VCI-300mk2 or S2 (S4?)

[Jaeros]

The to-the-point question: In your opinion, which one of these controllers can best suit my needs? VCI-300mk2, S2...maybe S4?

Background:

I started off with a Xone DX which I absolutely loved, except for the jogwheel and pitch control (knob vs fader). I was offered a trade for a pair of V7s, and took it up since I figured it'll give me vinyl-like control (used to have 1200s) of the music. Love them, but I'm not feeling the size of them (they work great, but are huge for what I really need). I'm in the process of selling them and am looking at other future options.

I play mostly progressive house/trance on my spare time. I am not a professional (yet), but aspire to be (who doesn't?). While mixing, I use no more than 2 decks, use effects minimally (mainly on my mixer), and prefer a CDJ-style layout. Looping features are a plus, but are not my primary concern. Nor are samples. I want a controller that's portable, sturdy, and gives me great control of the decks. Portability is important, that's why the S4 is considered a maybe.

I use Itch at the moment and love it. I would love to keep using it, but am open to trying Traktor (maybe ). As mentioned, I essentially need great jogwheels and pitch control without compromising sound quality. I love Itch because of it's simplicity, library management, and elastic beatgridding. Does Traktor have just as powerful of a beatgridding system?

Which one would you decide (with the available criteria)? The S4 pretty much fits my needs, but I am worried about size (would like the option to carry-on on a plane since I'll be traveling this summer) and am not in need of 4 decks.

Thanks for all advice!

[Jaeros]

Any thoughts? I'm leaning towards to S4 since it offers more. Thanks!

[SuperDude8547]

I use a VCI 300 and VFX-1 with itch and absolutely love it. The jogs wheels are responsive and that thing takes a beating. I love doing college parties which can get rowdy in tight spaces, but the vci-300 is perfect. For a 2 deck controller, I love it and it fits in my backpack with my laptop as well. I use to own some cdj 1000s but found myself using the controller more than those. I rarely use the effects but the VFX-1 is nice when I do. I've never used Traktor so I can't say anything about the S4, but I'm one who can highly recommend the VCI-300 for a great 2-deck controller.

[DoubleBrowne]

In your description of what you wanted, you basically just described the VCI. The advantages of the S4 are mainly effects/sample/cue points and the 4 deck functionality. The VCI is probably a bit simpler and runs Itch (and traktor if you decided to do so). Although to use effects with the vci you'd need to buy the VFX-1 as well.

[Jaeros]

Thanks for the responses!

How does the VCI-300 feel in terms of space? The line faders look a little cramped by the jog wheels. Do you guys get the same feeling?

Also, it looks like a lot of people are having trouble with Traktor 2.5, so that might make it an automatic decision as well.

[SuperDude8547]

it may seem a little cramped but it's never been a problem for me. I've never bumped the faders or anything by accident.

[Jaeros]

@superdude8547
Yeah, that was my biggest concern. I don't have huge hands, but I was unsure if that's ever been a problem for other people (especially after a drink or two ).

I still feel pulled towards the S4, but bugs in the software are always a no-go (almost never any problems with Itch).

[Jaeros]

Any other advice?

[DJQA]

If you love Itch and would like to stay with it, I don't know why you're even considering the S4/S4. The new VCI-380 might be the best candidate. However, you say you need great pitch response - note that all of these controllers have short pitch faders, not full size ones like your V7s.

A wild card might be the Pioneer S1 for Itch, CDJ layout as you said you liked, full size pitch faders, but obviously it's also quite big.

[DJQA]

Oh, and no - Traktor doesn't have elastic beat grids like Itch does. Also the library management is horrible by comparison.