This concept device from Continuum is a dual MP3/CD player with tactile turntables and a full complement of DJ tweaks. While it’s not — and will probably never be — available, it’s a cool marriage of the mechanical and the electronic in a package about as big as your old boombox. However, if you’re looking for something that exists and is available now I just checked out this Mobile DJ MP3 thing that seems to do the trick for considerably less than other kits out there.
John — the Hercules rig is not right for one major reason: latency. I have been using digital dj systems after 13 years of vinyl, and for the record/interface to sound right, you need to have it wired in for really low latency. Serato scratch live or traktor scratch are two good examples of what works well with low latency (>5ms).
Also, these units are nothing more than toys. An important aspect of performing is the performance–and using a toy to rock the house is sad. Does Pete Townsend *need* to decorate his guitars? Nope, they don’t sound better , but they certainly look cooler. And the same goes with this — sure, it *might* be functional, but you look like a chump.
Wanna make something cool for dj’s? If you’re gonna reduce it to tricks make a dj robot. ‘Cause that’d be cool. Even better make a dj robot that punches anyone who requests Brittney Spears.