Numark 4trak - S4 killer?
http://www.skratchworx.com/newspage.php4?fn_mode=comments&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?
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…
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.
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…
standalone mixer is a smart move
100%, i think it will do well off that alone.
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.
Also, only one VU meter.
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 They got burned pretty hard with the first one as it shipped with a pretty outdated version of Traktor, while the S4 was hitting the shelves with the first versions of Traktor 2.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.
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.
Not talking about the product being a killer of anyhting but if I had to pick some features: the on/off buttons for filters are nice, the touch strips, the rec button, and more than anything else the two sets of encoders/push buttons and small faders that can be used to control fx units 3&4 are very good points for me.
Am I the only one, that finds this thing pretty ugly?
Looks great, exactly what I hoped it would be!
They go on about tight jog response and 14-bit MIDI, I really hope they’ve nailed it… and that they’ve also nailed the pitch fader resolution - this is one of the rare controllers with 10 cm faders, it would be a shame if they weren’t super accurate to boot. If they haven’t botched the jog and pitch response, I’m deffo getting one.
And, while I wouldn’t have thought bad of Numark if they had just kept the NS6 colour scheme, I don’t think it’s ugly. Rather retro.
Edit: It’s about damn time that someone included pitch (key) adjustment in a controller’s default mapping. Me like. It’s probably meant to be used in halfsteps by the looks of it, but I’d map it to adjust fine pitch with a modifier key as well - always those pesky old tracks that are not quite in 440Hz tune…
Edit: Split cue - major win!
I hate the huge jog wheels in the middle crammed up in there. Easy to accidentally nudge or bump it with your arm when you’re grabbing the effects or buttons up top
I think the S4 has more competition from the VCI-400 than it does from the 4trak.
Does this have timecode available? thats what i like the most on my S4. Looks pretty neat otherwise but i would still go for the s4
Looks like you’ll still need a NI audio interface for this to get Scratch Pro to work on it (4trak).
Doesn’t do it for me either.
Once again it only proves that not one controller is going to be the ‘answer’.
I like that they addressed the things that bothered me about the S4 - build quality, booth outs, stand-alone mixer.
I also however an not a fan of the huge jogwheels. I think the VCI-400 did the best in this category. I like the VCI’s pads as well, larger more tactile.
To each his own… when someone can finally put out a controller that addresses ALL these things people are ‘hoping’ for in a controller, then and only then will it likely be a “(insert name of controller) killer”.
It’s for a different target segment, it’s not meant to be an S4 “killer” as such, which is probably one reason why NI was willing to collaborate with Numark on it. The VCI-400 was more aimed at being a direct S4 competitor, and less surprisingly Vestax didn’t get access to the HID mode (who knows if they asked, of course).
What this is, is a replacement for a 2xCDJ/mixer/X1/Audio8/TSP combo… Close in concept to the Pioneer DDJ-T1, but seemingly higher quality, with more controls, and cheaper. Considering what the CDJ+timecode setup costs, it’s a bargain if it keeps its promises.
I will get this because of the large jogs and the long pitch faders, not in spite of them. Timecode support would only make sense for use with turntables, and for that the big jogs and faders would be useless - but knowing how big the 4trak is, I doubt many would want to add a pair of 1200s to the width.
Edit: Looks like the Pioneer has come down in price handsomely, so this will be more expensive than the T1. Makes sense, as you get more. I just fear what the European price will be…