# Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 vs Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 (Pioneer DJ) and Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 (Hercules DJ) among dj controllers. Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 is the cheaper of the two at $329.

## Side by side

| Spec | Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 | Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $329 | $349.99 |
| Brand | Pioneer DJ | Hercules DJ |
| Released | 2022-11 | 2020-07 |
| Channels | 2 | 2 |
| Jog wheel size (in) | 4.39 in (111.6 mm) | 5.5 in |
| Pads per deck | 8 | 8 |
| Standalone | No | No |
| Built in soundcard | Yes | Yes |
| Audio outputs | 1x RCA master (L/R), 1x 3.5 mm headphones | 2x 1/4" master (L/R), 2x RCA master (L/R), 1x 1/8" headphones, 1x 1/4" headphones |
| Software bundle | rekordbox (free), Serato DJ Lite, djay (free) | Serato DJ Lite, DJUCED |
| Deck control | 2 decks (4 via software switching) | 2 decks |

## Key differences

- Jog wheel size (in): Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 4.39 in (111.6 mm) vs Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 5.5 in
- Audio outputs: Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 1x RCA master (L/R), 1x 3.5 mm headphones vs Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 2x 1/4" master (L/R), 2x RCA master (L/R), 1x 1/8" headphones, 1x 1/4" headphones
- Software bundle: Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 rekordbox (free), Serato DJ Lite, djay (free) vs Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 Serato DJ Lite, DJUCED
- Deck control: Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 2 decks (4 via software switching) vs Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 2 decks

## What reviewers say

**Pioneer DDJ-FLX4** — Only one whitelisted tester, MusicRadar, published a hands-on review; no other whitelisted audio outlet covered this exact model. MusicRadar calls the FLX4 a strong contender for best beginner controller, praising plug-and-play setup, effective smart auto-mix/FX functions and Bluetooth plus USB mic routing, while flagging small jog wheels with no display, an over-simplified single-colour layout, and a small crossfader. (1 sourced review.)

## Sources

- Pioneer DDJ-FLX4: https://www.pioneerdj.com/en/product/controller/ddj-flx4/black/specifications/ (pioneerdj.com, verified 2026-06-20)
- Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500: https://www.hercules.com/en-us/product/djcontrol-inpulse-500/ (hercules.com, verified 2026-06-20)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/dj-controllers/pioneer-ddj-flx4-vs-hercules-djcontrol-inpulse-500/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 ($329) vs Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 ($349.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/dj-controllers/pioneer-ddj-flx4-vs-hercules-djcontrol-inpulse-500/
License: CC BY 4.0.