Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk3 DJ Controller

Product Information

There was a light turning noise in TT mode on my test unit – apparently torque noise and not a sign of mechanical problems. Only noticeable with no music playing I think it might be a TSI problem... Maybe even a firmware problem. Not sure. I'll keep experimenting with TSI's and wait for another update.

The Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 controller very much honors its turntable mode spin legacy through its sleek and high-performing spinning platters. Scratch with ease using high-resolution, silicone-damped, touch-sensitive jog wheels with rubber-coated outer rim and glossy top plate The faders are “carbon protect” (no, I am not sure what that means either), and feel good, with the usual looser crossfader and stiffer upfaders. Crossfader assignment and curve (three choices) are controlled by small buttons on the front of the unit. The interface, design, and workflow has been updated to reflect modern, professional DJ standards and aesthetics with 2018 build quality that is a noticeable bump up for the Traktor Kontrol line.

The knobs are all recessed, each with an orientation in both the EQ section as well as the gain, giving it a more classic mixer FX feel. Pads Move the switch to either LINE or PHONO next to the INPUT CHANNEL B or INPUT CHANNEL A on the rear panel of the TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 hardware.

When asked about it, NI said that the newly introduced limiter type (known as “Transparent”) utilizes much of the previous “Classic” limiter while greatly reducing the amount of clipping. Traktor Pro 3 – the supplied software – is very good at lots of things (loops and effects to name two, plus the new Elastique timestretch engine sounds awesome). It has been proven at the highest level.At the top of each channel are two buttons for activating either the left or right-hand FX unit (or both) on that channel, and above that is that channel’s gain control.

Like the earlier brands, these faders reduce a considerable amount of dust and dirt from entering into the controller. Not only do these platters look great, but they also work surprisingly well despite the controller’s reduced size and weight. If you’re one of the many people that have become a huge fan of the Traktor DJ product line, there’s probably a lot of different reasons why you have! Things like the headphone outputs were much louder than the earlier S5 or S8 controllers, which often would get swallowed up if used in louder clubs.This is a massive update and game-changer to the Traktor line. The versatile motorized jog wheels use an original magnetic technology, creating and establishing a strong rotation without feeling “loose” or flimsy. In February 2019, Native Instruments released the version 3.1.1 update for Traktor Pro 3. Version 3.1.1 brings some new features, improvements, and fixes that make for a smoother workflow.Here's some of the features and improvements: Ultimately, the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 controller’s updated look and layout give the S4 a more “Pioneer” look. Overall, the updates to mixer layout/spacing, components, and styling make the center of this controller look and feel a lot more like Pioneer DJ gear, like the ubiquitous DJM-900NXS/2 mixer. At first I was a bit annoyed at this new “Pioneer” look, but it’s growing on me and certainly feels more professional than the classic Traktor controllers. One section in particular is a welcome nod in that direction… The Mixer FX (Instant Gratification) Extremely satisfying experience with great resolution on both fast and slow scratches”– read more about the Kontrol S4 in our review: https://djtech.tools/s4mk3review