At first glance, the DJControl Mix Ultra looks more like a toy than a DJ controller packed with cutting-edge technology. The bright colors, small size, and limited inputs/outputs make for more “entry-level” looks, but this controller delivers a lot of bang for the buck for beginners.

I got my hands on a unit post-NAMM 2025 to try this little controller and figure out exactly why anyone would want to spend two hundred dollars on this thing. 

More Info HERE

Retail Price $199

Unboxing The Hercules DJControl Mix Ultra

Out of the box, I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of this micro machine explicitly designed to work with iOS and Android versions of Algoriddim’s excellent dJay app. I used my iPad to test the DJControl Mix Ultra, a set of AiAiAi Unit-4 powered speakers, and a set of Sennheiser HD-25s to mix.

First, you will notice that you need to use the dongle to connect to your phone if you want to mix with headphones by ear. The dongle has a split wire input for your headphones and another out for connecting your speakers to, which was just something I scrapped doing immediately, but if you really want to mix using headphones and your speakers to beat match properly, it can be done. Instead, I used the sync button, mixed with the waveforms and key, and skipped the headphones altogether.

Yes, I know, it’s kind of sacrilegious to approach DJing this way, but Djay is such a powerful program that you really can have a lot of fun mixing this way using the wealth of onboard effects, looping, slicing, and hot cues to have a blast. This controller helps beginners immediately get a feel for what DJing is all about and offers some very advanced features that newbies can grow into and master.

I used the controller to teach my six-year-old daughter the basics, and she was immediately hooked on putting tracks together and using the shit out of the FX buttons.

So, let’s look deeper at what makes this controller stand out from the rest, what’s onboard, and what’s missing compared to other entry-level controllers on the market.  

When it comes to entry-level DJ controllers, the market has no shortage of options catering to aspiring DJs.

But Hercules has taken a different approach with the DJControl Mix Ultra, a completely wireless DJ controller designed exclusively for Algoriddim’s djay app. This means you can mix straight from your smartphone or tablet (sorry, guys, it doesn’t work with your computer), and no cables are required unless you want to mix with your headphones. But does its wireless freedom make up for its lack of traditional connectivity?

Let’s break it down.

Compatibility: A Locked-In Ecosystem

Unlike some beginner-focused DJ controllers, the Mix Ultra only works with djay, which is available for iOS and Android. While some might see this as a drawback compared to controllers that support Serato or rekordbox, Algoriddim’s software is arguably the best mobile DJ app out there.

Plus, it supports streaming from Apple Music, Tidal, SoundCloud Go+, Beatport, and Beatsource, eliminating the need for a massive local library. For beginners, that’s a game-changer. You should keep in mind that you will need a subscription to use both djay and any streaming service, so those are just ongoing costs to be aware of, albeit minimal. 

However, the lack of Serato and rekordbox support means users are confined to djay’s ecosystem. If you plan to level up to club-standard Pioneer DJ gear from the get-go, you won’t get the same workflow familiarity as you would with something like the AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2, which comes in twenty bucks cheaper and at $179. If you are serious about advancing to a pro setup and becoming a working DJ, it’s better to go with the DDJ.

If you just want to dabble, have fun, and learn the basics without much of a learning curve, then keep reading.

Setup & Connectivity: Is Wireless Worth It?

The Bluetooth-powered Mix Ultra is all about simplicity. Power it on, connect to djay Pro under MIDI devices (it will automatically show up), and you’re ready to mix—no USB cables or external sound cards required.

The controller is connected to your device to control the software, the music plays through your phone and can be connected via BT to wireless speakers or using the included dongle for a wired connection, plus splitter input for your headphones to mix. 

Pros:

  • Completely wireless connectivity for true portability 
  • Easy plug-and-play setup with djay Pro plus access to all the relevant streaming services – the best being Beatport/Beatsource
  • USB-C charging with a 10-hour battery life

Cons:

  • No built-in audio outputs (all audio routes through your phone/tablet)
  • No headphone output, forcing reliance on a bundled mono audio splitter
  • No USB or MIDI connectivity, limiting its flexibility
  • Sound is mono 
  • Price is a little high for what you are getting

The lack of an onboard sound card means all audio is routed through your device, and without a headphone output, monitoring tracks becomes tricky. Hercules includes a splitter cable in the box to separate master and cue outputs, but both will be in mono—a compromise that some DJs may not be willing to make.

For those who want a more robust setup in the future, the Mix Ultra’s limitations may feel restrictive. However, its wireless nature makes it a great choice for spontaneous, on-the-fly DJing. This thing is perfect if you want to noodle around with putting tracks together at your friend’s house party. 

Performance & Features: Surprisingly Versatile for a Budget Controller

The features make this unit a blast to use, as you are given many ways to play with your music. Yes, you look a little goofy rocking out over this micro mix machine, but you must go with it. The layout follows a familiar DJ format: two small touch-senstive jog wheels, a crossfader, upfaders, EQ controls, filter knobs, and a browse selector.

Performance Pads: 8 Modes, Endless Creativity

Each deck is equipped with eight performance pads that toggle between:

  1. Hot Cues – Jump instantly to saved cue points.
  2. Loop – Create loops of various lengths.
  3. FX – Trigger DJ effects for smoother transitions, tension building, etc.
  4. Neural Mix – Isolate vocals, drums, or instruments (more on this below, this is one of djay’s best features for creative mixing).
  5. Pitch Play – Shift pitch and key for harmonic blending.
  6. Bounce Loop – A momentary loop effect, great for fills and drum juggles.
  7. Slicer – Chops a track into 8 segments for live remixing.
  8. Sampler – Play one-shot samples or custom audio.

For newbies, these features provide an easy way to experiment with transitions, building tension/energy, sound design, and remixing—essential skills that translate well to more advanced gear in the future and make this controller much more fun.

This also makes it a great device to use for teaching kids, as there are enough features to make the whole process a lot more exciting. 

Neural Mix: djay Pros’ best feature for creative mixing

One of djay Pro’s standout features that I love is Neural Mix, which lets you isolate individual track elements—vocals, drums, and instrumentals—in real time. On the Mix Ultra, a dedicated Neural Mix button transforms the EQ knobs into volume controls for stems, making live mashups and acapellas incredibly easy to pull off. More advanced users can use Neural Mix for on-the-fly remixing, stem-based transitions, and genre-blending.

While some competitors offer stem isolation, the implementation here is seamless and intuitive, making it a real selling point for DJs who want to grow their skills beyond basic mixing.

For Apple Music users: Neural Mix doesn’t work with Apple Music streams—so if you rely on that service, you’ll be out of luck.

DJControl Mix Ultra vs. DDJ-FLX2: Which is the Better Beginner Controller?

The answer to this question can be tricky, as you typically buy an entry-level controller to test the waters on your level of interest. However, some people know they absolutely want to learn the craft of DJing, and for this user, the better choice is the AlphaTheta DDJ-FLX2 ($179). Both controllers are in a similar price range and target the same audience, but they take very different approaches.

Things to consider

  • For portability & casual mixing, Mix Ultra wins with its wireless freedom.
  • For traditional DJ setups & club-standard software, DDJ-FLX2 wins with rekordbox/Serato support and proper audio outputs.
  • For creative effects & live remixing, Mix Ultra wins with Neural Mix built into the EQ section.

Who Should Buy the Mix Ultra?

At $199, the Hercules DJControl Mix Ultra is a compelling entry-level controller, especially for DJs who value portability and wireless convenience. Its performance pads, Neural Mix integration, and djay Pro compatibility make it a strong creative tool for beginners, but its lack of built-in audio outputs and software flexibility keeps it from being a true DJ starting point for those going the distance.

Overall Rating: 8/10 

While the DDJ-FLX2 might be the better long-term investment for DJs who are committed, the Mix Ultra is perfect for those who just want to have fun, dip a toe in the water, and show up to rock a house party. If you’re new to DJing and want a simple, cable-free experience, you will be absolutely thrilled with the DJControl Mix Ultra

The post Hercules DJControl Mix Ultra Review: The Ultimate Wireless DJ Controller for Beginners? appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.