eros

I’ve never seen or heard them or know anyone that uses them so sorry mate

Clue TheKing, post: 14028, member: 1383 wrote: ok so dj promote jus convinced me that for creativty with traktor the s4 is the unit!! Well i have up until the end of feb to decide so more confusion comin up as iv seen that there new controllers coming out soon ie ns4, gemini mixstation etc hope NI throw us an s4-2 with bigger jog wheels lol thank u guys for ur words…
@eros wats ur comment on a traktor s4 + kontrol x1?

In term of creativity, now I’m guessing you’re going to be running TP2, if you’re going to be firing off heaps of loops and samples then with the DDJ-T1 you’re going to have to download their mapping which allows you to use the C & D Decks as sample decks then use the needle search strip, whereas the S4 already comes with 4 samples buttons on each side. Again with the Denon you will have to map the “Cue” buttons for that purpose. It’s not that hard to do.

BUT, if you’re into mapping and want a controller that gives you heaps of buttons to assign so that you can basically map the thing out the way you want AND it gives you good jogs then I would say the VCI-400 is the way to go. If you have a look under the “Effects” section on each deck you have 12 assignable buttons (4 of which you will probably use as Cues) and the rest you can have as samples and loops, you can go creative crazy on the thing.

Now in terms of which controller is best for scratching, this is a tough one to answer because it’s all about feel which is a totally subjective thing. I like the S4 but is it the best for scratching ? I would say probably not. Same with the DDJ-T1. Also note that the DDJ-T1 does not work as a stand alone mixer so you can’t connect any CDJ’s or turntables to it.

Now here’s the bit where you are going to hate me cause I’m going to make you more confused. You commented that you want a “proper vinyl like jogs” and that means motorized platters. Had a chat to a mate who is a scratch head and his feeling is that the best scratch controller is the Numark NS7 only problem there is that it is 2 channel, Serato & a big unit. Numark also make the 4TRAK which is a 4 channel Traktor controller , but I don’t know anyone who uses it and how good it is for scratching. I don’t think it has motorized plates like the NS7. Phil has made an awesome controller guide that lists all these things. I think it’s well worth a look.

As for S4 + X1 , there’s no advantage to gain by adding an X1 because everything that an X1 does you can already do on the S4. I only use and X1 if I’m using an external mixer like a DJM 800.

In Australia the professional club standard set up is all Pioneer

2 x CDJ 2000
1 x DJM 800/900 or DJM 2000

some places also have a pair of Technics 1200 but I honestly can’t remember the
last time I saw someone use vinyl (real or time code)

Most popular software is Traktor then Serato.

im not sure, are you asking a question or making a statement ?

Talk about a MacGyver moment Phil !!

Well in relation to the jogs I can safely say that the DDJ has a more realistic “feel” than the S4. It basically is the same as a CDJ 350, so they’re not going to be the greatest you’ve experienced. I’d say the Denon is better in that regard to both of them but from everything I’ve read the VCI-400 is superior yet again.

Hopefully when Phil comes across this thread he’ll be able to give you more feedback as he is the only person I know that has tried all of these controllers. If he doesn’t, then seeing as though you won’t be able to try before you buy, then I think its worth giving Phil a shout directly and explain your situation and ask for his recommendation. I’m sure he’ll be only too happy to point you in the right direction.

I found that when I was searching, I read so many reviews that in the end I ended up getting more confused. In relation to the Denon, I’ve had a play on it and have to say it is a well built, high quality unit. If you have any questions about it the go to guy on the forum with anything Denon is DJ Hessler, so give him a shout if you have any questions.

Are you planning on seeing and trying them out before you buy ? Also how important are the jogs to you ? If you’re going to use them a lot and not just for cueing etc then that could change everything again and you might want to consider the Vestax VCI-400, although sounds like you’ve had a bad experience with Vestax and the crossfader looks the same as the 300. That opens up another can of worms in terms of do you want a controller that allows you to do a lot of customising and mapping or do you just want plug and play ?

Let us know how you get on and what your final choice is, good luck !!