4 Channel Debate

[MRG12EG]

ddj-sx hands down.

+1

[DeckZmator]

S4 with innofader and timecode vinyl. NI could be revising the S4 anytime soon with bigger jogs and a more metallic body. I love it except for the plastic parts

[Morior]

Cant comment too much on the S4 as I dont own one but I love the T1, could depend on your workflow. Do you want an all in one controller that will do everything. Or do you want something that has good control of all the decks, mixer and standard functions, but have all the extras, such as loop recorder control etc offloaded to other controllers.

The T1 is great controller for the second type of workflow, its big, good jog wheels not a bit cluttered, when i want to get to the stuff under the bonnet I use another controller. I did consider the S4 but one of the reasons I went for the T1 was because of its size and ease of use for 4 decks. To me the S4 felt cluttered and to me I would imagine using it a lot could be a bit of a claustrophobic experience, the T1 lets you breathe. I can press another button on another controller for all the detailed stuff.

[mdcdesign]

Personally I just can't get over the fact that the S4 feels like it's made out of paper tbh

[Sambo]

I have not done any cue point juggling since my launchpad went ropeless bungee jumping, even though I had an F1, however I started doing it randomly in the S4 last night and it was a joy. Those buttons just feel like.. Like Traktor. As a massive bumboy of Traktor, I don't know why I considered anything else.

And I can finally use the loop recorder effectively, which has just given my F1 a steroid boost. My Easter weekend is sorted. The only thing left now is to see how long it lasts before something breaks!

So yeah, I'm all for the S4, because I'm just going all out in NI fanboyism.

[makar1]

The DDJ-SX, or even the Mixtrack Pro II would be much better suited to juggling than the S4 since they both have proper MPC-style pads.

[DJ Sunshine]

The DDJ-SX, or even the Mixtrack Pro II would be much better suited to juggling than the S4 since they both have proper MPC-style pads.

Initial reviews have stated that the MPC pads of the MTP II have not lived up to the initial hype. Also if he really wanted MPC pads, an LPD8 (even a pair of them) + controller of his choice would likely be the most economic way to do that.

My $0.02 is to go with the S4, mainly because Pioneer has really been disappointing me in the controller market recently (DDJ-SX being one potential exception). I played around with a DDJ-T1 in a store awhile back, and the thing honestly felt more toyish than the S4. The S4, while being a bit more "squished" than the T1, felt more solid and well-built. I also feel it has a lot more potential to be expanded on than the T1, with the ability to act as a Traktor-certified mixer if you ever decide to add CDJs/vinyl down the road. I truly missed the feel of platters/vinyl after being on a controller for 6 months, but you may not give a damn.

[makar1]

Initial reviews have stated that the MPC pads of the MTP II have not lived up to the initial hype. Also if he really wanted MPC pads, an LPD8 (even a pair of them) + controller of his choice would likely be the most economic way to do that.

The reviews of the MTP II from all the major sites (DJWORX, DJTT, DJ Booth, Digital DJ Tips) seem to say otherwise. I'm not saying the Mixtrack is a good alternative to the S4, but that the pads on the S4 are not at all suited for finger drumming.

Neither the S4 or the DDJ-T1 are that great for build quality, and an all-in-one controller doesn't come close to a proper mixer for timecode use.

[WastedYouth]

Personally I just can't get over the fact that the S4 feels like it's made out of paper tbh

Very true.
I bought one two months ago, was soo happy that I got it, and than started to play.
+- 700`€ for this piece of plastic is WAY too much. Didn't like it, didn't like the feel.

I would save for a decent 4 channel mixer and a soundcard, or a DDM4000 or so..

!!

[DJ Sunshine]

The reviews of the MTP II from all the major sites (DJWORX, DJTT, DJ Booth, Digital DJ Tips) seem to say otherwise. I'm not saying the Mixtrack is a good alternative to the S4, but that the pads on the S4 are not at all suited for finger drumming.

Neither the S4 or the DDJ-T1 are that great for build quality, and an all-in-one controller doesn't come close to a proper mixer for timecode use.

My apologies, I went back and re-read a few: the pads of the MTP II were apparently ok, but the mapping it came with wasn't that stellar in taking advantage of them.

I'll also say that yes, nothing can replace a full-blown mixer for timecode. However as someone who alternates between mobile gigs and bedroom practice, it can be super nice to just unplug the controller from the bedroom setup and toss it in the backpack. I just like the idea that it can be expanded on, as for me that is a rather high priority when assessing potential new gear. However, its whatever OP needs that is going to be the best choice