Traktor Kontrol S2 Review

[OutdoorsAndSuch]

is there a headphone input?

thanks for the answer

[DigitalDJTips]

@OutdoorsAndSuch Yes

[myselfanup]

Which is best .... ? Traktor Kontrol S2 or Reloop Digital Jockey 2 ME?

Reply awaiting.

Thanks!

[DigitalDJTips]

@myselfanup there's no "best" in DJ controller! Get our free guide and compare the features that are important to you: djtips DOT co SLASH free

[Rickardanderssen]

i'm looking for a dj controller and was wondering is it worth buying this instead of numark mixtrack pro ? and does the s2 have a built-in soundcard?

[DigitalDJTips]

@Rickardanderssen Yes it has a built-in sound card. It costs more that the Mixtrack Pro, and you get more for your money - so really it's down to your budget.

[nughaga]

I am having a problem with my S2..

I plugged in a mic into the mic input, raised/lowered the gain both ways (to make sure i wasnt turning it the wrong way), turned on and off the mic engage, turned up the volume, yes the soundcard is set to the S2. i have my speakers plugged into the S2. I can hear the music, but not the mic. I can't find this problem anywhere. If anyone knows how to fix this, I will be very greatful :) thank you!

[Favzmusic94]

Hey guys, the kontrol s2 just arrived at my house with traktor pro 2, and when i open traktor it doesn't give me a setup option, 2 decks/decks etc etc, does anyone know why? Forgive me if I'm being stupid lol.

[DigitalDJTips]

@Favzmusic94 It's in the config, that's where you choose the layout.

[wereboarder2009]

i seen other people with the S2 or 4 set up with eight hot cues. how can i get my S4 to do so?

edit the mapping?

[warbuggi]

Sorry if it's a dumb question but... is it necessary to have a laptop? or can i also attach it to my Pc?

[DigitalDJTips]

@warbuggi You can attach to your PC too :)

[CardeyaTV]

I love it when I see a review that answers my 1 or 2 questions and by the time its over other questions that I might think of later get answered at the same time. A+++

[DigitalDJTips]

@CardeyaTV Ah, thanks!

[stuer3]

can you record your mix?

[DigitalDJTips]

@stuer3 Yes

[masterpproductions]

what version of traktor does it come with?

[DigitalDJTips]

@masterpproductions 2 Pro

[mra7medronaldo9]

Hi Phil Can The S2 Be Usb powered ??

[DigitalDJTips]

@mra7medronaldo9 Yes but the controls dim and the output volume drops - best to be plugged in properly

[mra7medronaldo9]

@DigitalDJTips thanks for your reply. does the output volume drop by a big margin i mean if was on a plane for example could use usb power from it and hear from headphones with good volume or will it be very low.

[lMistaLegiit]

Can You Use This On Virtual DJ.?? Cuz Im Soooooo Use Too Virtual Rather Than Traktor...

[DigitalDJTips]

@lMistaLegiit It is a Traktor controller so while maybe you can, it would kind of defeat the object to do so.

[rossuk123]

finally bought this, managed to get it for £296

[Teenag3r]

Hey DigtalDJTips, So I really want to DJ on Live Sets/parties, and I've never had my hands on Any DJ Hardware or software, Do you think that I should get the S2 or S4?

[DigitalDJTips]

@Teenag3r S2 is the better beginners' controller.

[Teenag3r]

@DigitalDJTips Thanks alot. (:

[djAmarK]

just a quick question: you mentioned in the beginning that with the s4 you can plug in a cdj. but can you run the sound without a laptop? thnx and loving the site!

[DigitalDJTips]

@djAmarK Yes, as an "emergency through" you can.

[ugomatic]

hi Phil, at the new reduced price (£329/399eu), is there any real contender to the S2? I like using Traktor, and I don't need 4 decks, although I would consider a similarly priced option allowing to plug in my ipod..thanks!

[DigitalDJTips]

@ugomatic Yes, you could look at the Novation Twitch, or the Mixtrack Pro for instance.

[willbarine]

ddj t1 has sample decks



[supermen133]

Does it have output for headphones???

[DigitalDJTips]

@supermen133 Yes it does.

[BrooklynStyle106]

Hello, is the Virtual DJ software compatible with this controller ??

[ScandinavianFish]

@BrooklynStyle106 TP2 is better software, and its free with the controller

[jofusbmcr1]

I need some help... I have never used any DJ Controller Hardware before but I have mastered many of the aspects of DJing and Virtual DJ software... I'm looking to Purchase my first controller. I'm between the Kontrol S2 and Numark N4 due to price. What controller would be best in this price range? Thanks

[DigitalDJTips]

@jofusbmcr1 They're both good, so just compare features and work out which is best for you.

[gohypo]

Great review mate!!

Two quick questions: Is this controller user friendly for a beginner?? What would you recommend between this and Pioneer Ergo V??

[DigitalDJTips]

@gohypo Yes it's good for a beginner. I think it's better value than an ERGO-V, although the ERGO-V is easier to use.

[dubmonkeyaudio]

Does it come with Audio I/O?? thank you!

[DigitalDJTips]

@dubmonkeyaudio Yes, it does.

[granderd]

can you just hook up the USB to the computer and just use it that way instead of using the RCAs because i don't have a amp=/ n i just ordered one lol please help me

[DigitalDJTips]

@granderd Don't see why not you'd just have to set it to internal sound card, you'll lose the ability to headphones cue though. It's not a good solution.

[granderd]

@DigitalDJTips i figured id loose the cue i dont know how to hook it all up to my computer tho? with amp or what ever its called

[alanpriceisgool]

great review. this helps me out a lot, because i was deciding between the s2 and s4. S2 seems great for me! Thanks!

[Khoshekh]

you guys all forget that buying or upgrading to Traktor 2 will cost you 140 euro's ( don't know the price in dollars) if you but the S2 you get that software with it. And don't pirate that software.. it's unstable that way , so you will look like a drok when your software crashes live.

[MakamanProductions]

@DigitalDJTips thanks for the info i bought it today

[crazydjdrops]

H Phil, I have a quick question.. Between Traktor S2, American Audio VMS2 or American Audio Versadeck which would you prefer and a quick why? I am looking to upgrade.

[DigitalDJTips]

@crazydjdrops I'd go for Traktor Kontrol S2 because it comes with full TP2 software and has a nice mix of sample features and straightforward DJing... but that's just me :)

[sERVEONE116]

*s4

[sERVEONE116]

Can u record like u can on the K4?

[DigitalDJTips]

@sERVEONE116 Yes, you can.

[joladehiti]

im using the s4 and im pretty happy with it!!

[electronicmadness1]

does the traktor s4 have the same mappings that the s2 ?

[DJM0R1]

Whoever disliked this has no soul



[crazydjdrops]

Awesome review. great Job as always. What kind of mic hook up does it have, xlr or 1/4 input?

[DigitalDJTips]

@crazydjdrops It's 1/4in

[MakamanProductions]

hey phill is the s2 made of metal or plastic and is it heavy or light?

[DigitalDJTips]

@MakamanProductions It's light, it's made of plastic with some thin metal faceplating.

[MathewBeastGranado]

do you know how to map your jogwheels, cause i have them on the scratching/pitch bending setting or whatever and i want to change the jogwheels so they can do effects, do you know what i can do? ive tried that shift + reset thing.

[DigitalDJTips]

@MathewBeastGranado DJTechTools has a free S4 mapping you may want to check out for this.

[dorneyb]

DDJ Ergo or Kontrol S2 in terms of value for money with what you get (traktor dj software etc ) and usability for a beginner ?

[DigitalDJTips]

@dorneyb I'd go with S2 personally because ERGO does not come with full-strength software.

[karlos7eberl]

I want to buy a controller and I chose S4 but its too much expensive, then i saw the s2. which i buy? i want a controller that has the capacity to play at clubs, raves.. the s2 make that job?

[DigitalDJTips]

@karlos7eberl Yes, it's certainly good enough for that.

[karlos7eberl]

@DigitalDJTips I've already asked you a question, but, if you had to choose between traktor s2 or reloop jockey 3 which one you pick? i'm confused and i want to know your personal opinion..

[DigitalDJTips]

@karlos7eberl My personal opinion is Jockey 3 because I do not use samples much in my DJing and the S2/S4 are optimised for sample use.

[Rephiz]

so whatd be better for a beginner in your opinion s4 or s2?

[DigitalDJTips]

@Rephiz For me, S2 because I don't need all the functionality of the S4 and it's smaller. But you need to weigh up the features for the way you want to DJ.

[sERVEONE116]

Which one is better? Numark or Traktor

[DigitalDJTips]

@sERVEONE116 There is no better/worse, Numark has some great controllers which are as good in their own ways as the Traktor controllers.

[Rephiz]

@DigitalDJTips Well the way I would rather Dj is without a laptop. But atm I can't do that cause I don't have any money. I actually make trance and house songs. But as soon as I get to a point in making a bunch I want to start mixing live at parties thats why I asked which one would be better.

[Peoples17Champ]

o and is this a good controller for a beginning dj?

[DigitalDJTips]

@Peoples17Champ Yes, it's a good choice for a beginner.

[Lennart1423]

@Peoples17Champ reloop mixage IF Edition is better for the beginner becaus if money plays a role mixage is just a €200,- conrtoller but the traktor kontrol is €500,-!!!

[Peoples17Champ]

Is this as good to use in a club setting as the s4?

[DigitalDJTips]

@Peoples17Champ Yes it is.

[speedbull69]

great work! i am a new owner of S2. Can you tell me how can i control sampler deck fro the hardware? Gain, eq & filter knob i mean

Thanks

[DigitalDJTips]

@speedbull69 S2 has cut-down sample deck control compared to S4 - just check the instructions for exact mappings. Remember you can also remap if you wish.

[koolstup]

Appreciate the great review Phil, the thing that's going to motivate me to buy this is the control over fader curve. I know this is done through the software, but what degree of control do you have?

[DigitalDJTips]

@koolstup Download Traktor Pro demo edition and check it out for yourself - you can use the on-screen crossfader to test it. I certainly have no issues with it.

[PoorlyDrawnDevil1]

Should I get this over a Twitch?

[DigitalDJTips]

@PoorlyDrawnDevil1 Decide what software you want (Traktor or ITCH) which will go a long way towards making your decision for you. Also, Google "digital dj tips kontrol s2 vs twitch" for two articles that'll help.

[PoorlyDrawnDevil1]

@DigitalDJTips Alright thanks :)

[MavisConcave]

Thanks again for a great informative review. I value your reviews just as much as any other popular digital dj site, such as DJTechTools. Great work and please keep them coming!

[DigitalDJTips]

@MavisConcave Thanks, we're lucky to have so many DJ sites to choose from :)

[TheVelectronic1]

Does anyone know if you can record your mixes using the S2 and the Traktor software that comes with it?

[DigitalDJTips]

@TheVelectronic1 Yes, you can.

[TheVelectronic1]

@DigitalDJTips Ahh okay great, thanks for the reply!

[ForestThug]

wait so can you just buy the controller and hook it up to a laptop and just start mixing???

please help!!!:s

[DigitalDJTips]

@ForestThug Yes, you can.

[LykEhPr0]

@ForestThug Yes. its a plug n' play all in 1 controller. i highly recommend it! great for parties

[papi5000]

Thank you for the information

[papstvo]

Hey four-eyes man, I like yours S2 Review.

Thank you from Russia.

[ken532]

what are those speakers you have? I've been looking, because I'm going to buy the S2, and I need some speakers, I'd appreciate it if you could tell me brother, thanks for the review :)

[DigitalDJTips]

@ken532 M-Audio AV-40s.

[Adayum27]

can you connect turntables with scratch pro like the s4?

[DigitalDJTips]

@Adayum27 No, you' can't.

[fimpson]

Exactly the kind of summary that I've been looking for. No one else seems to want to talk about the differences to the S4.

[DigitalDJTips]

@fimpson We try our hardest :)

[flingflangflud]

When im using traktor with the numark omni control ( try not to laugh ) i keep having to manually tap the tempo in using the mouse, coz the fader is pure shite.I mix alot of 60's and 70's funk soul etc.what are the tempo faders like on this, are they tight? hope you know what i mean!

[DigitalDJTips]

@flingflangflud They are 1/100 of a BPM tight, you'll wet yourself in comparison :D

[daikiryoku]

Thanks for the review, good stuff. Might just add that all the neat sample triggering you can do the S2 can be mapped out manually to any midi controller but I guess most ppl rely on the manufacturer to release new mappings.

[TheDjflb]

this or a novation twitch ? 

[123sudt]

I want to start to dj and was wondering if this type of kit is ideal for somebody learning from scratch

thanks

[DJING783]

awesome review, well Done:D

[Curbst0mped]

Wow inputs is a really big turn off for buying this

[Seantube3]

Great vid man really informative , I really enjoyed this

[assais]

I have a S4 and am considering selling to buy a S2, mostly because I never use more than 2 decks. But im on the fence regarding the lack of FILTER knobs on the S2, what do you think? Would I regret it?

[DigitalDJTips]

@assais You can switch the gains for filters in the preferences, so one function is on shift and one isn't, so you don't need to sacrifice them.

[assais]

is it true you can use the gain knobs as filters?

[DigitalDJTips]

@assais Yes it's a simple switch in the prefs.

[THEMANUELRC]

Thanks!

[feduchin]

Can you use the traktor s2 like a normal sound card? i mean, can i put the music from iTunes and make it sound from speakers that are connected to the s2?

sorry about my english, i'm from spain.

[DigitalDJTips]

@feduchin Good question! Don't see why not but not tried it.

[ReinierSandtke]

This detailed review helped me out a lot, thanks! Would you recommend the Traktor Kontrol S2 for someone who's new to DJ-ing but wants to stick with a controller for quite some years to get the basics down? Or do you feel like there are better controllers for around the same price?

[DigitalDJTips]

@ReinierSandtke No, it's a good choice for this purpose.

[rine80012]

nice job man ill get one s2 soon

[joeski4]

Would you say the Kontrol S2 or the VMS4?

[DigitalDJTips]

@joeski4 VMS4 has way more functions, Kontrol S2 is better built

[IIDeMIZex]

getting mine next week hopefully :)

[AvocadoAtrocity]

Hey Phil, I've seen your posts on around the web and I respect your opinion. I am very serious about starting out as a DJ. A lot of this is very overwhelming, in terms of making a beginner setup. I want to be very sure I am making a nice setup that will allow me to grow as a DJ. I'm confused between what software to back... Traktor, Virtual DJ, Serato ITCH? Thanks in advance.

[DigitalDJTips]

@AvocadoAtrocity It's a good question and not easy to answer. Virtual DJ is good beginners' software, Traktor is complex and capable but hard to use, Serato is more closed and hard to customise but silky smooth and easy to use. My choice is Serato if it helps, but most serious controllerists swear by Traktor. Mobile guys tend to go for Virtual DJ.

[DJBoz07]

can you scratch with this controller?

[DigitalDJTips]

@DJBoz07 Yes, but it wouldn't be my first choice as a scratch controller as the jogs aren't weighted and the crossfader is a bit stiff for scratch use.

[Bdowlin10]

the only thig you got wrong is about pluging in the ipod. . the ipod input wont work if your laptop crash's . the s4 needs the program running on the laptop for the input for ipods ect to work . . good tutorial otherwise :)

[DigitalDJTips]

@Bdowlin10 It will actually, you just switch it to "thru" on the back so it is a proper backup with or without laptop.

[7thvenom]

Great review bro !! SPOT ON

[furiousflop]

Love how unbiased you are. Big ups man

[Scarass93]

can the loop be set/controled by knob? those knobs above the cue buttons, are they for that? or it needs to be mapped?

[DigitalDJTips]

@Scarass93 No, loop is mapped out of the box.

[roksr4k4]

how about novation twitch? how do they compare?

[DigitalDJTips]

@roksr4k4 Google "digital dj tips kontrol s2 twitch" for a number of articles that'll help you.

[cram1nblaze]

second time ive heard about the missing filter knobs on the S2. its not like an effect filter is it? wouldnt that be done with the FX buttons/knobs at the top? confusion..

[DigitalDJTips]

@cram1nblaze The gains are both gains and filters, one with shift one without. You can switch which was around it works Or you're right, you could use filters on the FX units, but channel filters are all the rage at the moment...

[chillaeurope]

Thank you!

[DigitalDJTips]

@chillaeurope No problem :)

[transPlanko]

would have been nice to actually have used it in the review.

[DigitalDJTips]

@transPlanko We don't do that unless there's something particular to demonstrate, it's just a DJ controller, it plays tunes! :) Seriously though, there are loads of vids of people largin' it up on the S2 here on YouTube already, include NI's own.

[GabeDrums]

Does no external inputs mean I can't use a midi fighter with it?

[DigitalDJTips]

@GabeDrums No, it means you can't plug record decks/CDJs into it.

[Sandison3210]

Really informative, thanks a lot!

[DigitalDJTips]

@Sandison3210 It's a pleasure

[Findawginater]

you're so helpful man. I really appreciate what you're doing and really love all your reviews.

[DigitalDJTips]

@Findawginater Thanks for your support :)

[danvsacushing]

So useful!

[alesuamor]

can the traktor S2 or S4 play a sample and retrigger it at any moment?

for example, i have a Horn Sample and i want to retrigger it very quickly... ¿can i do this in a sample deck?

[DigitalDJTips]

@alesuamor Yes, you can.

[MathewBeastGranado]

Is the traktor s2 good for dubstep?

[DigitalDJTips]

@MathewBeastGranado Yes

[badfatherjames]

read your article on the site, thanks for the video :)

I have one question though : can you extend this unit with traktor x1 or are the required outputs missing ?

[DigitalDJTips]

@badfatherjames Yes you can, both units plug into your computer, not each other.

[OVL3RWOOD]

i have been doing a lot of research, been wanting to get into mixing for awhile, would hte s2 be a good way to get into it?

[DigitalDJTips]

@OVL3RWOOD Yes I'd say it would.

[marm1210]

good review mate:)



[DigitalDJTips]

@marm1210 Thanks

[bullychris]

Phil, BTW the MC-6000 has sample deck mapping in its new firmware, it works very well.

[DigitalDJTips]

@bullychris Excellent news!

[bullychris]

Phil, are they M-Audio Monitors?

MC-6000 or S2 or S4?

[DigitalDJTips]

@bullychris They're AV-40s, just my office computer speakers. For me? S2. I think for mobility, the S4 is a bit big and I wouldn't use the extra features.

[amadeusz55]

awesome review

[DJSknob]

damnn' cant wait for my s2 to arrive