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Hello everyone, i am new to the Dj world...
I have been screwing with vdj but am ready for a next step. A real dj setup, money is not a huge concern right now but i don't want to break 2k. Do i go with the Kontrol S4 or S2? What else do I need to buy? Keep in mind I was using VDJ for about a yr. so i have a broad knowledge of all of the functions of the NI S4 and S2.
THX, Jack
ask yourself what you want to do with the music...
i am very happy with my x1 and xone 22...
but you may not be...
If you have a broad knowledge of all of the functions of the NI S4 and S2, those are the two controllers you are considering, and you have an idea as to what you want to do, no one else has the answers but you. It only boils down to what you want to do, and how many channels you feel you need to do it with.
Well right now i am young so i want to learn so when i get older i can do gigs and stuff. I really like Mixing music and beatmatching by ear and other functions like that...which is why i picked the S4 or S2. I am new to this so i appreciate what you all said but i don't know if the xone is for me, YET. I also like the MIDI fighter pros so i think hope that gives you all an idea of what i want to be doing as a dj. Thanks so much for the feed back Kiethace and sobi and i hope others will reply too
there are so many ways to dj now it's insanity. when i first started there were no options really, it was just a matter of could you afford the industry standard technics or did you have to get a crappy belt driven pair of turntables.
from what you said above it sounds like you want a combination of traditional mixing (beatmatching) and controllerism via the midi figher. if that's the case, traktor and an all in one controller like the s2/s4 could be a good choice for you. you can always add a mf, f1, maschine (if you want to bridge producing) or any other controller for the button smashing. take a look at the vci-400 ege as well through djtt. i decided on that over the s4 for my personal tastes. you can also look into some other all in ones, as well as going the route of cdjs and/or turntables if you want a more traditional setup while still using traktor for that extra level of creativity.
with the s2/s4 just know a couple of the drawbacks: the first would be that if you want to custom map it at this point it may not be the best choice for you. if you want to change one button, i believe you lose the tight HID jogs and tempo faders since you will have to operate the unit in midi mode. this is the main reason why most people get that unit so be sure you like the mapping it comes with. the second is about the build quality. although it is pretty good, it isn's quite as good many of the other all in one controllers on the market that feel a bit more solid. if you have a windows machine make sure you do some research since many people reported problems with this unit. if you can load the drivers and bring your laptop into a store to try it out that may not be a bad idea. i was going to do that until i just knew i wanted the vestax.
the main pros are a tight integration with HID elements in traktor if you like the mapping and the ability to add scratch with turntables in the future without having to buy a native instruments audio interface. plus it comes with traktor pro 2.5 so you don't have to buy it if you don't already have it.
the reason i went with an all in one as opposed to modular or breaking my turntables/cdjs back out was the various setups in placed i'm looking to gig. one has some old cdjs and a 4 channel pioneer mixer. the other has technics, different cdjs and a rane 2 channel mixer. i wanted a unit that i could practice on at home and bring that same experience to the gig without having to worry about their different setups. all i have to do is plug into and open channel on the mixer (removing one of cdjs if needed) and i'm good to go. no need to worry much about the quality or differences of their gear.
good luck and good hunting! let us know what you decide on.
What kind of music do you like to play? Music style can definitely have an effect on your purchase.
For example, dubstep would definitely call for a controllerist touch, with all the FX layering and cue juggling you'll do; house or techno might call for more of a traditional setup to makes those smooth mixes and transitions all the more sweeter
I really don't think you can wrong with an S4. The reason I am currently leaning to it is being able to expand to scratch with out additional hardware, plenty of control and four channel mixing now. I'm using a two channel controller mapped to four channels and could really use a four channel controller. The S4 has headroom the S2 is what it is and you will have to work around when you do want to start taking advantage of working acapellas and sample beats in a set. The real beauty is that it can expand to allow you to learn traditional dj skills with cost. I was on the fence between a VCI-400 and S4 and sadly build quality lost to near instant gratification on expanding to adding turntables later.
One of the key things with your budget to really consider is quality monitors. My monitor is about even in cost to my two controllers, but well worth the extra money, doubly so since I found it for free. It really is the big difference in a bedroom set up to have something that is enough clear sound.
http://www.proaudiostar.com/ always has a bundle on NI gear.
How old are you?
Starting off DJing and setting yourself a limit of 2k is quite a lot. Get something cheap to start off with if money isn't a huge concern. Worst thing you could do is spent 2k and realise that DJing isn't for you.
i agree with you lilac.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lilac
jack the best way to do it is to start cheap with a x1 and a cheap mixer and see if djing is for you this is the way i started two years ago and now i have my dream setup. Also jack if you have the money and you feel ready for a serious setup then go for it. But please dont waste 2k on gear and then decide to give up djing six months later.
Wow guys i really appreciate this. I am 14, and i really will mix any "current" styles. i.e. Dubstep, house, techno, rap, dance, even MINIMAL pop. I am confused on why people buy cdjs instead of just drag from a crate your iTunes? The other thing i know is that DJ will be something that at a 80% chance will be something i pursue and really evolve into. I really also like the idea of adding a F1 or set of F1's later into my collection. I also have a macbook pro which i know will integrate well with tractor. I agree with demo'ing them all at a shop neer me. At DJLACHLANCARR i don't think that i am necessarily good enough yet to just use a mixer and a x1 or just a stand alone mixer. Nor do i want to spend 4K on a good mixer and cdjs. BTW the 2k limit included a set of monitoring speakers, a case, headphones, and maybe other wants(midi fighter pro).
I hope i covered all of your questions
As far as why people use CDJs - they have very very very little chance of something going wrong, unlike a computer. Also with top of the line CDJs the features are quite impressive. And most importantly for me is that there is no chance of shit going wrong when you change from one DJ to another. If you both use CDJs it is super simple and even if the other guy uses a DVS its still much easier not dealing with 2 sound cards .Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Hoesterey
In all reality, unless you are doing weddings or something like that then do you really need all of your songs with you at a gig? I myself use Serato most of the time because I rather enjoy using Technics when I spin open format at Top 40 clubs, but I only use a fraction of my iTunes library. Especially now with USB sticks that shouldn't be an issue.
But yeah CDJs are really expensive and not necessary if you are just starting out.
On a side note I wish I had 2,000 to spend as a 14 year old. Good luck with whatever you get!
Well alex, I don't have 2000$ but i could probably obtain it. That actually is my problem now, I have some money, but don't know what i should do with it. The questions i am asking myself are, Is djing what i want to spend all this money on and keep doing until i get a really legitimate job and future carreer? is it something i will do for a long term time because it is my true passion and occupies my life? Or will i get a S4 and other stuff and then realize the passion is not really backing me and i have blown a huge cut of money?
I like the S4 but would probably add 2 midi fighters. Then i would have to buy some monitor speakers and a headphone adapter....JUST to dj in my basement. This is because i think that the s4 and midi fighters suit well what i want to do, for the time being at least.
what would you do in my situation?
If you are not sure, get a cheaper controller and see if you like DJ:ing or not. No need to waste money on an S4 and similar expensive controller, get something used and Traktor 2.x. Or two cheap CDJs.
I say, if you have the money, buy quality gear, even if its a little pricey. You've been playing with VDJ for a year, its not like you are gonna buy an S4 and then go "this djing thing is too hard". You know what its about, you've put some time into the software first (a lot of people don't do this) and you are ready to take the next step. Make it a leap, you will be happy you did.
yes to this! i just found maschine with a free pair of rokit 5s and got guitar center to match the deal!Quote:
Originally Posted by rdale
to the op: good timing on the s4 it seems if you decide you want it. this week djtt is having a sale on the s4 with chroma caps, the mono bag, and some other swag for $799. that's $200 off the normal price! pm me if you don't have the discount code.
http://store.djtechtools.com/traktor...-mono-bag.html
thx drip' that was a good train of thought for me. squidot that is a good deal, but i don't think i can decide now. I need to put a few more dollars in the wallet and think and research a bit more. I could think about it thought, if you wouldn't mind i would like the code....I will send you a PM.
quality gear has better resale value, my cheap gear is only good for granting hand me downs to someone wanting to get started.
S2 or S4 is a good all round bet for a beginner, if you've got the cash get the S4
BTW, WTF is minimal pop;
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Hoesterey
i just meant that i might mix a bit of pop music too because sometimes at parties it is in high demand
Believe me when I say this isn't the right mindset for you to be in at all.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Hoesterey
You have money, don't waste it on something you say you'd 80% go for. You need to be sure with DJing. It takes a lot of time, effort and money. If a couple of months into buying 2k worth of equipment you find out that you've gone off DJing you've thrown time and money down the drain.
If you want a controller start off with something cheap like the Mixtrack Pro. If you want CDJs, get basic ones. If after a few months you're still DJing then RGAS will kick in and you'll spend all your money on gear anyway but don't spend it all at the start.
thanks lilac, I am pretty sure. VDJ is something that i have been using for about 1yr and i use it for probably an 2 or 3 hrs a day. I will probably buy a cheap controller as you advised. Thank you all