Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 - Demo & Review

Here is our complete demo & review of the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 by Native Instruments.

Learn how to use all of the controllers features and how it works with Traktor Pro 3. We also dive deep into the haptic drive jog wheels, sampler decks and stems decks.

[DJDevine]

Great job 👌 I’m a DJ from the 90s to 2024! Vinyl is king but I’ve had an Pioneer SX2 since it came out and I finally have found it’s replacement! I wish it had an aluminum top plate like my SX2 but this S4 is everything I’ve ever wished for and wanted on a controller. Serato has served me well and I won’t sell it until the S4 proves itself and it better be a good stand alone!🙏🤞

[philthkids]

OK I've had this for 6 months now and WOW! Despite some of the big name video guys saying it isn't really worth switching to Traktor for this hardware, I can say with 100% certainty that it is (came from Serato). This controller has everything I want and functions better than I imagined. I scratch, do routines, trigger samples, record one shots into another TT channel and then scratch those sequences. But beyond that, it just functions amazing and is very intuitive.. no looking back now. Feels rock solid and pro too, If you're coming from turntables this is for you.. you no longer need to mess about with DVS and Turntables.. but if you want you can still hook up turntables to the gear. This device has given me the extra flare I used to achieve via complicated set up of samplers, midi, turntables.. but better actually.

[djmsagar]

You can actually change the tension of the jog, even in TT mode so 'it doesnt run away..' as you said. This time, theyve actually thought about everything. (almost)

[leekzo]

Great Vid, i picked up mine today, i had a ddj 1000 for a few months, could not get used to Rekordbox, i just spent 30 mins with the s4 MK3, it is worth getting, the knobs, jogs are so smooth, , , , 10+ years i have been using traktor and they always find ways to make it better...they nailed it, great upgrade from the mk2 S4.

[nice-record]

Hey @Crossfader and to all the others here. Thanks for sharing your work with us. As "return of investment" I want to give you a complete feedback about the new S4. Sorry for my will do my best :D

First of all I have to say, that I'm a big fan of Traktor, I work with the software since ages. But I also can work with serato or rekordbox. I have the new S4 MK3 and I still don't know if I will work with it in the next years or will try rekordbox (with a XP1 and a DJM).

But now I wanna give you an honest feedback about the controller (i will focus on the new stuff in the controller):

- The BROWSE function SECTION is very good, fast pre-listening, fast favorites scrolling and adding songs to the preparation list

- MIXER FX are very nice (like Jamie mentioned in the video) DOTTED DELAY is killer :D

- REMIX DECK RECORDER is fantastic, but this is also no new invention, rekordbox have a similar function (btw, Serato don't have this)

- OVERALL SOUND QUALITY, MICROPHONE and HEADPHONE OUTPUTS massively improved, but Headphone could be a little bit louder (native-instruments work on that, they said to me. I asked for that in an email)

- (MOTORIZED) JOG-WHEELS: this a very critical point: the wheels are good, maybe very good, but I also use a Denon DC5000M, and you can't compare this. The Denon Platter is the best you can get in the moment (in my opinion). But if you just wanna have a portable device with motorized jogs, the S4 is great

- HAPTIC DRIVE is for the moment just a 'nice to have', nothing more, nothing less, I hope they add really useful functions

- the Screens are useful, but as long as I have to look to my laptop screen when I am browsing, the displays are just another 'nice to have'

- also i have to say that Traktor 3 (also Traktor 2) has a SLICER (FREEZE) MODE and the possibility to do tone play. Unfortunately you can't activate this with the S4 MK3 at the moment...

- BUT you can map special functions, for example to a nice little midi controller. I mapped some functions (for example TONE PLAY, SAMPLER) to a RELOOP NEON, ALESIS SAMPLEPAD PRO and an ALESIS WIRELESS VORTEX 2. BTW: It's fun to have a "real keytar" and a "real drum kit during a gig, the crowd will love you ;)

Why I tell you that? Because Traktor is still the best software to map external midi devices with the possibility to change the colors of the pads. I don't know if you can do that on Serato (no Sample Sequence Recorder :D) and I don't want to talk about Virtual DJ, because of the sound quality. In rekordbox you can map a device like the NEON, but with no color support, In rekordbox I even can't use my ALESIS devices, this is strange!

My overall conclusion:

+ REMIX DECK RECORDER
+ MOTORIZED JOG-WHEELS
+ BROWSE FUNCTIONS
+ MIDI FUNCTIONALITY
+ SOUND IMPROVEMENT

- NO SEPERATE MICROPHONE SLOTS
- HEADPHONE COULD HAVE A LITTLE BIT MORE POWER (will be updated)
- NO STANDALONE (will be updated)
- FOR MORE FUNCTIONS YOU HAVE TO BUY ADDITIONAL MIDI DEVICES

So let's go, what should YOU buy? If you want to play on a controller with motorized jogs and also want great midi connectivity you have to take the S4 MK3. If you like just the remix recorder you can also go with pioneer (DDJ RX or DDJ RXZ). In all other cases you can choose also a Serato DJ Pro Setup.

My future DJ Setup will depends of, if a can map the XP1 "like I need it", otherwise I will stay on Traktor. It would be really nice if Pioneer brings out a new controller like the RX with motorized platters, maybe this could be the last reason to try something new.

In the end some words about the "hobbyist controller" TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 MK3. It is not a perfect device and even if I like my unit very much I'm a little bit disappointed (as I told you in the description) and maybe I will really change my DJ Software after a lot of years (my midi Devices will still run on Traktor parallely :) ). BUT the S4 MK3 ist NOT (only) a "hobbyist controller or "controller for beginners". Even if you are an expert, this is a very nice machine, because you can do a lot of professionell and creative stuff with it. The DDJ 1000 for example feels much cheaper when you play with this one. Also I think Serato is with a Serato Intro Controller much easier to handle for beginners.

[DjVito]

Best review ever, glad that you talk about the buttons, nobody ever said if they are made with plastic or rubber...

[CrazyDJU]

I usually don't like your DJing videos, but this in depth review of this controller was fantastic. Thanks for showing us the in's and out's of this controller.

[stewarty]

Firstly a fair and honest review. I’ve been looking at this controller for a while now. I was pretty much going to buy the XDJ RX2. Then this came out! As a Traktor user I feel very comfortable with the software. I definitely want to explore the stems and remix deck options and possibly adding other NI equipment. A real bargain for the money and you can certainly get creative which is what I want. Great review, This is the controller for me 👍

[cemeh]

I bought it 3 days ago and also bought a Mac Air just for djing. What can I say well, I am super happy, these purchases worth every penny I spent. The S4 just a piece of art, it is a modern 2019 + controller. Sound good quality is just amazing I’d say 30% better than on Traktor 2. Opportunities just so unbelievable, so much can be done with it. Didn’t try it fully yet but I am sure it will be very long and super interesting journey for me. Thanks to NI for such a powerful beast! Keep spinning, piece to all here.

[cerw]

I just sold my S8 (that i loved since they released it) and order S4 mk3! I am excited! and yes I did miss the Wheels, the s8 touchpad is good, but does not satisfy you if you come from Turntables.

[noel]

Even tho I still dont see myself switching to Traktor I freaking love the motorized platters! Traktor is applying pressure!!! I hope Serato's partners take note.

[ridiculousss]

this is why i love NI, they always think of everything!

[DJStrling]

I hope either:
A. Traktor makes this as a standalone (since the future of DJ'ing is moving away from laptops).
B. Other brands take notes and keep up! Rotating platters on a controller is genius for us scratchers!

[deghihderaman]

The best models to learn how to playing at Big Festival.

[dreymorneau]

Man, Top tier review, much appreciated. I think you nailed it @ 22:50 with your opinion on where this controller sits in the market. Im a musician/producer, played guitar/keys in many bands +live ableton sets but this will be my first entrance into the DJ world. This controller feels like a fit because as you described, it seems optimized as more of a live performance controller rather than a quick mix performance controller like the rekordbox/serato stuff. I also think it will pair with my NI S61 keyboard quite well ;) Thanks for informative vid

[michaelm]

Guy is a legend. Best reviews out there. Nailed everything about this!

[va-va]

With all it's inputs & outputs and having 4 channels with great sound quality, it's definitely a great option for the wedding and private function DJ as well! Can't wait to get my hands on one :D

[ChristianAntonsen]

The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 mk3 looks really interesting. Thanks for the video.

[congamantony]

I’m in the UK and I have one too. I had a mk2 originally, and I am now learning all the new features of this unit 🤪. Great review Jamie

[jacqueskloster]

I always loved traktor, used it with timecodes + midi controllers in the past and then gave up on the hobby. Now, I am looking to get into it again and I have been looking around now for months about what I should buy. I originally wanted to get the denon prime 4 but then comparing features and price and respecting the fact that I am very familiar with traktor, this might be the best bang for the buck... I'd have to buy a laptop but I think one that can run traktor decently can be found on the used market for around 300€ so that is still a lot cheaper than a prime 4 or xdj xz and you get 4 decks... so If I wanted to add timecode vinyl or CDJs then this would be possible, which is my main concern.