The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S-4 DJ Software Controller delivers an integrated hardware/software DJ mixing environment, designed to satisfy discerning professional DJs, serious home DJs, working mobile DJs and more. Kontrol S-4 is thoughtfully laid out with ergonomic controls, Electromagnetic touch-sensitive jog wheels, an array of assignable software faders, transport controls and more.
The hardware is designed for plug-and-play operation, with Traktor Pro S4 software built in. All DJs need is a suitable laptop and audio files to begin mixing. In addition, the Kontrol S-4 is a high quality audio interface, capable of 24 Bit/96 kHz stereo audio. There are two inputs that are switchable between line and phono signal for connecting turntables or external CD decks.
| System Requirements |
Windows XP (latest Service Pack, 32 Bit), Vista/Windows 7 (latest Service Pack, 32/64 Bit), Pentium/Athlon XP 1.8 GHz OR Core2/AMD Athlon X2, 2 GB RAM
Mac OS X 10.5 or higher, Intel CoreDuo 1.66 GHz, 2 GB RAM USB 2.0 port, DVD drive, 6 GB free disk space for complete installation |
| Channels | 4 |
| Sample Rate | 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz |
| Impedance |
Line Input Impedance 47k Ohm
Mic Input Impedance 5.2k Ohm Phono Input Impedance 47k Ohm Balanced Line Output Impedance 164 Ohms Unbalanced Line Output Impedance 82 Ohms Headphone Load Impedance 16 Ohms - 600 Ohms |
| Crosstalk | Line Input -83 dBu |
| Level |
Line Input Full Scale Level +16dBu
Mic Input Full Scale Level -32 dBu Phono Input @1kHz - 19 dBu Balanced Line Maximum Output 13dBu Unbalanced Line Output Impedance 13dBu Headphone Load Impedance 16 Ohms - 600 Ohms |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio |
Line Input 98.5 dBu
Mic Input 92 dBu Phono Input 85.5 dBu Balanced Line Output 99.5 dBu |
| THD |
Line Input 0.01%
Mic Input 0.01% Phono Input 0.026% Balanced Line Output 0.01% |
| Frequency Response |
Line Input 20Hz-40kHz
Mic Input 20Hz-40kHz Balanced Line Output 20Hz-40kHz |
| Dynamic Range |
Line Input Impedance 105 dBu
Mic Input Impedance 105 dBu Phono Input Impedance 47k Ohm Balanced Line Output Impedance 105 dBu Unbalanced Line Output Impedance 105 dBu |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 19.7 x 2 x 12.7" (50 x 5.2 x 32.2cm) |
| Weight | 7.5lb (3.4kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
The S4 will be the new industry standard
The S4 comes bundled with Traktor S4 edition (with an upgrade to the newest version when it gets released). A major plus of this product is that the software and the controller are pre-mapped...Read complete review
The S4 comes bundled with Traktor S4 edition (with an upgrade to the newest version when it gets released). A major plus of this product is that the software and the controller are pre-mapped - so no annoying midi/knob mapping after installation. The unit itself is very solid and feels well built. The layout is very intuitive.I'm by no means a professional DJ but this thing is seriously fun to play with. The effects sections and looping functions are especially cool. If you live in Canada, as at the time of the writing of this review, B&H is by far the best place to get this thing. Best price[...]
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Most Liked Negative Review
Riddled with Problems.
This would be a great controller if it were built solidly. I have had this controller for about 4 months and already I am returning my SECOND unit. If you buy this, make sure...Read complete review
This would be a great controller if it were built solidly. I have had this controller for about 4 months and already I am returning my SECOND unit. If you buy this, make sure you get b&h's extra warranty cause otherwise you will be without your controller for weeks possibly months. SO MANY people are having issues with it that there normal Technical Support turn around time of 2-3 days is taking about a month. This is just to receive the shipping label to get it repaired. This doesn't include the repair time. The first issue I had was the JOG WHEELS sticking and therefore not releasing the track. The second issue I had was the RCA jack literally snapping off. The last issue I've had is the faders not responding properly. Also, a LOUD crackling sound whenever the RCA cables are moved. I don't know if this is made for professional DJ's but it certainly is marketed towards them. It's just not built tough enough for traveling or regular use and I spin 4 times a week.
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Reviewed by 16 customers
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Comments about Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S-4 DJ Software Controller:
This would be a great controller if it were built solidly. I have had this controller for about 4 months and already I am returning my SECOND unit. If you buy this, make sure you get b&h's extra warranty cause otherwise you will be without your controller for weeks possibly months. SO MANY people are having issues with it that there normal Technical Support turn around time of 2-3 days is taking about a month. This is just to receive the shipping label to get it repaired. This doesn't include the repair time. The first issue I had was the JOG WHEELS sticking and therefore not releasing the track. The second issue I had was the RCA jack literally snapping off. The last issue I've had is the faders not responding properly. Also, a LOUD crackling sound whenever the RCA cables are moved. I don't know if this is made for professional DJ's but it certainly is marketed towards them. It's just not built tough enough for traveling or regular use and I spin 4 times a week.
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Comments about Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S-4 DJ Software Controller:
I've used traktor 2 for a while now, but was only using a mixer and had to control my decks by mouse. This is a huge upgrade. I feel unlimited with what I can do and learn. I won't be outgrowing the S4 anytime soon. I can't compare this to other hardware, but I am extremely satisfied and have yet to discover any shortcomings. I would recommend this to any beginner.
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Comments about Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S-4 DJ Software Controller:
The best hardware/software DJ product to hit the market...maps perfectly with the software no extra mappings...plug and play...fx are the best the timcode is precise...great product NI.
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Comments about Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S-4 DJ Software Controller:
Very nice piece of hardware, synced with MIDI to my other devices, works on my old laptop after a few adjustments.
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Comments about Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S-4 DJ Software Controller:
Product is great and portable. Easy to use
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Comments about Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S-4 DJ Software Controller:
I use it professionally, I think the product is convenient and friendly to use currently I wouldn't change anything. A single problem it dosent support Hebrew track
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Comments about Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S-4 DJ Software Controller:
I use my product for home studio and house parties.
Great ability to take live samples out of any live playing track and dropping it into a separate channel. Then you can work those samples with any FX and Filters to create a totally new sound which you can then drop back into the mix.
The software provided with the S4 is INDUSTRY STANDARD! It has an endless choice of customization options including two inputs and a mic input so you can still use any analog kit you may already own. There are also options to choose what type of preference you have in filter and EQ ranging from zone to nuo and pioneer. Also you can adjust the curve on your cross fader.
There are two dedicated separate FX "clusters" for each of the four channel meaning you can have up to six FX on at a time per a channel. Unrealistic in most circumstances to have that many on at once, but that's not really what they are for. You can just save your most used FX and have dedicated controls ready for them at any moment.
The cue points are great you can use them as one shots or loops.
The jog wheels are quite good if they are calibrated properly out of the box. If not it only takes about a minute to calibrate them through the software using a wizard and it's child's play.
I have had my S4 for 5 months now and I have played out with it and it is the most intuitive piece of musical kit I have ever owned. If anyone tells you it pops and crackles it's because they haven't adjusted their latency and sample rate properly or have a poor computer. These settings are also very east to adjust.
You can read all of this in the specs and even check some other reviews online.
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Comments about Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S-4 DJ Software Controller:
Linked to a mac laptop this controller is like a glove fitting on a hand in the process of being able to mix, chop and sample as any conventional deejay would like to perform his trade, hobby or professional. I recommend this controller with a Mac, as a Deejay of over 20 years. I can finally move on from CDs with a facility that is likened to vinyl, however modern and digital.
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Comments about Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S-4 DJ Software Controller:
I use the traktor for personal use and recording. This product is amazing and has so many useful features. The downside is , it has some many feature it take a while to learn everything. Once you get the hang of it, the possibilities are endless.
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Comments about Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S-4 DJ Software Controller:
I highly recommend the Traktor S4 to any of my friends that want to get into DJing/remixing. It is all-in-one, which is nice for someone that doesn't have a bunch of audio gear yet. It is really easy to use which means a quick gratification when using it for the first time. The build quality feels like it will last for a long time. The best part is how you can grow with the S4 and all of its advanced features.
The S4 isn't just for the rookie. The S4 has tremendous potential for more advanced Traktor users. Adding your favorite CDJ or turntable to the S4 is possible. Adding other midi controllers is also possible. Seriously this isn't needed in my opinion, because the jogs are already great.
The knobs feel great especially the chunky smooth filter knobs on each channel. The EQ, filter, effects, and headphone/mic knobs are all smooth with one center click so you can easily find the middle of each parameter. The channel gain, search, loop, loop position knobs are interval click so you can easily move one or two values with accuracy. The jog wheels are have a really nice weight to them and are perfect my needs. Fader, crossfader and buttons have a good quality feel to them as well.
The LED displays and button lights are perfect. Not too bright, not to dim.
The sound quality is awesome. It could be compared to the Audio 8 soundcard in my opinion.
Some things that you should be aware of is that there isn't booth output for monitors, just main outs and headphones. I hook my main outs to my monitors at home and use headphones. When I go to gigs I hook main outs to the PA system and use headphones. You could hook the S4 up to the club mixer and use the club's mixer for booth outs if you really need them. This doens't seem necessary because the S4 has cue mix for your headphones so you can mix the output and cueing to your preference.
I wish I bought the S4 first instead of all the other DJ gear I own. Very slick controller that is not going anywhere except to the parties of course.
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Comments about Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S-4 DJ Software Controller:
Not big enough , still a toy, platter too small,
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S-4 DJ Software Controller:
The S4 comes bundled with Traktor S4 edition (with an upgrade to the newest version when it gets released). A major plus of this product is that the software and the controller are pre-mapped - so no annoying midi/knob mapping after installation. The unit itself is very solid and feels well built. The layout is very intuitive.I'm by no means a professional DJ but this thing is seriously fun to play with. The effects sections and looping functions are especially cool. If you live in Canada, as at the time of the writing of this review, B&H is by far the best place to get this thing. Best price[...]
Pros
Cons
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Comments about Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S-4 DJ Software Controller:
Love my s4. Best controller i have used so far.
These include the hercules mk2, Rmx and vestax vci 1oo. Slight delay with play when sync is activated if songs are not beat grid.Jogs are great and very responsive.
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Comments about Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S-4 DJ Software Controller:
I'm a club DJ and this controller really makes things easy for me. I was using CD players was my DDM4000. Now I only need my computer and controller.
Make sure you download the update to fix the poping and clicking issue. Once downloaded the S4 works great! I havn't used it live yet b/c I'm still learning how to use it. But I'm learning fast!
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Comments about Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S-4 DJ Software Controller:
I've received this controller 5 days ago it is built with quality, it haves a lot of problems:
- Defective Jog Wheels
- Clicking and popping sound
- Latency problems
The first batch is defective, NI forums are full of users with problems, be careful and take care of your money.
For 899 this unit is very bad, you can get a better unit from any other mayour brand.
Overall, i don't recommend this product.
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Comments about Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S-4 DJ Software Controller:
Im happy with my product made by the best company in music "traktor" and I love buying from b&h my favorite place to buy anything I need good prices [...]
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