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Roland DJ-202 vs Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK3

The Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK3 is the better first controller for most beginners. Its light guides teach beatmatching visually, and its stems controls let you isolate vocals and instrumentals without extra gear. The Roland DJ-202 is the stronger pick for producers and Roland fans: it has a built-in 16-step sequencer and TR-style drum kits, plus four-deck control through Serato. Build-wise both are compact plastic units, but the Roland is heavier and larger. Owners of the Inpulse 200 line rate it highly for ease of learning, while DJ-202 owners value the drum machine integration more than the pads themselves.

  • Choose the Roland DJ-202 if you want a controller with a built-in drum machine, a 16-step sequencer and four-deck control in Serato.
  • Choose the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK3 if you are learning to mix and want visual beatmatching guides, stems controls and USB-C in a small, light unit.

Prices

  • Roland DJ-202: $297.49 at Greentoe (checked today)
  • Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK3: $99.99 at Walmart (checked today)
  • Difference: the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK3 is $197.50 cheaper than the Roland DJ-202 today
Roland
Roland DJ-202 2-Channel DJ Controller

Roland DJ-202

Roland DJ-202 2-Channel DJ Controller

5(2 ratings)
$297.49at GreentoeChecked 44 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit Greentoe
Pros
  • Built-in 16-step sequencer and Roland drum kits for live remixing
  • Four-deck control through Serato
  • 24-bit / 48 kHz audio interface
  • Mic input for vocals or MC work
  • Solid, heavier build
Cons
  • No visual beatmatching guides
  • No stems controls
  • Larger and heavier to carry
  • Ships with Serato DJ Intro, a limited version
Hercules
Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK3 DJ Controller

Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK3

Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK3 DJ Controller

4.9(37 ratings)
$99.99at WalmartChecked 45 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • Light guides make beatmatching easier to learn
  • Stems controls for quick mashups and transitions
  • USB-C connection
  • Small and light at 0.9 kg
  • Includes DJUCED and Serato DJ Pro
Cons
  • Only two decks
  • No sequencer or drum machine
  • No mic input
  • RCA master out only, no 1/4-inch jacks

What separates them

Roland DJ-202Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK3
Deck controlDeck select for up to four decks in SeratoTwo-deck layout
Beatmatching helpNo light guides; you match by ear and waveformDynamic light guides show tempo and beat alignment
StemsNo dedicated stems controlsDedicated stems controls isolate vocals and instrumentals
Onboard sequencing16-step sequencer and built-in Roland drum kitsNo sequencer or drum kits
Audio quality24-bit / 48 kHz interface24-bit / 44.1 kHz
ConnectionUSB-B, bus poweredUSB-C, bus powered
Outputs1/4-inch master out and 1/4-inch mic inputRCA master out, 3.5 mm headphone jack, no mic input
Size and weight4.6 lb / 2.1 kg0.9 kg, 320 x 195 x 49 mm

Price history

$339.99$103.50
Oct 28Nov 10
  • Roland DJ-202: lowest $297.49 on Nov 9 at Greentoe; $297.49 on Nov 10.
  • Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK3: lowest $103.50 on Oct 31 at gear4music.com; $103.50 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Roland DJ-202

  • GreentoeNew

    In stock

    $297.49Free shippingChecked 44 min ago
    Visit Greentoe
  • Sam Ash DirectNew

    In stock

    $312.79Free shippingChecked 46 min ago
    Visit Sam Ash Direct
  • SweetwaterNew

    In stock

    $339.99Free shippingChecked 46 min ago
    Visit Sweetwater
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by haightashburymusic (99.9% positive, 2,100 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $329.99Free shippingChecked 21 h ago
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

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All 16 stores and price history →

Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK3

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Focus Pro AudioReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $99.99Checked 45 min ago
    Visit Walmart
  • gear4music.comNew

    In stock

    $103.50Checked 44 min ago
    Visit gear4music.com
  • Sam Ash DirectNew

    In stock

    $110.39Free shippingChecked 44 min ago
    Visit Sam Ash Direct
  • Techinn.comNew

    In stock

    $105.99+ $32.00 shippingChecked 44 min ago
    Visit Techinn.com

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
All 22 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecRoland DJ-202Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK3
With USBYesYes
Number Of Channels2 channel2 Channels
Weight4.6 lb / 2.1 kg0.90 kg
With Onboard EffectsYes—
Signal Processing24-bit / 48 kHz—
Nominal Input LevelMic In (1/4" Type): -60 dBu—
Nominal Output LevelMaster Out: 2.0 Vrms—
Input ImpedanceMic In: 7 kOhms or greater—
Output ImpedanceMaster Out: 1 kOhm Phones: 22 Ohms—
Frequency Response48.0 kHz: 20 Hz to 22 kHz (+0/-2 dB)—
PowerUSB bus power—
Current Draw500 mA—
Show all 30 specsShow fewer specs
SpecRoland DJ-202Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK3
Control—Gain Control
Width—320 mm
Depth—195 mm
Height—49 mm
Number of decks—2x
USB connections—USB-C connector
Audio outputs—Stereo Cinch RCA (1x)
Audio resolution—24 bits
Sample rate—44.10 kHz
Exact colour description—

What reviewers say

Roland DJ-202

Buyers of the DJ-202 describe it as fun and reliable, with everything working as expected and good value for the features. Most praise comes from beginners and home users rather than touring DJs.

What people mention
  • BuildMixedOwners like the light, compact body but say the plastic shell feels less sturdy than metal controllers.
  • Drum machinePraisedBuyers call the built-in drum kits and sequencer the most fun part of the unit.
  • ValuePraisedReviewers say it delivers a lot of features for the money.
  • Jog wheelsCriticisedSome find the jog wheels small and less precise than those on larger controllers.

Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK3

  • 4.9 / 537 ratings

Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 37 ratings, buyers treat it as a strong first controller. The light guides and stems controls come up as the features that make learning easier.

What people mention
  • Light guidesPraisedOwners say the visual beat and tempo cues help them learn timing hands-on.
  • StemsPraisedDedicated stems controls are called a useful way to isolate vocals and instruments for mashups.
  • BuildMixedThe plastic body and small jog wheels feel entry-level, though acceptable at the price.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a total beginner?
The Inpulse 200 MK3. Its light guides show you when beats and tempos line up, which speeds up learning to beatmatch by ear. The DJ-202 assumes you already mix by ear or by waveform.
Which controller is better for making mashups?
The Inpulse 200 MK3, because its stems controls let you isolate vocals or instrumentals on the fly. The DJ-202 has no stems controls, though its sequencer suits building loops instead.
Do I need Serato Pro for either one?
The Inpulse 200 MK3 includes Serato DJ Pro, while the DJ-202 ships with Serato DJ Intro. Both also work with their makers' own software, DJUCED and Roland's Serato integration respectively.
Which one is more portable?
The Inpulse 200 MK3 at 0.9 kg and roughly 32 cm wide. The DJ-202 weighs 2.1 kg and takes more bag space.
Is the DJ-202 worth stepping up to?
Only if you want the drum machine, sequencer and four-deck control. For plain mixing and learning, the Inpulse 200 MK3 covers more ground with less bulk.
Can I connect a microphone to either?
Only the DJ-202 has a 1/4-inch mic input. The Inpulse 200 MK3 has no mic input, so vocals need to come through your computer.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best DJ controllers for beginners
  • Best beginner DJ setups
Black
Compatible Software—DJUCED
Included software—DJUCED, Serato DJ Pro
Connectivity—USB
DJ Controller Format—Platter Controller
DJ Software Included—DJuced
Condition—New
Master output for speakers—2 RCA jacks
Headphones/monitoring output—1/8” / 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack
  • ConnectivityMixedUSB-C setup is simple, but the single stereo RCA output limits hooking up to bigger systems.