This may seem like a stupid question…

P Chiddy,

I’m actually in the same spot you are. I also started out on a Mixtrack Pro with Serato Intro, then I moved on to the NS7Fx with Itch. Now I’m on the DVS road with SSL I don’t know where you live but Serato seems to be the DJ standard (clubs, bars, etc) in America. SSL is free by the way… its the equipment that costs. Most places here in Italy (and the rest of Europe) are usually Tractor. Obviously I prefer the simplicity of Serato but many people prefer Tractor because from what I understand is the flexibility of the software and effects offered.

Now to your question… from what I see you are transitioning into being a professional Dj with a residency so I say get the gear that presents you as a professional. See what the standard is in your area and master that. Playing on a DVS set up (CDJs or Turntables w/ Laptop) is different then playing on a controller. Not better just different. It is also looked at differently by many club owners. Unless you are a longtime established Dj like Phil many new Djs ARE judged as unprofessional or “fake” for showing up with a controller. I don’t like it but it IS a fact.

My advice: Keep the controller for personal use or as an emergency back up and master the club standard.

You are talking like the tools make a DJ. They are not. You are an artist that uses scientific tools to achieve his art.
If you use a 30 year old tape recorder and a faderfox, SSL, VDJ or Traktor or CDJs or rekordbox or whatever does not matter, as long as you can create moments of magic for your audience.
The most important thing when selecting your tools as an artist is: The tool has to compliment your workflow and not stand in your way of performing. So whatever floats your boat is right, there is no wrong decision here.

Terry_42, post: 29153, member: 1843 wrote: You are talking like the tools make a DJ. They are not. You are an artist that uses scientific tools to achieve his art.
If you use a 30 year old tape recorder and a faderfox, SSL, VDJ or Traktor or CDJs or rekordbox or whatever does not matter, as long as you can create moments of magic for your audience.
The most important thing when selecting your tools as an artist is: The tool has to compliment your workflow and not stand in your way of performing. So whatever floats your boat is right, there is no wrong decision here.

I think this is the first time I would ever have to disagree with you or softcore but I have to point out that you are both correct that the equipment doesn’t make the Dj the performance does, but when you are established Dj, well-known in your scene (local, global, whatever) you can get away with a lot more. Theres a big difference between myself showing up to an event with a mixtrack pro and Frankie Knuckles walking into Space with a mixtrack pro. When you are up and coming establishing yourself you have to both the skills and the ability to present yourself professionally. Your equipment IS part of showing your professionalism. IMHO you have to know how to use all the equipment out there. When you are new to the scene you can’t afford to lose a gig just becuase you’re tied down to your one controller. Flexibility gets you more gigs.

Bottom line: If you want the S4 and feel like it, then by all means go for it. (And that comes from someone like me who dislikes the S4, but would never dismiss you as a DJ for using one.)

It is just the way I work and my workflow. I like really good and large jog wheels that are right there in front of me. The S4 has more the controllerist setup with the jogs in the back and I dislike the small jogwheels.
Do not get me wrong, this kind of setup is perfect for many DJs and the S4 is perfectly suited for them, but it would disturb my workflow (I had an S4 for like 4 months) and just do not feel as comfy using it than my Terminal Mix 4.
The S4 has a number of things going for it … just not for me.

Coming from A controllerist Traktor Fanboy….I love my S4…and i wouldnt trade it for anything….cept maybe a VCI-400 EGE edition….sigh…this feels like deja vu.