Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 by Native Instruments - Demo & Review

Here it is... the brand new Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 entry level DJ controller from Native Instruments!
Find out about all it's features in our detailed review and demo here!
For online DJ courses and more head to our website: wearecrossfade...

[@crose1234]

I just received mine today. What a great controller and the fact it comes with a full version of the Traktor software was an added bonus. I’m not a professional or anything or need 4 decks so this fit my needs perfectly.

[@yassinezakizaki93]

Does it work with the latest Mac update

[@angelocappellazzo6114]

Yes it’s available for M1

[@scottjohn4246]

Does it only work for M1’s?

[@dj.jake91]

probably the best controller with traktor 😌

[@Croop9203]

5 years later update: Just did so as well today, and what a great news: With the release of Traktor 4 software, it's included with the controler! What a bang for the buck!

[@dennisskyden]

This is actually the best channel I found to get into DJing even for people who don‘t live in an english speaking country! Thank you Jamie!

[@TheNICZO]

Effects adjustments are a must.

[@boevix]

Thats the BEST review on Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 in whole internet!!!

[@paulcole1150]

Agree

[@danoliver8804]

Kids are spoilt for choice nowdays. Strongly recommend these Controllers. I've used a kontrol S2 mk2 for a few years. Solid piece of kit.

[@adrianavram2469]

Daniel Oliver Hi ! I want to buy also but I don't now exactly witch one ( mk2 or mk3) .Maybe you can give me an advice ? Thank you !

[@MFillmore]

When I was a teenager I learned to DJ on a numark DJ2go and the free version of virtual DJ that was gimped in so many ways. These kids will never know that struggle.

[@davidmartinez927]

Seems to be a great controller. Not sure if it's better than DDJ400 for the price, but definitely a great option. I'm considering to change my Numark Platinum for this one since I always wanted to work with traktor

[@ourfriendgus]

For mobile DJs, there's really nothing better than that sweet, sweet, S2. The key things about the S2 that matters to me and that makes it stand out from the Kontrol S4/S5/S8: This controller runs entirely off of USB, no need for power adapter like on the S4/S5/S8 or a power strip for your CDJs, mixer, etc... Relative to Rekordbox/Serato based controllers, the hardware includes full version of Traktor Pro 3 (no "lite" version, no free trial, etc) and is completely plug-and-play and it _feels_ like professional-grade hardware / audio gear - many times I've seen DJs on boiler room crushing it with the little doink S2. Traktor is amazingly flexible and allows you to connect any Midi controllers you want for more extensive functionality - for example, you can plug in a MidiFighter 3D, add the instant gratification modification to it, and have more access to the internal traktor effects than you would have from an S4 alone. With this controller and a Soundboks, you have a completely mobile DJ setup that is totally capable and completely portable without power.

[@fernandovasquez385]

my man

[@Itsruffyouknow]

Hey guys! Nice review But tell me one thing… Still worth it in 2022? Or do you guys think that will be better version?

[@thomasmayer4818]

Looking forward to a DDJ400 and Traktor s2 mk3 comparison.

[@lairdriver]

@David Erlstoke I don't know how you can say that. The new S2 looks cheap.

[@lairdriver]

@David Erlstoke That's funny because I tried out the new S2 and bought the DDJ400. It's better looking and more capable than the new S2. I actually prefer the older version.

[@tbarrett1984]

You know full damn well there's gonna be an s8. It's gonna be a beast

[@untiground]

why "gonna"? S8 exist for 2 years or even more.

[@MoxiDnB1]

Just bought this thing to learn. Man, thanks a lot. Now I know how some things work :D

[@djTLMtv]

Nice review. I saw the S2 at ADE, but I spent all my time looking at and playing with the S4 ;) But this is a nice entry level controller indeed

[@Crossfader]

I’m really excited to get hands on with the S4... the jog wheels sound promising!

[@n9nelives96]

Love your vids DJ TLM ✌️

[@orangebeast17]

Really good intro to this. Thank you!

[@19phil67]

I can't make my mind up between this and the Pioneer DDJ 400. Any thoughts? One thing that looks interesting on the Pioneer is the keyboard mode on the pads. I suppose the other consideration is Traktor vs Rekordbox. Library preparation is of importance to me too, and Rekordbox has a mobile app for this but is it any good?

[@Lee_NV]

Looking forward to the S4 MK3 review, I'd love to see you compare it with the DDJ 1000, and maybe compare current Rekordbox to Traktor Pro 3

[@hot4futureyears2come]

Best option for the Ipad mixing group. i would like something like this for that moment when i want to use a extra small set up (ipad mini and s2mk3 and bose speaker) i Came back to DJing using S2MK2 two years ago. But since left for serato/rekorbox software/hardware. I love rekorbox and what they are doing with the DVS side of DJing. if you notice they did not announce a Traktor Z3 which is really sad. the Z2 is still one of the best bargains but a new Mixer would of been dope. I want to see how the program is , there was bugs in the program that made me stop using the software. let see if they addressed the issues.

[@djibg2721]

Good review as always. I was hoping you'd sneak in the Grid button.... We'll learn more on Oct 18 hopefully.

[@Barnsey87]

Love what NI are doing brilliant 👏

[@alejandrobachillerpulido9895]

For a club, which would you choose: ddj 400 or S2 mk3?? Thank you 😊

[@juliancanfaulk5070]

I would choose the DDJ 400 if I where you

[@noahziegler3478]

Club should have set up already? Since when has that changed am I that old? 4 CDJS and a mixer

[@DJRedzone]

@@noahziegler3478 At least in Canada, it's not uncommon for DJ's to bring a small controller, especially when opening and not headlining. Small clubs rarely have their own equipment and often rent when they book someone who actually has a rider.

[@OleGunnarStevros]

@@noahziegler3478 Think he means, which controller would be better to prepare himself for a club. In which case that would probably be the DDJ 400 as most clubs have Pioneer CDJs and mixer and the DDJ controllers have been designed to copy that Pioneer club standard layout (e.g. loop buttons at top of decks and effects on left hand side of mixer).

[@noahziegler3478]

@@OleGunnarStevros If those are the only two choices then you go with the pioneer of course

[@dathatch]

Perfect price for a back up, I have a Sz2 but this is portable and a decent price. Got a s4 but broke it this week :/

[@darindenton7725]

In your opinion what is a better choice for beginners, traktor kontrol S2 or DDJ 400?

[@DarrenFlinders]

I was all for buying this, as I have not done any djing for a few years (last time I did it I had to lug all my 12'' records around with me), anyhow, the lack of the effects buttons kind of put me off with this, but should this be a factor when buying? It is a close race between this and the Pioneer DDJ 400, what keeps swaying me into this controller though is the use of Traktor Pro, in your own honesty how would you compare the two controllers and which would you recommend for someone getting back into doing a bit of djing. Thanks in advance.

[@memereview5836]

ddj400 or s2 mk3 for beginner's? 😐

[@mydjsoundlightsdjrico5385]

Mr. Jamie your review is very Professional and straight to the point review. Controller does have awesome features, well layout. Might be a good idea to acquire a microphone with an ON/OFF switch since mic volumen is on the back, But is NOT a big deal as least for me. Yes! Good JOB!! Native Instruments.

[@steviepurcell7051]

Will you review the S4 MK3??

[@Crossfader]

Yep as soon as it drops in the U.K.

[@crimatix2535]

I used the S2 Mk2 for about 1 year and was really happy about it, but now switched to the DDJ 100 because the s2 has just not a lot to play with. I dont get it why they didn't put the 6 effect buttons on, a thing that i miss at the MK3 and the DDJ 400. I also wanted to upgrade a little more and stay at Traktor, but there is just the S2 and then the s4(mk3) but the prices just have a huge gap. I would like something between both. Right now I'm pretty happy with my DDJ 400, thanks to your Video also learned a lot. Keep up the good work. I would like to take part in one of your courses but im sorry to say that 100€ is just way to much for me and i just have no idea how it will look. I probably wouldn't pay more than 25€. Keep up the good work on KZbin!

[@danielbatlak2723]

nice, i had traktor s2 but these new features for effect's are nice, i buying it

[@MrTom8679]

When using the Trakor DJ iPad app is it possible to pre listen a track with headphones?

[@boyankos]

Have you tried changing the default mapping? Are all buttons/knobs/faders/pads fully midi-mappable?

[@enhncr]

I love your reviews! Thank you! It was really helpful

[@MegaMpouras]

Thanks for the review. I really looking forward to buy it. Is there any problem with main volume? I read a lot reviews that they say about the main volume is lower than s2 mk2.

[@Evolution-du1kl]

thank's i just bought one .

[@alexismpougas847]

What about the sound card? Is it good?

[@bflash77]

Can you control the remix decks and stems control?

[@tommasosquarzoni8614]

LOVELY... now I'm waiting for the S4 review

[@madelinpereira4828]

a perfect simple controller for beginners

[@prodj.mixapeofficial6431]

Hi crossfader, next video you can map effects via any button effects making it a combo. filter + effects or filter effects+effects+effects. effects combination is unlimited on traktor.

[@Sklang32]

I'ma treat myself to this and a midi fighter. Gotta get my finguh drummin' skillz back!

[@masterblaster8119]

Great review👍 Is it possible to change a reverb effect let's say for an echo effect in traktor settings? Is filter resonance can be changed as well?

[@ericsandie7405]

Great video , how does the sound card on this unit vs the other units? is the sound card good?

[@eunicef1]

Thanks. Bought! Great vid.

[@tararomanow3055]

Excited to get mine!

[@Icevampir]

Jamie, thx for the video. What are your opinions about the current versions of Traktor, Serato and RB for a House / Minimal / Techno DJ? Same question but this time applied to a Hip-Hop DJ? A DJ using controller only, a mixer + Turntables /CDJ system or a hybrid setup? What about DVS? Other interessant criterias: - crate / playlist creation (prepare in advance) and browsing of tracks (live alterations of playlist or just spontaneous live set) - fx - performance modes: which are shared by all three, which are unique for a specific software? - recording a set

[@keepalbanyboring]

thinking about this since all seratos controllers now have a fee to use the good software

[@aitorgallastegui5200]

4 years later, would you still recommend this controller?

[@joshvacena88]

Explain the GRID button option and what is the uses?

[@vfaiz]

Can you please share the link for the video about connecting it to the iPad that you talked about here? Thank you!

[@javieravellaned]

I just got the S2 this week, so exiced to start playing music. Thanks a lot for the video!! Do you have more tutorials?

[@jimmcdonagh1385]

just picked my s2 mk3, great piece of kit. $329 in the US fyi.

[@DanielSalazar-nf4kr]

Great video! It was really useful to finally decide which controller I will buy

[@zteve_music]

Does the faders and cross fader actually affect the outgoing sound or are they connect to traktor via midi?

[@LiamDriver]

zteve2 they are not analog, they affect traktor itself

[@zteve_music]

@@LiamDriver Thx

[@nblll1]

Very best demonstration 🤗

[@DiiGiiTAL]

Think this unit is absolutely fantastic value for the bedroom DJ or someone who just likes to put together mixes. Comes bundled with the new Traktor Pro 3 software and can connect to your iPad. Love it. Obviously it's not as feature-rich as some other products, but for £229.99 you really can't go wrong.

[@marcusdunst]

Connection to IPad is not possible but there is not App. Traktor DJ isn’t working!

[@NewDave94]

Do you know the name of the song

[@prodj.mixapeofficial6431]

we'll i like traktor no matter what controller is, playing remix deck and sequencing tracks was never boring for me. No need to wait for some remixed or edit tracks just making my own live.

[@DJiMike1]

Thanks for the review. Very informative.

[@paulafear919]

I bet this will help so much

[@LTrepresenter]

How about the volume for the headphones , is it louder than the mk2 ? That was one of the big issues I had with the mk2 the volume was soft

[@FSwiftDJ]

Got this, the sound card is highly impressive better then lot of mid range controllers, your get more drive when out via the master, great price and for me this edges ddj 400 , the pitch is ok workable your not going to be able to do scratching like a ddj 400, it's more for club, bar mixing , home mixing combine with maschine mk3 or F1 for remix decks, your getting close to S4 mk3, I've seen it working with maschine mikro mk3

[@davydoomsk8]

Where can I see more of this??

[@strdjgear106]

Great review!....but what about GRID button?....thank you!

[@Crossfader]

This is something we figured out after the review. This will play a metronome in your headphones along with the grid of the song. You can use this feature to help you correct any issues with the grid or check its analysed correctly.

[@Crossfader]

When you hold the button...

[@strdjgear106]

THANK YOU!!!@@Crossfader

hello, can I use my spotify playlist with this controller ? TY !

[@nosinfantasia]

the best demo review Thz !

[@nuurnwui]

Thanks for showing ins and outs. Other reviews left that out. Is that the same improved soundcard that in s4mk3?

[@systembooms69]

Is it only with Traktor software compatible? Which console under 300$ is more "pro" and less "intro" oriented, Virtual DJ8 "friendly", acoording to your opinion? Thnx !

[@fernandovasquez385]

upppp

[@systembooms69]

@@fernandovasquez385 what ?

[@alexbirrueta]

do you recommend buying?

[@marcelpytel3126]

Got a question- are the samples (7:54) included or downloadable or what?:) just wondering about switch from rekordbox and buy this S2mk3 and this is sth interesting. Thx for help!

[@einekleineente1]

I own a S2 MK2. Watching the video I don't see a real benefit switching to the S2 MK3. Or what do you think?

[@erikstoeme4784]

I have been using the S4 mk1 from the beginning. But now it’s not compatible anymore with my new mac , it’s retired and on the wall! Missing features for me - XLR/ jack out, booth out- loop length led screen - top effect knobs- microphone knob and switch on/off on top- ... Ok for beginners. For me... also ok ;) but will be mapping it big time. Wanted a 2 channel small controller. Price is amazing.

[@jovanbjegovic4602]

How much

[@edwardleeson7999]

yea, traktor s2mk4 vs ddj 440? which ones worth buying is the traktor included a software freee with the s2?

[@abdecv]

i am having a problem with lower volume on deck b on my kontrol s2 mk3. tried the same music/file on both decks (same gain on decks)... on traktor pro 3 and traktor dj. have an idea on what is happening? (i could equalize with the gain button, but deck b is 100% gain e deck a should be around 50-60% gain)

[@ClectaSkiMusic]

Good review buddy, keep it up

[@eoinocallaghan7639]

Would this work with logic or would another DAW be better?

[@gabrielsposito863]

Really nice info. Thanks a lot!

[@GochiMusic]

Awesome reviews as always :D

[@ErikEventsUk]

Strange why the master volume on the pro 3 doesn't light up and work with the s2 mk3 controller.

[@househeadspeakz]

Pretty cool controller but I am not into Traktor. I am glad to see some awesome improvements.

[@mrblues1981]

im a vinly dj and gettin into digital world now as i sold my decks ,mixer ,speaker , amp ,it will cost me really expensive to get decks again ,thinkin to get macbook and traktor but i really wanna buy s4 mk3 but this one is cheaper and smaller ,do you think this model sort me good for beginner ?

[@whatnever]

what are the differences between s2 mk2 and s2 mk3? thanks !

[@ourfriendgus]

It's been a while but the the biggest difference in favor of the MK2 is dedicated master track buttons which I miss in the MK3 version that chooses master for you. There are alternative mappings for the MK3 that help but personally I liked the older one's master buttons and having explicit control over master. The new jogwheels on the MK3 are much nicer and they have a better weight to them. The MK3 has a better experience over USB power and lights up the buttons and so on which the MK2 could not do without power. The layout on the MK3 is overall better, having individual track selection wheel/buttons on each deck is a big improvement and putting the FX section in the middle of the deck makes sense.

[@djmkl]

Is the sound card updated?

[@Boissinova]

Michael K. Lopez Yep.

[@noone-cg7hd]

Thanks I find this information very interesting and informative would consider buying this :)

[@Matt6438]

What would u recommend for a complete beginner to make tracks with

[@joeabourjaily3555]

Well hello i have i simple question witch is When i go to samples and settings turn on the remix decks it’s empty how come its not like yours while you are showing us on the video below?

[@joeabourjaily3555]

Any reply pls

[@iamquaidex7858]

Are you going to make a video for the S4 mk3? I'm yet to see a review really showing us what this thing is about and if it's worth the buy

[@Crossfader]

We are as soon as it drops in the U.K. apparently early to mid November.

[@baretologo]

¿Es posible conectar el traktor x1 directamente a través del puerto USB del traktor S2 Mk3?

[@vincentgeorge3070]

Just got it. Hate that the browser button is at the top. My wrist always hits the jog wheel

[@willvargas4477]

Wish Traktor have vertical waves like Serato and Rekorbox.

[@profoundpro]

I am a rapper/producer that has never DJ'd a day in his life... but I just won this on an auction site I frequent for $50. Time to learn!

[@tocino-kk3yt]

Paul Adams would you consider selling it?

[@adrosorbot1267]

what about recording your mix and what about sound quality output compare to Pioneer dj400

[@gianfrancoruiz6750]

Thank you for this video Jamie. I have curiosity about this new feature with and iPad. Can you recommend any app related to percussion or effects that can actually works with this controller? Thanks in advance mate

[@NewDave94]

What is the song he plays during the video? Thank you a lot! :)

[@MrNashums]

Great review guys, much more in depth than some I've seen. Absolutely torn about sticking with Traktor and going full gun with the DDJ-1000. I'm an experienced DJ and want to up my skillset, but have enjoyed the portability of the MK2 S2. What to do...

[@LengyelNorbert]

The other effects can be used with which button on this controller ? (I'm thinking of the effects in the right and left corners above)

[@omshivamoon]

Can i know if the mic can be used as a Aux or live input in traktor software when i plug mic to S2?

[@tomaskiwi9997]

Thanks for the nice review. I did bought the Traktor kontrol S2. But i do have a little Problem... I can't load two remix Decks. If i do it, the sample buttons are flashing fast and there is no sound. Thank you for helping. Greetings

[@makeelectricnotwar]

For this day i like more quality from denon. But native instruments was my first hardware and software. Its work perfectly.

[@omerguler1326]

Hello I have been waiting for this product and I watched your review and some others. However, mostly the critics are negative on the s2 Mark 3. I was trying to decide between the Mark 3 and DDJ 400 pioneer. DDJ 400 seems like a safe decision but the new mark 3 hardware and Traktor Pro 3 software are exciting as well. I am stuck in between of these 2 products. I have been DJing for several years now and I have a command on both Pioneer and Traktor systems. I would really appreciate if you could enlighten me. Thanks in advance. Regards

[@rorazvan]

I have the exact same problem, I keep watching videos and tutorials. Which one have you chose in the end? :)

[@MastaDzu]

thank for video man! Nice thing

[@wouldnt.t8002]

Would you be able to test if the tracks skip when you tap the body of the controller? I had an issue with the mk2 where the bass of a speaker system when performing live would vibrate the jog wheels and cause them to skip the track for a few miliseconds. The same issue would happen if you tapped the top of the controller hard enough. Great video!

[@kungfutuber]

I've firmly hit the side of and even shaken the controller while music has been playing and it's had no effect. This is likely down to the jog wheels being static. If this gets affected when I DJ next week I'll update but it seems unlikely :)

[@linusschmitz1152]

Can you Chang the filters ?

[@norbertimar]

Is it possible to customise the 4 default effects?

[@EricWoning]

yup there are 8 just search Traktor Pro 3 Review - some Russian reviewed in 4 separate videos the new filter FX, the timestretching (which is AMAZING), the reverse mode... and something I found unimportant so I didn't remember.

[@koycdjartage2571]

Brilliant review