Hercules DJControl Inpulse T7 Review - Innovation on a budget?

The Hercules DJControl Inpulse T7 is that rarest of things - an intermediate DJ controller that offers head-turning innovation. With motorised platters, excellent control over Serato, and the choice of its own software (DJUCED) if you don’t want to spend the extra on the full version of Serato, it is an exciting proposition for DJs wanting something a little bit more than beginner, and who also want motorised platters at a previously unheard-of price. Is it the right choice for your set-up? Get the details in our full video review..
Read the full review: www.digitaldjtips.com/reviews...
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⚡ TIMESTAMPS ⚡
0:00 Intro
1:28 Who it's for
2:07 Motorised platters
2:43 DJ software options
3:07 Upgrades needed
4:00 Performance pads & stems control
5:02 Loop functions
5:36 Browse, pitch, & filters
7:06 Mixer & paddle FX
7:53 Beatmatching features
9:26 Crossfader quality
12:15 Inputs & outputs
14:29 Platter detail
18:24 Alternatives
21:21 Why the Inpulse T7 is special
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[@klausmogensen8691]

It's also natively supported in VDJ That would be my preferred software to use with this controller

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for the additional info.

[@dtwistrewind7361]

That's great news, virtual DJ has excellent stems separation quality👍

[@DJTyme209]

digital DJ tips always favours Craprato and never talks about VDJ even though everyone knows VDJ is the best..hate these companies on that serato stupid hype train smh

[@jimboblivesforever]

20:45 Small correction. You do not need a license for Serato DJ Pro with the FLX6, as the controller unlocks it and comes with vouchers for the time'n'pitch plugin and effects pack. That's the one thing that makes it so attractive to many at that price point. Other than that, great video on the pros and cons of the T7. Thanks Phil!

[@digitaldjtips]

Didn’t remember it actually came with Pitch’n Time, that’s great! Knew it unlocked SDJP.

[@dannyboyex]

Finally! Been waiting on your eview to pull the trigger

[@digitaldjtips]

Sorry it took so long, busy with our course filming recently!

[@BUY_YOUTUB_VIEWS_499]

The storytelling in this video is incredible.

[@digitaldjtips]

Really? Not sure what you mean, but thanks!

[@djhoova7135]

Thanks for your review on this turntable I got mine and I love the damn thing it's got some things that I wish would be on there but far as performance this thing is a beast

[@DrVagax]

You hit the nail on its head with your mid-segment remark because that is exactly what is missing. I am currently spinning on a Inpulse 200 and started to look for a range up, I don't feel quite ready nor the need to shovel out 1000-1500 euro's for a top-tier controller, I can find this one brand new for about €500 and has so much more to offer functionality wise then my Inpulse 200. But then again just about any other controller is a upgrade

[@digitaldjtips]

Yeah!

[@bboymac84]

Tried it at NAMM very smart controller! Very light and fun to use!

[@digitaldjtips]

Great to hear!

[@blackistheword7]

I've only used mine 4 or 5 times but from the work it does,I'm very satisfied, works good and works just good as the ddj 1000srt in someways, and the belt drive is fantastic , great review

[@digitaldjtips]

Great to hear! Thanks for sharing, glad you're enjoying it.

[@aarons2632]

Do the belts ever wear out and break? And if so can they be replaced?

[@blackistheword7]

@@aarons2632 so far mines haven’t,they seem very strong,and yes they can ,each side has compartments to open . But yet have seen where to get from ,maybe if that happens you have to reach out to Hercules, but I really don’t see this happening anytime soon of wearing down the belt unless your just destructive.

[@DjTakiriOkc]

I have a Serato dj pro with my controller ddj s1 How can I transfer my Serato pro liscencse to this new controller ?

[@carlgayle3]

Work great for me wen I don't feel like taking out my heavy denon Mcx8000 am not a scratches but I like spinning platter the built quality is great on it sounds amazing 👌 with Caribbean music i takes out past weekend people love it

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Barnsey87]

Good man phil

[@apexpredator_jku]

Innofader just started shipping their replacement board with all 3 faders. I'd imagine this'll be a game changer for turntablists/portablists plus 12inch Skinz also has control discs & if they're anything like the ones for Rane One/Twelve & Denon M series decks then that as well will make the difference

[@digitaldjtips]

GREAT to hear that!

[@DenzelGee33]

Hi Phil, Fantastic video, I agree 100% with your observations. Cross platforms releasing of new software including windows should be release the same time including the same features and stability. Mapping with more pioneer hardware etc. The bottom line is Serato and Record box need more cutting edge competition which can only be good for everyone and if I was a partner or director of Algoriddim I would hire you tomorrow as a product development consultant/advisor. Happy Holidays. Tim

[@digitaldjtips]

They couldn’t afford me 😉

[@djalibi]

love it, but me and a few others have noticed a lil bit popping noise, Even with high spec laptops and PCs/macs, and various software, hopefully it's something they will work out in a future update, also if your a "backspin" dj, You will either have to purchase the upgraded slip mats on the Hercules eShop, or, 12-in skinz has an adapter when you buy their disc, other than that, it's a great machine!

[@digitaldjtips]

We haven't noticed any popping noise (we used this controller quite a lot in the making of our new acapellas/stems course) - we'll keep a look out for it though.

[@billle5159]

Im picking one up cause it's the only one with spinning platter and dedicated stem control . It's also very easy to swap out for innofader .

[@digitaldjtips]

Enjoy!

[@DanielleKingdjdinosaur]

i have always liked spinning jogs even though scratching is not my main thing .I just prefer the feel.I have the Rane 12 mk2s and i would like the Pioneer crss hybrid if i could afford a pair.Iam old and i came from vinyl so something thats close to that feel will be of interest

[@thomasamos4055]

The only reason a house/EDM DJ would need platters is for slowing the track down to beat match, which nobody does anymore. In this use case it just becomes a slightly lame conversation piece for old farts like me.

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes, sounds like that's true.

[@Barnsey87]

Closest thing to the Rane mk2 would be the Rane one.

[@No--0--Spin]

It aint no Rane One :) love the R1

[@DjTecniq]

I had it and shipped it back for the Rev 5. My fx lever was bent out of the box on the Hercules, has no backspin unless you buy the upgraded scratch mats. After putting an Innofader in its less hassle to just get the Rev 5. The Hercules is extremely light a lil over 10 pnds and couldn’t see it holding up at gigs. I have motorized platters w/Rev 7 anyway so it was more cost effective to get the Rev 5.

[@digitaldjtips]

Glad you've landed on something you like

[@anthonygato407]

ya vestax used to thrive in that middle ground. left a space in the market.

[@anthonygato407]

well... apparently they weren't thriving..... financially. but it was attainable and didnt come with any o of the feeling that cccomes from being a bereinger or Gemini dj

[@digitaldjtips]

I loved the way Vestax always did things its own way.

[@djsturdytv]

The innofader upgrade is well worth it. Makes it a different controller

[@digitaldjtips]

I imagine that's true!

[@RenatoHarripaul1217]

👍👍👍👍

[@djvalpacinolewis5315]

Hi serato got back to me last night & have managed to replicated the tempo /anti drift bug we should get a fix shortly...

[@digitaldjtips]

Good to know that

[@Mr19121968]

Innofader are releasing a crossfader kit for the inpulse t7

[@digitaldjtips]

So goes the rumour, but we'll wait till we see it to recommend/discuss it

[@karinepotvin4095]

Hello. Thank you for all your videos. I’m about to buy this controller. I did want a booth output but hey. My question is: Can I use the RCA for booth and control volume on monitors. And XLR for main At the same time. Thank you

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes

[@karinepotvin4095]

@@digitaldjtips thank you If it came with serato dj pro, then it would have everything I want. Do I need serato suit? Do I need pitch in time ? Will I be missing out on any other add ons from the expansion pack?

[@dj.profesahero417]

But very good equiment simi pro use.

[@saran_djzee]

Amazing Review! I was actually eyeing on FLX6GT. But Hercules T7 has made me to rethink and wait on purchase. What I loved about it: XLR outuput. As most of controllers only above 900$ has this output. Okay to compromise on Booth output tho. STEMS: I am very keen on using stems as it gives more scope for remixing using accapella vs beats. Motorized Jog Wheel: Though I am zero on scratch but would love to learn this skill sometime and play some little bit of scratch on HipHop nights in club. I love to carry my own controller for clubs or private and this looks handy. Wanted to check with you on the XLR output sound quality? How much would you rate it??

[@digitaldjtips]

It sounds fine. However, ultimately this is - like the FLX6 - a "consumer" controller. Great for home and hobby use, but not built to pro standards.

[@saran_djzee]

@@digitaldjtips Thanks for the reply. Would you recommend FLX10 over T7 ? Considering the club layout and more of hardware controlled features?

[@buuuuuuuuuuuuuu]

its really sad how few traktor controlers come out these days. There was a time where all new controllers worked with both traktor and serato but NI have screwed the pooch by closing itself off from 3rd party controllers. Especially since traktors remapping functions and UI blow serato out the water

[@avenjimenez3154]

So i was wondering if I should choose The impulse T7 or Pioneer DDJ-Flx6??

[@digitaldjtips]

FLX6 is better value because of the software it unlocks, but T7 is a better controller. I'd save for a pro controller personally rather than getting a middle-range one.

[@ChuckMoore-sy7ql]

Will the stems work if you use Djuced?

[@digitaldjtips]

No idea, depends if that software has stems built in - it is the software not the hardware, that provides that functionality.

[@dooshmasta]

I just saw him slide his finger over all of the hot cues and set them, and I’m pretty sure I can’t do that with my unit. I wonder if the prototype unit had more of an MPC type pads and they swapped it out for the clicky kind afterward for cost savings.

[@digitaldjtips]

Ooooh, not sure. To be honest, I can't think of a DJ controller you can't do that on.

[@dooshmasta]

@@digitaldjtips I’ll give it a try on my unit. Sometimes I hit the hot cue and it doesn’t register, you have to be basically dead center.

[@djtjsoundco]

is there a way to control the mixer setting in serato? mines grayed out and i cant change

[@djtjsoundco]

using the inpulse t7*

[@digitaldjtips]

Anything that's greyed out you are meant to adjust on the unit itself.

[@dj.profesahero417]

Dj jucie software needs a some update and more stems effects

[@Grumpy_Sned]

My T7 unit was sent back as it wouldn't work properly with serato ,stuttered and bounced out of loop constantly, Getting a REV5 instead.

[@digitaldjtips]

Sorry to hear that

[@djvalpacinolewis5315]

Hi iv'e discovered a bug with the T7 / Serato can anyone else confirm this. Switch off anti drift in serato dj software then load the same song in both decks my right deck's tempo become's way slower than the left & i have to increase the tempo to +5 percent to match the same song this doesn't happen in Virtual dj or Djuiced the fix is to leave anti drift on but then you encounter cue drift when you beat juggling iv'e created a ticket with the serato support team about this..

[@digitaldjtips]

Please let us know how you get on with this.

[@djvalpacinolewis5315]

This bug can also be replicated buy unplugging the usb cable whiles djing then plugging it back in (hot plugging)

[@GempakOKU]

Can it be used with Virtual dj??

[@HeisDJDMONEYY]

Yes

[@bigdaz7272]

What is Steves opinion of this controller given he is the Scratch dude over their a DDJTips? No disrespect to you Phil but given how this is really aimed at those who Scratch/or are interested in getting into it maybe he was the better one of the 2 of you to be reviewing this bit of kit as i have heard pretty mixed feelings from those who actually Scratch :)

[@digitaldjtips]

Fair enough! Unfortunately he was not around to help out with this one. He's probably a 7/10 on it.

[@johneccles9051]

Mag fader have built a upgrade for the system

[@digitaldjtips]

Cool, glad to hear that's happened

[@mixx_factory]

No talk about the innofader upgrade ? Was this recorded long ago and forgotten ? And can someone who actually scratches give their two cents as well .

[@digitaldjtips]

1. No Innofader upgrade is available to buy as of now to our knowledge, and 0.1% of our audience would hack such a controller anyway - we review things as they are 2. This is not a DJ techniques lesson Thanks for your feedback.

[@tmbrown2409]

It’s a drop in unit ?

[@a2b_a2b_a2b]

Yeah that innofader addition that Mojaxx made a video about. Looks dope.

[@DjPatC]

Works with virtual dj too

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for adding this

[@DjPatC]

@@digitaldjtips your welcome

[@spirostsot8426]

how is the sound card for a club?

[@digitaldjtips]

It's OK for the price, not the very best but should be fine.

[@spirostsot8426]

@@digitaldjtips thanx ns4fx or t7 about soundcard? Congratulations from Greece for the Great reviews

[@ozprod371]

What happens if the belt breaks?

[@digitaldjtips]

Good question, presumably you can order a new one.

[@ozprod371]

@@digitaldjtips I meant during use.

[@Mrlegodj]

I'm still rocking a Numark NS7, Trying hard to find a replacement

[@digitaldjtips]

Lovely controller

[@saltytexasranger6301]

Cool, but I'll stick with the REV7...

[@ByAzura]

lol I mean good on you for being able to afford a rev 7 but some of us are still broke haha

[@saltytexasranger6301]

It was worth every penny, 100%...

[@thomasamos4055]

So once you've paid for the Innofader upgrade, Serato Pro etc. you might as well just buy the Rane One.

[@digitaldjtips]

Some people won't need to upgrade their faders and will already own Serato, of course - but yeah, fair point.

[@tmbrown2409]

How it’s $875 with the upgrade half the price of the rane one

[@thomasamos4055]

@@digitaldjtips if there's a buttery fader upgrade project, EVERYONE needs it.

[@thomasamos4055]

@@tmbrown2409 ++ the software licence, but ok. I'm teasing slightly, but generally I think stretching a bit for the build quality, direct drive and full licence is probably worth it.

[@atypical_blk_guy]

⁠read his comment again. The $875 price you're quoting doesn't factor in the price of serato pro. Adding serato pro brings the total price to a little over $1000. The Rane one is currently on sale for $1299. So essentially for $200 more, you get a much better controller with moving platters.

[@djxcel23]

Them pioneer flex controllers are cheap garbage.

[@djrachi]

Sound card is boo boo 💩

[@edd7297]

Ong

[@Innersense]

You had me at "motorized platterns" you lost me at "belt drive" It's a NO

[@blackistheword7]

you are missing out ,the technology is like the belts on cars sterring wheel

[@digitaldjtips]

I have no skin in the game, but do bear in mind that all the portablism turntables are also belt drive, and many of the best scratch DJs in the world are happy with those. I'd say don't knock it until you've tried it.

[@jimboblivesforever]

Which was my first Impulse as well, but when you think about it, these are light 7' platters and those don't need much power for sufficient responsiveness. Try a numark pt01. For all it's failings, sufficient torque isn't one of them.

[@MrMrtsmith72]

Trash 🗑..took mine back

[@digitaldjtips]

What didn’t you like about it?

[@MrMrtsmith72]

@@digitaldjtips no reverse on the fader the feel threw me off but come from turntables and a numark motorized and rane one ..not bad but wasn't for me