Native Instruments Traktor S4 MK3

very good

very good but unfortunately not compatible with djay pro which is my favourite DJ software

Very good quality

For my opinion the best controller for the Traktor

Perfection with a small mapping catch

I began my DJ pursuits as an enthusiast, with the reservation not to dive in headfirst on the flagship product. I picked up the TK S3, as it seemed to have enough of what I needed, with some room to grow. The problem was that I’ve been a (iPad) software DJ for a few years, and the skills I learned had taken me further than I had anticipated.

The only thing I had to learn was juggling 4 decks instead of 2. That happened quite rapidly, and I found myself missing the ability to control the deck FX units (mixer FX are great, if a little limited), and so I picked up the X1 Mk2 to augment the S3. That worked ok, but there was quite a bit of remapping that controller to get what I desired from it.

Approximately 6 weeks after I got the S3 and X1 combo, I caved and bought the TK S4 Mk3. THIS thing is EVERYTHING that I wanted in a deck controller. I LOVE IT, and wish that I had just sprung the extra money for it, from the beginning. Live and learn, I suppose.

The only disappointment I have with this unit is that the customization capabilities are limited, because it is not a MIDI controller, like it’s predecessors. The Mk3 is configured on the HID (human interface device) protocol.

This is a double edged sword. It is the reason the hardware does it’s job as a seamless controller so well. On the other hand, if you think you’re going to use this with Serato, VDJ, or any other DJ software that is not Traktor Pro [release number], you are in for a LOT of work.

In summary, this controller and software combo is the best Native Instruments has to offer, and I recommend it without hesitation to anyone who plans to do this as a serious hobby, or even a career.

That being said, if you are not fully invested in the Traktor Pro platform, I would suggest that you just buy another controller for the other software you utilize, unless you have an abundance of spare time to remap the TKS4 mk3 controller on your own. You can bring external controllers to Traktor, but Native has made it difficult to use this hardware with other software.

S4mk3 - The Greatest

The controller is very good, but I noticed that the place where the faders are located is erased very quickly. It is very suitable for my DJ setup and DJ performance. 5 Stars! Recommended!

Thank you!

An excellent product for both entry-level DJs and those who have been in this direction for a long time.

Quality products with sturdy housings and quality delivery of all control knobs.

It is also convenient for travel and is quite portable in the hands.

Thank you!

Best traktor controller for money, but not perect

I´m conservative Traktor dj software user for about 20 years.

I had S4mk3. Its not perfect, but i would say - good quality and well build dj controller for money. I had no big issues by using it and it has great functionality, button and mixer lay out.

My only problem was Sound quality. I play 99% lossless audio files and i wasn`t satisfied with audio quality. I mostly play home on my hi-fi. I did 1:1 comparison with my network player and difference in sound quality was hudge.

If i play simple electronic music like 4/4 Techno or house it sounds good enough, but more complex music with lot of live sounds and samples sounded a bit harsh, metallic and muddy. It specially in hi-mid low-hi frequency region with lot of snare sounds and i couldn`t eq it out. I was reading in forums and found more S4mk3 users who noticed the same sound patterns. I don´t know is it because of Traktor audio processing algorithms or controller sound card.

After playng with it arround and trying different kind audio settings i could not get any inprovements so i decided to sell it.

I wish it could have Digital OUT what might solve problem by connecting it to better DAC.

I know, i judge it from kinda "audio purist" perspective so it might not be relevant for most users who play mp3´s on average sound sytems. Than S4mk3 does its job very well!

Best 4 channel controller for the price

I did a huge amount of research on every 4-channel controller on the market based on functionality, features, build, and FX. The only 4-channel controllers out there better than this are at a significantly higher price point: Denon Prime 4, Roland DJ 808, Pioneer DDJ RZ, Pioneer SX3 (Pioneer XJD-XZ isn't even a standalone 4-channel mixer). Way higher quality build than the (relatively flimsier) Pioneer DDJ FLX6, much more functionality than the Pioneer DDJ 1000 or Numark NV II. Quality and robustness of the hardware is really spectacular.

The only drawback anyone sites (look at any blogs and lists of controllers) about this controller is the underperformance it had upon launch. All of those bugs have now been fixed. I've had it now for 2 years and used it heavily and it's been flawless. Only reason you should pick something else is if you want an all-in-one system. If you don't, this is the controller for you.

Decent quality, don't need the jog wheels.

Pros

- Proper layout, all important functions are directly available

- Decent sound card

- Faders, FX and Eq buttons have a decent feel, just enough resistance.

- Easily assignable filter FX

- Filter FX are easier to use / more accessible than channel FX

- Combination of filter FX and channel FX allows for interesting ways to manipulate the sound.

- It's reasonably lightweight, convenient if you want to bring your controller to a gig.

Cons

- Filter knobs have little resistance and feel 'cheap' at first impression. Not what you expect from a device in that price range. But to be fair when mixing it doesn't bother me.

- Personal preference: I don't need jog wheels, I'm fine with nudge buttons. Would have rather had separate controls for every deck.

- Deck switching is prone to confusion, eg. hitting a cue button assuming you're controlling deck C while it's actually A. Practice helps, but mistakes still happen.

- The screens could've been a bit larger and show more info. I got Joe Easton's mod which is a nice improvement, but if Joe can do it, why didn't NI make it such in the first place?

Overall I'm happy with the controller. I can carry it to gigs and it all works like a charm. I might switch if a new version becomes available that replaces the jog wheels with deck controls.

quality fun

i had a s2 mk2 before, but this is on a whole other level. i dont use the tactile stuff. but the layout, build quality make me happy. sound is good.

only thing is that the software isnt that stable..

Awesome rookie controller

Awesome design, very minimalist and straight to the point. MIDi sync port would have been useful. The fact that it requires a DAW to run is pretty disgusting considering its previous version doesn’t 🤮

But all in all, very solid and easy to use. Highly recommend its cheaper version instead (mk2) for those that are just starting out