Because the controller, sound card and processing are all built into a single 2U rack controller you don't need a computer at 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.

If you're the sort of DJ that uses state of the art CD players with seamless loops, hot-starts etc, then the HDC1000 isn't for you (the HDC3000 is coming soon, and offers all this and more) but if you're a mobile DJ who gets out there and gig's with CD's - but want's to move to MP3 but can't be bothered with a laptop/controller/software solution - then this is the product that will make your life so much easier. Get yourself a HDC1000 and an external USB hard drive (a branded 250Gb USB2 external drive will cost you about £70, and hold a massive 50,000 tracks depending on their length and bit rate).

You can leave the HDC1000 mounted in your rack (it's 2U and will therefore replace most CD player controllers) - you don't need it to get tracks onto the drive - you simply connect the USB hard-drive to your computer and save all your music onto it - you don't need any fancy software . You then simply unplug the drive, take it to your gig, plug it into your HDC1000 and you're ready to go. You can even download some free Cortex software from their website, which allows you to manage/search all the tracks on your hard drive using your computer very quickly and simply - which is a nice touch.

The hardware is very well solid and well built, the buttons are tactile rubber (much better than plastic) and the software seems stable and fairly responsive. Firmware upgrades for the HDC1000 are available from the Cortex website to ensure you're always running the latest version - with new features and facilities being added based on user feedback.

Why not watch our getinthemix video demo to give you an insight to what this amazing bit of technology can do fou you!!

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.