Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK2 – Compact DJ Controller with LED Light Guides, Enhanced Features, and Compatibility with DJUCED & SERATO Software

I recently acquired the Hercules InPulse 500 DJ Controller and have been absolutely impressed with the quality and features it offers. From the moment you unbox it, you get a sense of robustness and a sleek aesthetic that does justice to professional-grade equipment. If you've been following a steady learning curve with the InPulse series from 200 to 300, this is the most obvious choice for you. It is infinitely more rewarding with the extra features not found on it's predecessors and is a logical purchase to progression.One of the outstanding aspects of the Hercules InPulse 500 is its intuitiveness. If you're a beginner, the InPulse 500 comes with Beatmatch Guide and Intelligent Music Assistant features, helping you make the first steps to learn quickly. For more more comfortably capable DJs stepping beyond the realms of first steps or seasoned DJs with gigs already under their belts, these features can be easily turned off, providing the unfettered freedom that professionals seek.The build quality of the InPulse 500 is undeniably sturdy. It speaks to a device built to last, equipped with high-quality jog wheels, responsive RGB backlit pads are excellent quality, and the ability to choose the colours your pads are is great for planning your cue points. The controller layout is also ingeniously designed, providing easy access to filters, EQ, level meters, and browsing controls that make the DJ experience all the more gratifying.In terms of connectivity, the InPulse 500 excels. Among other features, the outstanding ones are the microphone input and the master outputs that have ensured tremendous versatility for different gig setups. Compatibility with Serato is also a notable point making the InPulse 500 a great choice for DJs who wish to expand their software options. The only caveat with Serato lite is that if you've been using Djuced, which gives you pretty much everything you'll need straight off the bat, you'll immediately notice a lot of differences with Lite and Djuced. There are other options, all sadly involving spending more money on the software if you want to make the most of it. Serato is a bit of a system heavy piece of software and if you've only got 8 gig of RAM, I personally wouldn't recommend using Serato in Lite or Pro format. You could however easily get legacy versions of the software which should run on your system.One can't fail to admire the ‘Energy’ feature, that allows you to choose tracks that match the event energy, creating a seamless experience for your audience. The embedded light guides are a wonderful addition too, making the learning process more accessible and augments hands-on control in live gigs.In conclusion, the Hercules InPulse 500 is a fantastic device that strikes a balance between the needs of an amateur DJ and that of a more experienced professional. The blend of intuitive features, solid build quality, and versatile connectivity options makes it outstandingly suitable for a variety of users.If you're contemplating venturing into the world of DJing or enhancing your DJ prowess, the Hercules InPulse 500 is certainly worthy of serious consideration. I have been exceptionally satisfied with my experience thus far and I believe that if you've already begun DJing with Hercules equipment there is no good reason not to continue your journey with this controller in order to progress further. If it's going to be your first controller as a beginner, this is probably the best product to start off with.My only complaint about this controller is that the paintwork for the crossfader marker points came off pretty quickly within the first month of using it - and seeing as I'm not wanting to wait for a replacement, it still functions as it should.

I’m a bit confused by some of the negative reviews. I checked my computer requirements before, worked out I don’t have the requirements for the stems function, but that I could download an older version of the Djuced software and discovered the controller worked well with my slightly older computer. I’ll upgrade the computer later to get outright full functionality but the controller has 95% of the functions I need as a casual home DJ.After ensuring I had the right version of Djuiced downloaded, and the audio drivers recommended by the Hercules website it was literally plug and play! I was so chuffed.The Djuiced software (proprietary to Hercules and free of charge!), I sense is perfect for 95% of beginners/casuals. Most of the other controllers only work really well with paid or subscription based software, which suddenly makes casual entrance to home djing become very expensive.Essentially with this being a very reasonably priced controller with really good free software, I think this might be the best entry level controller.

Decided to take a punt on this controller after previously owning a flx4 flx6 GT and a numark ns4fx and I can honestly say this controller is better than all of them build quality is better function well, effects nobs and effects much better good weight to it love the legs that fold out and even got lights under it I love the fact it's has the full version of Djuced software so all fx and Pad affects are available out the box and you can use serato lite if preferred ,but I'm impressed with Djuced works well first time using and prefer over serato and rekordbox , lots of outputs what would of been icing on the cake if the large jack plug out was balanced not a deal breaker as i dont intend to run speaker cables more than few meters , nice braided power /ubs cable you dont get that on more expensive units volume faderes have a good feel as do jog wheels , also like the fact in dejuced you hit a button belows the track selector nob (Assistant button ) it pops up a list of tracks that will mix well next so much better than the rekordbox version, over all for half the price of others similar to this is an impressive controller well done Hercules

I purchased this as for it is and can do, it's cheap... I've been using the same belt drive turntables for 20 years (time to move on and go digital with the price of vinyl)I'm happy with the product other than the headphones stopped working. I tried the trouble shooting steps as per Hercules, but unfortunately nothing suggested worked. What did work though is, I uninstalled the software (djuced) and reinstalled it. (Can't record your set on Serato lite otherwise that'd be what I'd suggest)Other than that issue I'd recommend if turntables are out of the question!Personally though, I'd save for Reloop MK2 4000 turntables and a Numark Scratch mixer. (Best budget long term solution imo)