For audio engineers, musicians, and producers, workflow speed and tactile control matter more than anything. The Elgato Stream Deck Plus introduced rotary dials, but in 2025 the VSDinside Stream Dock N4 Pro takes creator control to the next level — adding dynamic backgrounds, a true Touch Bar, RGB-lit encoders, more keys, and even USB expansion ports.

This article explains why audio creators are increasingly choosing the N4 Pro over the Stream Deck Plus.

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1. More Keys = More Commands for Your DAW

The Stream Deck Plus offers 8 keys — fine for basic DAW shortcuts, but limiting for larger templates.

The Stream Dock N4 Pro includes 10 keys, giving producers:

• More transport controls
• More mixer shortcuts
• More plugin toggles
• More macros per page

When working in Logic Pro, FL Studio, Ableton, or Cubase, two extra keys mean fewer page switches and smoother workflows.

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2. Dynamic Backgrounds Are a Game-Changer for Visual Mixing

The N4 Pro’s layered UI system lets the keys sit on top of a full-screen dynamic video background.

This enables:

• Animated VU meters
• Waveform visualizers
• Low-frequency EQ motion backgrounds
• Studio ambient animations

Stream Deck Plus cannot display dynamic UI or animated backgrounds at all — this is a unique advantage of the N4 Pro.

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3. Real Touch Bar (Not a Basic Slider) for Audio Controls

The Stream Deck Plus has a simple horizontal slider. But audio creators need more than a slider — they need interactive, modular controls.

The N4 Pro’s Touch Bar supports:

• Track volume control
• Scrub through timelines
• Mute / solo toggles
• Playback and navigation
• EQ macro switching
• Animated music spectrum visualizer

It behaves more like a MacBook Pro Touch Bar than Elgato’s touch strip.

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4. RGB Encoder Light Rings Improve Low-Light Sessions

Producers often work in dark studios. The N4 Pro’s RGB encoder light rings allow you to:

• Color-code each knob (red = volume, blue = FX, green = pan)
• Use the deck as a flight-sim-style control console
• Improve tactile accuracy during night sessions

The encoders feel smoother and more precise than those on Stream Deck Plus — and the lighting is a major usability boost.

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5. Built-In USB Hub Simplifies Studio Cable Management

This is a massive advantage for audio producers with MIDI devices, interfaces, dongles, or USB microphones.

The N4 Pro includes a USB 3.0 hub on its base:

• 2 × USB-A 3.0 ports
• 1 × USB-C 3.0 port

You can plug in:

• MIDI keyboards
• USB microphones
• Dongles (iLok, etc.)
• USB interfaces

Stream Deck Plus provides zero expansion ports.

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6. Adjustable Angle = More Comfortable Mixing

Stream Deck Plus is fixed-angle. N4 Pro offers a multi-stage adjustable stand — perfect for:

• Desk-level mixing
• Standing desks
• Long sessions where comfort matters

Small ergonomic upgrades create big workflow improvements.

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7. Costs About Half the Price — With More Hardware

Stream Deck Plus is typically priced at $199–$229.

The N4 Pro is usually half that price, while offering:

• More keys
• Dynamic backgrounds
• True Touch Bar
• RGB encoder rings
• USB expansion dock
• Adjustable angles

For audio creators with large setups, the value difference is huge.

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Conclusion — N4 Pro Is the Better Tool for Music Creators

With dynamic visuals, encoder lighting, a true Touch Bar, more keys, and built-in USB expansion, the Stream Dock N4 Pro offers a more modern and more functional workflow than the Stream Deck Plus.

For producers, mixers, and musicians, it’s the most capable audio control deck available in 2025.

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Start Your N4 Pro Audio Workflow

👉 Get the Stream Dock N4 Pro
👉 Join the Discord
👉 Share your setup on Reddit

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