Should I start with S4

DJ Life & Community General Discussion
1

Should I start with S4

Hi,

I am very new to this and i would like to build up a setup to start mixing. Should i start with S4 as a beginner or not. Is there any other equipments that might be more easy to use as a beginner.

Thank you :slight_smile:

2

I’m usually of the mindset that people should spend more money early to get better equipment so they don’t need to upgrade later.

The S4 is a large investment. I mean, my first investment was two cheapo CD decks and a $15 mixer off of ebay. I think it might make more sense to start just with Traktor Pro and see if the S4 is something you’d want to invest in. If you aren’t going to like the software then the controller isn’t going to make much of a difference, y’know?

I’m just wary pointing anyone at a $900 investment in something they might not even want to use.

3

But i need a controller right ? Traktor Pro is not only the software ?

4

I think S4 was tailor made for beginners. If you don’t like it you can sell the whole package later on.

5

You can use Traktor without a controller. You can use it with just a keyboard and mouse and have a pretty solid amount of functionality.

6

Why not?

7

Very true and i love posting this video cause it shows you can rock with just a keyboard.

8

Do i need to get a sound card , extra wires and stuff like that if i get S4 or its only plug and play in the computer ?

9

Just going to need cables to your speakers.

10

What about the Vestax VCI-100 SE or Arcade ? Maybe less expensive ?

11

The VCI-100 Arcade edition is the same price as an open box S4, and you’d need to buy a sound card as well.

12

This.

If you can afford it. What you loose in the resale would probably be about as much as traktor pro on its own…

You could download the traktor pro demo to get a taste of it though. If you like that then take the plunge :slight_smile:

13

this

14

or download something like Mixxx to get the feel without the whole ‘demo’ stopping after a half hour :slight_smile:

15

I used the 30 minutes , its pretty decent , but seriously i need a controller :stuck_out_tongue: , imo there’s no way of having fun without a hardware.

16

This is what it boils down to for me. Are you sure you’re really interested in DJing? If you are, then just make the investment and buy an S4. If you’re still on the fence, go down to Guitar Center and mess around with different MIDI controllers.

Also with the new Novation controller coming out that may be a better choice for you if you don’t play hip hop and don’t really want to scratch. It’s far cheaper (almost 50% off) and honestly doesn’t look too shabby aside from the jog wheels not being there.

It’s a large investment, but in the end it’s worth it. Just a heads up, this addiction is a huge money hungry never ending pit. I started DJing in October, and I have spent over $4,000 on DJ / production equipment.

17

Coldfuzion went all in!! :stuck_out_tongue:

18

That’s what she said as her face turned to → :eek: → :open_mouth:.

19

Can i go with a Numark controller that worth approx. 200$ ? or i will want to upgrade as soon as i control every functions ?

20

Mainly due to to advice from this forum I went all out with an S4 as a complete novice. Probably one of the beat investments I have made,