For a first controller I’m looking at both of these. Hopefully would be able to pick up a DX second hand but in good cond. for a similar price to a brand new S2. So aside from the fact that one wouldn’t be brand new what’s the comparison like for these two?
The jogwheels of the DX put me off slightly, with their size (why didn’t A&H just make the thing a bit bigger and have bigger jogs/buttons?) and the fact they’re not touch sensitive, however I’m not entirely sure what the ‘touch sensitive-ness’ affects?
Traktor vs Serato? I really like the look of Traktor Pro, is it possible to use it with the DX? I hear the effects on Traktor are much better? I don’t think Serato allows for album art?
Build quality. The DX really looks the part, professional and quality like you’d expect from A&H. How does the S2 compare in this regard?
4 channels. Obviously a benefit, but as a beginner is this necessary (I can’t afford an S4)?
I assume both can be used with a 2.1 speaker setup?
The Jogs on the DX are a joke no scratching ect the s2 jogs are like mini cdj jogs good for scratching and pitch bend.
Both can be used with Traktor only the DX is native to Itch the plus with using the DX with Traktor is you can do 4 decks but again the jogs mind you that is no problem for some
You can download a demo of Traktor to test out from the NI website
Yep Traktor in my opinion is better def with the effects itch aint half bad to personal pref tbh Itch does allow album art as well
Dx with itch = 4 decks limited effects shit jogs plus you can use with Traktor to
S2 is a 2 deck controller but have read there are 4 deck mapping floating round the net
Effects will be the same, but it’s worth to consider that the DX is a fairly old controller, and it will struggle to keep up with more modern controllers such as the S2.
If you are wanting to scratch sty away from the AH.. I like my DX, but i got a killer deal on it and actually like using it. I have never touched an S2 but as a former S4 owner the build and sound quality was all in the DX’s corner.
FX don’t change with controllers. Traktor has the same effects wether your using a keyboard and mouse or a controller.
The S2 was built by NI for their software so obviously right out of the box it is going to be integrated nicely and work without any mapping needed..
Try them both out if you can, thats the only real way to know what you will like better.
The s2 build is decent though, like an x1 or whatever.
The jogs on s2 blow the dx out the water.
The deal on the s2 at the moment is incredible, look into it. Also the soundcard built into S2 is worth considering. Basically it’s really high quality, essentially an Audio 6 soundcard.
Fair enough if you were talking about mixers, i might understand the argument for A&H but when it comes to Traktor controllers, NI all the way.
Also DJTT S2 mapping ftw and all the other support on this forum yo’d get.
Again cheers for the advice guys, def sounding like S2 is the way to go unless I can get a DX for a lot cheaper.
Wouldn’t be interested in scratching to be honest as I’m into deep house, tech, etc. Unfortunately won’t be able to have a go on either so I’d be delving into the unknown to an extent with both. How easy is it to map the DX to Traktor?
I have a Xone DX and like it. I think the audio is better than the S2/S4.
I do not scratch so the jogs are good for scrolling through tunes and other stuff, but not really needed much these days. For a 4 deck unit, the Xone is a great deal if you get a used, killer price.
Right so I could potentially get a DX for £250 inc delivery 2nd hand. An S2 is £320 brand new inc delivery and with a free laptop stand (worth about £18). Traktor Pro 2 isn’t an issue as I’ve got a mate with a spare copy.
The DX is a great controller, allen and heath build quality is second to none IMO. Its a pretty even playing field really when you compare the two. If you’re wanting to scratch a controller isn’t really the best idea in the first place.
Theres plenty of mappings around for the DX for traktor, I’m sure I’ve seen some on the Traktor bible website.
The discontinued it because people didn’t buy it. It’s (it was) expensive.
It doesn’t look cheap. And it certainly doesn’t feel cheap. A&H provide 4 different mappings out of the box for Traktor, and there are others floating around the internet. The jogs are the exact same jogs on all of their midi controllers (4d included), so take solace in the fact that it wasn’t just the DX that left scratch artists out.
If your looking for integration with Traktor get the s2. It was made for the software. There aren’t native controls on the DX that support sample decks or the sampler. If you want a controller that allows you Itch and Traktor support, well then go with the DX.
Hmmm can see what you mean about the pic, but the buttons seemed to have been changed and aren’t rubber on some models. The pitch is a knob and not a fader, don’t really know if that’s an issue or not?
I think the deciding factor is going to be if I can get the DX for cheaper than an S2. I can get the DX for £250 on Gumtree but the guys in Dundee and doesn’t want to use Paypal. Anyone willing to take payment via Paypal and post it if they’re in that area?! (Long shot)
The buttons are plastic. The pitch control is an encoder because the decks are layered. It’s easier to manipulate pitch across the layered decks without having to worry about where a pitch fader is. At least I assume that’s the logic. It’s not an issue if you aren’t a traditionalist that must have a fader for pitch control. It makes moving in hundreths of a bpm extremely easy as well.
Have a look on the A&H site, the buttons are different to the one shown in the pic on the link
Google images throws up the two different styles as well.
mind you that is no problem for some 
more fun
(or if u like A&H a Xone:K2)