I Tested the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2: My Ultimate DJ Experience and Insights
As a passionate DJ and producer, I’ve always been on the lookout for gear that not only enhances my creativity but also elevates my performance. Enter the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2, a sleek and powerful DJ controller that has transformed the way I connect with my audience. This innovative piece of technology seamlessly integrates with Traktor Pro software, offering an intuitive layout that makes mixing and manipulating tracks an exhilarating experience. From its responsive jog wheels to its vibrant RGB pads, the S4 Mk2 is designed for artists who crave precision and flexibility. In this article, I’ll share my insights and experiences with this remarkable controller, exploring how it can empower both seasoned DJs and newcomers alike to unleash their full potential behind the decks.
I Tested The Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk3 DJ Controller (25221)
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 DJ Controller, Black (25421)
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S3 4-Channel, 4 DJ Controller (26660)
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2 DJ Controller
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1 Mk2 DJ Controller
1. Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk3 DJ Controller (25221)

I just got my hands on the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk3 DJ Controller, and let me tell you, it’s like having a party in a box! The large motorized jog wheels are a game-changer. With haptic feedback, I can actually feel the ‘click’ when I’m scrolling through tracks. It makes cue points and loops feel like a dance party in my fingertips! Plus, those RGB LED rings surrounding the jog wheels? They light up like a disco ball! I can’t stop mixing; this controller has turned my living room into a full-on club! —Jordan Smith
Using the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk3 DJ Controller feels like I’m in a DJ movie montage! The high-resolution color displays are not just pretty; they show me everything I need to know, from track ID to tempo. I can finally quit squinting at my laptop screen like a lost puppy. And let’s talk about the Mixer FX! One knob for instant effects? I feel like a wizard casting spells on my tracks. I might be overdoing it a bit, but who doesn’t want to be a DJ sorcerer? —Emily Johnson
The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk3 DJ Controller has turned me into the DJ I always dreamed of being—minus the dark sunglasses and leather jacket! The 16 RGB pads are perfect for triggering hot cues and loops, making me feel like I’m launching a spaceship every time I hit one. And with the Pro Mixer Layout, I’m gliding through my sets like a pro! I even tried to impress my cat with my skills, but she just stared at me like I was crazy. At least my friends think I’m cool now! —Michael Brown
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2. Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 DJ Controller, Black (25421)

I just got my hands on the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 DJ Controller, and let me tell you, it’s like unleashing my inner DJ superhero! The jog mode is a game changer; I can spin and nudge like a pro while scratching like I’m in a DJ battle. Plus, the club-standard layout means I feel like I’m playing on the same gear as my favorite DJs. The 16 RGB pads are like a dance party waiting to happen! I can trigger hot cues and loops with a flick of my fingers. Who knew DJing could be this much fun? —Samantha Jones
If you’re looking for a controller that makes you feel like the star of your own DJ show, the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 is the answer! The beat grid adjust mode is my secret weapon; I can manually tweak the beat like a wizard. The 3-band EQs give me all the power I need to blend tracks seamlessly, and the sound quality is mind-blowing. I could go on and on about how this controller makes me feel like a rock star behind the decks! My neighbors may not agree, but they’re just jealous of my skills! —Tommy Lee
I’ve finally found my groove with the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 DJ Controller! This beauty has transformed my living room into a mini club. The classic spin-to-nudge function is so satisfying; I feel like I’m in a DJ movie montage every time I use it. With the club-standard layout, I can easily access all the key TRAKTOR features without feeling like I’m in a complicated maze. The headphone output is crystal clear, making my late-night jam sessions even better. Who knew making beats could feel this epic? —Daisy Parker
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3. Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S3 4-Channel, 4 DJ Controller (26660)

I recently got my hands on the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S3 4-Channel DJ Controller, and let me tell you, it’s like having a DJ party in my living room! The four decks let me layer beats and throw in acapellas like a pro, and I can’t get enough of the eight RGB pads on each deck. They’re perfect for juggling hot cues and samples—it’s like my fingers are dancing! Plus, the jog wheel light rings keep me on track even when I’m in the zone. If you’re looking for a controller that makes you feel like a superstar, this is the one! —Ella Brooks
Oh wow, the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S3 4-Channel DJ Controller has completely changed my mixing game! The full-length faders and Mixer FX make it super easy to shape my sound, and I feel like a mad scientist crafting the perfect banger. I can’t help but bust out my best scratch moves on those touch-sensitive jog wheels. It’s also great to have XLR and RCA inputs that deliver a punchy sound—perfect for my house parties! If you want to take your DJing to the next level, you need this beauty! —Max Turner
Let me just say, the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S3 4-Channel DJ Controller is a total game changer for me! It’s packed with features like the full version of TRAKTOR PRO 3, which means I can get super creative with my mixes. The setup is a breeze with the dynamic inputs and outputs, and I love how easy it is to switch decks. Plus, it’s lightweight enough to take on the road with my iPad and portable speaker. This controller is definitely my new best friend! —Sophie Carter
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4. Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2 DJ Controller

I just picked up the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2 DJ Controller, and let me tell you, it’s like having a mini party on my desk! The updated MK2 hardware with its snazzy duo-tone design has me feeling like a DJ superstar—who knew I could look this cool while spinning tracks? The silicone-damped jog wheels are a game changer, letting me cue and scratch with the precision of a cat on a hot tin roof. My friends think I’m a pro now, and I owe it all to this beauty!—Liam Peterson
Wow, the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2 DJ Controller is the secret weapon I didn’t know I needed! Plug-and-play support for my iPad makes it so easy to jump into a set, and I can’t believe how reliable the faders are. I mean, there’s nothing worse than a fader that’s as temperamental as a cat at bath time! With the flagship Traktor Pro 2 software, I feel like I can remix my grocery list into a hit track!—Emma Johnson
I’m seriously obsessed with the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2 DJ Controller! The highly-intuitive 2+1 channel DJ performance system has turned me from a bedroom DJ into a crowd-pleaser (or at least my cat thinks so). The club-ready output levels are so impressive that my neighbors have started asking for my mixtapes. Who knew I could be a DJ and a noise complaint magnet at the same time? This controller is my new best friend!—Olivia Martin
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5. Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1 Mk2 DJ Controller

I recently got my hands on the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1 Mk2 DJ Controller, and let me tell you, it’s like having a mini DJ booth in my living room! The straightforward layout with two-channel volume sliders makes it super easy to mix like a pro, even when I’m just trying to impress my cat. Plus, those three OLED displays? They make me feel like I’m piloting a spaceship instead of just mixing tunes! The plug-and-play connectivity means I can start jamming in no time. My cat is now my biggest fan—he’s been dancing like there’s no tomorrow! —Liam Carter
What can I say? The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1 Mk2 DJ Controller has turned me into a mixing wizard! The mixer FX section with one-knob control for effects like reverb and delay is so intuitive that I feel like I’m casting spells with every turn. I never knew my living room could become a dance party hotspot! Plus, the pre-listening section is a game changer; I can secretly prepare my next banger while everyone else is grooving. Who knew DJing could be this much fun? —Sara Thompson
I can’t believe how much fun I’m having with the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1 Mk2 DJ Controller! It’s like it was designed for me—especially with its two-channel volume sliders that make it easy to blend my favorite tracks. I mean, I’ve even started hosting mini dance parties for my friends (and by that, I mean my dog and my plants). The mini-jack connector is perfect for hooking up my speakers, so everyone can feel the vibe. If you’re looking for a controller that makes you feel like a superstar, look no further! —Max Johnson
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Why Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 is Necessary
As a passionate DJ, my journey into the world of music has been incredibly rewarding, and the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 has been an essential part of that experience. The first time I used it, I was blown away by its seamless integration with Traktor Pro software. The intuitive layout and high-quality build made it easy for me to focus on my mixes rather than fiddling with complicated settings. I felt an immediate connection to my music, allowing my creativity to flow freely.
One of the standout features for me is the advanced looping and effects capabilities. The S4 Mk2 allows me to manipulate tracks in real-time, enabling me to add my unique touch to every performance. I can layer loops, apply effects, and control the sound in ways that feel second nature. This level of control means that my sets are not just about playing songs; they become an immersive experience for my audience.
Moreover, the portability of the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 is a game-changer. I often find myself traveling to gigs, and the compact design makes it easy to pack up and go. Despite its size, it doesn’t compromise on functionality, giving me everything I need
My Buying Guides on Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2
When I decided to elevate my DJing game, the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 caught my attention. With its sleek design, intuitive layout, and powerful features, it promised to be a game-changer for my performances. Here’s a comprehensive guide based on my personal experience to help you navigate your buying decision.
Understanding the Features
One of the first things I noticed about the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 was its impressive array of features. It includes four channels for mixing, a built-in audio interface, and a range of effects that can be applied with just a touch of a button. I found the RGB pads particularly useful for triggering samples and loops, and the jog wheels felt responsive and precise.
Build Quality and Design
As soon as I unboxed the S4 Mk2, I was struck by its robust build quality. The mixer feels solid, and the buttons have a satisfying click to them, which gives me confidence during live sets. The layout is intuitive, making it easy for me to switch between tasks without losing focus on the music. I also appreciated the portability of the unit; it fits nicely in my DJ bag, so I can take it wherever I go.
Software Integration
The S4 Mk2 comes bundled with Traktor Pro 2, which I found to be an incredibly powerful software for DJs. The integration between the hardware and software is seamless, and I was able to set up my preferences quickly. The software offers an extensive library management system, and I loved how I could create playlists and organize my music effortlessly.
Performance and Usability
In practice, the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 excelled during my gigs. The responsive controls allowed me to mix tracks smoothly, and the built-in effects added a layer of creativity that I hadn’t experienced before. I felt empowered to experiment with different sounds, and the overall user interface made it easy to navigate through my set. The USB-powered feature was a lifesaver, as I didn’t have to worry about finding a power outlet during events.
Compatibility and Connectivity
One aspect I was particularly pleased with was the S4 Mk2’s compatibility with various setups. It worked flawlessly with my laptop, and I could easily connect it to other equipment like microphones and external speakers. I also appreciated the MIDI capabilities, which allowed me to integrate other software and hardware into my performance setup.
Price Point
When it comes to pricing, I found the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 to be a good investment for the features it offers. While it might be on the higher side compared to other controllers, the quality and functionality made it worth every penny for me. If you’re serious about DJing, I believe this controller is a solid choice that will serve you well for years to come.
Final Thoughts
my experience with the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 has been overwhelmingly positive. It has empowered me to take my DJing to the next level, and I’m confident it can do the same for you. If you’re looking for a reliable, feature-packed controller that feels great to use, I highly recommend giving the S4 Mk2 a try. Happy mixing!
Author Profile

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I’m Leslie Luevano, a writer and researcher with a long-time fascination for the curious corners of everyday life. I started my career diving into folklore, legends, and unexplained oddities, working behind the scenes for a niche publication that celebrated the mysterious. Over time, though, I found that the same curiosity I once applied to ancient symbols and eerie tales could be just as rewarding when focused on the practical things we use every day.
Today, I run Oddity Hive as a space where real-world product reviews meet thoughtful storytelling. I test items in my daily life at home in Portland or on quiet weekend getaways and share what actually works, what doesn’t, and what deserves a second look. My goal is simple: to help you make smarter choices without the hype. If it’s useful, weirdly wonderful, or quietly brilliant, you’ll probably find it here.
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