Product Comparison: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8
General Specifications
Brand
Native Instruments
Native Instruments
Origin
Germany
Germany
About the Product
Hardware and software – fused in perfect harmony. The redesigned Traktor Kontrol S4 is the first-class DJ system tailor-made for Traktor to deliver an inspiring DJ experience. The S4 combines a premium four channel mixer, built-in 24 bit/96 kHz soundcard, an intuitive interface, and Traktor PRO 2 software with Remix Decks. It's the ideal one-stop package for DJs who want pro features, instant usability, and go-anywhere portability.
The future of DJing is Here! The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8 DJ Controller is the Flagship All-In-One DJ System that provides a new way to mix and perform, with total TRAKTOR power at your fingertips. Get physical with the music. Touch-sensitive knobs, faders, and LED-guided touch strips bring TRAKTOR software to life on vivid full-color displays, keeping you focused on performance – not on your laptop. The S8’s touch-and-see workflow means you connect with your music – and with your crowd.
Model
Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2
Traktor Kontrol S8
Key Specs
Jog Wheels
Yes
Yes
Number Of Channels
4
4
Effect Type(s)
Filter, 3-band EQ, Samples, FX group, Remix slots
3-band EQ, Filter, Remix slots, Freeze, Slicer, Effect volume faders
Software Compatibility
TRAKTOR DJ, TRAKTOR PRO 2
TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO, TRAKTOR PRO 2
What customers say about "Key Specs"
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 DJ Controller
- Out of all of the software/hardware that NI makes, this is by far my favorite. I first got into DJing 20+ years ago and my goal was always that I wanted to be able to take parts of songs and create entirely new music all within the moment of a set.
- Everything worked well right out of the box. Hardware and software looks professional and is impressive to clients.
- Traktor Pro is awesome software, and the S4 MK2 is the perfect controller. My other controller is a Numark NV with Serato.....it now collects dust.
- The jog wheels are nice and responsive. if you press down on the platter, you can scratch, and if you move the wheel from the sides, it functions as a nudge for beat matching.
- If you do not have Traktor, this unit comes with a key for the FULL version of Traktor Pro 2(Download from Native Instruments website).
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8 DJ Controller
- The controlloer gives you a lot of control over the software functions, and makes it easier for you to pull your head out of your laptop.
- The factory mapping is pretty well thought out and intuitive, if you are already used to traktor , you will up and used to the workflow in a few hours.
- If you own Traktor and want the next step in technology, this is the flagship controller I would have never thought to exist. Stems is the new thing for transitioning and this S8 makes accessing stems a second nature to this beast.
- Prior to getting this I used S4 and was very happy but this beast is another grade. Professional grade with all the proper ins and outs. No wonder Carl Cox has no problems bringing it to any major festival.
- The most amazing Dj tool I've used yet! I love how fast you can access all the functions! Native Instruments put a lot of time into this beast. You must do a lot of research to fully unlock the capabilities of the S8! I recommend watching a lot of YouTube videos.
Size & Weight
Height
2.8 in.
2.6 in.
Width
19.7 in.
23 in.
Depth
13.3 in.
15.2 in.
Weight
6.6 lbs.
11 lbs.
What customers say about "Size & Weight"
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 DJ Controller
- The entire unit is of sturdy construction and feels like it can take a beating. The nice thing for me is it is just a little bigger than my previous controller, so I didn't have to account for a significant change in size.
- I'm VERY happy with it so far. Nice size and weight. The control surface layout just seems more intuitive/easy to me.
- I do think the sound quality was good, and I liked the overall size of the unit.
- One of the best 4 track controllers out there. Super easy to use, very light weight to take around, and it just make DJing that much more fun when you can take it around easily and drop some heavy hitters on the fly. Highly recommened
- Small enough to fit into any booth but durable enough to withstand years of constant use. I highly recommend this product. Amazing work Native Instruments.
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8 DJ Controller
- It's also not as big and heavy as I've saw stated in other reviews elsewhere.
Features
Decks Control
Cue, Play, Hotcues, Pitch, Shift, Sync, Faders, Crossfader, Gain, Key lock, Pitch bend
Cue, Play, Sync, Shift, Flux, Deck, Hotcues, Pitch, Gain, Faders, Crossfader, Touch Strip
LED Metering
Yes
Yes
Additional Controls
Master Volume, Browse knob, Desk's load buttons, Cue level, Cue mix, Loop Recorder, Mic volume, Quantize button, Clock Master button, SNAP button
Browse knob, Desk's load buttons, Cue level, Cue mix, Master Volume, View button, Display buttons, Tempo knob, Capture, Performance Mode Buttons, Back, Crossfader Curve, Crossfader Assign Switches, LINE/PHONO switches
Looping Capability
Yes
Yes
MIDI
Yes
Yes
Input(s)
RCA stereo channel D, RCA stereo channel C, USB type B, Phones 1/4", MIC/Line
4x RCA stereo, TRS mic, MIC (1/4 inch Jack), MIDI, USB
Output(s)
RCA stereo, 1/4" Stereo
RCA stereo, XLR stereo, 1/4" Booth out stereo, MIDI, 1/4” (6.35 mm) stereo output (headphones), 1/8” (3.5 mm) stereo output (headphones)
Extras
Built-in high-end 24-bit/96kHz low-latency audio interface with Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters and MIDI I/O, Powerful MP3 management with iTunes integration and iPod compatibility, Loop Recorder
Cutting-edge DJ controller, Stems-ready decks, and stand-alone mixer, Stunning high-res displays react to touch-sensitive controls, Plug-and-play with included TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO software
Power Source
AC adapter / USB
AC adapter
What customers say about "Features"
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 DJ Controller
- Each side of the controller has it's own loop control just below the jog wheel, and it is quick and easy to create a loop on the fly and exit out of them with just a few pushes of a button.
- Each jog wheel and associated loop controls and performance pads can be switched to the other deck on its respective side with just the touch of a button, so you can easily control 4 decks and still have the same level of control deck to deck.
- Specially I love remix deck control. You can use different loops and it will trigger when you want to add drums or other instrumental loops.
- There are more advanced features that you will likely want to know so you can maximize what you can do with the S4.
- Not a DJ but love to manipulate music. I does more than what I needed it for but I can always explore the other features later. Satisfied so far.
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8 DJ Controller
- Overall very fun to mix with and fairly well built. i disagree with people saying it is like a tank because only 3 of the 6 sides are metal, the rest are plastic, but it doesn't feel flimsy.
- Then there's the on-deck screens. They only provide the barest info and do it poorly. The waveforms are low-poly geometry, meaning that they're not nearly as accurate as, nor do they match up with, the software's waveform display.
- Overall I enjoy using this controller, but I find myself cringing at using certain features when playing live . . . or sometimes staying away from those features all together . . . some of which were the ones I chose the controller for in the first place.
- The navigation touch strips (which replaced the jog wheels) are wildly inaccurate, and totally inferior to iOS touch screens. so you'll be depending on your trackpad much more than using an S2 or S4.
- Unfortunately the controller is glitchy, and quirky. The way it applies the effects panels to the track channels is weird and counter-intuitive.
Warranty / Certifications
Manufacturer Warranty
2 year(s)
2 year(s)
Certifications
CE
CE
Other Information
MSRP
1199.00 $
Popular Comparisons
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2
vs
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1
vs
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1
vs
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1
vs
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2
vs
Pioneer XDJ-RX
Pioneer XDJ-RX
vs
Pioneer DDJ-SX2
Pioneer DDJ-SX2
vs
Pioneer DDJ-SZ
Pioneer DDJ-SZ
vs
Pioneer DDJ-SB2
Pioneer DDJ-SB2
vs
Pioneer DDJ-SB2
Pioneer DDJ-SB2
vs
Numark Mixtrack Pro 3
Numark Mixtrack Pro 3
vs
Numark Mixtrack Pro 3
Numark Mixtrack Pro 3
vs
Numark Mixtrack Pro 2
Numark Mixtrack Pro 2
vs
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2
vs