Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 DJ Controller Review

In a world where DJ technology evolves rapidly, staying ahead of the curve without losing the core essence of performance is vital. The Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 DJ controller strikes this balance with incredible finesse. Whether you’re an aspiring beginner or a seasoned club veteran, the S4 MK2 offers a gateway to creativity, flexibility, and professional-grade output.

This isn’t just another DJ controller. It’s a powerhouse designed with the artist in mind—engineered by Native Instruments, one of the most trusted names in the music tech world. And years after its release, the S4 MK2 still holds up as one of the most capable and satisfying pieces of gear you can have in your setup.

Let’s dive deep into what makes the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 such a standout, and why it continues to earn praise from DJs around the world.

First Impressions Matter—and the S4 MK2 Impresses Instantly

The moment you unbox the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2, you’ll feel the build quality. Its sleek black finish, robust jog wheels, and glowing backlit buttons tell you this is not a toy—it’s a professional instrument. Compact enough to be portable, yet powerful enough to rock the largest venues, the S4 MK2 makes an immediate statement.

Even better? It feels familiar. If you’ve used any version of Traktor before, the layout is intuitive, and every function has a purpose. This controller was designed for efficiency, creativity, and long-term reliability.

Seamless Integration with Traktor Pro

One of the biggest advantages of the S4 MK2 is its native integration with Traktor Pro software. You won’t have to mess with mapping or configuring controls. Plug it in, launch Traktor Pro, and you’re ready to go.

Everything works harmoniously—the jog wheels, cue buttons, faders, and FX knobs are fully optimized to work with Traktor’s powerful features. This tight integration gives you a level of performance accuracy and responsiveness that’s tough to match.

And because the software is constantly evolving, your S4 MK2 grows with it. You can update Traktor Pro and unlock new features that your hardware can fully utilize.

Four Decks of Pure Creative Control

The “4” in S4 isn’t just for show. You get four full decks of control, letting you layer beats, vocals, loops, samples, and FX in ways that would be impossible with a two-deck setup.

This opens up an entire world of creative possibilities. Want to loop a vocal from Deck C while blending it with synths from Deck D, all while scratching on Deck A? The S4 MK2 says “go for it.”

The faders feel smooth and responsive, giving you the kind of dynamic range needed to mix with precision. The RGB-lit buttons keep your sessions organized even in low-light environments, ideal for clubs or late-night recording sessions.

Jog Wheels That Actually Feel Right

Unlike many controllers in its price range, the jog wheels on the S4 MK2 feel right. They’re not just touch-sensitive—they’re genuinely responsive, with a tactile feel that mimics vinyl without being overly stiff or loose.

Scratching? Smooth. Nudging a beat into alignment? Effortless. These jog wheels let you stay in the flow, without second-guessing your equipment. Combined with Traktor’s ultra-low-latency performance, you’re in full control from your first cue to your final drop.

A Wealth of Features for a Surprisingly Fair Price

In terms of value, the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 is hard to beat. Priced at approximately £419 GBP or $499 USD, it offers the kind of performance usually reserved for gear in the £700–£900 range.

And the features you get? Professional-grade:

Integrated 24-bit audio interface
4-channel mixer with full EQs
Dedicated loop recorder and sample decks
Customizable FX controls with macro mapping
Built-in hardware filter knobs for each channel

No need to buy additional interfaces or MIDI controllers—the S4 MK2 is an all-in-one solution for the modern DJ. For under £500, you get club-ready gear that’s road-tested and stage-approved.

Built-In Audio Interface: Quality You Can Hear

Sound quality matters. When your mix hits the speakers, it needs to shine. With a high-end, 24-bit/96kHz audio interface, the S4 MK2 delivers crystal-clear output and reliable low-latency input.

No distortion. No lag. Just pristine audio, whether you’re cueing tracks in your headphones, streaming live, or pumping it out to a festival-sized PA system.

There are also multiple input/output options, including RCA outs, a mic input with gain control, and headphone cueing—all built directly into the unit. This makes it ideal for mobile gigs, studio sessions, or even live streaming setups.

Fully iOS Compatible: DJ on the Go

Another underrated feature of the S4 MK2 is its iOS compatibility. Connect it to your iPad or iPhone using Traktor DJ, and boom—you’re mixing on the go, perfect for impromptu sets, beach parties, or practice sessions outside the studio.

You get nearly the same level of control as you would with a full laptop setup, making this one of the most versatile controllers available. It’s proof that great performance doesn’t have to be confined to one place or platform.

Durability and Longevity

Let’s be real—DJs can be rough on their gear. Buttons get mashed. Faders wear out. Knobs get twisted mid-set. The good news? The S4 MK2 was built to last.

With a solid metal top plate, high-grade plastics, and reinforced controls, this controller can take the heat. Users often report years of heavy use without degradation in performance. It’s the kind of gear you can trust gig after gig.

A Controller That Grows With You

One of the best aspects of the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 is that it grows with your skill level. Beginners will love the intuitive layout and helpful visual feedback. Intermediate DJs will appreciate the 4-deck control and remix capabilities. Pros can dive into advanced mappings, FX layering, and real-time loop juggling.

No matter where you are in your journey, the S4 MK2 adapts to your style and ambitions.

Still Relevant in 2025?

Absolutely. While newer controllers have entered the market, the S4 MK2 holds its ground thanks to its solid feature set, unbeatable integration with Traktor Pro, and incredible value. In fact, its straightforward design and bulletproof reliability make it a go-to for DJs who want trusted gear that simply works.

Whether you’re playing your first house party or preparing for your next international tour, the S4 MK2 is a reliable, inspiring tool that helps you perform at your best.

Who Is the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 Best For?

Beginner DJs looking for a premium yet approachable controller
Mobile DJs who need portability without sacrificing features
Studio producers integrating live performance into their workflow
Club DJs who need a dependable rig for regular gigging
Hybrid performers combining live remixing, scratching, and FX

In other words—if you love music, you’ll love what this controller can do for you.

Final Verdict: A Classic That Still Shines Bright

The Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 may not be the newest controller on the block, but its performance, build quality, and feature set continue to place it in the top tier. It’s a rare blend of affordability, power, and simplicity—making it a smart buy in 2025 and beyond.

Whether you’re chasing headlining dreams or just mixing in your bedroom for fun, the S4 MK2 will have your back every beat of the way.

It doesn’t just help you mix. It inspires you to create.

Ready to Elevate Your DJ Game?

Get the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 DJ Controller today for only £419 GBP or $499 USD. Unleash your creativity, master your sound, and take control of your DJ journey.

Buy now from Native Instruments – your future sound starts here.