Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4

Turn Your Laptop into an Awesome DJ Rig

This article was Written By

Our Product Research Team

Get to know them!

Your complete on-the-go DJ rig! Native Instruments' Traktor Kontrol S4 is an all-in-one laptop-based DJ system that combines the revolutionary next step in the Traktor Pro DJ software series, Traktor Pro S4, with a custom-built USB audio interface and turntable-style controller. Traktor Pro S4 adds amazing new sampling and sample-playback capability to Traktor Pro. The Traktor Kontrol S4 controller puts all the tools you need right at your fingertips. You get amazing hands-on control, including two amazing high-resolution jog wheels equipped with patent-pending magnetic brakes, as well as a general layout that covers all of Traktor Pro S4's primary functions.

Related Videos: Traktor Kontrol S4

More than just a DJ controller, the Traktor Kontrol S4 controller is also a super-high-quality 4-channel USB audio interface that's capable of handling digital audio of up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution. It comes armed with a pair of excellent microphone preamps and enough other analog inputs to accommodate any other DJ gear you want to use. Each channel has its own level fader, 3-band EQ, filter knob, and gain control, as well as two effects sends. The Traktor Kontrol S4's super-smooth crossfader has an adjustable sharpness curve, and it's completely replaceable.

On the software side, Traktor Kontrol S4 comes with the custom Traktor Pro S4 DJ software, which is based on the highly popular Traktor Pro platform. There are, however, some killer new features in Traktor Pro S4 that will blow you away! Similar to previous versions of Traktor Pro, Traktor Pro S4 features four independent decks. What's different is that Traktor Pro S4 also offers all-new Sample Decks, which allow you to perform live sampling and looping tricks. Snag loops from live tracks or load them up from your library. Traktor Kontrol S4 even comes with a ton of excellent content from Loop Masters to get you started.

Each Sample Deck can hold up to four loops, which lets you DJ entirely from loops if you like, but without giving up the pacing and environment of a traditional DJ setup. Traktor Kontrol S4's software also lets you grab samples from incoming audio, thanks to its Loop Recorder. The Loop Recorder acts, more or less, as a fifth deck in Traktor Pro S4, allowing you to record, layer, and overdub samples from any of the S4's live inputs. Once you've created the loop you want, you can transfer the new loop to one of your Sample Deck slots. Whether you prefer an old-school approach or are ready to try something new, you're going to love DJing with Native Instruments' Traktor Kontrol S4!

• Highly integrated 4-deck Traktor controller and flagship software
• Plug and play - all you need to start mixing is your computer and MP3s
• Includes special version of Traktor Pro (Traktor Pro S4)
• Traktor Pro S4 includes all standard Traktor functionality plus 28 Traktor effects
• 4 channels, each with a level fader, a 3-band EQ, a filter knob, a gain control, and 2 effects sends
• High-resolution, touch-sensitive jog wheels with rubber-coated outer rim and glossy top plate
• Patent-pending magnetic-brake jog wheel technology
• Hardware and software work at very high resolution (30 times greater than resolution of MIDI)
• 4-channel mixer with ergonomic layout
• Powerful MP3 management, with iTunes integration and iPod compatibility
• Fully customizable control surface works with any MIDI-controllable software
• Sample Decks provide live sampling and looping (4 loops per Sample Deck)
• Loop Recorder allows on-the-fly recording and loop playback from any channel
• Low-latency drivers for Mac and PC
• Cirrus-Logic AD/DA converters (up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution)
• Ultra-wide frequency response
• Dual 1/4" and RCA outputs
• High-gain outputs (up to 9.7dBu)
• High-quality 1/4" headphone jack with separate controls for headphone volume and cue mix
• 2 x stereo RCA analog input channels, switchable between line and phono level
• Routing can be conveniently assigned from within the software
• 2 x 1/4" microphone inputs with adjustable gain
• MIDI I/O
• Package includes S4 hardware controller with built-in audio interface, Traktor Pro S4 software, USB cable, power supply, manual, keyboard function mapping sheet, and Loopmasters Loop Library with 40 original loops and 10 full tracks
• Depth: 12.7"
• Height: 2"
• Width: 19.7"
• Weight: 7.5 lbs.