Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 500

Hercules is well-regarded for its budget-friendly DJ equipment, though many of its controllers were traditionally exclusive to its proprietary DJUCED software. While powerful, DJUCED limited users to Hercules hardware. The DJControl Starlight, however, made waves with its Serato compatibility, offering impressive performance that rivaled more expensive units. Now, Hercules introduces the Inpulse 500, a new Serato controller aimed at bridging the gap between entry-level and professional gear.

As a  new DJ, finding the right controller is crucial. It's the bridge between your creative vision and the sound hitting the speakers. We've spent some time getting hands-on with the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500, and we wanted to share our thoughts from the perspective of those that seasoned pro on  the usual industry standard gear.

First Impressions & Build

Out of the box, the Inpulse 500 feels solid for its price point. The metal backing plate gives it a bit of heft and stability that you don't always find in this category. The layout is clean and intuitive, borrowing heavily from club-standard setups, which is a big plus. Everything feels logically placed, making it easy to jump in even if you're used to different gear. The knobs and faders have a decent feel – not top-tier, but certainly not flimsy.

Features That Matter

Let's talk about the core components. The jog wheels are a good size and responsive. They feel comfortable for scratching (though this isn't a dedicated scratch controller) and precise nudging. The pads are velocity-sensitive and have a nice clicky feel. You get 8 pads per deck, which is standard, and they cover the usual modes: Hot Cue, Loop, FX, Sampler, and Slicer (depending on your software).

The mixer section is well-equipped with a 3-band EQ, gain knobs, and filter controls on each channel. The crossfader is smooth enough for basic cuts and blends. You also get dedicated volume faders for the master output, headphones, and auxiliary input, which is a thoughtful addition.

Unique Selling Points: Beatmatch Guide & Software

One of the standout features Hercules pushes is the Beatmatch Guide. This is a set of illuminated arrows on the controller and within the software that guide you on whether to speed up or slow down a track to match the tempo. For absolute beginners, this could be a useful learning tool. However, for experienced DJs, you'll likely turn this off pretty quickly as beatmatching by ear is a fundamental skill you'll want to develop. It's there if you need it, but don't rely on it long-term.

The controller comes bundled with Serato DJ Lite and DJUCED software. Serato DJ Lite is a great entry point into the Serato ecosystem, which is widely used. DJUCED is Hercules' own software and is also quite capable, offering features like video mixing. Having both options is a bonus, allowing you to see which workflow suits you best.

Connectivity

Connectivity is solid for a controller in this class. You get RCA and 1/8" (3.5mm) mini-jack main outputs, plus a 1/4" (6.35mm) and 1/8" (3.5mm) headphone output. Crucially, it also includes a microphone input (1/4") with its own volume control, and an auxiliary input (RCA) which allows you to connect an external audio source like a phone or media player directly through the controller's mixer, even without a laptop connected. This is a fantastic feature for flexibility.

The Verdict

The Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 is a strong contender in the mid-range DJ controller market. It offers a robust build, a familiar layout, and a good set of features for both beginners and those looking for a portable backup or practice controller. The Beatmatch Guide is a bit of a gimmick for anyone serious about learning properly, but the inclusion of Serato DJ Lite and the versatile connectivity options, especially the auxiliary input, add significant value.

Pros:

• Solid build quality with metal backing.
• Intuitive, club-style layout.
• Responsive jog wheels and pads.
• Good range of connectivity, including aux and mic inputs.
• Comes with Serato DJ Lite and DJUCED.

Cons:

• Beatmatch Guide is more of a training wheel than a long-term feature.
• Faders and knobs, while decent, aren't pro-grade.

Overall, if you're looking for a capable and well-built controller that offers more than just the basics without breaking the bank, the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 is definitely worth considering. It provides a great platform to hone your skills and even handle smaller gigs.