticeclectic]

Thank you for breaking this down. I didn’t pick this up but I got the Hercules DJ control mix which I believe is another version of this controller. I really like it a lot. I learned two features I had no idea about that’s helped a lot as a beginner because of this video. You have a new sub.

[@sazsuen]

hey! I’m looking into either buying DJ control mix or starlight and I’m wondering if the DJ control mix can be hooked up to apps on the computer too? or is it only compatible for the phone app? thanks! 🙆🏻‍♀️

[@DJ_ADFoster]

Great tutorial video. Just bought this to use as a travel controller...Cheers

[@stephendelacruzone]

Nice walkthrough bro! 💎✨👌

[@Gedagnors]

Thank you for the video! Very interesting device!!!

[@darkstepwarrior88]

Just a nifty little thingy to get you started, i am definitely thingking about this one.

[@brandonhamilton4663]

Great video thanks for your help

[@sambro7]

Great info! Thx mate.

[@michaemoore]

Excellent review, Thumbs up ..Thank you

[@Crossfader]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@madprism]

Nice video dude thank you!

[@AlexMoschopoulos]

I like that it's the only one of these compact controllers that even tries to have an EQ. I know many trash that it doesn't have a browse knob, but I honestly never use it and would rather have an EQ

[@AlexMoschopoulos]

I picked one up just to play with MIXXX and stream online for some friends without having to use my larger setup. I love the compactness and even remapped some aspects to fit my workflow. Only complaint is I feel like the jogwheels aren't very responsive. Like I'll start to turn one, and it takes a second for things to suddenly catch up and the controller to see I'm doing something. Not sure if it's a MIXXX issue or the controller. Not the end of the world. It was an $80 controller for fun. I do love how this one has some means for EQ while others done. So I can use the bass when I'm doing long blends. Might remap the quick effect/bass filter to control gains. Not regretting my purchase at all. Will still use and play with it. :)

[@fusionistaaaa]

@@AlexMoschopoulos How would you remap the quick effect buttons?

[@AlexMoschopoulos]

@@fusionistaaaa I left the buttons be. The only big changes I did was to remap the filter pots to control the bass pots. I also mapped the master volume knob to control the headphone mix VS master. I only use this live streaming online, so I mainly put what I needed the most on the controller. I kept the buttons the same beyond remapping some of the loops buttons to quickly do longer loops, like 16 and 32 beats.

[@fusionistaaaa]

@@AlexMoschopoulos yes those loops are short by default. Id like to use an old nanopad i have to map samples and effects. Is there an easy midi map in mixxx. Can't do it in serato lite nor djuced

[@240zzzap]

Excellent review & guide and based on the info I decided to get me one :) One thing you should have mentioned (or maybe I missed it) is that if your controller unlocks Serato dj pro (in my case Roland DJ-505) you cannot use that version of dj pro with the Starlight. You'll have to buy another version ($249) or get a subscription; no discount whatsoever. That's a lot of money for a controller like this that doesn't unleash dj pro's full potential. I was disappointed to find out but I still kept the starlight cuz serato dj light still offers some features that I use a lot while preparing tracks (adding hot cues, editing beat grids), which are recognised when opening the tracks in dj pro. But if I wasn't a Serato user, I would not have considered switching to Serato pro cuz this controller also works with Hercules' DJuced and also Mixxx, both of which I've used extensively with the Hercules Inpulse 500. Both are free and offer more than Serato dj light. But Serato's beat grid editing function is unequalled :)

[@yuriab7811]

very well explained

[@reymundotorres5128]

Best Mini Dj Controller in the dj market and would recommend this to any Dj or someone that is interested in Djn. 👍👍

[@lynnxmusic3503]

I have the dj control impulse 300 but I like the idea of this one, more portable and perfect for mixing on the go

[@DJ-kt5bk]

Samuel Lalonde same but annoyingly it’s broken

[@lynnxmusic3503]

DJ how did that happen

[@keithhampton9700]

I have the Hercules Grab it and Mix. Lots of fun. I'm having trouble putting Music on it.

[@maciomacio8745]

Great instruction!!!!

[@djresource717]

Very good for practice on the go..

[@kaibe5241]

This looks like a damn good unit tbh.

[@mariusbotha1262]

Nice video. Great controller fo beginners:-)

[@andersonmoraes2894]

Só não aprendi mais porque não entendo idioma. Mais deu pra mim aprender várias coisa da minha controladora que eu não sabia. Muito obrigado!

[@stevesells9545]

great review, perfectly explained. I need something for when I am sitting on the couch working on set lists and such. I usually just bluetooth my macbook to a speaker and work right in serato with no controller for that. I am curious if I can still use my bluetooth speaker with this controller

[@FBA_AllTHEWAY]

“2 jog wheels..rather small but we do have them” 😂😂 Ok so that was funny to me😊

[@djdannybhtx]

Maybe u covered this and I missed it, but are you able to adjust the 8, 16, and 50 range with this controller? I cannot find anything on how to do this.

[@carlodatu7898]

good day team crossfader, any new news about the new Hercules dj controller starlight for 2021? Thank you

[@harrybugarin6923]

is there a workaround to use this with the DJ Pro without purchasing again?

[@reezevlog]

this is better than the Numark DJGo unit....for small DJ controllers

[@anthonyhall8467]

Lovely

[@CJDJSDiscos]

could you guys please do a review on the Hercules Inpulse 200 and Inpulse 300?

[@djholland4235]

You can read our full reviews on the website for these controllers wearecrossfader.co.uk/all-reviews/

[@santiagotorres9318]

Hi! Great video. Is there a way to control the laptop volume with the Master control of the Dj Control?

[@JL2LB]

What type of speakers can be plugged into

[@mitchdresen5202]

With the performance pads, is there a way to shorten the loop smaller than 1 bar in Serato with the controller? Or is there no way to change the loop sizes with the Starlight controller? Thanks

[@getsmendamood]

Just bought this for my son, what’s a good headphone to get him that you can recommend so that he’s not blasting them on the speakers while I try to sleep?

[@Elevated805]

Do you know if they're going to release a Hercules Startlight 2 anytime soon? Or at all?

[@pedrodaim9742]

Great review. One question, can you use the wheel for beat matching purposes, just like you would with the wheel of a cdj? Thank you!

[@benelevate]

Yes. Press 'Vinyl' and 'Headphone' of the track you're trying to cue in

[@jesslucio3104]

Can I control the gain in Serato Lite? Or is it only Auto Gain?

[@80bpmbassist]

This one vs the Numark DJ2GO2 Touch, which one do you guys think is better for beginners? I know for me I was inspired into this by Joe Hahn from Linkin Park, but I would wanna learn scratching along with general DJ stuff, and this looks amazing for that, but the other seems to be quite similar, but there are a few differences that stood out to me at least. Which is better?

[@urbnctrl]

Hercules, especially for scratching

[@rylander2002]

Has anyone had any trouble using Starlight and Serato with OBS to stream? The audio won't come through, I think it's something to do with the usb. Would really appreciate any help/advice!

[@Jamiearchermusic]

i just got this. my linux computer does not support serato dj lite. can i use any other software

[@JuanArias-xr6je]

Can this little thing be conected to a synth roland jdxi with midi?

[@daniel6959]

Great video ! Question, can I use this with rekordbox ?

[@stevenherrera222]

Fuck no

[@126k9]

does this controller also work with djuced?

[@ethansyrett163]

Does this work with Djuced

[@Darman287]

hey, as a total beginner, would you recommend the starlight or inpulse 200?

[@joebates4160]

Impulse 500 or 300 i started with a 300

[@yvideos9534]

Can i play with my phone connected instead of computer?

[@DeepThinkingGPU]

is there any scratch affordable controllers that work with garageband as a midi controller, and I can scratch some words i record as a wav, to sound more like incubus ??

[@JsonLego]

Is this running in virtual dj 2023?

[@donnyhifly]

Can you use this controller with virtual DJ ? If not what version of Serato is this?

[@djrugzyb]

I just saw a video that showed you can. Some slight remapping but almost perfect out of the box

[@giannaparedes9819]

can u connect a mic to this?

[@filipporicci7766]

what's the name of the program you're using?

[@Bjaythedj]

I've had this controller for so long and gave up because the crossfader doesnt work. Do you know how to fix this? I'm sure it's a computer setting but all of my settings ni serato are correct. Thanks!

[@123456789rose100]

my volume on both sides as well as the cross fader aren’t working do you know why that may be ? I’m a beginner and just ordered this

[@anthea5851]

did you ever figure out the problem? because this is happening to me too

[@synthmaster4959]

can you use with serato pro and remap button combos say shift +headphone cue to browse library and say shift + vinyl button to load track into deck 1 or 2?

[@VianneyBonnefont]

up

[@DJJASProductions]

can you upgrade to Serato Pro (full version).

[@VianneyBonnefont]

up

[@NaN-See]

On my Starlight DJCONTROL, when I have a song deck 1 and a song on deck 2 I try to move my crossfader to the right to mix my song on deck 2 but it doesn't play my song on deck 2 it just plays my song on deck 1 when my move my crossfader to the right. How do I fix this? :)

[@tomentwistle7592]

Do I need a soundcloud go subscription

[@hot4futureyears2come]

The crossfader is not good. the point where a sound comes in and goes off is not accurate. but for anything else it is a good option. I use it with the serato remote app on the ipad mini for effects and sample finger drumming. Yes i have use this in a party and it worked really good. the crowd was unaware what i was using and one mention what "turntable did you use". :)

[@CJDJSDiscos]

I rekon this is better than the numark versions

[@djjaysmoke]

Why haven't they come out with an upgrade for this beast?

[@alll261]

Does this work with android phone guys?

[@philosopherprince339]

Can I hook it up to sl4 to use 4 decks with two other tables?

[@djtolleyt]

This would not work. This has a sound card built in just like the SL4. You would have to use one or the other.

[@brittanydyer9471]

How would you go about hooking a mic to this? I want to use it when im traveling but thats a major concern that there is no mic input so I can't really go live and stream if I can't talk to the people watching while they listen to the music. Thanks!

[@benelevate]

Get a small interface like the Scarlett 2i2 to use with it

[@TICO116]

I have Android tablet witch software

[@MegaMegaMickey]

hey yall just bought this a few days ago and I am having some trouble with the headphone jack. my master works fine (connected to speakers) but I cant get any playback on my headphone jack. i know you are suppose to be able to output on both, headphone and master, but i still cant seem to find out what the issue is. any help would be greatly appreciated

[@Crossfader]

Have you set the cue to master? Shift and the left cue button :)

[@jmoak311]

Will this work with serato dj pro? This might be fantastic for wedding ceremonies.

[@djscottymaxx]

No only Serato Lite🙄, I know it immediately turned me off with it

[@jmoak311]

@@djscottymaxx this does work for serato dj pro. I use the Reloop ready for wedding ceremonies but have the starlight as a backup.

[@mandeepkalsi952]

I bought this controller today but am worried about it’s headphone out. I want to buy high end headphones like Sennheiser HD25’s or the M50x and want to know if these headphones will run properly through the headphone jack on this controller. A friend of mine said I’ll need an amp to run them.

[@juliehoggs7713]

Not sure if you've got this sorted but they work fine with HD25's and any other headhones I've tried with it. The only cans you're likely to need an extra amp for are not the type that are build for DJing, they're production/monitoring headphones and have totally the wrong response for DJing as they're made to sound flat, whereas DJ phones are made to thump on the low end so you can hear those kick drums in a loud environment and the highs are rolled off a bit to protect your hearing.

[@dukemabel6719]

Are there any drivers needed or is it really plug and play?

[@omzizo715]

They say you don’t need drivers, but mine wouldn’t connect until I downloaded the driver for windows pc

[@djjaysmoke]

Can it be mapped?!

[@jelllyprty1207]

Please if someone can answer: Why do my lights come on but I am not able to use this controller successfully on an HP or Mac? I've checked compatibility and driver etc. (even though you don't need it) but I am not able to use the jog wheels, play buttons or use the crossfader etc. I'm only able to change the light settings by the bass/filter and cue buttons. I'm so frustrated lol tutorials I watch only show how its used, not if you can only see lights blinking :( hopefully, someone can answer before the days of waiting for an email reply from Serato or Hercules.

[@manzarek74]

Hello a newbie question can I connect it to iPhone instead of computer? My daughter 10 years old want to try dj is it possible to use for kids or is too advanced?

[@pep9716]

You can connect to an iPhone with a camera adapter dongle (which provides power as well as usb connect) by apple and use it with the djay app.

[@Sunminimoons]

Can i used this controller and practice on serato pro Instead of lite?

[@pep9716]

Yes, if you have a paid subscription or pay for one. Serato dj lite is free to use with this controller but limited in use so I prefer Djuced software by Hercules which is a full dj software and free to use with this controller. Hope this helps.

[@rafaelsaftoiu9610]

Some free software?

[@arslanahmed1338]

A QUCIK QUESTION: while using pads for FX, is there a way to adjust the level of the effects (Echo, Reverb etc) through the controller or we can only change that in the software for it to work?? hoping for a reply

[@juliehoggs7713]

Only on the software. The pads on the controller just do on/off and not levels, so you would need to prepare the level/intensity of the effect in advance and leave it set, or do some more tricky interactions with both the laptop and the controller at once. The buttons don't latch the FX either, they're hold on to play and then release to stop rather than press once to activate, press again to deactivate. So attempting to control a level knob in Serato whilst holding the button wouldn't be ideal.

[@arslanahmed1338]

@@juliehoggs7713 so i guess better to opt fot Pioneer DDJ-200 then ?

[@pnapink8022]

how much

[@ValeStar1]

Привет специалист. А как с Numark DJ2GO2 звук записывать? Это придется купить диктофон с микрофоным входом и разветвитель джека 3.5мм?

[@Cesarz28]

Can this connect by Bluetooth to my mixer?? In the mixer I have my bass and speakers, left and right. How would it then connect to the iPhone?

[@OreoTheDJ]

no but the hercules DJ control mix can

[@giacomopagni1960]

ciao. ma vi siete accorti quando nel mix da un canale vai al centro si abbassa il notevolmente hercules il volume.. cosa molto brutta!! sapete se si puo rimediare con delle impostazioni?

[@SherwinBajao]

Don't like that there is no browser section. It would be perfect if it did. And if it wasn't mirror layout.

[@KashifKhan-qf1sk]

hey brother can we connect hercules with the android phone via bluetooth

[@pep9716]

The starlight is not compatible with android as of date. The model you are looking for is Hercules dj control mix which is compatible with djay app on Android via bluetooth. Hope this helps.

[@oliviae.4824]

Is there a shortcut for making a knob browser available on the controller?

[@dlonz23]

Maybe , in virtual dj you can extend more functionalities....

[@pep9716]

Yes shift and the platter wheels lets you scroll. Hope this helps :)

[@leachy8123]

Anyone know why when I plug it in after a few minutes it says accessory not supported

[@chr1sdanger]

It draws too much power with the LEDs. Try using a powered usb hub 🦾

[@dj_paultuk7052]

Is this national review a Starlight day ?. Ive had one for a year. Its ok as a little controller just for testing things out.

[@djmiyagi1950]

I was thinking the same thing. Mojaxx did his review yesterday and then this one drops lol

[@Crossfader]

Complete coincidence! Both ourselves and Mojaxx were freaked out! 😂

[@Lyahemmel_]

all workеd

[@docbaker63]

Can you use an iPhone in place of laptop?

[@juliehoggs7713]

Yes but then you need to use Algoriddim Djay Pro software, which natively supports this controller. You'll also need the camera connection kit. The one that offers USB as well as a second port for charging. The phone itself cannot provide enough power so you run the camera kit into the phone, then plug this into the USB and run your power cable out the second port in the camera kit and plug that into the mains. My son does this fo his iPad and it works perfectly.

[@DeepSeaLeague]

Do you think it’s possible to use the hercules with serato on an ipad?

[@Crossfader]

No, Serato doesn't have an iPad application sadly

[@pep9716]

You can use djay for iPad.

[@ivan90988ify]

Controller is very good, but minijack connection is very bad. Light touch of the connector leads to noise in the speakers. I try different cables, but problem is inside controller. I very unhappy with it. Anyone have the same trouble?

[@Crossfader]

We did notice a bit of noise in our unit, we trialed it against the Numark DJ2GO and found that too had a lot of noise. As we said in the review, the sound quality isn’t the best on these small units. It’s more the portability that sells it.

[@Drumaddikt22]

Csn you use this with Rekordbox?

[@djjaysmoke]

Nope. Serato Pro

[@superprocz]

the cheapest dj controler ever made is numark dj2go2 and it supports serato(i have it)

[@djscottymaxx]

Kinda sucks it dont work with Serato pro and plus you gotta download other fx packs with this one as well. Its cool how small it is though but eh better off getting a SR-2 or something like that and still be able to utilize Serato Pro

[@djjaysmoke]

It does with a license.

[@firestoryy]

just got this lil guy for 40$ going to play around with it

[@peterpumpkineater6942]

I just wanted to make the comments to 50

[@KS-mz3kv]

can u use serato dj pro i'm on my mom's

[@KS-mz3kv]

acount i'm 8 jusst got this 2 days ago

[@Crossfader]

You can use the Starlight with both Serato DJ Pro and Serato DJ Lite

[@trancextend]

I love this controller but I need more buttons.

[@lynnxmusic3503]

trancextend same

[@tasnifrahman2486]

I have this and an Arturia Minilab Mk II. I mapped that Arturia to my djay pro software to add 4 extra cue points per deck, as well as 8 extra knobs to control high, mids and fx. Works really well, with more functionality than something like an Inpulse.

[@lynnxmusic3503]

Hey I also have djay pro it’s a great software

[@tasnifrahman2486]

@@lynnxmusic3503 yeah I only do the as a hobby so it's nice to be able to use my Spotify playlists.

[@Rique_M]

For 100 bucks i was told its awesome