I realize there is a few threads discussing the same issue (s4 vs. ddj t1) however i’ve yet to find a recent enough one that factors in some issues (like recent updates and price drops).
Here’s the deal: I’ve been dj-ing for about 8 months now with Traktor pro 2 and a numark mixtrack pro. I absolutely love traktor and my mixtrack pro but want to upgrade my gear. Its not that my mixtrack isnt doing the trick,(ive had no problems what so ever with it) its just that ive gotten to the point where i want to book club gigs and need some more professional looking equipment.
So the question is: s4 or ddj-t1?
(Ive heard of some horror stories about the s4 and windows. (im using a dell inspiron 15r).
I’ve also heard the ddj-t1 has an inferior sound card/noticeble sound quality issues as well as some hardware issues (pitchslider). )
i can confidenly vouch for the s4, coming from cdj 1000 mk1’s and a djm 600. love the jobwheels compared to the cdj’s and the pitch slider is nice also, i do basic A-B mixing, manual beatmatching.
Don’t listen to what anyone says about a T1 unless they own it. I’ve seen far too many people bashing, who have only seen pictures on the internet, or read another second hand opinion on DJTT.
If you are going to be using sample decks a bunch, the layout on the S4 is more conducive to that. There are mappings for the T1 for use of sample decks that make it simple to use, there just aren’t any ‘1 to 1’ controls for them on a T1.
Id go and try them if i was you. I own an S4 but I’ve used the T1 and i thought it was a great controller. It gets a bit of a bashing on here because its made by Pioneer… although i would guess few who bash it have actually used one!
I chose the S4 purely for the 1:1 control. Im more interested in spinning than midi-mapping so i just thought it would suit me to have something made by NI.
Thanks to everyone who has posted! Theres a store in my hometown with both the s4 and t1 and I plan on trying out both when i go home after exams (i am a university student). how they play is obvs going to be a huge factor however i have been using a mixtrack pro so with either unit i am going to have to get used to a few things, so a huge concern for me is getting what i pay for. The t1 and s4 only have a 100$ difference at my local store which to me isnt a big deal. But I dont wanna invest in an s4 if im going to have issues with my PC and windows; and i don’t want to invest in a t1 if it has sound card issues and hardware malfunctions.
The vci is definitely something ill have to look into forsure tho!
I personally wouldn’t worry about the S4’s compatibility with Windows. There are plenty of people on here (including me) who have had the S4 running like a boss on a windows machine. Id base your decision purely on which feels best for you. Ive not read or heard about the quality of the sound card in the Pioneer machines - although id have thought it to be pretty good considering its what Pioneer do day in day out!!
Install Traktor 2.1.2 demo on your laptop and try the controllers in store on your laptop!
NI S4 and VCI400 on my laptop with Traktor 2.1.x sound drops when loading tracks and fullscreen mode. DDJ-T1 on same laptop work perfect. On DDJ-T1 play in clubs more than 1 year and no any problem with sound.
Personally, if you’re planning on spending that kind of money on a high quality controller… save up a little more and get the Vestax VCI-400 it is probably the most well built controller on the market today, most flexible too (comes with itch but is completely open sourced and mapable to any software), a sexy as hell design, club quality sound card, etc.
Save up some money and get the vci-400… just look at the design, watch some vids of it in action, read up on features and you’ll be sold
If you’re planning on playing in clubs, get something small and portable.
I’d recommend a Kontrol X1, and a Traktor Audio 2, so you can route two channels out from the computer, into the club mixer, use the mixer’s EQs, faders etc. and control Traktor (sync, playback, efx etc) from the X1.
