Considering an S4 over existing VCI-300 setup.

[neilkod]

I'm a bedroom DJ/hack and have been using a VCI-300(MK1)/VFX-1 & Itch for the past two years. I've been considering an S4 as it appears to be a lot more expressive, compared to the VCI-300. My goals are mixes, some remixes, and getting more into controllerism.

The loops and samples features of the S4 look appealing, as do some of the performance features.

A few questions to the s4 owners:

Has anyone made this, or a similar move?
How is scratching on the s4 to the VCI-300? I like the feel of the VCI-300 for scratching.

If I use S4/traktor, can I easily incorporate other midi controllers for effects/samples/other creative uses? I have an M-Audio Trigger Finger and a 25-key controller.

Any other tips or information would be helpful.

I know that Itch 2.0 is (allegedly) around the corner and it brings new features, as well as sample support. I've never used Traktor but from what I've read, it appears to have capabilities beyond Itch.

I'd love the group's thoughts on making the move from the VCI-300/Itch to S4/Traktor.

[fullenglishpint]

I'd go for it. But to be fair, on this forum, you're unlikely to get an objective view on ITCH because the vast majority of us are Traktor users.

As far as I'm concerned, the S4 has a lot more to offer than the VCI-300, and Traktor has more to offer than ITCH. Customisability for one thing, with ITCH you get what you get. Traktor has a world of posibilities.

There must be a reason why many people with VCI-300s mapped them for Traktor, even though they come with ITCH free.

[BradCee]

am i right in thinking that the 300+vfx comes to almost the same as the s4?

in that instance on feature/£ ratio the s4 is the stronger choice

[neilkod]

True but I already have the VCI-300 + VFX-1. I'm looking at potentially making the switch.

[BradCee]

i know... was just pointing out that it won't be a 'downgrade'

[photojojo]

A few questions to the s4 owners:

Has anyone made this, or a similar move?
How is scratching on the s4 to the VCI-300? I like the feel of the VCI-300 for scratching.

Haze324 has and he likes the S4, but says Itch has it's pluses as well. If he doesn't pop in here PM him.

If I use S4/traktor, can I easily incorporate other midi controllers for effects/samples/other creative uses? I have an M-Audio Trigger Finger and a 25-key controller.

Yes, very easily!! You'll just have to either find a mapping or make one of your own. It's not really that hard once you get inti it.

I know that Itch 2.0 is (allegedly) around the corner and it brings new features, as well as sample support. I've never used Traktor but from what I've read, it appears to have capabilities beyond Itch.

Some it does, some it doesn't. Mainly the warpable beat grids and better iTunes integration are what the Itch guys have that we don't. Traktor works well with itunes, it just seems Itch is a little better.

[haze324]

I heart Itch......

....and Traktor

Itch is a very streamlined software and VCI-300 + VFX are supposed to mimic a similar workflow to two CDJ's and a mixer. I truley enjoy the workflow as it keeps things simple and focused. I feel so much more involved with the music i'm playing. I had a VCI-300 and the jogs are a tad better because they are bigger and are "touch sensitive" not push sensitive. I'd say the response time is exactly the same. The crossfader feels better and is in a better position on the S4 so it's more comfortable. In the end it's 50/50. They are both good.

The S4 and Traktor 2 are extremely full featured. I don't use a 1/4 of what the software can do. Somedays I'm a little less enthusiastic about traktor and the S4 because it feels lifeless. I'm just pressing buttons. On the other end some days on Itch I feel it's missing some needed features. The S4 itself feels 100 times better than the VCI. The fader, knobs, etc. all feel like pro-quality gear.

For me it comes down to what mood and what style of music I'm going to play. If it's a strictly EDM/House set, I'm on traktor and the S4 because of the feature set. If it's an open format and I'm playing hip hop reggae, etc. I'm on the NS7. The stacked waves, big rotating platters make it more enjoyable.

If I were you, I'd sit back for a few 2-3 months and wait on the release of Itch 2.0. It's near. I'd also maybe look at a controller like the NS6 that closely resembles the S4 and if you truley want to try Traktor out, you could always use the NS6 with either software. I'm considering this as an option as well.

[Skerrplunk]

I also qualify as a bedroom DJ/hack. I started with turntables in college 9 years ago, but was too busy juggling other things in life so I ended up selling them to a buddy to help me fund an engagement ring.

About 3 months ago I decided to really give it another shot. I bought a new MBP and the S4. I absolutely love the S4. Traktor is very intuitive / easy to learn IMO. The S4's build quality is solid and the workflow matches Traktor's so it's very easy to learn as well.

I haven't messed around w/ Itch but I'm assuming the transition would be pretty easy.

As far as scratching, the jog wheels are pretty good for it. Obviously not like vinyl but they exceeded my expectations.

I'd go for the S4 and when the money is there go for a Midi Fighter Pro. I just bought the Beat Masher and Cue Master and got an email today saying they've been assembled

Good luck!

[bigbeatzz]

I had the vci-300 and loved it...As Haze said it's a lot simpler than traktor. Itch for the VCI is a basic system with 2 decks plus AWESOME beatgrids & some effects. The S4 has way more features and you can get lost in it for hours. If you want simple go stick with your vci, if you want to get lost in geeky stuff and mix some go for the s4.

I enjoy my S4 but since I know the power of traktor, I find myself wanting to make it better. Since I spend so much time tinkering I don't spend as much time playing music. I must say though I love tinkering and when I pull off a new mapping thats useful to my dj style it's awesome. I also prefer the platters on the s4 for placement and the cdj style of them.

Features = Traktor w/ S4
Easy Basic Mixing = Itch w/ vci

I wish I still had my vci-300 but I LOVE my S4.

[neilkod]

Thanks for the info - it certainly helps! Keep the opinions and experiences coming.

I'm really into scratching - As far as the 'push sensitive' nature of the s4 wheels, do you have to push them in order to do scratching or basic manipulation? I'm used to the touch-sensitive VCI wheels so any info helps.