Recently SSW team got a chance to test several different DJ controllers with the goal to find the best hardware for those who want to learn.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 made by German company Native Instruments was our top choice.
Native Instruments has been the industry leader and pioneering innovator in the production of software and hardware for computer-based music production and DJing. Native Instruments debuted their first product for computer-based, real-time sound synthesis in 1996. Since then, the company’s instruments and tools defined the sound of countless professional productions.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 is an all-in-one DJ controller which comes together with the full edition of TRAKTOR PRO 3 (the legendary DJ software, used from clubs to the biggest stages around the world). TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 condenses the club-standard software and hardware system into an ultra-portable form. The USB-powered system has been equipped with upsized jog wheels that offer more responsive touch-sensitivity and give DJs pinpoint control when scratching and nudging.
It’s very easy to use, all the user needs is the laptop and music library to start! After the software is downloaded and installed the DJ can connect the Traktor controller to the laptop using USB cable and it’s ready to go!
Both the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 and TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 have undergone a complete redesign, with a visual language and build approach that aligns closely with TRAKTOR’s club-standard heritage. The two systems also feature 16 RGB-backlit pads for triggering samples and loops, as well as for setting and triggering cue points. Both systems also provide full integration with Mixer FX in TRAKTOR PRO 3, with a dedicated control section on each channel.
Key Features:
New large (14 cm / 5.5”) smooth precision jog wheels with two modes:
1. Jog mode: Classic spin-to-nudge function, as well as scratch capability
2. Beatgrid adjust mode: Use the jog wheel to manually adjust beatgrid in TRAKTOR
• Club-standard layout with identical deck design, 2-channel mixer, and fast control of key TRAKTOR features
• 16 RGB pads for triggering Hotcues, loops, or samples
• 3-band EQs with modeling of industry standard mixer EQs
• New Mixer FX for instant one-knob FX and filter control on each channel. Choose from eight FX and three filter types to assign to four hardware FX slots
• Pro Mixer Layout with redesigned monitoring section and four dedicated slots for Mixer FX plus filter
• Full version of TRAKTOR PRO 3 included
• Connectivity: 44.1/48 kHz / 24-bit audio interface, mic input (1/4″ / 6.3 mm TRS), headphone out (1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS), 2x stereo main out (line and 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS), USB port, iOS port, 12V DC
Powered via USB 2.0 or with optional power supply unit.
INCLUDED SOFTWARE (provided as download upon hardware registration)
• Windows 10 (latest update, 64-bit)
• Mac OS X 10.12 or 10.13 (latest update)
• Intel Core i5 or equivalent CPU
• 4 GB RAM
• USB 2.0 or higher (cable included)
• Graphics card which supports OpenGL 3.3 or higher
