numark ns6 vs Kontrol S4?
I love the NS7, especially the build quality, but its not the best for Traktor. Then I saw the NS6 and I immediately got hyped. The S4 is pretty awesome too, and perfect for traktor, but each has their own advantages and disadvantages, so Im not sure which to buy… I would have to get pretty creative with the NS6 for midi mapping, but I dont think that would be a problem. Your thoughts guys?
The NS6 is itch only.
Hmmm Are you sure? I was reading that its midi based and you can map it with any program that accepts midi.
Yeah no I suppose you’re right. Didn’t think of that, lol.
I have an S4 and NS7.
Honestly the S4 is set up perfect for Traktor. I would not map the NS6 to Traktor, the knobs for effects will not line up. Also, it’s hard to compare the S4 with a product that is not out and no one knows what bugs it could have or how it would work. If I were a Traktor user, the S4 is the way to go.
If not wait for Itch 2.0 to come out, see what happens when the NS6 comes out and do your thing on Itch.
Hahaah is that easy of a decision though? I know with the Kontrol S4 the advantage is that everything is mapped out in a great way with tons of control and functionality for traktor, all the knobs and LED feedback is great. However, the NS6 has somethings on the S4.
-The platters on the NS6 have 3600 ticks of resolution per rotation.
The S4 only has 1000
-The build quality for the NS6 is a bit more solid the the S4
The NS6 can be used as a stand alone mixer with no need for a laptop (rumor has it that there are on board effects? I dont think its true though…)
N6s Inputs 4 line, 2 turntables, 2 microphones, plus balanced xlr outputs.
From what ive read, Numark will be releasing a mapping for traktor with it (Not sure if it will be for traktor pro or traktor pro 2, my guess traktor pro 2), so that would be rad. Id like to map those touch strips at the top if possible…
All in all I will probably go with the S4 though due to functionality. Just wanted djtt members 2 cents.
Ns6
which controller?
Check out the NS6 asap. I just bought the S4 and am super disappointed with it. The construction and functionality are NOT what I was expecting… Overall, I’m sure it’s a decent controller, but there are so many little things I dislike about it that add up realllllllly quickly. Definitely ditching it as soon as I can for something better.
Anything in particular?
particulars
Well, the overall feel of the S4 feels kind of chincy - plasticy feel to a lot of stuff and doesn’t seem very structurally sound. The supplied traktor software had a few things taken out that the newest Pro 2 had that I liked (small little personal preference things, nothing major). I don’t like the platter size, sensitivity, and the fact that they are push button on top instead of the standard pressure plate I’m used to. I don’t like the gain/EQ/filter setup they have on there - particularly the filter, though. I’d like to be able to switch it on/off then adjust (by using only the controller, not mouse to the software on screen). I don’t like how the cue points are set (only on beatgrid tick marks - maybe something that can be changed in settings, but I haven’t seen it), and the lag on the cue points when pushing a single cue in rapid succession. These are just a few things that kind of bug me about it. As you can see, nothing too much dealing with the major functionality of the unit itself, just minor things that I can find in other controllers that fit me better.
you need to turn off the snap and quantize features on the s4 they are directly above the loop recorder knob just toggle them on/off with the buttons
If you’re in the UK and wanna sell I’d gladly buy it!
actually is the rubbish button itself, is pretty difficult to press it in rapid succession.
If you like cue point juggling the S4 is not perfect. I’ve ordered a midifighter, i guess i will map the hotcues controls on that.
Uh…you do know that you get a free upgrade to tpro2 right?
I get the feeling you don’t really know how to use the controller or software properly either. Not to offend, but some of the problems you are having are very, very, very basic.
a) There is no cue point lag, you probably have Quantize on which will delay a cuepoint press to make sure it hits on the downbeat, which can be turned off with the press of a button on the S4… I’ve never had a problem with pushing cue point buttons in rapid succession if I need to. I also advise turning SYNC off if you want to do crazy cue point jumps.
b) You have snap turned on, which can be turned off with a press of a button on the S4 (this is also what led me to believe you have quantize on)…In fact the snap and quantize buttons are essentially right next to each other.
c) The feel, sure, I’ll give you that one, but I’m not one to lug around 20+lbs of gear on top of my laptop, stand, and other gear, but to each his own. If you hate the platters, buy some CDJ’s and get the upgrade to traktor scratch pro 2 for 140 USD. I’m about to purchase turntables and get TSP2.
d) For the filter situation, get an LPD8 for like…40 bucks shipped… and map it to your liking. I’m not sure where you would even find a controller with a dedicated filter on/off button unless you purchased a real mixer which is at least just as much as the S4 by itself and doesn’t come with software.
^ this.
the quantize feature will only drop a cue on the beat so if you’re trying to make a roll or mashing beats or something it will only go as fast as the beat of the song, yes the quantize feature has a lot to do with it (also the snap feature will only drop a cue on a beat marker when turned on)
i’m telling that is pretty difficult to rapidly press the hotcues WITHOUT the quantize on 
(cause the button is rubbish)
when i do some c.p. juggling i always turn off snap, quantize and sync to avoid any automated behavoir by traktor and let me control everything.
I ain’t gonna lie, even though im very happy with the S4…something about the NS6 just appeals to me. the overall build looks solid and very nice. All the inputs/output options really outdoes the S4. I guess the only thing the s4 has over ns6 is being made for traktor,and loop recorder/sample decks. Guess if you dont mind mapping midi then ns6 will work, but id just keep it for serato =P
^ there’s not enough knobs to properly control FX in Traktor. If you get the NS6 it’s to use with Itch. I’m a fan of Itch, but it’s very different and designed to be that way than Traktor. So for those who really like the look of the controller — remember that controller is married to software much like the NS7 is. Sure you can try to map it, but it’s not the same.
oh and the quality of the NS7 is top notch. This should right inline or better
Im glad this discussion is still going on. As for the mapping of the NS6, you just have to be a little creative. Even the S4 needs some creativity mapping wise to fully harness traktor pro 2, so Im not really worried about that. But the main reasons I will get the NS6 over the S4 are…
The Build Quality
The platters (Higher resolution 3600 ticks vs 1000, slightly bigger)
More ins and outs
You can use it as a stand alone analog mixer which is pretty fucking awesome.
Plus more at touch options for the cross fader.
To really get some awesome use out of it I know I will have to put a good amount of time mapping everything out but I think its worth it.