- Highly integrated 4-deck TRAKTOR controller and flagship software
- Hardware: 4-channel mixer with ergonomic layout, 2 high-res touch-sensitive jog wheels
- Software: TRAKTOR PRO 2.5 - features 4-deck mixing and effects, plus all-new Sample Decks and a powerful Loop Recorder
- 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
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Product Description
4+1 CHANNEL DJ SYSTEM
Native Instruments revolutionized the DJ world nearly a decade ago with the introduction of TRAKTOR, the world's first professional DJ software. We've done it all again with TRAKTOR KONTROL S4, the only 4+1 channel DJ performance system designed from the ground up from the team behind TRAKTOR.
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 like no other can.
Custom-tailored for TRAKTOR, the S4 fuses a premium-quality 4 channel DJ mixer, a built-in 24 bit/96 kHz soundcard, an intuitive controller, and the flagship TRAKTOR PRO 2 software with Remix Decks into one fully professional solution - the 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 fingertips - fusing hardware and software into one harmonic unit. Innovative Remix 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 feedback - perfect for any DJ situation. Highly responsive to the touch, TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 is incredibly smooth to use, while its slim and compact profile makes it easy to transport from gig to gig.
TRAKTOR PRO 2 SOFTWARE
It's super simple to get straight in the mix, thanks to the included TRAKTOR PRO 2.5 software. This latest version is now Ready to Remix - with innovate new Remix Decks allowing for a blurring of the boundaries between DJing and live performance. As with the Sample Decks previously, the Remix Decks can be triggered direct from the S4's hardware. What's more, premium ready-made and instantly combinable loops have been provided by the renowned Loopmasters sample house, so you can get started right away.
4-CHANNEL MIXER
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 boasts a full featured 4-channel mixer section with sturdy faders, CUE buttons, illuminated level meters, high-quality 3-band EQs and a filter control knob on each channel. The filter is switchable between Traktor and Xone-style. The ergonomic layout has been created by DJs for DJs, with some of the world's biggest names having direct input in to the design. It's easy to integrate other DJ and performance gear like turntables, CD players or a microphone via the inputs.
The innovative Loop Recorder feature acts like a fifth deck, to add an exciting layer on top of your mix by recording and looping audio on-the-fly. An optional foot controller can be used to engage the Loop Recorder while both hands are busy - for instance while performing an advanced scratch routine!
INTEGRATED AUDIO INTERFACE
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 also includes a powerful and versatile audio interface. With the same build quality as all multi-award winning Native Instruments DJ sound cards, this unit lets you easily integrate external turntables and CD players, instruments, MIDI gear, effects and a microphone into your TRAKTOR DJ sets.
Incorporating high-end AD/DA converters, hi-gain 1/4" stereo outputs and an ultra-wide frequency response, TRAKTOR KONTROL S4's integrated audio interface provides all the power, clarity and dynamic range that modern DJs demand.
HIT THE ROAD
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 is the ideal solution for mobile DJs as it provides everything you need to rock a party in one highly portable unit. And with its slim profile, it's incredibly easy to transport from gig to gig.
The optional flight case carries your unit with 100% security, while the case also elevates the unit to standard turntable height and offers a stable stand for your laptop.
Or you could opt for the stylish and functional TRAKTOR TROLLEY BY UDG, which comfortably carries the S4 as well as all your other gig gear - while also meeting the requirements of most airlines for carry-on luggage.
S4 AND SCRATCH
S4 users have the option to add scratch functionality to the S4 system by purchasing the TRAKTOR Scratch Pro 2 Software and Timecode Kit.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
35 of 37 people found the following review helpful
By Lovebump
I know the S4 wont appeal to everyone and there are other probably just as good or better (in some peoples opinion)4 deck controllers out there, but for me this controller fits what I do 100%. I'm not a scratch DJ or turntablist and if you are, this device probably isn't for you... but that's not what this is for anyway.
I play House, Electro, Trance & Chilled, been DJ'ing for over 20 years and been through the whole Technics 1210 & CDJ phase too. For me, digital DJ'ing is the way forward and something I learnt very early on, less than 1% of your audience care what kit you are using, the fact that I'm not pulling records out of a case they don't care. They just want to dance and have a good time.
The layout of the S4 is very intuitive, I like the way the jog wheels are placed towards the back of the deck, I don't catch them with my hand or arm like I used to on the VCI-100 (which this has replaced)
The deck is quite big, but I like that. The knobs and faders are spaced out well with the knobs being quite tall. In a low light DJ booth I've found it very easy to use. I made a plinth for the S4 to sit on, over the top of the Technics 1210's in the booth as space is often limited.
I've played 4 live gigs with the S4 now and it's been rock solid. Having the 4 decks easily controlled from the deck is great, no more clicking with the mouse or worrying about the lo-mid-hi settings, it's all there right in front of you.
The deck is lit up very nice & subtle, there are a couple of nice touches like when you are in browse mode the decks that are stopped and are available to load the song into flash gently. It's very quick and easy to operate in the club.
The hardware and new S4 software integrate very well. I cant fault it yet. Anyone who is used to Traktor will find this very easy and even if you aren't, it's not difficult to pickup.
The ability to load and play samples into the decks works really well too, quite a few times now I've layered a House drumbeat over the top of one of the decks, while doing a transition and it's really smooth.
The integrated soundcard hasn't given me any problems, it's certainly loud enough for the clubs I play in. (and they aren't quiet)
There's still lots of things I haven't learnt about it yet, but in the 2 weeks I've had it. I'm impressed.
No, it's not cheap and it would have been nice if they had included a carry case in the price, but there you go. I can do things on this that someone with CDJ's would struggle to do and they would spend more money trying to do it for sure.
For what it worth, there's my 2p worth.
Cheers.
JLB.
Lovebump.com
I play House, Electro, Trance & Chilled, been DJ'ing for over 20 years and been through the whole Technics 1210 & CDJ phase too. For me, digital DJ'ing is the way forward and something I learnt very early on, less than 1% of your audience care what kit you are using, the fact that I'm not pulling records out of a case they don't care. They just want to dance and have a good time.
The layout of the S4 is very intuitive, I like the way the jog wheels are placed towards the back of the deck, I don't catch them with my hand or arm like I used to on the VCI-100 (which this has replaced)
The deck is quite big, but I like that. The knobs and faders are spaced out well with the knobs being quite tall. In a low light DJ booth I've found it very easy to use. I made a plinth for the S4 to sit on, over the top of the Technics 1210's in the booth as space is often limited.
I've played 4 live gigs with the S4 now and it's been rock solid. Having the 4 decks easily controlled from the deck is great, no more clicking with the mouse or worrying about the lo-mid-hi settings, it's all there right in front of you.
The deck is lit up very nice & subtle, there are a couple of nice touches like when you are in browse mode the decks that are stopped and are available to load the song into flash gently. It's very quick and easy to operate in the club.
The hardware and new S4 software integrate very well. I cant fault it yet. Anyone who is used to Traktor will find this very easy and even if you aren't, it's not difficult to pickup.
The ability to load and play samples into the decks works really well too, quite a few times now I've layered a House drumbeat over the top of one of the decks, while doing a transition and it's really smooth.
The integrated soundcard hasn't given me any problems, it's certainly loud enough for the clubs I play in. (and they aren't quiet)
There's still lots of things I haven't learnt about it yet, but in the 2 weeks I've had it. I'm impressed.
No, it's not cheap and it would have been nice if they had included a carry case in the price, but there you go. I can do things on this that someone with CDJ's would struggle to do and they would spend more money trying to do it for sure.
For what it worth, there's my 2p worth.
Cheers.
JLB.
Lovebump.com
32 of 34 people found the following review helpful
By Franz
The review above stated for a turntablist this unit isn't for you. I am a turntablist/club dj/producer. My style involves alot of scratching. I currently use Serato and I will still use Serato. Serato is a powerful piece of software. I purchased this controller to see what Traktor has to offer. This unit is sick! It took awhile to set up in comparison to Serato (plug and play) due to all of the additional features available. My first test was obviously the scratching. I can perform some of the most technical scratches on my S4. I didn't believe NI could capture the feel of a record on those little jog wheels but they did it and did it well. Like I said, I enjoy using Serato and will now use Traktor as well. Both are incredibly fun to use. The effects in Trakor are no joke! I spin hiphop and house music. Traktor can enhance both styles of mixing. I have been djing for 16 years. Started with turntables, even battled for awhile, and now my primary focus is delivering music in the best possible fashion I can and I can tell you, this piece of equipment can enhance anyones delivery hands down.
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By W. Mccammon
Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
In 2009 NI began shipping branded hardware tailored to their Traktor software. There were (and are) other companies out there making hardware perfectly usable with Traktor, but NI did do a good job of leveraging their deep knowledge of their own software and their market to deliver devices that integrated with Traktor very tightly. The various flavors of audio interface boxes were excellent. Their first "control surface" unit (the Kontrol X1) was a nifty little box of knobs that was wonderfully matched to the software (it oughta!) and opened up the options for live-performance even more. The Kontrol X1 was strongly geared to djs who spin modern, quantized, "Pro Tools"-era music (trance, techno, pop, most hip-hop, etc.). For those styles, it is a fantastic helper box.
The Kontrol X1 is also a great add-on for folks using Traktor Scratch and it's time-coded control vinyl records on traditional turntables, adding the same direct tactile access to the software looping and effects capabilities that it added for software-only djs.
Where the Kontrol X1 and non-Scratch Traktor software didn't always hit on all cylinders was with djs who spin older or modern non-quantized or analog recorded/edited music, like 70's disco, live band music, or "world" music. Music with tempos that speed up and down randomly just doesn't play well with tools that expect a rigid "beat-grid" structure and trying to work with music like that with just increment-up/down buttons can be nightmarish.
I always knew I wanted more and had a secret dream that NI would take a cue from some of the other manufacturers, the legacy "dj cd players", and the long legacy of vinyl equipment to make an integrated "box" that did it all and did it in a "hands on" way. It took a few years, but NI pretty much read my mind.
The new Kontrol S4 is a great bit of kit. It essentially combines two Kontrol X1 units, a 4-channel dj mixer, an Audio4 DJ sound unit, and dj CD-player style jog wheels and pitch sliders into a combined unit. It's roughly the size of a full-feature dj mixer and fits in where that would live in a typical setup.
The one thing I had always wanted was direct, tactile control of digital music playback and the Kontrol S4 delivers that, in truckloads. The jog wheels have great sensitivity (on par with any I've tried, if not better). They're not vinyl, but they are perfectly acceptable for scratching and other manipulations and do provide a really good "I'm in there" feeling and *instant* access to deck playback, etc., which was the "gimme" for me. The pitch sliders (along with the sliders in the mixer section) have smooth travel with a nice bit of resistance to prevent unwanted movement. The deck control and sample deck triggering buttons are not the "gel" feel that some folks might want, but I think will last longer with the solid plastic NI used. The feel on them is certainly fine, just not to all tastes.
The audio in/out hardware is essentially the same guts as the Audio4 DJ, which has been reviewed elsewhere. Bottom-line on that is that it's great, for 90% of the people out there. There's almost certainly a sub-set that would prefer the tone from different hardware, but that is always the case with pro gear. I personally like the shade the NI boxes have, with a solid bottom end and defined but not overly crisp highs.
Having gigged extensively with a setup of laptop, Kontrol X1, Audio8 DJ, and dj-mixer, the value of having an integrated box can't be overstated for me. The laptop, Kontrol S4, one USB-cable, and a power cord is all I need now. Less boxes and cables, with a net increase in options and capabilities. Yes, I'll take it.
Kontrol S4 ships with a "tweaked" version of Traktor Pro, optimized to work with it and adding features like the sample decks, loop recorder, etc., that aren't available in other versions (yet). It has some cosmetic changes to the look and feel, but nothing too jarring. I honestly didn't even notice the change in color-scheme, etc., until it was pointed out by someone else. The software is fine (it's the already excellent Traktor Pro, with some new toys) - this thing is all about the hardware. Traktor wasn't broke, so thankfully NI didn't try to "fix" it.
The only caveat I have with the Kontrol S4 is in build and construction. Nothing major, just quibbles.
My unit arrived with one of the jog wheel top-plates popped loose. This gave me pause when I was unpacking it. It coming loose may very well be a "feature" to protect the magnetic brake inside the jog wheel. However, the "plate" was pretty easy to align to it's mating support tabs and pop back in. It's stayed in place ever since and since I don't throw my S4 around like a shipping company, I'm assuming it will stay there.
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. The movable parts seem every bit as durable as any other "dj mixer". However, the outer case just isn't going to survive getting banged around a whole lot.
NI is advertising a matching hard flight case, which I would highly recommend to improve the S4's longevity. It needs to be treated like any other mixer and I have no doubt that if treated properly it will keep chugging for years to come.
Final thoughts - It's obvious I'm thrilled with this thing. Before, I often felt like I was mixing with boxing gloves on my hands and now they've been taken off. I've only scratched the surface of the S4's capabilities and I'm looking forward to lots of productive gigs with it.
In 2009 NI began shipping branded hardware tailored to their Traktor software. There were (and are) other companies out there making hardware perfectly usable with Traktor, but NI did do a good job of leveraging their deep knowledge of their own software and their market to deliver devices that integrated with Traktor very tightly. The various flavors of audio interface boxes were excellent. Their first "control surface" unit (the Kontrol X1) was a nifty little box of knobs that was wonderfully matched to the software (it oughta!) and opened up the options for live-performance even more. The Kontrol X1 was strongly geared to djs who spin modern, quantized, "Pro Tools"-era music (trance, techno, pop, most hip-hop, etc.). For those styles, it is a fantastic helper box.
The Kontrol X1 is also a great add-on for folks using Traktor Scratch and it's time-coded control vinyl records on traditional turntables, adding the same direct tactile access to the software looping and effects capabilities that it added for software-only djs.
Where the Kontrol X1 and non-Scratch Traktor software didn't always hit on all cylinders was with djs who spin older or modern non-quantized or analog recorded/edited music, like 70's disco, live band music, or "world" music. Music with tempos that speed up and down randomly just doesn't play well with tools that expect a rigid "beat-grid" structure and trying to work with music like that with just increment-up/down buttons can be nightmarish.
I always knew I wanted more and had a secret dream that NI would take a cue from some of the other manufacturers, the legacy "dj cd players", and the long legacy of vinyl equipment to make an integrated "box" that did it all and did it in a "hands on" way. It took a few years, but NI pretty much read my mind.
The new Kontrol S4 is a great bit of kit. It essentially combines two Kontrol X1 units, a 4-channel dj mixer, an Audio4 DJ sound unit, and dj CD-player style jog wheels and pitch sliders into a combined unit. It's roughly the size of a full-feature dj mixer and fits in where that would live in a typical setup.
The one thing I had always wanted was direct, tactile control of digital music playback and the Kontrol S4 delivers that, in truckloads. The jog wheels have great sensitivity (on par with any I've tried, if not better). They're not vinyl, but they are perfectly acceptable for scratching and other manipulations and do provide a really good "I'm in there" feeling and *instant* access to deck playback, etc., which was the "gimme" for me. The pitch sliders (along with the sliders in the mixer section) have smooth travel with a nice bit of resistance to prevent unwanted movement. The deck control and sample deck triggering buttons are not the "gel" feel that some folks might want, but I think will last longer with the solid plastic NI used. The feel on them is certainly fine, just not to all tastes.
The audio in/out hardware is essentially the same guts as the Audio4 DJ, which has been reviewed elsewhere. Bottom-line on that is that it's great, for 90% of the people out there. There's almost certainly a sub-set that would prefer the tone from different hardware, but that is always the case with pro gear. I personally like the shade the NI boxes have, with a solid bottom end and defined but not overly crisp highs.
Having gigged extensively with a setup of laptop, Kontrol X1, Audio8 DJ, and dj-mixer, the value of having an integrated box can't be overstated for me. The laptop, Kontrol S4, one USB-cable, and a power cord is all I need now. Less boxes and cables, with a net increase in options and capabilities. Yes, I'll take it.
Kontrol S4 ships with a "tweaked" version of Traktor Pro, optimized to work with it and adding features like the sample decks, loop recorder, etc., that aren't available in other versions (yet). It has some cosmetic changes to the look and feel, but nothing too jarring. I honestly didn't even notice the change in color-scheme, etc., until it was pointed out by someone else. The software is fine (it's the already excellent Traktor Pro, with some new toys) - this thing is all about the hardware. Traktor wasn't broke, so thankfully NI didn't try to "fix" it.
The only caveat I have with the Kontrol S4 is in build and construction. Nothing major, just quibbles.
My unit arrived with one of the jog wheel top-plates popped loose. This gave me pause when I was unpacking it. It coming loose may very well be a "feature" to protect the magnetic brake inside the jog wheel. However, the "plate" was pretty easy to align to it's mating support tabs and pop back in. It's stayed in place ever since and since I don't throw my S4 around like a shipping company, I'm assuming it will stay there.
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. The movable parts seem every bit as durable as any other "dj mixer". However, the outer case just isn't going to survive getting banged around a whole lot.
NI is advertising a matching hard flight case, which I would highly recommend to improve the S4's longevity. It needs to be treated like any other mixer and I have no doubt that if treated properly it will keep chugging for years to come.
Final thoughts - It's obvious I'm thrilled with this thing. Before, I often felt like I was mixing with boxing gloves on my hands and now they've been taken off. I've only scratched the surface of the S4's capabilities and I'm looking forward to lots of productive gigs with it.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Love the machine, hate the manufacturers
I bought my S4 almost a year ago, and used it on our desktop until I got a new laptop recently and had the best time. This was my first anything to mix on and it's been a blast. Read more
Published 7 days ago by Firefem
5.0 out of 5 stars
Serious Gear
Though my first one failed right out of the box, Amazon replaced it promptly and I'm delighted. I'm a newbie and the S4 has a bit of a learning curve, but, after a month of... Read more
Published 24 days ago by Peter A. Gits
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great controller - Best price is below
Be sure not to OVERbuy or UNDERbuy. Are you mixing or producing? Do you need a dedicated sound card? Are you hooking into club systems or home dj systems? Read more
Published 25 days ago by G.J. Thomas
1.0 out of 5 stars
ESTE ARTICULO ES USADO Y VENDIDO COMO NUEVO
ESTE ARTICULO NO ES NUEVO. FUI ENGAÑADO, EL ARTICULO NO FUNCIONA. QUIERO QUE ME DEVUELVAN MI DINERO. NO TRAJO CABLES NI ACCESORIOS Y LLEGÓ SUCIO CON POLVO ENCIMA.
Published 1 month ago by Javier
5.0 out of 5 stars
Traktor S4
Good quality, able to map to multiple programs (such as Ableton and Traktor). Contains a good Controller Editor, easy to use.
Published 4 months ago by Ryan Houlding
5.0 out of 5 stars
Easy to learn
this mixer makes it so easy to dj now. you can learn to beat match with this mixer within about an hour
Published 4 months ago by Lost in Amazon
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good but not Great
I have owned this controller for about four months now, and wanted to share the good and bad thus far. I used it last night (New Years Eve) during my first live set. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Jason E. Wayne
5.0 out of 5 stars
Product is great!
I've been using Native Instruments products for over a year now and I like how easy they are to configure and customize. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Donald D Dugal
3.0 out of 5 stars
5-star controller and software, 1-star tech support
I have had the S4 for almost a year (though it hasn't worked for almost 3 months).
It integrates flawlessly with Traktor and, if you are a controllerist or like using... Read more
It integrates flawlessly with Traktor and, if you are a controllerist or like using... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Uday Dorawala
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Traktor Pro Controller Period
The controller is wonderous but you should be aware that there is a steep learning curve if you are new to Traktor PRO like me. My Djing is continuing to evolve. Read more
Published 9 months ago by DJ Dan
