I would actually argue against Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 being beginner-only. Native Instruments did a pretty clever job here, keeping core functionality in and even adding remix decks support, all for the sake of adding more mobility at a better price point. If you're into spinning at bars, lounges and private parties like me, this is actually a very well thought-out product. Sure, I would have liked support for NI's awesome full fx set but in the end, they're really not a game stopper that will significantly degrade your live performance. And if you happen to have a Traktor Kontrol X1 laying around like me to control the fx banks, this is actually a non-issue. As for Traktor DJ 2: @6:33, you can actually load at Traktor Pro 3 nml file from the top menu and have your old collection instantly show up in Traktor DJ 2. More importantly, NI basically designated Traktor DJ 2 to be their main future, so expect a lot to be added to this software over time.
Clean look, but it’s lacking some settings features from the previous app. It loads a track while playing, no gains on channels, no quantize size etc. Good simple app, but needs more to be workable
This is a really useful review. I loved the original Traktor DJ for iPad but never got around to buying an S2 MK2 and then decided not to when the S2 MK3 because I wanted to see what Traktor DJ 2 would be like. Well, now that I've seen it I'm actually glad I didn't buy it It seems to be downgrade compared to the original Traktor DJ 1.x version. I think I'll need to take a look at some alternatives such as DJ Player or even the new WeDJ with DDJ-200. I want quantized CUE so DJay won't do it for me. Any recommendations?
I don’t think this is aimed at beginners solely, native instruments know that the new coding for traktor dj2 so it runs multi platform is future proofing. How many people need or use millions of controls and features to play a good set? We all seem obsessed on grading equipment or being snobby about it, the right music choices matter more than millions of controls.
It feels to me like at the moment it MUST be aimed at beginners, because it’s just too simple to be designed with pros in mind. I agree that you don’t need all the toys in the world to play a good set, but TDJ2 is minimal to an extreme right now. You can’t even turn off quantise... That’s not to say it couldn’t develop into a pro app later.
I started mixing in the mid to late 90s, until about the time things like serato and such became increasingly popular, at which point life took over. Now I've just refurbed my 1200s, broke out my A&H Xone:02, and bought a traktor scratch a6 bundle or whatever it's called. I'm happy enough using the timecode vinyl (despite the annoyingly loud whine coming through the stylus pickup) but wanted to get something like dicers, just mainly for loading tracks to the the decks without having to mess around going over to the computer which is running it. I see the dicers are discontinued and apparently they didn't do track selection anyway(?), but wonder what people recommend to get for something like that? Basically not looking to replace anything in the current setup really, and playing vinyl works great for me, I have a tendency to baulk when I see the controllers with jogwheels and crossfaders. I enjoyed discovering the loops and stuff though, so something simple with enough power that when I figure it out it can be useful would be good. Someone recommended the X1, is that still the way to go?
Awesome review! I was waiting for this APP almost half a year. Proud s2mk3 owner 😄 what stand is that? Was hoping to se NI releasing/talking about the 2 holes for the stand. Cheers
Hi nice review ! Question how do we resolve the low headphone issue of the mk3 version ? I read somewhere that by using the charger volume is increased significantly ... is that correct ? Thanks ! Philippe
Super Tutorial - Ich habe mich auch damit befasst und stelle aktuell deutschsprachige Tutorials online welche sich mit dem Thema Native Instruments befassen.
What happens if if put a song on 3/2 time signature? Does it crash and explode? Can you even do 3 beat loops? The hardware is a portable handy tool, the software not really...
i am having a problem with lower volume on deck b. tried the same music/file on both decks (same gain on decks)... on traktor pro 3 and traktor dj. have an idea on what is happening? (i could equalize with the gain button, but deck b is 100% gain e deck should be around 50-60%% gain)
I ran it into a channel of a DJM at a gig, and directly into powered monitors in the lab, and it’s definitely usable, but certainly not the hottest output around.
Definitely the tidiest Windows toolbar I’ve seen in... well, as far as I can remember really !! The only time my toolbar was this uncluttered was during the first few hours of getting a new PC and have just started installing the important stuff 1st - a few days later and even with “small icons” I’m usually at the point where it gives the option to scroll down to the next row lol.. I really should unpin things but I don’t have a clue what icons I could sacrifice. Nope, I think my day-to-day workflow would take years to recover from if I didn’t have my 40 - 50 shortcut icons on my toolbar. I even like to have things like Windows’ own Voice Recorder and definitely need quick one click access to a Screenshot grabber and Screen Recording utilities✌️
Hi please can someone help me. I'm really struggling with knowing how to listen to one song in my earphones and the other in through the speakers using my Traktor S2 Controller.
You press the "Cue" button on the channel that you want to listen through your headphones and turn the "mix" switch in the middle of the controller below 12 o'clock. Switch it to seven o'clock and you only hear the channel you have cued, switch it to five o'clock and you only hear the master output (which goes to your speakers).
Would never consider mixing on iPad but times have got better for sure , the FX chip has the power of laptop inside on the iPad pro But I still wouldn't mix on iPad or DJ app Pioneer DDJ 400 with rekordbox DJ mobile could be good maybe But this Traktor S2 MK3 with maschine jam even can be good
I am mad that they removed traktor Dj1 on the app store It was working perfectly with my S4 MK2. Traktor DJ 2 doesn't work, and i bought it specifically for my ipad pro as it was advertised. I don't think that is even accepteable. They better update this soon, because as for now, i cannot do mix at home.
yes and worst part for me at least is that i have S4 mk2 that i bought for playing on ipad with traktor DJ1. And guess what! It doesn't work with traktor DJ2, which SHOULD work out of the box.
Useless,because its crippled by being forced to use an unstable os,release this for android and you'll have a winner.unfortunately apple cannot handle this
Warning this controller is not suitable for live gigs! The Traktor S2 Mk3 has a very low output line level. This makes unsuitable for playing at live gigs. Why have you not mentioned this in your review?! I purchased and now have to return the product. Warning to anyone wanting to play this device live, don’t! The output level terrible, about 50% of would you need to connect to a club system. NI should hang their heads in shame releasing a product with such a massive flaw. It should come with the warning - "This is a toy, suitable for children only." Check the forums: support.native-instruments.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/360005380057-TRAKTOR-KONTROL-S2-MK3-VERY-LOW-OUTPUT-any-update-en-us-
![FNAF vs TF2 - Episode 2 [SFM]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/z5b3V2-VLb0/mqdefault.jpg)
I would actually argue against Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 being beginner-only. Native Instruments did a pretty clever job here, keeping core functionality in and even adding remix decks support, all for the sake of adding more mobility at a better price point. If you're into spinning at bars, lounges and private parties like me, this is actually a very well thought-out product.
Sure, I would have liked support for NI's awesome full fx set but in the end, they're really not a game stopper that will significantly degrade your live performance. And if you happen to have a Traktor Kontrol X1 laying around like me to control the fx banks, this is actually a non-issue.
As for Traktor DJ 2: @6:33, you can actually load at Traktor Pro 3 nml file from the top menu and have your old collection instantly show up in Traktor DJ 2. More importantly, NI basically designated Traktor DJ 2 to be their main future, so expect a lot to be added to this software over time.
Clean look, but it’s lacking some settings features from the previous app. It loads a track while playing, no gains on channels, no quantize size etc. Good simple app, but needs more to be workable
I’m getting worried about the silence regarding the denon prime 4
This is a really useful review. I loved the original Traktor DJ for iPad but never got around to buying an S2 MK2 and then decided not to when the S2 MK3 because I wanted to see what Traktor DJ 2 would be like. Well, now that I've seen it I'm actually glad I didn't buy it It seems to be downgrade compared to the original Traktor DJ 1.x version.
I think I'll need to take a look at some alternatives such as DJ Player or even the new WeDJ with DDJ-200. I want quantized CUE so DJay won't do it for me.
Any recommendations?
I don’t think this is aimed at beginners solely, native instruments know that the new coding for traktor dj2 so it runs multi platform is future proofing. How many people need or use millions of controls and features to play a good set? We all seem obsessed on grading equipment or being snobby about it, the right music choices matter more than millions of controls.
It feels to me like at the moment it MUST be aimed at beginners, because it’s just too simple to be designed with pros in mind.
I agree that you don’t need all the toys in the world to play a good set, but TDJ2 is minimal to an extreme right now. You can’t even turn off quantise...
That’s not to say it couldn’t develop into a pro app later.
I agree
Mojaxx i def think it’s going to develop to the point where it’s comparable to a standalone.
I started mixing in the mid to late 90s, until about the time things like serato and such became increasingly popular, at which point life took over. Now I've just refurbed my 1200s, broke out my A&H Xone:02, and bought a traktor scratch a6 bundle or whatever it's called. I'm happy enough using the timecode vinyl (despite the annoyingly loud whine coming through the stylus pickup) but wanted to get something like dicers, just mainly for loading tracks to the the decks without having to mess around going over to the computer which is running it. I see the dicers are discontinued and apparently they didn't do track selection anyway(?), but wonder what people recommend to get for something like that?
Basically not looking to replace anything in the current setup really, and playing vinyl works great for me, I have a tendency to baulk when I see the controllers with jogwheels and crossfaders. I enjoyed discovering the loops and stuff though, so something simple with enough power that when I figure it out it can be useful would be good. Someone recommended the X1, is that still the way to go?
X1 is the best option for loading tracks etc if you're playing with traktor and dvs.
If comparing sound quality only, is Z1 soundcard superior to one in S2MK3?
maybe it's an updated feature but in the iOS app you can now tap to set the BPM.
You guys dont mess around when it comes to reviewing new products.
I swear it feel like release day they on the review
I sold my Mk1 S2. Had a mk2 s2 and sold it. just got my hands on a s2 mk3 and I prefer the mk2 .
Awesome review! I was waiting for this APP almost half a year. Proud s2mk3 owner 😄 what stand is that? Was hoping to se NI releasing/talking about the 2 holes for the stand. Cheers
It's missing a major thing on desktop it needs iTunes support and the ability to edit the grids
Is it possible to change a filter resonance in Traktor settings?
Great review. Hard to find a concise breakdown in traktor for ios
Hi nice review ! Question how do we resolve the low headphone issue of the mk3 version ? I read somewhere that by using the charger volume is increased significantly ... is that correct ? Thanks ! Philippe
Can you use the Traktor DJ 2 iPad App with the Pioneer DDJ400 ?
Super Tutorial - Ich habe mich auch damit befasst und stelle aktuell deutschsprachige Tutorials online welche sich mit dem Thema Native Instruments befassen.
Can you use the Traktor Kontrol S2 with Traktor Dj? I know it works with Traktor DJ 2 but does it work with Traktor DJ1
What happens if if put a song on 3/2 time signature? Does it crash and explode? Can you even do 3 beat loops? The hardware is a portable handy tool, the software not really...
i am having a problem with lower volume on deck b. tried the same music/file on both decks (same gain on decks)... on traktor pro 3 and traktor dj. have an idea on what is happening? (i could equalize with the gain button, but deck b is 100% gain e deck should be around 50-60%% gain)
Did anyone find the overall volume output a little underpowered? In comparison to the MK2 the volume was maxxed out at 1.00!
I ran it into a channel of a DJM at a gig, and directly into powered monitors in the lab, and it’s definitely usable, but certainly not the hottest output around.
I think the output is reduced by 3dB by default, have a look through the settings in the Traktor software
Crossfader started to bleed after one week on mine……
Definitely the tidiest Windows toolbar I’ve seen in... well, as far as I can remember really !!
The only time my toolbar was this uncluttered was during the first few hours of getting a new PC and have just started installing the important stuff 1st - a few days later and even with “small icons” I’m usually at the point where it gives the option to scroll down to the next row lol..
I really should unpin things but I don’t have a clue what icons I could sacrifice. Nope, I think my day-to-day workflow would take years to recover from if I didn’t have my 40 - 50 shortcut icons on my toolbar. I even like to have things like Windows’ own Voice Recorder and definitely need quick one click access to a Screenshot grabber and Screen Recording utilities✌️
It’s purely a DJ laptop for me, hence the tidiness. My iMac dock has about 40 apps in it...
Hey guys if you bought Traktor dj 1 in the past and are trying to get it again go into App Store open purchases and look for it there
IS IT OK TO HAVE THE MASTER LIKE YOURS? I MEAN "TOO MUCH"?
I can't get my sound working
Regardless of the software, traktor and rekordbox, which controller would you recommend, s2 mk3 or pioneer ddj rb, using Virtual DJ8? Thnx !
Hi please can someone help me. I'm really struggling with knowing how to listen to one song in my earphones and the other in through the speakers using my Traktor S2 Controller.
You press the "Cue" button on the channel that you want to listen through your headphones and turn the "mix" switch in the middle of the controller below 12 o'clock. Switch it to seven o'clock and you only hear the channel you have cued, switch it to five o'clock and you only hear the master output (which goes to your speakers).
Hey Bro, Whats the name of that tablet stand you’re using?
D&T Music Entertainment It’s just an iPad - the really cool stand is not yet released ✌️
It’s the Gravity LTS-01, I reviewed it on the channel last year.
Okay, Thanks guys!
The left pitch fader is in a cumbersome place
Would never consider mixing on iPad but times have got better for sure , the FX chip has the power of laptop inside on the iPad pro
But I still wouldn't mix on iPad or DJ app
Pioneer DDJ 400 with rekordbox DJ mobile could be good maybe
But this Traktor S2 MK3 with maschine jam even can be good
Mojaxxx why don't you point that out
I am mad that they removed traktor Dj1 on the app store
It was working perfectly with my S4 MK2.
Traktor DJ 2 doesn't work, and i bought it specifically for my ipad pro as it was advertised.
I don't think that is even accepteable.
They better update this soon, because as for now, i cannot do mix at home.
Yo did they delete traktor Dj 1 🤬
yes and worst part for me at least is that i have S4 mk2 that i bought for playing on ipad with traktor DJ1.
And guess what! It doesn't work with traktor DJ2, which SHOULD work out of the box.
Useless,because its crippled by being forced to use an unstable os,release this for android and you'll have a winner.unfortunately apple cannot handle this
Warning this controller is not suitable for live gigs!
The Traktor S2 Mk3 has a very low output line level. This makes unsuitable for playing at live gigs. Why have you not mentioned this in your review?! I purchased and now have to return the product. Warning to anyone wanting to play this device live, don’t! The output level terrible, about 50% of would you need to connect to a club system. NI should hang their heads in shame releasing a product with such a massive flaw. It should come with the warning - "This is a toy, suitable for children only."
Check the forums:
support.native-instruments.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/360005380057-TRAKTOR-KONTROL-S2-MK3-VERY-LOW-OUTPUT-any-update-en-us-
Rubbish review