Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Review
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Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4
American Musical Supply is the
Official Pro Audio Retailer of DJBooth
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Staff Review
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 HERE...
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.
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Features
Native Intruments Traktor Kontrol S4 System
Native Instruments revolutionized the DJ world nearly a decade ago with the introduction of TRAKTOR, the world’s first professional DJ software. Now they're set to do it all again with TRAKTOR KONTROL S4, the only DJ performance system designed from the ground up from the team behind TRAKTOR.
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 S4 software 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 Sample 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.
NEW TRAKTOR PRO S4 Software
It’s super simple to get straight in the mix, thanks to the included TRAKTOR PRO S4 software, adapted from the pioneering TRAKTOR PRO. Developed in perfect synergy with the S4’s controller, new features have been added to the TRAKTOR PRO S4 software to fully take advantage of this all-in-one solution, while premium ready-made and instantly combinable loops have been provided by the renowned Loopmasters sample house.
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 new 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 output levels 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. It’s a breeze to set up, simply plug and play, and you’re done in seconds. And with its slim profile, it’s incredibly easy to transport from gig to gig. The optional flight case with high quality industrial design carries your unit with 100% security, while the case also elevates the unit to standard turntable and CD player height and offers a stable stand for your laptop. It's doesn't get more mobile than this. The flexible ins and outs of the included soundcard mean it’s easy to hook up other gear - including a microphone.
S4 AND SCRATCH
In the near future, S4 users will have the option to connect their preferred analog turntables or CDJs to control pitch, scratching, and transport functions for the S4 software. External timecode control via TRAKTOR SCRATCH will open up even more opportunities for creative mixing, fusing the already advanced features of the S4 with the full expressiveness of the traditional turntable / CDJ approach.
Features:
* Highly integrated 4-deck TRAKTOR controller and flagship software, all built by the same team
* Plug & play - all you need to start mixing is your computer and MP3s
* Hardware: 4-channel mixer with ergonomic layout, 2 high-res touch-sensitive jog wheels
* Built-in high-end 24-bit/96kHz low-latency audio interface with Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters and MIDI I/O
* 2 analog inputs with phono and mic preamps for hooking up turntables, CD players or external audio gear; RCA mic in, balanced 1/4" TRS and unbalanced RCA master out
* Software: TRAKTOR PRO S4 - pro features, supreme usability; features 4-deck mixing and effects, plus all-new Sample Decks and a powerful Loop Recorder
* Industry-leading TRAKTOR engine ensures perfect sync and tight mixing - timecode control option coming soon!
* 2 customizable FX sections with over 25 performance effects for adding your own trademark sound
* Powerful MP3 management with iTunes integration and iPod compatibility Intuitive design, ready-made sample content and tutorial videos make it easy for new users to get started
* Size: 12.7"(32.2cm)D x 2"(5.2cm)H x 19.7"(50cm)W
* Weight: 7.5 lbs (3.4kg)
PC 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
* USB 2.0 port, DVD drive, 6 GB free disk space for complete installation
Mac System Requirements:
* Mac OS X 10.5 or higher, Intel Core Duo 1.66 GHz, 2 GB RAM
* USB 2.0 port, DVD drive, 6 GB free disk space for complete installation
Best Price for the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4
American Musical Supply is the
Official Pro Audio Retailer of DJBooth
Submit a Review and/or Rating
Member Reviews and Ratings
|
DJ Booth Member |
Rating:
  Best controller out minus a few glitches. Too much "settings changing" on your laptop, even if your specs are higher than the recommended requirements. However, once you get it fine tuned, you won't be able to stop mixing. It has the potential to eclipse all the Serato Itch controllers. Not because of the software but because of what seems like a marriage between software and hardware.
Scratching isn't too bad as it beats out any controller, maybe even beating out the Vestax VCI series. Sound is pretty decent, internal and external. Overall there is a learning curb, but forming routines is fun multiplied by ten. |
| Posted on Dec 03, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 1 |
Rating:
Only competition for this controller (in my opinion) is the NS7 and DDJ-SX. Great GREAT piece of hardware. In the end, if your a Traktor user, their is NO better controller out there! Designed by NI for NI software.....integration doesn't get any more solid. Yes their is somewhat of a learning curve, but that's only when using the ADDED features. Very VERY easy to just mix 1 record into the other, throw in fx, and scratch (whatever you've always done) immediately! If you want to stay ahead in the world of DJ'ing technology is key....traktor and the s4 just allow you to choose how far you want to take it. You can make it as easy or as complex as you want.....when your ready! I love it and can't recommend it, or the S2 (it's smaller simpler in design brother) enough! Like I said....in the end it all depends on the software you prefer. I'm a Traktor DJ.....and the S4 is my instrument of choice and well worth it's price!
|
| Posted on Mar 18, 2013 |
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