Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 2-Deck USB DJ Controller for Serato DJ and DJUCED

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Full Description View Full Description Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 500 Take to the stage with confidence

Having not used a Hercules controller before I was very impressed with the build quality, touch response from the buttons, and the range of features. Built-in hardware input mixer: you can even add a filter effect onto an external audio source (smartphone, media player…), and connect your microphone. Once you hit the perfect speed, the LED light simply turns green to let you know you can stop adjusting.

This is an excellent addition because it means you can add your own voice in a host of unique ways. Obviously, this does mean spending a little more, but it’s worth noting that a lot more controllers do work with Serato. This could mean that if you decide to change your controller as you develop new skills, you’ll be better off learning how to use Serato effectively early.

Quite solidly built, has practically every output and input type you may possibly want from DJ hardware of that price range and even a bit more (and you can`t state the same about any other controller for that price), and pretty much every feature you expect from a controller of that gauge. It even has a mic input with basic EQ function for it. The addition of RGB lighting on the pads might seem like anything new, but it’s still a nice touch. Some reviewers might complain that the lighting is quite dim, but we didn’t think it was too bad.

Finally, the crossfader features hardware controls to change its behaviour, another example of a premium feature on this entry-level controller. The crossfader has a very tight cut distance and feels smooth, great for aspiring scratch DJ’s. The pads come into their own too, with Hot Cue, Loop, Slicer, Sampler, Tone Play and Pad-controlled FX among the options. While I’m no expert on this software, it did seem pretty capable. Here, the Filter knob controls four effects plus filter – echo, flanger, gate and reverb – which sound pretty good and apparently you can change them in the software, too.

The right side of the mixer controls the outputs. In what is becoming a reoccurring theme of the Inpulse 500, the outputs outweigh expectation of an entry-level controller. The master features a separate VU meter and outputs through a line-level RCA. However, the controller also features a pair of unbalanced TS outputs, ideal for those with guitar amplifiers or audio interfaces! Robust and versatile, the Hercules Inpulse 500 will work for a range of environments and circumstances. The Inpulse 500 is aiming to be the controller that DJ’s take to their first gigs. That said, the inclusion of the beat match guide and assistant, Hercules certainly hasn’t forgotten its beginner market. This controller is as focused on helping DJ’s learn the basics as it is at assisting them in developing advanced techniques.

The Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 really took our breath away with its ability to deliver both excellent beginner experiences and plenty of versatility. The filter controls are large and easy to use, with a High/low pass filter running as standard until you choose your effect. White : not compatible Turn to set focus to Sideview and cycle through its views (Automix, Sidelist, Karaoke, Sampler and Shortcuts).