I bought one with my last stimulus check, I did a lot of research and this seemed perfect for me. 3 or 4 months in and I love it. There's a couple of buggy issues with it, but the pros out weigh the cons. Plus I just needed to get away from Serato and it's lack of options. I love Traktor and how much you can change it up with it's extensive preferences.
What were your buggy issues? I currently have had the S4 MK2 for years, and still love it. Been trying to figure out if upgrading is necessary for me...
@@NueNueKiro nobody seems to talk about the extra USB port. Glad to know you can connect a flashdrive to it. Can it be used for anything else? I'm guessing you can add other controllers on it, like an F1? MK2 has VU meters and gain adjustment was well. But yeah, the foot switch and midi ports were nice extras.
@@NueNueKiro Does the master level meter work on your mk3? Mine lights up when I power up the controller so it's not broken but I'm not able to get it to show any levels when I'm playing. Figured that it must be some kind of firmware issue with my unit as I have an S5 and it works fine...I'm not a noob :D I noticed on this video that his master level meter isn't working either so it's not just me!
@@NueNueKiro You can see that his line meters are working but not his master. It doesn't light up at all, even when he's got three tracks playing at once. th-cam.com/video/anU0su_ErZY/w-d-xo.html
@@ride-time I have that problem, Master meter doesnt do anything, def strange as it's there for a reason. Notice some issues with glitching waveforms too when playing live and sometimes when using the loops when exiting from a loop for example it'll be weirdly notciable on the main speakers. The 3.5 update on the software was the start of my issues, wish I never did..
That ending jam was so damn impressive to me that it made me buy this amazing piece of gear. Before that I had been mixing with the left mouse click button on the free version Virtual DJ.
@@Deejaydanny los botones play y pause, me tocó recubrirlos de un adhesivo porque se marcaban con las uñas... Por lo demás todo bien ... Creo que ya es hora de darle un mantenimiento... aunque parezca no necesitarlo . Pero la verdad acá en Ecuador desconfío llevarlo...
Wish I was able to MIDI sync my Elektron Machinedrum or the Roland TR8S, I still have not been successful in syncing it, I always do the oldschool mode by matching it manually but it prevents you doing other stuff
Hi Alejandro. I have a question. I have tr8s and looking forward to buy s4 mk3, and sync it. There are lots of videos but none about sync s4 mk3 with tr8s. This is not possible? Or did find the solution?
Hey guys, but is it still worth buying the S4 Mk3 in 2023? I've been waiting for a new controller fom N.I. but so far nothing... mainwhile Pioneer, Dennon and the rest are innovating very fast. Your opinions? Thank you!
@@Noisegate ok thank you! So still good controller to start with to learn DJing and Traktor? I was thinking to stay with N.I. Ecosystem as I’m learning Maschine at the moment…
i have an old traktor s2 i got for free. just wondering if i can midi map the knobs etc with any software outside of djing apps. just curious ha. like a soft synth for example. dont need the wheels just the knobs and sliders.
Hi, nice video man....just one question...are the filter fx post crossfader? i use a mixer in internal mode with my dvs setup and my filter fx are not post-crossfader. thanks and keep up the good work :D :D :D
i have an s2 which is a great but i want to mess around with 2 more decks. do the lights shine brighter on the s4 on the pads? its hard to see them on the s2 when its sunny which is a bit of a pain. they just need to be brighter
You can still switch most knobs for custom ones, all of them if you 3D print them which I did. The lights can be turned off if you use Joe Eastons Screen Mod, which I highly recommend. They can't be turned off in the factory form though.
I found one for cheap. with the nice case , with the slide out computer tray. Real cheap. Does it work with Native Instruments current software? Would I need to find old software to run it?
Before anyone buys this, just so you know the microphone on Deck C or D are so low in volume. This is a well know problem in the S4 Mk3 community. Everything else this is a good controller just know you will have to turn the gains to the max to get any kind of proper volume from the mic.
2 questions: 1) coming from S4 Mk1, is this Mk3 much worse in regards to the mic? 2) how does Deck C/D input work compared to the dedicated mic input on the Mk1?
@@gbe386 thanks for the feedback. How about the input on the mk3? On the mk1, the mic has its own input and can be used separately from the 4 decks. Is that similar to the mk3? Everything I see seems to indicate you loose a deck when using a mic. Also, does it matter which deck (C or D) you input the mic into on the mk3? Does the cross fader have to be on the active mic deck for it to be used? Sorry for all the questions but I’m thinking about upgrading and I want to make sure it fits my needs. Thanks in advance
@@PJSnow23 It has 2 mic inputs. One routes into Deck C and that is only a 1/4" TRS input. The other one routes into Deck D and that is a combo XLR/TRS jack. So... yes, you lose a deck (or two)... but... you gain being able to route it to FX. The cross-fader need not come into play if you disable it.
@@PJSnow23 I started with and still have S2 MK1 then upgraded to S4 MK1 and MK2 And the S4 MK3 is the beast! Cons: Yes it takes away C and D if you use both microphones however I have had always used a Mackie ProFx12v3 and or Yamaha mg12xu mixer with my setups to simplify and it becomes handy as a backup in case laptop or controller crashes and also very handy for karaoke time at some of my events as I always run a set of 4 wireless micropone system
Does it make sense this buy in 2022? I can have it new for 850 euros... I basically need it for remix decks (I have a live band but we want to make an hybrid set, manage recorded drums and some synth, playing live the rest), but I don't wanna buy something like s5 because they don't product it anymore... I would wait for an s5 mk2, but I dunno if it's coming out shortly...
I was looking at this video with the same question on my mind. I've noticed that the MK2 was released in Sept 2013, while the MK3 in Sept 2018, so the new one should be released in Sept 2023. However thinking about how technology evolves, I would wait for the new one to come
I wanted to change to this dj controller because of better sound quality since the one I have (pioneer ddj sx) sounds horrid. So I hope this statement is false. Otherwise I will have to pass on it
It’s supposed to work as a stand alone mixer as well. So will it work as a standalone without the laptop being connected. For example you have a cdj plugged Into channel c playing off a memory stick. Your laptop and traktor crashes can you still continue with just the cdj?
@Steve 75 and @Tony Corless as per Native Instruments yes, The S4 can be used in the alternative standalone mixer mode without a computer. This means you can mix external audio such as turntables on the S4. I personally have not messed with it as I don't use turntables however I always Connect my controller to my Mixer for karaoke and or live band/group singers setup, and also in case laptop or controller crashes then my mixer and phone is my back up to get the party going.
For anyone still looking for the answer, the answer is yes. You can use the S4 as a complete standalone mixer meaning you can hookup 2 CDJ's and 2 turntables (or any 4 deck configuration you want). You can then switch all of the channels to line in and off you go - without the need for a laptop at all. I currently have mine setup WITH my macbook running Traktor with the S4 taking up deck/channel A and B then I have my 900's going through C and D. The benefit of using Traktor with the whole setup is that you get to use all of the built in effects within Traktor as opposed to the one effect that you get per channel when in standalone mode. That single effect is just a filter. I will say though, if Traktor crashes - I'm not entirely sure what'd happen to channel C and D as the loss of the USB connection might cause a hiccup for a second.
Remember attending the launch of s5 s8 and NI meet-ups telling them touch strips weren’t a great idea not like they would listen to me. I’m glad they went back to the jog wheels otherwise I reckon I would have changed controllers
Suuuuper late, but I had this issue until recently learning there's a separate volume control within Traktor separate from the knob, and after turning the software knob up the controller audio is much more manageable.
Sure does except it's called Key Lock. You can access it via the Traktor Software underneath the Tempo slider, or you can press and Hold Shift+SYNC button on the controller.
This is such a typical egomaniacal comment from cocky guys that spin. You can use this software and controller for some huge versatility past your two deck standard of blending the same two songs together. Step outside the box, mix 4 tracks with effects that blanket everything strategically and learn something new. I currently use an XDJ XZ and this system offers more on hand and it's $500. Mind you it weighs nothing. I also use Abelton, Logic, Rekordbox, Traktor and have an entire recording studio in my home where I can produce music with analog equipment setup, synths pedals, limiters etc. There is no limit to an artform except living in a box you create with a "standard" so that you fit in
@@JayMcCracken first off I dont spin as you call it I would never do that its simp I'm the guy who actually plays the instruments that make the music that you butcher with your all done for you machines think b 4 you speak I would never lower myself to the making like I'm creating something thing you call D J OR SPINNING THATS FUNNY. SPINNING FUKEN FUNNY
With the newest firmware of the S4 MK3 you shouldn't have any issue with its headphone volume. I use it with Sennheiser HD 25 and I don't have any problem with it. Most of the time I use it around or below 50% of the maximum volume and the loudness is more then enough, the sound quality crisp and clear.
It's great to get a teacher for Traktor that is so careful & accurate. Most DJs just jibe it & make it difficult to follow.😊
Excellent overview!! I bought mine late 2020 and I love it. The motorized jogs are great for mixing those old disco & funk tunes.
2020 purchase for me too, upgrading from the S4 Mk2. We may be late to the party, but I agree with this video. It's a cracking piece of kit.
do you know how to correct pitch. mine runing here and there please. ?
@@MsMasriya I don't. Does it happen when jogwheels are spinning? Or does it also happen in regular jogwheel mode?
Just ordered the S4 and a set of Rokit speakers for travel👌💫💥
Bro, that was GREAT! One of "the best" demos that I have EVER seen for Traktor and/or the S4! You KILLED IT at the end too! LOVE IT!!
Cheers
I bought one with my last stimulus check, I did a lot of research and this seemed perfect for me. 3 or 4 months in and I love it. There's a couple of buggy issues with it, but the pros out weigh the cons. Plus I just needed to get away from Serato and it's lack of options. I love Traktor and how much you can change it up with it's extensive preferences.
What were your buggy issues?
I currently have had the S4 MK2 for years, and still love it. Been trying to figure out if upgrading is necessary for me...
@@NueNueKiro nobody seems to talk about the extra USB port. Glad to know you can connect a flashdrive to it. Can it be used for anything else? I'm guessing you can add other controllers on it, like an F1?
MK2 has VU meters and gain adjustment was well.
But yeah, the foot switch and midi ports were nice extras.
@@NueNueKiro Does the master level meter work on your mk3? Mine lights up when I power up the controller so it's not broken but I'm not able to get it to show any levels when I'm playing. Figured that it must be some kind of firmware issue with my unit as I have an S5 and it works fine...I'm not a noob :D I noticed on this video that his master level meter isn't working either so it's not just me!
@@NueNueKiro You can see that his line meters are working but not his master. It doesn't light up at all, even when he's got three tracks playing at once. th-cam.com/video/anU0su_ErZY/w-d-xo.html
@@ride-time I have that problem, Master meter doesnt do anything, def strange as it's there for a reason. Notice some issues with glitching waveforms too when playing live and sometimes when using the loops when exiting from a loop for example it'll be weirdly notciable on the main speakers. The 3.5 update on the software was the start of my issues, wish I never did..
That ending jam was so damn impressive to me that it made me buy this amazing piece of gear.
Before that I had been mixing with the left mouse click button on the free version Virtual DJ.
Welcome to the good life my friend!
@@quotaish Thanks, man! Hahaha
Who doesn't 😅
Ah yes, Mouse and Keyboard Virtual DJ
I'm about to buy this exact controller :) this material its so helpful, thank you
I have this and still rate it.
Thanks for this resume. I just bought it, comi g from Pioneers, interested in creative DJing, so LET'S SEE!!! 🙂
The s4mk3 performance of this channel was very impressive to me thanks for that. And are you still using this s4mk3?
Still have original s4 mk1. In flight case. Still amazing piece of kit.
Been using Traktor Software since Final Scratch Days. NOTHING compared to it then, or now. Thanks for an impressive review!
Cheers
Dude! Thank you for the review!!!
Es una maquina brutal... facil y profesional--, tengo una ya tres años y sin novedad,
saludos desde Quito Ecuador.
Hola y no se te danan rápido el.motorizado ?
El motor funciona bien con el tiempo? Y los botones cue y play de plástico? Son duraderos?
@@allsoftware2008 saludos .. sin novedad mi máquina .. botones, pads, motores .. luces .. flamantes ..
@@Deejaydanny los botones play y pause, me tocó recubrirlos de un adhesivo porque se marcaban con las uñas... Por lo demás todo bien ... Creo que ya es hora de darle un mantenimiento... aunque parezca no necesitarlo . Pero la verdad acá en Ecuador desconfío llevarlo...
Wish I was able to MIDI sync my Elektron Machinedrum or the Roland TR8S, I still have not been successful in syncing it, I always do the oldschool mode by matching it manually but it prevents you doing other stuff
Hi Alejandro. I have a question. I have tr8s and looking forward to buy s4 mk3, and sync it. There are lots of videos but none about sync s4 mk3 with tr8s. This is not possible? Or did find the solution?
I use maschine to drop in clicks & things. I presume if I wanted to sync it I would have to run it through a track window as external
Great review....
Cheers
Don't think I'm gonna really need a new controller after buying the S4 unless this one breaks. It has everything you'd need
amazing features for the price. Top unit.
Hey guys, but is it still worth buying the S4 Mk3 in 2023? I've been waiting for a new controller fom N.I. but so far nothing... mainwhile Pioneer, Dennon and the rest are innovating very fast. Your opinions? Thank you!
We don't know if NI will be releasing anything new this year, but the S4 Mk3 we believe is still worth buying
@@Noisegate ok thank you! So still good controller to start with to learn DJing and Traktor? I was thinking to stay with N.I. Ecosystem as I’m learning Maschine at the moment…
@@Noisegate cheers man! Strugglying to choose my first controller. As there is so much hype on Pioneer, etc...
There are great products out there, so it will be a choice made on personal preference. Its an opinion industry, so go with what suits you best
i have an old traktor s2 i got for free. just wondering if i can midi map the knobs etc with any software outside of djing apps. just curious ha. like a soft synth for example. dont need the wheels just the knobs and sliders.
I wish it had MIDI support like the S2 and S3.
Hi, nice video man....just one question...are the filter fx post crossfader? i use a mixer in internal mode with my dvs setup and my filter fx are not post-crossfader. thanks and keep up the good work :D :D :D
I have one question! Can i play on this controller in external mode?
Hello , can you help ,how to turn off scrch mode on jogg when you mix to do not scrsch when you move the jogg, only speed up and slow the song ,thanks
I just got my one
i have an s2 which is a great but i want to mess around with 2 more decks. do the lights shine brighter on the s4 on the pads? its hard to see them on the s2 when its sunny which is a bit of a pain. they just need to be brighter
Yes they are.
i am getting the S3 it's cheaper and has more dynamic range
Can we still switch out the knobs for custom colours? Also can the jog lights be turned off?
You can still switch most knobs for custom ones, all of them if you 3D print them which I did. The lights can be turned off if you use Joe Eastons Screen Mod, which I highly recommend. They can't be turned off in the factory form though.
What about in 2024??? Also does it work with record box and Fl studio ? I’m super new to this
I don't know about that. But I heard that it works with Serato DJ Pro now !
@@nicholasharalambidis2884 wait you lying!!!!! Like legit the S4 MK1 I have the old school first generation.
Hey, what do you think about the Kontrol S5? Worth it right now?
I found one for cheap. with the nice case , with the slide out computer tray. Real cheap. Does it work with Native Instruments current software? Would I need to find old software to run it?
Maybe you get it run allready, but the actual software traktor pro 3 runs all the previous controllers well...
Hi man! Thank you for the video! Didn't understand why it has FX both on the top and in the middle... Isn't that a repetition? Thank you heaps!!!
the middle are basic effects - the ones at the top are programmable heavy duty ones, ie freeze delay
@@tebbisimoX ok cheers man!!!!
Is there any easy way to pitch-bend/transpose on this controller?
shift button and loop length knob
Before anyone buys this, just so you know the microphone on Deck C or D are so low in volume. This is a well know problem in the S4 Mk3 community. Everything else this is a good controller just know you will have to turn the gains to the max to get any kind of proper volume from the mic.
2 questions: 1) coming from S4 Mk1, is this Mk3 much worse in regards to the mic? 2) how does Deck C/D input work compared to the dedicated mic input on the Mk1?
@@PJSnow23 It's definitely better on mk3 than mk1... I have both. On the mk3, I put the gain up to around 75-80% and it sounds just fine & clear.
@@gbe386 thanks for the feedback. How about the input on the mk3? On the mk1, the mic has its own input and can be used separately from the 4 decks. Is that similar to the mk3? Everything I see seems to indicate you loose a deck when using a mic. Also, does it matter which deck (C or D) you input the mic into on the mk3? Does the cross fader have to be on the active mic deck for it to be used? Sorry for all the questions but I’m thinking about upgrading and I want to make sure it fits my needs. Thanks in advance
@@PJSnow23 It has 2 mic inputs. One routes into Deck C and that is only a 1/4" TRS input. The other one routes into Deck D and that is a combo XLR/TRS jack. So... yes, you lose a deck (or two)... but... you gain being able to route it to FX. The cross-fader need not come into play if you disable it.
@@PJSnow23 I started with and still have S2 MK1 then upgraded to S4 MK1 and MK2 And the S4 MK3 is the beast! Cons: Yes it takes away C and D if you use both microphones however I have had always used a Mackie ProFx12v3 and or Yamaha mg12xu mixer with my setups to simplify and it becomes handy as a backup in case laptop or controller crashes and also very handy for karaoke time at some of my events as I always run a set of 4 wireless micropone system
Play three songs at once. How do you do that? I have to switch D to do that
Does it still make sense in 2024? Any info on when is Mk4 comming?
haha im in the same situ, no info really available. But i would be so sad to see a mk4 right after finally pulling the trigger :/
I just got one for 500 couldn’t pass it up
Does it make sense this buy in 2022? I can have it new for 850 euros... I basically need it for remix decks (I have a live band but we want to make an hybrid set, manage recorded drums and some synth, playing live the rest), but I don't wanna buy something like s5 because they don't product it anymore... I would wait for an s5 mk2, but I dunno if it's coming out shortly...
I was looking at this video with the same question on my mind. I've noticed that the MK2 was released in Sept 2013, while the MK3 in Sept 2018, so the new one should be released in Sept 2023. However thinking about how technology evolves, I would wait for the new one to come
@@sbupuwo im wondering weather to trade my s8 for a s4 but dont want to do that and then the mk4 s4 released
tell me why the release date matters.... please. If it works it works, and it will still do what it does in 10 more years
You're right, It doesnt matter - but it serves as a good reminder that gear like this is still awesome at what it does.
I have heard that the S4 sounds shite compared to using CDJs when hooked up to a pioneer mixer in a club; any thoughts on that?
We are sure that everyone will have an opinion on this...
I wanted to change to this dj controller because of better sound quality since the one I have (pioneer ddj sx) sounds horrid. So I hope this statement is false.
Otherwise I will have to pass on it
It’s supposed to work as a stand alone mixer as well. So will it work as a standalone without the laptop being connected. For example you have a cdj plugged Into channel c playing off a memory stick. Your laptop and traktor crashes can you still continue with just the cdj?
@Steve 75 and @Tony Corless as per Native Instruments yes, The S4 can be used in the alternative standalone mixer mode without a computer. This means you can mix external audio such as turntables on the S4. I personally have not messed with it as I don't use turntables however I always Connect my controller to my Mixer for karaoke and or live band/group singers setup, and also in case laptop or controller crashes then my mixer and phone is my back up to get the party going.
For anyone still looking for the answer, the answer is yes. You can use the S4 as a complete standalone mixer meaning you can hookup 2 CDJ's and 2 turntables (or any 4 deck configuration you want). You can then switch all of the channels to line in and off you go - without the need for a laptop at all.
I currently have mine setup WITH my macbook running Traktor with the S4 taking up deck/channel A and B then I have my 900's going through C and D.
The benefit of using Traktor with the whole setup is that you get to use all of the built in effects within Traktor as opposed to the one effect that you get per channel when in standalone mode. That single effect is just a filter.
I will say though, if Traktor crashes - I'm not entirely sure what'd happen to channel C and D as the loss of the USB connection might cause a hiccup for a second.
Remember attending the launch of s5 s8 and NI meet-ups telling them touch strips weren’t a great idea not like they would listen to me. I’m glad they went back to the jog wheels otherwise I reckon I would have changed controllers
I think the Kontrol S8 is much better assembled and support more functionality then all other's
Idk they discontinued it lol
ive the s8 and concidering selling for the s4. not really sure why as i love the s8 but my mates miss the wheels
it would be the perfect controller but its missing the extemely basic in-out loop buttons
Honestly, the loop rotary knobs are a breath of fresh air compared to the in-out Pioneer approach. Once you've used it, you'll never want to go back.
Mine often refuses to back spin and does pitchbend instead. Real bummer. Otherwise its a good controller
I would like to buy it, but i heard that the headphones volume is too low. Has anyone experienced this problem?
Suuuuper late, but I had this issue until recently learning there's a separate volume control within Traktor separate from the knob, and after turning the software knob up the controller audio is much more manageable.
Hi man! Has the S4 got the master tempo lock button (like on Pioneer), to change BPM but keep the pitch of the track? Thank you!!!
Sure does except it's called Key Lock. You can access it via the Traktor Software underneath the Tempo slider, or you can press and Hold Shift+SYNC button on the controller.
@@Noisegate thank you man! So there is no butotn on the actual controller?
@@Le_Lys_Eclectique You can press Shift + Sync on the controller
@@InternetThe The SHIFT button under the "Deck select"?
Just bought a s4 mk2 and x1 bundle for $100. Worth buying or should I have passed?
You already know you scored. You can turn around and flip that for more than double if you wanted.
Now do the MK1 😭😭😭
Jogwheels too small :(
Oh this is for make believe d js
This is such a typical egomaniacal comment from cocky guys that spin. You can use this software and controller for some huge versatility past your two deck standard of blending the same two songs together. Step outside the box, mix 4 tracks with effects that blanket everything strategically and learn something new. I currently use an XDJ XZ and this system offers more on hand and it's $500. Mind you it weighs nothing. I also use Abelton, Logic, Rekordbox, Traktor and have an entire recording studio in my home where I can produce music with analog equipment setup, synths pedals, limiters etc. There is no limit to an artform except living in a box you create with a "standard" so that you fit in
@@JayMcCracken first off I dont spin as you call it I would never do that its simp
I'm the guy who actually plays the instruments that make the music that you butcher with your all done for you machines think b 4 you speak I would never lower myself to the making like I'm creating something thing you call D J OR SPINNING THATS FUNNY. SPINNING FUKEN FUNNY
@@ricot5391 lol whatever. Enjoy your little box of ego
@@ricot5391 you got issues dude lol
Go back to playing your drums and watching videos of stuff you will never use. I always enjoy a good DJ versus live music unless it is a top artist.
What about the crap headphone cue volume? This is a controller you CANT take to a club
headphone out on mine is loud af even on half
With the newest firmware of the S4 MK3 you shouldn't have any issue with its headphone volume. I use it with Sennheiser HD 25 and I don't have any problem with it. Most of the time I use it around or below 50% of the maximum volume and the loudness is more then enough, the sound quality crisp and clear.
So get the Mk3 S4?