Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Digital DJ Controller Review
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Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Digital DJ Controller
American Musical Supply is the
Official Pro Audio Retailer of DJBooth
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Digital DJ Controller Staff Review
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Digital DJ Controller Review Summary:
Unboxing Video:
Review Video:
The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Digital DJ Controller is the two-deck or two-channel version of the super-popular Traktor Kontrol S4 (four-deck controller) that was released earlier in the year. The Traktor Kontrol S2 is a more affordable option that still manages to keep the core DJ functions that most DJ’s needs. This is an all-in-one DJ controller which comes bundled with the FULL Professional edition of Traktor 2, so the user has everything they need to start DJ-ing right out of the box. The user only needs to supply the computer and music files to DJ with. The Traktor Kontrol S2 is an all-out MIDI controller which means that unlike the S4, the S2 can be customized with a mapping to each button, knob, and fader to be configured just the way the DJ wants. DJ’s can also switch back and forth from MIDI mode to standard mode on the fly by pressing both SHIFT keys simultaneously. It’s a great feature to have for the complicated setups. Even though the Traktor Kontrol S2 only looks like it has two decks of control, there is actually a third hidden channel in the form of a Sample Volume control knob and two buttons that activate the two additional sample decks that are layered under each normal deck. Each of the decks are capable of holding 4 sample banks each. The Traktor Kontrol S2 has the same jog wheels and faders that were used in the S4, so the quality in that department is great. The Jog Wheels have very high resolution and never slipped or skipped while the Alpha faders feel plastic-y but are still capable of pulling off most of your complicated and quick scratching techniques. Since the Traktor Kontrol S2 comes with the full version of Traktor Pro 2, there is a very wide range of effects (32 in all) with two effect banks which can handle a total of 6 simultaneous effects. The Traktor Kontrol S2 also has a fully capable Cue, Sample, and Loop section. The Cue and Sample buttons are shared while the Loop section is the same from the “bigger brother” S4.
All is not perfect in the land of the Traktor Kontrol S4. For starters, I am very disappointed to find that there are absolutely no additional throughputs or inputs aside from the headphone and microphone ports. That means there is no way to play music from another source through the S2 in case of a computer breakdown or other malfunction. Just as with the Traktor Kontrol S4, the S2 is also almost totally plastic in construction, and I think there could be a minor benefit by adding a bit more durability to the unit. My final minor gripe is that there is no way to control the curve or reverse of the line faders. That’s mostly a turntablist trait and I doubt most turntablists would use this as their premier scratch toy in the first place.
In conclusion, the Traktor Kontrol S2 is an excellent all-in-one 2-deck controller with an extra 2 sample decks and everything necessary to start DJ-ing right out of the box including the professional DJ software. The S2 is a true MIDI controller giving it lots of versatility and even allowing it to be used in conjunction with a “bigger” setup that may already be in place. It is a very capable and compact unit that we will recommend to any professional DJ who wants a compact travel setup, or a very capable MIDI controller to complement their existing DJ setup. We also recommend this unit to bedroom or beginner DJ’s since the controls are simple and the two channel setup is less overwhelming than the other four channel systems that are out there on the market. The Traktor Kontrol S2 comes in at around $600 retail and when considering the price of Traktor Pro 2, it’s a pretty good deal overall.
Pro's:
-All-In-One Unit With Traktor 2 Pro
-Fully Map-able Midi Controller
-Good Alpha Fader suitable for Scratching & Mixing
-2 Full Decks + 2 Sample Decks (4-slots each)
-Excellent Jog Wheels in a compact Design
-Extensive Effects Section
-Easy-to-use Sample/Cue/Loop Functions
Con's:
-Lack of Any Throughput Connections
-Non-Metal Construction (which actually saves on weight but may not be as strong)
-Lack of Linefader curve control & reverse function
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Digital DJ Controller Features
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 is the most professional 2-deck controller on the market. With pro credentials throughout, the 2.1 design couples the most essential items for any DJ — 2 decks and a mixer — with controls for multi-effect units and a third channel for samples. Set it up in an instant and dive right into the mix.
Rugged and highly portable, TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 is the only controller of its size to come with the full version of TRAKTOR PRO 2 included - the same software that pro DJs of all genres use. With TRAKTOR 2 Technology Inside, the S2 is tuned for maximum intuitiveness and creativity – resulting in an intensely fluid and fun mixing experience.
PRO SOFTWARE
The included TRAKTOR PRO 2 is the culmination of 10 years of experience as the industry-leading DJ software platform. Its ease-of-use and astounding creative arsenal are built on the concept of TRAKTOR 2 Technology Inside.
TruWave colored waveforms let you see track positions easily, and identify high-energy sections or breakdowns ahead of time - so you can plan the perfect moment to drop your next track. And with the advanced sync engine, your beat-matching will be locked down every time.
Read more about the included TRAKTOR PRO 2 software...
INTUITIVE HARDWARE
This compact and portable unit was built by the same team and with the same components that brought you the TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 – the wildly-popular market-leader that revolutionized the all-in-one DJ system. Robust knobs and backlit buttons let you know what’s going on at all times. Two high-quality, pressure-sensitive jog wheels deliver total track control and easy pitch bending and tempo nudging.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 is the ideal hardware for new DJs who want to access the same great features used by the pros in an easily accessible and focused format.
Read more about the controller...
See what the pro DJs say...
DANCEFLOOR DOMINATION
There’s no steep learning curve with the S2 – the perfect integration between hardware and software means everything is ready to go, so you can focus on selecting the hottest tracks from your hard drive or iTunes® library. Get deep into the powerful looping features, and use the four dedicated ‘hot-cue’ buttons to effortlessly remix and re-edit tunes on the fly - all perfectly in time.
The Samples knob lets you mix the eight Sample Deck slots into your mix – either record loops from the playing track or use any of the included sound content. Two flexible FX units give you access to 30 pro effects that automatically sync to tempo, so you can easily stamp your own style on the mix. Welcome to the future of DJing.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4, the S2’s bigger brother, is now one of the most successful DJ products the world has ever seen, having become the tool of choice for numerous top-flight artists. Now, the S2 delivers the same pro credentials to a new generation of DJs.
GO-ANYWHERE
The S2’s sturdy construction is complemented by a lightweight and compact design – the perfect companion for the traveling DJ. Designed for ultra-portability, the unit fits easily into luggage such as the TRAKTOR TROLLEY by UDG, with plenty of room left over for the rest of your kit. Once you arrive at the gig, it takes seconds to set up.
More about the TRAKTOR TROLLEY by UDG...
MIXER
DJing with the S2 feels instantly familiar thanks to its ergonomic mixer section, including headphone pre-listen cue buttons and 3-band EQ for full sonic control. The rugged, long-life faders are designed for a lifetime of tough use, and excel in providing sharp, cutting performance in the most demanding environments.
The 2.1 concept adds an additional ‘Samples’ knob alongside the 2- deck channels - allowing the smooth mixing of all eight Sample Deck slots as a third channel –a unique and innovative feature for a compact unit.
CONTROLLER
A ‘mirrored’ design means the S2’s controller reflects the layout of the software - ensuring effortless ease of use. Sturdy knobs and backlit buttons let DJs focus on the crowd rather than the software. FX assign buttons send audio to the two FX sections per deck, while the pitch faders work relatively – smoothing out any sudden tempo jumps.
Two high-res jog wheels are pressure-sensitive and make track seeking, pitch bending, tempo nudging and scratching a breeze. And with 30 times more data transfer than competing controllers using the standard MIDI protocol, there’s no tighter feeling unit out there.
PUNCHY PRO SOUND
An all-in-one system needs great sound quality, two separate audio channels to pre-listen the next track, and punchy output to rock the biggest parties. Consequently, inside the S2 is a powerful audio interface, built to the same award-winning standard as Native Instruments’ renowned audio interfaces for DJs.
Incorporating high-end Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters, hi-gain balanced 1/4" TRS outputs and an audio response of up to 24-bit/ 96Khz, this unit packs seriously professional punch.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 comes with the flagship TRAKTOR PRO 2 included - the rock-solid 4-deck DJ platform that combines a jaw-dropping creative arsenal with absolute flexibility and power - used by the top-flight DJs of all genres, and the winner of “Best DJ Software” three years in a row at the prestigious DJ Mag Tech Awards.Read more about Press and awards for TRAKTOR...
INTERFACE
TRAKTOR PRO 2’s interface makes it a pleasure to use – the Essential view is a great way to get started with TRAKTOR, keeping you focused on your mix at all times. The TruWave hi-res colored waveforms separate out the kicks and snares, and let you see the whole track at a glance.
The lower third of the screen holds the powerful browser – instantly find tracks via iTunes or from your iPod, or flick through your library using Crate Flick – recognize and select tracks by artwork like digging through a box of vinyl.
TIGHT MIXES
TRAKTOR’s advanced beat detection engine makes tight mixing a given. Tempos are auto-detected when the track is imported into your library and a beat grid can be created automatically. With one grid marker in place, beat matching two tracks is simple –all track decks, Sample Decks and even the effects are locked down to the tempo of your currently running track.
Plus, with the Snap function, cue points and loops can be set on the fly and 'snap' to either the next or previous beat, while the ‘Quantize’ mode means they’ll wait for the right moment to launch – keeping your set tight.
CREATIVE FEATURES
Right out of the box you’ll instantly find yourself exploring the deeply inventive yet incredibly simple looping functions. At the push of the loop encoder, grab and set loop lengths that you can even change while its running. Layer up those loops in each of the eight Sample Deck slots. Bring the Sample Deck sounds into the mix via the ingeniously simple Samples knob.
Four ‘Hot Cue’ buttons per deck let you jump to any part of the song without dropping a beat – if the button is lit, a cue point is set – just hit the button and launch the track from that position. Rearrange, re-edit and remix tracks on the fly – blur the boundaries between a DJ set and a live performance.
SOUNDS & EFFECTS
A selection of amazing loops and sounds are included to get you underway. Created by Loopmasters, the 40 original loops and 10 full tracks cover drums, bass, percussion and synth loops in dubstep, minimal, house, techno and trance styles – start live remixing in no time.
Two independent FX units with over 30 effects are on hand to help you color your sound. From standards like delay, reverb and flanger to unique performance effects like TRAKTOR’s Beatmasher and BeatSlicer – it’s time to expand your sonic territories.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Windows XP (latest Service Pack, 32 Bit) or Windows Vista (latest Service Pack, 32/64 Bit) or Windows 7 (latest Service Pack, 32/64 Bit), Intel Pentium 4 2.4 GHz or Intel Core or AMD Athlon 64, 2 GB RAM
Mac OS X 10.6 (latest update) or 10.7, Intel Core Duo, 2 GB RAM
USB 2.0 port, DVD drive, 500 MB free disk space (minimum)
DIMENSIONS
Depth: 4.4cm
Height: 29.2cm
Width: 43.8cm
Weight: 2.7 kg
SUPPORTED AUDIO FORMATS
MP3, WAV, AIFF, Audio-CD, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, non-DRM WMA**, non-DRM AAC
** WMA playback supported only on Windows
Channels 2 (plus 1 sample deck channel)
Sample Rate 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz
Bit Resolution 16, 24-bit
Converter Cirrus Logic
Mic Input
Input Impedance 5,2 KOhm
Full Scale Level @ 1 kHz -32 dBu
SNR (weighted) @ 1 kHz 92 dBu
THD+N @ 1KHz 0,01%
Frequency response +/- 1 dBu 20 Hz-40 kHz
Dynamic Range Codec 105 dBu
Audio Outputs (D/A)
Channels 4
Sample Rate 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz
Bit Resolution 16, 24-bit
Converter Cirrus Logic
Line Outputs (balanced 1/4" TRS)
Output Impedance 164 Ohms
Maximum Output Level 13 dBu
SNR (weighted) 99.5 dBu
THD+N 0,01%
Frequency Response +/- 1 dBu 20 Hz-40 kHz
Dynamic Range codec 105 dBu
Line Outputs (unbalanced RCA)
Output Impedance 82 Ohms
Maximum Output Level 13 dBu
SNR (weighted) 99.5 dBu
THD+N 0,01%
Frequency Response +/- 1 dBu 20 Hz-40 kHz
Dynamic Range codec 105 dBu
Headphone Output
Load Impedance 16 Ohms – 600 Ohms
Maximum Output Level (100 Ohm load) 7dBu
SNR (weighted) under load condition 93 dBu
THD+N (100 Ohms) 0,02%
Frequency Response +/- 1 dBu 20 Hz-40 kHz
Best Price for the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Digital DJ Controller
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Digital DJ Controller
American Musical Supply is the
Official Pro Audio Retailer of DJBooth
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