Home
Movies, Music & Games
Musical Instruments
DJ Controllers
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8

Product Comparison: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8

Advertiser Disclosure

This site is a free online resource that strives to offer helpful content and comparison features to its visitors. Please be advised that the operator of this site accepts advertising compensation from certain companies that appear on the site, and such compensation impacts the location and order in which the companies (and/or their products) are presented, and in some cases may also impact the scoring that is assigned to them. The scoring that appears on this site is determined by the site operator in its sole discretion, and should NOT be relied upon for accuracy purposes. In fact, Company/product listings on this page DO NOT imply endorsement by the site operator. Except as expressly set forth in our Terms of Use, all representations and warranties regarding the information presented on this page are disclaimed. The information which appears on this site is subject to change at any time. More info

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 DJ Controller

Check Price

Best Pick

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8 DJ Controller

Check Price

General Specifications

Brand

Native Instruments

Origin

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

Number Of Channels

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

Jog Wheels
Number Of Channels

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

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

MIDI

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)

Certifications

Other Information

Manufacturer

Link

Manual

Download

MSRP

1199.00 $