Stanton SCS.4DJ Digital DJ Mixstation Review
Overview: The all new Stanton SCS.4DJ Controller is well on the way to a store near you. Stanton has managed to be unique amongst a plethora of media controllers out there by allowing the DJ to use the SCS.4DJ without a computer! The software is pre-loaded so all one has to do is add music and start rockin!
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Stanton SCS.4DJ Digital DJ Mixstation
American Musical Supply is the
Official Pro Audio Retailer of DJBooth
Staff Review
***REVIEW UPDATED ON 10/19/2012 - Please read Below in the UPDATE section for New Developments!***
The Stanton SCS.4DJ Digital DJ Mixstation is the first true all-in-one DJ Console that combines a DJ controller with internal software, on board computer and an on-board LCD screen that can be used for file navigation, waveform display, software setup, and video playback. All the user has to do is add music files via USB in order to start DJing with the SCS.4DJ.
Stanton has made this very easy since any USB device (smartphone, iphone, flash Drive, or Hard drives) can be directly connected into the SCS.4DJ for plug-and-play Media playback. However, the user will have to wait quite some time to make sure the entire drive is analyzed for maximum usability (Loops, BPM-sync, etc.)
The SCS.4DJ is an excellent all-around 2-deck/2-channel digital mixing solution that contains all the basic features that DJ’s need to mix, scratch, and play as they wish. The Stanton SCS.4DJ has some high-resolution jog wheels and nice faders as well. The SCS.4DJ can also be used as a full fledged MIDI controller for any popular DJ software out on the market today.
I tested the system in MIDI mode with Traktor and it worked rather well, but the jog wheels felt best with the internal system. The user must simply run a USB cable from the SCS.4DJ to a computer and the buttons, faders, jog wheels and knobs can be set within the MIDI mapping of the software of your choice. The entire unit is very compact and lightweight, allowing DJ’s to slip the SCS.4DJ into almost any backpack to take the mix with them on the go.
On the downside, the Stanton SCS.4DJ Digital DJ Mixstation cannot be used as a standalone mixer for additional decks since there are no additional line/channel inputs available. Another gripe I had with the unit was the lack of Hot Cues. In this day and age, everyone is using Hot Cues like they are going out of style, but the SCS.4DJ only has one Cue point per track at a time. These Cue points can only be set after a track has come to a complete stop. (Hot Cues are now added in the new 3.0 Firmware update...Please see the review update below for more information). There are also no Gain controls on the SCS.4DJ. There is an internal Auto-Gain function inside the unit’s software, but it doesn’t work as well as a Gain knob would as I’ve run into a few instances where the levels were not even. This error did not happen often, but it is worth noting. I also wish there was a way to combine the effects for more flexibility, but the four pre-set effects for each deck must be used individually. The final gripe with the unit is that it is made up of almost all-plastic. This actually saves a lot on weight, but also calls the durability of the unit into question.
I recommend the Stanton SCS.4DJ to DJ’s of all flavors. The Stanton SCS.4DJ is perfect for those who don’t want to purchase a separate computer, software interface, and controller all at once just to start spinning. I also recommend the Stanton SCS4.DJ to mobile or traveling DJ’s who don’t want to lug around their $1000 laptop, heavy DJ components, and DVS interface/software every time they need to DJ in another location.
***REVIEW UPDATE*** - Today (10/19/12) Stanton has announced and released the new 3.0 Firmware update to the Stanton SCS.4DJ that is now available for free download on the Stanton Website which will drastically improve the usability of the unit and also clears up some of the shortcomings initially found within this review. We also have an exclusive video straight from ProfessorXB of the Stanton team explaining all the new features and abilities of this new update. The video was taken back in August at the Atlantic City DJ Expo at the Trump Taj Mahal. Check out the video and then read the new specs below along with my breakdown of the new developments and the impact it has on the review...
Some of the new capabilities include:
• BeatGrid editing - The ability to edit a track’s beatgrid in real-time, with both “Tap Tempo” and "Dial-In-BPM" functionality, for better Sync
• Three Hot cues per deck – Quick access buttons on the home/waveform screens allows users to add and delete hot cues on the fly. Hot cues are saved even when the unit is powered on and off.
• Optimized system management – Switching screens is now much faster. Navigating large libraries/playlists is more responsive and precise. Performance gains are seen throughout the system.
• Loop memory - User-created loops are remembered through power cycles, allowing for more powerful set-preparation.
• Broader device support for smart phones, MP3 players and tablet computers.
Some of the improvements include:
• Headphone gain boost now selectable via a menu item.
• Improved recording to USB media.
• When a deck is paused, scratch functionality is automatically enabled to provide fine seeking and setting of cue points.
In light of the new developments a few of the shortcomings are now satisfied and the list of Pro's and Con's will now reflect these findings. The first gripe that is now being removed is the lack of Hot Cues. With the new update Hotcues can be stored and remembered for each deck on the fly. The next gripe that is being covered is the long times to analyze tracks. Tracks are now analyzed a lot faster than before and it is no longer a real issue when using the system. Users can also analyze tracks using the computer which will make the process even faster yet. So Stanton was paying attention to the users needs and came out with an update that truly makes the unit better than ever.
Pro’s:
-First True All-in-one controller with on-board software
-Very compact and Lightweight (with Hard drive storage section)
-Plug-and-Play Music from any USB Device
-Full color LCD video screen for file navigation, Waveform Display, Software setup, & Video playback
-High resolution touch sensitive jog wheels & Decent (M.203) quality faders
-Excellent Price (only $500!)
-MIDI controller compatibility for other DJ software
Con’s:
-No gain Controls (internal auto-gain feature)
-Cannot be used as a standalone Mixer for external decks (No channel inputs)
-Virtually all-plastic construction
Features
Stanton SCS.4DJ
Fully integrated computer, software, and controller
No external computer is needed, the software is pre-loaded. Ready to go, right out of the box. Just add music and play.
FEATURES
* Ability to play and mix two tracks directly from the majority of mass storage devices
* Automatic Tempo and beat grid calculation allowing tracks to be synchronized quickly
* 4.3 ” high resolution widescreen LCD with dual frequency dependant color waveform displays, makes visual beat matching easy
* Comprehensive Browse, Search and Sort capabilities presented in a simple and intuitive user interface
* 8 x “Soft” buttons allowing direct access to features, functionality and navigation
* 4 x “Direct Access” illuminated buttons, with a navigation section
* Dual high-resolution 4.75” touch-sensitive weighted platters, utilizing a high resolution scratch algorithm
* Dual built in effects unit functionality with full beat synchronization
* Record your mixes directly to WAV format files for sharing or distribution while you play
* Auto-DJ mode will mix your playlists automatically using the calculated beat grids
* Microphone input with high-headroom and low noise performance
* 60mm Pitch control, with pitch bend buttons and high quality keylock performance
* Multiple USB Connections (1 x Top, 1 x Rear, 2 x Base plus host connection for MIDI Controller mode)
* Transport controls featuring PLAY/PAUSE, CUE, SYNC and TAP tempo
* 1/4” Balanced TRS and Unbalanced RCA outputs, dual headphone outputs
* Internal Media Bay compartment for placement and connectivity of media storage devices
* Fully capable MIDI controller functionality
MIXING MADE SIMPLE
The Stanton SCS.4DJ is the first truly integrated DJ system offering advanced one-button automatic synchronization. The embedded computer system assists your mixing by automatically synchronizing the tracks at the push of a button. This advanced digital mix engine also allows the SCS.4DJ to be placed into “Auto-DJ” mode, where the unit will automatically mix the music in your playlist based on your chosen style of mixing.
MIX AND DJ FROM YOUR DIGITAL MEDIA LIBRARY
DJ directly from your digital media library located on your USB memory stick, hard drive or smart phone. SCS.4DJ supports most unprotected file formats including WAV, MP3 and AAC files. The layout is instantly familiar to the experienced DJ, and logical enough for any novice to grasp. As a mobile DJ, SCS.4DJ gives you the durability and flexibility you need to perform night after night, with an intuitive yet simple surface, easy access USB ports, and a rugged chassis.
BECOME MORE CREATIVE
SCS.4DJ’s powerful one-button sync engine and built in tempo and beat grid calculations let you spend less time keeping things synchronized, giving you more time to be creative. The beat synchronized features including FX and Auto Loops will give you professional sounding mixes from your first mix out of the box.
RECORD CAPABILITY
Press the Record button and SCS.4DJ will record your performance to any mass storage device. Your recording can be shared between friends or used to produce a CD for distribution.
DECK CONTROLS
* 3 band EQ per channel, at DJ friendly crossover points with complete kills, and +6dB boost
* 4 Beat synchronized Effects per channel (Delay, Flange, Filter and Slice) with two parameter knobs for custom real time control
* Dual high-resolution 4.75” touch-sensitive weighted platters, with scratch, touch and fast forward/rewind functionality
* Individual 45mm volume faders for each channel with DJ friendly fader caps.
* 60mm Pitch control with bend and key lock functionality (with status indication)
* High-quality digitally-controlled 45mm cross fader with incredible durability and multiple fader curves to fit your performance style
* Auto Gain - automatically adjusts the volume of the loaded track to optimize playback quality
* Auto Loop – intelligently creates a beat synchronized loop from the current song position
* Loop Length – multiply and divide the length of the loop
* Reloop – automatically jump back to the last loop you used.
* Headphone Cue/Listen per channel (indicated by the headphone icon)
* Tri-Color input Level LED’s showing deck volume.
* Large Play/Pause and Cue transport buttons
* Large TAP tempo button to correct BPM for non standard musical genres.
* Large Sync button located with the transport controls for instant beat matching of one deck to the other.
MASTER SECTION
* 4.3” high resolution widescreen color LCD with adjustable brightness
* 8 x “Soft” buttons allowing direct access to features, functionality and navigation
* 4 x “Direct Access” illuminated buttons, HOME/WAVEFORM, BROWSE, PLAYLISTS and SYSTEM
* High resolution navigation wheel with BACK and ENTER buttons for fast navigation of all screen based activity.
* 7-LED stereo master output meters, deck tri-color LED level indication.
* Record button – Record your mix directly to a mass storage device
FRONT PANEL
* Microphone Volume Control (with volume indicator)
* Master Volume Control
* Cue/Mix control, allowing to set the balance of Cue/Mix in the headphones
* Headphone volume control
INPUTS
* 4 x USB A ports supporting memory sticks, hard drives, smart phones or keyboard input for search.
* Balanced Microphone input with volume control
OUTPUTS
* Balanced 1/4” TRS Main outputs (+4dB)
* Unbalanced RCA outputs (-10dB)
* 1/4” stereo headphone output
* 1/8” stereo headphone output (clone of 1/4” output)
* USB “B” port (for MIDI controller mode only)
COMPUTER FUNCTIONALITY
* Use the controls on SCS.4DJ to control DJ software (MIDI controller mode)
* SCS.4DJ supports M3u playlists created by standard music librarian applications/devices.
SCS.4DJ Tech Specifications Mic Preamp:
* Equivalent Input Noise:
< -112 dBu A-weighted, measured
* Sensitivity @ clip: 14 dBu (trim at max)
Mic Input to Line Output:
* SNR 20Hz-22kHz: >
99dB A-weighted
* THD+N @1kHz, 20Hz-22kHz BW:
< 0.007%
* Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz +/- 3 dB, +/-0.25dB 100Hz to 15kHz
* Sampling: 24-bit, 44.1kHz
Digital Playback:
* Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz +/- 2 dB, +/-0.25dB 100Hz to 15kHz
* Signal/Noise Ratio: >
106 dB A-weighted
* THD+N @1kHz, 20Hz-22kHz BW: 0.005%
* Max Output Level: +14.5 dBu
* Crosstalk (left to right):
< -90dB @ 1kHz
* Sampling: 24-bit, 44.1kHz
Headphone Amp:
* Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz +/- 3 dB, +/-0.25dB 100Hz to 15kHz
* Signal/Noise Ratio: >
90 dB A-weighted
Misc:
* Fader Kill: -85 dB
* Mic Input: 1/4” TRS
* Master Outputs: RCA unbalanced, ¼” pseudo balanced
* Headphone Output: ¼ “, 1/8”
* Power: Supplied Adapter
* Power Into 33 Ohms: 180mW RMS @ 0dBFS
* Power Into 150 Ohms: 40mW RMS @ 0dBFS
* Minimum Safe Load: 16 Ohms
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT
* Unit: 17.4” x 11.4” x 2.9” / 442mm x 291mm x 73mm
* Box: 19.9” x 15.1” x 4.3” / 505mm x 383mm x 108mm
* Weight: 5.0lbs
Lowest Price
Stanton SCS.4DJ Digital DJ Mixstation
American Musical Supply is the
Official Pro Audio Retailer of DJBooth
Submit a Review and/or Rating
Member Reviews and Ratings
|
DJ Booth Member |
ughh the Stanton SCS.4DJ Digital DJ Controller is a PIECE OF SHIT!!! So I can't use it with my lab top that easy if I wanted to use a seperate sound card...the computer while I been practicing at Home completly shut off as I was djing at home... then while I was djing at home it stuttered a couple time while djing at home.... the effects when used knock the BPM OFF (gay) ...I am utterly disappointed Sounded to Good to be true at Controller with its own computer (no lab top needed) UGH I wanna take a time machine and BUY ONE WTF.....this is the @*#$! 21st Century ....I WANT A @*#$! DJ CONTROLLER THAT I CAN USE WITH or WITH OUT My LAB TOP ....GOD ARE YOU LISTENING fffffuuuuCCCkkkkk!
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| Posted on Jan 06, 2013 |
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