Five things we’ve learnt about the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3
The new Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 is the biggest update and redesign of the Kontrol S4 controller yet.
Native Instruments have announced a variety of new features for their new Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3.
What do all the new features mean and how will they change things for current and new Kontrol S4 users?
Let’s investigate five of the things we have learned about the new features after the release of the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3.
New Club-Standard Layout
What is it:
When the original Kontrol S4 was first released, it had an incredibly unique layout. For better or worse, one of the big downfalls was form-factor compatibility with industry standard club equipment. The layout made it hard to adapt to a set of CDJs in a club, I guess Native Instrument’s idea was for the S4 to be used in the club, as it had a variety of really cool features for performances. I think Native Instruments saw the error in their ways and created an all-new industry standard layout for the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3.
Best feature(s):
- New “Clicky” Play and Cue buttons
- Non-Mirrored layout akin to Pioneer CDJs
- Longer 80mm tempo fader with better resolution
Not so cool:
- May take some adjustments for users coming from a previous Kontrol S4
- Bigger and heavier than the previous model
Final Thoughts:
I guess it’s up to taste here, if you’re looking for a system that will translate one-to-one with a club system, this is a definite improvement. If you liked the old Kontrol S4 layout, if may take some workflow adjustments to get comfortable on the new Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3.
Mixer-FX
What is it:
The new Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 sees integration with Traktor Pro 3’s new Mixer-FX. The Kontrol S4 takes full advantage of the new software feature, allowing you to assign a unique effect to each deck.
Best feature(s):
- Assignable effect per channel
- External decks can route through mixer effects
Not so cool:
- The integration of Mixer FX which are essentially based in the software makes the mixer unable to function in standalone mode
Final Thoughts:
Here’s where Traktor Pro 3’s new Mixer-FX start making a lot more sense to me, the ability to assign them to individual tracks and the hands-on quick access that the new Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 offers is a big plus.
Focused Display
What is it:
The Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 features an OLED display for each physical deck, it’s a more focused display compared to the Kontrol S8 however much more in-depth compared to the previous Kontrol S4.
Best feature(s):
- Displays only the most necessary functions
- Works with stems and remix decks
Final Thoughts:
With DJ software becoming more and more complex, I think any feedback that gets the DJ away from the screen and focused on the crowd is a big plus!
Motorized Haptic Drive Jog-Wheels
What is it:
The new Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 jog-wheels have a new feature called Haptic Feedback, which gives you tactile feedback of cue-points and beat-grids. This is great for DJs who want to step away from the laptop screen and still want enough feedback of what’s happening in the software.
Best feature(s):
- Find cue-points without the screen
- You can enable Haptic tics on the rim of the jog-wheels to give you a sense of how much nudge you are applying
Not so cool:
- Slight mechanical noise on the jog-wheels
Final Thoughts:
I think this also depends on taste, I personally don’t use the jog-wheels much at all so increasing the overall weight of the controller for this doesn’t fit my personal taste, on the other hand the Haptic Feedback might be a bit distracting to those DJs who come from a vinyl background, you can however adjust the feel to suit your needs.
Better Digital-to-Analog Converter
What is it:
Whether anyone can actually hear the difference between two different 24-bit DAC’s is something I would like to blind-test, however that being said, controllers often receive a lot of flack about their audio quality. The new DA Converter in the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 will hopefully change a lot of misconceptions.
Best feature(s):
- Cirrus Logic 24-bit DAC comparable to CDJ audio quality
Final Thoughts:
Any push to increase overall audio quality gets my vote!
What’s your style?
The Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 has seen a definite push towards the higher-end, if you’re a more discerning DJ looking for these extra features and you don’t mind a bit of extra weight – this is the one for you. Native Instruments were clever to redesign the Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 in a more simplified fashion, to suit the more “no-frills” DJs.
