Thinking of getting the Traktor S4

[ninthy4]

So, I have been looking into the Traktor S4 lately because I can't really afford a real Technics/CDJ rig. Any opinions about this controller?
I was thinking of first getting the Traktor S4 and mix with that, and later on get a pair of turntables and hook up with the S4 and use that as a mixer. Is this possible? Will I also be able to play vinyl this way?

[Autism]

Same here man. I've only seen some tutorials and some performances on youtube with the S4 and it seems like it's doing the job ok. I think it seems like a great way to learn to DJ with Traktor to a decent price, but i can be wrong, so as said some opinions would be great.

Wohoo, en svensk!

[clemsonheadies]

I dunno how it is over there in Sveden, but in the States if you can afford an S4 you can afford a pair of used Technics.

As far as the S4 goes, you CAN use it as a standalone mixer, which is pretty cool.. but in all honesty, when you have a 4-deck MIDI controller sitting right in front of you, why would you want to limit yourself to 2 turntables?

Overall, I think it's decent, but it seems like there are better 4-deck MIDI controllers out there around the same price point. Check out the Denon DN-MC6000, and the Allen & Heath Xone:DX. Both offer four deck control and can act as standalone mixers like the S4, but they are built more ruggedly and seem to have less issues with bugs/defects.

[ninthy4]

I dunno how it is over there in Sveden, but in the States if you can afford an S4 you can afford a pair of used Technics.

As far as the S4 goes, you CAN use it as a standalone mixer, which is pretty cool.. but in all honesty, when you have a 4-deck MIDI controller sitting right in front of you, why would you want to limit yourself to 2 turntables?

Overall, I think it's decent, but it seems like there are better 4-deck MIDI controllers out there around the same price point. Check out the Denon DN-MC6000, and the Allen & Heath Xone:DX. Both offer four deck control and can act as standalone mixers like the S4, but they are built more ruggedly and seem to have less issues with bugs/defects.

Thanks! So, is bugs and defects a common problem with the S4? I think a pair of used Technics are at the same pricerange yeah, but then I also need to get a mixer, and right now I need something to DJ with for streaming, webradios and when I'm playing on different events here in the local area. I really liked the look of the Allen & Heath Xone:DX, but those jogwheels looks really tiny. The Denon DN-MC6000 looks very nice aswell but I like the style of the Allen & Heath Xone:DX alittle bit more, the mixer on the Xone:DX is beautiful.
So they do work as mixers if I get a pair of Technics later? That's great It's hard to decide what I should get though.

[clemsonheadies]

I dunno how it is over there in Sveden, but in the States if you can afford an S4 you can afford a pair of used Technics.

As far as the S4 goes, you CAN use it as a standalone mixer, which is pretty cool.. but in all honesty, when you have a 4-deck MIDI controller sitting right in front of you, why would you want to limit yourself to 2 turntables?

Overall, I think it's decent, but it seems like there are better 4-deck MIDI controllers out there around the same price point. Check out the Denon DN-MC6000, and the Allen & Heath Xone:DX. Both offer four deck control and can act as standalone mixers like the S4, but they are built more ruggedly and seem to have less issues with bugs/defects.

Thanks! So, is bugs and defects a common problem with the S4? I think a pair of used Technics are at the same pricerange yeah, but then I also need to get a mixer, and right now I need something to DJ with for streaming, webradios and when I'm playing on different events here in the local area. I really liked the look of the Allen & Heath Xone:DX, but those jogwheels looks really tiny. The Denon DN-MC6000 looks very nice aswell but I like the style of the Allen & Heath Xone:DX alittle bit more, the mixer on the Xone:DX is beautiful.
So they do work as mixers if I get a pair of Technics later? That's great It's hard to decide what I should get though.

It was on the first run of 'em, at least.. not sure if they've got everything sorted out or not.

[franl]

I dunno how it is over there in Sveden, but in the States if you can afford an S4 you can afford a pair of used Technics.

As far as the S4 goes, you CAN use it as a standalone mixer, which is pretty cool.. but in all honesty, when you have a 4-deck MIDI controller sitting right in front of you, why would you want to limit yourself to 2 turntables?

Overall, I think it's decent, but it seems like there are better 4-deck MIDI controllers out there around the same price point. Check out the Denon DN-MC6000, and the Allen & Heath Xone:DX. Both offer four deck control and can act as standalone mixers like the S4, but they are built more ruggedly and seem to have less issues with bugs/defects.

Thanks! So, is bugs and defects a common problem with the S4? I think a pair of used Technics are at the same pricerange yeah, but then I also need to get a mixer, and right now I need something to DJ with for streaming, webradios and when I'm playing on different events here in the local area. I really liked the look of the Allen & Heath Xone:DX, but those jogwheels looks really tiny. The Denon DN-MC6000 looks very nice aswell but I like the style of the Allen & Heath Xone:DX alittle bit more, the mixer on the Xone:DX is beautiful.
So they do work as mixers if I get a pair of Technics later? That's great It's hard to decide what I should get though.

It was on the first run of 'em, at least.. not sure if they've got everything sorted out or not.

ninthy4, based on your initial comments, now would be a perfect time to get the S4 because at the moment it comes with a free S4 Scratch upgrade kit (including control vinyl and CDs). So once you're ready to add physical turntables, you can route them through the S4, and mix them on the S4.

The Denon and Allen & Heath controllers are good controllers no doubt, but you also need to look at what software you're getting with the controller. The S4 comes with the full version of Traktor Pro 2, where as the Denon comes with Virtual DJ LE, and the A&H comes with Serato Itch. And like I just mentioned, the S4 also comes with the Scratch upgrade for the time being. As mentioned above, the S4 isn't the most rugged, but it's fairly rugged as far as MIDI controllers go.

Not hearing much by way of bugs/defects recently re the S4, and I haven't had any issues myself with my own S4 (aside from what appears to be a Traktor 2 issue with calibrating my right jog wheel...which doesn't appear to be messing it up at all, as I still use that jog to line up tracks, search through a track, etc.).

I got mine while interning here: http://bit.ly/q2Of7x Came with a free tutorial DVD, free audio cable, free laptop sticker, and free domestic shipping (the international shipping isn't too bad either from what I remember)...so, it's a pretty good place to get your S4 from should you decide to go that route. At the end of the day, it comes down to which combination of controller layout, software, and build quality you're most comfortable with. The S4 hits the sweet spot for me over all those areas, but everyone is different

[Autism]

I also need to get a mixer, and right now I need something to DJ with for streaming, webradios and when I'm playing on different events here in the local area.

When playing at events you could get the most standard gear if you include it in your tech rider, or are you talking about smaller events instead of playing at clubs in Södertälje?

[amidoinitrite]

didn't read any posts but I'll give you my opinion on the S4..
DON'T DO IT..
If you are looking to buy TSP2 + soundcard and also want a midi controller then.. its an okay deal..
but if you aren't using timecode or already have TSP2 then you are waisting your money.
Reason being.. S4s are what? $900?
TSP2 is $600?
So you're basically paying for TSP2 + a $300 controller which seems about right.

Its very cheap. I'd rank the faders on the same level as an APC40 (at best)
Buttons feels cheap.. you only get 2 Fx racks.. platter feels like its broken.
and also your soundcard IS your controller, so you'd have to take that with you even if you just needed a soundcard.

If you're not using DVS then TP2 is only $200 and you can definitely get a better setup with the rest of your budget.

I was about to downgrade to an S4.. I bought into all the hype.. then I tried one out for my self.. I was very disappointed. Its VERY toy-like
Like I said.. if you're in the position where you want to use DVS and want to mix internally with a controller.. and you need Traktor and a soundcard.. the S4 is a decent deal.. otherwise stay away.

Thats just my opinion tho!

[franl]

didn't read any posts but I'll give you my opinion on the S4..
DON'T DO IT..
If you are looking to buy TSP2 + soundcard and also want a midi controller then.. its an okay deal..
but if you aren't using timecode or already have TSP2 then you are waisting your money.
Reason being.. S4s are what? $900?
TSP2 is $600?
So you're basically paying for TSP2 + a $300 controller which seems about right.

Its very cheap. I'd rank the faders on the same level as an APC40 (at best)
Buttons feels cheap.. you only get 2 Fx racks.. platter feels like its broken.
and also your soundcard IS your controller, so you'd have to take that with you even if you just needed a soundcard.

If you're not using DVS then TP2 is only $200 and you can definitely get a better setup with the rest of your budget.

I was about to downgrade to an S4.. I bought into all the hype.. then I tried one out for my self.. I was very disappointed. Its VERY toy-like
Like I said.. if you're in the position where you want to use DVS and want to mix internally with a controller.. and you need Traktor and a soundcard.. the S4 is a decent deal.. otherwise stay away.

Thats just my opinion tho!

With any popular product, you'll have people who love it, and people who hate it...clearly you fall into the second camp For me it made sense because I didn't own TP2, and I wanted the simplicity of an all in one solution. The volume faders feel decent; the crossfader did initially feel a bit disappointing as far as quality goes, but I forget about it once I start having fun with the unit. As far as your other complaints, I like how the buttons feel. The knobs feel great as well. I see what you mean about the platter, since you can press the top part down a bit, but that's not really a big deal for me personally. And other then that, they feel quite stable. As for needing to bring the whole unit if you just needed a soundcard...well, I'd just buy a spare soundcard like an NI Audio 2 or Audio 6 for that scenario.

What's your current setup btw, amidoinitrite? And what are some better 4 deck setups for $700 or less (after subtracting $200 for TP2)?

[ninjadog]

I don't know man, if you get an all in one with hopes of getting 1200's one day you probably will never get around to getting your tables. Unless you get the cheapest all-in-one you can find that will get you by, or hold off until you get your tables (or at least one table for now) and get Serato Scratch Live. That way you can control your digital files with timecoded vinyl, then slap a real record on there next. Which ever software you prefer but IMO Serato time coded vinyl/cd's are the way to go.

At the same time I can see the appeal of an all-in-one, I really like Vestax's offerings http://www.vestax.com/v/products/catago ... arent_id=0

[amidoinitrite]

didn't read any posts but I'll give you my opinion on the S4..
DON'T DO IT..
If you are looking to buy TSP2 + soundcard and also want a midi controller then.. its an okay deal..
but if you aren't using timecode or already have TSP2 then you are waisting your money.
Reason being.. S4s are what? $900?
TSP2 is $600?
So you're basically paying for TSP2 + a $300 controller which seems about right.

Its very cheap. I'd rank the faders on the same level as an APC40 (at best)
Buttons feels cheap.. you only get 2 Fx racks.. platter feels like its broken.
and also your soundcard IS your controller, so you'd have to take that with you even if you just needed a soundcard.

If you're not using DVS then TP2 is only $200 and you can definitely get a better setup with the rest of your budget.

I was about to downgrade to an S4.. I bought into all the hype.. then I tried one out for my self.. I was very disappointed. Its VERY toy-like
Like I said.. if you're in the position where you want to use DVS and want to mix internally with a controller.. and you need Traktor and a soundcard.. the S4 is a decent deal.. otherwise stay away.

Thats just my opinion tho!

With any popular product, you'll have people who love it, and people who hate it...clearly you fall into the second camp For me it made sense because I didn't own TP2, and I wanted the simplicity of an all in one solution. The volume faders feel decent; the crossfader did initially feel a bit disappointing as far as quality goes, but I forget about it once I start having fun with the unit. As far as your other complaints, I like how the buttons feel. The knobs feel great as well. I see what you mean about the platter, since you can press the top part down a bit, but that's not really a big deal for me personally. And other then that, they feel quite stable. As for needing to bring the whole unit if you just needed a soundcard...well, I'd just buy a spare soundcard like an NI Audio 2 or Audio 6 for that scenario.

What's your current setup btw, amidoinitrite? And what are some better 4 deck setups for $700 or less (after subtracting $200 for TP2)?

A lot of people love it, I'm not sayings its a bad controller.. just not worth the price tag (unless you're looking for a budget DVS setup)

I have a dnx1600 and sc2000. more than enough
..but I have a Midi Fighter on the way just to spice things up..
but personally I could get by a lot better with the x1600 and sc2000 than an S4..
obviously the price after figuring in TSP2 is a lot more.. but its worth it to me.

for $700.. 4 deck mixing internally..
if it were me, I'd get a mixtrack and save up..

It really depends on what you want to do..
if you want more of a CDJ feel then a sc2000.. or 2 if you think you would need access to 2 pitches/platters at the same time. But I usually mix in one track at a time so I haven't had an issues..
I've been working on some triple drops lately and I haven't run into any issues.
BUT if you'd NEED 2 that all you would need a something to control the mixer section (unless you want to map the mixer section to the SC2000s(which would be possible because there 4 banks with 2 pages of every control you see.. so 8 pages).. but for convenience there would be $300 left in the budget to get a controller to control the mixer section. ..and if you only need one sc2000.. that leaves you with $500.

An Acp40 + SC2000 would be a VERY nice setup. could easily control the mixer section and would still have $200 left over.
..2 SC2000s + APC40 = some crazy kit at the tip of your fingers.. probably over kill

ACP20/launchpad + SC2000 would leave you $400 for a mixer section.

the reason I keep mentioning the SC2000 is because if you want a jog and pitch.. this thing is it.
if not you can scrap that out and get something else.. X1? I've never tried one.. I've heard the build is the same as the S4.

Obviously if you're looking for DVS and don't have TSP2 then the S4 is a decent deal.
BUT at the same time, if you want to use DVS I would suggest getting a proper club mixer!

IMO.. Midi is midi..
The S4 isn't built well enough for me to justify spending $900 for the amount of controls you get.
thats just my opinion.

[dublerium]

i went from midi, to cdj, to technics with serato, now i have no serato (will be repurchasing when back in the money). Obviously it's down to personal preference but as you say your keen on getting tables in the future, it'd make your life simpler to just get them now. Getting an all in one with the ambition to get tables in the future is only going to hinder the process. I'd say get a pair of used technics, going to be cheaper than that traktor s4, then in the future get a second hand serato sl2 if you cant afford to keep buying records.

[franl]

Nice, sounds like that setup works well for you (which is all that matters). Personally I'd rather pay $450 less, have another platter, and mix internally with the S4 Plus with the free Scratch upgrade, I can eventually pick up a secondhand CDJ and mess around with club standard DJ kit.

Did you get a Midi Fighter Classic or Pro?

[amidoinitrite]

Nice, sounds like that setup works well for you (which is all that matters). Personally I'd rather pay $450 less, have another platter, and mix internally with the S4 Plus with the free Scratch upgrade, I can eventually pick up a secondhand CDJ and mess around with club standard DJ kit.

Did you get a Midi Fighter Classic or Pro?

That makes sense!!
I ended up getting the classic.. the Pro was kind of overkill for me.
I learned early that overkill really hinders my creativity.. so I want to keep it minimum.. but leave room to experiment.

[franl]

Nice, sounds like that setup works well for you (which is all that matters). Personally I'd rather pay $450 less, have another platter, and mix internally with the S4 Plus with the free Scratch upgrade, I can eventually pick up a secondhand CDJ and mess around with club standard DJ kit.

Did you get a Midi Fighter Classic or Pro?

That makes sense!!
I ended up getting the classic.. the Pro was kind of overkill for me.
I learned early that overkill really hinders my creativity.. so I want to keep it minimum.. but leave room to experiment.

I hear ya. Amen to that! I purposely stop myself from getting certain software/hardware just so I can push myself further on existing gear. It's like a jack of all trades, master of none kind of thing.

[ninthy4]

Why I was thinking of getting a S4 is because I want do like I said sets for streaming etc since I can't afford a pair of Technics/CDJs + mixer at once, and I don't really want to buy some plastic controller that will be for no use later on when I get turntables. I don't have a job (still going to school) so I don't really have any income. I'm very used to Traktor itself, I have been using a Numark Mixtrack at school. I also have played around with some turntables + serato, I really love the feeling of mixing with turntables. I might look some more for a good deal of used Technics/CDJs, mixer and soundcard

[ogunslinger]

The kontrol s4 is awesome, It's worth every penny forsure.

Wish I could get the traktor s4 synced with live 8 and all... would be dope!

[ninthy4]

But now I wonder, can I use turntables with the Denon MC6000? I've seen that it doesn't support timecode?

[amidoinitrite]

The kontrol s4 is awesome, It's worth every penny forsure.

Wish I could get the traktor s4 synced with live 8 and all... would be dope!

I'm guessing you didn't get TSP2 for free?
Is the S4 version limited in a way that it can't send clock out?
I've ran TSP/TSP2 with ableton

But now I wonder, can I use turntables with the Denon MC6000? I've seen that it doesn't support timecode?

You'd need a soundcard.. at least an audio 4 dj if you want to timecode with 2 decks?

[Atac]

Nice, sounds like that setup works well for you (which is all that matters). Personally I'd rather pay $450 less, have another platter, and mix internally with the S4 Plus with the free Scratch upgrade, I can eventually pick up a secondhand CDJ and mess around with club standard DJ kit.

Did you get a Midi Fighter Classic or Pro?

That makes sense!!
I ended up getting the classic.. the Pro was kind of overkill for me.
I learned early that overkill really hinders my creativity.. so I want to keep it minimum.. but leave room to experiment.

Didn't really read most of this thread, but I just have to let you know that you will absolutely love your Midi Fighter

That thing feels so good to jam out on!