Cortex HDC1000

...is available free from the Cortex website to database the MSD before you connect it to the HDC-1000 (this is generally much quicker, rarely taking more than five minutes).

Once a databased MSD is connected to the unit you can then browse through and play all your music using the directional buttons or the jog wheels. You can also perform a string search, which allows you to enter text using the directional buttons or jog wheels on ...
...Every few months or so Cortex release an update for the unit enabling new features and fixing bugs. As of today (12th August 2007) the latest update features: scratching, seamless looping, USB keyboard support (allowing you to use a keyboard to enter text in the string search and navigate around the unit's menus) and BPM searching. The latest version of the databasing software also allows you to create a waveform of each track which (with the latest ... more

Upon opening the box it appears as though you do not get much for the £499.99 it will set you back if you buy it here in the UK. You get the power cord, a set of metal stands (for use if you decide not to mount the unit in a rack-mount), a large, highly detailed manual and of course the unit itself.

Setting the unit up is easy and the detailed manual guides you through the process well. Once you have it connected to the mains and your mixer you can turn it on, at which point the easy to read, bright blue double displays spring into life showing the words "Insert Storage Device".

What you have to understand with the HDC-1000 is that it cannot INSTANTLY read off your Mass Storage Device (MSD); instead it has to create a database of all the music it can find on the MSD which it then reads from. This database allows it to quickly access your music by song title, artist, album or genre (somewhat like an Apple iPod). Databasing is easy, although it has to be done everytime MSD has more music added to it.

When you connect a MSD to the unit (via one of the two well placed USB sockets) the unit will ask you if you would like to create the required database on the MSD. This can take a while if the device is over 10GB in size. If this is the case (as it will be with most serious users) all you have to do is connect your MSD to your computer and use the databasing software which is available free from the Cortex website to database the MSD before you connect it to the HDC-1000 (this is generally much quicker, rarely taking more than five minutes).

Once a databased MSD is connected to the unit you can then browse through and play all your music using the directional buttons or the jog wheels. You can also perform a string search, which allows you to enter text using the directional buttons or jog wheels on the unit and search for all song, artists or albums containing that text. The unit features pitch adjustment (with ranges of +/- 4% to +/- 24%), auto cue (automatically cues the track up on the exact moment that the music comes in, eliminating annonying silences at the start of tracks), pitch bending (using the jog wheels or +/- buttons), repeat functions and track info reading (allowing you to view the artist/album/genre/BPM/time of the track according to what is included in its ID3 tags). Each of the two USB ports is expandable so you can connect up to 4 devices to each port (although the required adaptor is not included, cheap ones are available from eBay for about £5.00).

The real joy of the HDC-1000 is that its upgradable. Every few months or so Cortex release an update for the unit enabling new features and fixing bugs. As of today (12th August 2007) the latest update features: scratching, seamless looping, USB keyboard support (allowing you to use a keyboard to enter text in the string search and navigate around the unit's menus) and BPM searching. The latest version of the databasing software also allows you to create a waveform of each track which (with the latest update) can be viewed on the HDC-1000 (although I've never found this very useful). The updates also bring about support for more and more music formats.

One feature I find very useful is the fact that it can read off of iPods. Once databased and enabled for disk use an iPod can be used in exactly the same way as any other MSD. The HDC-1000 is also able to read iPod playlists, an invaluable addition since the databasing software's playlist creation features are VERY limited. One thing I have noticed however, is that when reading off an iPod as opposed to a regular MSD the respose time in terms of loading up tracks is slightly longer, nothing terrible, but the experienced DJ may find this annoying.

The only real criticism I have is not for the HDC-1000 itself, but for Cortex as a company. The one time I had to email technical support because of a bug I discovered they were VERY unhelpful. They took a long time to respond (sometimes up to 3 weeks) and when they did they very rarely offered solutions, just more and more of the same questions. Eventually I found that the Cortex website's free forum is a much better place to get support.

I have now used my HDC-1000 at about 20 gigs and it has honestly never let me down once. It has loads of little features to prevent DJs from making those silly mistakes which can mess up an entire gig. For instance the power button needs to be held down for 3 seconds before the unit is deactivated during which time the music keeps playing the music as though nothing had happened. The power cable is held in by a small clamp on the back, preventing it from being accidentally pulled out (a common issue for the mobile DJ).

In my opinion the HDC-1000 is well worth the £499.99 although if you want to penny pinch you can buy it in the USA for about half the price! 

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