Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I know the S4 wont appeal to everyone and there are other probably just as good or better (in some peoples opinion)4 deck controllers out there, but for me this controller fits what I do 100%. I'm not a scratch DJ or turntablist and if you are, this device probably isn't for you... but that's not what this is for anyway.
I play House, Electro, Trance & Chilled, been DJ'ing for over 20 years and been through the whole Technics 1210 & CDJ phase too. For me, digital DJ'ing is the way forward and something I learnt very early on, less than 1% of your audience care what kit you are using, the fact that I'm not pulling records out of a case they don't care. They just want to dance and have a good time.
The layout of the S4 is very intuitive, I like the way the jog wheels are placed towards the back of the deck, I don't catch them with my hand or arm like I used to on the VCI-100 (which this has replaced)
The deck is quite big, but I like that. The knobs and faders are spaced out well with the knobs being quite tall. In a low light DJ booth I've found it very easy to use. I made a plinth for the S4 to sit on, over the top of the Technics 1210's in the booth as space is often limited.
I've played 4 live gigs with the S4 now and it's been rock solid. Having the 4 decks easily controlled from the deck is great, no more clicking with the mouse or worrying about the lo-mid-hi settings, it's all there right in front of you.
The deck is lit up very nice & subtle, there are a couple of nice touches like when you are in browse mode the decks that are stopped and are available to load the song into flash gently. It's very quick and easy to operate in the club.
The hardware and new S4 software integrate very well. I cant fault it yet. Anyone who is used to Traktor will find this very easy and even if you aren't, it's not difficult to pickup.
The ability to load and play samples into the decks works really well too, quite a few times now I've layered a House drumbeat over the top of one of the decks, while doing a transition and it's really smooth.
The integrated soundcard hasn't given me any problems, it's certainly loud enough for the clubs I play in. (and they aren't quiet)
There's still lots of things I haven't learnt about it yet, but in the 2 weeks I've had it. I'm impressed.
No, it's not cheap and it would have been nice if they had included a carry case in the price, but there you go. I can do things on this that someone with CDJ's would struggle to do and they would spend more money trying to do it for sure.
For what it worth, there's my 2p worth.
Cheers.
JLB.
Lovebump.com
Click Here to see more reviews about:
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4
Get 10% OFF
Click here for more information about Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4
