Traktor S4 refresh imminent?
I have no idea, but the original was released almost two years ago. Is there an update coming anytime soon? I already felt kind of burned on the Maschine refresh. But I want an S4!
I heard some speculation regarding S1 (Z2 release is kind of leading up to that, so would make sense). S4 is a great piece of equipment, so unless they really want to blow our minds I have hard time picturing what the refresh could bring, S4 has a very solid set of features.
Also since S4 is so tightly integrated with Traktor it really depends on what the new version of software will have (again, going back to Z2, 2.6 update added features that shine on Z2). If they will go VJing route (Serato did), maybe there’ll be a controller that helps with that.
All in all I don’t think you will burn much by getting an S4, they won’t likely make it obsolete and it should keep it’s value for some time to come.
On a somewhat unrelated note DDJ-SX seems like a more than worthy alternative if you’re OK with Serato DJ. I’ve seen it demoed at product launch, it’s quite a sexy piece of hardware.
Like I keep saying, expect an update once the S4 goes on a 50% sale. It took Maschine around 4 years to be updated, the X1 is 3 and we don’t have nothing on the horizon either (personally i don’t think any of these NEEDS an update). You can still rock the hell out of a Maschine without the pretty colors.
If you are worried about manufacturers making it obsolete then go for a modular setup.
So true. I guess my main disappointment wasn’t missing the pretty colors (although I do like those), but it was missing out on the firesale of existing Maschines. I bought mine maybe a month or two before the price dropped like $200. Would like to avoid the same with an S4, but as AMmonogammee mentioned, the S4 will remain solid and relevant for some time.
Didn’t know about the four year update cycle with Maschine. Someone on another thread on the NI forums posited that the company’s recent product releases suggested it will go all modular and avoid the all-in-one solutions. Can’t imagine them just giving up on a product as successful as the S4, especially when they could just add a few colored pads and one or two extra features and spur another buying frenzy (a la Maschine).
What is an S1? Would that be a single-deck module of the S4? Very curious…
Think of it this way: I paid for mine $950 a month before the sale was announced and after 3-4 months of waiting on a douchey customs office. It can always be worse 
Point taken.
Haha, yea S1 idea is what it sounds like. I mean with a Z2 release it only makes sense, right.
Apart from the money loss issue (which happens to me too often to keep being bothered by it), it’s about what you need. A good example is mixtrack, it’s an old controller, but I still see it recommended to novice DJs because it does it’s job right.
I am biased, but I feel like S4 is a successful enough controller to fall into the same category of being a recommended hardware regardless of time. It’s integration with Traktor is tight, I mean REALLY TIGHT. Makes me smile till this day
Yes! I believe!
I’ve been on the VCI 100 since I first got into digital DJing about three or four years ago. I would love to get the S4, because it would allow me to do more of what I would like, without having to rely on a Launchpad for additional functionality. Plus, after getting Maschine, I just love the look and feel of NI hardware.
I think they may make some serious software changes to what the S4 can do (remap stuff for all the new 2.6 features) but as far as hardware goes, you can’t beat the S4 and Traktor paired in my book.
gents, NI is all abuzz about tablet/phone integrated controllers atm.
Where abouts? Share a link?
they sent out a survey to s4 owners asking about features you’d like to see, things you’d like to change, etc.
i’m actually expecting an s4 refresh in near-erish future tbph
i would not be surprised if they went the maschine route and tossed some displays on it to let you operate without paying as much attention to to the laptop? i think the biggest complaint about controllers right now is the reliance on leaning over the machine. they’ve managed to make maschine operable without much interaction with the computer. a controller that felt more like standalone kit that didn’t require you to eyeball the laptop all the time would be good for DJs, too.
that’s total speculation but i really think it’s the big obvious update that could be made to make the s4 better and put it head and shoulders above other hardware.
If they make S4 (and S2) smaller, that would be my biggest wish, the rest I don’t really care about, S4 as it is has enough flexibility. Maybe just ditch the jog wheels for a control surface strip instead.
I would like to see the firmware update all the other gear got last month.
I to am nervous about getting the s4 because it seems like that they would come out with a new version of it IMO
Well I went ahead and got one. I must say…AMAZING! NI might come out with something newer and better but the S4 won’t be obsolescent for a long time.
Would be nice if NI fix the S4’s problems;
a booth out
separate mic channel so it doesn’t arse up timecode if you need to use a mic. Total PITA as currently connected on channel D.
bigger jog wheels with a more ‘pro feel’ but within the same dimensions.
And make it a soft landing; e.g. don’t slash the price of the outgoing unit too much to help residual values for owners who want to upgrade.
An led of lcd on each side above the jogs with usb slots for memory sticks CDJ-2000 style so you could use it without a laptop, might be a step to far in terms of development but would be very nice.
Yes, that would be most excellent (Bill & Ted moment 
slight_smile: