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Upgrade recommendations for the S2???

Home :: General Discussion :: Upgrade recommendations for the S2???Reply

Upgrade recommendations for the S2??? Posted on: 16.01.2013 by Candy Vardy Hey guys, ok yes I know there a a bunch of threads similar to mine, but mine is different I swear! Anyway I would really appreciate your feedback and suggestions on this topic. So...... I've had the S2, for about a year now, and I must be honest, it's one of the best controllers I've ever owned. With it's tight integration to Traktor and great features, there's no wonder it's so popular with everyone. Well as much as I love it, lately I've come to not like it so much anymore.. Firstly I believe that I've grown more as a DJ since buying it and I feel slightly limited with it, and also yes as with having R.G.A.S. I've also become quite bored of it.. There are a few things that I miss having on the S2, like dedicated filters, proper LED feedback, more "pro" outputs, better build quality, etc... So after believeing a lot about this, I believe I need to move on from the S2, and upgrade to something which will hopefully tick all my boxes. What I would like to ask is what controller do you believe would be a good choice from the S2 that packs more features, has the things that I mentioned, and also works great with Traktor? I've been looking at a few options online, and the more I research the more confused I get hahaha... So far these are what Im looking at maybe looking into.. (In no specific order) 1. The VCI 400 EGE 2. The Livid CNTRL:R 3. Electrix Tweaker 4. Z2 + X1 Combo I know that there are other possible options out there, but these stood out to me for their features, size and reputations. I need a controller that's also portable as I travel, and fly a lot, so these options fall into that category, and as you might have seen I'm not so worried about having jogs or not, it's about having a controller thats feature packed, and works with Traktor virtually out the box. So after reading all of this what would you suggest? Did I miss any possible other controllers? Any suggestions that I should take a look at? Thanks for reading guys. Cheers. Dustin V
Hipolito Scionti 26.01.2013	Originally Posted by botstein The Z2 does in fact do a number of things that the S2 does not. Like what just out of interest?
Candy Vardy 25.01.2013	Originally Posted by botstein The Z2 does in fact do a number of things that the S2 does not. If you feel 'bored and limited,' why not bring a toy along? Porter Robinson expressed that the Midi Fighter was worthy of praise because it 'gave [him] something to do.' Why not change the performance paradigm and pick up a drum machine? Well thats what I've been believeing. By getting the Z2, and adding my X1 it will be a great combo, and then I would like to add the MFS for that little bit more extra control for loops, samples and effects. I also don't believe I will miss the jogs much on my S2, as I mostly only use them for beat matching (I don't sync) and for fog effects. I was believeing of the VCI400 but I believe going along with this more modular setup might suit my style and needs better, and if not then try something else.
Candy Vardy 24.01.2013	Originally Posted by MaxOne Sorry i can happily try and talk you into it if you want. Please talk me into it.. Well the S2 is a great controller, don't get me wrong, I've really enjoyed it, but I just feel a little bored and limited with it, and I feel I need some refreshing and new in my setup, and with the same or similar portability..
Hipolito Scionti 24.01.2013	Originally Posted by Dustin V So guys, I've been believeing, and so far I'm leaning towards the Z2 with my X1. I'm also believeing about adding the recently released MFS to my setup to control samples and effects. Sounds pretty good don't you believe? Yeah... I mean it's not gonna add anything to what the S2 can do (internal mixing)... not sure i see the point. Sorry i can happily try and talk you into it if you want. Just add a MFS to the S2 imo.
Candy Vardy 21.01.2013	Originally Posted by Nicky H Agree with fep - VCI400 if you can carry it - 380 if not (you can map to Traktor) The VCI 400 looks like a really good option, but I just realized that I would need to sell my UDG trolley as it would not fit in it, and I would have to buy a bigger bag... I'm also believeing that maybe having a mixer in my collection would be a good idea for the future.. Maybe I should just buy both ha ha..
Kandra Fagler 26.01.2013	just wondering - does the Z2 have the same line fader curve as the S2/S4? if it does then I dont really like it for smooth mixing, too curvy and not linear enough for line fader blending I was comparing my DDJ-SX to my S2 and i noticed that the DDJ-SX (being pioneer) has a much nicer, linear, upfader curve that I have accustomed to over the years (by using the DJM800/850/900 in the clubs) the S2 line fader is a bit closer to the allen and heath xone 42 faders in terms of its curve i believe traktor should have emulation of popular line fader curves of various mixers!
Hipolito Scionti 26.01.2013	Originally Posted by botstein The Z2 does in fact do a number of things that the S2 does not. Like what just out of interest?
Candy Vardy 25.01.2013	Originally Posted by botstein The Z2 does in fact do a number of things that the S2 does not. If you feel 'bored and limited,' why not bring a toy along? Porter Robinson expressed that the Midi Fighter was worthy of praise because it 'gave [him] something to do.' Why not change the performance paradigm and pick up a drum machine? Well thats what I've been believeing. By getting the Z2, and adding my X1 it will be a great combo, and then I would like to add the MFS for that little bit more extra control for loops, samples and effects. I also don't believe I will miss the jogs much on my S2, as I mostly only use them for beat matching (I don't sync) and for fog effects. I was believeing of the VCI400 but I believe going along with this more modular setup might suit my style and needs better, and if not then try something else.
Ervin Calvery 24.01.2013	The Z2 does in fact do a number of things that the S2 does not. If you feel 'bored and limited,' why not bring a toy along? Porter Robinson expressed that the Midi Fighter was worthy of praise because it 'gave [him] something to do.' Why not change the performance paradigm and pick up a drum machine?
Candy Vardy 24.01.2013	Originally Posted by MaxOne Sorry i can happily try and talk you into it if you want. Please talk me into it.. Well the S2 is a great controller, don't get me wrong, I've really enjoyed it, but I just feel a little bored and limited with it, and I feel I need some refreshing and new in my setup, and with the same or similar portability..
Hipolito Scionti 24.01.2013	Originally Posted by Dustin V So guys, I've been believeing, and so far I'm leaning towards the Z2 with my X1. I'm also believeing about adding the recently released MFS to my setup to control samples and effects. Sounds pretty good don't you believe? Yeah... I mean it's not gonna add anything to what the S2 can do (internal mixing)... not sure i see the point. Sorry i can happily try and talk you into it if you want. Just add a MFS to the S2 imo.
Mellisa Grecu 24.01.2013	s4 with kontrol f1 or x1 ? or numark 4 trak ?
Candy Vardy 24.01.2013	So guys, I've been believeing, and so far I'm leaning towards the Z2 with my X1. I'm also believeing about adding the recently released MFS to my setup to control samples and effects. Sounds pretty good don't you believe?
Aurelia Medwick 23.01.2013	S2 and and Maschine both using Beaubryte's mapping. Perfect combo in my opinion, there are endless workflow possibilities.
Hipolito Scionti 22.01.2013	Pioneer XDJ-AERO? or Pioneer DDJ-SX
Candy Vardy 22.01.2013	Any other recommendations or ideas guys?
Candy Vardy 21.01.2013	Originally Posted by Nicky H Agree with fep - VCI400 if you can carry it - 380 if not (you can map to Traktor) The VCI 400 looks like a really good option, but I just realized that I would need to sell my UDG trolley as it would not fit in it, and I would have to buy a bigger bag... I'm also believeing that maybe having a mixer in my collection would be a good idea for the future.. Maybe I should just buy both ha ha..
Janyce Henningson 19.01.2013	Agree with fep - VCI400 if you can carry it - 380 if not (you can map to Traktor)
Tatum Ansaldo 19.01.2013	Before anyone else recommends turntables, read the OP! Have you ever tried travelling with pair of TTs?!
Precious Pequignot 20.01.2013	Does it have to be a controller? Cause i feel that you wont really gain much from upgrading to another controller, considering that the s2 is alrdy a solid unit. I just added a pair of 2nd hand stanton st150s to my setup, connected to my s4. learning alot man!
Candy Vardy 19.01.2013	Lol, figures... my bad.
Cole Maroto 18.01.2013	Originally Posted by Dustin V NBD? no big deal
Candy Vardy 18.01.2013	Originally Posted by botstein I confused Louis V and Dustin V. Plugging in into the club mixer is NBD. NBD?
Kellie Myrum 18.01.2013	Originally Posted by Dustin V Is it really that good? I was watching a few videos on it, and reading up on some reviews, and seems like it could fit the bill, but it seems more suitable for Ableton than for Traktor. I know that it was part designed by Richie Hawtin, but I never see the guy using it? Surely if he had some input in the design, and it was really that good, he would have it in his set up? This unit is mapping friendly and it can only have it's advantages in DJ software when it comes to number of controls. I use it effectively in Traktor although CNTRL:R is designed to be used with Ableton and other music production programs. btw I saw Ritchie have it in his studio: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...type=3&theater
Hipolito Scionti 18.01.2013	Tbh, you've already got the best 2 channel traktor controller on the market. The S2 is perfect for your needs, you've just got RGAS. The z2 + x1 is wicked, I love a real mixer as much the next man but for what u describe you've it's not the solution. The vci400EGE maybe but I find it too cluttered.
Ervin Calvery 18.01.2013	Originally Posted by HigherFi Restated - It's only a real mixer if Traktor is the only thing you want to use. I still disagree. It works very well with vinyl records. Do have one? Why do you find it so heavy? I also find it's much HigherFi as compared to the S2. I will eventually finish my Ableton scripts for my Z2 (and F1s) and it will be great for Ableton too. There won't be a better way to scratch inside of Ableton.
Shan Bauerly 18.01.2013	Originally Posted by botstein I have got to disagree - it's a real mixer. Restated - It's only a real mixer if Traktor is the only thing you want to use.
Ervin Calvery 17.01.2013	I confused Louis V and Dustin V. Plugging in into the club mixer is NBD.
Candy Vardy 17.01.2013	Originally Posted by GI Trackt Exactly why I love my Z2 ;-) To the OP, after going through countless controllers just like you, I have realized that the feel of a real mixer is just unmatched. Only thing in my eyes that can top the Z2 would be a Z4. Good luck choosing dude! Thanks bro, the Z2 definitely looks like a good option, and I'm sure I would love it! Originally Posted by fullenglishpint VCI-400, or 380 if you want a smaller controller. The 380 has the advantage of being ITCH (soon to be serato DJ) certified, although I know you're not really bothered about that, but it's also got velocity and pressure sensitive pads which could be mapped to samples for finger drumming fun. Legendary vestax VCI build quality for standing up to your travel abuse. I did look at the VCI 380, but after having the Twitch, I was not to fond of the Itch software, hence me selling and getting the S2. The VCI 400 on the hand looks tempting.... Originally Posted by Stewe Livid CNTRL:R, great build and nice Traktor mappings Is it really that good? I was watching a few videos on it, and reading up on some reviews, and seems like it could fit the bill, but it seems more suitable for Ableton than for Traktor. I know that it was part designed by Richie Hawtin, but I never see the guy using it? Surely if he had some input in the design, and it was really that good, he would have it in his set up? Originally Posted by fullenglishpint He already had an S4 but IIRC he didn't like it and it was too big at the time. I haven't been stalking Dustin, we met IRL lol. Exactly bru. I loved the S4, but for my traveling lifestyle it was just to big for me. Thats's where the S2 fitted in perfectly. Giving me almost the same features as the big brother but in a smaller package. I would really love a controller that's not as big as the S4, also has tight integration with Traktor, better LED feedback on the controller, more in's and out's, filters, and solid build quality... DOES SUCH A CONTROLLER EXIST? Originally Posted by protocol If you want to stick with Traktor, and you really like it, an S4 would be ideal. Otherwise a VCI-400 is a great idea. You don't necessarily have to go with the EGE VCI-400. Yes the S4 is a great controller, but as mentioned before its just to big for me. The S4 is not the most traveller friendly controller on the market, and having the S2 was perfect for travel. The VCI 400 does look good cos it fits in between the S2 and the S4 in size which is perfect. Ah what to do? After all your guys feedback, it looks like maybe the Z2 with my X1 would be a good choice or the VCI 400. I was just believeing though, imagine me pulling up in the club for my gig with the Z2 and X1, and then plugging into their mixer to play? Lol...
Toya Spor 17.01.2013	If you want to stick with Traktor, and you really like it, an S4 would be ideal. Otherwise a VCI-400 is a great idea. You don't necessarily have to go with the EGE VCI-400.
Shantae Faile 17.01.2013	Originally Posted by fullenglishpint Fingers crossed for maschine control of remix decks soon anyway. +10000001.4 (the .4 guy is really short)
Tatum Ansaldo 17.01.2013	He mentioned playing with sample decks - as in the top 4 rows of a remix deck that can be mapped to any controller. Fingers crossed for maschine control of remix decks soon anyway.
Shantae Faile 17.01.2013	Originally Posted by botstein I've been flying all over the place with my Z2. I have got to disagree - it's a real mixer. Maschine won't control the remix decks fully like an F1 can. I have no love for the X1 if there are Maschine controllers around - and at my place, there always are! OP never mentioned a f1... (again i didnt read all the posts) and a Maschine can control remix decks... its gonna take some time to map and some additional software but it can be done.
Ervin Calvery 17.01.2013	Originally Posted by HigherFi Z2 is kinda heavy for travel, no? Especially compared to the S2. I've been flying all over the place with my Z2. Originally Posted by HigherFi The Z2 is a controller in a mixer case. I have got to disagree - it's a real mixer. Originally Posted by Louie_V Ahh... my bad.... didn't read through, just figured i'd post since i didnt see the option.. S2+KF1/KX1 combo has my vote then... although S2+Maschine w/ a good mapping would stomp that IMO... Maschine won't control the remix decks fully like an F1 can. I have no love for the X1 if there are Maschine controllers around - and at my place, there always are!
Shantae Faile 17.01.2013	Ahh... my bad.... didn't read through, just figured i'd post since i didnt see the option.. S2+KF1/KX1 combo has my vote then... although S2+Maschine w/ a good mapping would stomp that IMO...
Tatum Ansaldo 17.01.2013	He already had an S4 but IIRC he didn't like it and it was too big at the time. I haven't been stalking Dustin, we met IRL lol.
Shantae Faile 17.01.2013	Y no s4 option?
Kellie Myrum 17.01.2013	Livid CNTRL:R, great build and nice Traktor mappings
Tatum Ansaldo 17.01.2013	VCI-400, or 380 if you want a smaller controller. The 380 has the advantage of being ITCH (soon to be serato DJ) certified, although I know you're not really bothered about that, but it's also got velocity and pressure sensitive pads which could be mapped to samples for finger drumming fun. Legendary vestax VCI build quality for standing up to your travel abuse.
Barton Rigazio 17.01.2013	Originally Posted by HigherFi The Z2 is a controller in a mixer case. Exactly why I love my Z2 ;-) To the OP, after going through countless controllers just like you, I have realized that the feel of a real mixer is just unmatched. Only thing in my eyes that can top the Z2 would be a Z4. Good luck choosing dude!

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Upgrade recommendations for the S2???