TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 MK3 – Full Gude on Native Instruments DJ Controller

If you’re an aspiring DJ looking for the perfect hardware to kickstart your journey, then this TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 review could be exactly what you need. This two-deck, all-in-one DJ controller is designed to bring your music to life in new and exciting ways.

TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 MK3

2-channel performance DJ controller Flux Mode Controller Level: Beginner to Intermediate Compatible Software: TRAKTOR PRO 3 Supported DJ Applications: TRAKTOR DJ 2

4.5/5

From ‎$339

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TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 Pros and Cons

With any DJ controller, understanding its strengths and potential drawbacks is crucial to determining if it’s the right fit for your needs. In this section, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 to give you a balanced perspective.

Pros

• User-Friendly Design: The layout of the S2 is clear and intuitive, even for beginners. This makes it easy to learn and master.
• Performance Pads: The performance pads are highly responsive and offer versatility in triggering samples, loops, or hot cues.
• Highly Portable: Its compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for DJs on the move.
• Affordable: With a price point of $530, it offers excellent value for its feature set, making it a strong option for those on a budget.
• Integration with TRAKTOR Software: Seamless integration with TRAKTOR PRO 3 and TRAKTOR DJ 2 apps makes setup and operation easy and efficient.

Cons

• Limited Channels: Unlike some other DJ controllers in its price range, the S2 only offers two channels, which might be limiting for advanced users.
• Lack of Screen: The absence of a screen on the controller means you’ll need to rely more heavily on your computer or tablet for visual feedback.
• Non-Modular: The all-in-one design, while convenient, doesn’t offer the possibility for modular expansion as your DJ setup grows.

Unboxing the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2

Upon unboxing the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2, the immediate impression is one of quality and robustness that speaks volumes about its position in the competitive DJ equipment market. The sleek and streamlined design showcases Native Instruments’ dedication to delivering high-quality, user-friendly DJ controllers.

As you pick it up, the balanced weight of the S2 gives you confidence in its durability. It’s not so heavy as to be cumbersome, yet not so light as to feel fragile. The sturdy construction is evident in every knob, slider, and button, promising resilience against the inevitable wear and tear of regular use.

Now, touch the surface of the controller. The matte finish feels professional and is designed for optimal grip and reduced smudging, making long sessions manageable and enjoyable. Even the aroma of the new equipment can’t help but elicit a sense of excitement and anticipation – it’s the smell of countless possibilities and future gigs.

The package comes with everything needed to start your DJ journey: the controller itself, necessary power and USB cables for connectivity, and a quick start guide for easy setup. The quick start guide is simple and concise, assisting even the most novice users to get started with ease.

The Core Features of the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2

The TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 comes packed with essential features that serve to elevate your DJing experience. Before diving into the nitty-gritty of its features, let’s get an overview of what this device offers.

Performance Pads

The performance pads on the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 truly revolutionize the DJing experience. Sporting eight multi-colored pads per deck, they not only add a vibrant aesthetic to the unit but also provide a tactile interface that’s designed for the creative manipulation of your tracks in real time. These pads beckon you to experiment, offering a tangible way to add personal flair to your mixes by remixing and reimagining your tracks on the fly.

But it’s not just about looks or touch – the functionality of these pads is what truly sets them apart. They allow you to trigger samples, loops, and hot cues with precision, giving you an impressive degree of control over your mix. Each pad’s response to touch is quick and accurate, resulting in an engaging, seamless interaction with your music.

Jog Wheels

A highlight of the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 is undoubtedly its precision-engineered jog wheels. These are not only sizeable, lending a professional feel to the controller, but are also highly responsive to touch. They accommodate a DJ’s need for fine-tuned control, providing a tactile platform for exact beatmatching and streamlined track navigation.

Whether your style leans towards traditional scratching techniques or if you prefer to nudge the beat gently to maintain synchronization, these jog wheels deliver smooth, reliable control. They respond accurately to your hand movements, ensuring a hands-on mixing experience that feels authentic and engaging.

Mixer Section and Effects

A cornerstone of any worthwhile DJ controller is a high-quality mixer section, coupled with versatile effects – and the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 shines in both these areas, reinforcing its standing in the DJ mixing landscape.

A closer look reveals several prominent features of the mixer section and effects:

• A dedicated mixer equipped with a 3-band EQ and filter per channel: This setup allows you to shape your sound precisely and creatively, adjusting frequencies and applying filters to individual channels to bring your unique vision to life.
• Pro-grade, adjustable crossfader: An essential tool that lets you seamlessly blend tracks and manage smooth transitions, making your mix more fluid and dynamic.
• One-touch Mixer FX: These provide instant control over big club-grade effects. With a single touch, you can unleash a wealth of sound-altering potential, infusing your performance with an atmosphere that rivals professional club setups.
• Flux Mode: An innovative feature of the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2. This clever tool allows you to juggle cues while maintaining the original track position, resulting in a continuous flow of music even amidst the most intricate cue point manipulations.

Setting Up and Using the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2

Transitioning from unboxing to using the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 is a straightforward process. With its intuitive design and easy-to-follow quick start guide, even beginners can be up and running in no time.

Setup and Software Integration

Manufactured with user-friendly integration in mind, the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 has finely tuned to work in perfect harmony with TRAKTOR PRO 3 DJ software. Thanks to its plug-and-play capability, the controller promises a swift and hassle-free setup, allowing you to jump into the action without any complicated procedures. This approachability is a boon for beginners, yet the advanced features keep the S2 relevant even as your DJing skills mature and evolve.

Usability

The TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 distinguishes itself with a thoughtful, intuitive design that optimizes usability. It features a layout that puts every control in a logical, easy-to-find place, conforming to the expected standards of DJ controllers. This intuitive arrangement empowers you to direct more of your attention and energy toward your performance, significantly reducing the time spent searching for the right knob or button. The design truly enhances the user experience, making the S2 a pleasure to use for DJs of all skill levels.

How Much Is TRAKTOR KONTROL S2?

Currently, in 2023, the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 is priced at $530, a price point that makes it an attractive proposition for DJs across the skill spectrum. When considering its robust feature set and outstanding performance capabilities, it truly offers an impressive balance of cost and quality, providing excellent value for every dollar spent.

TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 v.s. Alternatives

While the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 holds its own as an exceptional DJ controller, it’s valuable to consider how it measures up in a broader market context against other models. By comparing features, performance, and price points, we can gain a deeper understanding of where the S2 stands in the competitive landscape.

Final Thoughts

The TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 presents a well-rounded offering for beginner and intermediate DJs looking for a compact, reliable, and intuitive DJ controller. While it may lack some of the bells and whistles of higher-end models, it certainly packs in all the essential features a DJ needs and is at a very reasonable price point. Whether you’re just starting out in your DJing journey or seeking a backup controller for professional use, the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 is a worthy candidate for consideration.

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