Traktor Kontrol S5 Review: A Smart S4 Replacement?

[@ReubenCornell]

Dude has the most chilled out voice ever. Great review.

[@DJMixomnia]

Still rocking the S4 MK1 and loving it to this day! The S5 would've been interesting to me if it had pitch faders, but just found out they don't so I'm a little bummed.

[@rocstarskinnyjeans]

I agree. I have the S4 Mk1 & S4 Mk2 and 2 F1's... Remix & The Stems features works great for me. I love my S4 Mk2 because I hook my iPad up and rock a party.

[@lukemakayabu4369]

Definitely - NI should add pitch faders and phono inputs then this kontrol is complete

[@lordshitpost31]

I was considering this as an upgrade from S2 Mk2, it's a bummer not to have tempo/pitch faders, I'll go with S4

[@chtr194]

My RCA output on my s4 MK1 has gone out twice now and they don't repair MK1's anymore :( They're giving me a $200 voucher towards a s4 MK2 s5 or s5 but I just want a z1 and x1 :(

[@rickyrivera201]

@@BeeLeeBeats drops mic* lol

[@Coristus]

Great review. Love your calm explanation of all the features and the considerations.

[@vintsent7749]

Negative: If I buy the S5 and later on I want to upgrade to a MIDI controller AND a turntable, I'm stuck with a €770 controller. I'm really disappointed it does not support phono for this price. Pro: As a techno (bedroom)-dj I really love STEMS and how easy it looks to control with the S5 without having a big-ass-does-not-fit-in-a-truck-S8. As Ean said: great to play at a home party. - I'm glad they got rid of the s4 jog wheels. Takes place and if you play techno you don't really need them. Checked it once, in a 3-hour set I only touched them for some needle dropping.

[@JohnBissonnette]

I keep seeing people saying this is the future with stems. I'm scraping Traktor and using Ableton live where I don't have to keep updating and buying new controllers. I get way more enjoyment making and performing my own music. To each their own though.

[@blacklistmember]

+John Bissonnette i prefer logic pro to produce, and for mix Traktor with my ol' S2 mK1, a dj can't get rid off plates and pitch fader

[@WuRealhero]

thats for the vid. i guess i will b stayin with the S4

[@akinkunmicook2977]

Great review! I have the S8 & I'm extremely happy with it! I was looking at the S5 as I was out of town for a few months & didn't have the S8 with me. The deal breaker was the absence of the same looping function as the s8 which I love! However now that I've had the S8 for about 7 months I find myself using the looping less & the cueing more! While the s5 is smaller it's not by much. The price is way less than the S8 but if you want to "go there" for all the features you're getting on the S8, the s8 is MAD CHEAP! Especially compared to Pioneer. While I admit to the S8 being quite a beast, once you get to know traktor's work flow it's actually quite flexible with a great sound! As for the jog wheels, if you do hip hop the s5 is not for you (the s8 could work). However for Techno & House you will love the s5 (& traktor in general)! Anyway, your tutorials are rocking! Keep 'em comin'!

[@whatisthis0510]

Thanks DJTT. You guys rocks!

[@ElliottFoxy]

Ean, thank you for your knowledge and help. I am eternally grateful to you for teaching myself how to bring an ace mix to a Friday evening of pumping tunes.

[@eeeevil9658]

I've been gigging with the S5 multiple times per week for 7 years and have only had issues with the RCA outs being flaky (luckily it also has the XLR outs). The most reliable piece of NI gear I've ever owned.

[@DJ_Eti]

im realy happpy to hear that. im looking to buy one

[@vishwaatmaaa]

The controller is great so far. Having a bit of an issue with the loop wheel on deck A. It keeps jumping back to the beginning of the track when I try and activate a loop in playback. Definitely missing something here. Please help!

[@Shaker4x4]

One thing I've noticed is DJs tend to buy Tractor Pro software, then as an afterthought, buy an S4 or S5, then they have thrown money away on the software initially, rather than going out and purchasing one of these decks, with a licence for the software packed with the unit. I saw one guy try to sell he's deck licence on eBay, and he had bidder on it, so I questioned if he was actually able to sell the deck licence. He contacted N.I, and shortly afterward, the 'virtual' eBay item was pulled down. Just so you all know. Save money on not buying the software, and reduce the cost of your deck. Clever marketing if you ask me. Though of course, some only want the software on their laptops, and not even have a deck depending on affordability, and desired setup.

[@abiyoya]

Newbie question: since I don't use stems, can the S5 stem controlling buttons be re-routed to other functions?

[@ciscocalixto]

Is it too much of a waste to get an S4 and the KONTROL D2 just for the sake of the jog wheels and pitch faders but still have more control over the stems? Used an S4 for about a year and now and I'm looking to upgrade the hardware. Much appreciated to the one who answers my question.

[@QuiXoLP]

is it worth for normal psytrance mixing? or just for hip hop and such music where you fire some extra stems and sounds etc.?

[@DiveaksshSchae]

Got an S5. Worked fine for a day. Suddenly the play button on my left deck isn't working. It'll only play if I hold a hotcue and then press play. Right side works perfectly fine. I've updated Traktor, restarted the S5 controller mapping, turned everything off and on. But no luck. Please send help!!

[@geoffreymartin2714]

Actually Yes you can use another controller to add Jog wheels, pitchfaders and other features. Not into the controller itself no but you can plug another controller which is what I did with my old Numark Mixtrack 2 and downloaded the mapping for Tracktor and works beautifully with my S5 for when I want jogwheels or pitchfaders or additional things for sets that benifits having Jogwheels and pitchfaders. The S5 for me has been different then what I'm used to but once you get used to it as an electronic DJ it's not a bad controller

[@djvartan]

Oh the good old days of just two decks and a mixer...

[@priyonjoni]

+djvartan I once heard a similar comment from a guy who claimed to play piano, after attending a concert. "Oh the good old days of when I got away with playing Mary Had a Little Lamb."

[@smiley7009]

Now, it's only 2 CDJ's, a mixer, a Push, a Midi Fighter, a Midi Twister, a Machine and guitar pedals. Only that.

[@jorgemolina5228]

Just like the D2 came out of after the S8, I would like a "D1" from the S5

[@DjangoFlaherty]

Seems to be a bit of a weird upgrade path for an S4 user. Why not keep the S4 and add a D2?

[@Lighteningskye]

+Django Flaherty ^^^This. So much this. I was interested in the S5 until I realized how much you lost and that the STEMs decks did not act anything like the S8. So D2 equals more bang for the buck in my opinion.

[@marcvanzijl7534]

This is a great review of the S5. He really know what he is saying in a nicely way. 👍🏻 excellent

[@Couatl]

Not quite understanding some of the hate towards this controller. If you don't like it it's obviously not for you; doesn't make it a bad controller.

[@Pir44tti]

It's a bad controller

[@china1013]

Nothing controlling about this.

[@HecTor11207]

Thank god for the Z2 the only thing keeping some of us with Traktor .Sareto Dj you looking better and better everyday . F stems!

[@Karlfalacomcamaras]

Hey! just bought one recently and my remix button doesn’t light up/doesn’t work! does anybody knows if i have to activate it on the settings or something? (never used traktor devices)

[@churchillcoins8519]

I was looking for a Traktor controller, I tried the S5, the S8 and the S5 The dual, triple function knobs on hr S5 is confusing and just does not work with my work flow. The S8 does not have a pitch control which makes it difficult to mix none 4/4 sequences songs. I ended up with 2 D2’s, CDJs and my Pioneer 900 Nexus 2. Perfect for for me.

[@maolam]

Hey man, can you update to latest Traktor since d2 discontinued? Regards

[@richardwilliams1310]

Hello Ean, I would like to see someone do the following demos if possible:- Numark PT-01 with 7" dvs control vinyl * 2 (one left deck A & one right deck B) With either:- Raiden/Jesse Dean/Stokyo Kutter/Frisk Fader (mounted on top of and connected to the) Novation Audiohub 2*4 Audio Interface Reloop Neon (midi mapped) Virtual DJ 8 Pro Timecode/Cross DJ/Rekordbox DJ DVS Or Swap Audio Interface to:- Denon DS-1 to use with Serato DVS setup NI Traktor Scratch A6 for Traktor Scratch DVS and Traktor Pro setup Or Swap Both Audio Interface and Crossfader to:- Akai AMX for Serato DVS setup NI Traktor Kontrol Z1 for Traktor Pro setup (unless there is a Traktor Scratch DVS work around similar to the way DJ Player Pro works on iOS) Reloop Mixtour for Virtual DJ 8 Pro Timecode/Cross DJ/Rekordbox DJ DVS Add On Controllers (to be midi mapped to work with all of these DJ software programs):- Akai AFX or Reloop Neon for Serato SP6/flip NI Traktor Kontrol D2 for Traktor Pro - FX/Flux/Loops/Hot Cues/Remix Decks/Stems (to be used with a Raiden/Jesse Dean/Stokyo Kutter/Frisk Fader) mounted on top of and connected to the Novation Audiohub 2*4 Audio Interface (and hopefully there is a Traktor Scratch DVS work around similar to the way DJ Player Pro works on iOS) Novation Circuit or Novation Launchpad Mk2 RGB or Novation Launchpad Pro NI Maschine Jam (A-H buttons could be used to toggle channel on/off & the Jam could have buttons midi mapped as switches to change the parameters of what the 8 touch strips control, eg:- deck volume, fx level, etc) Reloop Neon (Serato Official Accessory - Midi Mapped to work the same with the other software) Software Integration:- Ableton Live 9 & Ableton Link Thoughts???

[@23agshin]

Can you synchronize s4 with s5? Have a separate s4 set up with a laptop and a separate s5 set up with a laptop and run them simultaneously out of 1 audio output?

[@Inferno77665]

also, are the buttons on this controller alot better than the s4 mk1? That was my only complaint of the original unit.. those buttons were really sticky and not very responsive.

[@studioviper3016]

Losing the stem volume faders is understandable but kinda a bummer. Is there any way to toggle the 4 main channel faders as temporary stem faders? for example, hold down the stem channel 2 select button then use the 2nd volume fader to adjust that stem tracks volume.

[@turbounknown]

i hate the direction this went. i will stick with my s4mk2 and get seperate f1s for stems.

[@spiderfactory5198]

Might just be a driver error on my PC, but is there a specific way I should be mapping the screens?

[@Johnson9660]

I have an NI Audio 6 soundcard (which I still use with my S1000s. I think in theory the soundcard could connect to the S5 and then connect 2 CDJs or TTs to the soundcard...could that be done?

[@geelite]

Excellent demo. cheers

[@emireitor]

Not really feeling the latest kontrols from NI. Pioneer on the other hand is making some bad ass stuff. If there only was a 4 deck xdj-rx ! Im sticking to my setup for now. Xone 42 and 2 kontrol x1 !

[@alexisportela5333]

which traktor controller would you guys recommend for someone who wants to learn how to mix. I was thinking about getting the s5 since it would be really fun to learn how to mix on that plus the price is 200 dollars off till the 21st or something like that, and then the price will go up again; however, since it doesn't have a joggwheel nor a pitch fader, it would make it complicated to play on any other controllers if learning to play on an s5. would the best option be either a s2 or s4... or just go for the s5 ? I'd really appreciate the help guys

[@99983jose]

Can i connect turntables to the s5??? Would be happy for an answer.

[@Inferno77665]

when in the remix deck mode, can you scroll down on the remix set to control a different row? Thanks

[@allthebestmoves]

What is the name of the freaking track in the background? :D:D:D

[@christbel4965]

hi Great video I got a club and want to upgrade to all in one like the Kontrol S5. I'm in old dj, I play almost 70s 80s and some dance hit. You know that with on old music bpm change all the time in the track ! Want to know with the S5 with no pith and jog wheel, if the synch function will be stable during transition with out P and JW. With my deck I use The P and JW only imto synch the track, no strach. I'm ready to say good bye to P and JW to have more sous effect and other option. Thanks for your help and advises

[@kobecaldwell961]

Hey DJ TECH TOOLS, I'm gonna start DJ'ing parties and was wandering what software you would recommend for that. I'm gonna be mostly playing party songs like YG and stuff. Please give me ur advice

[@FhernandoMusic]

Thanks for this video and update advice :D

[@cristianveliz412]

where is the 'beat jump' button ? i got the s5 but i don't know where it is

[@jasonparker1454]

In that size Format the S5 is by far the best controller for Traktor on the market.

[@Poison0444]

So i work with s4 mk2 private parties(wedding and stuff like that), but i wanna ask will s4 have this function with the microphone when i plugged out from pc ??This is really really helpful, and if it have it how can i use it

[@andnegr]

Best review of S5! Great job Ean

[@tonimekinic8347]

I will buy s4 mk2now.You helped ALOT mr.Thank you!

[@Tw1x5000]

how about one s4 and two d2s? that'd be a killer-setup. i'm mixing with s4 mk2, one f1 and one djtt midi fighter twister, best setup without stem-integration (i haven't found time in the last weeks for peeking into the news about stems, organizing and mixing with them).

[@jeckztus]

agree

[@maaxbsc778]

Can you please go into detail how changing tempo works with the S5?

[@jradalaaeddine2586]

Is the traktor s5 with the Akai APC Mk2 (Traktor and ableton live are synced in the computer ) a good combination ?

[@JezzaDJ8]

no jog wheels, no pitch controls? fail. I dont need another screen i have one on my laptop. I need jogwheels & pitch controls so i feel like i am actually djing. There are some dynamics of djing that should always stay... The S4 rocks.

[@bludevil555]

+Jeremy K Electronic Music: agreed. Great review djjt. but are we sure the S5 Lacks pitch and nudge functions on the touch strip?

[@skymakai]

I change tempo a lot in my sets. Can you go into greater detail about how changing tempo works with the S5?

[@maaxbsc778]

That would be great :D

[@abiyoya]

@@BeeLeeBeats Thanks for the explanation. Mega-beginner question: which knob are you referring to?

[@dimonproducer235]

Hi .. i wanted to know if i can help i have bought new tractor s5 and it works everything except the display I can not use stems and only the tractor s5 is left and just if you know how to help me you will do a great pleasure :)

[@samuelyoseph25]

So what do you think is better, S4MKII with two F1s or going to an S5, my setup is S4MkII and i think its better for stems cause i have two controllers dedicated only to stems ?

[@Lighteningskye]

+samuelyoseph25 Or you could grab a D2 and match that up with all those components.

[@DjPandaEM2]

Can you route an input for example your phone into the S4 mk2?

[@xtcy60]

Ian, what is the name of the stems track in the beginning of the video? This may very well be my first stems purchase!

[@joelavalo]

can you upload mp3 to it ?

[@SqueakerGamingHD]

Can you use this with two XDJ 1000's?

[@djdeep6554]

What do think about the Behringer CMD 4-a?

[@svw1978]

Dank je wel voor je heldere uitleg!

[@treezybeats602]

Can the s5 play 4 regular decks

[@TheBrunoeff]

what's the song at 4:00 min!?

[@alexanderkenniethbam]

Differences with the S4 Mk1 and Mk2?

[@_nicetunes2790]

Whats the track in the background?

[@DannyByrneDJ]

i ditched my S4 and tractor for an SZ and serato but i can't do serato. . it just isn't as intuitive as traktor and i found its pushing me away from using my controller.. wish I'd of kept my S4.. might buy another infact... the TSI for the SZ just doesn't work.. shame coz the controller is perfect

[@evanc5676]

Is anyone still having issues with the El Capitan update and Traktor Software?

[@KidswGunz]

if this had DVS it would be dope AF, I don't need all the extra faders on the s8

[@thechronicnoizeco.6675]

Got midi fighter?

[@kenkahasan3453]

Love your explanations ! You could be a prophet ))) Thanks Man!

[@1.2.3.4..5]

Would this be a good first dj controller? (For tech-house and techno)

[@gunnerrunner2772]

get the s4mk2

[@juanlabradojr5050]

Since this does not have a stand alone mixer capability, how can you use your Z2 and S5 simultaneously? Is that even possible?

[@djtechtools]

+Juan Labrado You could - it would just mean using the soundcard of the Z2 as your output. Bit of a redundant setup though, why would you want to use both?

[@navlightbringer5306]

awesome review!!

[@alexchan-kai8847]

its real shame the S5 requires a laptop and doesn't have standalone nor traktor DJ mobile compatibility. its would be the perfect portable dj system if it didn't require a laptop cuz the screens are great and show all the info you need to mix.

[@reynaldomcwhiskey6689]

lots to consider. great vid thanks!

[@spinundergroundrecords9911]

I possible go to upgrade my S4 MKI to MKII, and not to S5, bacause I have two F1 and one D2. Or I just go upgrade to S8 and sell these two F1 and one D2 and S4.

[@swiftdetecting]

looks like Traktor Kontrol S5 is no longer ?

[@faintmidnight24]

s5 would be great if stems worked like we thought it would

[@Docholiday11x]

Looking for some advice if anyone is willing to help. Been producing for a couple years and relatively new to djing. Been using an S2 mk1 but looking to upgrade. Torn between the s5 and the s8. To be honest the biggest selling point is the screens (plus ive come to love traktor. only played with serato a bit and i just didnt like it as much). I only really play dance music so the lack of pitch faders doesnt but me as much. That being said the idea of being able to add turntables or some cdj's to the s8 does sound amazing. However i keep hearing people talk about the s8's size being a problem. Having tried it at guitar center i really didnt think it was all that big. Anyways, my long winded question is: is the size of the s8 really a problem when playing at a club or a bar? never played at a venue though im looking to start soon and i dont want to buy a controller thats too big to fit into a booth.

[@Lighteningskye]

+Docholiday11x Yeah man. That's a tough choice. I honestly don't do venues anymore. Haven't since the 90s. But if it were me, the size thing wouldn't be an issue as long as the place you were needing to set up could accommodate the size of the S8. That is the ONLY thing I would want to consider for the future. As for the lack of Pitch and tempo faders I do a lot of dance music but really like having those controls. I'm not a huge fan of beat sync. I HAVE used it on occasion especially if I'm just messing a round and I want a quick preview of something otherwise I've played it out, listened to it and tweaked it enough to feel comfortable in where I need to be tempo/pitch wise to do it live. Just throwing that out there. Whatever you decide on though, it's going to be what you want and need to perform.

[@suspectizm]

how can I scratch?

[@multibrep]

u can't

[@devadiponeness]

S5 discontinued from March 2018, as D2 from February 2018.

[@TeleporterM11]

Is it standalone, will it operate without the computer.

[@viktoronopko2090]

Not interesting if you still have to use your laptop for tracks and more stuff...

[@dalesenior7255]

Stanton st150 are line as well as phono

[@JamesMesidor]

as much I love traktor I don't like this controller

[@manuelharo7810]

helpful video !! Thank you

[@officedigler]

awesome video Thanks a lot

[@getsbaked]

thanks! great tips!

[@giladshaked131]

Take the s4 give him screen & 8 Pad perfect .

[@giladshaked131]

We need somthing between the s4 & s8 & we want the jogwheel back & load track direct from the controller .

[@darranhanlon8709]

Now remix decks sound interesting ,, as for stems,,, I really have no interest!!The screens I like,, .. Does any one out there actually use these stems ?? I think Ni are needlessly pushing this format..I can see more practical applications for remix loops.,, as I'm into minimal I think this controller would be perfect,,And for multi genre I think serato is the go!! What do you think Ean? / anyone??

[@PavanMS87]

I'd probably NEVER dj on a controller without jog wheels, who is this for anyway?

[@chrismellow3117]

thx, it helps a lot!!

[@RadoDani]

S8 + two XDJ1000 :)

[@uSpeakTruth]

The S4 has all the same features of the S5 except the screens and controlling of stems.. thats it! S4 you can have 2 mixing decks and 2 remix decks. Voila!!

[@saar2r]

thank you!

[@Wlodek1410]

Cool shit 👍🏼

[@Dt3kno]

I want to see the day traktor controller ditch the computer or the laptop.. So make it traktor harware.. or maybe a traktor hardware moldular .

[@yankeerojas9725]

you cant scratch on this

[@MrSwordstroker]

S5 seem like the "S2" version of the S8 - so much less functionality. The S4 has way more functionality then this guy and I guess it's no wonder the S5 is already on a massive sale... No complaints on the S8 though looks beasty I want one :)

[@TonyStone3000]

Turntable DJ's need not apply here. That wasn't the case with the S4. No jog wheels = No sale for me.

[@josephjswaid]

Nicee Soundcloud.com/SirPuffs ! Getting this Monday

[@djtechtools]

+Joseph Waid Be sure to grab it from the DJTT store and support a real community of DJs. talk to one of our Livechat crew and they'll hook you up: store.djtechtools.com/products/traktor-kontrol-s5

[@josephjswaid]

I seen this late, I got it from sweetwater for christmas

[@50_Pence]

yuk - get traktor and some turntables/cdj's