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Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 vs Numark Party Mix III

The Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 is the sturdier, more capable controller for anyone serious about learning to mix. It has larger 5.5-inch jog wheels, a real metal chassis, two headphone outputs, 1/4-inch monitor outs, a mic input and Serato DJ Lite plus DJUCED. The Numark Party Mix III is far smaller and lighter, adds Bluetooth control of djay on phones and tablets, and has a built-in light show and Stems controls. Owners of the Inpulse 500 praise its build and Beatmatch Guide; Party Mix owners like the portability and lights but note the small jogs and plastic feel.

  • Choose the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 if you want a durable two-channel controller with full-size jog wheels, proper monitor and mic connections, and a guided path into Serato or DJUCED.
  • Choose the Numark Party Mix III if you want a compact, light controller for casual parties, phone or tablet mixing over Bluetooth, and a light show built in.

Prices

  • Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500: $184.00 at journeybikes.com (last seen Nov 2)
  • Numark Party Mix III: $149.00 at B&H Photo-Video-Audio (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the Numark Party Mix III is $35.00 cheaper than the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 at the latest prices (Nov 2 and Nov 9)
Hercules
Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 DJ Controller

Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500

Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500 DJ Controller

4.8(140 ratings)
$184.00at journeybikes.comChecked Nov 2
See all prices and details
Visit journeybikes.com
Pros
  • Large 5.5-inch touch jog wheels
  • Solid build with metal top plate
  • Two headphone outputs and 1/4-inch monitor outs
  • Mic input and full EQ and effects section
  • Beatmatch Guide helps beginners learn to beatmatch
Cons
  • Heavier and bulkier to carry
  • No Bluetooth or phone/tablet support
  • No built-in light show
  • Motorized faders and touchscreen absent
Numark
Numark Party Mix III USB DJ Controller with LED Lights Serato Lite

Numark Party Mix III

Numark Party Mix III USB DJ Controller with LED Lights Serato Lite

5(3 ratings)
$149.00at B&H Photo-Video-AudioChecked 3 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit B&H Photo-Video-Audio
Pros
  • Very light and easy to carry
  • Bluetooth control of djay on phones and tablets
  • Built-in light show synced to the mix
  • Stems isolation with dedicated vocal and instrumental buttons
  • Fade FX and Beat Align simplify mixing
Cons
  • Small jog wheels limit scratching
  • Plastic build feels less durable
  • Fewer pro connections, no dedicated mic input
  • Light show is a novelty for some users

What separates them

Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500Numark Party Mix III
Jog wheels5.5-inch touch-sensitive jogs for scratching and beatmatchingSmall jogs suited to basic mixing, not serious scratching
Build and sizeLarger, heavier chassis with a metal top plateCompact and light at about 1.1 lb, plastic body
SoftwareSerato DJ Lite and DJUCED includedSerato DJ Lite and Algoriddim djay unlocked
Phone and tablet usePC and Mac onlyBluetooth control of djay on iOS and Android
ConnectionsRCA out, two headphone outs, two 1/4-inch monitor outs, mic inputUSB-C, basic output set, no dedicated mic input listed
Learning aidsBeatmatch Guide lights for beatmatching and tempoBeat Align indicators plus Fade FX auto effects on the crossfader
Performance features16 pads, onboard EQ and effects, kill switches, curve controlPads for cues, loops and FX, Stems isolation, built-in light show
Skill levelBeginner-friendly but built to grow into live performanceBeginner and casual party use

Price history

$349.99$149.00
Oct 31Nov 10
  • Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500: lowest $184.00 on Nov 2 at journeybikes.com; $281.99 on Nov 10.
  • Numark Party Mix III: lowest $149.00 on Nov 9 at Guitar Center; $149.00 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500

  • Techinn.comNew

    In stock

    $281.99+ $96.49 shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit Techinn.com
  • journeybikes.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $184.00Checked Nov 2
    Visit journeybikes.com
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by haytilab (99.8% positive, 3,300 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $259.99Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • イケベ楽器店New

    Availability unknownMade for another market

    $275.00Checked Nov 9
    Visit イケベ楽器店

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • SquareCableCheck price at SquareCable
  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

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All 28 stores and price history →

Numark Party Mix III

  • Guitar CenterNew

    In stock

    $149.00Free shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit Guitar Center
  • The DJ HookupNew

    In stock

    $149.00Free shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit The DJ Hookup
  • DJSupplyStore.comNew

    In stock

    $149.00Free shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit DJSupplyStore.com
  • B&H Photo-Video-AudioNew

    In stock

    $149.00Free shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit B&H Photo-Video-Audio
All 16 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecHercules DJControl Inpulse 500Numark Party Mix III
With Onboard EffectsYesYes
With USBYesYes
ControlKill Switch, Gain Control, Curve ControlGain Control
Number Of Channels2 channel2 channel
DigitalYes—
SoftwareSerato DJ Lite, DJUCED—
Operating SystemPC, Mac—
Connection TypesRCA—
Inputs / Outputs HighlightsHeadphone Output—
Audio Output Count2—
Audio Output TypeRCA—
Headphone Outputs2—
Show all 32 specsShow fewer specs
SpecHercules DJControl Inpulse 500Numark Party Mix III
Monitor Outputs2 (1/4" TS)—
Skill LevelBeginner—
Typical UsersDJs—
Control SoftwareYes—
CrossfaderYes—
Jog WheelsYes—
FadersYes—
KnobsYes—
Pads16—
ButtonsYes—

What reviewers say

Hercules DJControl Inpulse 500

  • 4.8 / 5140 ratings

Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 140 ratings, the Inpulse 500 is well liked as a first controller. Owners praise its sturdy feel, the pad layout and the included software.

What people mention
  • BuildPraisedOwners describe it as sturdier than expected for a beginner controller.
  • PadsPraisedThe 16 pads and their modes are called useful for cues and loops.
  • SoftwareMixedDJUCED is seen as easy to learn, but Serato DJ Lite is limited compared with the paid version.
  • OutputsCriticisedRCA main outs and no XLR are noted as a limit for gigging.

Numark Party Mix III

Reviewers and owners praise the Party Mix III as a fun, affordable entry point with a light show that adds energy to parties. They find the stem controls and Fade FX useful for learning, though some note the small size and plastic build feel toy-like. Most agree it's a solid starter controller for the money.

What people mention
  • Light showPraisedOwners love how the LED lights react to the beat and liven up parties.
  • Stem controlPraisedReviewers find the dedicated stem buttons handy for isolating vocals or instruments on the fly.
  • Build qualityMixedSome say the plastic body feels less durable than metal controllers, though it keeps weight down.
  • Jog wheelsMixedBeginners find them fine for cueing and basic mixing, but advanced DJs say they are too small for scratching.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a beginner learning to DJ?
Both work for beginners. The Inpulse 500 teaches beatmatching with its Beatmatch Guide and gives you full-size jogs and real connections, so you grow into it. The Party Mix III is easier to carry and lets you practice on a phone or tablet, but its small jogs limit scratching.
Which one lasts longer?
The Inpulse 500 has a metal top plate and a heavier chassis, so it holds up better to regular use and transport. The Party Mix III is plastic and very light, which suits occasional parties more than heavy gigging.
Can I mix from my phone with either?
Only the Party Mix III supports that, through Bluetooth control of Algoriddim djay on iOS and Android. The Inpulse 500 connects to a PC or Mac over USB.
Is the Party Mix III worth stepping up to from a phone app?
Yes if you want hands-on controls, pads and a light show without spending much or carrying much. If you plan to play out or learn to scratch, go straight to the Inpulse 500 instead.
Do both include software?
Yes. The Inpulse 500 ships with Serato DJ Lite and DJUCED. The Party Mix III unlocks Serato DJ Lite and Algoriddim djay.
Which has better connections for a small setup?
The Inpulse 500. It has RCA outputs, two headphone outputs, two 1/4-inch monitor outputs and a microphone input. The Party Mix III keeps connections minimal.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best DJ controllers
Motorized Faders
No
—
Touch ScreenNo—
Audio Input Count3—
Audio Input Type1/8” / 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack—
Microphone Inputs1—
Type of Player—USB DJ Player
Color—Black
Height (")—47.0
Depth (")—205.0
Weight (lb)—1.1