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Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK1 vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2

Product Comparison: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK1 vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2

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Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK1 DJ Controller

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Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 DJ Controller

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General Specifications

Brand

Native Instruments

Origin

Germany

About the Product

Native Instruments revolutionized the DJ world nearly a decade ago with the introduction of TRAKTOR, the world's first professional DJ software. Now they're back at it again with TRAKTOR KONTROL S4, a DJ performance system designed from the ground up from the team behind TRAKTOR. Note:Free update to the new TRAKTOR PRO 2 software for registered S4 users. See Native Instrument's website for latest software and firmware updates. The New Performance DJ System Forget what you know about DJ controllers and DJ software. TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 was designed from its conception as a fully integrated system where software and hardware are fused in perfect harmony. Once you experience it, you'll immediately feel how simple, yet powerful and fluid a professional DJ system can be. TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 is the culmination of a 10-year vision and experience only Native Instruments can provide. So whether you're a seasoned TRAKTOR user looking for the ultimate controller, or just entering the world of digital DJing, the S4 delivers. Custom-tailored for TRAKTOR, the S4 fuses a premium-quality 4-channel DJ mixer, a built-in 24-bit/96kHz soundcard, an intuitive controller, and the flagship TRAKTOR PRO S4 software into one fully professional solutionthe ideal one-stop package for DJs who want pro features, instant usability and go-anywhere portability. KONTROL In Action The sleek, stylish controller puts TRAKTOR at your fingertipsfusing hardware and software into one harmonic unit. Innovative Sample Decks, high-quality electromagnetic jog wheels, two effect units, and two clearly laid-out deck control sections can be assigned to any of the four software decks and deliver a new level in creative control over your one shots, tracks, and loops. The intuitive and ergonomic controller layout and its robust rotary knobs provide precise visual and tactile status feedbackperfect for any DJ situation. Highly responsive to the touch, TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 is incredibly smooth to use.

Hardware and software – fused in perfect harmony. The redesigned Traktor Kontrol S4 is the first-class DJ system tailor-made for Traktor to deliver an inspiring DJ experience. The S4 combines a premium four channel mixer, built-in 24 bit/96 kHz soundcard, an intuitive interface, and Traktor PRO 2 software with Remix Decks. It's the ideal one-stop package for DJs who want pro features, instant usability, and go-anywhere portability.

Model

Traktor Kontrol S4 MK1

Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2

Key Specs

Jog Wheels

Yes

Number Of Channels

Effect Type(s)

Filter, 3-band EQ, Samples, FX group

Filter, 3-band EQ, Samples, FX group, Remix slots

Software Compatibility

TRAKTOR DJ, TRAKTOR PRO 2

Jog Wheels
Number Of Channels

What customers say about "Key Specs"

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK1 DJ Controller

It's a great all in one system. This includes the 2 decks and mix plus two digital/ FX decks. It's a bit of a learning curve for me as I'm crossing over from traditional analog tables with a 2 channel mixer.
I've been DJ for a while and have used several different controllers. I bought this because I use TRAKTOR and wanted to try the controller that was made for the software assuming it would have the best integration.
Amazing software. Traktor S4 Pro (and the free upgrade to Traktor 2) are incredible. They work seamlessly with the S4 and the response time is wonderful.
The S4 is a dope controller. I would say get the S8 now thats its out but at the time when I bought the controller only the s4 was out. The versatility of this controller is dope
Native Instruments has been making incremental improvements to their Traktor DJ software, every year or so, ever since Traktor was first introduced in 2000. The software has grown to be a very full-featured dj performance suite and rightly holds a duopoly at the top of the market with Serato.

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 DJ Controller

Out of all of the software/hardware that NI makes, this is by far my favorite. I first got into DJing 20+ years ago and my goal was always that I wanted to be able to take parts of songs and create entirely new music all within the moment of a set.
Everything worked well right out of the box. Hardware and software looks professional and is impressive to clients.
Traktor Pro is awesome software, and the S4 MK2 is the perfect controller. My other controller is a Numark NV with Serato.....it now collects dust.
The jog wheels are nice and responsive. if you press down on the platter, you can scratch, and if you move the wheel from the sides, it functions as a nudge for beat matching.
If you do not have Traktor, this unit comes with a key for the FULL version of Traktor Pro 2(Download from Native Instruments website).

Size & Weight

Height

2 in.

2.8 in.

Width

19.7 in.

Depth

12.7 in.

13.3 in.

Weight

7.5 lbs.

6.6 lbs.

What customers say about "Size & Weight"

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK1 DJ Controller

It's light weight. This is also a con though.
It's roughly the size of a full-feature dj mixer and fits in where that would live in a typical setup.
Firstly, size: yes, it is a large controller, but it is much smaller than two decks and a mixer and an effects unit.
The S4 is a tabletop unit. It has some metal, but the main portions of the case are plastic. This saves a lot of weight (appreciated for gigging) but also means it's not built like a tank like a classic "Tech 12" turntable.
Its weight is just right to where, when I’m using it, I don’t feel like I’m man handling it and pushing it around too easily.

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 DJ Controller

The entire unit is of sturdy construction and feels like it can take a beating. The nice thing for me is it is just a little bigger than my previous controller, so I didn't have to account for a significant change in size.
I'm VERY happy with it so far. Nice size and weight. The control surface layout just seems more intuitive/easy to me.
I do think the sound quality was good, and I liked the overall size of the unit.
One of the best 4 track controllers out there. Super easy to use, very light weight to take around, and it just make DJing that much more fun when you can take it around easily and drop some heavy hitters on the fly. Highly recommened
Small enough to fit into any booth but durable enough to withstand years of constant use. I highly recommend this product. Amazing work Native Instruments.

Features

Decks Control

Cue, Play, Hotcues, Shift, Sync, Pitch, Gain, Faders, Crossfader, Pitch bend, Key lock

Cue, Play, Hotcues, Pitch, Shift, Sync, Faders, Crossfader, Gain, Key lock, Pitch bend

LED Metering

Yes

Additional Controls

Master Volume, Browse knob, Desk's load buttons, Cue level, Cue mix, Loop Recorder, Mic volume, SNAP button, Clock Master button, Quantize button

Master Volume, Browse knob, Desk's load buttons, Cue level, Cue mix, Loop Recorder, Mic volume, Quantize button, Clock Master button, SNAP button

Looping Capability

Yes

MIDI

Yes

Input(s)

MIC/Line, RCA stereo channel D, RCA stereo channel C, USB type B, Phones 1/4"

RCA stereo channel D, RCA stereo channel C, USB type B, Phones 1/4", MIC/Line

Output(s)

RCA stereo, 1/4" Stereo

Extras

Built-in high-end 24-bit/96kHz low-latency audio interface with Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters and MIDI I/O, Loop Recorder, Powerful MP3 management with iTunes integration and iPod compatibility

Built-in high-end 24-bit/96kHz low-latency audio interface with Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters and MIDI I/O, Powerful MP3 management with iTunes integration and iPod compatibility, Loop Recorder

Power Source

AC adapter / USB

What customers say about "Features"

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK1 DJ Controller

Also, after coming from an American Audio VMS4 I wish this controller was a little bit more durable and not just made of plastic. Also it would be nice to have some XLR outputs and a more user friendly (and better sounding) MIC input.
The knobs and buttons on the S4 are well built and feel good. If you are a turntablist, you may find the resistance of the volume sliders to be a little extreme, but as an IDM DJ, it fits me fine.
The jog wheels are behind the buttons! I love this feature. Most of the controllers on the market have the jog wheels in front, which makes it difficult for people who like to beat juggle with cue points.
The shell is plastic, not metal. The unit is light, as noted above, but having a solid metal shell would be nice.
There is no booth out. You can augment this by using the RCA output as a make-shift booth out, while using the balanced 1/4" line as your main out, but they are controlled by the same volume knob. If you do this, you'll have to control the volume of your booth on the booth's amplifier.

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 DJ Controller

Each side of the controller has it's own loop control just below the jog wheel, and it is quick and easy to create a loop on the fly and exit out of them with just a few pushes of a button.
Each jog wheel and associated loop controls and performance pads can be switched to the other deck on its respective side with just the touch of a button, so you can easily control 4 decks and still have the same level of control deck to deck.
Specially I love remix deck control. You can use different loops and it will trigger when you want to add drums or other instrumental loops.
There are more advanced features that you will likely want to know so you can maximize what you can do with the S4.
Not a DJ but love to manipulate music. I does more than what I needed it for but I can always explore the other features later. Satisfied so far.

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

2 year(s)

Certifications

Other Information

Manufacturer

Link

Manual

Download