I'm considering the S3 for Mixxx as soon as it gets compatible (the S2 MK3 already is but S4 MK3 may never be...) as it's a nice compact 4 channel controller.
My add is that if you are a scratch DJ S2 and S3 will be a bit of a struggle because the jog wheel tension is stiff. S4 has a tension control where you can adjust the jog wheels to your liking. Another problem I've encountered is that after 2- 3 weeks the crossfader will experience bleeding over. Meaning that if the crossfader is all the right you can still hear audio from the left when the crossfader curve is set to sharp. The same situation is experienced when you position the crossfader to the right, you will hear the left channel with the crossfader set to sharp. Customer support does not have a fix for this issue.
I am using S3 Its perfect I don't think it's necessary to pay that much for S4. I would never pay that money to s4 just because I'm going to use a few more effects.
Well native Instruments really downgraded the s2. The s2 mk2 comes with the effect control section they removed it on the s2 mk3. They just want u to spend more on the z1 fr controller
You are right. I have an S2 MK2 which I bought second hand. I am not a professional, I just do private parties, but now that I checked out the S3 review I would stick with my S2 MK2 even though it is old and a bit used. Besides the effect control (which I honestly don't use much as an amateur, but it's still nice to have), you also loose the 6.35mm (1/4″) jack main output (which lets you plug in directly in a PA without the need of a mixer) as well as the 6.35mm (1/4″) jack headphone output which delivers better sound quality. All unnecessary downgrades.
Kind of fucked that the individual knobs for the fx are only on the S4 when they used to be on the original S2. Native Instruments will do anything to skimp out and still make you pay extra for it.
@@djkit That's no excuse, even when I was a beginner DJ it took me all of two minutes to figure out what those particular knobs and buttons did. If they wanted to strip it down for beginner DJs, they should have lowered the price. Native Instruments are criminals, always have been.
The only thing I don't understand about these devices is why they don't put an electric power cord even if the device is small, I wish they would put it in all of them.
@@djkit HUGE help. I lamented the loss of proper input / outputs on the new s2 mk3 as the XLR outs have saved me countless times playing out over the years. coming from vinyl the s4 has always seemed like overkill. s3 seems to be perfect blend for me, especially since it's ready for Big Sur as well. Thanks again for your knowledgeable demo. liked and subbed!
Thanx for thr review. What can you say about the build quality of the S3? Is it more cheap-built like S2Mk3, or more well-built like S4Mk3 and/or mk2 generation? Or something in between?
This is exactly the comparison I was looking for. Thanks!
You're very welcome!
The S3 can be powered by either usb or the ac power cord. (you mentioned that it was only ac-powered, like the S4)
I'm considering the S3 for Mixxx as soon as it gets compatible (the S2 MK3 already is but S4 MK3 may never be...) as it's a nice compact 4 channel controller.
My add is that if you are a scratch DJ S2 and S3 will be a bit of a struggle because the jog wheel tension is stiff. S4 has a tension control where you can adjust the jog wheels to your liking. Another problem I've encountered is that after 2- 3 weeks the crossfader will experience bleeding over. Meaning that if the crossfader is all the right you can still hear audio from the left when the crossfader curve is set to sharp. The same situation is experienced when you position the crossfader to the right, you will hear the left channel with the crossfader set to sharp. Customer support does not have a fix for this issue.
has s3 different sound quality from s4??
I don't see the need of an S3. It's either S2 or S4.
The S4 is 800$ compared to 400$ on the S3. You‘re basically paying 400 extra bucks for effect knobs and small displays i guess?
@@SacredCourt all true but also the haptic drive in the wheels. You won't get that on the S3 if you're looking for that turntable feel.
@@SacredCourt also huge difference being able to use the S4 as a mixer with line/phono inputs.
I need the S3 and I shall have it
I am using S3 Its perfect I don't think it's necessary to pay that much for S4.
I would never pay that money to s4 just because I'm going to use a few more effects.
the build quality is not the same at all.
Well native Instruments really downgraded the s2. The s2 mk2 comes with the effect control section they removed it on the s2 mk3. They just want u to spend more on the z1 fr controller
You are right. I have an S2 MK2 which I bought second hand. I am not a professional, I just do private parties, but now that I checked out the S3 review I would stick with my S2 MK2 even though it is old and a bit used. Besides the effect control (which I honestly don't use much as an amateur, but it's still nice to have), you also loose the 6.35mm (1/4″) jack main output (which lets you plug in directly in a PA without the need of a mixer) as well as the 6.35mm (1/4″) jack headphone output which delivers better sound quality. All unnecessary downgrades.
Do you think they will reduce the price of the s4 like they just have the s3 ?
I want that S4 for the Haptic Drives. I almost bought the S3 thinking that feature was in it when I seen that sale. 🤦🏾♂️
What does letters MK stay for it?
@@LebenWerden mk usually stands for "mark". As in MK1, MK2, MK3. To define the version number. So MK3 is the third incarnation of the product.
Amazing review
Thank you!
S2 and S3 are perfect size and weight for me
Kind of fucked that the individual knobs for the fx are only on the S4 when they used to be on the original S2. Native Instruments will do anything to skimp out and still make you pay extra for it.
Fair point, but maybe they just wanted to strip down the S2 mk3 to make it less complicated for beginner DJs?
@@djkit That's no excuse, even when I was a beginner DJ it took me all of two minutes to figure out what those particular knobs and buttons did. If they wanted to strip it down for beginner DJs, they should have lowered the price. Native Instruments are criminals, always have been.
Black friday Deals?
The only thing I don't understand about these devices is why they don't put an electric power cord even if the device is small, I wish they would put it in all of them.
S3 for me, cheers matey.
Nice! Do you use it with an ipad or laptop?
mainly bought the S3 for the iPad compatibility. If the S4 supported IOS i would of gone for that.
it shoudl be mentioned that the S2 and S3 are way way waaaaaaaay more cheaper made in built quality in every aspect then the S4 MK3.
Very cool comparison. Thank you so much for your time.
I’m a rekordbox dj. Is traktor still worth learning?
It all depends if you're happy with rekordbox I suppose!
djkit.com I’m happy with rekordbox but I can appreciate traktor’s following so it intrigues me a bit
can the S4 Mk3 run without power cable, just using usb?
I actually sold my S4 mk1 and bought a S2 mk3. So much more portable and as a house DJ does everything I need and more.
I hear ya. I've still got my S2 mk1. Still a totally fine controller for pretty much everything.
How does it compares to sou de quality?
Has the S3 GOT a good sound card s2 has very poor output..thanks
If you press number 3 you get the sample of Slam - Functional
i see that s3 and s4 doesnt have quantize button why?
amazing rundown as I look for an upgrade to my old s2 mk1. sold me on a s3. thank ya!
Glad I could help! Great choice!
@@djkit HUGE help. I lamented the loss of proper input / outputs on the new s2 mk3 as the XLR outs have saved me countless times playing out over the years. coming from vinyl the s4 has always seemed like overkill. s3 seems to be perfect blend for me, especially since it's ready for Big Sur as well. Thanks again for your knowledgeable demo. liked and subbed!
@@redboy. Thanks again!
Hi, does the s2 mk3 still comes bundled with traktor pro 3 software license in 2023? Thank you.
Hi, Yes.
You can cook your dinner on them 😂
Simple et efficace 🫡
can u tell me if s3 has a click or touch touchpad buttons? thnx
Is it really not possible to add a turntable on Deck 4? Even if it's Turntable with Line?
I think he's wrong - I don't have these but I'm almost certain you will be able to use a turntable if it has an inbuilt phono preamp
thx man!
Brilliant vid! Answered all my questions in one vid 😃
Glad I could help! What id you go for?
Then the S4 sound the same as the S3 or a little better?
S3 and S4 faders and equalizers touch are better than S2?
Thanx for thr review. What can you say about the build quality of the S3? Is it more cheap-built like S2Mk3, or more well-built like S4Mk3 and/or mk2 generation? Or something in between?
It's more like the S2.
If you buy the traktor s3, free traktor pro software included or seperate?
It comes with an activation code to unlock the software!
@@djkit niceee thxx
@@edwardleeson7999 Just been reduced by $200 / £140 too :)