Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 (incl. MK2) / WonkoMusic

What it is

The DJControl Inpulse 200 MK2 is a two-deck DJ controller that Hercules positions primarily as a learning tool. It is the second version of the Inpulse 200, which was released in 2018 with DJUCED only and no MK suffix. Compared with the original, the MK2 adds Serato support, on-pad Stems, and refreshed jog wheels and labelling, while keeping a budget price. Retailers sometimes write the name as MKII or Mk2. The unit combines a two-channel mixer section with two jog wheels, two tempo faders, eight pads and Play, Cue, Sync and Loop controls. Its jog wheels are 9 cm in diameter, and it is bus-powered over USB. The Beatmatch Guide uses light guides beside the jog wheels and tempo faders to help the user match tempo and beat manually. A newer model, the MK3, is a different product and is not covered by this entry. Reviewers describe the unit as compact and light, suited to home practice, small events and learning environments. One reviewer said it is not suitable for large club performances. Reviews of the original model and the MK2 both note a short tempo fader that is hard to pitch precisely.

Specifications

Type: Two-deck DJ controller
Decks and controls: Two Play and Cue sections with Sync and Shift, two jog wheels, eight pads (four per deck) in four modes (Hot Cue, Stems, FX, Sampler), two tempo faders, two Loop sections
Mixer: One crossfader, two channel mixers with Gain, 2-band EQ, Filter and volume, monitoring controls and master volume (sources disagree on EQ bands; see notes)
Jog wheel diameter: 3.54 in / 9 cm
Audio outputs: Master output on two RCA jacks; 3.5 mm stereo headphone output
Audio resolution: 24-bit / 44.1 kHz
Power and connection: Braided USB cable, bus-powered
Dimensions: 320 x 195 x 49 mm
Weight: 0.9 kg (2.0 lb)
Included software: Serato DJ Lite and DJUCED
Compatible software: Serato DJ Pro as a paid upgrade path
System requirements: Windows 10 or later (64-bit) or macOS; Intel Core i3 or better (or Apple M1 or AMD Ryzen); 4 GB RAM; 5 GB free disk space; internet access; USB 2.0 Type-A port or USB-C with adapter
Streaming services: Beatport LINK, Beatsource LINK, SoundCloud Go+ and TIDAL (some require a DJ Extension)

How it's used

Hercules describes the unit primarily as a learning controller for beginners, using the Beatmatch Guide and Stems features. Reviewers describe use for home practice, house parties and small events, and in learning environments. The unit is a controller for a computer running DJ software, not a standalone mixer.

Suggested usage

Use the Beatmatch Guide while learning
Hercules notes that the guide's tempo and beat align lights can be disabled once the required moves are mastered.
Check tempo fader accuracy
A German review of the original model found that pitch indicators do not always match the BPM display, and the tempo fader is too short to pitch precisely to the hundredth. The fader length appears similar on the MK2.
Keep master volume moderate
One reviewer testing the MK2 with a speaker setup noted distortion beginning at about the 2 o'clock position on the master volume knob.
Choose software early
The DJUCED and Serato DJ Lite setups differ in features, including how the Beatmatch Guide and Stems work. Check the Hercules product page for current feature support.

What reviewers said

Vibes DJ
Lists no mid EQ and no microphone or line inputs as drawbacks, notes it is not a standalone mixer, and says its FX controls are limited compared with larger units.
Learn How To Be A DJ
Gives an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5. Found playback clear and balanced through studio monitors and PA systems. Says the unit is not suitable for large club performances. Its spec table lists DJUCED as the only included software, which may reflect an earlier version.
Bonedo (DJLearning Kit MK2 test)
Says the MK2 has optimised jog wheels with vinyl-like grooves compared with the original Inpulse 200. The numeric rating could not be read from the notes.
Bonedo (original Inpulse 200 test)
Scored the original Inpulse 200 at 3.5 out of 5 and called the bundle good value because it includes the full DJUCED version. This covers the original model, not the MK2.

What it is

Specifications

How it's used

Suggested usage

Use the Beatmatch Guide while learning

Check tempo fader accuracy

Keep master volume moderate

Choose software early

What reviewers said

Sources