The DsHK wasn't - it was produced only as a ground gun, so was comparable with the .50 M2HB (i.e., heavy and slow-firing). For aircraft use the Soviets had the UB (or Berezin for short) which fired the same 12.7x108 ammo. The ammo was slightly more powerful than the .50's 12.7x99 and it generally fired better bullets. The UB was lighter and faster-firing than the aircraft M2, so it was a better all-round package. What I don't know was how reliability compared.
You will find a detailed analysis of the effectiveness of WW2 fighter guns and gun fits on different aircraft on my website (as well as lots of other goodies!).
Tony Williams: Military gun and ammunition website and discussion forum