Traktor Z2 vs S4 for digital vinyl

[brocklambert]

I would go for the Z2 hands down... I have owned both products for an extensive period of time, and the Z2 is the perfect mixer for someone using turntables or CDJ's with Traktor (it also works great as a standalone controller too).

[R2D2]

Z2 = better faders, smaller footprint

[Calzone]

I never considered the phono pre amps, wouldnt want to have bad ones.. I guess the z2 is the better option here. I dont think Ive ever actually "wanted" an s4 it just seemed practical. Sorta seems like a toy compared to the z2

[mdcdesign]

I never considered the phono pre amps, wouldnt want to have bad ones.. I guess the z2 is the better option here. I dont think Ive ever actually "wanted" an s4 it just seemed practical. Sorta seems like a toy compared to the z2

It's not a toy as such, it's just weird (upside-down layout, weird jogwheels, etc). Personally, although I LOVE the way the Z2 looks and feels, I wouldn't be happy with it being the only control surface I owned, simply because of the lack of controls (only 4 cuepoints per deck, only a single FX knob). With that said, a Z2, an X1 or two and TTs would be bordering on the ultimate setup. For playing less important/less demanding gigs you can just take the X1s and Z2.

[Calzone]

It's not a toy as such, it's just weird (upside-down layout, weird jogwheels, etc). Personally, although I LOVE the way the Z2 looks and feels, I wouldn't be happy with it being the only control surface I owned, simply because of the lack of controls (only 4 cuepoints per deck, only a single FX knob). With that said, a Z2, an X1 or two and TTs would be bordering on the ultimate setup. For playing less important/less demanding gigs you can just take the X1s and Z2.

Yeah I agree, but none the less the z2 seems nicer to use. I have a midifighter at the moment that I can use for cues and such. But I agree two x1s with a z2 is probably absolute sex to use.

[firebr4nd]

Output level is not even close, and the phono pre-amp on the S4 is horrid.

Source on that? NI has stated that the card in the s4 is an audio 8.

[Kwal]

Source on that? NI has stated that the card in the s4 is an audio 8.

I can vouch him, the output is weak. I use an S4 with two 1200's when I spin at my buddies place.

[firebr4nd]

When I had my MKIIs alongside my s4, output was fine.

[djproben]

I think the soundcard in the Audio 8, S4, and Z2 are all exactly the same, but I could be wrong. In any event you'll be far better off and happier with that Denon X-1600 (or 1700) than you would with either the Z2 or S4 in my opinion, if your goal is to use timecode.

[b1sh0p]

There's a huge thread on the NI forum about the S4 being really quiet when playing real vinyl. It's something to think about.