Reply to Pioneer DDJ-T1 - A slap in the face for Traktor users !!!

Ok, let me start by saying that I was mesmerized when the Pioneer controllers surfaced, but all the excitement has worn down. I finally started opening my eyes.

Here are my reasons:
SLAP #1- both units are overpriced; other than the jog wheels there are no moving mechanics... F#@K what the Pioneer fanboys say!

SLAP #2-The Serato controller has XLR outs- the Traktor version has 1/4" outs. That is a slap. DID YOUR HEAR IT ?????
If you know anything about professional standards, you might have heard of XLR's...

Slap #3 - There are no visual guides on the Traktor version; aka LED lights, VU meters, readouts etc. The Serato version has more to offer.
Now, I know we have our laptop screens, but for $1300 do you believe it might help.
Oh yeah, but you get one LED on each jog wheel that really is a pseudo light show.

SLAP #4 - Pioneer knobs and buttons suck. The S4 has a better feel on the fingers.
I had the Pioneer EFX machine for years and the knobs get loose and wobbily over time. That was an analog issue- it will be a disaster in the digital/midi side.

SLAP #5 - Both Pioneer models units bury your laptop keyboard, and Pioneer overlooked the most vital element for proper laptop maintenance: VENTILATION. Your mac or pc is gonna get pretty hot under there!

SLAP #6 - The Pioneer units are too big to move around for travel. I doubt they will conform to airline carry-on standards. I would hate to check it in as baggage... good luck! The S4 has a better chance to squeak by.

SLAP #7 - Say goodbye to song searches- NO QWERTY. Remember- your keyboard is BURIED! This is a fundamental advantage of digital DJing.

SLAP #8 - The Traktor Pioneer unit has it's very own "customized" version of Traktor software. Big mistake by Native Instruments. They should stick to the program that is uniformly better. Plus, they have Traktor Pro 2 coming in the horizon. You are out-of-the-loop with customization in the Pioneer market. So what happens when we get a NEW version of software? You go out and buy a NEW controller and empty your wallet all over again!

SLAP #9 - Pioneer/NI, where are the digital outs??? No spdif or AES/EBU !!! I love analog, but we are in 2011. I would like to have the option.

SLAP #10 - The Pioneer units have one thing going for them: their reputation for being a club standard, but sadly, they have not given us their best jog wheels that made them famous. A smaller scale of the CDJ-1000 jog wheels may have made the asking price a bit more modest.

EPILOGUE: For $899, the NI S4 is a mindful investment. You are still paying a bit much by my standards (a Technics 1200 turntable goes for about $350 and look at all the mechanics and craftsmanship you get for the $$$$) OK, so I'm old school...
I am sorry, but this is where I draw the line between controllerists and CDs. Pioneer is bringing the CDJs on board to the midi-controller market, but there is one problem:
The Pioneer decks are designed for a CDJ- not a controllerist.
So if you're a CDJ (I doubt it anyway, if you are reading this...), you might really want to do your homework in the midi-controller market if you want to cross over and make a worthwhile investment before you sell off your CDJ players and mixers.

Lastly, I want to stress one thing. I have DJ'd for nearly 3 decades. Money was easier to make back in the day from gigging. It is tough now. Be wise with your money, and spending more of it won't make you any better. We are in the age of modest pricing- there's a F@#&ING recession going on!!!
They are all selling chips, rubber and plastic for a lot of money, so be careful!

-AVIATORMAN