Quote Originally Posted by rdubs23 View Post
If it is between those two, go for the S2, you wont be disappointed. The only thing it's missing IMO are the dedicated filter knobs, but you can easily map them to the gain knobs.
I would agree with this as well, honestly. Unless you can get a steal on a VCI-100SE w/ Arcade buttons... it's old technology at this point. That doesn't mean it isn't good, but you might as well get something current-gen. The cost of a VCI-100 + Soundcard + Software is something you do have to consider vs something like the S2 or S4 which has it all bundled together.

Though in all honesty, I feel your pain when it comes to gear cost. I ended up saving up to get TT's and Serato over a controller and Traktor (personal choice) and I have to say, I'm completely happy with it. No matter what people say about the validity of CDJ's/TT's in today's age with digital progress, the truth is that in the scene, being able to actually spin on them does matter in the eyes of many.

But for just getting started and home use, and for open-minded clubs (hell, I went to a rager of a party over the weekend and someone had an NS7 hooked up) using a controller is fine. But be prepared to take some shit for it.

Not saying it's a bad choice by any means. And it's honestly a cost effective choice. But a lot of people I know, who don't know the ins and outs of DJing with or without controllers, will give DJs shit (even if the mix is tight as hell) over them using a controller for it rather than the "traditional" piece of gear.

People get by better with the higher end products. Getting something inexpensive to start may be the easiest way to do it, but saving up for a top-end controller will not only last longer, but does have a bit more cred. Which, as the music industry is a vain beast, does count for something.