If you are a DJ who loves the feel of vinyl records, you might be interested in DJ controllers with motorized platters. These are devices that let you control DJ software on your computer or smartphone with physical platters that spin and react like real turntables. They give you the best of both worlds: the tactile feedback of vinyl and the convenience of digital.
But how do you choose the best DJ controller with motorized platters for your needs and budget? There are not many options on the market, and they vary in features, design, and price. That’s why we created this ultimate guide to help you find the perfect DJ controller with motorized platters for your style and skill level.
In this guide, we will review one of the most unique and innovative DJ controllers with motorized platters on the market: the Hercules DJControl Inpulse T7. This is a controller that offers motorized platters, Serato DJ Lite and DJUCED compatibility, and a range of features for intermediate DJs. It is affordable, versatile, and easy to use.
We will also compare it to other DJ controllers with motorized platters on the market, such as the Rane One, the Numark NS7III, and the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3. We will analyze their pros and cons, and rank them according to their price range.
By the end of this guide, you will have a clear idea of what DJ controller with motorized platters suits your needs and budget. You will also learn some tips and tricks on how to use them effectively and creatively.
Ready to spin some tunes like a pro? Let’s get started. 😊
What are DJ Controllers with Motorized Platters?
DJ controllers are devices that allow you to control DJ software on your computer or smartphone. They let you mix, scratch, and manipulate music files with physical knobs, faders, buttons, and platters. They are usually connected to your laptop or smartphone via USB or Bluetooth.
DJ controllers with motorized platters are a special type of DJ controllers that have platters that spin and react like real turntables. The platters have real slipmats and vinyl on top, which you can easily customize with any 7" vinyl. They also have sensors that detect your touch and movement, and send signals to the software to adjust the speed, pitch, and direction of the music.
DJ controllers with motorized platters give you a realistic vinyl feel at an affordable price. They are fun and responsive to use, and they allow you to scratch and mix music with more precision and expression. They are ideal for DJs who want to experience the feel of vinyl with the convenience of digital.
Why Choose the Hercules DJControl Inpulse T7?
The Hercules DJControl Inpulse T7 is one of the few DJ controllers on the market that offers motorized platters at this price range. It is a medium-sized controller that weighs surprisingly light, considering it has two motorized platters that look like shrunken Technics turntables.
The Hercules DJControl Inpulse T7 is compatible with both Serato DJ Lite and DJUCED software, which you can choose depending on your preference. Serato DJ Lite is one of the most popular DJ software platforms in the world, with a familiar layout and a large music library integration. DJUCED is a free and excellent alternative that offers some unique features, such as beatmatch guides, energy level detection, and AI-powered track suggestions.
The Hercules DJControl Inpulse T7 has a lot of features for intermediate DJs, such as looping, effects, samples, beatmatch guides, energy level detection, and track suggestions. It also has high quality components and a sleek look.
The Hercules DJControl Inpulse T7 has some drawbacks, such as the lack of instant start option, aux input, booth output, and battery power, but they are not deal-breakers for most DJs. If you are looking for a controller that combines innovation, performance, and value, you should definitely check out the Hercules DJControl Inpulse T7.
How Does It Compare to Other DJ Controllers with Motorized Platters?
Hercules DJControl Inpulse T7
The Hercules DJControl Inpulse T7 is one of the few controllers on the market that offers motorized platters at this price range. The closest competitors are the Rane One, the Numark NS7III, and the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3, which are all more expensive and more professional than the Inpulse T7.
Rane One
The Rane One is a two-channel controller that has 7.2" motorized platters with quick release acrylic disks. It also has Mag Four crossfader and line faders that are smooth and durable. It has more inputs and outputs than the Inpulse T7, including aux input, booth output, XLR mic input with EQ and effects, and dual USB ports for easy changeovers. It also has performance pads with independent mode buttons for each deck. However, it is also much more expensive than the Inpulse T7, and it only works with Serato DJ Pro.
Numark NS7III
The Numark NS7III is a four-channel controller that has larger motorized platters with adjustable torque and tension. It also has three high-resolution screens that display Serato waveforms and track information. It has more inputs and outputs than the Inpulse T7, including aux input, booth output, XLR mic input with EQ and effects, and dual USB ports for easy changeovers. However, it is also much heavier and bulkier than the Inpulse T7, and it only works with Serato DJ Pro.
Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3
The Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 is a four-channel controller that has motorized jog wheels that provide haptic feedback. It also has RGB pads, mixer FX, and a built-in audio interface. It works with Traktor Pro 3 software, which is included in the package. However, it does not have real vinyl on top of the platters, and it does not have as many inputs and outputs as the Inpulse T7.
According to Amazon.com prices as of October 24th 2023, here is how these controllers rank from the most expensive to the least expensive:
Rane One: $1,499
Numark NS7III: $1,299
Hercules DJControl Inpulse T7: $599
Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3: $549
How to Use the Hercules DJControl Inpulse T7 Effectively and Creatively?
The Hercules DJControl Inpulse T7 is a great controller for intermediate DJs who want to experience the feel of vinyl with the convenience of digital. It offers motorized platters, Serato DJ Lite and DJUCED compatibility, and a range of features for creative mixing. Here are some tips and tricks on how to use it effectively and creatively:
Customize your platters: You can easily change the slipmats and vinyl on top of the platters with any 7" vinyl you like. You can also adjust the torque and tension of the platters to suit your preference. This way, you can personalize your controller and make it more comfortable to use.
Use the beatmatch guides: The controller has LED lights that indicate the tempo difference between the tracks. You can use them to align the beats manually or automatically. This will help you mix smoothly and avoid clashing rhythms.
Use the energy level detection: The controller has a feature that analyzes the energy level of each track. You can use it to choose tracks that match or contrast the mood of your audience. This will help you create dynamic sets that keep your listeners engaged.
Use the track suggestions: The controller has a feature that uses artificial intelligence to suggest tracks that are compatible with the current one. You can use it to discover new music or find tracks that you forgot you had. This will help you expand your musical repertoire and surprise your audience.
Use the looping, effects, and samples: The controller has separate controls for looping, effects, and samples on top of the usual pad modes. You can use them to add variety and creativity to your mixes. You can create loops of different lengths, apply effects such as filter, echo, or flanger, and trigger samples such as drums, vocals, or sirens.
Conclusion
The Hercules DJControl Inpulse T7 is a unique DJ controller that offers motorized platters that mimic the feel of vinyl records. It also works with both Serato DJ Lite and DJUCED software, giving you more options and flexibility. It is a controller that is designed for intermediate DJs who want to take their mixing skills to the next level.
The Hercules DJControl Inpulse T7 is affordable, versatile, and easy to use. It has some drawbacks, such as the lack of instant start option, aux input, booth output, and battery power, but they are not deal-breakers for most DJs. If you are looking for a controller that combines innovation, performance, and value, you should definitely check out the Hercules DJControl Inpulse T7.
If you want to learn more about the Hercules DJControl Inpulse T7 or other DJ controllers, head on to www.remixpro.com for more interesting DJ news, tips, and more. 😊
