WHY do so many people here use and suggest the S2/S4??

**Saurus** · 08-08-2012, 01:02 PM

Originally Posted by Otacon

this has just turned into a pissing match between people who hate NI's gear and people who enjoy it. @Saurus, i have in fact played around with a 4 Track bro and wasn't too impressed. Like I said, people have different opinions. And as you think mine is bad, I think yours is too. No one here is going to say some miraculous statement that makes someone say "Well damn, good point. Im going to switch gear right now." So I "call bullshit" on this entire thread.

No no, it's not opinion I'm talking about, it's information. I'm suggesting that you are lacking information that would make you understand why we're right. That information, if we're talking about build quality, is exposure to other gear that you could compare the S4 to, and a knowledge of how these things are constructed.

Originally Posted by Emery

My macbook pro was 2 grand and I baby it way more than I did my old dell....
(although my dell wasn't "high end" I think you get the point)

But are you saying that the S4 is billed as high end gear? I think anything less than $1000 (and again this includes the software) is not billed as high end gear, Its mid range and perfect for a DJ on the go. Also due to is "CHEAP" build I dont break my back carrying it to and from gig's.

Also I have never had any problems with my unit, but then again Im trying to imagine how hard you beat on your equipment to come to these conclusions.

How many times have we explained in this thread that build quality is not just about how hard you have to beat on it to break it? It feels like a toy, when you compare it to good controllers.

Also the VCI-400 is $800, and that includes software too, and that IS billed as high-end gear, and it easily lives up to that.
NI could have made the S4 high-quality and sold if for even less. They didn't, because their business model is to use the fact that they can give exclusive features to their controllers and overprice them based on this, and THEN put shitty components in them to make extra money.

**ksandvik** · 08-08-2012, 01:06 PM

Originally Posted by Saurus

Also the VCI-400 is $800, and that includes software too, and that IS billed as high-end gear, and it easily lives up to that.
NI could have made the S4 high-quality and sold if for even less. They didn't, because their business model is to use the fact that they can give exclusive features to their controllers and overprice them based on this, and THEN put shitty components in them to make extra money.

Well, I would not hire you as the COO for a DJ HW company -- that's for sure :-). The cost of returns would be deadly for such ideas to float around...

**Otacon** · 08-08-2012, 01:12 PM

Im guessing you wont be purchasing the S4 anytime soon right OP?

**sss18734** · 08-08-2012, 01:21 PM

Seems to me the price of the S4 is solid and very reasonable after the sound card and software is thrown in... I'm not sure why you are having so much trouble pressing the buttons and using the jog wheels... The controller isn't necessarily touted as the end-all be-all of turntablists and controllerists - that's what turntables and controllers like the MIDI-Fighter are for.

While I would rather they have used buttons like you see in the x1, i've never had trouble pressing them like you seem to. The jog wheels function very well and are quite precise - And while the jogs are small, I didn't buy the controller to scratch with it. And while I do agree on the build quality - I'd rather it feel more substantial - it's been proven to be very durable, as has NI's x1, which is of the same build quality and touted by many touring professionals around the world - despite it being a piece of cheap plastic.

The fact of the matter is that it's a reasonably priced piece of kit thats all-inclusive, reliable, versatile, and a great tool for beginners and even professionals. If it doesn't fit your workflow or you're upset that it doesn't feel like an Allen & Heath 4D, don't buy it! But something that doesn't fit your requirements may (and does) fit many others'.

**Otacon** · 08-08-2012, 01:58 PM

Not really on topic, but traktor is having a giveaway for this on their twitter and it gave me a laugh

**RockingClub** · 08-08-2012, 02:02 PM

Originally Posted by Otacon

Not really on topic, but traktor is having a giveaway for this on their twitter and it gave me a laugh

I can imagine. I wouldn't like to take this instead of my standard black version.

**Otacon** · 08-08-2012, 02:19 PM

yeah me either, its funny that its colored similar to a 4 Track

**Saurus** · 08-08-2012, 02:43 PM

Originally Posted by sss18734

The fact of the matter is that it's a reasonably priced piece of kit thats all-inclusive, reliable, versatile, and a great tool for beginners and even professionals. If it doesn't fit your workflow or you're upset that it doesn't feel like an Allen & Heath 4D, don't buy it! But something that doesn't fit your requirements may (and does) fit many others'.

I have one. And it does fit my workflow, that's why I bought it... it just does so very badly. You're missing my point here (because you didn't read the thread before posting) I'm pointing out why almost everyone would be better-served with a better controller. it has nothing to do with me.

So far the ONLY reason I can see for buying an s4 would if you meet ALL THREE of these critera:

1. you absolutely need a mixer AND deck controls AND timecode control,
2. you don't own an NI sound card
3. you can afford exactly $800 right now, and absolutely cannot wait until you can afford slightly more so you can get an audio 6 and a better controller.

If you don't meet ALL THREE of those, I have no idea why you wouldn't just buy a better controller, or a better controller and a Audio 6 DJ.

Once behringer's CMD line comes out, even if you meet those three criteria, you'd be better served with their gear and an Audio 6DJ than the S4. (Assuming the build quality is as good as everyone who went to NAMM says it is.)