Overview
The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 is FINALLY here and the complete VIDEO REVIEW is finished ahead of schedule! Native Instruments was gracious enough to send us a brand-spankin’ new Traktor Kontrol S4 unit as soon as they hit the store shelves. In return, I have completed a 25 minute, two-part video review which goes over all the main functionality and usage possibilities that this mean little beast can crank out. Complete Video Review after the jump.
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Staff Review
First Impressions:
Video Review Part #1
Video Review Part #2
There is so much more that the NI Traktor Kontrol S4 can do that isn’t even listed here. There are parameters and options that can be adjusted and set within the software that will correspond to whatever is being played/mixed on the Traktor Kontrol S4. For more information on the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 please click
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Pro’s:
-All-In-One Unit
-Scratching & Mixing Abilities
-Four Complete Decks
-External Throughput RCA Inputs
-Excellent Jog Wheels in a compact Design
-Extensive Effects Section
-Innovative Sample Decks
-Huge Cue and Loop Functions
Con’s:
-Non-Metal Construction (which actually saves on weight but may not be as strong)
-Lack of Linefader curve control & reverse function
-Non user-replaceable crossfader
Conclusion:
The absolute bottom line is that this controller ROCKS! The NI Traktor Kontrol S4 is the BEST All-in-One Midi controller or DJ application that I have ever used! I remember back in the day when all-in-one DJ devices or kits were always shoddy and a complete waste of time and money. The newer all-in-one MIDI controllers created by rival companies that have been released in the past couple years are also pretty good in their own right, but none of them show the depth and range exhibited with the Traktor Kontrol S4. This is all you really need to get started on the DJ quest and will take you well beyond the beginner level and into the pros. The Traktor Kontrol S4 is recommended to DJ’s who want to mix, scratch, remix, and perform or do any combination of the above. I wouldn’t use it strictly as a turntablist because the jog wheels are a bit small and the platters are not actively spinning, but it scratches as good as the best jog wheels can. The four sample decks and loop/cue section alone is an innovation in its own right which will be plenty of fun for a long time to come. This is an outstanding piece of machinery that can be used as a new standalone unit or in conjunction with a seasoned veteran’s current setup to open new possibilities that we could only have dreamed for a few years ago. The Traktor Kontrol S4 is highly recommended by the DJBooth.net Crew.