Cortex HDC 1000, 3000, 5000 review

[Have a disco]

Ok another Plasa review

Looked at the 1000 had a play with it and was suitably impressed but found it was simular to denon 1800 range and could runalongside it in another 3 U space in a deck box set up didnt get too excited belive it will be priced at about £699 but I feel that this will drop rapidly as it is very basic system dimensions as such are this 19" x 5.2" x 3.6 and weighs in at a grand total of 1.7kgs. The best thing is you can play all formats you can think of MP3 / wav / on Std CD, CD-R, & DVD or even seperate devices like Ipods memory stcks and Hard drives. The screen is in a nice blue lcd and dsplays all the things you could need and as you can search the drives memory via the jog button to spell out what your after, the cataloguing you stuff properly is essential especially with ID Tagging being recognisable.

You also get free a database creation programme which you can dowload free from gemini whom are to be the main dealers throughout the UK...You will also be able to set cue start points for most of your tunes. and to top it off you will be able to use 4 storage device sources at anyone time so should a hard drive go up the creak you would be covered with any sense by another which would take less than 1 minute to deal with best of all is that you dont have to abandon cd's if you dont want to even then. I felt that this one was not for me as it was too basic no looping etc etc

the ones that mpressed me were the 3000 & 5000

The 3000 is very simular in style to the denon 2600 range with lots of simular functions to it and a few more besides this will appeal to those whom like to club mix as well this is the one I would want priced about £899

and for the scratch DJ's the 5000 desktop version was just stunning much like a pioneer desktop without cd ability this would appeal to the hardcore. Never foud out the price for this one

[Shaun]

I Want!!!!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Sounds interesting Badger - I'll have to have a good look tomorrow.

[Have a disco]

Head for the Gemini section then

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Head for the Gemini section then

I might have to wear a disguise then... :teeth:

[Corabar Steve]

The 3000 is very simular in style to the denon 2600 range with lots of simular functions to it and a few more besides this will appeal to those whom like to club mix as well this is the one I would want priced about £899

Really? :teeth: :teeth:

[Corabar Steve]

Sorry, I could't resist. You were close though :teeth:

[CRAZY K]

Hey thats interesting--thanks Badger.

I have seen the 1000 on DJ Supply.com in USA at 500 dollars---thats a hell of a lot cheaper than £899--also spoke to DJ heaven in the land of the Wolves--(Wolverhampton) and they were talking £500 plus a USB lead.

I may be wrong here but the HDC 1000 is simply a digital reader/ mixer--nothing else--

Same as the Director dee squared.

Is the Denon product really the same i.e. reader only ---no hard drive?

BASIC yeah bring it on I love BASIC :teeth: :teeth: :teeth:

Less to go wrong!!!!!

Look forward to report from Daz :teeth:
CRAZY K

[soundtracker]

The Denon 1800f Badger refers to is a twin CD player, I assume he means similar in regards features.

[Corabar Steve]

The Denon 1800f Badger refers to is a twin CD player, I assume he means similar in regards features.
Or a sham :teeth:

[CRAZY K]

I would say chalk and cheese

They are really totally different--because instead of carrying a case of 800 CDS designed to give you major back problems--I have to think of these things :sad:

you only need a stand alone hard drive :teeth: plus back up :sad:

And the HDC 1000

CRAZY K

[Have a disco]

The whole idea of cortex is basically to be a reader of information from any source like dvd mp3 or even mormal cds, whether its stored on an Ipod, Portable HARD Drive, or dvd disc source. On it has std sound leads plugs you could use any ole mixer to plug into. yes the denon 1800f seems about right for features no loops etc etc and its a basic player, but in a sense you could get away with using any cd or dvd player from a computer shop even.. In general overall sense no more carrying expensive laptops / computer desktops / towers about??? it wipes out the need for them no sham Price £499 online already

believe the next phase will even let you play MP4 video's through its system but that is some way off maybe a next generation of the HDC system

HDC is not a mixer ok you have to buy one of those to link into

I was unable to play with 3000 or 5000 as both were behind perspex but are the next releases in the group for HDC Cortex

full info below

Cortex HDC1000 Product Details


The Cortex HDC1000 marks the beginning of a new idea in DJ equipment - a CD player style controller that controls a USB mass storage device.

This can be a USB hard drive, a USB memory stick, an iPod, or other MP3 player with USB connectivity. You can even play most of your set off a hard drive or iPod connected to the rear USB socket, and then plug a USB memory stick into the front socket to play a newly downloaded or single requested track.

Because the controller, sound card and processing are all built into a single 2U rack controller you don't need to take a PC/Mac to your gig, and you don't need an external soundcard - you connect your USB storage device to the USB socket, the HDC1000's audio outputs to your mixer, and that's you ready to go - no decks, no CD players, no time-coded vinyl, no computer - it's plug and play.

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 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 storage device. DJs with their own organizational system can navigate it quicker than using the database.

Firmware Upgradeable:
The HDC's internal 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 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

[sparc]

The one I tried was not working - all hung :omg:

Looks nice though

[CRAZY K]

Just had an email from DJ Supply.com in America.

Cortex HDC 1000 is now available at I believe 500 dollars.

Im still considering if this is my best option or not.

CRAZY K

[Shaun]

$500 dollars is around £270. As always the brits have to fork out almost double than that of our American counterparts.

RIP OFF BRITAIN!

[Shaun]

p.s: I still want one though :D

[CRAZY K]

Elite said

500 dollars is around £270. As always the brits have to fork out almost double than that of our American counterparts.

RIP OFF BRITAIN!

Hang on--they will sell you this item and send it from America FOC free of charge! for £270

Obviously you have to decide whether you want to take the risk if there is a fault with it --I assume there is no consumer protection if you buy from America ---YOU WOULD get protection here in the UK and get the dealer to refund you etc under the Sale of Goods Act.

You pays your money---you takes your choice :teeth:

CRAZY K

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Elite said

500 dollars is around £270. As always the brits have to fork out almost double than that of our American counterparts.

RIP OFF BRITAIN!

Hang on--they will sell you this item and send it from America FOC free of charge! for £270

Obviously you have to decide whether you want to take the risk if there is a fault with it --I assume there is no consumer protection if you buy from America ---YOU WOULD get protection here in the UK and get the dealer to refund you etc under the Sale of Goods Act.

You pays your money---you takes your choice :teeth:

CRAZY K

Wouldn't the power be different?

[BeerFunk]

I'm really interested in this product now, although I will wait to see how it does first. Sounds like it's nailed the needs of digital DJs :thumbs_up

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Saw it today at PLASA.

It looks ok, but the basic version doesn't have master tempo and the screens arent great and not very big.

The next version up is about another £400 on top too.

The D squared looked a lot nicer with more features, a bigger screen and a bit more user friendly. It's around the £650 mark when it comes out in November, but is still being 'tweaked' apparantly.

Downside is with the D squared is that you can't play CDs through it, but the Cortex you can.

[Have a disco]

did notice that the 5000 did not have any links for cd input apart from the usb inputs???

[Have a disco]

Pictures or 1000 & 3000 unable to get one of 5000 sorry but got enhanced ifo for 3000HDC1000.jpg (http://www.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1011&stc=1)

Enhanced Features

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 automatically with a track. Also, the unit allows for 4 hot cue points per side, which can also be stored to the connected mass storage device.

Efficient Sampling
Samples can be set and stored in any of 4 banks with the simple touch of a button. Samples can be trimmed and edited with the graphical user interface, and the samples pitch can be altered.

Comprehensive Looping
Up to 4 loops can be programmed with a loop-editing feature. Unlike a traditional CD player, the loops can be edited easily using the HDC-3000’s graphical user interface, which allows the loop to be trimmed until it sounds perfect. Loops can be saved to the connected storage device, so that they can be recalled each time you load that particular track.


DSP Effects
This module gives the users a choice of 12 effects (including Filter, Flanger, Echo, Delay, Auto-Pan and more) plus, truly comprehensive parameter setting capabilities. EACH parameter can be edited in real time offering a greater ability to modify the sound while still preserving the preset simplicity.

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.

[CRAZY K]

Daz said

Wouldn't the power be different?

YES- BUT theres a European model for 220v to 240v power supplies

CRAZY K

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Daz said

Wouldn't the power be different?

YES- BUT theres a European model for 220v to 240v power supplies

CRAZY K

Yeah, but wouldn't you get the US model if you bought from the States?

And also you'd have to pay import tax etc (If you got caught! :teeth: )

[Corabar Steve]

Badger, where on the Gemini stand in relation to the 1000 & the 3000 was the 5000?

[CRAZY K]

Daz--I assume the European model is available because it says so on the American Web site.

Import tax-- havent looked at that--must be a lot better than 90 per cent which would make it UK equivalent price.

Im only saying this is might be an option--im not convinced its the best one because of the lack of consumer protection.

CRAZY K

[Have a disco]

Badger, where on the Gemini stand in relation to the 1000 & the 3000 was the 5000?

right as if I was looking at the 3000 the 5000 was to the immediate right in a clear perspex case and there was 2 x 1000 players one to the left and one to the far right near the exit to the stand which was the one I had a fiddle with and found very basic the 3000 was covered over with clear perspex as to stop people having a trial fiddle with it etc etc

pictures are on one of my posts previous

[Corabar Entertainment]

Didn't see a 5000 model; the rep didn't mention a 5000 model; and there wasn't a catalogue for a 5000 model.... are you sure you didn't imagine that one Badger? :teeth:

My two-penneth (from a non-technical person!):

Cortex 1000 - Basic player, no bells and whistles (which could either be a 'pro' or a 'con' depending on what you are looking for). Definite advantage: you can play CDs through an external drive so if the B&G had a particular song on CD that they wanted you to play, you could. Definite disadvantages: screen is very poor; the search and load facility seemed a little bit fiddly to me (no facility for you to plug in a keyboard to use for searching); you can only work one track ahead on each player (ie the one that's playing and the one you will play on that 'deck' next - so equivalent to having 2 twin CD players). Price: £450

Cortex 3000 - Similar to the 1000, but with more bells and whistles (including the Master Tempo that Darren was speaking about). It has a larger screen with better definition. This one is only in prototype at the moment and they expect it to be out about November-time. Price: £900!!!!

Numark D2 (D Squared) Director: - IMHO better than the Cortex overall. Advantages: MUCH better screen; allows you to plug in a keyboard which makes searching for a track much easier; I understood how to load up the tracks very quickly; and you can make a make an advance playlist and drop in tracks as and where you want 'on the fly'. Disadvantages: Not able to play CDs through an external drive. (They stated that they expected DJs to be carrying a CD player as a back-up, which is why they hadn't added this facility). They admited they still have some work to do on this one - only in prototype at the moment and they are still 'tweaking' the functions and working out a few bugs. Expected on the market in about 3 months. Price: £600

[Have a disco]

5000 was a desktop variety much like pioneer or denon 3500 desktops am suprised if they withdrew it as it was there sunday??? maybe it was the next prototype shell???

[Corabar Steve]

5000 was a desktop variety much like pioneer or denon 3500 desktops am suprised if they withdrew it as it was there sunday??? maybe it was the next prototype shell???
The chap who talked to us for about 45mins about the other 2 didn't even mention it

[Have a disco]

heres there website 5000 exsists but even no picture here but I definitely saw it

http://www.cortex-pro.com/hdc_3000.php?t=1

[BeerFunk]

heres there website 5000 exsists but even no picture here but I definitely saw it

http://www.cortex-pro.com/hdc_3000.php?t=1
Maybe it was a projected project, a non-working prototype?

It would serve to strengthen the range, and thus attract more attention?

[CRAZY K]

Thanks Steve, very helpful.

Strangely a DJ shop who is a local dealer for them and will be selling Cortex said it was better than the Director--but then they would wouldnt they :teeth:

Bit disappointing about the screen.

Im going to have a look at one in a dealers and see what I think.

I got the impression there was a way you could get a playlist together---although my colleague Spin from Northampton reckoned you had to input the track info into the Cortex as well as the hard drive :mad:

As I only have a restricted need for all my music to be available im looking at the I Pod docking mixer--which for someone like me who is not mainstream Disco might do the trick.

CRAZY K

[Have a disco]

If I remember you have to have your Id Tags correct but they have a programme which it will load/scan up from your database harddrive etc etc and then will stay there even if you loan it to someone else to use??? it will recognise every different drive source

[Busby]

The HDC 5000 was there the whole 4 days. The HDC 3000 was behind perspex as it had not got the lastest sofware on & as the unit had only just been finished they wanted time to test it before letting people "just push buttons". The 5000 was a dummy unit & will be ready late Jan 2007. The 1000 will be in the shops 1st week of Oct.

[Murrough]

Not sure about their marketing approach on the web site. Lets face it, these units do look the bus, so if you are considering say the 3000 now, would you buy, or would you wait for them to throw up the details of the 5000. The 5000 pages are blank, yet its due in 4 months., I think I'm gonna wait.

[DJ Pop Rocket]

Cortex 3000 - Similar to the 1000, but with more bells and whistles (including the Master Tempo that Darren was speaking about). It has a larger screen with better definition. This one is only in prototype at the moment and they expect it to be out about November-time. Price: £900!!!!

Numark D2 (D Squared) Director: - IMHO better than the Cortex overall. Advantages: MUCH better screen; allows you to plug in a keyboard which makes searching for a track much easier; I understood how to load up the tracks very quickly; and you can make a make an advance playlist and drop in tracks as and where you want 'on the fly'. Disadvantages: Not able to play CDs through an external drive. (They stated that they expected DJs to be carrying a CD player as a back-up, which is why they hadn't added this facility). They admited they still have some work to do on this one - only in prototype at the moment and they are still 'tweaking' the functions and working out a few bugs. Expected on the market in about 3 months. Price: £600

Cortex 3000: £900! :omg: I was considering getting something like this instead of using a laptop. But after looking at the Cortex 3000 price tag I think it may just be out of my range and the 1000 seems to have too many downsides (i.e the LCD Screen).

I like the looks of the Numark D2 but it is not compatible with WMA files. So considering quite alot of legal internet downloads use the file format WMA it is not much use to me.

Does anyone know if these units play DRM files ? Also on the cortex 3000 how do you search for songs by keywords when there are no letter buttons ? Is it similar to say text messaging in the way you type the word ? (i.e. Push the same button until it gets to the letter you wish)

Also does anyone know where I can get some more information on the Numark D2, the only problem I can see with it is that it does not play WMA files. Also can someone explain to me how the Numark D2 works as there is only one LCD screen, how does that work ? It says you create one big playlist, does this mean it auto-fades songs ?

So these things work by connecting say a HDD into my computer placing all the songs onto it then once I connect it to either the Cortex or Numark D2 via USB all the songs should automatically be displayed ? Then how do you fade songs in.....is there a mixer on the units to do this or is it an automatic fader of some sort..? Also there is no more need for soundcards with these systems ?

Any information will be of great help.... :)

[Have a disco]

Dare say it will drop in price quite rapidly to around same price as denon 2600 / 4500 things always are worth waiting for a bit longer in my books but it will help not to buy straight away whislt glitches are ironed out

[BeerFunk]

Review of Cortex HDC 1000 from another forum....
if a feature which any DJ would be looking at is "Stable playback" then any iPod definately has more going for it than the Cortex 1000.

I tried a Cortex 1000 at PLASA London last month, and I couldn't believe that they'd actually displayed it. It was a bit like Dunlop displaying a flat tyre. I had a track playing on the Cortex as if out to an audience, and nudged the jogwheel - the sound skipped about once every 3 seconds, about 3 or 4 times - eg: output sound was affected for 9~12 seconds - after that, the track recovered and played ok, unless you tried pitch bending again.

Different tracks? zero pitch? powering off-counting to ten-powering back on? trying again? The skip problem remained. I've seen/heard this same "skip until recovery" problem on OEM pocket MP3 file players. The Cortex gets migrains...

I think that its safe to say that Cortex/Gemini are not aiming for the same, professional market that Denon are; and visavie professional users eagerly awaitng the Denon DN-HD2500 are unlikely to be impressed by the Cortex units.

The Cortex 5000 (tabletop DN-S3000 look-alike) was there too, but only a hollow lit mock-up under a perspex enclosure
To be honest, the more I hear about these units, the less likely I am to consider them. They (Cortex/Gemini) have little to no experience in this field, so it is understandable that their first range of players are going to be sub-standard - compared to the nearest competitors.

I haven't heard an awful lot about the Numark unit, although I believe it will not have a built in hard drive (I stand to be corrected though)

[CRAZY K]

Erm--not very encouraging

Ah well Dragonfly---we know what to do on the demo dont we :teeth: :teeth:

Nudge nudge ---wink wink---

Well maybe just nudge then!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wondered if you could just switch to another track or maybe it doesnt work like that :sad:

Have East Midlands got it yet?

Its in stock in Wolverhampton at Heaven DJ Shop now,

regards

CRAZY K

[Dragonfly]

havent spoken to emsl yet going down tomorrow to talk to them so ill ask the question. not very encourageing ... will have to play with the jog wheel lol have to say tho cant remember ever having accidentally nudged the jog wheel on my cd players?? suppose if someone knocks your stand it may do but again ..... crazy we will have to have a game of catch with it see what happens ........maybe we could be the topgear of mobile discos test stuff to see how long it takes to break?

[CRAZY K]

Hmmmm well I didnt like to say that post on the other site was from a clumsy DJ ---too politically incorrect of course :teeth:

We will see.

Must admit because I mainly use Mini discs I rarely have this problem.

Lee from Energy is back testing it any day now so should be interesting.

I really would like to get something sorted with Xmas parties coming up etc.

On Holiday next week so look forward to feedback here in the meantime.

Spose I could buy 2 Ipods :omg:

CRAZY K

[BeerFunk]

will have to play with the jog wheel lol have to say tho cant remember ever having accidentally nudged the jog wheel on my cd players?? suppose if someone knocks your stand it may do but again ....
Hmmmm well I didnt like to say that post on the other site was from a clumsy DJ ---too politically incorrect of courseI think you guys have misunderstood... the nudge was not accidental, it's what you deliberately do to bend the pitch up momentarily. Maybe a better word could have been used, but I can't think of one right now :)

[Corabar Steve]

Having seen the prototype Numark at PLASA I'd be inclined to wait for that or the Denon

[Have a disco]

Im inclined to agree but even Denon will have to Iron out the problems first as I dare say Cortex will be doing for the first 6 months of its release hence the ability of it to handle software upgrades when plugged into the computer

[BeerFunk]

Oh, by the way Badger, the new Denon HDC can control the D4000 and D4500 CD drives too - which I believe you use already? :)

This will theoretically increase the stock value of 2nd hand D4000 units (they are discontinued)

[Have a disco]

Looking at getting 4500 for its bpm calculator which is a nice adition as well as the HDC but this will have to wait till next year LED Moodbars club versions and Wind up frame work is next on the hit list

[BeerFunk]

Well, if you were getting the HDC it almost renders the 4500 useless :omg:

Although you will always CD decks of some sort...