A beautifully made controller, with great jogwheels and wonderful sound. Let's find out how it shapes up...
Reloop’s new Terminal Mix 4 in its smart black livery is big, weighty and pro-looking. Being the size of the Kontrol S4 but with distinctly larger and superior jogwheels, it certainly gives the impression of meaning business.
It comes with Serato Intro (more on this later), but it also comes with Virtual DJ LE, and there are Traktor mappings available too (ditto the four decks, although you’ll have to buy Traktor separately). Confused? Fear not – we’ll do our best to unravel the mysteries in this, our full Reloop Terminal Mix 4 review.
First impressions and setting up
This is a standard-looking but impressively built controller. It’s standard in that everything is laid out where you’d expect it to be, and it’s impressive for a whole number of reasons.
Firstly, it is an imposing size. It’s pretty much exactly the same size as the Traktor Kontrol S4, but it’s a notch higher in build quality, being appreciably heavier and using much more metal in its construction.
Singularly the best jogwheels on any DJ controller…
Next, it has singularly the best jogwheels on any DJ controller apart from the Numark NS7′s or the Denon DJ SC3900′s motorised jogs, which are a different breed entirely. They’re big but low profile, beautifully engineered in aluminium, and have a nice textured top surface that just feels right.
Everything else feels expensive, too, from the long-throw, hi-res pitch controls to the extremely loose crossfader, to the damped, weighted library knob dead centre of the unit, to the rubberised transport controls at the front. It’s a pro-feeling DJ controller, without a doubt.
The Reloop Terminal Mix 4 looks and feels similar to the Vestax VCI-400 or the Numark NS6.
Indeed, it very much borrows the look and feel of the Numark NS6. While it is deeper and narrower than that controller, the colour scheme, feature set, feel of the controls, even the main colour of the VU meters are similar.
It is not quite as nicely constructed or as expensive-feeling than the NS6 (except the jogs, which are better), but it’s very close. (It also falls short against the NS6 in a couple of other areas, but we’ll come to those later).
Reloop’s controllers have always been metal and reasonably well constructed (notwithstanding cue button reliability issues on earlier models) but they’ve improved over the short number of years since the Digital Jockey models first hit the scene, and this latest controller – alongside the Terminal Mix 2 which we also first saw at the Musikmesse show this year – is the company’s most accomplished build standard to date.
Setting up depends on what operating system you have, and does not deviate from nearly every other DJ controller out there. You install ASIO audio drivers if you’re using a PC (no need if you’re using a Mac), then go ahead with the software. And here’s where it starts to get challenging for the beginner…
The strange world of DJ controllers: A primer
DJ controllers, dear readers, are a combination of Midi control surface (layman’s term: controls that makes bits move on the software display, like knobs, faders and jogwheels) and, nowadays, audio interfaces (audio circuitry that is used instead of your computer’s built-in sound, that allows you to hook up external sources, and more importantly, have multiple outputs, like headphones and speakers – pretty important for DJing).
How controllers behave depends then, on the software you use with them – pretty much entirely. It also depends on what are called “mappings” – configuration files that tell the hardware what parts of the software to control.
Controllers like the Kontrol S4 and Serato's ITCH-licensed models offer true one-to-one mapped plug & play.
With something like the Traktor Kontrol S2 and Traktor Kontrol S4, or Serato ITCH-branded controllers, you really don’t need to know anything about any of this (you plug in, and everything works). But with most other DJ controllers, this one included, you most definitely do need an understanding of what you’re buying.
So later on in the review, we’re going to look at this controller from the point of view of someone who wants to use it with each of the three programs it either has in the box or has company-provided mappings for – Serato DJ Intro, Virtual DJ and Traktor. First, though, we’ll take a tour of the features. Just be aware that exactly what you have available to you will depend on the software choices you make.
Features tour
Jogweeels and transport
Let’s start with the jogs. We’ve already mentioned how good they are in passing, but let’s reiterate this: They’re very good.
There’s no sideways “give” in them; they are weighted, so when you spin them and let go, they carry on for a few seconds, slowing down convincingly; they’re completely silent; and they have a choice of scratch/nudge or just nudge (for replicating vinyl/CDJ or just CDJ behaviour). The jogs also offer a track search function. There’s no tighten/loosen control like on the Vestax VCI-400 (for instance), but I didn’t miss it.
The only thing that jarred with me was the semantic mismatch of using a real cup as the logo for the CUP button…
Across the front of the jogs are the transport controls. These are in a translucent, red-backlit rubber material and are round. They’re really nice to the touch; the only thing that jarred with me was the semantic mismatch of using a real cup as the logo for the CUP button (CUe Play). As well as CUP, there are the usual play/pause, stop and sync.
The fine (14-bit Midi), long-throw pitch faders are nearly as smooth as those on the NS6, but a bit scratchier, and you also get range adjust and keylock buttons to alter the behaviour of the pitch controls.
Front panel
Moving to the front of the unit, there’s a single 1/4″ mono TRS microphone input, which has level and tone controls. As with all such controls on the front, these push in to make them more flush with the surface, in the same way they do on the Traktor Kontrol S4.
There’s a level control for the auxiliary input too (more later). There are also small switches for choosing whether you want the microphone and auxiliary inputs to be routed through software or hardware. What this means is that you could put your microphone and some external source through your DJ software (to take advantage of effects, for instance), or choose for them to go through the hardware avoiding the software entirely.
Reloop Terminal Mix 4 from the front: Note how low profile the jogs are.
The latter option means you’d miss the chance to process these inputs in your laptop software, but in theory, were this unit plugged in to the mains and the system crashed, you could still use these auxiliary inputs to keep the music going from your iPod, or at least to apologise on the microphone! But as there was no mains power adaptor supplied with the unit, we couldn’t test whether these are true standalone inputs – and as neither Serato Intro or Virtual DJ LE let us route through software, we couldn’t test that option at all.
Moving from left to right along the front then, next we come to two sets of two crossfader assign buttons, which decide if each of the four channels are assigned to the left side, the right side, or no side at all of the crossfader. Sat between these two pairs, direct centre, is a crossfader curve adjuster. Finally, to the right, two headphones sockets (1/8″ and 1/4″) sit next to a headphones tone control – the latter being a nice addition and something not usually found on DJ controllers.
Mixer section
The four identical lines each has a line fader, three-band “intelligent kill” EQs (I couldn’t work out what that meant, but they worked as expected), gain and, nicely, a filter per channel, similar in this respect to other roughly comparable controllers such as the Traktor Kontrol S4 and the Vestax VCI-400 (one up on the NS6 here).
There are individual cue buttons for headphones monitoring, load buttons for getting tracks from the library to the decks, and fader start where available in software too.
Most people new to digital or who are happy to trust autogain in software won’t miss this, but those used to using analogue gear certainly will.
Up the middle of the mixer are transport and output controls. As mentioned above, the library browser knob is really nice to use. It’s brushed metal, weighted, damped, stepped and better than that on (for instance) the Xone:DX, which although similar, sometimes jumps a step or jumps two tracks per step. This one, though, is spot on.
There are a whole host of volume controls here too. There’s a volume control for the sampler, and volume controls for the cue (headphones), master output and booth outputs. There’s also a headphones mix control (that decides if what you hear is your cue source, your master, or a mix of both).
One minus point is the poor VU metering. There is a single stereo VU meter in the middle of the mixer, but it only monitors the master output, so there’s no way of using it when cueing to get the individual track gains right pre-fader. Most people new to digital or who are happy to trust autogain in software won’t miss this, but those used to using analogue gear certainly will, and if you want to get your gain staging spot-on manually, this is a pretty essential thing to have.
Finally, there are two layer buttons for switching the decks between 1 and 3 and 2 and 4, and two shift buttons for accessing extra Midi commands.
FX, loops and sample controls
Al of the controls I’m about to describe are duplicated, one set for each of the two physical decks.
Unlike the Numark NS6, this controller has sample buttons right there on the pane. There are four sample buttons and four hot cues (actual usable numbers vary depending on what software you’re using). While this section is not as comprehensive as the wonderful sample deck integration with Traktor on the S4, for example, and is not as advanced as the touch-sensitive pads on the Vestax VCI-400, it’s nonetheless a decent number of buttons for you to be getting on with.
The looping section is standard, with manual and beatmatched loops, beat move and half/double (theoretically) available.
The FX sections comprise three adjusters and an on/off for each of the three available effects per side, plus a nicely intuitive “beats multiplier” which decides how fast the effects cycle from 1/8 of a beat up to eight beats, complete with a tap button for manual input of the BPM.
Round the back
Especially seeing as it has issues with using all four channels in software, I think having two line/phono inputs would have been better.
A good number of outputs are available, with balanced TRS and unbalanced RCA for the master out, and unbalanced RCA for the booth out. Additionally, there is a single external input for one record deck or line input (ie a CDJ or your iPod), and a ground pin should you choose to attach your singular turntable up to the unit. Especially seeing as it has issues with using all four channels in software (we’re getting to that…), I think having two line/phono inputs would have been better.
There are a power on/off switch, a USB in/out and a Kensington lock fitting too (all pretty standard), as well as a shift lock button that turns the shift button behaviour (used to access another layer of Midi functionality) from on-hold to toggle.
Sound quality and other features
I was impressed with the sound quality from the unit. As usual I tested it using 320kbps MP3s that I know sound good because I DJ with them. Testing on Serato DJ Intro, Max Essa’s “Caress” sounded warm and summery, just as it should, with good bass, twinkling highs and convincing filter effects from the built-in channel filters. The headphones volume was plenty loud enough and overall I had no complaints.
In Virtual DJ it seems louder than Serato (it was easier to push the VUs into the red), and not quite as refined, with the well-documented lack of true bass kill (the bass EQ takes out a chunk of the mids too), but it was again acceptable.
I was overall impressed with the way the unit pumped out the decibels even on USB power, and that goes for the LED brightness too…
On the subject of volume, by the way, I was overall impressed with the way the unit pumped out the decibels even on USB power, and that goes for the LED brightness too; it seems to efficiently draw enough power from your laptop to be able to function well without any obvious shortcomings (unlike say the Novation Twitch, which is the quieter end of acceptable, and very dim in daylight).
That moves us on nicely to the firmware features. It s possible to adjust the aforementioned LED intensity by a simple firmware trick, and you can also adjust the jogwheel sensitivity by doing something similar. It is also possible to adjust the group of Midi channels the controller uses, to avoid clashes with any other Midi gear you may also be using.
So – all well and good on paper. What about when we get the supplied software all loaded up and take it for a spin?
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Tags: dj controllers, reloop, serato, terminal mix 4
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Great review, as always
[ link ]A big thank you for noting some details other reviewers miss most of the time.
Thanks Max, glad it was of use to you. It took a full weekend and most of today to play with this enough to form a good enough opinion to write this review. Still, I can think of worse ways of spending time
[ link ]Sweet monitors you got
[ link ]Lol
[ link ]You oughto pitch this up against the VCI-380 when that comes out
[ link ]VCI-380 is a two-channel device though, so I think the controllers we pictured it with at the end are maybe a better comparison. Thanks for the idea though, and our VCI-380 review is coming very soon!
[ link ]Well, would you believe it? VCI-380 just arrived for review! Give us 7–10 days to mess around with it and we’ll have that one for you too.
[ link ]CAN’T WAIT!
[ link ]hey, i think that you get a discounted version when upgrading from virtual dj le , and im pretty sure that discount is substantial! ( the normal $369 or whatever it is down to like 160ish? not done it yet so dont know ) so really its not adding on as much cost as you say, and once upgraded, is there even a better controller out there for vdj? not everyone uses serato or traktor ya kno!
( but i fully agree with your points about the controllers use in these programs ) and virtual dj 8 should be out soon, adding considerable punch to what this should be able to do!
however, why they chose to team with serato ill never know,still, least i can confuse people into thinking i use serato like a pro and not vdj
[ link ]I thought that too but I clicked upgrade and the price came back as I reported. I’d love to know that I’m wrong.
[ link ]:O noo, i hope thats an error! but couldnt you just use someone else who didnt want it’s discount code from a le package that does offer a discount and get it that way?
[ link ]I’m not sure. There’s every chance I’m missing something – maybe someone will enlighten us.
[ link ]Thanks Phil, that is absolutely the same conclusions that I have come too and I totally love the jogs. Even though the control pads on the VCI 380 look so fine, I totally love the jogs on this unit.
If anyone is interested, I tried the Traktor mappings and they work well. However Traktor is not my breed of software, so I did no fancy remappings. As expected the jogs are less tight on traktor… which I blame on NI not on the controller.
[ link ]First of all great review Phil! The most informative I’ve found till now.
I’ve wanted to buy the S2 and now I see this one and in my country the price for them are almost the same (50$ +/- more for the reloop).
I never used Serato but I use Traktor pro 2 and VDJ so I still wonder:
1. If you must choose to use one of this controllers with Traktor, which one will extract more from the software? (assuming I know how to map and I know the S2 is designated for Traktor).
2. In your opinion, head to head this controllers no matter the software, which will you take for a gig?
Thank you very much,
[ link ]Boris.
Hi Boris. The S2 is the better controller for Traktor out of the two. But I can’t answer your “no matter the software” question, because for me, the software is 90% of the job. The controller is just there to make the software easier to use.
[ link ]Thanks
[ link ]I will try both at the store today and if I’ll truly believe that mapping the reloop to traktor is not a problem I’ll buy it because of the 4 channels and the versatility with different programs.
Great review Phil, as always! I can’t understand why developers can’t produce a controller that works like they want with their designated software, or for that matter works how they advertise it! If it doesn’t work, choose a different platform! Also, it surprises me that so many features that work well on other company’s controllers aren’t implemented in new releases by their competitors- you would think one company would just sit down and design a super controller with all the right features already! I guess they want to squeeze all our money out of us one improvement at a time…
On a personal note I was wondering if you could give your opinion on how this stacks up against the VMS4.1, in my opinion a very undervalued controller that has been somewhat eclipsed in the four deck market by fancier more high end controllers. Have you tested the improvements from the VMS4 at all?
Thanks again, love the site, your reviews have been a big deciding factor on much of my gear and I am never disappointed!
[ link ]Skoll
We actually have a VMS4.1 here which we’ll review very soon.
[ link ]Go tired of waiting for this one. Got me the NS6 2 months ago(I’m traktor fan but wanted to try out itch)If Reloop and Serato get their act together and make this an Itch controller, the only thing I will miss from the NS6 will be the fader start.
[ link ]This actually has fader start too.
[ link ]Thanks Phil
[ link ]bye bye NS6
Serato MUST be working on something if they ship 4-channel controllers with Serato DJ Intro (Vestax VCI-400, Numark N4, Numark Mixdeck Quad and now the Reloop Terminal Mix 4). I agree that they shouldn’t market this controller the way they do now, but if Serato really comes with new software as an upgrade or something, I guess it will make up for it.
I can’t wait, as with your review, you convinced me that this is definitely one of the controllers on my shortlist. I already had the VCI-400 and Jockey 3 on my list, but it looks like I should change to the Terminal Mix 4 instead of the Jockey 3. Serato seems the best software for me as a hip hop/R&B DJ…
I am actually quite surprised about several of the things you were impressed about, especially about the jog wheels and you being so positive about the build quality in comparison with the NI S4…
I’m very impressed now
[ link ]Phil, I think that the “intelligent kill” EQs means that you can kill each EQ pushing each knob, not a great feature if you can push it accidentally.
I´m also very impatient to know your comparison between this and the VMS4.1, this is the real under 500€ 4 desks fight IMO.
Thanks in advance.
[ link ]While we have yet to carry our VMS4.1 review, this is definitely the better built out of the two, and its jogs are many times better. BTW, the EQs don’t have a “push” function. The plot thickens…
[ link ]hey phil could you plug it into midi trace and see if it sends out a different midi message when you turn the knob all the way to zero?
http://www.virtualdj.com/download/miditrace.exe
It is great news that you cant push to kill, I have a jockey 2 that feels terrible because of it…
Also in regard to having 4 inputs you can actually run 2 turntables with vdj pro, you just ground both tables on the back then get a female rca to trs extender and plug the second table into the microphone input. Then in advanced sound config you can route the mic into a deck… at least you can on the jockey 2
[ link ]Does anyone know how good the pitch fader resolution is in Traktor? Does it manage to go down to 0.01%? This was one of the major letdowns of the vci 400 in that you could not manually beatmatch with it in traktor.
[ link ]If you have a controller in high resolution, Traktor should detect the High and Low CC’s for your controller by using the auto assignment. I have not been able to manually map High resolution platters or faders.
[ link ]After that its a rough balancing act between the Sensitivity and Acceleration.
Not ideal, considering the software should handle high res easy now a days.
I have a 4mx at the moment and want to upgrade my controller, i have a full version of virtual dj which i upgraded for about £100. I used to have a rmx then upgraded to the 4mx, but now want a bit more. I have tried the ergo and liked it, but the stanton djc4 looked good which is coming out soon but this looks perfect as well. so would you recommend this controller as i have a full version of virtual dj already and this controller seems good value for the money. I would appreciate your advice. ps are the jogwheals press down or static.
[ link ]Hi Kirk, it’d be a good choice for Virtual DJ Full. The jogs are static not press down, they work electrically.
[ link ]My only major concerns with this controller are the single aux output and the incredibly poor mapping with serato…. which are very important.
I want to go out and buy one but these points are holding me back. Also, how hard would it have been to include an XLR output?
What in the world will I do if I buy one and they decide to NOT give us ITCH functionality? That would be a waste but i’ve seen companies do worse.
[ link ]You mean the single aux input? The whole world and his son are expecting manufacturers and Serato to come up with a better version of the software for these controllers soon, it’s just a shame they don’t have it at launch.
[ link ]Yes I do mean aux input thanks. And I think I’ll buy one anyway and wait with baited breath for the software update.
How much difference would having an XLR output make compared to the standard RCA? What’s the difference between the balanced and unbalanced out? Is one for booth and one for master out?
[ link ]No difference at all unless you’re running a long (like 20ft or more) cable out of the unit. If like 95% of users you have a 1 or 3 metre RCA to RCA cable, you’ll be fine. Balanced gives a better signal over long distances.
[ link ]And the same deal with RCA versus XLR? Sorry for so many questions, and thanks for all your answers!
[ link ]Yes, balanced TRS and XLR are the same thing. No worries re questions, but you may find more and faster responses on the forum http://www.digitaldjtips.com/forum…
[ link ]I am wondering how one can find out about the quality of microswitches. Perhaps someone can tell me how you can find out if the terminal mix or the jockey 3 too have better ones than the old models (without using them for a longer period of time).
[ link ]Update
[ link ]A person standing very close to Reloop told me that they changed the buttons, because they have learned from their previous mistakes. I tested the Terminal Mix 4 at the Dj meeting in Dortmund, the buttons felt very well built. Really enjoyed using it with Serato, works great.
My Terminal Mix is ordered and on the way, i think Reloop belongs to the top players of producers concerning midi-controllers.
I bought the Reloop terminal mix4 last week after reading this post and many more about it. It’s fantastic! I’m really impressed.
I went to the store and compared it with the NI S2 that’s almost the same price (tough comes with full traktor and 2.5 version free update). The MIX4 looks and feels much more professional, it’s bigger and heavier and have really nice big jogs.
Tried it with VDJ and Intro and it works great of course… But the surprise was with traktor! it’s not bad at all!! you just need to map the jogs (5 min understanding + 5 min mapping).
Recommend
[ link ]Great review… I’m sold! Where can I buy one? All USA dealers have pushed the release date back time and time again. Now they are stating that it won’t be available until mid-June!! I’ve been waiting impatiently for months (since NAMM). Anyone know a dealer in the US that has them in stock and ready to ship? Thanks. I can’t wait to get my hands on one. Planning to use it with Traktor.
[ link ]Hi,
Really nice review.
I have 2 quick question:
In the beats multiplier section, the cyclings are from 1/8 of a beat
up to eight beats.
But can be remapped from 4-32 ? Or the manual input IN/OUT can hold a
32 looping rate or more? Also if the loopings are set for (more than32) can be shifted (loop move) at this rate?
I have the buget for buying this or the traktor s4(secondhand) what do you think wich of the two are better. Are they comparable?
[ link ]Great jog wheels in best quality. The crossfader is extremly smooth. Finally Reloop built a controller that is perfect for scratching
[ link ]Hi Phil! Your review convinced me to buy a TM4, however I am having a slight issue I was wondering your take on this!
I am using the TM4 with VDJ, and do not find the sound card to be as good quality as you describe – I am having a slight fuzz in the mid range and in particular I am finding the TREBLE in the EQ to be VERY WEAK.
- I turn all else down and pump up the treble and get a slight fuzz off the high end- a very limited frequency range that could barely be considered a treble EQ, only a little of the hi hat and none of the high pitched vocals come through.
- I compared this with the VMS4.1 which I also bought as comparison, and the treble range on the same song is full range and warm, with full hi-hat, much more of the vocals coming through.
I am curious as to your opinion, because this may cause real mixing problems though I LOVE LOVE the rest of the controller, wondering if it is just my unit….
THANKS!
[ link ]The first thing you should do it try it with Serato DJ Intro, and see if you have the same issue.
[ link ]I have, not nearly as bad, but still not as good as the the VMS4, the only method of comparison I have, and imo still doesnt sound great…
I understand its a ‘serato’ controller but it is supposed to be compatible with VDJ as well, and considering there are only 2 decks in serato I feel the controller is better mapped to VDJ at the moment. If anyone else with the controller could give it a listen in VDJ and give me their opinion I would greatly appreciate it.
Honestly I am not doing any complicated EQ mixes as of yet, but how big of a deal breaker is a weak treble EQ anyway? Will it make it much harder to mix in the long run? Is it worth the extra functions of this controller? It may be imo…
[ link ]Contacted Mixware LLC and a few other U.S. distributers and was told that the RELOOP TERMINAL MIX 2 will not be sold in the states. Due to U.S. purchase price from Reloop, demand of a 4 channel than a 2 channel and I don’t think the US have to much faith in there product. There is only 2 or 3 boxes of the TM4 at every Guitar Center which tells you something. BOTTOM LINE, the distributers in the states will not make any money selling the Terminal Mix 2.
[ link ]I have been using the pioneer ergo with traktor pro for the past four months.
)
[ link ]I originally bought it for Serato but after being bitterly disappointed with intro I moved over to traktor and to be honest I cannot see myself returning to serato.
I just sold my ergo with the full intention of buying the DDJ-T1.
After watching and reading your review I am finding myself in A rut which controller would you pick between the two.
And I was wondering does the fader start function work with Traktor?
That was one of my main reasons for upgrading to the T1 the ergo worked fantastically with traktor but I missed that function.(And I will miss the leds
Not sure about the fader start, it’s a Serato controller really, so we tested it properly with Serato.
[ link ]For Traktor I personally wouldn’t go with the Serato controller, because it’s designed for use with Serato. Not sure about the fader start function, I’d guess it doesn’t work with Traktor but it depends on the mapping.
[ link ]I bit the bullet to, although I may take it back… This controller feels great. The jogs are OUTSTANDING. I’m thinking of selling my DN-MC6000, of which I love but the platter size kills it for me a bit. I wish it had native support for Traktor, the missing controlls for certain things may drive me to return it in a few days and keep my Denon. If i’d of learned on Serato it would be OK, but will see.
Nice job again Phil
[ link ]hello,
i am thinking of buying this unit, but i am not sure whether i should get this or the pioneer ddj ergo, or the numark n4.(i am a beginner and this will be my first controller).
my main concern is the quality of the buttons as i have heard reloop products were not the best in the market regarding this matter
finally, thank you for writing this review, and for your help.
[ link ]Reloop build quality is fine after a few early issues.
[ link ]But what do you recommend? Which controller should I buy?
[ link ]In terms of build quality, Reloop wins from the Numark N4. Feature wise, the Terminal Mix offers more than the DDJ-Ergo.
You do the math
[ link ]Thnx dj freez
[ link ]hi!
[ link ]how can i select the effects (1 or 2) for each channel?
is any button to do that function?
thanks!
Hi Phil, please update your review, full version of Serato DJ is now out for Terminal Mix 2 & 4. Greetings.
[ link ]Will do
[ link ]