Pioneer DJ
Pioneer DDJ-FLX4
$329Cheaper
Released 2022-11
Best DJ Controllers · head-to-head
Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 vs Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 is cheaper at $329. Every spec and price links to its source.
Hercules DJ
Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500
$349.99
Released 2020-07
Which is better: the Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 or Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 is the cheaper at $329.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| 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 |
| Release | 2022-11 | 2020-07 |
Sources — Pioneer DDJ-FLX4: pioneerdj.com (verified 2026-06-20). Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500: hercules.com (verified 2026-06-20).
What's the difference between the Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 and Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
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.)
Praised: Plug-and-play setup with lots of accessible functionality; Smart mix and smart CFX auto functions work surprisingly well for beginners; Bluetooth connectivity plus mic routed over USB for livestreaming.
Flagged: Jog wheels are small and lack any visual display; Over-simplified single-colour layout makes filter vs bass EQ hard to distinguish; Crossfader is too small, making auto mixes easy to rush.
Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500
No sourced tester review yet.