Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3

S
eeing as it’s lacking
the fascinating
‘haptic’ technology
of the Kontrol S4,
it’s easy to dismiss
the latest version of
NI’s entry-level
Traktor controller as just another
budget DJ device. However, taken
alongside two updated versions of the
Traktor software, there’s actually a lot
to like about this latest mixing tool.
The core feature set of the S2
Mk3 is similar to that of Mk2; as
before, it features two jogwheels
fl anking two mixer channel strips. As
is standard for modern controllers,
below each jogwheel sits a bank of
performance pads used for working
with cue points, samples and Traktor’s
Remix decks. There are updates from
the previous hardware though: the
jogwheels themselves are bigger
(though not motorised), and the deck
layouts are now identical, like a set of
CDJs, as opposed to the mirrored
layout of the previous incarnation.
The bank of effect rotaries has
been removed from the controller’s
top edge too, replaced with a pair of
Mixer FX controls. This is a noticeable
step down in complexity terms – the
Mixer FX lack any real customisation,
instead offering simple ‘one knob’
tools designed to be used in any
situation. While more experienced
users will fi nd this limiting, beginners
and those looking for a quick tool to
play house parties and small events
will appreciate the simplicity.
Traktor DJ can be used cross-
platform, is seems pretty silly to use it
on PC/Mac when a licence to the Pro
software comes bundled.
Unfortunately, there’s not quite
enough compatibility between these
two versions right now – but the
option to seamlessly sync libraries,
metadata and cue points across both
versions would resolve this. Failing
that, it feels like NI should fully
commit the S2 to Traktor DJ by
adding an expanded pro version for
hardware owners.
This quibble aside though, as a
highly portable, seamlessly usable
controller for casual DJs, the S2 is a
great option at a keen price.
It’s this latter category of user that
the S2 is clearly aimed at. Mk3 is
smaller and signifi cantly lighter than
its predecessor. It’s also designed
specifi cally to work cross platform,
and is fully compatible with both the
full version of the recently-updated
Traktor 3 (a licence for which is
included in the price) and the new
free Traktor DJ app that runs across
PC, Mac and iPad (with an Android
version in the pipeline).
Use with both versions is
seamless. One nice touch is the USB
input for iOS devices, so you can
connect an iPad via its standard
cable, rather than requiring a
specialised lead from NI. Traktor DJ
also boasts integration with
SoundCloud Go+, meaning users can
mix streamed tracks on the fl y, which
works pleasingly smoothly. Traktor DJ
adds a track recommendation feature
that will, again, appeal to beginners
and casual users.
The main drawback to the S2,
however, is that it’s currently caught
between these two applications.
Traktor DJ works great with an iPad
but it is a free app and, as you’d
expect, lacks many of the advanced
features of Traktor Pro 3. While
THE PROS & CONS
+
Works seamlessly
with either a laptop
or iPad
Well laid out and
easy to use
Mix directly from
SoundCloud with
Traktor DJ
-
Mixer FX sacrifi ces
depth for simplicity
Not enough
compatibility
between Traktor Pro
3 and Traktor DJ 2
FM VERDICT
7.9
A well-designed and easy-to-
use DJ controller with a lot
to offer casual users
Beginners will appreciate
the simplicity
NI Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3 | Reviews
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FMU349.rev_ni.indd 99 04/09/2019 12:56