BEST BEGINNER DJ CONTROLLER UNDER $300 (Impulse 500, DDJ SB3, Mixtrack Pro FX)
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- čas přidán 16. 07. 2024
- This video is a quest to find the best beginner DJ controller under $300, and spoiler alert - I succeeded! In this video, I do a head to head comparison of the Hercules Impulse 500, Numark Mixtrack Pro FX, and the Pioneer DDJ-SB3.
Numark Mixtrack Pro FX: www.agiprodj.com/numark-mixtr...
Pioneer DDJ-SB3: www.agiprodj.com/pioneer-dj-d...
Hercules Impulse 500: www.agiprodj.com/hercules-dj-...
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00:00 Intro
3:12 Mixtrack Pro FX
7:09 DDJ-SB3
11:37 Impulse 500
16:44 Conclusion
I made this channel to help DJs all around the world. This is the most honest and funny DJ channel on CZcams. Learn every aspect on how to DJ right here! You'll find everything from Wedding DJ Tips, DJ Tips, Wedding and Event vLogs, product reviews and much more. I put it all out there and I never hold back.
Nick Spinelli is a full-time DJ for the SCE Event Group out of New Jersey (USA). He's a National Speaker and Educator, and one of the most sought after high-end Wedding DJs in the NJ, Philly, and NYC markets.
EMAIL: weddingdjtips@gmail.com
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Do you own any of these controllers? How do you like em??
yes i have the DDJ SB3 and I love it ...
@@edwardohene-djan3930 I liked the SB3 a lot. Great controller for $250
SB3 guy here. Picked it up earlier this year to cut my teeth. It had many good reviews while researching. Glad I got it.
Thanks Nick 👍
I bought the inpulse 500 and I quite like it! I dont understand why you are giving it such a hard time in the conclusion
SB1 was a great starter for me. :-) I’m on an sx1 now.
I just bought recently the impulse 500 …
Beside that I have Allen & Heath k2, xone 42 ,midifigther from DJTT , traktor Kontrol z2, pair of reloop rp 7000 a pair of technics 1200 mk2 , a pair of Stanton t62 , and some other entry level mixer from smaller brands..
And for me as a 20 year career dj using top gear and industry standard dj gear I do not agree a single point of the Hercules beside the short pitch faders…
Is an excellent controller with metal face plate that u didn’t refer and metal post on the knobs that u didn’t refer (construction wise is not even in the same ball park of the other 2)
Software have the full version of there one dj app and serato lite , I use serato pro and all the features is usable in serato pro everything…
You're one of my personal favorite DJ CZcamsr rn everything is just real and a positive and happy vibes. Keep up the good work bro 🔥
Thank you so much! Tons of videos on the way!!
Nick you owe me a keyboard! When you started on your DE-JUICED and DJ-UICED rant, the drink I was taking a sip of came right out of my nose and onto my keyboard. That's some of the funniest $hit I've heard in a long time. Kudos to you from Chicago brother.
lmaoooo!!
Hey It’s Jonathan Blaney, I’m logged into my martial arts CZcams account.
I sold all of my gear over the pandemic. To start the season till I can grab a Rane One or another set of Techs, I ended up purchasing the Hercules Inpulse 500. I absolutely love it. I don’t use the gimmick’s feature set. I can already scratch so I don’t need a controller to cut for me. This controller has all the big boy stuff minus the XLR outputs. Yes the mixer faders and pitch faders have a small span, but after 2 days of playing on this thing, I’ve gotten used to this thing and I can throw down on this thing. I bought the white edition, it comes with a free hard/soft shell bag with a shoulder strap and it came with a pro serato license. I was grandfathered from scratch live for a pro license anyways, but it’s cool that it comes with it for new djs.
My only complaint is the inputs seem a little loose on the back, I feel like i have it be super careful about plugging into the 1/4 inch inputs and unplugging. But the RCA connections are sturdy. I’m plugging this into an external mixer anyways in between the speakers. As long as this thing gets me through to the end of July this wedding season now that we can dj in Canada again, I’ll be happy with that and I’ll grab a Rane One.
I was skeptical due to the brand. I still can’t believe I bought a Hercules, but you know what, it’s actually a solid piece of gear for $549.00 CDN. Everything is unlocked with serato dj pro.
I agree. I also love that djuced has every options unlocked from the get go. And the fact that this gear is virtual dj compatible !!!!
I'm a little jealous tho, I bought the regular inpulse 500, the a few days later the white edition came out .. dammmm.
That's okay tho. Love the gear
I got an SB3. I use it for a lot of reasons and have used it at some gigs. Especially if I’m set up in a super tight space or it’s a small party with a basic setup required. Also I use it as home when I just wanna just tool around with some ideas, usb to computer. Super easy. Also serves as an emergency backup if I had a problem with my main. Obviously has it’s limitations (and yes it’s wicked plasitcy and toyish feeling) but for what it’s worth, it’s pretty useful for beginners and pros alike. Can’t go wrong with pioneer stuff . Great video.
Facts I think it’s great for that! Gotta love pioneer
All of those features on the Hercules will work with Serato pro…
Wow a Awesome brother.. You are Real as it gets!!! Def one of my favorite DJ's.. I have the DDJ-800 love it.. I wanted a small controller for a back up for Serato.. I was on the fence with the Numark n the Impulse500.. Thank you for clearing that up for me brother .
Hercules Impulse500 "Pig In Lipstick" priceless ..
Thanks so much man!!!
I recently got the numark platinum as my backup. The s9 fxs, big faders and heavy jogwheels surprised me. I use this for recording mixes too at home when I'm feeling lazy and don't wanna set up the twelves 🤣
Nice!!
I have an Inpulse 500 and I love it. It or the software as never failed me during an event. I actually prefer the DJuced software over Serato as well, mostly because its free and Serato has crashed on me several times. Luckily I had my Ipad on backup. I have everything going through an external mixer so no one even knew. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and what works for some people might not work for the next guy. I do like your videos and most are informative but some guys are in very different or low income markets and cant afford super expensive stuff all the time. Also I don't think that your equipment should make who you are as a DJ. The guest at a wedding don't give a shit how much you spent on your setup as long as its presentable. They are there to have a good time and party. The average person attending a wedding could not tell or care about the difference between a $500 and a $1500 speaker or a $200 controller or a $2000 controller.
I have no problem with inexpensive controllers. I just am not a fan of hercules personally.
@@NickSpinelli Now that you say it... couldn't have guessed it 😂
I like duced better than Serato. I'm a rakortbox fan and if I compare djuced with Serato, I'd rather choose Serato. Djuced does a lot of user experiences and implements many improvements. In short, for a beginner controller I would definitely go for hercules and then to rekordbox controller. That's my opinion. I have both hercules 500 also pioneer controller and pioneer cdj 3000.
Great job !! I will share this to my DJ students
Thank you so much Mac!
@@NickSpinelli np just make sure to have that hidden horse 🐎 in every episode! I’m here for the horse! ...of-course
I loved "if you walk into a nightclub with a Hercules, you're gonna look stupid" ...priceless! That comment alone made my day.
🤣🤣🤣
Inpulse 500 easily beats them all! Best entry controller of 2020!
love the honesty. this should have more views.
Thank you! It would be helpful to know what kind of music is best for which controller. I imagine a techno dj won't value scratching as high as a hip hop dj.
Appreciate the brutal honesty Nick. Too many CZcamsrs getting paid to "BS" their reviews. The parents buying the mixer scenario is sooo true 😂 Let's see dem piano skills good man 👍🏻
This review is bs....super bias towards pioneer
I think you just based on the brand, even the Pioneer has small faders in a small room, all three controllers are similar in the faders area and in addition the pioneer has very small tempo pitches. The Hercules also works with serato dj pro and also has better build quality. I know all three of these controllers and I think you hate the Hercules regardless. Many professional DJs prefer it and don't look at the brand. Between the three controllers, the Inpulse is less toy than the other twoo. I am just objective.
All three controllers are plug and play with Serato DJ pro. And I legit took a tape measure and measured all the faders and the Hercules were way smaller. It’s a gimmick controller man don’t waste your money trust me
His evaluation was that of a good bitch, meet the controller first idiot, spend a week using it and you'll see that it doesn't need big faders because it has resources not to need it, where did you mention the space of the buttons that are fine positioned? Where did you talk about the games? From construction and so on? Stop it, this Hercules of 1000 is a beating on these two there, it doesn't even compare, she is on another level. I researched a lot about this controller and made the right choice, now that I'm using it I don't regret having purchased a limited edition with serato pro serial, total success, this assessment of yours is for those who only see Pioneer numark and other brands, say that the controller is stuck with its own software oh my god! You're crazy, I use it very well with serato and VDJ I've never used JDUCED since I bought it, only serato and VDJ. Stop that, stop evaluating things you don't know, spend a week with her using it, in fact you don't even need a week, just two days and you'll see that you'll do another different evaluation!
Thank you so f'ckn much for your opinion! Because I was torn over these 3 controllers. Mainly the SB3 and Hercules. I wasn't feeling the no FX filter and that DJuicy shit 🤣. But the SB3 stood out with the FX and scratching. I'm upgrading from my Numark Mixdeck after 10 years. So budget wise and performance, the Pioneer will work for now! Thanks! 👍🏿
Great video! Great review!
Thanks man
Another great video told only like a Jersey guy could... Can you do one for turntables thinking about getting back into those its been some years dont know which ones are today's best or price wise highest to lowest. I have 3 controllers but really wanna get back into it. Thanks again
This is a great idea!!
Looking forward to purchase a controller. Just wanted to know your suggestion between inpulse 500 vs ddj 400.
yes I own 3--Numark CDmix USB, Numark Mixtrack Pro and the Numark mixstream Pro
im 2 mins into this video and im subscribed bro! IM about that no bs life...thanks for being REAL!!!
Thank you for keeping it real
always!
Started mixing about 6 months ago now and I decided to get the Hercules because it looked big and cool. It’s been a great controller to learn on when it comes to just “mixing”. As I do love the feel of the controller the one thing that bothers me the most is definitely the placement of fx on the controller. The fact you can’t filter and use an fx at the same time drives me nuts and keeps my mixes somewhat stale in a sense.
what do you mean you cannot use filters and fx at same time?
Your a funny guy bro, I was laughing til the end of your video, and that makes me subscribe to your channel
I’ve got a Pioneer DJ controller DDJ-WEGO4-W PC Mac lightweight Compact Audio that I use it a for a backup just in case something did happens with one of my leads and I could use my controller so lucky I have them backup for this wedding.
Hey Nick. Quick question.. I need some help choosing a controller without sacrificing sound. I am a man who believes in quality over quantity. Go big or go home. That being said, I have started to build a sound system. I currently have two 12" Peavey powered (830 watt) speakers, two 15 Peavey powered (800 watt) speakers and two 18" Peavey powered (800 watt) subs. I also have a 10 channel Peavey mixer with auto tune. A couple of wireless Sennheiser mics. I heard the Pioneer DDJ 400 lacks a decent sound card. Is this true? if it does, which controller would you recommend. I will not being dj'ing and clubs. Just small to medium sized weddings. I am a beginner but will not be scratching. Just mixing. Please help..
Good video. I started on the DDJ-400 which is for Rekordbox. I thought it was excellent for me as a beginner. Wonder what you’d think about it.
That thing looks sick. I haven’t tried tho. Pioneer put a lot into all the rekordbox controllers to hopefully make people switch yanno
Pioneer ddj 400 is one of the best beginner controllers. Why? No Serato but rekordbox. It's overwhelming at first. But if you do start running, use software that you don't want to switch to later. In addition, ddj 400 has the layout of the pioneer cdj and you will be able to switch to it much more easily and you will also master the cdj system faster.
how is the sound quality ? do they sound the same ?
Is crazy your the first that doesn't like the i500, most people is giving Hercules i500 praise, also the fades on the sb3 are smaller :P that didn't make sense
Exactly
Still rocking my sb3.
What about the platinum fx with the jogwheel displays? Does that change your opinion at all?
Also how does the 400 compare to the controllers in this list? I used to own an sb3 but im gonna sell it and go for the 400 amd get into the pioneer rekordbox atmosphere
I like the 400 a lot better than these but it only works with rekordbox right?
Yes with rekordbox so better.
Is it a matter of taste
Thank you for that! Too many ass kissers in youtube dont wanna trash gear because they want to keep getting free shit. The only youtube reviewer I trust is DJ Mojaxx, he also tells it like it is from a working DJ perspective no bs. I just clicked cause you are entertaining as hell dont even care about these crappy controllers.
Thanks so much man and I completely agree, I’m a huge fan of Mojaxx. I met him at NAMM this year and white girled a little bit haha
Cool👍🏼Nick the truth without industrial company Fluff.Happy Holiday to you an your Family
Thank you Happy holidays!
have you tried the Roland dj 202?
Like bruh, why did u say that the pitch-faders are small on inpulse 500 when on the sb3 are way way smaller?
I love you’re channel! You’re Definitely different from the rest and I really appreciate your content.
I am having an issue though. When you began to review the sb3, you noted that you spend 249 bananas on it. I did some calculations and buying 249 bananas would be cheaper than buying it outright. The store wouldn’t accept my bananas and now I’m stuck with all these potassium filled pp shapes!
I don't know if anyone else caught it, but you had a boogie in your nose that was driving me crazy! lol But other than that great review, I appreciate the honesty and I was considering the hercules but you made me consider the SB3 for a back-up controller instead. It's decision time!
Nooooooo lmao sorry about that
@@NickSpinelli You didn't obviously know, I won't hold it against you. lol
Hey! You and I learned piano the same way! I had a Casio
That’s crazy!! Shit was life for me
@@NickSpinelli same bro!
Good video. Respect from russia. Thanks for the honest review and comprasion
I'm an indimidiate dj and Im looking for a cheap controller to play music at a summer beach bar...Do you think that Numark pro fx can do that job really good or maybe I need something more expensive with more features to be good at my job?
If your budget is under $300 then yes I'd do the Numark or the Pioneer. But deff consider a DDJ-SX3 or something a little more robust for playing out
Looking to use a smaller controller. Sick of dragging my 80lb MCX8000 everywhere. Any recommendations even if different from these 3?
DDJ SX3 or 1000 SRT or one of the ones in this vid
The feets are not a gimmic, it makes the controller get the same hight as a sub mixer (that you recommend), and you forget that most dj´s don´t scratch. Scratching can easily ruin a good gig if you´re not a real pro scratcher. Safer, easier and often sounds better with cool effects than scratching. Scratching tend to get a little "one trick pony".....
The lights ARE gimmics, thats for shure but still like the Impulse better than my Pioneer SR....
Impulse 500 workes with serato dj pro too
Curious are the faders on the sb3 longer than the ones on the impulse?
Longer and bigger in every aspect.
No they are not 😂😂
ive been using Mixtrack Pro FX for 2 months now. so happy with it!! yah the fadder cuts for me it has no value? hahahah
I bought a numark mix track pro fx. A beast compared to my hercules Impulse 300mk2. My hercules was really bad at performing
"If something sucks ima tell you it sucks" - Nick Spinelli for President 2024!
Haha I’ll never hold back!!
I got the platinum FX
Great review Nick! 👍 also... I Love AGIprodj.com
They’re great! Thanks bro
hell yea, AGIPRODJ is about 40 minutes away from my house.
Nice west coast!
Great review.
As a side note, the plural form of "feet", is "feet"... Just playing man. Keep em coming.
I just ordered the Inpulse 500 bro
How was it 😮. Will you recommend it for small gigs
Yess yes yes this guy that did the review is bias .. or just didn't do a proper research 😅
So your not gonna mention the rca and 1/4 inch jacks for audio on the impulse 500?
The metal build and full version for free ?
Not a good review people
Real talk
💯💪🏿🎯
Ok... I like the 3 controllers am kind of a beginner my dad has djed his whole life , he wabts me to to start with the impulse lol bit we also like the sb3 ANNND the numark is right now at 199😳 so am going nuts HELP WICH ONE SHOULD I BUY?!
coin toss it !
@@camranh_royal I don't understand 🥺
@@GcjBoo "coin toss" is when you flip a coin and choose one side (heads or tails) as the one that should come up when you catch it or simply let it fall on the floor...if the side you picked comes up then you select or do something you called/said before flipping the coin ... and you do or select an alternative option if the side you didn't choose comes up instead... so basically is a random way to choose something. You can do the same about your controller since you said you don't know how to select the best one for you.
@@camranh_royal oooh lol I already bought the impulse 500 but I didn't like the djuiced program seems like it's hot bugs they must fix , any recommendation? 🙈
@@GcjBoo The impulse 500 is compatible with Virtual Dj... so give it a try
I really think u hate the i500 .. 😅 . Its the best of all 3 u got there .. try it with serato pro .. .. its a $600 unit selling for 300 ..
I just ordered an inpulse 500 and a ddj 400. I will return one of them after I decide which I like more. SB3 is definitely not on my list as i believe ddj400 is way way better.
I agree the 400 is legit!
So which one did you return?
Yeah which one?
@@MS7.7 Well actually I returned the Pioneer 400. Probably everyone will be surprised but I really enjoy the inpulse 500 way more. It also looks so much better than the ddj400.
@@DigUrOwnHole Nice! I just got The inpulse 500 Gold 5 days ago. I have to say it's pretty amazing. No complaints I use it with Serato Pro and Djuced.
I just wish it had Key Lock button and Tempo range. I'm getting used to the FX/Filter combo and it working quite nice.
I feel sometimes the Software gets buggy not the controller like if my PC went to sleep and opened nothing works so I close the app and reopen. No regrets for not getting the DDJ400. Also the Aux option is nice for a quick play from a phone if I don't have the song.
Finally no sugar coated shitty reviews
It’s with the 500 also with Serato!! 1st do your research Serato Pro got alle thinks to work!! It sounds more like someone that is already into something before doing real review. 😅 i DJ for 20 years. And this is just a clown review!
Djuced is bad ?
3 years later…Pioneer SB3 discontinued. Hercules Inpulse 500 still the best entry level controller out there.
I liked this video simply because of the intro lol
Coolio
Turntables forever !!!
Haha YUH
The new hercules 500 inpulse gold edition is more better that ddj 400 absolutely.
Hercules Impulse 500 is the Best🔥💯 Dj Controller of 2020 it works with Serato And has all the Features needed by a beginner Dj. + it is more Solid than all the other Controllers Listed.... Honestly Gr8 Piece❤️
Also works with virtual dj !!!
And DJ Pro with neural Ai. But it sucks fx and Filters doesnt work at the same time.
Who needs to learn how to scratch? It's literally the simplest thing you can do. And the juice comes free with the controller, how can that be bad.
You need a coffee! :)
you just the opposite of me ... exactly , and looking on different aspects then me .... faders ... the last part i`m looking for
How are you so bad man with Hercules 500? I must buy a controller, and thought to take that, but a would opinion for dont buy this. For you pioner 400 Is Better? Thank from italy
Dude, get the inpulse 500, u won't regret it
All I have to say is ddj400. Don’t waste your time with any of these other controllers. U want a starter controller DDJ400. You want a back up? Ddj400
Man. Your eyes.
DDJ-SB3 is crap when using any type of microphone there is no power and vocals are muffed. You can't talk over the music, there is no talk back control and no knob on the mixer only in the back. It's good for music and that's it.
In Italy your surname is a nice thingh, spinelli.
I think the Numark is better than the SB3, the SB3 is soooo old now, it even looks old. Its pretty much a plastic toy
I agree I really liked the numark - I think pioneer has a new SB on the way it's been forever
HEy Nicki, Don't You Ever Call me Nicki !!!
😂
How cau you say that Hercules has a terrible design and short faders! Pioneer has shorter faders and it is a real toy! I know the three controllers and among them Hercules is the best, it has more features and also the quality is better. Among the three , Pioneer is the gimmick! I think you' re discriminating just because it is a Hercules! I don't agree at all!
Same !
you just a hater on the Hercules. other reviewers picked the Hercules 500 as number over these other 2 and even the pioneer ddj 400
lol and I'll happily debate any of those other reviews on how trash that Hercules controller is.
Or you know........ opinions
@@NickSpinelli You my friend have "Hercules Issues" ...seek help!
This dudes reviews are well...flat out incorrect and seems a bit bias....I've used the pioneer and I have a hecules 500. The 500 is amazing I don't care for 1 section on it. The fx settings could be better but djuiced in my opinion is awesome analyzes your song library and great software. Better than paying 300 and then another 150 on software....that's first ...second....literally most the beginner controllers have the small faders and knobs....lol pioneer are almost the exact same size...you can tell this dude is a pioneer junkie like most the reviews on here.....I feel they must be endoring them because in my opinion pioneer controllers at the beginning level are ok at best super basic....idiot proof.....I'll take the 500 over the sb3 or 400 any day of the week
Thank u for validating my purchase. I wanted to get the perfect beginner dj gear, and it's great. It passes the eye test amd all the reviews are great.
Technically it's jam packed with features that other controllers don't have at that price range : better connectivity, dedicated aux volume control , mic equipment and filter , I mean come on now it's great. And it works with virtual dj as well....
I really can't complain.
Silver Fox edition 😂😂😂☠️
lmao
Oh and if your gonna review it don't make it seem like you have to use djuiced cuz I have serato pro and it utilizes almost every feature any other controller would have of this level. Super bad review in my opinion.
Yeah, he sounds Very skewed / biased.
"Other reviewers are biased, I'm not all" WoW. Can anyone get more political than this? It's clear you a pioneer fan and don't like hercules. you judge by brand name and not the product.
best advice is stay away from entry level controller's they are money grabs for software , go big or stay home
The hercules controller is designed to work perfectly with Serato....idk what the fuck you are going on about here.
Exactly. Also love that djuced is completely free .... and the fact that the controller is compatible with virtual dj!!!!
I used to be a fan of Hercules but at this point they’re pushing their djuced software to be nothing more than just a subpar rekordbox copy. Yea no.
Lol amazon echo
🤣🤣
Hey dude you talk to much, come on
Wish I can get one this Christmas 😣😣😣
Ask Santa!