Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 200 Review
The Hercules Inpulse 200 is an addition to the lineup of this brands controllers that also include the DJ Control Inpulse 300 and the DJControl Starlight. In this Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 200 review, we will take an in-depth look at this controller.
Hercules is a brand that has always been committed to sharing knowledge and helping aspiring DJs reach their next stage. They have even launched a DJ Academy for people to learn new tips and tricks and get inspired by other DJs.
It is no surprise then that Hercules has released the DJ Control Inpulse 200, a controller aimed at beginner-level DJs. The Inpulse 200 has two decks and an integrated built-in audio interface.
What makes this controller different is in all the tools and features that help to a person new to DJing.
Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 200 Review Summary
Quality
The entire build of the Inpulse 200 is made of plastic allowing for a lightweight controller. Despite its plastic body, the Inpulse 200 is still very much sturdy nor does it feel cheap. The jog wheels are also made of plastic but they also feel rather sturdy. Considering that this is meant for beginners, it would be unfair to expect the build to be of premium quality.
Features
The key features of the Inpulse 200 are the things that will help the user learn. These features are rooted in the DJUCED DJ software with which the controller is being powered. There is a beatmatching guide that comes with LED lights that signal when you need to sync tracks or correct the tempo. There is also the Intelligent Music Assistant which gives you real-time song recommendations depending on the current song that is playing. Finally, there is also the DJ Academy which provides you videos on useful tips and tricks.
Cost
Since the Inpulse 200 was made to be aimed at first time DJs, the price for the controller is also very reasonable and something that even beginner DJs can easily afford. In addition anybody who needs to add a nice backup controller to their arsenal will love the DJ Control Inpulse 200 as it is easy to carry around from gig to gig.
Overall rating of the Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 200: 4 / 5
The Inpulse is a controller with a specific purpose and aimed at a particular target group of beginner DJs. While it does not have the best build quality nor the most comprehensive hardware and software features, the Inpulse 200 is great at doing what it was built to do. It also has a favorable price tag making it easily accessible.
Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 200 Review - Pros & Cons
Now that we have covered the basics of the Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 200, let's look at the pros and cons.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
The Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 200 has all the features that an aspiring DJ artist would require. These features will help someone who is new to DJing get a strong foundational grasp of the basics. While the controller has limited capabilities, it has more than enough for its intended audience.
Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 200 Review - Feature Highlights
DJUCED Software
The Inpulse 200 is used DJUCED as its operating software. DJUCED is one of the best DJ software options for beginner DJs, but not a industry standard for pro DJs. The software comes with highly useful features such as the integrated video DJ Academy, Interactive Help, Intelligent Music Assistant, and Beatmatch Guides system. All of these useful features can help you take your DJ journey from your room to your very first show.
Beatmatching Guide
The beatmatching guide is going to be the most useful feature for beginner-level DJs. The beatmatching guide by placing lights below the jog wheels and next to the tempo fader. If you are playing has not started on time, the ‘beat align’ lights will automatically turn on in the direction that you need to turn the jog wheel towards. The lights will turn off once your tracks are in sync.
Another way the beatmatching guide helps you learn is by helping you align tempo. If the tempo for the song you are mixing is off, the lights next to the tempo fader will turn on indicating that you need to make an adjustment.
The beatmatching guide will be an extremely useful tool for someone who is very new to the art of DJing and looking to become better at the skill.
Intelligent Music Assistant
While the beatmatching guide might be the most useful feature in the DJ Control Inpulse 200, the Intelligent Music Assistant might be the most impressive. This feature will give you song recommendations based on the current songs that you are playing. The Intelligent Music Assistant will go through your DJUCED library and provide you with real-time song suggestions based on their popularity and similarity with the current song that is playing.
The Intelligent Music Assistant allows you to set the energy level for your mixing and gives you recommendations accordingly. A blue light represents a slower-tempo while red light represents a fast tempo.
The Intelligent Music Assistant paired with the Beatmatching Guide will guide you on becoming a better DJ.
DJ Academy
The DJ Academy is another great feature, especially for first time DJs. There are several guides to help you gain a better understanding of the DJUCED software as well as the Inpulse 200 controller. While the videos are quite basic and might not be too relevant for slightly more learned DJs, they have some very useful tips for someone new to DJing.
In addition, Hercules also has a larger DJ Academy which interested users can check out. The DJ Academy has a much larger pool of content.
Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 200 Review Verdict
The Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 200 is a decent DJ controller for someone who is looking to get into DJing for the first time. Because the skills needed to become a great DJ can be quite daunting especially to someone new to the world of DJing.
Which is why the Inpulse 200 is a suitable means for someone to get their first start into the amazing journey of being a DJ. Be sure to also check out other Hercules products like the DJ Control Inpulse 300 and the DJControl Starlight.
