After being released 11 months ago, is the S4 still King?
Hey DJTT,
I’ve finally saved up enough money to upgrade my setup to the Kontrol S4 : )
I’ve been reading reviews since the launch date and reading threads about the S4 on here as well, but after 11 months is the S4 still the best? With the Novation Twitch being released in a few weeks, are some of you getting bored/tired with your S4 or feel that it’s not worth it? I’ve looked at alternatives such as the MC6000 and the DDJt1, and the S4 seems like the best out of the lot. Any insight/ideas would help a lot.
P.S. Thanks a lot DJTT for giving feedback on mixes, advice, mappings, and just being an awesome community : )
I had the same questions a month or so back and I’d say the answer is YES! only had mine a few weeks and I’m still finding new things I can do, LOVE IT!
Twitch for me was a no go, I like jog wheels and Pioneer efforts are to big for carrying to gigs for me
If you want a midi controller with 1:1 traktor control, a more traditional set up, and a first rate build - there is really no other choice. Otherwise there are plenty of better choices out there. I’m not gonna lie I really liked my S4 when I had it, but I never really fell in love with it. It did exactly what I wanted it to do and did it pretty much flawlessly at the perfect price point, but I don’t think I’d tell anyone it was great. There was something about it that just…lacked…and I could never and still cant put my finger on what.
I think it’s the fact that it tries to mimic something it really can’t - which is CDJ’s and a mixer or TT’s and a mixer. There is just something about the fact that it looks to mimic this instead of change the way you work as a DJ that is disappointing because at the end of the day you’d rather have the real thing. Access to cue points and sample decks on the first layer was good but not perfect.
The DDJ-T1 looks nice but for the price you can get a real mixer and TT/CDJ setup.
I am on the fence about controller now. I might miss the portability of the S4 but I doubt it.
I bought my S4 on release date and have to say I am still super happy with it. It’s way more portable than my previous setup and I love the tight Traktor integration. The Novation Twitch does look like a great controller and since I don’t really use my Jog Wheels much, I have to admit that I really like what they have come up with. However, if you are using Traktor I would have to say the S4 would still be a better option since the best part of Twitch (the Slicer) doesn’t work with Traktor.
I felt the exact same way. Ultimately I was most happy with a real mixer and CDJ’s. I enjoyed an NS7 because it felt close to real great. The S4 has TONS of features, and it works great. If you dig it, then get it. Tons of reasons why to get it.
The only issue I have with it is the size. It can be a bitch to fit into a booth, especially if you’re playing alongside others … it’s ok to play on though.
I have a similar dilemma - buy an S4 or wait for Twitch to be released and get one to use with Traktor. The main negative thing on the S4 for me is that it allows for use of only 2 FX on all four decks. How could they manage to produce a unit of that size and put only 2 effects buttons per deck. Is there an easy way to overcome this?
I’ve checked into the S4 and other controllers and still plan to pick this up mainly bc its not HEAVY, overcomplicated, and itsmade to work traktor better then any other controller…
The others are HEAVY…and I feel like competition is making controllers with more knobs and outputs and overcomplicating the controller…
S4 looks simple but to master all the parts, let’s say chopping up eight loops and play them back with effects while mixing in the next part, that will take some effort to learn.
One of my best friends got one on release, and i tryed it and rly liked it, but as I had 2 otus and mixer at the time I had no need for one, so i didnt get one.
Late april I orderd one midifighter. when the second batch of mf pros came I orderd a super knob. they do what i need them to and there is no need 4 anything else, i’ll prolly get an second superknob soon. (using beatmasher .tsi, works gr8!)
super portable and stuff, all clubs have mixers and if I go mobile I bring my own.
the feel of the buttons cant be beaten, only the pro feels better than my classic
For size and function. The S4 was the tits for me. That being said I got rid of mine for CDJs and a mixer. Mostly because I hated being tethered to my comp to mix. Sometimes I just want to mix without anything, plus having friends over to play track had to use my tracks and comp. But for an all in 1 unit that whoops ass, the S4 is pretty banging. I’m waiting to see how twitch will be, but on traktor it seems its not used to its full potential. Probably be better off with twitch or a NS6 with itch if thats what your taste is for.
If you’re comfortable with mediocre quality than the S4 is the best bang for the buck.
TSP2 + built-in soundcard!
A lot of people love then so obviously they are good controllers.
If you’re not planning on using DVS then maybe you could look into alternatives..
Like the MC6000.. the 6000 isn’t scratch certified BUT it can be used as a standalone mixer. and its solid.
If you’re looking to do DVS you could also try to save up a little cash and pick up a dnx1600. Ttaktor Certified.. also has enough midi control to get by until you save up to get TTs.
im in a tough spot…i got the s4 but im just not a fan of the jog wheels. everything else on it is amazing! i love the layout of it and what it can do…i just dont know if im gonna keep it or go with x1’s and a mixer!
Back! Sorry was on a long road trip home : )
Thanks for all the replies. I tried out the S4 at guitar center and was a little disappointed with the quality compared to the MC6000. The plastic on the mixer section was unappealing : /. However, I’m upgrading from a Hercules RMX, so in the end it sill is a huge upgrade in quality.
Some of you guys felt there was something missing with the S4, and I’m guessing it’s just familiarity? I learned (and am continuing learning) on midi controllers. I’ve never played out with CDJ’s or TT’s, however the free upgrade to TSP2 is definitely gonna tempt me into picking up some 1200’s in the future
