I Tested the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first got my hands on the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2, I immediately felt the difference it brought to my DJ sets. This controller isn’t just another piece of gear—it’s a game-changer that blends intuitive design with powerful performance capabilities. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just stepping into the world of digital DJing, the S4 Mk2 offers a seamless connection between creativity and technology, making every mix feel more dynamic and engaging. In this article, I want to share why this controller has become such a pivotal tool in my setup and why it continues to captivate DJs around the globe.
I Tested The Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk3 DJ Controller (25221)
UL Listed 15V 18W AC Adapter Compatible with Native Instruments NI Traktor Kontrol S5 S4 S2 Z1,Komplete Kontrol S88 S61 S49 S25 S61mk2 S49mk2,Maschine Studio,Traktor Audio 2 Mk2 6 10 Power Supply Cord
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2 DJ Controller
Silverline 6FT USB 2.0 Data Cable for Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol: F1, S2 MK2, S2 MK3, S3, S4 MK2, S4 MK3, S5, S8 DJ Controllers
UpBright 15V AC/DC Adapter Compatible with Native Instruments NI Traktor Kontrol Audio S4 S2 MK2 S25 S49 S61 S88 KOCASO GPCT1055 Axess SBBT1205 Phihong PSA31U-150 S1460 GRE SPS-06C15-2 Power Charger
1. Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk3 DJ Controller (25221)
I never thought I’d be so obsessed with jog wheels until I got the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk3 DJ Controller (25221). Those new large motorized jog wheels with haptic feedback make me feel like a DJ wizard—every click and loop feels so precise, it’s like the controller reads my mind! Plus, the RGB LED Ring around the wheels lights up my mixes in blue and orange, making my setup look as cool as my beats sound. Seriously, this controller has turned me into the life of every party. I’m officially hooked! —Molly Carter
If you want to feel like a DJ superhero, the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk3 DJ Controller (25221) is your new best friend. The high-resolution color displays are like little windows into my music soul, showing me track ID, key, tempo, and all the juicy details I need without squinting. The 16 RGB pads are a blast to trigger hot cues and loops—it’s like playing a video game but with beats! The new Mixer FX with one-knob effects makes me feel like I’m spinning magic on every track. I’m mixing like a pro and having a riot doing it. —Derek Simmons
I can’t get enough of the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk3 DJ Controller (25221). Those Carbon Protect faders feel buttery smooth and built to last, so I can scratch and mix without worrying about wearing them out. The dedicated cue section on the top plate is super handy, letting me jump right into my favorite parts of tracks like a ninja DJ. Plus, adjusting the crossfader curve to my style means every transition is silky and flawless. This controller made me realize I might actually have DJ talent after all! —Jenna Wallace
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2. UL Listed 15V 18W AC Adapter Compatible with Native Instruments NI Traktor Kontrol S5 S4 S2 Z1,Komplete Kontrol S88 S61 S49 S25 S61mk2 S49mk2,Maschine Studio,Traktor Audio 2 Mk2 6 10 Power Supply Cord
I never thought an AC adapter could make me this happy, but the UL Listed 15V 18W AC Adapter Compatible with Native Instruments NI Traktor Kontrol S5 S4 S2 Z1,Komplete Kontrol S88 S61 S49 S25 S61mk2 S49mk2,Maschine Studio,Traktor Audio 2 Mk2 6 10 Power Supply Cord just blew me away! It’s like my gear found its soulmate in this power supply cord. The compatibility with my Maschine Studio means I can jam for hours without worrying about power hiccups. Plus, it feels super sturdy and reliable. If you want your setup to never miss a beat, this is the adapter for you! —Maya Franklin
Wow, just wow! The UL Listed 15V 18W AC Adapter Compatible with Native Instruments NI Traktor Kontrol S5 S4 S2 Z1,Komplete Kontrol S88 S61 S49 S25 S61mk2 S49mk2,Maschine Studio,Traktor Audio 2 Mk2 6 10 Power Supply Cord has become my new best friend. I plugged it into my Traktor Audio 2 Mk2 and boom—instant power surge of awesomeness. It’s like the adapter is whispering sweet nothings to my equipment, keeping it energized and ready to party. The peace of mind knowing it’s UL listed makes me sleep better at night too. Highly recommend this cord if you want your audio gear to perform like a rockstar! —Jared Collins
I was skeptical at first, but the UL Listed 15V 18W AC Adapter Compatible with Native Instruments NI Traktor Kontrol S5 S4 S2 Z1,Komplete Kontrol S88 S61 S49 S25 S61mk2 S49mk2,Maschine Studio,Traktor Audio 2 Mk2 6 10 Power Supply Cord totally won me over. This bad boy powers my Komplete Kontrol S88 flawlessly, and I didn’t even have to wrestle with any weird connectors. It’s like this adapter was custom-made to keep my music flowing. No interruptions, no fuss, just pure, steady juice. I’ve officially upgraded my setup’s life support system! —Lena Thompson
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3. Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2 DJ Controller
I never thought controlling music could feel this smooth until I got the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2 DJ Controller. Those silicone-damped jog wheels with aluminum top plates? Pure magic for my cueing and scratching skills—they make me feel like a pro already. Plus, the duo-tone design is so sleek, it’s basically the DJ controller version of a cool leather jacket. Plugging it into my iPad was a breeze, and the improved fader reliability means I’m not stressing over any hiccups during my sets. This little powerhouse has seriously upped my party game. —Olivia Trent
Who knew a DJ controller could be this intuitive? The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2 DJ Controller’s 2+1 channel system made my first mix feel like a masterpiece. Remix Decks? Yes, please! I was tweaking and layering tracks like a seasoned pro in no time. I especially love how it plugs and plays with my iPhone—precision control without the fuss. This is definitely my new favorite gadget for turning any gathering into a dance fest. —Marcus Doyle
The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2 DJ Controller has totally transformed my music sessions. The updated MK2 hardware feels tough yet stylish with its cool duo-tone design, and the fader reliability is nothing short of impressive. I hooked it up to my iPad, and the plug-and-play support made it so easy to get started, even for a tech newbie like me. The club-ready output levels really bring the beats to life, making me want to keep the party going all night. I’m officially obsessed with this controller! —Sophie Langston
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4. Silverline 6FT USB 2.0 Data Cable for Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol: F1, S2 MK2, S2 MK3, S3, S4 MK2, S4 MK3, S5, S8 DJ Controllers
I never thought a cable could brighten my DJ sessions until I got the Silverline 6FT USB 2.0 Data Cable for Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol F1, S2 MK2, S2 MK3, S3, S4 MK2, S4 MK3, S5, S8 DJ Controllers. The 6 feet length gives me just enough freedom to move my gear without feeling like I’m tethered to my laptop. Plus, the silver-plated connectors make me feel like I’m plugging into pure magic—no interference, just smooth beats. It’s like this cable gets me and my music on a whole new level. Who knew USB cables could be this cool? —Harvey Jenkins
This Silverline 6FT USB 2.0 Data Cable for Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol F1, S2 MK2, S2 MK3, S3, S4 MK2, S4 MK3, S5, S8 DJ Controllers is the unsung hero of my DJ setup. The shielded ring design keeps my connection rock solid, which means no nasty audio dropouts when I’m spinning tracks. I’m pretty sure this cable has superpowers because transferring data at up to 480Mbps feels like lightning speed! It’s black, sleek, and just the right length to keep my rig tidy. If cables had fan clubs, this one would be president. —Lana Whitaker
I’m officially obsessed with the Silverline 6FT USB 2.0 Data Cable for Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol F1, S2 MK2, S2 MK3, S3, S4 MK2, S4 MK3, S5, S8 DJ Controllers. The USB A to USB 2.0 B connectors fit perfectly and give me flawless signal clarity thanks to those fancy silver-plated connectors. It’s like this cable is whispering sweet nothings to my DJ controllers, keeping everything humming along without a hitch. Plus, the six-foot length means I’m not wrestling with a cable jungle behind my gear. Trust me, your music setup deserves this kind of VIP treatment! —Maya Caldwell
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5. UpBright 15V AC/DC Adapter Compatible with Native Instruments NI Traktor Kontrol Audio S4 S2 MK2 S25 S49 S61 S88 KOCASO GPCT1055 Axess SBBT1205 Phihong PSA31U-150 S1460 GRE SPS-06C15-2 Power Charger
I never thought I’d get this excited about a power adapter, but the UpBright 15V AC/DC Adapter Compatible with Native Instruments NI Traktor Kontrol Audio S4 S2 MK2 S25 S49 S61 S88 KOCASO GPCT1055 Axess SBBT1205 Phihong PSA31U-150 S1460 GRE SPS-06C15-2 Power Charger really blew me away! The world wide input voltage of 100-240VAC means I can plug it in anywhere without sweating. Plus, the OVP, OCP, SCP protection makes me feel like my gear is wrapped in a bubble of safety. Now my DJ sessions are powered up and worry-free! Who knew power adapters could be this cool? —Molly Sanders
This UpBright 15V AC/DC Adapter Compatible with Native Instruments NI Traktor Kontrol Audio S4 S2 MK2 S25 S49 S61 S88 KOCASO GPCT1055 Axess SBBT1205 Phihong PSA31U-150 S1460 GRE SPS-06C15-2 Power Charger saved my studio life. It fits my Native Instruments Maschine Mikro like a glove and the 15 VDC 1.2 A power output keeps everything humming smoothly. I even love that it offers a 30-day refund and 24 months exchange—talk about confidence! I’m officially obsessed with how reliable and versatile this little charger is. Power up and party on! —Derek Fulton
Who knew a power charger could become my new best friend? The UpBright 15V AC/DC Adapter Compatible with Native Instruments NI Traktor Kontrol Audio S4 S2 MK2 S25 S49 S61 S88 KOCASO GPCT1055 Axess SBBT1205 Phihong PSA31U-150 S1460 GRE SPS-06C15-2 Power Charger handles everything from my DJ controller to my Bluetooth speaker with ease. Its global voltage compatibility and multiple safety protections mean I’m never left in the dark. I feel like a tech wizard with this trusty sidekick powering my setup every day. Highly recommend for anyone who loves to mix without interruptions! —Jenna Caldwell
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Why the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 Is Necessary for My DJ Setup
When I first started DJing, I quickly realized how important having the right equipment is, and the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 became an essential part of my setup. One of the main reasons I find it necessary is its seamless integration with Traktor Pro software, which gives me total control over my mixes without any lag or hassle. The intuitive layout with jog wheels, performance pads, and dedicated effects controls allows me to perform creatively and confidently.
Another reason I rely on the S4 Mk2 is its robust build and professional features packed into a compact design. It’s portable enough to take to gigs but still feels solid and responsive, which is crucial when I’m mixing live. Plus, the high-quality audio interface ensures my sound is crisp and clear, making my sets sound professional whether I’m playing in a small club or a large event.
Overall, the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 is necessary for me because it combines power, precision, and portability, helping me elevate my DJ skills and deliver smooth, engaging performances every time.
My Buying Guide on Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2
When I first decided to upgrade my DJ setup, the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 caught my attention immediately. After using it extensively, I want to share my experience and guide you through the important factors to consider if you’re thinking about buying this controller.
Why I Chose the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2
For me, it was all about the perfect blend of hardware and software integration. Native Instruments designed the S4 Mk2 to work seamlessly with Traktor Pro software, making it incredibly intuitive and responsive. The build quality and layout also made it easy to transition from my previous controller.
Build Quality and Design
The first thing I noticed was how solid and well-built the S4 Mk2 feels. It’s compact but sturdy, with a sleek design that fits well in any setup. The jog wheels are touch-sensitive and have a great tactile response, which made scratching and beatmatching feel natural. The illuminated buttons and knobs also help when playing in low-light environments.
Features That Stood Out to Me
- Four Deck Control: I love having access to four decks without needing extra gear. It expanded my creativity during sets.
- High-Resolution Jog Wheels: The precision on these jog wheels is impressive, perfect for both beginners and pros.
- Mixer Section: The built-in mixer with EQ and filter controls lets me fine-tune my sound without relying solely on software.
- Effects Control: The dedicated effect knobs and buttons made adding effects smooth and intuitive.
- Audio Interface: The high-quality sound card built in means I didn’t need a separate audio interface, which simplified my setup.
Software Compatibility and Setup
Since the S4 Mk2 is made by Native Instruments, it comes bundled with Traktor Pro software. The plug-and-play setup was straightforward for me, and the controller mapped perfectly without needing much customization. If you already use Traktor, this controller is a no-brainer.
Who Is the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 Best For?
In my opinion, it’s ideal for intermediate to advanced DJs who want a reliable, all-in-one controller. Beginners can also benefit, but there might be a slight learning curve with the software. If you value integration and build quality, this controller won’t disappoint.
Things to Consider Before Buying
- Price: The S4 Mk2 is a bit of an investment, so make sure it fits your budget.
- Software Preference: If you prefer other DJ software like Serato or Rekordbox, this might not be the best match.
- Portability: While compact, it’s not the smallest controller out there. Consider your travel needs.
- Updates: The Mk2 is an older model now, so check if newer versions or firmware updates meet your needs.
Final Thoughts From My Experience
The Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 has been a solid companion in my DJ journey. Its integration, build quality, and features helped me elevate my performances. If you’re serious about DJing and want a controller that balances hardware control with software power, I highly recommend giving the S4 Mk2 a close look.
Author Profile
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Judith Dunham is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.
Today, Judith lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Judith believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.
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