Should i buy the Kontrol S4 MK2?

DJ Software & Apps Traktor
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Should i buy the Kontrol S4 MK2?

Hey DJTT forum,

I own the Pioneer DDJ-T1 and a Maschine MK2, i can’t control the remix decks through my DDJ-T1, and all the knobs and buttons are used so a remap wont work. I know i could map the maschine to do the job, but i’m not into that.

I have a friend who is interested in buying my T1 and i thought of buying the S4 MK2 for the money plus some i saved.

Does anyone have a clue on how the S4 is better then the DDJ-T1? I enjoy sample and loop triggering, and that doesnt work on the T1.

I have a mapping for the Maschine which lets it control all features in traktor including the remix decks, but i like jogs to scroll through songs, and pitch bending when beatmixing.

But will the S4 be able to control all of traktors features? or should i add an F1 for the remix decks?

I also saw the Felix the housecat advertisement on the X1, and it is able to pitch bend on that damn FX strip. I fell in love with the intuitive Fx control on the strip, and seriously considered a pair of X1’s, but they wont let me play with the remix decks as far as i know :stuck_out_tongue:

I just thought the S4 was like an all around package where features of the X1 and F1 and a mixer melted together with jogwheels, so that’s why it appealed to me.

But an X1 F1 setup could also do it?

I’m sorry for the long post guys :disappointed: But i’m seriously the worst at making decisions, and i would like some other views on this as well :slight_smile:

To sum up, after i bought the maschine and being a Traktor user for a year, i’m in love with NI. And i’m looking for a setup that doesn’t restrict me from any feature in traktor so i have the space to let my creativity flow :heart_eyes:
That’s why i’m not into using my maschine for Dj’ing, what if i one day wanna run an instance of Maschine simultaneously with playing songs in traktor, and do some mad fingerdrumming over, i don’t know man

Thank you for the time, if you have an idea for changing my setup i would love to hear it

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Maschine should work great for the remix decks alongside your DDJ, and NI provide a ready made mapping too.

Get an F1 if you don’t want to use Maschine.

3

I suggest BASE as an ultimate traktor controller - too power. Since I got it in the last year it became the base of my Traktor setup! I’m using it with my custom mapping which basically splits a whole controller into two sections - each section has a seven different options/pages of mixer-transport and FX controls.

There is also many good maschine mappings on Maps that would let you express more… Also check out PMB maschine mapping, think you’ll like it :slight_smile:

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In on this, I’m looking to upgrade my S2 to the S4. I heard the Mk2 has problems with freezing, but they might have fixed it. I would be fine with just upgrading to the S4 MK1, unless the mk2 works fine. However, I would not mind using the S2 and purchasing a F1 to use the extra buttons for a filter. I find it a massive hassle to click and set up a filter when their is already a knob on the s4 compared to the s2.

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Recent hardware firmware update fixes all LED flash/freezes on the mk2 series for s2/s4.

No issues till date. (purchased dec 2013)

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OK, the S4 works seamlessly with Traktor, which you are no doubt are aware, however it does not unlock every function of the remix decks. It allows triggering of the first row of samples, but not much else.
If I was in your position and was tempted to switch to an S4, I would go ahead and do it, you will not regret it. Once you have the S4, take your time to learn it, and later you can add an F1 to unlock the remix functions if you feel you need to.
BTW, the S4 mk2 is a great improvement over the mk1 and mine has had non of the freeze issues or any others since it was purchased over 4 months ago.

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No freezing issues here even before i updated the firmware.

The S4 MK II is a definite improvement over the original S4/S2.

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One more vote for T1/F1. I love that setup but I’m biased.

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I bought an s4 as my first controller about 8 months ago so this is totally a newbie’s opinion but after using it for a while I wish I had gone down a different route. Using components instead of an all in one deal. This setup just makes me drool

I’d save for a bit and go this route.

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+1 for mk2. i love it and havent had problem since. only problem is that you must set your latency right cause otherwise its glitchy

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I recently purchased an s4 mk2. No freezing issues whatsoever. From my readings it mostly happened on MBP retinas.

12

Barely used my original S4 and just after my 1 year warranty was up, Deck A fader busted. And that’s common, from what i’ve been hearing lately.

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Got an s4 and while it lets you use most features - to control the remix decks properly an f1 is essential (I recently added one to my set up). If u fancy something different going down the modular route is a good option as you can add/remove units as you desire. The touch strips work really well replacing not only pitch bend but are good for adjusting loop sizes and even performing spin backs (although if u stratch jog wheels can’t really be beaten unless your using vinyl). F1 work great with remix decks and can’t really be beaten (I’ve mapped my maschine to do this and ended up preferring the F1). I would also say that having the ability to download or even map the units yourself is a great function. I know you mention you weren’t really into that but honestly having the ability to control the units in pretty much any way you like is a great tool and something that once you get your head round is pretty easy.

14

I started out with an S4. It’s an amazing piece of hardware and gives you hands on control for nearly all of Traktor’s functions. Now I use two X1’s with a DJM, just like Felix does in his NI video. It’s an awesome setup because most clubs around here use a DJM 900. If I want to use Traktor instead of CDJ’s I can just bring my two small controllers and plug right in while still using the house mixer. The X1’s give you almost all of Traktor’s functions as well. However, neither the S4 or the X1 will give you full control for the remix decks unless you have a mapping. You’ll need an F1 if you want to plug & play.

An alternative is to just use your Maschine to control the remix decks. I’m a huge fan of Maschine; I think it’s a great tool for both production and live performance. I use my MK2 for live samples and loops sent through one of my decks. It’s an awesome reaction from the crowd when you’re playing someone’s favorite tune and then start finger drumming on a colorful Maschine, remixing it on the fly.

You don’t have to map it yourself, NI has a pre-made mapping for you. Go into your Native Instruments Controller Editor. On the top left corner of the page there’s a drop down window, choose “Maschine Controller MK2” as your controller. On the right side under “Templates” you should see two more drop down windows: “Edit” and “Factory Templates.” Click “Factory Templates” and select “Maschine MK2 Remix Decks.” It should now be added to your Templates list. This means the template should now be stored into your Maschine.

Once you open Traktor, press “Shift + Control” on your Maschine to enter MIDI mode. If you hold “Shift” again, you can use the right and left arrows on your Maschine (under the browse and sampling buttons) to scroll through all of the Templates you’ve saved. Just choose “Maschine MK2 Remix Decks” and you’re all set to control. You might want to refer back to the Controller Editor to check the mapping and see which functions do what.