Help!! Is it worth buying the S4 or should I go for the S2?
Help!! Is it worth buying the S4 or should I go for the S2? Posted on: 28.12.2012 by Rashida Stoutenburgh Hey everyone. So I've decided to change my DJ set from Torq to Traktor, which seems to be much better. I want to buy also a Traktor controller, cause all the djing I did was just with my Mac. I've seen some posts regarding the S2 vs. S4 but some say the S2 is the best, some others say the S4 is definitely the one, so I'm not really sure yet... People say the S4 is huge...but is there really a big difference with the S2? Also, is it that bad that the S2 doesn't have filter knob? And finally, I really like adding samples to songs when djing just to make my mix more dynamic, so is it really necessary to have the extra 2 decks, or can I work my way out with the samples in the S2. In general, between the S2 and S4, which one would you believe is the best to go with? I don't want to make the wrong decision and then regret buying/not buying one of the controllers. I'll appreciate your help in my decision! -A | |
| Margaretta Hebenstreit 29.12.2012 |
Originally Posted by AMG
The X1 is a normal midi controller to control basic traktor controls, like transports, loops, effects etc. it does not have any faders or eqs, but the knobs can be remapped as such. it is mainly used in addition to dvs/timecode setups or with an external mixer and soundcard. it can also be used for additional effects and controls or deck c and d with something like an s2 or s4. for the s2 however it is not really suitable because you dont have linefaders for decks c and d. if you want something like that to add to an s2 maybe have a look into the A&H xone k2. the z2 is a standalone two channel mixer which can also be used as a midi controller. it does however (in my opinion) not give you enough control to be used as a standalone controller. it could however be combined with an x1 for example and would perfectly work in a setup with cdjs or turntables. |
| Rashida Stoutenburgh 29.12.2012 |
Originally Posted by whiskeyflip
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| Kristofer Krauel 28.12.2012 |
Originally Posted by Jester
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| Ulysses Vittetoe 28.12.2012 |
Originally Posted by AMG
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| Rashida Stoutenburgh 28.12.2012 |
Originally Posted by Emery
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| Rashida Stoutenburgh 28.12.2012 | Hey everyone. So I've decided to change my DJ set from Torq to Traktor, which seems to be much better. I want to buy also a Traktor controller, cause all the djing I did was just with my Mac. I've seen some posts regarding the S2 vs. S4 but some say the S2 is the best, some others say the S4 is definitely the one, so I'm not really sure yet... People say the S4 is huge...but is there really a big difference with the S2? Also, is it that bad that the S2 doesn't have filter knob? And finally, I really like adding samples to songs when djing just to make my mix more dynamic, so is it really necessary to have the extra 2 decks, or can I work my way out with the samples in the S2. In general, between the S2 and S4, which one would you believe is the best to go with? I don't want to make the wrong decision and then regret buying/not buying one of the controllers. I'll appreciate your help in my decision! -A |
| Cassidy Galindez 29.12.2012 | I use a Z2 and for what you're describing, it sounds like what you're after. It's pretty much built to launch samples off decks C/D and is very easy to navigate. I use mine with 2x Denon SC2000 and its a pretty legit set up. |
| Jetta Drenzek 29.12.2012 | It all depends on what you need. I personally am aiming to get a Novation Twitch. Tried one in the local shop the other day and it blew my mind and that was using serato, which I'm not a fan of. Such a flexible controller! A lot of people are rocking the S2 and 2 F1's, and I'd say this is a very good way to go. The remix decks, while they do have a master volume, have four individual volume sliders as well, so you don't need the extra two of S4. It's hard to mix 4 decks efficiently without 4 platters also. The remix decks are a pretty big thing, and you can guarantee the next Traktor update, which many speculate will be out in the near future, is guaranteed to have some mind blowing features for the remix decks. Any decent DJ set up costs money, so look at it not just as what you need now, but what you're going to need 6 or even 12 months down the line. |
| Margaretta Hebenstreit 29.12.2012 |
Originally Posted by AMG
The X1 is a normal midi controller to control basic traktor controls, like transports, loops, effects etc. it does not have any faders or eqs, but the knobs can be remapped as such. it is mainly used in addition to dvs/timecode setups or with an external mixer and soundcard. it can also be used for additional effects and controls or deck c and d with something like an s2 or s4. for the s2 however it is not really suitable because you dont have linefaders for decks c and d. if you want something like that to add to an s2 maybe have a look into the A&H xone k2. the z2 is a standalone two channel mixer which can also be used as a midi controller. it does however (in my opinion) not give you enough control to be used as a standalone controller. it could however be combined with an x1 for example and would perfectly work in a setup with cdjs or turntables. |
| Ervin Calvery 29.12.2012 | AMG - I have a Z2 and love it. It is a real mixer, and comes with Traktor Scratch Pro 2 and control vinyl. I use it with two F1s, and sometimes a Maschine (as a Traktor controller) for my Traktor setup. |
| Rashida Stoutenburgh 29.12.2012 | Volpe, what you said about getting the S2 + f1 sounds nice. I also saw some others talked about having the x1. I like both ideas, together they're still cheaper than the s4. So people, which would be more convenient between the f1 or the x1 ? (Or the z2? I just saw it is a new kontrol) |
| Rashida Stoutenburgh 29.12.2012 |
Originally Posted by whiskeyflip
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| Margaretta Hebenstreit 29.12.2012 | oh yeah dont get me wrong, i'm totally with jester and rjc, but for what is asked in the thread, see my post above |
| Elizabet Sledz 29.12.2012 | The S2/S4 is fantastic in the way of features, but a little shonky in the build quality department. I had to claim warranty less than 5 months into buying an S2. One was the RCA jack snapped off internally, not to mention the plastic peels away from the buttons. The same peeling occurred on my Second S2 I'm with Jester on the Mixer and X1's... tis a thing of beauty |
| Margaretta Hebenstreit 29.12.2012 | I bought the s4 like 1.5 years ago because i wanted to be able to mix on 4 decks. i never did that since you can not mix on if you have transport controls for only 2 and need to switch them, mixing a track from deck a to c is almost impossible without screwing up because you forget to switch. sure, the sample decks are quite nice, but now you can get an f1 for that. and about the filter knobs on the s2: you can change the mapping to make the gain-knobs filters, since with traktors autogain you dont really need gain knobs anyway. so my go for your needs would be an s2 and a f1, full control over two trackdecks and 1 (or two) remix decks for samples etc for less than the price of an s4. also more mobile imo cause the two pieces are smaller. |
| Tatiana Verdeja 29.12.2012 | Only things that have ever made either of them worth buying is if: A: you're not intelligent enough to import the default mapping for a better controller, and require the S2/S4's "plug and play software integration". or B: you plan on using timecode with the S4, because of it's scratch-certified sound card. I'd strongly advise you to look into the many higher-quality controllers out there that around the same price and cheaper. Their two main issues are that you can't remap them like you can any other controller, and the build quality is well-documented in being among the worst of any professional DJ controller on the market. Source: I bought an S4 when they first came out, and it's hands down the worst piece of DJ gear I've ever owned. Has broken and been replaced twice, and is now broken again. |
| Randal Biza 29.12.2012 | Agreed. I pretty much love all Native Instruments hardware. |
| Latoria Kavulich 29.12.2012 | 'Tis a thing of beauty |
| Kristofer Krauel 28.12.2012 |
Originally Posted by Jester
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| Randal Biza 28.12.2012 | S4. You gain more than just two more mixer channels. You also gain extra cue point/remix deck buttons. No filter on S2 sealed the deal for me. |
| Latoria Kavulich 28.12.2012 | Get the S4. If you want a more modular setup more suitable for playing out, pick up an audio 2 or 6, X1 and maybe a mixer such as the new Z2. |
| Ulysses Vittetoe 28.12.2012 |
Originally Posted by AMG
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| Rashida Stoutenburgh 28.12.2012 |
Originally Posted by Emery
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| Geri Jarra 28.12.2012 | The S4 is big compared to an S2, but is dwarfed by the Pio DDJ's Do you use 2 decks or 4 when you mix? |
| Sheilah Kurzhal 28.12.2012 | I rocked clubs all last summer w/ my S2 and MBP 13" ... Nice Odyssey flight case .. and a Launchpad. As minimal as that rig sounds .. I hit it hard .. and would have hated to add anymore weight to my setup. S2 in flight case looks legit. Launchpad for samples and more FX. I had a blast. And so did the crowds. If I was a resident somewhere and left my gear ... I'd probably want the S4. |
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