If you’re one of the many people that have become a huge fan of the Traktor DJ product line, there’s probably a lot of different reasons why you have!
One of the most commonly cited reasons is the fact that they have, for the longest time, kept a relatively standard setup with their controllers, choosing to forgo any newer updates.
Now, this may have changed a bit within the arrival of the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3, and if you give me a bit of time to tell you about it… that may not entirely be a bad thing.
Is the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 any good?
Every part of the S4 MK3 has been overhauled and updated to create a DJ experience that honestly feels like something on par with professional standards. The S4 offers an innovative haptic feedback system that offers a turntable performance that feels so authentic and real that it honestly feels like using a real turntable mode.
The sound card has been greatly updated to match its new design and feel, giving a much more noteworthy sound quality as a result
Design
All in all, the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 has really grown and evolved past the previous visual look and constraints of the older versions.
Rather than maintain the large bulky look that its five predecessors had, the S4 MK3 has gone another route, instead of going for a smaller and more condensed rock solid design.
The Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 controller very much honors its turntable mode spin legacy through its sleek and high-performing spinning platters.
Not only do these platters look great, but they also work surprisingly well despite the controller’s reduced size and weight.
That’s not the only place Native Instruments has done a bit of an overhaul on. The Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 has also undergone a complete makeover, as the functionality, layout, and design language have all been broken down and rebuilt from the ground up into something else entirely.
The changes seem to actually be largely for the better. It has now become much more of a reality for users to use Remix and Stem Decks control even with limited controls. If you have always enjoyed basic sequencing but felt you had to have a DJ setup with more controls, this is something you’re really going to want to sit down and pay attention to.
And while you are going to have to get readjusted with the new setup, that isn’t by itself an innately bad thing, especially when the controller works as well as the S4 MK3 does.
Not only has the layout been condensed and streamlined in a major way, but the sound quality has also been given its own update as well thanks to the improvement to the sound card and internal audio summing model.
Without question, at least just from a visual design and layout standpoint, the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 is easily the most impressive of the Traktor controllers and brings them screaming into the current century of industry standards.
Again, while the design may take a bit to get fully adjusted to, once you do, you’re really going to love playing with this bad boy.
If anyone remembers the S8 and S5, they’ll remember NI’s famous attempt to change the jog wheel mode up for more screens, space, and buttons.
Well, with the S4 MK3, it seems they’ve realized there’s something to be said about keeping the “disc” in disc jockey.
The S4 MK3 very much runs with the spinning jog wheel crowd as it utilizes a blatant yet subtle motorized jog wheels platter on its face.
The platter not only makes a point of using adjustable tension to get the perfect sound, but Native Instruments have innovated the inclusion of haptic feedback, a literal first for the controller industry.
Hardware
Motorized Jog Wheels
When opening up your Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3, the first thing you’re going to notice is its jog wheels spin.
This is a massive update and game-changer to the Traktor line. The versatile motorized jog wheels use an original magnetic technology, creating and establishing a strong rotation without feeling “loose” or flimsy.
In addition to the jog wheel itself, the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 has introduced haptic feedback to up the tension even further, making scratching feel very much like you’re on a real turntable mode spin.
The motorized jog wheels spin are easily adjustable while offering a very familiar movement and feel to them. This ease of use, along with its comfortable size, makes it very easy to start scratching with, giving it that true vinyl sensation.
They also have an extremely low latency once the buffer has been properly adjusted, ultimately resulting in much more accurate cuts.
Haptic Feedback Engine
Probably the most interesting and attention-grabbing inclusion to the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 is its Haptic Feedback Engine. While quite common with cars and other vehicles, this is the first time a DJ controller has ever introduced them as a feature.
The idea behind it is that, rather than relying on looking at a screen or listening with your monitoring headphones, by utilizing haptic feedback, you can essentially feel the cues and beats through tactile sensation.
But does it actually deliver on their promise though?
Well, it’s hard to say. If you’re asking if this version lived up to the hype and legitimately blew my socks off, the honest answer is “not really”.
While it certainly was a cool experience, it didn’t really have that “game-changer” feel that I sense they were hoping for.
Still, I’m very hopeful. Why?
Because this is pretty much the first time this has ever been done… and it worked!
Not only that, but one thing to keep in mind is that what I tested and dealt with was the preliminary version and not the version that’s hitting the market now.
As such, while it wasn’t the explosive experience they were hoping for, it certainly was something interesting. Something I expect will become much more compelling as time goes on if it isn’t already the case now.
I will say also that, while the tactile sensation for different beats was not as notable as expected, they were able to perfectly recreate the sensation felt when using an actual turntable.
Seriously, this motorized jog wheels felt more like a real and authentic turntable mode than any other I’ve ever used.
From quick releases to backspins, to having amazing torque control, the haptic system helped give this a true dancefloor turntable mode sensation in virtually every way.
You could increase or decrease the tension of the wheel by holding down the TT buttons, completely personalizing the scratching sensation.
As a whole, while the tactile cueing was not perfect, the wheel’s jog and turntable modes emulation were pretty much the closest I’ve ever felt to the real thing and pretty much blows away every other jog wheel out there.
Updated Sound Card
One thing I picked up pretty much immediately was that the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3’’s sound was both louder and clearer than any of the earlier controller models.
Apparently, this is thanks to an updated DAC (Digital to Analog Converter).
The card is a 24-bit, 114db Cirrus Logic DAC and is the first time being put in a NI controller. And you can bet that it profits from it like nobody’s business.
Things like the headphone outputs were much louder than the earlier S5 or S8 controllers, which often would get swallowed up if used in louder clubs.
In addition to the sound card, the internal mixing software also got a much-needed update, creating incredible sound quality that was crystal clear.
When asked about it, NI said that the newly introduced limiter type (known as “Transparent”) utilizes much of the previous “Classic” limiter while greatly reducing the amount of clipping.
Now, “Transparent” is said to not operate below 0dB.
Features
Faders
Starting off with the faders, the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 uses the same technology found with the S5 and S8 controllers.
Like the earlier brands, these faders reduce a considerable amount of dust and dirt from entering into the controller.
This is a big improvement from the S4 MK1 which was noted for having a lot of ghosting and jittering with its faders.
Unlike other controller placements, the fader contacts on the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 are on the bottom of the fader rather than the top.
This greatly helps with reducing dust as well as any potential soda or coffee spills.
Knobs and Buttons
Next are the buttons and knobs. While largely functioning as normal, they have also gotten a pretty noticeable update.
Now, they have a more professional look. Buttons like the next cue point or the play buttons are a fair bit larger and more apparent.
They also have a gratifying “click” sound when pressed.
The knobs are all recessed, each with an orientation in both the EQ section as well as the gain, giving it a more classic mixer FX feel.
Pads
The pad buttons are somewhat smaller though the spacing actually works better for your fingers when compared to the earlier versions.
Ultimately, the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 controller’s updated look and layout give the S4 a more “Pioneer” look.
And while it may take a bit of adjusting from the older design, it definitely has a professional and sleek design that does make you seem more “serious” about the DJ craft.
Mixer FX
One thing Traktor has always been known for was its FX sections. These controls were generally very detailed and allowed for complete control in sound expression.
Unfortunately, most DJs don’t really care all that much about that level of sound control. Instead, the majority of digital DJ style opt for the simpler “turn and go” effects.
As a result, the new Mixer FX is separate from its 4 FX banks. This allows for simpler effects while still allowing the more nuanced options in the 4 FX banks.
The Mixer FX allows immediate and simplistic effects with a turn of the knob. By turning to the left or the right, you can immediately get a nice sounding effect.
You can also customize your choices with nine other mixer options.
It’s a neat feature that offers a bit for both classic and newer fans alike.
Personally, I’ll probably keep to the more classic filters but the fact that I can instantly enable a delay or pull down a fader is pretty cool.
An Updated Mic
In addition to much of its hardware setup, the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 also has a number of different mic input options available.
- Louder pre-amp levels
- Two mic inputs (XLR in the front and a 1/4″ at the rear)
- Direct mic switches to engage the new mixer FX section
Many of the ups and downs of Traktor controllers are still here such as losing two of your decks if the microphones are both used (C and D respectively) and running a live mic input can result in some pretty bad latency.
On the flip side, the Traktor effects are still here, allowing for some creative external inputs.
Deck Screens
A small but important update, the controller now has several small RGB screens sitting between the different buttons.
These small screens show important information surrounding the deck effects without overwhelming you with all the information offered on the laptop or computer.
Improved Meters and Master Section
One of the biggest drawbacks to the Kontrol units was its inability to effectively display channel meters, making DJing fairly difficult when you weren’t in your home studio.
The S4 MK3 has thankfully changed that.
The unit now allows for clear and visible displays of channel meters. The master meters are also properly sized and, as a result, much more practically applicable than older versions.
Finally, the “Master” section has an easy-to-reach booth for headphones and master levels.
Quick Overview
The S4 offers an innovative haptic feedback system that offers a turntable performance that feels so authentic and real that it honestly feels like using a real turntable mode
The sound card has been greatly updated to match its new design and feel, giving a much more noteworthy sound quality as a result
Every part of the S4 MK3 has been overhauled and updated to create a DJ experience that honestly feels like something on par with professional standards.
Pros:
Cons:
Should I Upgrade?
Well, at the end of the day that question will always depend on you and what you’re looking to get out of your controller. If you are a huge fan of the original Traktor design and aren’t willing to try a new setup out, you’re probably not going to like the S4 all that well.
Conversely, if you are not so beholden to the original design, or are at least willing to step outside your comfort zone, I think the S4 has much more to offer you than I suspect it takes away.
Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3: The Verdict
The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3, quite frankly, has a lot going for it. Native Instruments really went above and beyond when developing this controller and their hard work really shows.
I won’t lie and say that I was immediately on board. In fact, my first thoughts were, “Ah man, I guess they’re going down the Pioneer route.”
But after I spent some time playing with it and seeing exactly what it had to show me, I honestly kind of fell in love with it.
While I can’t say the device is perfect (the size is just a bit too big and heavy for what I was expecting and the haptic feedback’s tactile cues were hardly the game-changer) I can say that it gets right a heck of a lot more than it gets wrong.
The clear sound is a joy to behold and the haptic feedback’s turntable emulation really is second to none.
As I’m writing this review, I can’t help but look at it sitting next to me. Between its ever-appealing design, amazing sound, and ambitious hardware, I do suspect that this will be seen in small clubs and at mobile gigs for many years to come.
