Traktor Kontrol S4 hardware interface set to make the scene this winter
By Joseph L. Flatley 
posted August 16th 2010 1:29PM
posted August 16th 2010 1:29PM
Native Instruments today announced its new (and first) integrated hardware / software DJ system with a YouTube video wherein DMC World Champ DJ Shiftee rocked out to the Tetris theme and samples from Mike Tyson's Punch Out! (We guess someone knows their target demographic.) Traktor Kontrol S4 promises to take "functionality and control" to the next level with a new version of Traktor Pro that supports the hardware interface's many features, including: looping, cueing, effects, and track browsing controls, two sample decks, touch-sensitive jog wheels, a mixer, and more. Also included is a low-latency 24bit / 96kHz sound card. Available sometime this winter for an MSRP will be $999 (€899). See it in action after the break.
Native Instruments Announces TRAKTOR KONTROL S4
Integrated DJ system combines advanced hardware with powerful new TRAKTOR software to provide a new level of functionality and control
Berlin, August 16th, 2010 – Native Instruments today announced TRAKTOR KONTROL S4, an integrated DJ system with state-of-the-art performance capabilities and intuitive tactile control. Based on ten years of digital DJing expertise, TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 combines a special version of the TRAKTOR PRO software with an advanced hardware controller, both developed in unison to give DJs of all genres unparalleled creative possibilities with supreme work flow and ease-of-use.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 represents a new level of software and hardware integration that makes DJing more versatile, more intuitive and more fun. The full-featured controller combines a four-channel mixer section with ergonomically laid-out high-quality control elements and an integrated audio interface, all designed to professional specifications. All relevant functions including looping, cueing, effects control and track browsing are immediately accessible on the robust and portable hardware, while dynamic multi-color backlighting, LED status displays and comprehensive level metering allow DJs to focus on their performance rather than on the computer screen.
The included TRAKTOR PRO S4 software offers the full feature set of TRAKTOR PRO, further expanded through powerful new performance functions and an optimized user interface that offers superior usability under all conditions. Two flexible Sample Decks can add up to eight simultaneous one-shot samples or beat-synced loops to the mix, opening up creative remixing and mash-up possibilities that go far beyond conventional DJing techniques. The unique Loop Recorder also allows DJs to capture and overdub audio loops from the live mix, cue signal or an external input on the fly, and drop them back into the mix at any time.
The dual touch-sensitive jog wheels on the KONTROL S4 hardware offer extremely precise and responsive deck control due to a new patent-pending electromagnetic technology, complemented through Native Instruments' high-resolution NHL protocol that provides superior performance over conventional MIDI. The integrated low-latency 24bit/96kHz audio interface is based on the acclaimed AUDIO 4 DJ, and provides professional signal quality to match the most high-profile club systems. External time-code control via turntables and CD decks will be enabled through a future software upgrade. To accommodate touring DJs, a professional flightcase that doubles as an adjustable performance stand will also be available as an accessory for TRAKTOR KONTROL S4.
Pricing and availability
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 will be available this winter for a suggested retail price of $999 / 899 EUR. The TRAKTOR KONTROL Case will be available at the same time for $189 / 169 EUR.
Further product information and press material
Additional information on TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 is available at
www.native-instruments.com/traktor-kontrol-s4
A digital press kit including picture material is available at
www.native-instruments.com/press.info
Integrated DJ system combines advanced hardware with powerful new TRAKTOR software to provide a new level of functionality and control
Berlin, August 16th, 2010 – Native Instruments today announced TRAKTOR KONTROL S4, an integrated DJ system with state-of-the-art performance capabilities and intuitive tactile control. Based on ten years of digital DJing expertise, TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 combines a special version of the TRAKTOR PRO software with an advanced hardware controller, both developed in unison to give DJs of all genres unparalleled creative possibilities with supreme work flow and ease-of-use.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 represents a new level of software and hardware integration that makes DJing more versatile, more intuitive and more fun. The full-featured controller combines a four-channel mixer section with ergonomically laid-out high-quality control elements and an integrated audio interface, all designed to professional specifications. All relevant functions including looping, cueing, effects control and track browsing are immediately accessible on the robust and portable hardware, while dynamic multi-color backlighting, LED status displays and comprehensive level metering allow DJs to focus on their performance rather than on the computer screen.
The included TRAKTOR PRO S4 software offers the full feature set of TRAKTOR PRO, further expanded through powerful new performance functions and an optimized user interface that offers superior usability under all conditions. Two flexible Sample Decks can add up to eight simultaneous one-shot samples or beat-synced loops to the mix, opening up creative remixing and mash-up possibilities that go far beyond conventional DJing techniques. The unique Loop Recorder also allows DJs to capture and overdub audio loops from the live mix, cue signal or an external input on the fly, and drop them back into the mix at any time.
The dual touch-sensitive jog wheels on the KONTROL S4 hardware offer extremely precise and responsive deck control due to a new patent-pending electromagnetic technology, complemented through Native Instruments' high-resolution NHL protocol that provides superior performance over conventional MIDI. The integrated low-latency 24bit/96kHz audio interface is based on the acclaimed AUDIO 4 DJ, and provides professional signal quality to match the most high-profile club systems. External time-code control via turntables and CD decks will be enabled through a future software upgrade. To accommodate touring DJs, a professional flightcase that doubles as an adjustable performance stand will also be available as an accessory for TRAKTOR KONTROL S4.
Pricing and availability
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 will be available this winter for a suggested retail price of $999 / 899 EUR. The TRAKTOR KONTROL Case will be available at the same time for $189 / 169 EUR.
Further product information and press material
Additional information on TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 is available at
www.native-instruments.com/traktor-kontrol-s4
A digital press kit including picture material is available at
www.native-instruments.com/press.info
It's got LOADS of potential. Loads.
But.. the platters man, doesn't ANYONE notice that the reason CDJ's and 12" vinyl tables live on is the (in some cases moving) LARGE platters?
Cool setup though, and it's difficult to get 2 CDJ's or Tech 12k's and Tracktor/Serato for under a grand. Kudos.
@Level 5 If you see "knobs" on their DJ control system, they blew it.
@crawcraw I want a MBP
@Level 5
Uh... are you serious? Even the oldest of old school DJ setups have EQ knobs. My Technics 1200SLMK2's have an on/off knob. CDJ's all have brake and cue knobs. Not sure what you're on about man.
@Level 5
Yes, indeed loads of potential. I have the DJ TechTools designed Vestax VCI-100SE right now and it's great, but MIDI has a lot of issues and even though the build quality is great, it's not as fancy as a Pioneer mixer.
This seems to change with the S4, which has lots of LED feedback, a sampler, 4 channel mixer and more. I am getting this as soon as I can afford.
@Lundmark You know if they ever figured out how to patch the original vestax? I unfortunately bought the very first model, and it's got so many problems it's unusable. I heard new firmwares fix it, but i had to buy a bunch of shit to flash it.
@Level 5
I would much rather have sliders than knobs.
@epoplive
You can order the FW upgrade kit from DJ TechTools. It's 20 bucks, but very worth it. That will get rid of the nasty FX button bug (the 4th FX button is mapped the same as the right preview button, as I'm sure you're aware).
Installation is pretty simple. You need to take apart the entire thing and you need a pesky Windows program and a serial port to install, but it shouldn't take you more than 10 minutes. Go ahead and buy the Traktor Pro overlay and download the DjTT mappings as well. It made the VCI much more usable.
Wow, amazing! The palte could be a bit bigger, but i guess we could get usued to that.. Everything elses is just dream stuff!
one word, m getting it!
Am I the only one here that can't stand anything but SSL (when I'm working on an expensive set) or Virtual DJ (when I'm on the cheap)?
@kenny goo
I can't either. But see we're not everyone. And I think this is a very good (and portable) solution for beginner DJ's. It's not for those of us like you and I who are frankly, snobby about the whole thing. (No diss, I hate anything but CDJ's and SSL on Teck 12k's)
@Level 5
I sorta wish your comment of "a good solution for beginners" was more explained in the article itself. It's nice that they post a "here's a new device" article, but a bit of insight into what people in the business actually think of it would be good.
That crawcraw post might have just been a joke about analog controllers?
@Level 5
I just wish they'd pack something like the Numark Mixtrack (a MIDI controller that's got basically everything a starting DJ would need) with Virtual DJ/Numark Cue for like $200. Virtual DJ is perfect for starting DJings. This Traktor shit is terrible, especially for people who can't beatmatch by ear well, which is exactly what a lot of starting DJs are.
How the hell is this ALT?!
It's more tech and current news than half the blurb on the main site.
Sort it out.
OK i know im a bit Late on the trending topic But i think its a cool device the platters look even smaller than my M-audio Xponent.
@kenny &Level 5 , i hate SSL .... lmao just not my taste. ive been using traktor since inception.... dont like virtual either...but id rather cdjs or tech 12's . but i dont want to carry any weight onme to gigs. i also think its taken Native instruments way to long to make a viable peice of hardware. unfortunatly I believe that the Cdj erra has about 10 more years left, then its all gonna be media controlled.
oh yea the price on this Sucks.... way to much for so little. if the platters were bigger then I might understand. or if they were motorized I wouldnt cry. but neither NO
if street price is about 799 i may consider this.
Cut Chemist did a good show from an Apple store at one time.
I'm no expert at all, but this has a lot of potential..
I would like to have one, and I will enjoy it very much..
BTW I hate CDj.. And love my vinyls :)
Anyway the loop/effect section on this is like a dream for me...
Do you think there's a reason why every name on electronic music is using traktor?
Again, never seen anyone using serato or virtualDj in a club, really...
(In Europe at least)
Cheers