Review: Traktor Kontrol S2 / S4 / S5 / S8 Controllers Compared
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- čas přidán 31. 07. 2024
- Ean has spent years in front of each of these Traktor Kontrol controllers - so which one is the best? Read more here + get a deal on any of these units: djtech.tools/kontrolVS
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That was awesome, I just ordered my Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 yesterday. It's my first DJ controller and I'm a learn how to use it. Thanks for sharing the difference in each of those hardwares.
I miss seeing you on dj TechTools videos these days.
By the way - you blew my mind when you mentioned you were the guy who developed the dicers- like wow... it got me into cue points, and eventually into digital dj’ing. You really did change the path my life was heading....
i really love how ergonomic is the traktor s4
I recently mapped an APC40 mk1 to remix decks/stem decks/step sequencer for decks C and D. First time I've been able to access all the creatures they've added in recent years. Amazing software!
I run the same setup as you do Ean, but with some extras ;)
Club mixer
2 X1's
(for when i need 4 track options)
2 F1's
(remix deck [C] filled with one shots and sweeps, and deck [D] acapellas. Also running Tekkens FX mapping on each to control 2 decks per F1)
Fell in love with Tekkens FX mapping and cant part with it, its a huge part of my DJ setup, and having remix decks running as well help to add sweeps, noise, one hits, drums, etc. allowing for better transitions and a fresh sound!
You are an amazing reviewer. Stoked to check out your DJ sets.
Ive had the S2 for years now and its still holding up great. Its the perfect size and its amazing for beginners, or just someone looking for a controller for mobile gigs.
Welcome back! Great video! Came to the same conclusion! I've had the s8 for about a year and was my first controller and intro into the laptop/traktor world. After having to wait for NI to confirm I was legal (which took about a day) and let me download the software, I immediately fell in love with the s8! Mind you, I already had Pioneer cdjs & a pair of technics, so the lack of jogwheels was no real issue! However, like you said the s8 is too big for a bar (or even the plane)!I was scheming on the s4 for mixing old disco classics (because I hate the noise of timecode vinyl) but I hate where the headhone jacks are and now the low output level!I think for small bars, I will just use traktor's dvs as most bars/clubs around me have the pioneer djm 900.When I go back to NYC, I may get another s8.I was thinking of the s5 but with no stand alone functionality, no dvs, no pitch faders it's just too risky for my taste!Because I "learned" (and still learning) on the s8, I never had any issues with the layout.I would like to go modular (if I had it like that) and rock two d2s with the pioneer djm Nexus 900!Great video bro!!
Man those clips brought me back :D
czcams.com/video/Ys_UEXKLEgw/video.html
Can't wait til you get your hands on the Denon VL 12, been waiting for a review
this is the exact video i've been waiting for!!!
Great review Ean. Missed your vids..
Finally a perfect overview on these Kontrol series.. ❤🙏
Great video! I personally play with an S4 and 2 D2s. S4 since it is similar to the controller I started learning with(Numark Mixtrak pro) and D2s to take advantage of remix decks and Stems. the nice thing is that if I am not going to use remix decks or stems, I can just drop the D2s from my setup
Very good comparison!
I myself is a Traktor S5 owner and love the controller.
I totally agree on the Filter on/off buttons.
Went to a friends house and really missed them when mixing on his S4.
As a techno DJ I couldnt care less for pitch-faders and jogwheels :)
Great advice as always Ean. The S4 mk2 is my choice as I don't use synch and jog wheels/pitch faders are a MUST! The headphone volume is also fine for me. Keep up the great work man!
Though I still play my Technics SL-1210 MK5.. Im very happy that I still mix with my Traktor S4. The jog wheels are still so much fun to play with. The Traktor S8 would probably be my go to controller when it comes to producing.. for floating ideas with FXs is awesome.
Im just getting into DJ'ing. and trying to decide on my first controller has been difficult lol.
This video helps a lot however!
The S8 with jog wheels would have been great.
Ugattasmallfry you'd have to lose the screens or something, or else it would be the size of dinner table haha but I agree it would be a cool option 😊
You can right within Tracktor plug in additional Controllers and add Mapping to them. I purchased the S5 not too long ago and added mapping from my old Numark Mixtrack 2 right into Tracktor to add jogwheels and pitchfaders when I want them. You can find plenty of cheap controllers that you can do just that
People need to understand that this is not what Native Instruments is aiming for, they want to inovate and help the creative process in DJ'ing, not make it stale and boring. In every single s5/s8 video I see on the internet, I see people complaining about them not having jog wheels.
exactly and for most electronic music djs as mentioned in this video don't really use jogwheels and a pitch fader all that much so the touch strip once you get the hang of it works actually pretty well as an acceptable replacement. You can even scratch on the touch strip though if your concerned about scratching then the S5/S8 is not for you (as mentioned in my previous comment can easily be added back in when needed by plugging in another midi controller and map it to traktor) the S5, S8 and D2 are not intended or designed to be used for scratching and there are plenty of other controllers that handle that better.
I know it takes a bit of habit breaking and yes it is intended to be used with sync saying that it does open up for you to focus more on being creative with your set which is why I made the switch over to the S5 and a pair of F1s from my Numark and so far I'm really pleased with it
I think the important thing is really to look at what Native instruments is doing with these controllers and if your sold on the concept as I am then it's a good controller once you get the hang of it. You need to be able to make that decision of is this the right controller for you?
Well said. I am going to upgrade from my S4 to an S5 next week, can't wait to try it..The S5 will be suited much better to my playing style and the genre I'm playing.
You are the best my man. You explantions are so clear and well done. 7 stars
I got the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 myself, I love it!
Thanks for that video! I wasn't sure whether to get s4 or s5 and now I know :)
I have an s4 mk2 and I love it!
Great seeing Ean again. And yeah, those old clips are a blast from the past! #jesushair
Hello and good day Mr. Ean....
Nice video..
I had the Taktor Control S8 for a month and sold it back....everything worked fine...nice controller for Electronic Musique....BUT...
when using the 4 decks together...the sound ......Oh my gosh distorted sound....for me the quality of the sound card is not to use it with the 4 decks together.
So know I'm using the Allen & Heath PX5 with the D2 Controller....that is what like when using it in Clubs.....quality quality quality..of course the price...but now at least I'm happy for at least 3-4 years ... and I still have the option to connect drummachines etc....etc.... ;-)
Best Regards from Germany
I am glad you said that the headphone volume on the S2 is low. I thought it was too. Would of hoped that a firmware update would sort that.
Great vid! Years ago I was all over Serato then I got Traktor and my first S4...I was hooked. Bought the S4 Mk2...and now I've been using an S5 (mostly at home and mobiles) for a year now. Love my S5! Some thoughts: I do think that NI is at a crossroads because...Serato software keeps getting better AND Denon just hit us with these Prime Engine players and software. Looks and sounds litty. I'm seriously considering a MX8000. Lastly, I would love to be able to take my S5 to the club and play my music videos like i currently do using my DDj-SX2 (Serato with the video plug-in). So for NI, consider these things.
Thank you, what a fantastic comparison!
I have S5 for 5 months now . It's perfect for me. Sync button is on ! Deep house and progressive house
I've worked with the S4 Mk1 for about 3 years, before switching to a combo of the S2 Mk2 and an F1 for dedicated filter knobs. It's a lot easier to carry around and the old S4 is slowly showing signs of age. So I only use it at home for preparations or occasionally recording a mix. Won't switch to either S5 or S8 though, as I need the jogwheels
DJ Tech Tools, are you able to make a video featuring what a controller can't do, especially the Kontrol S8? It's said the flagship S8 gives every feature on a control surface and I don't believe it gives all, yes, it gives a lot. For quicker work flow we would love this explained and it's easier to say what it can't do, I've been scratching my head how to do things on the S8 only to find out you still need to look at your laptop. Thanks for all your years of videos and expertise.
also, ean is probably the figure that got me into djing today... Started with a mixtrack, then bought a midi fighter spectra, and shortly after, a 3D. Then i upgraded to an s4, and finally im on an s5 now. Such great controllers from NI. If anyone has questions lemme know :)
When i decide to DJ again i got the s2 which was very nice. And I can take it anywhere, but it was limited so I upgraded to the Z2. And never looked back. Z2 is great for DVS and I used it once without turntable and it was fun.
My dream set-up would be a Kontrol S6 (based on an S4 or S5) that would have a USB port for a thumb drive that would allow the next DJ to load their playlist with CUES , remix and Keyboard or other Midi mappings into the host TRAKTOR laptop. Oh and welcome back Ean! it feels like Eons !!!
Forgot to add that you can use dvs turntables with the S4 mk2, and can also be used with an iPad. S4 mk2 all the way
Besides turning the volume knob on the controller, the headphone volume can be increased even more in the Traktor software itself. When the crossfader view is enabled in the settings (mixer > mixer layout > crossfader), a headphone volume knob will be visible. By turning this knob to the right, the headphone volume is than set to its maximum. You can still use your volume knob on the controller, but the overall volume will be higher.
Another way is to map a keyboard key to 'Monitor Volume Adjust' > 'set to value: 1.000'. Next, you have to hit the mapped key once, the headphone volume is than set to its maximum. You can still use your volume knob on the controller, but the overall volume will be higher.
Still got my original s2 - my first digital controller !!!
I have been working with the cdj nexus now I use the traktor s8 the sound and really hot love this machine quality ratio price I am very happy
So I don't know if anyone has any thoughts on this: if you're going to buy an S8 exclusively for your home setup, then what's the point? Wouldn't you want your practice surface to be the same as the one you're performing on? I can't imagine practicng on an S8 just at home and then going out and playing on CDJ's or another controller.
The thing I want to know is if any of these can double as a club mixer. We know that they can run traktor but can they take cdjs or a soundcard and give enough power to the outputs like a pioneer or Rane mixer?
I had the S5 which was great. But I had to sell it and get the S4 Mk2. Needed the dedicated tempo and jog wheels.
so excited to see the midi 64
This is a great video. Will you be doing a similar video for the mk3 models? currently, in the market for a new controller Thank you
Not sure what you mean about "no clear way to adjust tempo per track" with the S5 (timestamp 9:55). You can change the tempo for each deck fairly easily (without using sync or the master tempo knob). Tap the bpm button left of each screen, and twist the browse knob (optionally holding shift to change bpm in bigger increments). Not as straight forward as dedicated pitch sliders but I got used to it after a few mins.
Great video though! Nice summary of all the pros and cons across models. I switched to S5 from an S2, and while I do miss the smaller form factor and portability of the S2, I'm very happy with the S5 ^___^
If it wasn't for the absence of jogs (which I tend to love and use), the s5 would be my first choice for portable controllers (: 👍
Completely agree!
i'm curious. Does the Kontrol z2 work with the numark v7's in serato?
You should make a mapping for the S5 similar to your old S4 mapping with the jogwheel effects, accept put it on the touchstrips. would be sick!
I think I will go with the Z2. Totally forgot about it!!! Very flexible stand alone mixer & controller! Peace!
can't you hook external jog wheels and even turntables up to the s5? it has been years and years since i have even looked at this stuff, but i remember NI touting their own turntable that came with a record you could use for digital (basically a mapped record that would let you control digital tracks) and you could use it for analog records when you wanted too.
Still rocking my S4 MK1 (and I'm quite happy with it) but I've recently started to look out for an upgrade. I wish Native Instruments would put out a new S4-type controller that is considered... what's the right word... more premium? A full metal chassis and robust feel all around. I don't mind the smaller jog wheels but they could be bigger. Tempo faders could use a center-stop.
If I'm totally honest, I'm probably hoping for a Traktor experience with Pioneer DDJ-SZ build quality. I would throw over $1000 on that kinda monster right away.
So what would you use in a big club out of each controller Ean?I know that Carl cox uses an s8 with two cdjs!!
Great vid!
Thanks Brother! Trust your pick
Nice video!!! I have the Traktor S2 MK3
I love my S4 MK2 so much that i cant imagine using anything else at this moment, I could move to the S8 but im really avoiding it atm
i'm wanting to get into DJing i'm still confused as to which one is best. I'm between the s5 and s8
he's right the best set up is an x1 with a high spec club mixer. I went back to the s4 this weekend in the club for old times sake, I will not be repeating that ever! but a great bedroom kitchen rave piece. x1 mk3 please.
Real glad I found your videos, appreciate your opinion of your choice of controllers, the s5 sounds great, but no way I am giving up on my s4, especially since I have hardly got to use it, mostly due to trying to get the software for it, I didnt have it because the controller was a gift to me, used, and because I wasnt the registered owner NI wouldnt give me software and let me register as the current owner, guess in case it was stolen, but there got to be a special hell for any that steals someone music gear, but NI was willing to look the other way if I bought the software from them. This really put me off NI as a company, which really sadden me because I own just about all their software at the time and was all registered to me. SO My s4 sat in a closet for 2 years. Until my intrest in the art of mixing came around again, trying to let go my feelings, but still on the fence on buying the sw, but I am running the demo of it just to see if it's worth it to me.
It was great to see the clips of you mixing, at first I was who is this awesome hippy dj..lol take care
Great Video Ian, missed your cool Videos :) I have a Question, WHY, if you were involved in the Design of the S4 and i think you re still in Contact with Native Instruments, you didnt tell them the Headphone Volume is too low, and WHY Native Instruments didnt changed it when they did the S4 MK2 ???? It really bothers me alot that the Headphone Output is so low and that you are unable to turn the Lighting up a bit higher with USB only Connection. It cant be too difficult to change the Soundcard Output Design or Technical Specification to give it a little more Volume!? It really sucks :( Greetings from Germany Dude !
Really great video Ian! I recently switched from Traktor to Pioneer. Any chance of you doing a video like this for Pioneer controllers?
I’ve got a question - even though it is a couple years old since it has been replied to last... I’d like to know if anyone has managed to put their original S2 or S4 and any Midi-Fghter classics you might still have in the cupboard.
I loved the S4 and it was the controller that got me into turntable routines and I then made a conscious effort to learn to scratch - properly... so I did - and when I got a couple of the original midi fighter classics it took routines to a new level for myself, who although could scratch vinyls on my technics, I just got so into Traktor.
Anyway, over the years, I’ve gone through a number of controllers and also mixers - traded my technics in for Reloops and bought a couple F1s and an X1 - the X1, can be mapped easily enough to work alongside any controller and the software of any can be remapped easily.
But now, after a stint with Serato ( which I just do not like ) and Rekordbox DJ... again, I thought it was meh - Traktor 3 now it is about as perfect as I could wish for although no major features arrived with this version, you can tell a few patches down the road and it will be great again !1!
Soooo, I still have an original s2 and s4 and 2 x midi fighter classics. I use an MPD for pads nowadays and do have a 3D MF so along with the latest KONTROL S4 MK3 Inpicked up last month, everything about it is perfect and fits my use to a tee.
But just wondering if I should chuck out the S4 and S2 controllers - I mean, there in an ok condition but are soooo dated. They won’t even control midi on iOS apps which really sucks !
Even the 2 MF classics are never used anymore 🙁
So, anyone have any uses for their original Kontrol S2 and Kontrol s4 controllers. Shame really 😢
Hey Everyone! I would like to know if there is an application with Traktor that I can use to mix my android phone as an effects controller and my Pionner controller. Thanks in advance.
Is it possible to connect 2 Pioneer CDJ 900 nexus's and a DDJ-SX2 controller to Traktor at the sane time?
Which headphone is best for traktors4 mk2 for better sound..
You forgot the other downside the s5 has compared to the s4 which is the fact that they removed the rca ins, which gave you the option to pair the controller with a pair of turntables or CDJs if you needed, thats a bummer
It's in the accompanying article linked in the description - you're right, no RCA input is a big drawback. Perhaps it helped keep the price down, but still a bummer. Here's the article: djtech.tools/kontrolVS
I wonder if NI will launch a new model of S4 soon? or any all-in-on controller
would it make sense to use 2 x1's with a s4
Thanks, helps a lot
Holy shit ean made more videos
what other videos should I make? :)) - Ean Golden
Tips&Tricks with hardware=)
I'd love you to do a review on the denon mcx8000
@13:00, Ean says "I wouldn't take it (the S5) to a huge club..."
Does that have anything to do with the XLR output quality, or is Ean just talking about the headphone output still being too quiet?
Are there any alternatives? Vestax seems to be dead, somethin similar to vci-400?
I realy love the S4 but since several updates it started to go down with my controller , cracking and popping sounds while playing on gigs , controller that freezes and need to restart , to much problems ..... As i sended all the problems to native they came to the conclussion that my controller is on a defect , but they can't or wont repair it and all support on the S4 has been cancelt, so now i have to go for another controller....and within that price rate or the same layout , not a chance .....
Still using my Vestax TR-01 with Audio10 as a backup. Got the TR dirt cheap €25 new and its build like a tank...
i would love to see the s5 used in a hiphop format with scratching .....or an s6 were they add jog wheels and tempo faders back to the s5
Hi Ean, did you say the S4 is $499? Looking for a reason to update my S4MK1.
Oscar Delgado it comes out to around 600 after tax
Hi Ean, hope you can help on my problem with my Kontrol S4 MK2, I'm having issues with my DECK B/D button, it switches by itself, I wanna disable its function if possible, your help will be appreciated. Thanks!
I wish my S5 had those two tempo faders in each side. Nevertheless it's a perfect controler for Traktor. Greetings from Greece :-)
If they some how integrate the s4 with xlr out and a louder sound card id 100% buy it, right now im using an s2 in a local bar where i play every weekend and its good enough for mixing top 40, edm and hip hop but i agree with the lack in headphone volume.
The s5 with an f1 attached as good as s8 for stems
Could you compare beatpad and beatpad2 by reloop ?
When is N I coming out with a bigger controller with jog wheels. I want the flagship pioneer controller. trying to wait and see if N I is coming out with something new.
But NI needs a new controller for the Scratch DJ. It is long over due. 7 or 8 inch jogs will be great on the next controller
tell me about it
Maybe a single jogwheel controller, let's call it the Kontrol J1?
yep. kind of like a V7 by numark but without the motor
alex estrada not old school at all. It is a technical skill people learn to perform when you want to add flair. Not really for electricic music but I know some DJs that use jogs/turntables in electrical music like they do hip hop music and it sounds dope. But to each their own.
Jose Lugo my Z2 is still rocking solid.
Screens are more important for work flow than the fancy jog wheels. If I didn't have my S5 already, the jogs would be confusing but after all, dropping the necessarity of looking at the laptop screen is way more important than touching that haptic engine for me. Tracks are shown in a line at the deck section so there is no confusing point of using the touch bars to scroll the tracks etc.
NI needs to make a controller that supports CDs, and mp3(I use .wav files) via tumbdrive. I don't DJ, but looking at the S5 and the stems I would be interested for side gigs. I am more a musician than a DJ.
is it worth buying a s2 controller in 2017?
he said he uses a pair of x1s but what was the mixer and the extra little piece of equipment he was using?
Mixer is a Rane MP 2015 and the other controller is a Midi Fighter Twister.
s5 is great, the only thing I am missing in all those controllers is digital output, as I prefer to use my dedicated d/a unit for quality of the sound
What would you recommend when you do want jog wheels but don't want to go from an S4 mk1 to an S4 mk2 ?
wallyboy69 get turntables 🙂
If they could do jogwheels, the screens, pitchfaders, and the stems features all in one. That would be the best mixer
Do the controllers come with Traktor?
how do you skip through a track on beat with the s5 and s8?
Beatjump!
I love the S5.
but I hate that some tractor functions. (can I add a F1 so all the traktor functions will work?)
btw you can change the speed of tracks dunno how again so you don't need to use sync
I'm still waiting for an S8 with Traktor integrated into the controller like with pioneers DDJ-SX
Best setup s8 with 2 d2 😍
Not a Traktor fan but had to watch anyways 😁
song name???
Having traktor s4 mk1, i would like to change but i hesitate between s5 or s8.
It depends. Do you mostly use SYNC, if so, then the s5 for portability, or S8 for power, but not portability are great. It you use the jogwheels or tempo faders then the S4 MK2 with an F1 might be the best choice.
the s4 is not the cheapest 4 channel controller! it may have been the "best" but there are way better options now!
nice video! (hope you are not being paid for it in any way... but there really are some other better options available. the Gemini G4V looks like a good option. have seen it for 250$ new)
I'm a long time N.I user and i would say the traktor s4 has been good despite quality issues of faders. if u ask any s4 user, they always have a broken fader (tempo, crossfader, and volume).
Also, if u want to keep your s4, never attempt heavy scratching as a hiphop Dj. The faders break just with a couple months GUARANTEED. (SMH to N.I faders). Also N.I should give an option to easily replace or put aftermarket kit without needing a license in electronic and kontroller engineering.
This is a pretty old video so i don't know if I get a response. But I was wondering. Is the S8 and traktor still a good buy in 2022? I had the DDJ1000. I loved that controller. But it was stolen. :( And despite the fact that I love Rekordbox. I HATE and i DO MEAN HATE the fact that I need to spend money every month to be subscribed to rekordbox to use all functions. Traktor does not have that. But The DJ stuff and N.i is a bit silent these days. So Would you recommend the S8 in today's market?
So you all would you say the s4 is the best DJ controller for Hip Hop DJs? I'm trying to mix and DJ my beats and hip hop instrumentals at clubs and private listening parties for promotion of my tracks...
I don't know if ALL would say that, but the S4 MK2 is really versatile. It offers phono inputs which allows you to use vinyl or vinyl time coding. Personally, I have an original S4 with the F1 for my remix deck. I'm due for an upgrade and was considering an S5, but feel the S4 MK2 with the F1 will give me the most versatility. I like having the tempo faders when mixing OLD Disco tracks that aren't really locked in a tempo thru-out the whole track.