EF44 vs PBF4 for Traktor Transport control

Hi everyone! I’m deciding between modules for my Intech setup and would love some advice.

I use Traktor with an external mixer, so I don’t need EQ or volume controls in software.

I'm considering using a module with potentiometers (like the PBF4) because I don’t have any elsewhere in my setup. I imagine functions like loop size or FX parameters might feel more natural and responsive on pots than endless encoders.

However, the main purpose of this module would be to control Transpose. Would using the PBF4’s short faders (with central detent) feel smooth enough for musically shifting from something like 130 BPM to 180 BPM, or could it feel jumpy or imprecise?

Any thoughts on whether potentiometers are genuinely beneficial in this case — or if I should stick to endless encoders and long-throw faders (like on the EF44)?

I also use logic and Ableton... so it would be nice to have the potentiometers for that...maybe im trying to use if for too many things though!?

Thanks for all your thoughts!

Replies (11)

Greg-Orca · May 5, 2025

I use encoders for loops and FX — the detent ones work great for loop size since you can feel the steps. Potmeters are good for absolute control, but short faders can feel less precise for things like Transpose. Long faders are easier to adjust accurately.

Faders don’t have a center detent option, only the potmeters

Encoders are more versatile overall, eg.: push + rotate functions.

cazcoronel · May 5, 2025

Thanks so much for quick response and for clarifying about the faders. I wrote transpose but this was the wrong thing... i really meant tempo..eg changing BPM. So one option would be to map the tempo faders to encoders with a central detent? Would this be even better than the longer faders?

Can you think of any DJ function that the potentiometers would be superior for?

Greg-Orca · May 5, 2025

This is my preferences:
Central detent potmeters for eq/filter

detent push-encoder for loop or bpm, track select

Faders volume

Button play stop cue headphone cue

Smooth push-encoders maybe bpm and fx (press and hold turning on the effect, release turn off),

cazcoronel · May 6, 2025

Thank you so if I get the EN16 smooth this would be best for activating stems and then turning the enconder for volume?

Then I will get the EN44 and get central detent to use for BPM

Faders I might use for loops since I use and external mixer

cazcoronel · May 6, 2025

sorry I mean the EF44...but I notice it says detent not central detent?

Greg-Orca · May 6, 2025

Potmeters have only option of central detent

Greg-Orca · May 6, 2025

Encoders have no center position, so it’s can be just detent/smooth

Greg-Orca · May 6, 2025

If you dont need to feel the two endpoints eg for volume, then encoder good

Greg-Orca · May 6, 2025

For volume I would choose PO16

cazcoronel · May 6, 2025

ok I think im ready to go
S0 I dont normally need volume

I'm going for
VSN1, - Play Pause,Load, browse, manual mixing of selected deck and main control)
EN16 Smooth for stems deck A,B,C and bpm one for each deck
BU16 for cuepoints, loop move
EF44 Detent for Loops, move, layout select and faders for Volume on the rare occasion I use it that way

cazcoronel · May 26, 2025

I received a message about updating the survey with an American address even if my address isnt from there. I can no longer see the survery on the link provided?