Big DJ's using the S4?

[xtianw]

JesC uses one.

He's pretty big. Bout 250 lbs i'd say.

[JesC]

JesC uses one.

He's pretty big. Bout 250 lbs i'd say.

245 ibs!

[Nephew]

I would say that a lot of the "big name" contemporary DJ's are shying away from it because of the jog wheels and a lack of 4 deck access at one time. Hawtin himself has stated his dislike of jog wheels and how they are dated and not even needed.

And I hate to sound like a broken record, but Faderfox got it right with the 4midiloop in my opinion. I see this as being a more likely controller for the bigger jocks out there than a S4.

[elastic]

Booka shade are also using the S4. Like karlos said before, things take time to catch on, esp with 'big' djs who are used to they're own setup.
As for carrying a spare S4, that clearly isn't viable, but I know a lot of people who take cd's as a backup just incase they're mac gets damaged/stolen etc so they can still do their set.
I really couldn't see my S4 getting damaged, it's built like a tank!

[tomflynn]

I agree, my S4 is built so well, its the best thing i've bought in the DJ game since my 1200's years ago. It has genuinely got me excited about dj'ing again.

There are a lot of bags appearing on the market now that all say they hold an S4, UDG just got some new ones for the S4 (probably look the best i think), and i feel totally comfortable using these bags to take it wherever in the world i'm playing.
All the bags ive seen so far provide padding/cushioning for the S4, not to mention my macbook pro.
It's a real breeze for me personally.

[tekki]

245 ibs!

Damn son, I'm in at 198.

[VanGogo]

A lot of good points have been brought up in this thread, and the identical one on NI, and I have yet to understand why it matters.

I've seen some big names (DJ and performance artists) using all different kinds of midi controllers, MPC's, sequencers, etc. A big name DJ can use whatever they want. What ever works for them is what they use and travel with.
I can see DJs becoming more like touring bands in the future where they travel with their controllers, and venues make the space for them to set up in. Wether the DJ uses turntables, cdj's, or 6 controllers. Eventually (it will be quite a few years) I think the DJ who travels with a CD book or just their laptop will disappear.

There is probably never going to be an industry standard contoller because the best thing about most controllers is the fact you can customize the mapping to your liking. Even those who don't customize will like one controller's layout/workflow over another.

As far as the S4 goes, NI did not spend the money to R&D the S4 for the top 3-5% of the DJ market. If they did, it would be built like a tank, all the controlls would be easily replaceable, etc, and it would cost you your first born. Some of the top 3-5% DJ's will use it because they prefer the layout/workflow, portability, etc. and at $900(like NI wouldn't just give it lol) they can travel with 2 or more for back up. Some might just use it as a portable workstation to work out mixes in the hotel room.

The S4 was built for a good 50-70% of the DJ market. Starting with the bedroom/hobby DJ up to the touring DJ. With the sub $1000 list price that includes sound card and software, this clearly wasn't aimed at the big name DJ's.

As far as build quality goes, everything feels solid and "professional" grade but only time will tell. It's only been out 3 months, nobody knows what is going to fail or wear out if anything yet.

In a few years something new will come out that "changes the game" yet again. That might just be something like a new communications protocal that beats HID so all the midi and HID stuff will be "obsolete", but some will still use their old midi or HID controllers, or cdj's, or turntables because that is their instrument of choice.

But why does any of this really matter? What ever I have to rock the crowd or my bedroom with is all that matters to me.

(wow, I'm feeling a little ranty this morning. Caffine rage from the coffee I guess. Blame Starbucks)

[krakow]

A few good points have been raised, but the most important reason for BIg name DJ's........and along with a few others is the glaring messup by NI, by not adhering to the international standard cabin baggage allowance!........

55cm x 40cm x 20cm is Ryanairs allocated cabin baggage.......and I do know that most jocks will no way put sensitive gear thru checked luggage........(ooh the days of my box regularly goin missing"

When I first heard about the S4.....excited..... YES! ..saw the dimensions....well pissed off.........

For management arranging bookings AND having to ask the promoter for an "ITEM SEAT" ( a seat reserved for a musical instrument) is a hassle/ excessive cost, so the DJ has to pay for his own item seat, (if he's not an arsehole) its bad enough a club paying for 2 seats normally (DJ & Manager/agent)..... but for 3 seats.......Hmm.

Missing the glaringly obvious here guys......Cabin Baggage Restrictions, and I am using Ryanairs example, (as they are the worlds biggest airline now) or as I call them "Robbin'Air"...........I cant speak for the US.....but here in Europe cabin baggage is strictly adhered to now........So bang goes ANY possibility of the S4 becoming a standard!.

Makes you wonder if there are some "working" Djs actually working for NI

for me this was obvious, for NI, a total fuckup!.........well it was a shame really

[popoff44]

But why does any of this really matter? What ever I have to rock the crowd or my bedroom with is all that matters to me.

You are absolutely right, it doesn't matter at all.

[IrishBlaggard]

Missing the glaringly obvious here guys......Cabin Baggage Restrictions, and I am using Ryanairs example, (as they are the worlds biggest airline now) or as I call them "Robbin'Air"...........I cant speak for the US.....but here in Europe cabin baggage is strictly adhered to now........So bang goes ANY possibility of the S4 becoming a standard!.

+ 1

a very good point that...