Hercules DJ
Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500
$349.99Cheaper
Released 2020-07
Best DJ Controllers · head-to-head
Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 is cheaper at $349.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Native Instruments
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3
$899
Released 2018-11
Which is better: the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 or Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 is the cheaper at $349.99.
See Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 on Amazon See Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 on Amazon
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| 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 |
| Release | 2020-07 | 2018-11 |
Sources — Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500: hercules.com (verified 2026-06-20). Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3: djtechtools.com (verified 2026-06-20).
What's the difference between the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 and Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500
No sourced tester review yet.
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.)
Praised: Motorized 'Haptic Drive' jog wheels let you feel cue points as you roll the wheel; Per-deck displays give immediate visual feedback, reducing reliance on the laptop screen; Configurable jog-wheel torque and start/stop speed.
Flagged: Jog-wheel 'feel' benefits were described speculatively ('Hopefully...'), not confirmed by extended hands-on testing.