Hercules vs Allen & Heath: Dj Controllers Compared by Specs
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When comparing hercules vs allen heath dj controller options, you face a clear split in design philosophy. Both brands provide digital audio control, but their hardware serves different roles. The Hercules Inpulse 200 MK3 is a dedicated two-deck controller built for learning and streaming. The Allen & Heath CQ-20B is a digital stage box mixer with extensive I/O. You must choose based on whether you need a compact DJ setup or a professional mixing interface.
Key differences
| Aspect | Hercules Inpulse 200 MK3 DJ Controller | Allen & Heath CQ Digital Stage Box Mixer |
|---|---|---|
| System Type | DJ Controller | Digital Stage Box Mixer |
| Channels | 2 channels | 16 mic/line inputs, 2 stereo line inputs |
| Connectivity | USB | USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Dimensions | 10.4 x 15.6 x 3.7 inches | 10.2 x 17.7 x 9.8 inches |
| Weight | 2.2 pounds | 9.7 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Hercules Inpulse 200 MK3 DJ Controller if
- You need a portable, lightweight controller for travel or small venues.
- You want to stream directly from music services like Spotify or Beatport.
- You are a beginner looking for built-in beat matching guides.
Choose Allen & Heath CQ Digital Stage Box Mixer if
- You require a professional digital mixer with extensive mic and line inputs.
- You need wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for monitoring.
- You want a rack-mountable unit for a fixed stage or studio setup.
Verdict: The Hercules Inpulse 200 MK3 suits beginners and mobile DJs who prioritize portability and streaming integration. The Allen & Heath CQ-20B fits professional users who need a robust digital mixer with advanced connectivity. Your choice depends on whether you are mixing tracks or managing live audio inputs.
Hercules vs Allen & Heath Specs
System Type
The Hercules Inpulse 200 MK3 is a dedicated DJ controller designed for two-deck performance. It includes integrated software support and features like stem separation for remixing live. In contrast, the Allen & Heath CQ-20B is a digital stage box mixer. It focuses on live sound reinforcement with 16 mic or line inputs and stereo line inputs. It is not a DJ controller for mixing tracks. It serves a different role in audio management, handling live audio signals rather than DJ software integration.
Connectivity
The Allen & Heath CQ-20B offers robust wireless options with built-in 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, plus stereo Bluetooth input. This allows for flexible monitoring and streaming during live events. The Hercules Inpulse 200 MK3 connects via USB to a computer. It relies on this wired connection to stream audio from platforms like Spotify and Apple Music through its virtual sound card. It does not list built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for direct device pairing, focusing instead on computer-based streaming.
Form Factor
Portability differs significantly between these two units. The Hercules Inpulse 200 MK3 is compact, measuring 10.4 inches in width and weighing just 2.2 pounds. It fits easily into a backpack for travel. The Allen & Heath CQ-20B is a rack-mountable stage box. It is larger at 17.7 inches in length and weighs 9.7 pounds. It is designed to be installed in a fixed position or rack, making it less portable than the lightweight Hercules controller.
Input Channels
The Allen & Heath CQ-20B provides extensive physical connectivity for live sound. It features 16 mic or line inputs, with eight combi ports, plus two stereo line inputs. This allows multiple microphones and instruments to connect directly. The Hercules Inpulse 200 MK3 is a 2-channel DJ controller. It does not list external microphone or line inputs in its specifications. It is designed to control two decks of software rather than handle multiple external audio sources.
Recording Features
The Allen & Heath CQ-20B includes built-in SD card record and playback capabilities. It supports 24x24 recording, allowing you to capture mixes or live sets directly to a card without a computer. The Hercules Inpulse 200 MK3 does not list internal SD card storage or standalone recording features. It relies on the connected computer for software functions and streaming. Its recording would depend on the computer's software and storage, not on the hardware itself.
Which DJ Controller Fits Your Needs
Beginners wanting quick setup and learning
The Hercules Inpulse 200 MK3 measures 10.4 by 15.6 inches and weighs just 2.2 pounds. This compact size fits in a backpack for easy transport. It comes preloaded with Serato Lite and tutorials. You can start mixing immediately without reading manuals. The lightweight design makes it ideal for beginners who want to build skills quickly.
Users needing stage box format and rack mounting
The Allen & Heath CQ-20B features a stage box format that supports rack mounting. It includes 16 mic or line inputs plus two stereo line inputs. The unit measures 10.2 by 17.7 inches and weighs 9.7 pounds. This robust build suits professional installations. You get a dedicated digital mixer with extensive input options for complex audio setups.
Performers requiring wireless connectivity and streaming
The Hercules Inpulse 200 MK3 supports direct streaming from Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms. It includes built-in Bluetooth and virtual sound card capabilities for live streaming. The device connects via USB for quick setup. You can access millions of tracks and stream your mixes instantly. This connectivity makes it perfect for modern digital performances.
Audio engineers needing multi-channel recording
The Allen & Heath CQ-20B offers a 24x24 USB interface and SD card record playback. It features dual-band Wi-Fi and stereo Bluetooth input. This model provides precise control over 24 input and output channels. You can record high-quality audio directly to SD cards. The extensive I/O options cater to engineers who need detailed signal management.
The products compared
Hercules Inpulse 200 MK3 DJ Controller
Best for: portable beginner DJing with software guidance
- Channels
- 2-channel
- Compatible Software
- DJUCED, Serato DJ Lite
- Performance Pads
- 8 performance pads
- Jog Wheels
- Touch jog wheels
- Audio Interface
- Built-in virtual sound card
- Dimensions
- 15.6 × 10.4 × 3.7 inches
View on Amazon: Hercules Inpulse 200 MK3 DJ Controller Affiliate link
The Hercules Inpulse 200 MK3 is a compact 2-channel DJ controller measuring 15.6 by 10.4 inches. It weighs 2.2 pounds, making it easy to transport in a backpack. The unit includes Serato Lite software and features Beatmatch Guide LEDs to help align tracks. It supports stem separation for remixing and connects to major streaming services. This setup suits beginners who want a portable, guided entry into DJing.
Pros
- Compact dimensions of 15.6 by 10.4 inches for portability
- Lightweight build at 2.2 pounds
- Includes Serato Lite software and DJ Academy tutorials
- Built-in Beatmatch Guide LEDs for track alignment
- Supports stem separation for isolated vocals and instrumentals
Cons
- No built-in audio interface or sound card for external speakers
- Relies entirely on software integration for track management
- Limited to 2 channels, restricting multi-deck setups
Good fit if
- You need a lightweight controller for travel or small venues
- You are a beginner who wants guided beatmatching assistance
- You want to stream directly from music services
Skip if
- You require a standalone mixer with built-in audio outputs
- You need more than 2 channels for complex mixing
- You prefer hardware-only control without software dependency
Verdict: The Hercules Inpulse 200 MK3 DJ Controller fits beginners who prioritize portability and guided learning over standalone hardware features. Its compact size and software integration make it ideal for mobile DJs starting their journey.
Allen & Heath CQ Digital Stage Box Mixer
Best for: Compact digital mixing with Wi-Fi and SD recording
- Channels
- 16 Mic or Line inputs
- Audio Interface
- 24x24 USB interface
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth
- Mixer Type
- Digital
- Dimensions
- 17.7 × 10.2 × 9.8 inches
- Weight
- 9.7 pounds
View on Amazon: Allen & Heath CQ Digital Stage Box Mixer Affiliate link
The Allen & Heath CQ-20B is a digital stage box mixer with dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It offers 16 mic or line inputs and a 24x24 USB interface. This rack-mountable unit weighs 9.7 pounds. It suits users needing robust connectivity and recording via SD card for live sound or DJ setups requiring a compact, integrated signal path.
Pros
- 16 mic or line inputs with two stereo line inputs
- Built-in 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi with auto channel
- Stereo Bluetooth input for wireless audio streaming
- 24x24 USB interface for computer connection
- 24x24 SD card record and playback capability
Cons
- No dedicated display screen for parameter adjustment
- No remote control app mentioned in specifications
- Fixed physical controls limit wireless mixing adjustments
Good fit if
- You need a compact digital mixer with dual-band Wi-Fi
- You require SD card recording for live sessions
- You want Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio input
Skip if
- You need a dedicated DJ controller with performance pads
- You require a display screen for visual feedback
- You need a lightweight portable unit under 5 pounds
Verdict: The Allen & Heath CQ-20B Digital Mixer fits users needing a rack-mountable stage box with robust digital I/O and wireless connectivity rather than a traditional DJ controller.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Hercules Inpulse 200 MK3 DJ Controller | Allen & Heath CQ Digital Stage Box Mixer |
|---|---|---|
| Channels | 2-channel | 16 Mic or Line inputs |
| Compatible Software | DJUCED, Serato DJ Lite | not stated |
| Performance Pads | 8 performance pads | not stated |
| Jog Wheels | Touch jog wheels | not stated |
| Audio Interface | Built-in virtual sound card | 24x24 USB interface |
| Connectivity | not stated | Bluetooth |
| Features | Performance Pads | not stated |
| Mixer Type | not stated | Digital |
| Dimensions | 15.6 × 10.4 × 3.7 inches | 17.7 × 10.2 × 9.8 inches |
| Weight | 2.2 pounds | 9.7 pounds |
| Size | MK3 | 9.75 |
| Color | Black | Clear |
| Model | Inpulse 200 MK3 | AH-CQ20B |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Hercules Inpulse 200 MK3 a standalone unit?
No, it requires a computer. This controller connects via USB to run with Serato Lite software. It relies on your laptop for audio processing and library management. You do not need to buy additional software, as it comes preloaded. This setup keeps the hardware compact but dependent on your computer.
Can the Allen & Heath CQ-20B function as a DJ controller?
It is not a traditional DJ controller. This device is a digital stage box mixer. It focuses on live sound reinforcement and streaming audio rather than track mixing. It includes Wi-Fi and SD recording capabilities for monitoring or recording mixes. It suits users needing robust digital I/O for live events.
How portable is the Hercules Inpulse 200 MK3?
It is highly portable. The unit measures 10.4 by 15.6 inches and weighs only 2.2 pounds. Its compact form factor allows it to fit easily into a backpack. This makes it ideal for mobile DJs or beginners who need to transport their gear frequently without bulk or heavy weight.
Does the Allen & Heath CQ-20B support wireless connectivity?
Yes, it supports wireless control. The mixer features built-in Wi-Fi for remote configuration and monitoring. It also includes Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming. These features allow you to manage settings and audio feeds from a distance, which is useful for stage setups or complex audio routing scenarios.
What software is required for the Hercules Inpulse 200 MK3?
You need Serato Lite software. The controller comes preloaded with this version of the DJ platform. It provides essential mixing tools and stem separation features for live remixing. You must connect the controller to a computer to access these functions and manage your music library effectively.
What is the primary use case for the Allen & Heath CQ-20B?
It is designed for compact digital mixing and live sound. This rack-mountable stage box offers robust digital I/O for professional audio applications. It supports SD recording and Wi-Fi connectivity for flexible setup. It is best for users who need a reliable mixer for live performances rather than DJ track mixing.