This two are being use by many djs all around the world, from pro djs to bed room djs use them but what do you guys think is the best one? at this moment Traktor is becoming the standard on digital djing, but what about Serato? here are some features of the two so let me know your opinions on this thanks guys
VCI-300 MKII Features:
Vestax VCI-300 USB DJ Controller and Audio Interface Features at a Glance:
Includes a full version of Serato ITCH software
USB Port, Bus powered
12-level LED L/R indicator
Crates/Files/Browse key and cursor switch
Adjustable JOG wheel and fader curves
Mic Input x 1
Aux Input RCA x 2
Headphones Out x 1
Master Out Phone x 2, RCA x 2
Input Fader Curve Control x 1
Cross Fader Curve Control x 1
Optional Adapter: DC-9V 500mA
Differences between MKI and MKII: Now features small 1/8" and big 1/4" headphone socket, master volume boost when using an external power supply, new adjust knobs for the platter sensitivity, new optional Vestax digital crossfader, new analog throughput for mic/aux input.
NI S4 Features:
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 DJ Controller and Software System Features at a Glance:
Highly integrated 4-deck Traktor controller and flagship software
Plug and play - all you need to start mixing is your computer and MP3s
Includes special version of Traktor Pro (Traktor Pro S4)
Traktor Pro S4 includes all standard Traktor functionality plus 28 Traktor effects
4 channels, each with a level fader, a 3-band EQ, a filter knob, a gain control, and 2 effects sends
High-resolution, touch-sensitive jog wheels with rubber-coated outer rim and glossy top plate
Patent-pending magnetic-brake jog wheel technology
Hardware and software work at very high resolution (30 times greater than resolution of MIDI)
4-channel mixer with ergonomic layout
Powerful MP3 management, with iTunes integration and iPod compatibility
Fully customizable control surface works with any MIDI-controllable software
Sample Decks provide live sampling and looping (4 loops per Sample Deck)
Loop Recorder allows on-the-fly recording and loop playback from any channel
Low-latency drivers for Mac and PC
Cirrus-Logic AD/DA converters (up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution)
Ultra-wide frequency response
Dual 1/4" and RCA outputs
High-gain outputs (up to 9.7dBu)
High-quality 1/4" headphone jack with separate controls for headphone volume and cue mix
2 x stereo RCA analog input channels, switchable between line and phono level
Routing can be conveniently assigned from within the software
2 x 1/4" microphone inputs with adjustable gain
MIDI I/O
Package includes S4 hardware controller with built-in audio interface, Traktor Pro S4 software, USB cable, power supply, manual, keyboard function mapping sheet, and Loopmasters Loop Library with 40 original loops and 10 full tracks
I have an S4 and a VCI. Right now Traktor S4 has alot more features than Itch and the VCI 300. One thing that Itch has superior to Traktor are colored, stacked waveforms and warpable beatgrids. The VCI-300 is also smaller and much more portable and is made of metal.
Aside from that the S4 wins in every other category. If you are torn between the two I would wait until Winter NAMM on January 13th where itās rumored Serato is going to unveil Itch 2.0 with Bridge/Ableton integration and also a new Itch controller. Things will be interesting then.
this is a classic argument. As far as hardware goes - the S4 I like tons better. Itās in a different class. As far as software goes: more features does not equal better. Traktor has 26 effects and I used 4-5 of them. I donāt think it matters what genre your playing colored waveforms and flexible beat grids are very powerful tool and Itchās system blows away Traktors. The VCI and Itch is as close as it gets to two decks and a 2 channel mixer - very streamlined and straight fwd system. If Itch adds a few things and comes out with a controller that can hang with the S4 there will be some serious competition.
I do agree that the VCI is not the competition right now.
Traktor is where itās at. I have the S4 but am contemplating getting the Vestax VCI-100 and do the DJ Tech Tools mods on it so it can play nice with Traktor, add features and all that good stuffā¦ I would like the VCI-100se because I would like another toy to play with and it seems a bit more portable than the S4 IMHOā¦
First off, you have to realize this forum is S4 fanboy central. Not that itās a bad product or anythingā¦ maybe a little overpriced.
The VCI-300 is a good product, simpler than the S4, which is a good thing. Do you even have the skills to manage 4 decks? I donāt (yet), Iāll stick with doing 2+fx really well. I think the answer to this question depends on your style of mixing.
The S4 is huge, the VCI fits in a laptop bag, along with the laptop. Consider that too.
Upgrades are free for Serato. The software is free, you can lend your controller to a buddy for him to use, no problems!
Not being a hater, just need to balance out the fanboys here.
Iāve spent some time playing with both in GC (on multiple occasions, the guys there know to hook up the stuff when I come in now lol).
They are different. Basically, thatās what it comes down to. I see the VCI-300 as more emulating a traditional setup with two TTās and a mixer. The S4 does that, but it also brings in a lot more of the non-traditional as well.
Price wise? You probably get a lot more ābang for your buckā with the S4. The jogs on both, well, thatās really a personal opinion. I like both, but the VCI-300 is more ājog-wheelā focuses, while the S4 is more focused on the other controls. It really depends on how you want to mix.
For someone just starting out? The VCI-300 is pretty damned awesome for what it is. The colored waveforms that serato has are a great step in learning how to beatmatch (using the visuals as a crutch, even so).
Honestly, given a choice between the two, Iād personally go with the S4. The cost of the VCI-300 is too much for what it is, IMO. Buying one used though, the VCI-300 go for around $500, which is more than fair.
VCI 400 ?? NAMM ?? I got the xponent I like itā¦ but I would like to scratch on a vci 300 or s4ā¦ m audio has something coming hopefully at namm.. new xponentā¦waiting on namm too for a new controllerā¦
As a person who has a vci-100se and who has never seen or touched an s4 or vci-300 if u want a no frills setup (traditional so to speak) with super tight intergration with its host software id go with the 300. Also if its built anything like the vci100 its a tank.
But if you want something to do ālive remixingā on the s4 is the way to go imo. Even though traktor s4 software is made for the s4 i still dont think your going to get the intergration the 300 has with itch.
I also believe that talk of the ābridgeā is irelavent the cost of the new bridge (if their is one) and a controller will be seriously expensive. You will have to buy ableton, serato and the controller which i think will be super expensive.
If i was you id wait. Next 4months i think will tell alot in software/hardware land.
