Ean Golden reviews Kontrol S4 MK3 - Should DJs upgrade?

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The new Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 brings a lot of new benefits to the table, and may just be the best DJ offering NI has made in a long time.

[@MastahKyler]

come back Ean we miss you

[@MrRawUK]

s4 mk3 is hugely underrated controller, and still holds firm in 2023.Motorised platters are nice, but I've been on a s2 mk1 for so long i prefer them off.

[@Obie1sand2s]

Ean, you taught me how to DJ and I’ve had so much fun over the years getting to play out. Thank you

[@bboymac84]

Glad to see you ean! Come back!

[@lindsayjohnson2935]

I’ve watched a few reviews of this model so far and this is probably the best one. Went through the things that matter, not just what the marketing sheets have already given.

[@MITCHBR0WN]

Great to see you Ean! I remember when I was considering my options when I bought my first controller in 2011... I narrowed it down to the Pioneer DDJ-T1 and the NI S4.. I demoed the Pioneer and it felt like a kids toy so I went with the original S4 and still have and use it to this day! Never regretted that decision once... The MK3 is tempting but I'll stick with the MK1 til it breaks..

[@mrflexxxmusic1978]

alot of dj's won't even know that this guy helped to mould modern day controller dj's, having a review on a this product by him is somthing that demands attention. Fully appreciate this, and also come back please!

[@57ashdot]

Miss your vids Ean, they were always excellent. Hope you consider making more in the future!

[@djason_music]

I have been waiting months for this video. I am HYPEEEED. Glad to see your face again, Ean :)

[@ChristianAntonsen]

Very nice to see you back on the screen Ean. Good review. Hope to see you produce more videos. Thank you.

[@andyman820]

Watching this again 370 days after the first time since I just ordered the controller and this is still the only review that matters. Still cracked up when you said you're not exactly qbert lollll

[@distantcomets]

I second all these other comments! Welcome back Ean! Your videos taught me a sh*t ton and helped me hone my style! You've earned semi retirement, but it'd be great if you'd pop back up again every now and then!

[@l00t3R]

I bought my original mk1 S4 because of your first review. I'm not djing anymore. But just want to thank you for the fun I had.

[@elephantsong7782]

Damnnnn,prolly been 10 years since I last watched djtechtools and Ean..From wanting to buy the VCI 100 to thinking if I should get the VCI 400 to saving up more and getting the best at the time @ Traktor S4 MK1..Cheers my bro,u were one of the driving factors in my initial decision to get serious about Djing

[@jaywarbrick9675]

The only man I like to listen to for tractor advice no one comes close. No 1 mayweather of music 👊

[@allstarpunk]

I still have my postcard from your san Diego office when I ordered an original S4 blue usb cable you guys did so nice to see a familiar face so many gens of S4 on

[@alexager9670]

I really really enjoyed watching an actual review of you Ean! Thanks...

[@moondisco.]

Very interesting. We moved out of traktor a few years ago because clubs and festivals standard are CDJs. Still love messing with traktor, when we aren’t in the studio writing a track.

[@VanQ76]

The Loop-Encoders are genius, the ONE little feature sertting TRAKTOr apart from any other controller i know. (i really miss them on my DDJ-RR)

[@achenyanthan5431]

Is the ddj rr good enough? Or should I buy this traktor kontroler S4 mk3?

[@VanQ76]

@@achenyanthan5431 it is decent. You got only 2 mixer channels (which can be used standalone) but Pioneer build quality on the other side... And no Loop-Encoder -. -

[@mobbnoob9354]

welcome back hope u feel good man :) we missed u

[@leekzo7217]

Ean Golden , so nice to see your review on this as I know it’s near and dear to your heart...I remember your performance with the s4 mk1 many moons ago...love what you have done for djtt over the years and great to see your doing some great things !!!!

[@DJLena]

Per NI: The S4 can be used in the alternative standalone mixer mode without a computer. This means you can mix external audio such as turntables on the S4. In this case, the Mixer FX knob doubles-up as a filter.

[@scottamolinari]

I had an S4 MK1 and the MK3 is like day and night compared to it. I loved my MK1, I'm loving my MK3 even more. Yeah, the change of button positions is a pain at first, but no real issue after some time with the controller. And the jogs are just sooo much better. Haptic drive or not. :)

[@tice2229]

Thanks Ean! Good to see you on the tube again💪🏼

[@MrTweaksTV]

Mr Ean '' i envy your cables since 012 '' Golden, great to have you back !

[@sabbyn50live]

I love that you still use the S5 cause I still do! It was my very first dj controller I bought myself and love it but I just bought the S2 cause I needed something portable

[@AquashiiMusic]

Love this review thank you. Man I've been wanting to pick up a controller for a few years now and to see this evolution has made the wait worth it lol

[@DJFuZionDnB]

Good to see you back for this review man. Always trusted your thoughts :)

[@AJOHNNYA]

Really appreciate the your intro review on this product. I have the first S4 MK1 and love it. I also have the original Vestax VCI 100. Thanks to you on both pieces. Also have the Allen & Heath Xone 4D for production. I remember purchasing a carbon overlay for the Vestax 100 through DJTT, I loved it and like I said still have it. My concern is, I am hearing that the face of the MK3 is not very durable and robust and might scratch easy. I am really hoping you folks will consider Creating a 3 piece carbon overlay for the new Traktor S4 MK3. One for original mapping with some beautiful classy artistic design and also for the purpose of durability. Keep up the great work you guys! Thanks again. P.S. Would love to see some black with gold detailing, paying Homage to the first overlay I purchased from DJTT. Cheers! Sincerely Yannis...

[@dario9607]

Ean is back, big respect! :)

[@freiheit6511]

Best reviewer ;) ean come back....😊 Love djtechTools as Well😋

[@itsnudge]

glad you’re back with an s4mk3!

[@Leo-sx9jz]

I would love to see NI come up with a modular system much like the s4 but with the mixer section and jogwheel sections separate from one another somewhat like a traditional cdj setup, but with the ability to mix together sections that may work like an s5, s8, x1 (if anyone remembers that..) or the familiar s4 jogwheel section. You could build a more personalised setup with up to 4 physical decks! Would anyone else like to see that?

[@firevr]

Yeah, I second that, Ean keep going dude, your videos are a huge help and much appreciated! I have been looking for an old video of your's, regarding music organisation in iTunes. Would you have the link for it, or an updated one? Kind regards.

[@39ccherry]

Love the S4!! Have my new one on order. Minor but love the headphone controls topside!

[@vertical1407]

Can't wait to hear original mix of this Ean's track :)

[@dravidand]

Thanks Ean. Feel better :-) good to see you back !!

[@92JelaniMusic]

Welcome back! Would love to see a Mk 3 X1 with 4 deck control on the horizon with this new product design. I would also love to have a trigger output (looking at you Richie)!

[@nebitnonebitno1957]

I'm not into controllers but there is something very pleasing about the looks of this one...I think it's time for NI to make their standalone

[@DrBiBeatz]

I got the new Traktor S2 its awesome too it came with traktor m3

[@meesrobert]

Glad the review clearly explains it will be a good upgrade from the kontrol s4 mk2. This is why I watched it, although I don't understand why at the beginning he is talking about an upgrade from the s5 which is a different model of the kontrol series...?? This was very confusing to hear! But I didn't hear anything about timecode support for vinyl and CDJ's? Despite this, the rest of the review was very clear so thank you! :)

[@DJDAMIAN72]

I got a Traktor Kontrol Z2 mixer with Traktor in 2013, great mixer, then I switched to Serato when I got a Pioneer DDJ-SR controller in 2014... I've been looking into all the new DJ controllers for Serato recently because I prefer Serato and because I want to upgrade to a new controller with a built-in analog mixer to hook up my old neglected Technics Turntables I got back in the 90's... well after watching a bunch of youtube videos & reviews on all the coolest "professional" controllers with built in stand-alone mixers in the last 2 years I realized that the 2 most impressive new controllers are for Traktor and Rekordbox instead of Serato! :( This Traktor Kontrol S4 mk3 for Traktor and the Pioneer DDJ-1000 for Rekorbox are extremely dope, very impressive! Of corse Serato also has their dope profesional controllers with stand alone mixers like the Pioneer DDJ-SX3, Pioneer DDJ-SR2, Numark NS7-3 and Numark NS6-2! I'm also really interested in the upcoming Mixars Primo controller for Serato! Al these new controllers including the one in this video are really dope, controllers have come a long way, from little toy looking devices to professional DJ Equipment.... exciting times for DJ technology and portability!!! :)

[@skymakai1486]

The loop recording button is a must have. I wish the S5 had it. Maybe in the next version. Question: Why the grey waveform?

[@andinbriwel1092]

It really looks great. There is allot I like about the looks of this controller, vs my Mk2, but I’m concerned with the learning curve to retrain my muscle memory. That’s allot of layout changes. If I’m retraining so much anyway, it’s worth looking at other systems and platforms to make sure this is truly the right move. If I need to retrain anyway, maybe a move to pioneer would be smarter in the long run?

[@ownlabs]

You are one of the greatest, feel well, hope to see ya more.

[@oliviergaridou8525]

this first track is so deep tribals drums and such a trippy bassline... Ean rocks

[@docdoobie2640]

Sorry if you didnt like my comment, I kinda hoped you might give me some insite to why NI did this. Dont matter, still like your videos. I just dont know whether to buy the sw or not.

[@vanderHork]

great review... thx a lot. always a pleasure to listen to Ean

[@l_combo]

the new tune from Ean is awesome as well. very groovy!

[@DjGekj]

Thank you for the review. I am very interested in the new controller. Might be upgrading soon. I currently own a S4 Mk2.

[@naeemkareemabdulbaith]

Is Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 better than S4 MK2?

[@Stacity]

I have the mk2 . Im happy to keep that really but pleased with the software upgrade.

[@robertpasec4247]

Heard a lot of this new controller and i am really curious to lay my hands on it. Even it is made for Traktor, i saw that it is already on the ToDo list of VirtualDj supportet Controllers. This made me even more curious .... seems the guys did really good work on the S4 MK3

[@JavierBarba]

Gracias por el video analisis y muestra del MK3 S4. Saludos desde Xalapa Veracruz México

[@RotemAyalonMusic]

DAC = Digital to Analog converter (not Digital Audio converter) :) - - - Great review, keep up the good work :) Seems like a really cool controller.

[@Djluv5]

Analog not analoc... and in music people can call it digital to audio controller referring to a DAC as audio is analog.

[@RotemAyalonMusic]

@@Djluv5 Audio is not Analog. The conversion of Audio from D to A makes it possible to make it audible (Audio is also Digital in a sense). The C represents Converter.

[@Djluv5]

@@RotemAyalonMusic audio is analog... u need analog voltage to move coils up and down which produces sound in a speaker.. and yes i know how it works am an electrical engineer..👌

[@alilakhany4906]

Hey Ean, awesome review very precise and straight to the point. Can you please make a review on S2 MK3 as well, I need info on midi

[@raymondfranklynDJ]

He's alive. We missed you Ean.

[@berval5948]

Ean!!! We miss you!!! Please comeback!!!!

[@elektrodisko]

It is worth mentioning that the MK3 is 4cm wider than the older revisions, thus it will unfortunately not fit into most cases/bags made for the MK1/MK2.

[@robisapixel]

I love my s4 MK3, but man for this price they could made the sample buttons velocity sensitive, like the ones from maschine. Click pads kind of stink for finger drummers. Still have to use maschine with traktor to finger drum. Other than that the mk3 is aesthetically pleasing, and the wheels with motors feel almost exactly like juggling beats on vinyl, very impressed.

[@ClectaSkiMusic]

Damn dude, been a while, glad to see you

[@AndresRodriguez-be6rm]

Ean Im looking to upgrade my s4 mk2, I I'm thinking on the mk3 or a Z2 do to portability, but which one has a better sound Quality? I know the MK3 sounds better than mk2, but does it compete with the Z2 quality?

[@Ashad2012]

Totally disagree with the display being acceptable in comparison to the S8/S5/D2 screens. No way you can't see that as a major step backward. Would have been more acceptable to make the unit larger and keep those full feature screens. Those better screens and the new jogs would have made it the game changer they were trying to make. Been using the S4 with a pair of D2s and really wanted the new S4 to be a true combo of of that setup so I could upgrade.

[@Loukk_]

How is it a step backwards? This is NOT a S8, S5 or D2 machine. This is a S4 machine a.d compared to its predecessor, it is absolutely not a step backwards. You can't compare to the other products you mentionned.

[@Djtrotsky]

great review thanks! any info on the future of the STEMS and S8? I'm a producer and songwriter using STEMS in my set! great to see you back!

[@Slinky1973]

there's some bugs in this model and why I didn't upgrade from the s5. loss of screens obviously sucks, but the other thing that stopped me getting it was when you are playing on a remix or stem deck on say de3ck C or D, hit EXT button to play my Roland SPDSX or an external deck or CDJ, then click EXT again to return to a traktor deck, it cleared the pre loaded remix or stem deck I was playing on before. the S% and the S* return to the previously loaded deck intact and loaded to play immediately again. Big loss...though the new record sequencer function is cool on the s4 mk3 but only goes for a bar (16 steps) and they need it to go for 32 or 64 steps if needed)...

[@TravisPeck-quick-switch]

Great job Ean. Great content. Thanks for the info. Best wishes.

[@therealjackfisher]

For me this would be a cool toy to have. This instead of a traditional stereo for playing music. Having a bit of fun on the side of a regular music player wont hurt. It would be more fun if it had SD card slot and could run standalone without the computer.

[@JamesMesidor]

welcome back bro good review

[@skeen0076]

im a bit disappointed this doesn't have midi out though.... that would make it ideal for integrating synths etc.

[@CubeRepublic]

It doesn't work without a laptop, thus you'll take the midi clock signal from there/.

[@skeen0076]

sure.. but then i need a separate midi interface for hardware. the previous s4 had midi ins and outs

[@CubeRepublic]

I guess so unless they're USB. Personally I'd not buy one of these. I'm going to get some new kit myself soon, and am looking at a quality mixer that will last years.

[@QuiXoLP]

the S4 will have standalone mode in Q4/2019 :)

[@bondtifferbond]

@@QuiXoLP How do you know this? Will it be backwards compatible if I buy the new S4 now or will we have to buy a new unit/hardware?

[@g00m0]

Love that song :) Looking forward to your album! :)

[@Aberration79]

Great review. This finalised me buying one.

[@RamteamRadio]

Ean.. What did you do to your hair ? Where'd it go ?? Oh man.. // Thanks for the review. Most of our DJ's moved to Serato DJ in 2015/2016 due to NI's slow new feature implementations. The S4 MK3 having motorized platters actually makes it a bit easier in my opinion to move back. What we would like to see actually, is a LINK option from Serato to Traktor or vica versa. Again, thanks for the review.

[@AoiiHana]

Ramteam Records Both work with Ableton Link these days, you can use that to link up the two apps IIRC

[@RamteamRadio]

@@AoiiHana I didn't know that. I'll look into it then. Thanks. //Youri

[@robertwatson3953]

I’m 11 seconds in and I just wanna pay homage.

[@robertlemiesz7143]

The groove around 4:27 is so nice

[@bigwetsalmon1]

Gonna be honest Ean, I couldn't​give a fuck what anyone else had to say about this. Buying it on Wednesday :)

[@cwahkwong959]

Open to public: what you guys think? sell my current setup and switch to this and tp3? or keep my setup and hope NI makes just the player sections of this kit (which is sweet btw). my current setup: NI D2 x 2 A&H PX5 Stanton St 150 x 2 btw i do love my setup

[@freeman141928]

Thanks for the review ean. Godbless.

[@djhurtutorials]

Can't wait to have this!

[@ReaZaaa]

I love this thing. And with the screen hack from Joe Easton it's even more awesome!

[@detroittrickster3327]

screen hack?

[@ReaZaaa]

@@detroittrickster3327 just aweseome! www.patreon.com/traktormods/posts

[@gabriellundmark]

I hope this will work with the new Traktor DJ 2 in the future

[@_angl_]

this guy still works there? lol good to see you makin' another video Ean

[@Chief-ek1vl]

Holy shit he is back

[@PTbyNIGHTEvents]

Excellent review. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@Mikudj]

The man itself !! Thanks Ean

[@djtrepound2407]

If Pioneer is watching they could learn a thing or two buy implementing this style platter on the next cdj 2000. best of both worlds.

[@Drrolfski]

Looks nice but I'm actually more interested in the review of the new Kontrol S2 MK3, as that one seems to have an even better thought-out layout. All the functions you really need for bar/lounge room/ private party mixing, but with the advantages of better mobility and a much friendlier price.

[@Loukk_]

Only 2 channels. And that really really really limits what you can do. I had a 2-channel controller and litterally 3 months after buying it, having only 2 channels to mix with became a major problem as most of the things I wanted to do in the mix could not be done. Trust me and get yourself a S4 instead of a S2

[@Drrolfski]

@@Loukk_ Depends on what your needs are, I've never found myself really wanting more than 2 channels when doing a live set, Technically, you can use a third channel on this device for remix decks though.

[@lancefairchild8068]

Wish it had 2 USB ports for switching off the controller between DJs especially since the Mk3 has XLR outputs now you could probably play at a smaller gig without having to drag out a club mixer

[@planc7on]

Or you can just have your music on USB stick and use one laptop + controller pair :) That's how my friends throw parties in bar-like venues. Your suggestion would be great though, I admit it. Especially if controller could be universal for different software... but that's not gonna happen. So club mixer or shared laptop it is!

[@MarvinCoronelOfficial]

Thank you for all the info Bro!

[@compuman7879]

I am one that likes the Traktor environment and still waiting for NI to come out with a controller that is completely stand alone with still having the option of using a laptop with nice size screens like on the S8 but with the angle of the Pioneer CDJ Screen. Is that so much to ask. It's 2019 and I am not a fan of serato or recordbox . It seems NI is always falling short and behind Pioneer. I wish NI would get this done already.

[@l.g.5899]

Does it make sense buying it now, as it's been relased in 2018? In Italy i can find it for about 850 euros...

[@davidrowan3853]

So, to scratch, or release like vinyl, it needs to be in TT mode, but too nudge either way it needs be in another mode??

[@reid1773]

I've always used the s4 mk2 but it always got a bad rep because of its outputs and toyish look. This seems to have fixed all this, however, i still think it looks a little small. Maybe an S4 max? something that looks and feels similar to a full CDJ set up

[@SpontaneityJD]

The legend returns!

[@TheTrixterz]

tune at 4:20 is sick, big up Ean

[@unitedintraditions]

Is it worth getting the S4 MK3...or getting the Kontrol 2xF1 and 2xX1 since I own a Xone 43c. I can sell my Xone 43c and buy the S4 MK3...thoughts?

[@walasfilms]

Where is the In and Out Loop buttons? Everything is almost perfect but I just can’t quit controlling loops the way I want

[@alanburns412]

I like this controller!

[@youjuhwan9697]

Best review of S4 MK3 !!

[@Chatzosauce]

Holy GHOST! i CLICKED ON THIS AS QUICK AS I CAN BECAUSE I HAVEN'T SEEN A VIDEO IN A LONG TIME!!! Also the controller looks dope but still o.o not sure.

[@KeeZdej]

what do you think about having one of these along with push 2 in sync, maybe even ableton channel trough kontrol

[@thomaswills1426]

Can we still switch out the knobs for custom colours? Also can the jog lights be turned off?