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Pioneer DDJ-SB2 vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2

Product Comparison: Pioneer DDJ-SB2 vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2

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Best Pick

Pioneer DDJ-SB2 Portable 2-channel

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Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2 Made in USA

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General Specifications

Brand

Pioneer

Native Instruments

Origin

Malaysia

Germany

About the Product

Hitting the decks has never been easier and more intuitive - even for first-time DJs. Not only does it boast all popular features from the DDJ-SB – such as Filter Fade and Performance Pads – but it now boasts features not usually found at this price point, including trim pots, level meters, the Pad Trans beat effect and 4-deck control.

Compact, mobile, and intuitive – the remodeled Traktor Kontrol S2 is the essential two-deck professional DJ controller for Traktor. Fine-tuned for maximum Traktor software integration, the S2 also pairs with Traktor DJ for iPad and iPhone as the cornerstone of your mobile DJ setup. The 2+1 design brings two decks, Remix Decks, and a pro-grade mixer with multi-effect units at your command. The S2 also includes the full version of Traktor PRO 2 with Remix Decks – ready for pro mixing in seconds.

Model

DDJ-SB2

Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2

Key Specs

Jog Wheels

Yes

Number Of Channels

Effect Type(s)

3-band EQ, Filter, Samples, FX group

3-band EQ, FX group, Remix slots

Software Compatibility

Serato DJ Lite, Serato DJ Pro

TRAKTOR DJ, TRAKTOR PRO 2

Jog Wheels
Number Of Channels

What customers say about "Key Specs"

Pioneer DDJ-SB2 Portable 2-channel

Designed specifically for Serato unlike a lot of cheaper controllers
This is an amazing DJ controller. There are an insane amount of possibilities with this compared to other starter controllers and the best under $300. It has different options to loop tracks and play sound effects.
Despite coming with Serato Intro, I used the table with Djay Pro (Algoriddim), and the response of controls, mixer, pitch, equalizers, effects and crossfader, were perfect.
The Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB2 controller is an amazing product for the cost with a cutting edge quality, and a clean digital sound. The jog wheels with platinum touch are very precise.
The jog wheels are plenty large, considering the mid-size style of the layout. The only drawback is they don't light up, like their bigger, more expensive Pioneer brothers.

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2 Made in USA

Best mixer for the price out there. I've been a DJ since the mid 1990's and I must say, it's a lot easier to carry this mixer around with my iPhone or laptop, than it was back then lugging around tons of records.
I bought this because I already owned Trakor Pro and it wasn't clear whether some of the other DJ controllers would work with Traktor.
This is a great beginner DJ controller. I have the F1 right next to it and have a lot of fun experimenting with audio sounds and famous voice clips (ie, Anchorman, Tommy Boy, Donald Trump, Jim Carrey, etc).
I've since upgraded to an S4, but the S2 Mk2 is a fantastic entry level controller, and Traktor Pro (included) is super easy to pick up the basics with.
Demoting this 1 star as it did not come with any Traktor software info. Possibly could have gotten lost, but i shouldnt have to go through NI support just to be able to use this product. Luckily they were kind and walked me through how to get it activated and get mixing.

Size & Weight

Height

2.3 in.

2.64 in.

Width

19.17 in.

17.2 in.

Depth

10.68 in.

12.1 in.

Weight

4.63 lbs.

5.7 lbs.

What customers say about "Size & Weight"

Pioneer DDJ-SB2 Portable 2-channel

Feels very rugged. Incredibly responsive.
This is the best small sized controller. Pioneer has put great work into the engineering and quality.
Lightweight, compact. Serato is a solid solution. Works right out of the box.
The controller is small and light, making it easily portable.
Casing is all plastic, which keeps the weight down but makes it feel somewhat flimsy.

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2 Made in USA

Otherwise it works really nice , very portable, tight latency , u can scratch , cut , mix everything with it
It's lightweight and now works with the ipad so it's ultra portable.
Grat board, built tough, got some weight, knobs feel great, but the cross fader does have a plastic feeling when sliding, but thats no dealbreaker.
The unit has kind of a flimsy plastic feel and the faders aren't very smooth. I question how well it will hold to use.

Features

Decks Control

Cue, Play, Hotcues, Shift, Sync, Vinyl mode, Faders, Crossfader, Pitch, Gain, Key lock, Slip mode

Cue, Play, Hotcues, Pitch, Flux, Faders, Crossfader, Gain, Shift, Sync

LED Metering

Yes

Additional Controls

Master Volume, Mic volume, Browse knob, Desk's load buttons, Cue level

Browse knob, Desk's load buttons, Master Volume, Cue level, Cue mix

Looping Capability

Yes

MIDI

Yes

Input(s)

MIC (1/4 inch Jack), USB type B

MIC (1/4 inch Jack), USB

Output(s)

MASTER (RCA), Headphone monitor (1/4 inch Jack, mini-jack)

1/4” (6.35 mm) stereo output (headphones), RCA stereo, 1/4" Stereo

Extras

Tactile Performance Pads, Large Jog Wheels, Authentic & Dynamic DJ Play, Manual Filter, Make The Cut, MIDI compatible

2-deck controller, soundcard, flagship TRAKTOR PRO 2 software for Mac/PC, Plug and play with TRAKTOR DJ for iPad and iPhone, Intuitive visual feedback for fluid DJ workflow

Power Source

USB Bus power

AC adapter / USB

What customers say about "Features"

Pioneer DDJ-SB2 Portable 2-channel

Windows driver easy to find and install.
The lighting and colors of the buttons are good, without exaggeration. In the dark or low light it shine calling more attention.
There are plenty of extra features like the special loopers and trigger pads but I don't use them. This is a solid dependable controller with a built in sound card so you can plug into a mixer or PA directly from here.
The self-powerd USB plug means there's fewer cables to worry about.
Single FX knob rather than separate controls per fx.
Top right "Load" button stopped working for no reason, so I can't use the board to load tracks into the mixer.
The USB cord is placed in the back!?!?! so it's really irritating to have you laptop behind the board because the huge USB cord is in the way, terrible placement, it should be on the left side near the mic and other imputs/such, or near the RCA outputs, not in the middle where people's laptops go.

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2 Made in USA

The knob just isn't smooth like a filter knob should be so it makes the feature a little lacking, I prefer to just have a filter on my fx panel.
Great interface and light up buttons, i makes it really easy to create and mix music. the computer software is superb and if you are not in need of very advance features, you don't need the S4 as this pack great features. if you are just starting this is set is great for you.
Grat board, built tough, got some weight, knobs feel great, but the cross fader does have a plastic feeling when sliding, but thats no dealbreaker. the software is fantastic, and I enjoy using this product every day. Highly recommended for beginners.
Love the product, it works great and I've already been able to Dj a few parties because of it. The only thing I would fix is to have it come with the most recent download instead of having the consumer have to search for it/bug the tech team.
The mic doesn't work out the box as with the s2mk1 . U have to manually set it , which is quite simple .

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

2 year(s)

Certifications

Other Information

Manufacturer

Link

Manual

Download

MSRP

399.00 $