Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 Digital DJ Controller

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 Digital DJ Controller Overview

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 DJ Controller overview by GAK

The Traktor Kontrol S4 DJ Controller is, by and large, one of the most popular DJ controllers in the world, and for good reason.

The S4 MK2 is a robust and highly portable 4-deck all in one DJ controller with built-in 24-bit/96kHz soundcard and audio interface. The S4 has a layout and configuration designed specifically for instant and perfect integration with the industry-leading Native Instruments software, Traktor Pro 2.

With a range of built-in intuitive controls, the S4 MK2 allows you to trigger loops, operate transport controls, assign and use cue points, effects, remix decks and even master NI's brand new 'Stems Control' system.

The S4 MK2 allows for immediate plug-and-play with Traktor Pro 2 and Traktor DJ software, with no mapping or control assignments necessary, hook up your S4 direct to your computer, iPad or iPhone. 

The Traktor S4's mixer contains not two but FOUR stereo channels giving you direct control of four tracks and greatly expanding your creative mix potential. Each track has a switchable 3-band EQ, a switchable gain/filter knob, CUE button and 2 FX sends. In the centre of the mixer, we have an enlarged encoder wheel that allows you to easily browse your music library within Pro 2 and assign tracks to each deck. 

'Snap' and 'Quantize' buttons lie directly underneath the S4's Browse encoder, these superb tools work intuitively with your cue point assignment within Traktor Pro 2.  When 'Snap' is engaged, Traktor will snap to the closest beat when a cue point is set. Hitting 'Quantize' tells Traktor to wait until the next beat to play your triggered cue, ensuring your tracks remain in time and the mix sounds professional.

The Traktor S4's 'Loop Recorder' is an excellent feature and a lot of fun to play around with, found again within the centre of the S4's mixing section, the loop recorder captures live audio, records it and loops it back. This feature really shines when you start to manipulate the loop using FX, samples or even your microphone or external instrument! The Loop Recorder essentially gives you a platform with which to create your own unique builds, starting with a simple loop and ending with something completely different. You can keep each loop, transfer them to your remix decks and build a loop library.

Each deck and its surrounding area on the S4 offers yet more intuitive controls and functions to master and utilize in your performances. 'Remix Slots' found below each jog wheel, allow you to assign a third or fourth deck to a strip of buttons directly above your deck 1 and 2 cue buttons, essentially giving you access to multiple cues across multiple tracks, again expanding the creative potential of your mix. The pitch sliders on the S4 MK2 are on each far side of the controller, emulating the positioning found on CDJ's and turntables, the sliders also have 0.1% adjustment making them incredibly intuitive and precise. Applying flux mode, found above the tempo adjust fader, allows you to scratch, trigger cue points, samples and more as the track silently continues to play, seamlessly cutting back into the mix as soon as you stop.

The 'Loop' section gives you manual loop in and loop out functions, a knob to the left gives you the ability to move your loops position across your track, whilst on the right, adjust the bar length with the auto loop knob.These controls make for quick and easy integration of loops and help when extending track length for beat matching and effects application!

The S4 MK2's jog wheels are aluminium covered giving them a solid feel in comparison to similar controllers that use plastic. Use the pitch-bend function to get hands-on with beat matching and minor speed adjustments, whilst pressing the top of the jog wheel will engage scratch mode and allow you to manually adjust the track position as you would controlling a vinyl.

Found on the very top of the controller the S4 MK2's effects section is broken up into effects banks 1 and 2, apply up to 6 effects at any one time from over 30 effects found in the Traktor Pro 2 software! Apply filter sweeps, delays, flangers, pitch shifters and more to completely customise your tracks and add exciting elements to your mixes.

Brand new to the Traktor range, the S4 MK2 is "Stems Ready" a completely new, forward thinking and highly creative way to DJ. Using an open, multi-channel stem track audio file, control and trigger a tracks 4 main elements, drums, bass, vocals and melody. Play each element as individual tracks and create brand new edits live, taking everyone by surprise. Purchase of the S4 MK2 comes complete with a 1.5GB 65-track collection of stem tracks covering a range of genres to get you started, a huge range of stem tracks are now available across many major track purchase sites.

The Traktor S4 MK2's built-in soundcard and audio interface pump out high-quality audio at 24-bit/96 kHz, resulting in a controller that's at home when paired with even the largest club sound system. DVS capability allows you to connect the S4 MK2 to your CDJ's and turntables and utilize Traktor Scratch Pro to have classic control over your mixing. Further inputs include MIDI to connect your favourite synth, drum machine or instrument and a microphone input with a variable gain switch.

The S4 MK2 is a seriously worthy upgrade to the original S4, its connectivity capabilities and expanded creative tools make it the obvious choice for anyone looking to invest in a larger, more diverse DJ controller than some of the smaller, more simplistic controllers out there. Excellent for both amateurs and professional DJ's alike.