Native Instrument's Traktor Kontrol S8: Still Worth It in 2019??

[@ModisChrisha]

Yes, agree with you, its absolutely worth the money in my opinion. The S8 was and is still 10 years ahead if its time as most of NI products. One S8 has more possibilities than 4 CDJSs, 2 Remix tools or what else you need to match up with the S8. I love the S8 and use it together with Maschine MK3 for live performances. The S8 is made for individual artistic workflows. I think the reason why it never hit the clubs is simply because of the fact that it is much easier for a DJ to bring a USB Stick, or SSD Card or use Records box instead of finding a good place somewhere for the LapTop....if one is doing individual shows and has the freedom to chose his own equipment, go for it. The Traktor Software and the S8 has so much more to offer, you can easily use for it broadcasting/streaming live shows and it is an amazing tool when people use it directly in their music productions, together with their DAW....

[@sbshahin]

Just wanted to share my experience in 2021 with this controller I had tried to mix on it back in 2017 using, it felt and sounded monstrous! Later i managed to grab an S4 mk2 for myself. After a few years, just bought an s8 and i can simply say, fell in love with it all over again, especially if you’re using it for electronic music and live remix, your set sound very unique mixing on it!

[@grzegorzpiwowski890]

Hi, I have a quick question. I have possibility to buy S8 or S4 MK4 I very similar prize. More I watch videos about S8 than I more like it. I have my machine as well and I like to create some weird electronic music. So witch controller you will recommend?

[@Netsuko]

People need to get over the idea that synching is "not real DJ'ing". Seriously. Beat matching is the least interesting part about DJ'ing electronic music. You spend valuable time beat matching two tracks manually while you could be doing other things. Preparing stems, filters, interact with the crowd, prepare more tracks.. everything will be more productive than beat matching. It's a quality of life feature that does not make you a worse DJ. synching does not make your mix better, YOU have to make your mix better. It just gives you more time to be more expressive with other things.

[@LukeIggleden]

yes, I agree totally. The beat mixing thing comes from the days of vinyl where you had to have a very keen ear and skill of beat mixing..

[@nevergone3424]

I keep hearing this bs and was like sure ok, fair enough. They have a very valid point, but when I watch them. They are just doing simple two deck mixing. Which leads me to believe, (BJ’s; button jockeys) want to use the excuse that they want yo be “CREATIVE” Its even more laughable when they have a 4 deck mixer, but they are using 2 decks the entire time. Did I mention most that use sync cant even count properly or have no sense of time.

[@benom6852]

pardon me!...ill rather make love to a girl than watch porno....hahaha....well technology is winning

[@ShaneMoorhead]

Agreed! Back in the vinyls days you had to be able to beat match manually…but it’s just mechanics…the art and creativity of DJing comes from choosing when to mix tracks at the right time and picking compatible tracks to keep the energy flowing consistently. If you are a beat matcher you can do that as well with the jog strips on each side…but if you’re a scratch DJ then this device is not for your style of play

[@theyshouldhavenevergivenme5439]

This thing is incredible - it even has a sequencer

[@akinkunmicook2977]

Great review!!! I love the s8 and believe it is still very relevant in today’s electronic dance community!

[@djiatro]

Yeah I feel the same. As a house dj I absolutely love s8.

[@lajungesombre]

hey are your remix decks working? mine won't save. also my playlists disappear randomly

[@DJTechnoboom]

@@lajungesombre did you fix it? would you like to buy my Traktor S5 on eBay? it works good, i might sell it cause i want to buy the S3 mk3 and i can't afford it and it's goingto be sold out again soon and i want a new one not a used 1.

[@ToddBryantsr]

I just purchased a S8. I love it. I only wish they offered support for Tidal.

[@mattc487]

So I got one of these in decent condition

[@DJFITME]

Hope they make S8 mk2 with some new cool sruff

[@ItsSandeepRaman]

S8 is the best controller till date. It's like 2 D2s with a mixer. I have played on one of these and it opened my third eye🧠👁️. The only problem is it's too big and heavy. But if you got that part sorted.. go for it. It's worth it.

[@artisans8521]

Bought one with bag, and a decksaver....€600, yesterday. Filter can be replaced with any of the mixer FXs. Mixer 3 and 4 can also be controlled. Added some loop, loop in and loop out controls.

[@haydnr1631]

Still relevant in 2020. Brilliant controller. Add a pair of D2s for double the fun. Too many DJs are obsessed with having jog wheels, but the good news is they're selling these flagship controllers for really low prices. I paid less than $500 for one under a year old with Traktor case.

[@sturetrandans3747]

I Just love this Controller. S8 and an extra D2 for my loops and acapellas; in late 2021

[@haydnr1631]

Nice review. Yes - definitely worth buying in 2019 and you've reaffirmed my decision to buy one this week. 2nd user examples can be found from €500 up.

[@Djtechzone]

That was the idea! Have fun with it!

[@rubetubeable]

Use it with 1210s DVS and you have a seriously powerful set up

[@biddlybongdavinport5995]

Yes, still worth every penny. A beast of a controller, the dogs danglies for mixing techno.

[@elvoj5245]

Actually, I'm getting this controller soon and was looking for a good review. Thanks!!

[@guillaumed4145]

Still loving it?

[@djmixim6243]

100% agree with you! Meanwhile its 2024 and I use it every day. And I think thats the best investigation of my Life!

[@TheKingsfort]

@djmixim6243 are you using it with traktor pro 4?

[@robout7609]

I think still great in 2020/2021

[@DJTechnoboom]

glad i am keeping the S5, i actually have alot of stems i never used yet

[@compuman7879]

I have been using Traktor for many years with my Pioneer Control and would like to go to an S8 but still waiting for Native to make it also as a stand alone unit without the need for a laptop. Native instruments can be so stubborn when conforming to the needs of the DJ community.

[@ModisChrisha]

Houseman but once it’s a stand alone controller the cost will be probably 4x higher and if new features come out you need to buy a new controller instead of just updating your software ... I am using S8 together with Maschine MK3 in live performances. I am always looking for other options but the S8 is just unbeatable when it comes to samples, stems, loops and effects.... my opinion :-)) But ... I agree... the Laptop is a problem, therefore for a typical DJ gig, CDJs or better Denon, is the best choice for the Club and the DJ ...

[@DJTechnoboom]

the CUE works really good on the S5 and S8 also,

[@HousePlant_Ambient]

Definitely getting this as soon as I have more of my music out there.

[@vinnyblanco28]

I was thinking of getting the new S4 but I’m like i really don’t need jog wheels for Techno, still undecided tho.

[@gabrieledeangelis4123]

What did you bought?

[@vinnyblanco28]

Gabriele De Angelis I got a S8 but once I get booked a few times i might buy Hawtins Model 1 mixer.

[@GameRickster]

I'm about to pick one up... I used to DJ in the late 90's and early 2000 techno. Tell me I will not regret it.

[@Djtechzone]

you won't regret it.

[@GameRickster]

@@Djtechzone the tricky part is finding a new one.

[@VintageTape1982]

I can not decide if I want to purchase the DDJ 1000 or the S8 naturally it is hard to compare the two. I work with traktor. So that makes the S8 a big bonus. But I love how the DDJ1000 resembles the pioneer standard club setup. Also the DDJ1000 just looks and I am guessing feels so much better. The S8 still looks very plastic and there for a bit cheap in my opinion. Does this matter? For me personally yes. I spend a fortune on the thing I want something to show for it. Also Traktor is not doing very well. N.I announced that they will not be making a new upgraded version. Once the number 1 dj software it is now third. So it feels like Traktor will be outdated at some point. But of course the S8 has so much unique stuff. I never seen both controllers in real life. So perhaps I am miss judging something. Any of you have any opinions? The DDJ 1000 or the S8 what should I buy?

[@samuelvidar5215]

I have had the same struggle, but I know the traktor software features from start to finish. I think it's good for creative ideas. Tho I haven't tried the pioneer ddj 1000 so it's hard to say 🤔

[@VintageTape1982]

@@samuelvidar5215 I actually tried them both. In the end I ended up buying a second hand mk4 s3. Because I like the creative things you can do with traktor. But I also bought the Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ DJ-controller. what is a stupid amount of money. But it is really nice to be able to not dj without a laptop. Or with a laptop. the fact that you can choose is really nice. The thing is. Both the s4 and the s8. despite all of there impressive creative extra's and good build quality. It still feels like a toy to me. How much of this is purely psychological or a personal thing. I don't know. I love to mess around with traktor from time to time. THat is why I bought the mk4. BUt every person that sees my Pioneer DJ XDJ-XZ. goes holy shit!! And even I still think holy shit whenever I see my beast standing in the corner begging to be used. The DDJ1000 is a lot smaller of course. But much of it is the same. you still get that sense of that club setup feel. And that's worth something. How much that is worth. That is I think something personal. That only you can decide. BUt you need to see both to know. ANd if possible n real life and not just a video. A video just can not show the size and feel of something. ALso if you don't use things like a sampler. or multiple effects and looping 4 tracks at the same time and you play more standard. I would go for pioneer. Rekordbox in my opinion is better software. it really looks similur to traktor so you get the hang of it in no time. and the library functions really beats traktor out of the park.

[@redbox4363]

It has no buttons for the loop recorder. I use live looping a lot and I'm disappointed Native Instruments just left out loop recorder controls. You didn't demo the Traktor sequencer in the remix deck. Traktor and S8 is designed to bring out the potential of the DJ/producer. If you like the idea of making stems, preparing and configuring remix sets and doing edits, as well as playing tracks, then Traktor & S8 is good. But if you just want to play tracks then all the buttons on the S8 are overkill. I think it's awesome.

[@keith6743]

how is the S8 working now... have you had issues with the Power Supply...

[@suryamarantika3577]

where download aplication dj traktor pro for laptop ? My app is gone :(

[@Frankenmuppet]

Is the S8 worth picking up in 2021? I'll find out next week when mine finally gets here (but I'm sure it will be amazing)

[@Djtechzone]

a resounding yes!

[@isotoxin]

I have got my one used, but in mint condition (10/10) for a 560€ about few months ago. I'm noob in DJ'ing (just learning for more then a half year) but i can say what i love S8!

[@DayPartyExperience]

I'm thinking about purchasing was it worth it in 2021 and what computer are you using for it ?

[@Frankenmuppet]

@@DayPartyExperience It absolutely was and still is. I spend at least a few hours every week on it. I'm using it on a Windows 10 laptop with an i5 processor and 16gb ram. Im actually itching to get off work and get to practice a bit more tonigt lol

[@fantomejack]

best controler ever

[@strongkareshi]

Can you use 2 of these controllers together ?

[@stnewton12]

Probably, but you're best off using one of these and 2 D2s. Kontrol all 4 decks in a really cool way

[@STF_YVR]

Hi, can you control the new TP3 mixer effects from the S8 ?

[@ModisChrisha]

sure you can, keep in mind that you can map anything in a way you like....

[@moehammondmedia]

This was a good review thanks.

[@Psextreme1]

What a stupid question for one of the best controller on planet earth :)

[@Xtianu]

Traktor S8 is a great controller, but it has a big problem. Some times it won't turn on until it never turns on again. I have this problem and so many other people that I have found on forums and FB groups. DO NOT buy this controller.

[@APMdJ]

I have been using the S8 for years including the D2s, never had those problems

[@keithbradford1828]

piece of garbage... i have one had to replace the PS twice and now the third time it just stop working altogether....