I’m ready to take the next step and get a controller. I currently use 1200’s (no time code) and a Denon dual cd player nothing fancy. I like club/house/hip-hop/dubstep. Basic mixing with the cross-fader beat matching with my ear. Anyways I want to take my djing to the next level using samples, hot-ques, loops, rolls, effects etc… I want to create some signature stuff.
I was looking at a Numark NS6 then decided Tracktor and the S4 was the way to go. Then the S2 came out and the price seems just right.
So before I make my final decision I’d like to hear some opinions on why I should get an S4 vs. an S2.
if you dont need more than 2 decks and you dont need the DVS capabilities you dont need the S4 - the S2 will be fine
the S2 is an awesome, full featured unit, the upcoming kontrol F1 controller will most likely fill in the void of the missing sample deck controls on the S2, if later you decide that you kinda want more than 2 decks control
i used the S4 for a year before selling it and getting the S2 due to portability issues - the size arent very different but the slightly smaller form factor of the S2 allows it to be transported in a lot of backpacks and carry case (easier to find bags than the S4) - so far i am quite happy to make the decision
you can check out my review and comparison of the S2 vs S4 here if you want, i wrote it just after selling my S4 and getting the S2
Im running 2xcdjs and was thinking about getting an s2 or s4 with it. I came to realize it was complete overkill and got an x1. Best decision i ever made. Especially if what you’re looking for is cue points, effects and loop control…It is so easy to use…if you really want sample control you can use a mapping for that…or just get 2 x1’s and use one for cues and one for samples…endless options and 1/4 the price of the s2.
If you’ve already got 1200’s though I’d get the S4 and have the best of both worlds. Maybe even just keep one 1200 and sell the other to cover the diff. from the S2 to the S4.
If you’re gigging out and bringing your own gear the S2 might be the better option. It is a sweet piece of kit.
For 1, it is expandable. I rarely use c+d decks in traktor, but I do use them when I want to hook up a turntable or some other input. I personally use 2 Ableton tracks for my c+d decks and am able to use my s4 as a mixer. There are plenty of people out there that use an external mixer and that is cool, but I want the controller/soundcard to be the workhorse of my setup. I came from 1200s and a denon 2 channel mixer, I want the easiest setup I can make. the less cables, the better. I have not completely made the ableton to traktor patch wireless, but I am confident that SOMEONE SOMEWHERE will make this happen. Dont quote me on prices, but If you are going to spend 600, what is 200 more. Also you have turntables… that should be reason enough.
only issue with that is the S4 wont work if the laptop freezes, ideally you’d want to be able to use channels 3 & 4 for direct audio from cdjs etc with eq control. I had an american audio vms4 that worked like this, but i wouldnt recommend it at all!!
a numark ns6 or denon dnmc6000 may be better for that?
I really like the idea of using my 1200s with the S4 but I want a smaller unit. I think I will get the S2 when my tax refund comes. (Unless I can a find a good used S4)
I never thought about using an X1 controller with my 1200s. Currently Im not using any type of dj software, mp3s or use timecode vinyl so I would have to spend more money on a timecode vinyl system. I think the S2 will do the job of taking me to the next level. Later on I may upgrade to Traktor Scratch and look at other controllers, we’ll see…
I’d wait at least two - three weeks. From whispers I have heard a price reduction is coming on the S2. It will be around 350 ish.
That’s all I know and I’m not going to discuss how or who I found out about this from, it is confidential, nor will I answer any further posts on the subject. Simply trying to save a fellow DJ some $$$ / €€€ / £££.
Thanks for the heads up regarding the price. Hope it’s true. And even if it’s a software downgrade, I already own a full license for TP2. Been looking to upgrade from my Vestax TR-1 to something with a few more features. Fingers crossed.
I am new dj and have an S2 for the last 3 months, and its great but I am thinking about upgrading to an S4. Is it feasible to do so..I can do a lot with the S2 but feel like I can do more the S4 since everything is laid out for you and I don’t have to constantly press the shift buttons for everything. I have read both reviews. Portability is not an issue per se, as I am using it just for learning and not getting gigs yet as I want to practice a lot more at home in the meantime and just don’t know…your opinions and thoughts are greatly appreciated by anyone.
It is funny none of the vinyl aficionados are speaking up and saying, “How can you say getting a controller is going to the next level in DJing.”
If you want to mix with only two channels and have your hands tied with the sample decks, then go with the S2. If you want much more control of Traktor, go with the S4.
