# Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 (Hercules DJ) and Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 (Native Instruments) among dj controllers. Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 is the cheaper of the two at $349.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 | Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $349.99 | $899 |
| Brand | Hercules DJ | Native Instruments |
| Released | 2020-07 | 2018-11 |
| Channels | 2 | 4 |
| Jog wheel size (in) | 5.5 in | 5.5 in (motorized, haptic) |
| Pads per deck | 8 | 8 |
| Standalone | No | No |
| Built in soundcard | Yes | Yes |
| Audio outputs | 2x 1/4" master (L/R), 2x RCA master (L/R), 1x 1/8" headphones, 1x 1/4" headphones | 2x XLR master (L/R), 2x RCA master (L/R), 2x 1/4" TRS booth, 1/4" and 1/8" headphones |
| Software bundle | Serato DJ Lite, DJUCED | Traktor Pro 3 (included) |
| Deck control | 2 decks | 4 decks |

## Key differences

- Channels: Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 2 vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 4
- Jog wheel size (in): Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 5.5 in vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 5.5 in (motorized, haptic)
- Audio outputs: Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 2x 1/4" master (L/R), 2x RCA master (L/R), 1x 1/8" headphones, 1x 1/4" headphones vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 2x XLR master (L/R), 2x RCA master (L/R), 2x 1/4" TRS booth, 1/4" and 1/8" headphones
- Software bundle: Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 Serato DJ Lite, DJUCED vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 Traktor Pro 3 (included)
- Deck control: Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 2 decks vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 4 decks

## What reviewers say

**Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3** — Only one whitelisted outlet, Engadget, covered this exact model, and only as a launch preview/announcement rather than a lab test, so no measurements exist and its impressions are largely forward-looking. It highlights the motorized 'Haptic Drive' jog wheels and per-deck displays as the standout S4 MK3 upgrades. Sound on Sound and MusicRadar never reviewed this model; treat this as preliminary. (1 sourced review.)

## Sources

- Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500: https://www.hercules.com/en-us/product/djcontrol-inpulse-500/ (hercules.com, verified 2026-06-20)
- Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3: https://djtechtools.com/2018/09/06/traktor-kontrol-s4-mk3-motorized-jog-wheels-with-haptic-feedback/ (djtechtools.com, verified 2026-06-20)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/dj-controllers/hercules-djcontrol-inpulse-500-vs-native-instruments-traktor-kontrol-s4-mk3/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 ($349.99) vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 ($899) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/dj-controllers/hercules-djcontrol-inpulse-500-vs-native-instruments-traktor-kontrol-s4-mk3/
License: CC BY 4.0.