Stanton Magnetics SCS.4DJ

It's the first time I use a USB mixer. I've been using the SCS 4DJ for two months. I sent back the first one after a month because the buttons would block and there was no way to stop it. I love the fact that it can read directly from a USB key or a HDD without the need of a PC. The second one works fine, except for the decks (like the first one): Every time I try to move along the song I get an error message: "The song requires a function that hasn't been enabled," and the song disappears from my playlist. Since this is the second mixer with the same problem, I wonder whether it's a known defect or it's just me who doesn't know how to use it??? I wouldn't buy it again unless I find a solution to this issue.

How long have you been using the product?
One week which I have spent organizing my MP3s rather than mixing.

Which feature do you like the most / the least?
The most:
- Once the song is analyzed, classified, it works automatically, it's fast if you know your songs well and how you have ordered them.
- The Touch system, you place your finger on the jog and it's like playing a vinyl, it's cool!
- The jogs are heavy, it doesn't feel as plasticky as the Kontrol S2. Nice!
- No need of a PC, which is fantastic!!
- 2 Jacks, 2 RCAs, enough outputs!
- The firmware which apparently evolves
- Once analyzed, everything is saved in the memory, CUE+3 HOTCUEs, BPM, the song's spectrum data, its length. And it's really fast!
- It has USB ports, so you can connect to it an HD or a USB key

The least:
- How slow it is to load songs at first, I have approx. 3,000 MP3 not 10,000 and it takes 5 minutes to be ready.
- No physical gain buttons for the mix tracks. The latest firmware version solved that, but it requires a 2-key combination
- The organization if you have an external drive with 20000 files...Good luck! The screen is small, so imagine how much fun it is to browse your MP3 library! Personally, I ordered them alphabetically with a playlist system (M3U) supported by the SCS4
- The silk-screen printing! I thought the Enter button was dirty, so I rubbed it...But it wasn't, the paint was damaged and it just got worse with the rubbing.

- The effects, especially the Slice effect, which is a nightmare to use

Did you try any other models before buying this one?
The S2, which is all right, but you need a PC...
Compared to the S2, the Jog is much more heavy, it doesn't feel as plasticky and it can be used without a PC!

How would you rate its value for money?
I bought it for $300!

Based on your experience, would you buy this product again?
I'm not sure it has many competitors!! YES, Id' buy it again, despite its defects! If it had a bigger screen and was faster managing files, it would be the best!

I've been using it for a month now. I have previously used hercules, american audio vms4, and behringer mixers, plus Denon and Pioneer complete sets.

In terms of mixing, it's the easiest way to mix. If you know your songs, it's impossible to get it wrong. In terms of use, it's at the same level as traktor or Virtual dj. What I like most about it is its ease of use, the fact that it's all-in-one (no need of a PC) and that you can play back songs from a USB drive and even an iPod.

There is a couple of things I don't like in terms of quality, for the price, it has a plasticky look (even if the knobs and slider are great), no gain control per channel, no possibility to extend to a CD (unlike the vms4), and how long it takes to estimate a beat if you don't use the beatgrid software.

I'd surely buy it again If it cost the same I paid for it originally, because it's an all-in-one.

If you are hesitating about getting it, try it out and trust your first impression