We love Hercules controllers at the DJ Tech Reviews office and Hercules has delivered yet another very capable DJ controller targeting the beginner DJ market. Largely considered a step up from the original DJControl Inpulse 300, Hercules DJ has come out with this all-new entry-level DJ controller that hits all the important plot points that you’ll need right out of the gate.
Not only does the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 300 Mk2 come equipped with Serato DJ Lite (which is pretty good in and of itself) but it also works with DJUCED, a completely free DJ platform alternative.
It comes with preestablished mixing aids to help beginners get a solid rundown on the beat-mixing process. And to top it all off, the controller is very competitively priced, making it an ideal DJ gear option for anyone that is seriously interested in establishing a solid foundation in DJing.
In this feature, I’ll be going over the overall build of these DJ controllers as well as many of their different features and add-ons so that you have a strong understanding of what it truly has to offer.
By the end, you should not only know whether the Inpulse 300 Mk2 is right for you but what you features you should expect for a controller in this price range.
- Comes With Serato DJ Lite Included
- Has Very Useful Mixing Aids
- Very Affordably Priced
- Has Proper VU Metering
- Build is Largely Untouched From Original
- Isn't Stellar Or Groundbreaking
- No Mic Input
Is The Hercules DJControl Inpulse 300 Mk2 Any Good?
The Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 300 Mk2 DJ controller is designed specifically for beginners, without any unnecessary complexity. If you are already proficient in DJing and seeking a performance-oriented device, this controller may not be the most suitable choice for you. Despite its physical resemblance to its predecessor rather than appearing as a younger brother, the Mk2 version definitely possesses DJ features that provide ample justification for its existence.
First Impressions
Build
Starting with first impressions right out of the box, the first thing you’ll notice about the HerculesDJ Control Inpulse 300 Mk2 is that it shares a lot of similarities with the Inpulse 300.
And while that’s certainly to be expected to a degree, I was surprised at how close to the line it was. Both are fairly small and lightweight controllers that are largely plastic. If you were to sit both side by side with one another, there’s a high chance you wouldn’t know which one was the original and which was the upgrade.
Whether or not that’s a problem is going to be based on what your thoughts were of the Inpulse 300. I thought it was well enough as a controller so I’m not “really” upset that they stayed so safe, but I do wish they gave this one a bit more of an individual personality.
One area they added to the Mk2 is the additional Serato DJ Lite platform. I think This was a smart decision, as Serato is pretty much the de facto software platform for DJs.
Design
Going into things a bit more specifically, the Mk2 comes with a pair of jogwheels that work reasonably well. They aren’t especially big or smooth, but you could expect as much based on how much you’re paying. The controller also is two channels with a software-only mixer. It comes with a standard set of filters and EQ options. The Mk2 comes with library navigation as well as a loading control while also including a 1/8″ headphone port as well as an RCA master output port.
The Hercules DJControl Inpulse 300 stands out with its eight rubberized pads per deck, providing a superior tactile DJ experience, especially when you compare it to the plastic counterparts found on other controllers.
It offers a versatile range of eight modes, with the beginner-friendly controller showcasing pretty advanced creative capabilities. Above the pads, you’ll find dedicated buttons for Hot Cue, Roll, Slicer, and Sampler functions. By pressing and holding these buttons, you can access the secondary modes such as FX, Slicer Loop, Tone Play, and Beat Jump.
A Deeper Look
Serato DJ Lite
Starting with the most significant change between the original Inpulse 300 and the Mk2, the Serato DJ Lite software comes included alongside DJUCED. Both options are free but it’s clear that, over time, Serato DJ Pro will be the clear winner. It comes with Serato Lite but, even as the limited free version, the Serato platform software is super easy to set up and put together, pretty much getting recognized and installed the moment you plug it into your computer.
Keep in mind that, while this does come with a lot of useful features, if you want to unlock everything, you are going to need to pay for the full version. The good news is that, for most beginners, the Lite version has more than enough features to at least get you firmly acquainted with what your controller can do.
Serato Stems also comes as a pre-mapped Pad Mode. This enables DJs to have full control over the industry’s leading real-time audio separation technology.
As well as Serato compatibility this DJ controller can also be used with Virtual DJ.
Sound Quality
What I’ll say about the sound is that it’s not terrible. You can certainly go worse than a 2.1 gaming speaker system considering what you’re paying for. Pretty much, the sound card included is meant really for you to practice on at home or to play around with at a friend’s house.
You aren’t actually meant to “perform” or do any gigs with the controller itself, much less the speakers, so if you plan on using your skills at a house party, you should think about budgeting a couple of speakers as well.
DJing Aids
A pretty helpful inclusion for the Inpulse 300 Mk2 is the addition of mixing aids, such as the Intelligent Music Assistant and the beatmatch guide. As the name implies, these help out with your beat-mixing if you’re a beginner and can’t quite get the hang of things.
This light guide is located alongside each tempo fade near each jog wheel. The beatmatch guide is a pair of small flashing LED arrows that indicate whether the playing deck’s track is properly synchronized with the other deck’s track.
If they aren’t (which you can tell if they aren’t synchronized with their flashing) you can just nudge one of the wheels up or down so that the two are matching up.
Not only are the beats helped to line up, but so are the tempo faders. These work in the same way, with the lights letting you know if one deck is moving faster or slower than the other. It’s really an ingenious option that (in my opinion) is infinitely better than the simplified “sync” feature that most controllers opt for.
With the DJUCED software, the IMA (Intelligent Music Assistant) allows you to quickly and easily you quickly and easily prepare your mixes by suggesting the best-suited tracks. Pretty cool assistant stuff! Especially as it can suggest tracks from your music library, and in music streaming services such as Beatport LINK and Beatsource LINK as well.
Overall Performance
What We Like:
- Comes With Serato DJ Lite Included
- Has Very Useful Mixing Aids
- Very Affordably Priced
- Has Proper VU Metering
- Comes With “Slip Mode” Included
What We Do Not Like:
- Build & Design Are Largely Untouched From The Original
- Sound, While Ok, Isn’t Stellar Or Groundbreaking By Any Means
- No Mic Input
Hercules DJControl Inpulse 300 Mk2: The Verdict
When it comes down to it, the Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 300 Mk2 controller makes it clear what it is and what it offers. This is a controller for beginners, plain and simple. If you’re someone that already has a handle on DJing and is looking for something to actually perform with, this is probably not something you’d waste a lot of time with.
On the other hand, if you don’t know anything about DJing, are interested in becoming a DJ, or want a super accessible way to learn about Serato and beatmatching, then the Mk2 is a very cost-effective option with a ton of things going for it.
The real question, however, is whether or not it does enough to distinguish itself from the original Inpulse 300, which also was a controller geared towards beginners with a low price point.
I think so. While it physically looks like a twin rather than a younger brother, the Mk2’s internal features offer just enough to not only justify its existence but be the preferred option for the next generation of aspiring DJs or those wanting to improve their DJing skills.
- Comes With Serato DJ Lite Included
- Has Very Useful Mixing Aids
- Very Affordably Priced
- Has Proper VU Metering
- Build is Largely Untouched From Original
- Isn't Stellar Or Groundbreaking
- No Mic Input
