HOWTO: Hercules DJ Console and Mixxx on Various Ubuntu Versions and Kernels

Post date: 14-Sep-2010 16:46:57

Changelog

  • Fixed a problem with instructions for Linux 2.6.38 with Rojtberg's PPA.
  • All instructions simplified to copy-paste ordered commands.
  • Added instructions for installing Hercules Control Panel.
  • Added instructions for 2.6.38 from Natty.
  • Streamlined instructions for 2.6.35. Now they can be just copy-pasted in order.

HOWTO: For Ubuntu 10.04 Lucid and 10.10 Maverick with Linux 2.6.35

Hercules DJ Console series MIDI of interfaces require a kernel module in order to run. That module is "hdj_mod". Some time ago Hercules released a deb package for their 1.28 version of the module. Since the module uses DKMS, no further updates were needed for some time. However as of kernel 2.6.31 some of the ALSA API has changed which broke the original package. As a result, a bunch of people came up with patched deb packages which accommodated for those changes. One such person was Daniel Baumann whose PPA on Launchpad holds a deb package for Ubuntu 10.04 Lucid. Unfortunately with kernel 2.6.35 which is used in Ubuntu 10.10 Maverick, further changes in the ALSA API were introduced which broke Daniel's package. After a lot of bloody tears I have successfully derived a deb package using Baumann's as a base. I have incorporated over it a 2.6.35 patch listed here: http://aur.archlinux.org/packages.php?ID=25214. I have tested it under Lucid running 2.6.35 kernel and Maverick. This package along with Baumann's hdjcpl packages are attached to this post for your convenience and peace.

Following are the steps needed to install the DMKS package:

  1. Open a Terminal window.
  2. Download the DKMS deb package to a temporary folder:
      1. wget -O /tmp/hdjmod-dkms.deb "https://sites.google.com/site/lightrush/random-1/herculesdjconsoleonkernel2635orubuntumaverick/hdjmod-dkms_1.28%7Ednjl4_all.deb?attredirects=0&d=1"
  3. Install the package:
      1. sudo dpkg -i /tmp/hdjmod-dkms.deb
  4. Fix any unresolved dependencies:
      1. sudo apt-get -f install
  5. Clean up the temporary folder:
      1. rm /tmp/hdjmod-dkms.deb
  6. Unplug and plug your Hercules DJ Console.

After this procedure your DJ Console should be detected as a MIDI device inside Mixxx and/or other software.

HOWTO: For Ubuntu 10.04 Lucid and 11.04 Natty with Linux 2.6.38

Following the same background described above, further changes in Linux 2.6.38 broke my package as well. However Pavel Rojtberg has packaged a new patched version for 2.6.38. The package is available from his Personal Package Archive (PPA) on Launchpad. However if you aren't on Natty the apt-add script will add the wrong distro name. In order to get this package you can follow these simple steps:

  1. Open a Terminal window.
  2. Add Pavel Rojtberg's Hercules PPA:
      1. sudo apt-add-repository ppa:rojtberg/hdjmod && sudo apt-get update
    1. If you notice an error at this step or if you are not running Natty - for example if you are on Lucid or Maverick with Linux 2.6.38, you have to modify what the apt-add-repository command did. Open Software Sources:
        1. gksudo software-properties-gtk
    2. In the "Other Software" tab, select (not untick) the line:
        1. http://ppa.launchpad.net/rojtberg/hdjmod/ubuntu
    3. Hit "Edit...", then in the "Distribution:" field replace the value with "natty".
    4. Hit "OK", then "Close".
    5. If "Software Sources" did not ask you to reload the sources do it manually:
        1. sudo apt-get update
  3. Install the hdjmod DKMS package:
      1. sudo apt-get install hdjmod-dkms
  4. Unplug and plug your Hercules DJ Console.

After this procedure your DJ Console should be detected as a MIDI device inside Mixxx and/or other software.

HOWTO: For Ubuntu 12.04 Lucid Onwards

Pavel Rojtberg has now versions for both Ubuntu 12.04 and 12.10 available from his Personal Package Archive (PPA) on Launchpad. In order to get his package you can follow these simple steps:

  1. Open a Terminal window.
  2. Add Pavel Rojtberg's Hercules PPA:
      1. sudo apt-add-repository ppa:rojtberg/hdjmod && sudo apt-get update
  3. Install the hdjmod DKMS package:
      1. sudo apt-get install hdjmod-dkms
  4. Unplug and plug your Hercules DJ Console.

After this procedure your DJ Console should be detected as a MIDI device inside Mixxx and/or other software.

HOWTO: Install the Hercules Control Panel (Optional)

Following one of the HOWTOs above you could install the Hercules Control Panel that lets you configure your DJ Console. In order to accomplish that you can follow these instructions:

  1. Open a Terminal window.
  2. Download the Control Panel deb package to a temporary folder:
    • For 32bit Ubuntu:
        • wget -O /tmp/hdjcpl.deb "https://sites.google.com/site/lightrush/random-1/herculesdjconsoleonkernel2635orubuntumaverick/hdjcpl_1.09-1%7Ednjl1%7Elucid0_i386.deb?attredirects=0&d=1"
    • For 64bit Ubuntu:
        • wget -O /tmp/hdjcpl.deb "https://sites.google.com/site/lightrush/random-1/herculesdjconsoleonkernel2635orubuntumaverick/hdjcpl_1.09-1%7Ednjl1%7Elucid0_amd64.deb?attredirects=0&d=1"
  3. Install the downloaded package:
      1. sudo dpkg -i /tmp/hdjcpl.deb
  4. Fix any unresolved dependencies:
      1. sudo apt-get -f install
  5. Clean up the temporary folder:
      1. rm /tmp/hdjcpl.deb

Following these procedures, you should have the Hercules Control Panel successfully installed with a shortcut under your Sound & Video menu.

Enjoy!