Cortex HDC-1000 Digital Music Controller

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List: $469.99

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Rated 4 out of a total of 4 reviews.

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Cortex HDC-1000 Digital Music Controller - Mint Condition

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Product Information


Powerful head for your digital DJ setup!

Intelligent Music Database Management
The HDC-1000 uses a database management system that allows the user to search through a massive library of music within seconds, by artist, title, genre, album, or even by string.

PC-Based Database Creation
Databases can be created via the rackmountable HDC unit or the PC application, allowing users to create and manage database files at a gig, or on a home computer with lightning fast speed.

Search Options
The cataloging system gives you several browsing options, including Search by Artist, Song, Title, Album, and Genre. This system allows users to search the same way they would using an iPod or similar portable music player.

String Search
Users can search by a certain word or phrase to find tracks on their storage device, even if they're unsure of the name. When the user inputs a keyword, it will search all Artists, Titles, Albums, and Genres, and show all matches to that keyword. For instance, searching for the word 'LOVE' might bring up (3) artists. It might also find (60) titles, (10) albums and (1) genre. The user can then select the artists, titles, albums, or genres from that list.

CD-Audio Playback
No need to abandon the CD collection, the HDC-1000 is able to play audio CDs with any compatible USB CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.

CD/DVD Data Playback
Play back user-created CD-Rs or DVD-Rs loaded with MP3 or WAV music files using a compatible USB CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.

Main Playback Screen
The brightly illuminated LCD main playback screen displays info on any track in the catalog, showing everything from the essentials such as artist, track title, pitch, time elapsed/remaining to detailed information including file format (MP3 or WAV), genre, and track length.

File Explorer Mode
Allows users to browse through files and directories as if they were using a computer, showing them the directory structure and file names exactly as they exist on the audio storage device. DJs with their own organizational system can navigate it quicker than using the database.

Firmware Upgradeable
The HDC's internal music management software can be upgraded simply by downloading new software from the Cortex website.

Storage Device Selection
Take a client's request from his iPod or USB memory flash drive, plug it in, and play it right away without having to reboot the unit. With two USB ports (and support for up to 4 devices when using a USB hub), the Cortex HDC unit allows users to connect and recognize multiple storage devices to access a variety of separate music databases simultaneously.

Cue Point Management
Cue points can be set like a normal CD player, so that the DJ can return to a certain time in the track just by pressing a button. Cue points may also be saved permanently to the connected storage device, allowing them to load with a track automatically.

Performance Protection
Every Cortex HDC unit features exclusive protection from accidental shutdown while playing, securing your precious digital files from sudden corruption and preserving your performance. To turn the unit off, simply press and hold the power button for more than 2 seconds.

Keyboard Support
Quickly find that hot new track in a massive library of music with just a few taps of a USB-compatible keyboard.

VBR & CBR File Support
The HDC-1000 can play all your MP3's; CBR or VBR at any bitrate up to 320kbps.

Multi-language Support
The HDC-1000 music management system supports multiple languages including English, French, and Spanish.

Ultra-fast Instant Start
From Cue to Start, get into the mix with no delay.

Scratch Mode
Create exciting transitions and effects by simply holding down the Jog Mode button for a moment to enter Scratch mode, users will be able to use the jog wheel to engage a scratch effect.

Waveform Display Mode
Via the Cortex database software, available FREE from the Cortex website, HDC-1000 users will be able to create a waveform of each song on their USB storage device which can then be optionally selected to be displayed on the HDC-1000's LCD screen.

Seamless Loop Feature
HDC-1000 users will now be able to seamlessly loop their favorite parts of a song with the touch of a button for more creative mixing possibilities.

With our Guaranteed Lowest Price, you can be assured of complete satisfaction and the lowest available price, or your money back!

Cortex HDC-1000 Digital Music Controller Features:

  • Intelligent music database management
  • PC-based database creation
  • Search options
  • String search
  • CD-audio playback
  • CD/DVD data playback
  • LCD main playback screen
  • File explorer mode
  • Firmware upgradeable
  • Storage device selection
  • Cue point management
  • Performance protection features
  • Keyboard support
  • VBR and CBR file support
  • Multi-language support
  • Ultra-fast instant start
  • Scratch mode
  • Waveform display mode
  • Seamless loop feature
  • HDC-1000 Software Update v.1.7.5'
  • NOTE: For optimum functionality, first download and install HDC-1000 Software Update 1.7.5 (if you haven't already done so) before downloading and installing both HDC-1000 Software Version 1.8.10 AND DB Manager Software SE (Version 2.4 for the HDC-1000)
  • This update (1.7.5) contains bug fixes and improvements to the previous version, including:
  • Improved Cue speed/performance
  • Improved performance when playing VBR files
  • Improved sound quality on quieter files
  • Improved performance when playing same file on both sides
  • Error checker built into update (Checks for file corruption before updating)
  • VERY IMPORTANT: Please refer to v.1.7.5 install procedure.rtf included in the update bundle prior to installing this update.
  • HDC-1000 Software Update v.1.8.10 + DB Manager SE v2.4
  • This update (1.8.10) contains bug fixes and improvements to the previous version, including:
  • Scratch Mode
  • Make Playlists On Computer
  • Auto-Fade (Fade between songs in same playlist)
  • Improved Overall Unit Performance When Mixing
  • Improved Cue Performance
  • Improved Fly Cue Accuracy
  • New Features in DB Software SE Version 2.4
  • Create Playlists For Use In Unit
  • Sort Songs Based On Artist, Genre, Etc

Cortex HDC-1000 Digital Music Controller Specifications:

  • General
  • Type of Unit: Streaming Digital Audio Controller
  • Format Compatability: MP3, WAV, CD-Audio
  • MP3 Format: 8 kbps ~ 320 kbps, CBR
  • WAV Format: 44.1 kHz, 16 bit stereo
  • Pitch Increment: 0.05% at 4 and 8% 0.1% at 16 and 24%
  • Pitch Ranges: 4, 8, 16, 24%
  • Power: AC 100~240V, 50/60 Hz
  • Power Consumption: 12 watts
  • Operating Environment Temp: +5 degrees C <## HC mdash ##> +35 degrees C (+41 degrees F - +95 degrees F)
  • Operating Environment Humidity: 5% - 85%
  • Dimensions: 19 x 2-17/32 x 3-15/32 inches, 482 x 64 x 88mm
  • Power Supply: USA 110v 059-347 VDE (Europe) 059-348-R UK 059-349-R JIS (Japan) 059-350
  • Operating environment temp: +5 degrees C to +35 degrees C (+41 degrees F - +95 degrees F)
  • Audio output section
  • Output level: 1.0 V RMS (1 kHz, 0dB)
  • Audio Output: 4 Channel (2x2)
  • Output Connectors: Unbalanced RCA Type
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 22 kHz
  • S/N Ratio: 90dB
  • Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.05%
  • USB interface section
  • USB Protocol Support: 1.0, 1.1 (Full Speed) and 2.0 (Hi-Speed)
  • Connector Type: USB Type A
  • Number of Ports: 2
  • Maximum number of connected devices (via USB hub, sold separately): 4
  • File System Support: FAT32, NTFS, HFS+, CDFS, UDFS
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5 Star Rating

Basic functionality, good fit for MP3 holdouts

Pros: 1) Easy transition for those moving to MP3s from traditional DJ equipment 2) Small - my 9U Odyssey (FRMC9) case has a 4U DN-X500, the 2U Cortex, and still enough space to lay a keyboard on a 3U spacer between the two 3) Hardware is designed for DJ use 4) Flexible media control 5) Flashable firmware 6) Keyboard control with your choice/location of keyboard 7) Bright displays 8) Weighted jog wheels Cons: 1) Basic level of functionality Has - search, browse (keep lists under 50 items though), play, pitch, saved cue points Does not have - native playlists, master tempo, beat matching (BPM not counted, and not even displayed from ID3 tag), looping, hot cue points, multiple genre support, effects, remote start 2) Firmware upgrades aren't the same as having a choice of software as you do with a laptop 3) Two small screens 4) No history to base long term reliability on 5) I also question the playback quality on "dinner" type music, I was getting "pops" on CBR 320 files (playing the MP3s off the same external HD and through the same mixer/speakers but with a PC showed no "pops") Personally, and I think nearly all equipment is personal preference, I would like to have the option of not bringing the laptop for certain gigs. For me that wasn't the HDC1000 though. I'm not certain why there is so much talk of digital controllers replacing laptops any time soon. Perhaps they will give non-laptop users a comfortable option to transition to MP3s, and those that went to laptops because there was no alternative. These units have a number of generations before they get "pure" laptop users looking at them seriously though.

Reviewed by DJ Argyx on 12/20/2006 who plays All.

7 people found this review helpful.
0 people found this review unhelpful.
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5 Star Rating

not ready for prime time

I purchased this unit to hopefully replace my Virtual DJ laptop setup and I was not satisfied with the software or features. I plugged the HDC-1000 into my Denon DNX400 mixer and played for 4 hours. The Cortex has very good feel and build quality but for $500 big ones I expected to be able to at least loop and have more configuration options. Plugging in a USB hard disk and using either folder-based or ID3 tag search is fine. However, I couldn't get the thing to read additional information like BPM and key numbers I have stored in my MP3 files. Sound quality is fine but beat matching is very hard to do. Although you can use the pitch slider very well, it's hard to do accurate frame searches through songs. Cueing was also hard to do because the unit can't write cue information to NTFS. That's unfortunate because Windows won't format large drives with FAT32. Another drawback is that it's too easy to nudge the wheel with your fingers when trying to press the info button. To make matters worse, you can't play protected files from an Ipod. I have a serious iTunes collection and was hoping to not have to convert the whole thing to MP3. I haven't tried using USB CD-ROM drives because I only have firewire ones. This one is going back to the store for the Denon DN-D4500. I can at least upgrade to the DN-HD2500 controller when it comes out. That'll give me the best of both worlds--reliable CD (with CD-TEXT) and a great controller.

Reviewed by DJ ColaGT on 11/24/2006 who plays Hip-Hop, R&B, Reggae, Trance, House.

3 people found this review helpful.
0 people found this review unhelpful.
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5 Star Rating

Cortex HDC 1000 for Backing Tracks

HAving pick up the cortex on impulse for the intention of using it for backing tracks to replace minidisc I was surprised at how easy it was to use and access files quickly. Within minutes I had an entire database of backing tracks loaded from a 2gb USB drive. After memorizing the manual I racked it and went gigging. Straight up and running easily, however this is when a problem arose. With the pitch turned off the unit actually played tracks approximatel 1/2 a semitone sharp, not pleasant against a tuned guitar. After speaking to Cortex directly this appears to be a universal software problem that they will be releasing an update for very shortly. That said adjusting the pitch by -1% we were back in tune and up and running, quick easy and no minidisc changes to worry about. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Klaus27 on 1/2/2007 who plays Varity.

2 people found this review helpful.
0 people found this review unhelpful.
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5 Star Rating

Just Shy of The Ultimate

This is the most innovative unit of its kind on the market in five years of research. Other similar units require a laptop to do essentially what the laptop already does with PCDJ. I have studied the features and talked with tech reps on the item, but do not own one yet. I cannot find where songs can be put in cue, taking the pressure off having the next song ready on the same side of the player. Also no keyboard for quick title or artist entry. The best way to consider this is bring in a couple of pen drives to the store and play with it until you are satisfied with the ops. I feel the NEXT iteration of this design will be the killer! It already has patents that prove its pedigree. It just needs better description online, and some accomodation, otherwise, still not strong enough to replace PCDJ on a laptop. DJ Dr. Disco

Reviewed by DJ Dr. Disco on 11/3/2006 who plays Broad Spectrum of Requests.

2 people found this review helpful.
1 person found this review unhelpful.
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