The proper S4 comparison poll

DJ Software & Apps Traktor
1

The proper S4 comparison poll

OK,

so hopefully the VCI100 comparisons are over and done with, let’s get down to real business with new controllers on the horizon

We have the S4
Sitting at around £740

The Denon DNMC6000
Sitting at around £680

And the (already out) Xone DX
Sitting at around £880

Get comparing and voting :sunglasses:

2

The only type of controller I would feel comfortable with would be a Midi Fighter or a Kontrol X1. I don’t like the idea of my platters and my mixer all on one unit. I mean, i like the idea from a portability stand point, but not a reliability stand point. If one part goes out then you’re in a bit of trouble.

However, if forced to choose an all in one style controller, I’d probably roll the S4 due to the 4 channel mixer and bundled software.

3

I’m still weighing the options between the S4 & MC6000. Probably going to wait until they’re released & reviewed before deciding. Also I’d like to get my hands on both and tweek a bit. Each have things I love and each have their shortcomings for my personal mixing preferences.

4

I’m still hoping that the 4MidiLoop will come out one day.

5

+1 and it’s way to early to offer an educated opinion on the S4 or DNMC6000. I am pretty sure the Xone DX is out of the equation now though.

6

What happened to the american audio vms4 or w/e it was called? Looked like a good competitor for the denon.
Going on the design of these controllers I like the s4 best, though I really dont like how short the cross and volume faders are looking.

7

I’m going to overlook on purpose the Denon. Too cramped and I’m not fond of the layout.

I already own a DX but I’ve studied the S4 (for the few info we already got). What’s below is with Traktor in mind and custom mapping only.

What I really like about the S4:

  • the led feedback (several colors on each button available it seems like for hotcues - green for loop, etc…)
  • touch sensitive jogwheel (even if I don’t scratch)
  • the tiny screen where you can see the loop length. Now this is quite important for me but it really matters only if you can still benefit from it while pasing from HID to midi (custom mapping).
  • knobs both for gain (encoders) and filters

The DX:

  • built like a tank so you’re not afraid to bang it like any other Xone product.
  • works on 5 midi channel. This is really important for me. It allows for more complex mappings.
  • the deck sections have a bit more buttons available than the S4 (by the way I really would have liked the S4 to have another row of buttons available).
  • booth level from the soundcard (no booth output/function within TP..meh… Will that change?)
  • eack deck section working with either a green or red code color. It’s clear and avoids potential confusion.
  • I like the encoder+push button on the FX units, some may not but I see it as an advantage.

I know the sound of the DX but I trust the S4 to have quality sound too.
The lack of a row of another knobs on the DX is not that important as I manage the gain for each deck with the deck’s shift+ the central encoder.
I can live without the sensitive jogwheel (but having ones is cool of course).

I’ll be ready to change for the S4 only if:
The unit works on several midi channels
I keep the benefit of the screen when using a custom mapping.

If not, there’s no point for me to change. Of course I’m open and I wait to get more info from NI.

8

+10000

9

yeah I’m lookin forward to seeing the 4midiloop too… out of these the S4 would be my choice by far, if you’re gonna have jog wheels they might as well be usable ones, and I don’t think you’ll get that from the others. The loop screen is really a cool feature too. But I won’t be getting any of these, still happy with the vci-100 with djtt’s crazy mapping; I haven’t even come close to exhausting the possibilities of this controller. I do want the new software though and I hope there’s a vci-100 djtt mapping to accompany it that takes advantage of the new features when it comes out. And this is just me but personally I like having the sound card as a separate unit from the controller; even though it’s more of a pain in the ass to set up and lug around, I have less concerns about interference with sound quality (though I’m sure these units all sound just fine) and I have more control over ins and outs that way in case NI ever does add a “booth output” to the software (which it badly needs imho…). Jog wheels you can actually scratch on are very enticing but in the end I’m pretty sure I’d rather scratch an actual turntable no matter how good the jogs are.

10

Will the 4midiloop (if it exists one day for the market) have an integrated soundcard?
If not, it’s not the same family type as the rest of the above mentioned products.

11

as I am a beginner and the S4 will be out of my price range for the foreseeable future, I think a VCI 100 and 2 Midi Fighters would be a more logical choice, given i could get each piece when I could afford it and when I grow into the skillset to use them, the support/mapping from DJTT and the opportunity for expansion onto your setup. Don’t get me wrong tho, if I had the money - I would get an S4. It looks ballin, more importantly - the software looks ballin. It looks to me as they are going into Ableton’s territory with the sampler. I think it is very creative, and will allow for crazy mixes.

12

The VCI-100SE and 2 Midi Fighters is in the ball park with the S4 I think.

13

+1, however there is a bit of comparison occurring across a few threads, just trying to bring it all into one place tbh.

i’m feeling the denon more atm, not sure why just something about it…

14

All good points.

___ I found this o you tube last night. I’m really getting crazy “obsessed” about this thing.

They are doing some scratching … but mostly I was happy to see someone actually experimenting some hands on it. I wanna see if withstands a good tossing, turning, packing, unpacking, plugging, unplugging. You know!?

Im pretty sure is worth the money. I would prefer NO lOGO Jogs from the DJTT “live unit”. I also notice the filters are the same knobs as the EQ knobs in some units out there on the BPM 2010. And some are the short kind. I wrecking the DJTT unit (should) be the one going on production.

I really hope NI make a good solid first release, instead of a 1st MK and an upgraded MK later like they did with Maschine. Because I ordered mine already. Im trusting on this equipment to have an excellent overall quality.

HOPING FOR THE BEST.

Already jump the gun now NI. Don’t let me Down !!!

Durability for this console has to be surpassing in order for this to become a valid evolving concept of Djing, no only a one to one temporary solution.

15

I saw a teardown vid of the DX… there was quite a bit of plastic… but then again, most of my Akai gear is plastic… whatever that means.

All-in-one gear is no more susceptible to show stopping breakdowns as separates… each piece is a basket with all your eggs if you think about it. As long as the laptop and soundcard still work, the show will likely go on. Surprisingly enough, there aren’t too many threads talking about failing VCI’s or Hercules, etc…

based on the comments, it confirms what I’ve been thinking… unless you make your own controller, you might have to make some compromises.

Assuming the S4 delivers on its claims and specs… it’s gonna be the one to beat…

1:1 tactile control with its software
build quality
HD jogs that allow scratching (+1000)
solid drivers

after seeing IF2’s S4 vids I’ve finally dropped “spinning platters” off my list of functional requirements.

16

Was thinking I’d need to keep my VCI-300 to scratch with until this video… Nice one!

Thanks for sharing. :slight_smile:

17

Hands down, the S4 is the controller to beat if you are going to be using Traktor.

If you are using another piece of software (VDJ or Ableton) I think the others may have more sway.

18

Amazing!!! Of course, if you can scratch like Dynamix to begin with, you can probably sound good on an 8-track player and a light switch.

erm, I was posting after watching the video below; just remembered the one posted is the other guy, who is also pretty kick ass…

19

500 = VCI-100
100 = Sound Card
125 = Midi FIgher
100 = Traktor Pro Upgrade

825.00 (with just one MF)

For 899.00 I would get an S4. Thats just me though. Im sure for folks who style of play is tailored other ways the above set up suits them better.

I think the S4 offers much more than any other 4 deck controller. My biggest selling point are the HID Jogs, and the 1:1 with the new software.

20

Money wise, you get Traktor with the S4 but not with the other 2, so it’s the S4 for me. Not that I’m getting one.