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Why do I need and S4? S2 is good enuf.

Home :: NI - Native Instruments S4/S2 Controller talk :: Why do I need and S4? S2 is good enuf.Reply

Why do I need and S4? S2 is good enuf. Posted on: 27.01.2012 by Markita Barchard I'm ready to take the next step and get a controller. I currently use 1200's (no time code) and a Denon dual cd player nothing fancy. I like club/house/hip-hop/dubstep. Basic mixing with the cross-fader beat matching with my ear. Anyways I want to take my djing to the next level using samples, hot-ques, loops, rolls, effects etc... I want to create some signature stuff. I was looking at a Numark NS6 then decided Tracktor and the S4 was the way to go. Then the S2 came out and the price seems just right. So before I make my final decision I'd like to hear some opinions on why I should get an S4 vs. an S2.
Tonette Valleskey 04.02.2012	Originally Posted by kooper1980 In your opinion it is. But youve just proved yourself that 4 decks are anything BUT useless because youve named 2 dj's that use more than 2 decks. I know plenty of people myself that do. Sample decks work for some people. Others don't use them at all. All I'm saying is that if you don't use sample decks then an s4 is probably an easier to use all in one set up. If you use sample decks then s2 and f1 will fit your workflow better. just because you use them doesn't mean that people who don't are Inferior. It just means they do different things. I told you the first one is an huge exception and the others like Richie Hawtin they only use 4 Decks because theyre manipulating music with their OWN produced music, thats a big difference. 95% of the Dj's dont do it, they mostly play Songs they didnt produce themselves, so the 4 decks are getting usless.. I actually dont have an S4, but am considering buying an s2 or S4, specially because of the price drop an S2 is more interesting. Dont know if more than twice the money for the S2 is worth just having 2 Decks more, which you dont need. And the additional buttons for the Loop/Sample Section will be compensated by the F1. What do u believe
Tonette Valleskey 04.02.2012	Originally Posted by kooper1980 Consider that not everyone (in fact very few in my experience) use sample decks. An s4 will control 4 track decks better than an s2 and f1. Now seriously, who needs 4 Decks for electronic music (house, techno etc.)? I believe nobody.. The only one I know is Carl Cox hes called Three Deck Wizard, even that 3 Decks are an exception isnt it? In what way should the S4 have any advantage for this kind of music.. I believe samples and loops are way more important so s2+f1 would be a better choice Richie Hawtin etc. are using more Decks, but they are playing theyre own music sometimes in connection with ableton, but if you just want something for Dj purposes playing others songs, 4 Decks are useless
Kristofer Krauel 04.02.2012	Originally Posted by BerlinCalling what would be your advantage having an s4 in comparison to s2+f1.. Consider that not everyone (in fact very few in my experience) use sample decks. An s4 will control 4 track decks better than an s2 and f1.
Tonette Valleskey 04.02.2012	Originally Posted by djpinecone SO you believe that they should make an S3? It would make no since for them to make this. if you want the small package, get the S2. If you want all the knobs and shit, get the S4. What they should do is... make all the parts of the controller interchangeable. For instance, separate the decks from the mixer and the fx units from the decks. They could make them slide together and connect via a built in usb. This way, we could make them like we want. the s4 has a way to bypass traktor and send audio out without a computer, so you could do what you are talking about. If i want all the knobs and shit, i can get the S4? When the new features will come, the S4 will not handle all the things anymore, so it would be probably better to buy s2 + f1's. I believe you will have more controll over everything than with the s4. What would be your advantage having an s4 in comparison to s2+f1..
Johnetta Olewine 04.02.2012	Originally Posted by DJZILCH imo S2 + one (or two) Kontrol F1's will be a killer setup - i suppose they are pushing the S2 because S2 owners are gonna want to pick up one or two F1's later in april? dedicated volume faders / filters for each sample decks means the S2 becomes almost fully functional, the only thing missing is the EQs for deck C/D sample decks I predict there will be a promotional video of the S2 + 2x F1's demonstrated by a well known DJ (just before april) and everyone's gonna go "ooooooooooooooooh...." and start ordering F1's lol or they bring out an s3
Rodger Seferovic 05.02.2012	It feels like with norequest's mapping. S2 is as good as S4.
Annalisa Shogren 05.02.2012	I honestly never thought I'd use 4 decks, but more and more often, I find myself having 3 track decks and a sample deck with vocal 'one shots' to scratch over. It's all in the name of fun really, I'm not trying to impress anyone or prove that 4 decks can be utilized. It's just seeing what's possible, as long as you enjoy it, then why not? If I hadn't have had an S4 by now, I would have definitely got an S2 with this deal. However, I wouldn't know what it's like to have 4 decks so I wouldn't know what I was missing. Plus dedicated filter knobs are nice.
Tonette Valleskey 04.02.2012	Originally Posted by kooper1980 In your opinion it is. But youve just proved yourself that 4 decks are anything BUT useless because youve named 2 dj's that use more than 2 decks. I know plenty of people myself that do. Sample decks work for some people. Others don't use them at all. All I'm saying is that if you don't use sample decks then an s4 is probably an easier to use all in one set up. If you use sample decks then s2 and f1 will fit your workflow better. just because you use them doesn't mean that people who don't are Inferior. It just means they do different things. I told you the first one is an huge exception and the others like Richie Hawtin they only use 4 Decks because theyre manipulating music with their OWN produced music, thats a big difference. 95% of the Dj's dont do it, they mostly play Songs they didnt produce themselves, so the 4 decks are getting usless.. I actually dont have an S4, but am considering buying an s2 or S4, specially because of the price drop an S2 is more interesting. Dont know if more than twice the money for the S2 is worth just having 2 Decks more, which you dont need. And the additional buttons for the Loop/Sample Section will be compensated by the F1. What do u believe
Audrey Pinda 04.02.2012	To the OP: If you already have 1200's, and you're set on getting a MIDI controller... Get the S4 with the Scratch Upgrade. The footprint difference isn't going to be that much of an issue, and you'll be able to take it alone for the smaller parties, and then still utilize the tables for the rest of the time. That's my opinion on it anyhow. I don't personally see why you'd want 3 separate setups (the 1200's, the CD player, and the controller) where you could basically incorporate them together to an extent with a controller like the S4, or with a DVS upgrade to your current setup. I see the S2 as a good first controller or a good controller if you're only going to be utilizing two decks. You can get additional modular controllers, yes, but that defeats the purpose of a small footprint. That's just my thoughts honestly. The other option would be to get Traktor Scratch Pro 2 with an audio interface and maybe an X1 (for further looping/fx controls) or go with Serato and dicers or an x1. That's honestly what I've done, and I like it well enough. I do believe that having a controller to be really mobile with would be nice, but everywhere I go still has the wheels of steel so it's not much of an issue. Really, it's up to you.
Kristofer Krauel 04.02.2012	Nothing. Just a lot of kids have bought themselves an s2 and believe its the best and only controller anyone could ever want.
Annalisa Shogren 04.02.2012	What's stopping people using their current S4 with an F1 :/ Am I missing something here?
Kristofer Krauel 04.02.2012	In your opinion it is. But youve just proved yourself that 4 decks are anything BUT useless because youve named 2 dj's that use more than 2 decks. I know plenty of people myself that do. Sample decks work for some people. Others don't use them at all. All I'm saying is that if you don't use sample decks then an s4 is probably an easier to use all in one set up. If you use sample decks then s2 and f1 will fit your workflow better. just because you use them doesn't mean that people who don't are Inferior. It just means they do different things.
Tonette Valleskey 04.02.2012	Originally Posted by kooper1980 Consider that not everyone (in fact very few in my experience) use sample decks. An s4 will control 4 track decks better than an s2 and f1. Now seriously, who needs 4 Decks for electronic music (house, techno etc.)? I believe nobody.. The only one I know is Carl Cox hes called Three Deck Wizard, even that 3 Decks are an exception isnt it? In what way should the S4 have any advantage for this kind of music.. I believe samples and loops are way more important so s2+f1 would be a better choice Richie Hawtin etc. are using more Decks, but they are playing theyre own music sometimes in connection with ableton, but if you just want something for Dj purposes playing others songs, 4 Decks are useless
Rey Holubar 04.02.2012	That might just change with Traktor Pro 2.5. scamo
Kristofer Krauel 04.02.2012	Originally Posted by BerlinCalling what would be your advantage having an s4 in comparison to s2+f1.. Consider that not everyone (in fact very few in my experience) use sample decks. An s4 will control 4 track decks better than an s2 and f1.
Tonette Valleskey 04.02.2012	Originally Posted by djpinecone SO you believe that they should make an S3? It would make no since for them to make this. if you want the small package, get the S2. If you want all the knobs and shit, get the S4. What they should do is... make all the parts of the controller interchangeable. For instance, separate the decks from the mixer and the fx units from the decks. They could make them slide together and connect via a built in usb. This way, we could make them like we want. the s4 has a way to bypass traktor and send audio out without a computer, so you could do what you are talking about. If i want all the knobs and shit, i can get the S4? When the new features will come, the S4 will not handle all the things anymore, so it would be probably better to buy s2 + f1's. I believe you will have more controll over everything than with the s4. What would be your advantage having an s4 in comparison to s2+f1..
Arcelia Siebeneck 04.02.2012	I would buy an S2 over an S4 for the simple fact that they've come down in price enough to actually consider buying a 2nd S2 should you ever feel the need to control 4 decks! Would be more fun for back2back sets with a friend as well
Johnetta Olewine 04.02.2012	Originally Posted by DJZILCH imo S2 + one (or two) Kontrol F1's will be a killer setup - i suppose they are pushing the S2 because S2 owners are gonna want to pick up one or two F1's later in april? dedicated volume faders / filters for each sample decks means the S2 becomes almost fully functional, the only thing missing is the EQs for deck C/D sample decks I predict there will be a promotional video of the S2 + 2x F1's demonstrated by a well known DJ (just before april) and everyone's gonna go "ooooooooooooooooh...." and start ordering F1's lol or they bring out an s3
Kandra Fagler 04.02.2012	imo S2 + one (or two) Kontrol F1's will be a killer setup - i suppose they are pushing the S2 because S2 owners are gonna want to pick up one or two F1's later in april? dedicated volume faders / filters for each sample decks means the S2 becomes almost fully functional, the only thing missing is the EQs for deck C/D sample decks I predict there will be a promotional video of the S2 + 2x F1's demonstrated by a well known DJ (just before april) and everyone's gonna go "ooooooooooooooooh...." and start ordering F1's lol
Melissa Westerhouse 03.02.2012	Originally Posted by dros NI should definitely make an S3 which would be in an S2 form factor or very slightly larger, but would add the missing filter knobs, vynil control inputs, one or both of them switchable to MIC or analog-thru inputs... priced between the S2 and the S4. That would definitely be the best controller/mixer in the market which would also drive sales for X1s, F1s and Traktor Scratch upgrades. Got the S4 which I use with a pair of 1200s, I love it but I find it a bit big and I miss the independant booth out the S2 does have, and a bit more analog input capabilities so I can save my set with my iPad and iPhone in case my laptop crashes. I hope they will release that S3 thing and then I'll probably sell my S4 to get one of these. SO you believe that they should make an S3? It would make no since for them to make this. if you want the small package, get the S2. If you want all the knobs and shit, get the S4. What they should do is... make all the parts of the controller interchangeable. For instance, separate the decks from the mixer and the fx units from the decks. They could make them slide together and connect via a built in usb. This way, we could make them like we want. the s4 has a way to bypass traktor and send audio out without a computer, so you could do what you are talking about.
Chong Prestwich 03.02.2012	Originally Posted by jtho277 I'm almost dead set on getting an s4 but at the sale price of the S2s being 400 you can get two s2s for the price of an s4. Would it be possible to run to S2s together? Then you would have access to all four fxs. Would you have to have a mixer in between them? what do you believe? i dont see why it wouldnt be technically possible as long as traktor can recognise them as 2 separate devices, although I fear it wont. i.e the Deck A cue button on both units would send the same MIDI code to the laptop. long as the 2 controllers are recognised separately it would work except you would have 2 separate soundcards therefore 2 separate headphone ports!
Terica Radue 03.02.2012	I'm almost dead set on getting an s4 but at the sale price of the S2s being 400 you can get two s2s for the price of an s4. Would it be possible to run to S2s together? Then you would have access to all four fxs. Would you have to have a mixer in between them? what do you believe?
Dj Tykarma 02.02.2012	NI should definitely make an S3 which would be in an S2 form factor or very slightly larger, but would add the missing filter knobs, vynil control inputs, one or both of them switchable to MIC or analog-thru inputs... priced between the S2 and the S4. That would definitely be the best controller/mixer in the market which would also drive sales for X1s, F1s and Traktor Scratch upgrades. Got the S4 which I use with a pair of 1200s, I love it but I find it a bit big and I miss the independant booth out the S2 does have, and a bit more analog input capabilities so I can save my set with my iPad and iPhone in case my laptop crashes. I hope they will release that S3 thing and then I'll probably sell my S4 to get one of these.
Mimi Mahaffee 02.02.2012	I just ordered a s2 and a midifighter. Will be a nice upgrade to my digital side (broken vci-100) Have been using cdjs and rekordbox for past 6 months now, along with a djm 800. Figured out that I only want 2 channels, but I do miss more than 1 cue point sometimes.. Now with the pricedrop i hit the switch and got myself one, will be perfect for my mobilegigs.. like this saturday i have to take my case with 2x cdjs+ 800 mixer to a private party in the city. Would be so easy to take the subway with a s2 and my macbook. Now I have to borrow a car and pay fat amounts of money to park in the inner city and I also can't even have a drink (over 0,2 promille alcohol is prohibited in sweden and id loose my license for over that). It even takes longer time to take the car.. but hey what to expect, cars in the capital citys never work out in a pain-free way right? (inner city). However i believe i will be satisfied with the s2. Had the S4 for like 4 months (nov-feb 2010-2011) which i bought from here along with case but sold it.. mainly cuz i didnt utilize all the bells&whistles. although i got good money for it and i didnt like the case which also was a big part of why i sold it /martin
Rey Holubar 02.02.2012	Originally Posted by RobotNinja Sell the 1200's and use the extra cash to get the S4. That's what I did and I have no regrets. Unless your into scratching/beat juggling of course. Even if you don't mix 4 decks at once the C+D decks can be used for one shot samples and such, also Traktor is upgrading to 2.5 this April along with the new K1 controller. I have a feeling sample decks are going to be VASTLY improved in the software, making the need for 4 channels all the more appealing. The new controller from NI will be called the "F1". And you are right about the improved sample decks in 2.5. However, the sample slots will have their own level controls (and can be controlled separately, especially if you have two F1s), so no need to actually control the levels of the sample decks with the C and D channel faders. They'll most likely be turned up most of the time. The only advantage you'd have with the S4 is you could control the levels of 4 slots at one time. But, basically with TP 2.5 and an S2 (or S4) and two F1s, you'll be working on a 10 channel system. How cool is that? And there are people out there who say you don't need more than 2 channels to DJ. You will now. scamo
Jarod Perrodin 01.02.2012	Id say keep the 1200's, everyone I know regrets getting rid of them. What is more pro than technics? The s2 will handle traktor 2.5 perfectly. N.I aren't going to make there newest controller useless in favour of the older version. The new controller has a 4x4 pad on it, neither of the mixers have that. Save the money and get the S2, the money you save can go towards the F1 or whatever it's called
Larraine Hannum 01.02.2012	Sell the 1200's and use the extra cash to get the S4. That's what I did and I have no regrets. Unless your into scratching/beat juggling of course. Even if you don't mix 4 decks at once the C+D decks can be used for one shot samples and such, also Traktor is upgrading to 2.5 this April along with the new K1 controller. I have a feeling sample decks are going to be VASTLY improved in the software, making the need for 4 channels all the more appealing.
Chong Prestwich 01.02.2012	i had a 4-channel controller (VMS4) before buying an S2, I dont miss the extra 2 channels... If i'm using it in a club it just plugs into a spare channel there and can still use cds if I want to
Jody Goman 02.02.2012	Originally Posted by drex And... I'd wait at least two - three weeks. From whispers I have heard a price reduction is coming on the S2. It will be around 350 ish. That's all I know and I'm not going to discuss how or who I found out about this from, it is confidential, nor will I answer any further posts on the subject. Simply trying to save a fellow DJ some $$$ /
Lonnie Denges 02.02.2012	Thanks man! I actually do want a little more control of Traktor and do some crazy things as well.
Rey Holubar 02.02.2012	It is funny none of the vinyl aficionados are speaking up and saying, "How can you say getting a controller is going to the next level in DJing." If you want to mix with only two channels and have your hands tied with the sample decks, then go with the S2. If you want much more control of Traktor, go with the S4. scamo
Lonnie Denges 01.02.2012	I am new dj and have an S2 for the last 3 months, and its great but I am believeing about upgrading to an S4. Is it feasible to do so..I can do a lot with the S2 but feel like I can do more the S4 since everything is laid out for you and I don't have to constantly press the shift buttons for everything. I have read both reviews. Portability is not an issue per se, as I am using it just for learning and not getting gigs yet as I want to practice a lot more at home in the meantime and just don't know...your opinions and thoughts are greatly appreciated by anyone.
Chong Prestwich 01.02.2012	http://www.decks.co.uk/products/nati...tor_Kontrol_S2
Arlinda Finazzo 30.01.2012	Thanks for the heads up regarding the price. Hope it's true. And even if it's a software downgrade, I already own a full license for TP2. Been looking to upgrade from my Vestax TR-1 to something with a few more features. Fingers crossed.
Markita Barchard 30.01.2012	Originally Posted by drex And... I'd wait at least two - three weeks. From whispers I have heard a price reduction is coming on the S2. It will be around 350 ish. That's all I know and I'm not going to discuss how or who I found out about this from, it is confidential, nor will I answer any further posts on the subject. Simply trying to save a fellow DJ some $$$ /
Nena Denio 30.01.2012	Originally Posted by drex And... I'd wait at least two - three weeks. From whispers I have heard a price reduction is coming on the S2. It will be around 350 ish. That's all I know and I'm not going to discuss how or who I found out about this from, it is confidential, nor will I answer any further posts on the subject. Simply trying to save a fellow DJ some $$$ /
Kandra Fagler 31.01.2012	Originally Posted by drex And... I'd wait at least two - three weeks. From whispers I have heard a price reduction is coming on the S2. It will be around 350 ish. That's all I know and I'm not going to discuss how or who I found out about this from, it is confidential, nor will I answer any further posts on the subject. Simply trying to save a fellow DJ some $$$ /
Jonnie Soldati 30.01.2012	And... I'd wait at least two - three weeks. From whispers I have heard a price reduction is coming on the S2. It will be around 350 ish. That's all I know and I'm not going to discuss how or who I found out about this from, it is confidential, nor will I answer any further posts on the subject. Simply trying to save a fellow DJ some $$$ /
Markita Barchard 30.01.2012	Thanks for all the replies. I really like the idea of using my 1200s with the S4 but I want a smaller unit. I believe I will get the S2 when my tax refund comes. (Unless I can a find a good used S4) I never thought about using an X1 controller with my 1200s. Currently Im not using any type of dj software, mp3s or use timecode vinyl so I would have to spend more money on a timecode vinyl system. I believe the S2 will do the job of taking me to the next level. Later on I may upgrade to Traktor Scratch and look at other controllers, we'll see...
Chong Prestwich 28.01.2012	Originally Posted by djpinecone ... There are plenty of people out there that use an external mixer and that is cool, but I want the controller/soundcard to be the workhorse of my setup. I came from 1200s and a denon 2 channel mixer, I want the easiest setup I can make. the less cables, the better. only issue with that is the S4 wont work if the laptop freezes, ideally you'd want to be able to use channels 3 & 4 for direct audio from cdjs etc with eq control. I had an american audio vms4 that worked like this, but i wouldnt recommend it at all!! a numark ns6 or denon dnmc6000 may be better for that?

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Why do I need and S4? S2 is good enuf.