OK I've had this for 6 months now and WOW! Despite some of the big name video guys saying it isn't really worth switching to Traktor for this hardware, I can say with 100% certainty that it is (came from Serato). This controller has everything I want and functions better than I imagined. I scratch, do routines, trigger samples, record one shots into another TT channel and then scratch those sequences. But beyond that, it just functions amazing and is very intuitive.. no looking back now. Feels rock solid and pro too, If you're coming from turntables this is for you.. you no longer need to mess about with DVS and Turntables.. but if you want you can still hook up turntables to the gear. This device has given me the extra flare I used to achieve via complicated set up of samplers, midi, turntables.. but better actually.

I usually don't like your DJing videos, but this in depth review of this controller was fantastic. Thanks for showing us the in's and out's of this controller.

Great job 👌 I’m a DJ from the 90s to 2024! Vinyl is king but I’ve had an Pioneer SX2 since it came out and I finally have found it’s replacement! I wish it had an aluminum top plate like my SX2 but this S4 is everything I’ve ever wished for and wanted on a controller. Serato has served me well and I won’t sell it until the S4 proves itself and it better be a good stand alone!🙏🤞

Best review ever, glad that you talk about the buttons, nobody ever said if they are made with plastic or rubber...

Great Vid, i picked up mine today, i had a ddj 1000 for a few months , could not get used to Rekordbox, i just spent 30 mins with the s4 MK3 , it is worth getting , the knobs, jogs are so smooth,,,,10+ years i have been using traktor and they always find ways to make it better...they nailed it, great upgrade from the mk2 S4.

Firstly a fair and honest review. I’ve been looking at this controller for a while now. I was pretty much going to buy the XDJ RX2. Then this came out! As a Traktor user I feel very comfortable with the software. I definitely want to explore the stems and remix deck options and possibly adding other NI equipment. A real bargain for the money and you can certainly get creative which is what I want. Great review, This is the controller for me 👍

The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 mk3 looks really interesting. Thanks for the video.

I’m in the UK and I have one too. I had a mk2 originally, and I am now learning all the new features of this unit 🤪. Great review Jamie

Guy is a legend. Best reviews out there. Nailed everything about this!

Even tho I still dont see myself switching to Traktor I freaking love the motorized platters! Traktor is applying pressure!!! I hope Serato's partners take note.

Brilliant piece of equipment with a lot to get creative with. Very good investment and glad I’ve purchased this.

You can actually change the tension of the jog, even in TT mode so 'it doesnt run away..' as you said. This time, theyve actually thought about everything. (almost)

this is why i love NI, they always think of everything!

Nothing beats Traktor effects

Very interesting controller. I think I will buy it when it's comes out. Thanks for review!

Nice work dude. Very well thought out review. Appreciate it.

I've been waiting on this!

Great review and pretty much the only that shows the limitations of the TT mode so far.

excellent video bro. I just bought one while watching your video.

Loved the review mate, getting one at the end of the month, going to replace my pioneer djm 300. Looking forward to having an extra two decks and seeing what that can do for live remixing, sampling etc.

This is how the review should look like 👍 thanks 😊 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 good job. It is really informative!

I just sold my S8 (that i loved since they released it) and order S4 mk3! I am excited! and yes I did miss the Wheels, the s8 touchpad is good, but does not satisfy you if you come from Turntables.

Man, Top tier review, much appreciated. I think you nailed it @ 22:50 with your opinion on where this controller sits in the market. Im a musician/producer, played guitar/keys in many bands +live ableton sets but this will be my first entrance into the DJ world. This controller feels like a fit because as you described, it seems optimized as more of a live performance controller rather than a quick mix performance controller like the rekordbox/serato stuff. I also think it will pair with my NI S61 keyboard quite well ;) Thanks for informative vid

Awesome review video man.. I’m a native instruments user with the Maschine MK3 & Jam set up.. going to be adding this controller and work out some live sets combining the hardware.

The best models to learn how to playing at Big Festival.

I bought it 3 days ago and also bought a Mac Air just for djing. What can I say well , I am super happy, these purchases worth every penny I spent. The S4 just a piece of art, it is a modern 2019 + controller. Sound good quality is just amazing I’d say 30% better than on Traktor 2. Opportunities just so unbelievable, so much can be done with it. Didn’t try it fully yet but I am sure it will be very long and super interesting journey for me. Thanks to NI for such a powerful beast! Keep spinning, piece to all here.

Outstanding job with this video!

Hey @Crossfader and to all the others here. Thanks for sharing your work with us. As "return of investment" I want to give you a complete feedback about the new S4. Sorry for my english.....i will do my best :D First of all I have to say, that I'm a big fan of Traktor, I work with the software since ages. But I also can work with serato or rekordbox. I have the new S4 MK3 and I still don't know if I will work with it in the next years or will try rekordbox (with a XP1 and a DJM). But now I wanna give you an honest feedback about the controller (i will focus on the new stuff in the controller): - The BROWSE function SECTION is very good, fast pre-listening, fast favorites scrolling and adding songs to the preparation list - MIXER FX are very nice (like Jamie mentioned in the video) DOTTED DELAY is killer :D - REMIX DECK RECORDER is fantastic, but this is also no new invention, rekordbox have a similar function (btw, Serato don't have this) - OVERALL SOUND QUALITY, MICROPHONE and HEADPHONE OUTPUTS massively improved, but Headphone could be a little bit louder (native-instruments work on that, they said to me. I asked for that in an email) - (MOTORIZED) JOG-WHEELS: this a very critical point: the wheels are good, maybe very good, but I also use a Denon DC5000M, and you can't compare this. The Denon Platter is the best you can get in the moment (in my opinion). But if you just wanna have a portable device with motorized jogs, the S4 is great - HAPTIC DRIVE is for the moment just a 'nice to have', nothing more, nothing less, I hope they add really useful functions - the Screens are useful, but as long as I have to look to my laptop screen when I am browsing, the displays are just another 'nice to have' - also i have to say that Traktor 3 (also Traktor 2) has a SLICER (FREEZE) MODE and the possibility to do tone play. Unfortunately you can't activate this with the S4 MK3 at the moment... - BUT you can map special functions, for example to a nice little midi controller. I mapped some functions (for example TONE PLAY, SAMPLER) to a RELOOP NEON, ALESIS SAMPLEPAD PRO and an ALESIS WIRELESS VORTEX 2. BTW: It's fun to have a "real keytar" and a "real drum kit during a gig, the crowd will love you ;) Why I tell you that? Because Traktor is still the best software to map external midi devices with the possibility to change the colors of the pads. I don't know if you can do that on Serato (no Sample Sequence Recorder :D) and I don't want to talk about Virtual DJ, because of the sound quality. In rekordbox you can map a device like the NEON, but with no color support, In rekordbox I even can't use my ALESIS devices, this is strange! My overall conclusion: + REMIX DECK RECORDER + MOTORIZED JOG-WHEELS + BROWSE FUNCTIONS + MIDI FUNCTIONALITY + SOUND IMPROVEMENT - NO SEPERATE MICROPHONE SLOTS - HEADPHONE COULD HAVE A LITTLE BIT MORE POWER (will be updated) - NO STANDALONE (will be updated) - FOR MORE FUNCTIONS YOU HAVE TO BUY ADDITIONAL MIDI DEVICES So let's go, what should YOU buy? If you want to play on a controller with motorized jogs and also want great midi connectivity you have to take the S4 MK3. If you like just the remix recorder you can also go with pioneer (DDJ RX or DDJ RXZ). In all other cases you can choose also a Serato DJ Pro Setup. My future DJ Setup will depends of, if a can map the XP1 "like I need it", otherwise I will stay on Traktor. It would be really nice if Pioneer brings out a new controller like the RX with motorized platters, maybe this could be the last reason to try something new. In the end some words about the "hobbyist controller" TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 MK3. It is not a perfect device and even if I like my unit very much I'm a little bit disappointed (as I told you in the description) and maybe I will really change my DJ Software after a lot of years (my midi Devices will still run on Traktor parallely :) ). BUT the S4 MK3 ist NOT (only) a "hobbyist controller or "controller for beginners". Even if you are an expert, this is a very nice machine, because you can do a lot of professionell and creative stuff with it. The DDJ 1000 for example feels much cheaper when you play with this one. Also I think Serato is with a Serato Intro Controller much easier to handle for beginners.

Best Review ob seen so clear and full information. I will stay on s8 with X1MK 2 and F1 HW this is the best Traktor Combination but I miss a lot that turntable...... maybe I choose s4 but s8 ist massiv power

When you were muting the different sounds when using the stem file, there was no indicator on which was being muted. Drums, vocals, etc. Thank you

Fantastic review

I hope either: A. Traktor makes this as a standalone (since the future of DJ'ing is moving away from laptops). B. Other brands take notes and keep up! Rotating platters on a controller is genius for us scratchers!

With all it's inputs & outputs and having 4 channels with great sound quality, it's definitely a great option for the wedding and private function DJ as well! Can't wait to get my hands on one :D

Great video, thank you! After watching I ordered and received mine yesterday :) One question though, I noticed your Master fader LED’s aren’t working On this video, and neither is mine brand new out the box. Do you know how to fix this??

Amazing review! thanks

Great review. Def the best I’ve seen for this product.

Great review buddy, keep it up

Thanks for the review, I now long use Traktor, but if this came out last year i would of got it

thanks for the overview!

thanx man. helped alot ;) cheers and waiting for more.

Hello from Greece ! Great presentation with almost everything details to learn. One of something you didn’t mention is that in the jog option (if you push the button and turn to red color) you can change the behavior of the metal surface from a vinyl to a pitch instant bent like the option of the surround jog wheel... Also 3 questions : Does it have the option of using an usb stick to play without using the laptop? And how did you change the color of the ring platter (from blue to orange)? Does it has an option for begining a loop (in - out) like the last versions ? Thanks a lot !! Great job!!

awesome review

Great review!

very very good review

Hello, thanks for the video, It's really helpful. I have a question, I'd like to change the filter intensity, I mean, in the mixer fx I don't use the Hi filter, always the low but I don't like be forced to put the button in the middle (center) position and turn right all the time while mixing to return to the middle again once I want to finish the mix so so many times easily you can pass the center position and the mix could be missed and wrong. With the MK1 I turned the button to the top left and then in my computer moved the button manually with the mouse to the center position so always I had low filter but with the MK3 it could not be done so automatically correct it. Do you know if it's possible to change it or if it's possible to change the intensity of the filter somehow. Thanks againg.

Hi there Crossfader! I got a NI keyboard (S61MK2) and I produce music with it in Ableton. I got a Novation Launchpad too (for Ableton). Would you consider that that controler is better for me than, let's say a Pioneer? Could it be possible to get my Native Instruments keyboard layered ont this controler?

Got one the other day brilliant piece of kit well worth it Traktor the best

Great review. You saved my money.

Maybe this has been answered already, but if I hook up turntables, do I have the option of running them both A) as standard Analog tables and B) As DVS controllers? This would save hundreds of dollars vs. trying to find a huge 16x8 audio interface to manage 4 Traktor channels and DVS with an external mixer! Thanks!

Thanks 4 the lesson dude ,

Can this one Synced to Other Source Input to this machine: e.g.: other players or workstation keyboard / arranger keyboard? Thanks.

I always loved traktor, used it with timecodes + midi controllers in the past and then gave up on the hobby. Now, I am looking to get into it again and I have been looking around now for months about what I should buy. I originally wanted to get the denon prime 4 but then comparing features and price and respecting the fact that I am very familiar with traktor, this might be the best bang for the buck... I'd have to buy a laptop but I think one that can run traktor decently can be found on the used market for around 300€ so that is still a lot cheaper than a prime 4 or xdj xz and you get 4 decks... so If I wanted to add timecode vinyl or CDJs then this would be possible, which is my main concern.

Haptic drive is great when you are playing a party and it's loud as fuck/bad monitors/can't hear anything. Really nice to have that little tick on the downbeat.

Hi on the remix deck, how would you switch to the 2nd row? @ 18:30 As you showed in the clip, I use the Kontrol F1 and can toggle to all 16 pads, I just moved from the S5, so on the screen, you had the ability to move down 2 rows to be able to access them. So I am looking on how to still toggle further down on the S4. Thank you

Great review I got this for the pitch faders and platters, they are incredible for mixing djs, I also have s2 mk3, which you can get near this if you combine with 2x F1 controllers so s2 mk3 users your not left out

Very cool. Is there a newer model out? Like S5 or MK4?

this controlelr is so expensive so i grind on modular set ups. love the live editing and vocal mash up of tracks. No need to wait for remixes!

nice video mate

Nice review. Can’t figure out how to get the stereo output lights on. Located between the master and booth.

I bought this a few days ago, im blown away by the build quality! wow! Howver, i am looking for a way to create a talk-over/ducking feature when the microphone is used, since Traktor doesn't it have this yet. Its a big omission from NI, the other controllers have such a feature built onto the hardware.... Does anyone know how to do this?

Great vid been waiting for this. 🙂

Awesome video! I am thinking about upgrading from my DJ controller which suffered drowning in a pint from a drunk person. Now this video is 5 years old - would you still recommend the controller or will a new version be released soon? I have also been looking at a second-hand Pioneer DDJ RX, which is 8 years old and the price is a bit high compared to a new FLX-6-GT. But would it make more since to buy something newer like the FLX-6-GT? I hope you can help me out! :)

Very nice to use

Hey James which is best ddj 800 or s4 mk3 as I want to practice on 4 channel controller but I listened that ddj 800 is also effective . Can u help which is best

I am trying to decide whats better.... This traktor or ddj 1000? Or the denon MCX 8000

This thing is a beast

Watching the two Reviews of the Traktor I think that S2 is much more intuitive to use, that would be a good beginner option for me :)

Great overview of all the effects and sample and just full overviw.

i have the kontrol s2 mk2 and its a great beginner joint but I’ll get my hands on one of these soon unless NI drops a new one

The fxs would effect the cross fader because its not volume controlled. The channel volume it would as thats the channel that's getting signal. Crossfaders main function is mix or scratch

Can we still switch out the knobs for custom colours? Also can the jog lights be turned off?

Looks dope

Nice dude👊

Very thorough review! There seems to be a decent amount of talk from users about the headphone volume not being loud enough. Does anyone know if the (recent) update to TP3 software addressed this? I'm currently a Serato controller user, but this controller caught my eye, and I'd like to know if it's worth it, or do I have to go back to finding a Serato controller that isn't a delicate piece of plastic (and don't say "Pioneer" - the DDJ SX3 has MAJOR problems, the SZ2 is out of my price range, and the others have really short pitch throws....)

Can you change the length of the blue ring illumination around the jog wheel?

really wished the FLX mode worked under TT when you turn it on

How does the soundcard perform? It was the weak point of the MK2, definitely lacked a bit of punch which made it tricky to use in louder environments.... Has this problem been addressed on the MK3?

I got a Serato controller and literally had anxiety over the lack of settings in Serato... Not to mention the hell I had to go through with the controller not outputting sound, second channel stopping to output sound during a live set...

Appreciate the video and review. Always honest and on point. I was in the market for a mid-level to pro controller and decided to go with the DDJ-SX2 (if you can imagine). I've already got this mapped out to the new Traktor Pro 3 and I absolutely love it so far. Being able to take advantage of the new software, taking advantage of everything I already know so well, and adding in the Flux-reverse (censor) and new mixer fx effects were well worth the $50 upgrade from TP2. All of us DJ's out there from beginner to advanced like having flexibility in whatever controller they use and what software we can use. Having cross platform products natively supported or if MIDI mappings can be created to accomplish the same goal are all fine with the community. When controllers are not compatible with other DJ software, we start to have dilemmas. Case in point, here is a question: is the new Traktor S4 mk3 compatible with Rekordbox or Serato? A: no. Is any Traktor controller compatible with Algoriddim's Djay pro 2? A: no. Here is the game changer question: 'Are there any controllers in the market that are compatible with all of these software programs? A: Pioneer DDJ-SX2. Think of it, the new Pioneer DDJ-SX3 isn't even compatible with Pioneer's own Rekordbox.... smh. Why would anybody in business limit their hardware or even their damn software??? I guess people with the SX2 just got lucky as hell. I guess what I'm trying to say is once you get to the mid or professional level of DJ'ing, why would you choose a controller that is limited to one specific DJ software???? Is TP3 going to give you access to Spotify? No. Are there DJ's in the world that need a music steaming service for weddings or other gigs?? A: Absolutely! These companies need to start playing nice with each other!! Make your controllers compatible with other vendors' software. This isn't about you, this is about the customer. That's why you make these products to begin with. Right? Like come on, at current state, there is not one DJ software that is ruling the market. All of them fall short in certain areas. So at least make your software open and natively supported by market controllers. NI is at least the best in the business for allowing non-NI products able to use it's software; but it's ironic that other software companies doesn't do the same. Traktor controllers are not natively supported in Serato, Rekordbox, and Algoriddim Djay Pro 2. What's up with that??? I'd love to sit down with all of these companies and give them my opinion. Customers need to come first; stop playing these games with the customers. Why is the DDJ-1000 only natively supported in Rekordox? SMH. So do your research, do your homework, and make the best decision. I went with the older Pioneer DDJ-SX2 for compatibility and flexibility that I need as a DJ. I've always been a NI guy, but I didn't even talk about how TP3 doesn't have video, lighting, streaming music, lyric, or other options in it, but I think I've made my point. BTW, I have the Z2, F1, and S2 in my studio, so this isn't a rant against NI controllers, just me being honest with the community. Rock on.

Can you change the colour of the leds behind the jogs?

This or the ddj 1000 for a techno DJ? Only reason I'd say the ddj1000 is because of the layout so that you're used to it when you go to clubs? Have had the ddj 400 for a year

very clever Jogs spin from traktor !!....

Hey man. Can you let me know if you can play real vinyl through this and mix with digital tracks? You can probably tell I’m from the oldskool vinyl do camp. 😁 You said something about it coming via software update. What can it do out the box now. Cheers, great vid.

Where can I get good samples for techno?

Top Information

Hi.On my S4 MK3 if i raise up the bpm, for example 140bpm to 145bpm and try to lock the deck( shift and sync lock) always take me back to the original bpm of 140bpm. Only master deck lets me lock the other deck only sync. Is that normal on controller ? Im having different software issues as well. I have contact NI and so far no reply back.

Can you make a review of the new S3?

So why does turning the filter knobs on Deck A and B will turn "on" those faders, yet when you turn the knobs on Deck C and D they do not automatically turn on? I don't want any of them to auto turn on, or I would want them all to auto turn on.

Good day I need an advice with my traktor s4 controller, I does not stay on. It a power cable challenge or I should be worried. YOur assistance will be highly apprecieted.

Thanks for the video. I have a question regarding the tempo sliders. When I used to use my S2 MK2, if I ever synced a song from deck A to deck B and adjusted the temp so that when I released to Track B, once the song was going I would slide the tempo slider slowly so you wouldn't hear much of an adjustment. The S2 has a lit button that you can tap to bring the track to its normal speed. I have yet to find that using the S4 MK3. The button is not there. So what I have been doing is using a mouse to slide the slider up in the software and double clicking on it so that it goes to center. Can you shed some light on this? If I have completely confused you please let me know so I can clear up my query. Thanks!

Can you use virtual dj with this controller??

This has convinced my to skip the S8, gonna go from S4 Mk1 to Mk3 lets go!!!

can this kontroler be connected with pioneer rmx 1000 ?

Anyone knows if the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 has that plastic "coating" or if it's just hard plastic?

very nice

I been a traktor user for years. From traktor scratch 1. Bought this, played with it for a day and didnt like it much as i dont think you can map it how you want as of yet. So gave it back and got the DDJ 1000. Much happier. I still have traktor 3 there with my old controller if needed.

What happens to the pitch faders when you switch tracks on the same deck and there different tempos? Say you've got a track at 140 but your bring in a track at 130 speed it up to mix and switch back to the 140 track. Will the 140 track be faster as the fader has been moved?

Just bought mine

Where can i go to buy stem tracks?

i think ni nailed this design.