Is seriously considering splurging on a $4. I want a quick lil collective of opinions from converts and or “haters” on any reasons you can think of why it wouldnt be a good idea to pick one up right now. (i.e. known bugs, lost features, up coming sales, up coming improvements or better products, etc).
I know I know… “do your research” and RTFM and so on but Im just looking for some quick and dirty opinions.
My…ahem…friend’s setup is a i3 laptop PC, audio 4 and VCI-100se.
PS: I think DJTT is still buying back the VCIs yea?
As far as feel, features, etc. The S4 is in another league than the VCI. The VCI however is much more portable and “fun”. If I had to choose between the two it would be the S4 without question. It’s a pro-grade midi controller.
Biggest draw back by far I think is that you can’t change the native mapping in NHL mode.
Idk man, I remember a few threads being opened up on teh S4 forums talking about it being a bitch to switch out. I haven’t tried it since I think my S4 looks perfect the way it is, this is all based on what i’ve read :eek:.
I’ve realised mapping my Maschine is more configurable at the moment, and I’m having a blast mapping it - just got all the LEDs lit up like a graphic EQ, fairly useless but fun!
Hmmmm…that seems worth looking into. Havent read anything about the S4 besides glancing at the forum topics so no clue what NHL mode is but not being able to remap seems like BS to me! I remember hearing about that too.
You are still able to remap in MIDI mode, its just that the NI proprietary protocol is NHL, which enables higher resolution jog wheels, etc. The only downside to NHL is the inability to remap.
You can map in NHL mode, but it’s not as powerful as in MIDI mode. You can’t do things like super knobs and tell a knob it’s a button. The NHL mapping is very good though, because it’s a 1-1 mapping so there’s much less of a need to do custom mapping. There’s several custom user maps out there for specific things like changing the gain encoders and turing the loop recorder into a super knob. The knobs and faders are sometimes a bit tight, but they just pull off so it’s not really a bitch, it’s just that some require a bit more tugging. Chilly has been inside his S4 and teased something about faders so I think there’s a hack coming.
If you don’t like sample decks, if you like arcade buttons, it’s a bit inflexible compared to a non-all-in-one setups, it’s VU meters are useless in my book due to the lack of a useful master VU, you can get some kick-ass midifighters and a mixer for the same price, but in the end it’s the best all-in-one on the market… Untill the new novation controller.
! It’s Kunal. Anyway yeah honestly the only drawback is the lack of replaceable levers, even the knobs are a bitch to switch.
