Numark 4trak - S4 killer?

[Jay Wilde]

http://www.skratchworx.com/newspage....nts&fn_id=1881

Looks like they answered my prayers (take note you naysayers about a metal device!!!)

Its the NS6 all grown up for traktor... looks incredible. Anyone wanna buy a S4 and gator bag from me?

[Jay Wilde]

in fairness now that I calmed down a bit, I'm somewhat disappointed in a few things... the placement of the FILTER knobs is horrible. and they did not implement the slick loop setting and control knob that the S4 does so well... in fact thats probably my most used "feature" of traktor and the S4 is the super easy to set loop knob... how many times have I saved a mix by just locking a loop on the fly and mixing!! LOTS.

hmm might need some side by side review action to decide a winner here...

STILL WONDERING WHEN PIONEER IS GONNA WAKE UP ALSO....

[DJ Asand]

yea I was thinking the same thing about the filter/fx rack, but its pretty cool that if you don't want extra controls you can take it off.
I love the fact that it looks so spaced out too. I have long fingers so I definitely need the extra comfort space.

I don't know how much I'd use the Strip Search feature either..
I just bought an S4. lmao.

[Jay Wilde]

I use the "move" knob on the s4 exactly like I would use strip search... but man that loop set/size knob on the s4 is really what i use the absolute most.... makes getting in and out of tracks so easy and smooth...

[oliosky]

standalone mixer is a smart move

[Maxted]

standalone mixer is a smart move

100%, i think it will do well off that alone.

[photojojo]

I think the word killer in this context is used way to much. The market is so saturated with decent stuff that no one thing can be a killer of anything.

[Archies'bald]

Also, only one VU meter.

[geminimech]

STILL WONDERING WHEN PIONEER IS GONNA WAKE UP ALSO....

I think Pioneer is done with NI and trying to make a "Professional" Traktor controller. They got burned pretty hard with the first one as it shipped with a pretty outdated version of Traktor, while the S4 was hitting the shelves with the first versions of Traktor 2. There have been plenty of competent mappings that have been produced (and you can make them yourself with a little time) that utilize the sample decks, but clearly if that's what you're after the s4 outshines it in spades.

They'll continue to produce starter controllers with Traktor mappings that sell like hotcakes (DDJ-ERGO), but honestly to make a controller that pigeonholes itself with one type of software really isn't the thing to do anymore anyway. It behooves manufacturers to produce generalized controllers that don't have a "one software fits all" mentality, unless it's an Itch controller.

[geminimech]

I'll admit that this is a pretty slick looking controller that seems to hit upon every feature the S4 does and then some (needle search), and it's nice to see Numark cutting a niche and building a reputation of making high quality gear.