Native Instruments Traktor S2 MK3 Reviews

Great Value for money

Possibly the best budget controller on the market

Топ для начала!

Конечно не хватает ему в пару F1, тогда и S3 не нужен. Нравится, что есть только hot cue и сэмплер, и отдельная регулировка громкости сэмплера. В остальном, хороший, качественный начальный контроллер. Конечно с Трактором работает превосходно, дружит со всеми топ программами. Конечно S4 это уже другой звук и качество, но S2 за свои деньги хорош! Много выбирал, купил этот. Брал с кейсом, очень круто!!!

OK, but unfortunately no flexible beat grid

The hardware is good, well built and relatively easy to use, probably comparable to most other suchlike dj controllers of a respectable brand (although I can't compare). Setting up and connecting to a laptop is extremely easy and presents no problems. The lit pads make it possible to work in a dark environment. No comments on the effect as I don't use them.

The software, however, is outdated as - contrary to other software - it does not allow to create flexible or 'elastic' beat grids. Beat matching using the sync button is no problem as long as you play electronic music that comes out of a box, but with 'real' music it's almost impossible. There is a cumbersome procedure to reset the beat, but with music with lost of tempo changes, you need to redefine the 'beatmarkers' every few bars. Another option is to use other software to 'correct' the variations in tempo of the tracks, but actually that's taking the soul out of the music.

I haven't used the controller for quite a while now and only use it occasionally. It is possible that the new Traktor Pro 3 provides a method for flexible beat grids, I only used Pro 2. Anyway, if you're interested in pre-80s music, or in any music performed by real musicians, make sure to check this before you buy this Traktor! If I remember well, users have been asking for this elementary option included in almost all other dj-software for many years, but somehow the people at Native are very slow to provide this basic function.

good controller, best for biginners

a little problem

Very easy for use but i played 10 times and the fader had broken.

Amazing

Good stuff I’m happy with that

Epic

It’s so user friendly it’s amazing. Great interface and not bad sound

worth it

its exactly what i wanted

Quality product

This is the essential item if you are DJing, super easy to use too!

Great Present

I bought this for my best friend for his birthday and he loved it as his 1st set of decks. It is easy to use and looks very good. The mixing ability is very high and recommended by several of my DJ friends.

Worth the money for begginers

For an beginners the product has all the basic functions to start out as dj. The finish of the product is amazing and I really like jog wheels. The controls are great. If you want to use multiple effects at once this might not be thing for you but with the price tag it serves its purpose

Light weight, good build.

Basic Controller but it meets well with my expectations. The controller works well with the iOS Traktor app straight out of the box.

No competitors in price range

So, Traktor S2 MK3 doesn't have competitors among entry-level DJ controllers. Build quality is really good, everything feels sturdy and will able to resist hard party usage for sure (well, okay, not so hard). It works with Traktor out of the box (obviously) but can work with any other DJ software with some small efforts.

Amazing beginner controller

Feels great, controls are very responsive and I love it.

The product came excellent

This is the first time I see such excellent equipment, everything is done with high quality! I will learn to play on it and please others. The product matches the description and included software.

awesome product, but coud be improved

best dj controller with traktor.

PERIOD.

the controller is awesome, but could be better.

let me explain: if you are in doubt with other controller, forget them. Buy this. ABSOLUTELY.

there are some things that could be better. The loading procedure could be better, and the pitch slider should be bigger.

Anyway, a must to by.

Great Starter Decks

Great for beginner djs. Simple and easy to use and robust. They are restrictive on features like effects, only having color effects and no separate effect section.

But for a beginner djs, this is good as it makes you focus on transition techniques and creativity when mixing, which helps improve your skill as a dj.

Highly recommend for new djs.

Good

Cool controller to start with. Have enough options for first 1000 hours, then you might want to upgrade to something bigger

It's the best choice in that price range

I have been using the controller since the end of 2018. First, I want to note the reliability of the USB connector - this is the first thing you come across. Before the S2 MK3, I used the Numark Mixtrack Pro II controller and now I'm really happy with the ergonomics. No difficulties with the first installation and setting up software - it saves a lot of time and nerves. The sound quality on both outputs (RCA and mini-jack) is excellent. I used the controller with an old Lenovo W541 laptop under Windows 10 x64 with constantly updating OS - no errors or crashes for all time. All controls (faders, encoders, knobs) are tactile friendly, when it be able to push it's understood by touch. My advice: understand the Shift button modification for a smooth experience with the controller out of the box – use it to quickly navigate the track and extend the pitch range when you play unfamiliar tunes and want to do your best for the first time. I'm totally satisfied with the price/quality and plan to extend my gear park by NI S4 asap.

Perfect controller for the beginners

It's been a long struggle for me to choose something to learn the basics of DJing and don't break the bank. This controller so far is the best option I found on the market. It's absolutely crazy that for such a low price you can get fully functional controller that gives you the ability to play proper sets and learn all the the fundamentals.

Use. Extremely simple to use. You've never tried to DJ and now drunk you want to do it first time? Easy! Sync and phase meter got you covered. Want to learn how to beatmatch using only your ears to become a pro at some point? Easy! Just disable the phase meter, sound wave view, stable bpm and now the only thing you can rely on is your ears!

Clarity. Nothing unnecessary in this controller: two decks with launchpads, EQ and set of 4 filters to make it happen.

Pros&cons. Only pros and no cons - you can't ask more from 250 bucks DJ setup...

Additional comment on Traktor Pro 3 software that comes with this beauty. I've been quite anxious about starting on digital, since "all real DJs have to start on vinyl". However, the easiness of use and almost endless possibilities of Traktor Pro left me without any regret about starting with digital. Moreover, even though I still plan to purchase turntables just because I have a small vinyl collection - my next gear goal is proper 4 channel mixer, two X1 and one F1 units from NI to make it 4 decks fully digital setup. The difference in range of possibilities and ways to play between simple two turntables setup and Traktor setup is just insane. If you doubt my opinion check out Speedy J and Richie Hawtin.

10/10 highly recommend