S4 vs VCI-400???? pros/cons

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S4 vs VCI-400???? pros/cons
Posted on: 15.02.2012 by Dagmar Oblock
I just purches the S4 for $760 brand new but I don't know if I messed up, should I wait to get the vci 400? What's the pros and cons with the two, please help thanks.
Inez Marcinik
20.02.2012
Originally Posted by Agastya
Actually there is a scratch functionality. But it requires Traktor 2.1.2 and you need the mapping for Traktor on the Vestax website.
I'm unsure if I understand you correctly, but as far as I know and can find out the vci-400 is not Traktor certified. If you have any evidence to the contrary It would be good to see it. If I remember correctly the xone:4d was given timecode functionality without any official announcements so this could be the case, I doubt NI would do it though because the vci-400 is a direct competitor with the s4.
Shonda Soulier
20.02.2012
Originally Posted by crumarbit
I have been sticking with TouchOSC with the iPad as i use Traktor and Ableton so was looking for a controller that can be used for both. The 400 can have mappings for Ableton AND Traktor, the S4 can't so for me, it's the 400.
You mean a dual mapping for both programs running simultaneously?
Abram Chapo
19.02.2012		I have been sticking with TouchOSC with the iPad as i use Traktor and Ableton so was looking for a controller that can be used for both. The 400 can have mappings for Ableton AND Traktor, the S4 can't so for me, it's the 400.
Tatum Ansaldo
17.02.2012		Pretty much, yes. With the S4 you'd need to buy the scratch upgrade kit (I believe it's something like $100-150) then you can use the built in interface, otherwise you need the full package.

Personally, I much prefer the layout of the VCI-400 to the S4, but I've never used one in the flesh.
Mathilda Loeffel
16.02.2012
Originally Posted by fullenglishpint
With respect, that's not true. You cannot use the scratch feature in Traktor Pro without a scratch licence and an NI certified audio interface or mixer. If you buy a scratch package with the audio 6 or 10 you could use that.
So let me get this straight. I could use the VCI-400 but I'd need the full scratch package with audio card (which is pricy) whereas with the S4 I'm able to just get the software and timecode vinyl and everything else works through the controller? Which would mean using the VCI-400 with DVS is an expensive setup vs just getting the S4.

Hopefully I'm not high jacking this thread but I believe the info helps everyone.
For the money the 400 seems better for myself and for my buddy with TT's the S4 seems like the logical choice. Right?
Dagmar Oblock
16.02.2012
Originally Posted by DJDoubleYou
if you want quallity buy the S4
What makes the s4 good quality vs the vci 400? Thanks
Shonda Soulier
16.02.2012
Originally Posted by DJDoubleYou
if you want quallity buy the S4
When you used the VCI-400, what made you believe it was of poorer quality than the S4?
Tatum Ansaldo
16.02.2012
Originally Posted by Agastya
Actually there is a scratch functionality. But it requires Traktor 2.1.2 and you need the mapping for Traktor on the Vestax website.
With respect, that's not true. You cannot use the scratch feature in Traktor Pro without a scratch licence and an NI certified audio interface or mixer. If you buy a scratch package with the audio 6 or 10 you could use that.
Era Roka
16.02.2012		if you want quallity buy the S4
Shonda Soulier
17.02.2012
Originally Posted by davidvizion
Dang it's hard to chose, seems to be that the s4 is more out of the box ready and support and mapping is avalible now vs the 400 not as much. I payed $760 for the s4 and I can send it back to zzounds and reserve the vci and pay like $240 more for it. But is it worth the trouble?????
What about this... The 400 doesn't come with Traktor...just Virtual DJ. The S4 comes with a free upgrade for Traktor Pro 2. If you already have TPro2 it may lean you toward the 400 but software would be a $200 add-on otherwise.

They are on par with each other in terms of quality so don't believe you can go wrong with either, but the software inclusion is a phenomenal deal all things considered.
Dagmar Oblock
16.02.2012		Dang it's hard to chose, seems to be that the s4 is more out of the box ready and support and mapping is avalible now vs the 400 not as much. I payed $760 for the s4 and I can send it back to zzounds and reserve the vci and pay like $240 more for it. But is it worth the trouble?????
Lorilee Nadalin
16.02.2012
Originally Posted by fullenglishpint
Just as an aside, the VCI is of course not compatible with Traktor's scratch functionality out of the box, but there's nothing to stop you buying a TSP package from NI and using their audio interface instead of the built in one. That would be pretty expensive though.
Actually there is a scratch functionality. But it requires Traktor 2.1.2 and you need the mapping for Traktor on the Vestax website.
Tatum Ansaldo
16.02.2012		Just as an aside, the VCI is of course not compatible with Traktor's scratch functionality out of the box, but there's nothing to stop you buying a TSP package from NI and using their audio interface instead of the built in one. That would be pretty expensive though.
Ngan Ernestine
16.02.2012		to add another argument pro S4: it is the most-popular controller in its class. it has consistently been outselling the competition since its release. despite notable new products from denon, pio, and vestax, the S4 is still the best-selling DJ controller above $500. in that respect, its similar to the X1 or the vci-100. tons of people have it.

one could argue that buying a mainstream controller has some advantages. it is more likely to retain its value over time (because, even a few years down the road, people still know the device). replacement parts might be cheaper and easier to find. community support (mappings, mods, etc.) is more likely to be good. as i already wrote above: it is a problem that--as technology advances at a high pace--, controllers are becoming obsolete relatively quickly. but i do believe that a product with a big user community have the potential to remain relevant a bit longer.
Ngan Ernestine
16.02.2012		from my perspective, the biggest difference are the jogs. i'd say which jogs you prefer is more a matter of personal taste than anything else. but they do feel substantially different.

sometimes people on the community s note that the vci-400 is better built. the vci-400 is "solid," whereas the S4 is a "plastic bomber." i couldn't disagree more with this. first, i don't believe it's true that the S4 is a plastic bomber. to me, it seems the unit is mostly built out of a (aluminum?) alloy, only part of the top plate is made out of (acrylic?) plastic. but i'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to materials. maybe some DJTTers can be more specifiic? second, and more importantly, anecdotal evidence suggests that the S4 is well-built (ask Karlos Santos, for example). third, a controller doesn't need to be built like a tank. don't cherish the illusion that a controller is like a technics. chances are you will replace your controller in a few years due to technological advances, regardless of what you buy today.

as has been mentioned already, the S4 is scratch-certified, the vci-400 isn't.

lastly, i suspect the S4 might provide for a better out-of-the-box experience. it's produced by NI itself so traktor integration is excellent. on the other hand, vestax positioned the vci-400 as a product for tinkerers. not even all button and knobs are labelled on the device. presumably, with the vci-400, you might need to tweak a bit more. (i can't say for sure, though, as i've never set up a vci-400 myself.)
Mathilda Loeffel
16.02.2012
Originally Posted by ToOntown
Actually, you can map the S4 however you want if it's in Midi mode. S4 works in TPro as well, not just Scratch.

You're right about the chassis. S4 is plastic, 400 is aluminum.

S4 can be bought for less $$ at the moment. VCI-400 is around a grand.

Personally, I would rather have the 400. I like the layout better, more buttons for juggling and sampling, and I believe it looks a lot sexier than the S4.
Ah cool. A friend of mine has TT's and is looking to incorporate a controller and DVS. The S4 can work in that setup but not the VCI-400 right?

EDIT: Just saw the above post. I'll have to check the FB page. With all the benefits and if it works with scratch the 400 seems like a logical choice. Any other pro's and con's other than personal preference?

The 400 is looking pretty nice right now.
Lorilee Nadalin
16.02.2012		I was in the same dilemma, but last week I received my VCI-400, and I love it!!

It comes with Serato DJ intro and VDJ, but I prefer to use Traktor Pro. The mappings are not 100% perfect yet, but it won't be long for that to be changed with he growing number of users.

There's a clip on the facebook vci-400 page where the vinyl scratch mode is shown using Traktor Scratch.

The build is just excellent, really professional. I like the cue pads that have an excellent feel and touch when you use DJ PowerTools or other samples. The knobs and faders are far more superior if I compare it with my Novation products.

Two things that most of the people are hoping for is the following:

- Compatibility with Serato Itch, Dj Intro is fine, but too basic, and supports only 2 decks. The VCI-400 has 4 decks, so Itch would be a more logical choice

- Fully compatible with future mappings for the Ean Golden VCI-400 SE


I would recommend you to visit a store and compare both the S4 and the VCI-400 before making any decisions.

Good luck!
Shonda Soulier
15.02.2012
Originally Posted by urbanj
I believe only the S4 has the ability to work with Traktor Scratch. I know the VCI-400 is all metal design vs the plastic dominated S4. The 400 also has the ability to be programmed with any mapping you want and you can get blank overlays for it I believe. The S4 is already pre programmed for perfect integration with Traktor.

I haven't played with either but I'm researching both as well. I'm waiting to see the Ean Golden edition of the VCI-400.
Actually, you can map the S4 however you want if it's in Midi mode. S4 works in TPro as well, not just Scratch.

You're right about the chassis. S4 is plastic, 400 is aluminum.

S4 can be bought for less $$ at the moment. VCI-400 is around a grand.

Personally, I would rather have the 400. I like the layout better, more buttons for juggling and sampling, and I believe it looks a lot sexier than the S4.
Mathilda Loeffel
15.02.2012		I believe only the S4 has the ability to work with Traktor Scratch. I know the VCI-400 is all metal design vs the plastic dominated S4. The 400 also has the ability to be programmed with any mapping you want and you can get blank overlays for it I believe. The S4 is already pre programmed for perfect integration with Traktor.

I haven't played with either but I'm researching both as well. I'm waiting to see the Ean Golden edition of the VCI-400.

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