I’m also on the fence about this. I really don’t think I need 4 dedicated decks to mix on, however lack of proper EQ for sample decks is worrisome.
Quick question about the filter knob on the S4, as well as the S2. By the way I read it, if you’re merging two tracks, one filter knob only does 1 EQ? Or is it naturally combined? Wouldn’t it sound like shit if one track is filtered while the other isn’t.. It would be ridiculous to have to use both filter knobs simultaneously, especially if you need a third hand to slam over a fader in a transition.
I work with CDJs at work (company owned_ but need something for home, I can’t really afford a S4 but can finance it, so I’m just curious about whats best.
I’m also curious about how mapping works with the shift, key, is everything mappable with secondary functionality? I can see this getting around some issues with less control in traktor. if loops can be assigned via Keyboard thats fine with me (Since thats what I do with CDJs in serrato scratch anyways). The lack of EQ on samples / loop decks makes me kind of weary..
Might have sold it for me, if I can have tha tmuch control ontop of just mixing normal sets I’m so stoked for this! Gonna try to finance one for 12 months haha
Just incase anyone is curious, especially the OP.
Picked up an S4 yesterday. Impressed with a few things, severely disappointed with a few others. Maybe its just how I have it setup but I find the 3 band EQ isn’t that precise.
The “filter” effect seems short, even after calibration. At 1/4 of the way through travel to either left or right from 12 o clock the effect seems used up. Feels like they didn’t use all the travel they could have so the effect is very rapid and not very smooth to me. Coming from pioneer DJM 400 (I think) at work, the filter effect seems alot more “drawn out” with the play on the knob, feels alot better and more effective.
My biggest qualm is probably the Gain control for each channel. Instead of your traditional knob like on the other EQ bands, this knob just turns and turns and turns, and the gain increase per turn is minimal. Most of all, since the knob has no stop there isn’t a relative position. Typically when I mix at work on CDJs I leave my faders at 100% and just bring in the next track with the gain at around 10’o clock (paying attention to the levels). From there I bring the gain up to the natural 12 o’clock to match the volume with the track currently playing, or a bit higher depending on the track. Because the gain knob doubles as the effects knob, there isn’t static positions, the gain addition per rotation is miniscule, and I can’t mix the way I’d like to, efficiently with the inability to accurately judge my gain with relative positioning.
I’m not sure if theres a way to fix this, but so far I’m not at all pleased with that. I hadn’t noticed it at the music store when I had them unbox one. It may actually be a deal breaker for me.