![]() Traktor is clearly responding to some of the praise around the jogwheels Pioneer’s DDJ-SX and making their own jogs feel more significant. The S4 and S2 MK2 both sport redesigned jogwheels that are now topped with aluminum instead of plastic – they’re just heavier enough ( see image above) to allow their use to feel signifiantly more solid than the MK1 platters ever did. The new aluminum jogs (left) are almost twice as heavy as the old ones (right). That’s also why the new units come with USB-to-iOS-30-pin cables and work with Traktor DJ on iOS of the box. That’s what the slight refresh of these units was about: providing better access to some of the most important recent Traktor features. ![]() While the original Kontrol S units didn’t have direct access to the Remix Decks, the S4 MK2and S2 MK2 were built for it. The restyled buttons give better visual feedback for the color-coded Remix Deck samples that they can launch. They not only look more beautiful than the old partially lit buttons, but they also stand out visually much better, whether in the dark or in daylight conditions. The first thing you notice that’s different about the S4 MK2 and S2 MK2 are the fully backlit RGB LED buttons. Want to catch up on the original units? Read our reviews of the Kontrol S4 and Kontrol S2. The size dimensions and weight are nearly identical to the older versions, and the layout of controls looks just about the same, as well, with a few important distinctions. There’s a little more spit-and-polish to the design: shinier jog wheels, updated surface finishes, etc. The S4 MK2 and S2 MK2 have been slightly refreshed, with the same great build quality with aircraft-grade aluminum face plates and the same audio interface features with NI’s renown 24-bit/96 khz sound quality and high output levels. MK1 Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 ( left) S4 MK1( right) They may not attract massive throngs of new converts, but they undoubtedly make two really nice controllers even better, and for the same price as before. The new features catch the hardware up to where the software has been going. The Bottom Line: The Kontrol S4 and S2 were already excellent options for Traktor users. Not working with iOS 7 yet at the time of publication. The Bad:Some noise on the audio output when using USB bus power. ![]() Same great 24-bit/96 khz audio interface and build quality as before. Plug-and-play support for iOS Traktor DJ. New multi-colored backlit pads for Remix Deck control. Ships with: Traktor Pro 2, power supply, USB cable, iOS 30-pin cable, keyboard shortcut chart. Reviewed: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 and S2 MK2Ĭommunication: MIDI over USB, with high-resolution jog wheels All Kontrol S4 MK2s + Kontrol S2 MK2s in the DJTT Store are sold with Chroma Caps.) (editor’s note: the units pictured in this review have Chroma Caps on them – not the default knobs. Is all that growth worth a shrinkage to your bank account? Judge these beautiful new controllers for yourself. The Kontrol S4 MK2 and S2 MK2 refresh the series to keep up with the software’s progression. Pros: Aluminum jog wheels. Compatible with the Traktor DJ App. Backlit RGB ButtonsĬons: I personally wish there was less text on the controller and the S4 MK2 had adapted the minimalist design of the X1 MK2.In the three years since the original Kontrol S4 dropped, Native Instruments added Remix Decks, Flux Mode, and the Traktor DJ app to the Traktor lexicon. It's a solid, good looking controller that gives you the ability to wield all of Traktor's power. I'd recommend the S4 MK2 to DJs who are dedicated Traktor users, or are curious about the software. The cosmetic upgrades are welcome additions, but I think it's the controller's compatibility with the futuristic Traktor updates that really make the MK2 a worthwhile investment. The Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 is a great controller that puts Traktor's exciting new features under your fingertips. If you begin using the S4 MK2 with the Traktor DJ app now, you'll be ahead of the masses who'll use this advanced technology in the years to come. This makes for a digital DJ setup that's portable and futuristic. One of the real advantages of using the Traktor DJ app is the fact that you can use it on your portable Apple device and don't have to have a laptop connected in order to DJ. This is perhaps one of the best new features of the S4 MK2 controlling the app with the S4 MK2 is quite easy and fun. The S4 MK2 is designed to work with the Traktor DJ app on iOS devices and is compatible with the iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and iPad mini.
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