The Traktor Kontrol S2: A more portable S4 for two-deck controllerists.
Announced today, it ditches the four decks, shrinks the jumbo size of its bigger brother the Kontrol S4 to something more manageable, and throws in some innovative sample features to boot. We ask: Is the new Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 controller the company’s answer to the Novation Twitch?
First, take a look at Ean Golden’s excellent demo video to see where Native Instruments feels the innovation lies in this new controller. You’ll see sample decks have been brought right to the fore.
In Native Instruments’ own words: “The two full-featured playback decks of the Traktor Kontrol S2 are complemented by the versatile Sample Decks of the latest Traktor Pro 2 software, which can add up to eight simultaneous one-shot samples or beat-synced loops to the mix.
“This effectively equips the Kontrol S2 system with a third channel that opens up a wide range of additional creative performance techniques beyond the typical two-deck paradigm in its product category.”
This will make sense for an awful lot of users who frankly don’t care for having four decks…
This will make sense for an awful lot of users who frankly don’t care for having four decks (and the extra size and complexity that brings to hardware), but who do care deeply about putting in innovative performances with the use of samples to mash things up. You only have to witness some of the radical DJing being done on tiny push-button and pad controllers to see that this type of big stuff can be done with small boxes.
It’s often a case of what you leave out as much as what you put in that makes a difference – witness the innovation in the petite Novation Twitch controller, for example, a device which the S2 is closer to in concept than its bigger brother the Kontrol S4.
Leveraging hardware and software integration to the full
But just as with the S4, where Native Instruments has shown again that it has the upper hand here is with the tight integration between software and hardware.
It is calling the sample deck control “2+1″, as in two decks plus a “third” channel of sample decks, and this works seamlessly with Traktor Pro 2, because of course it’s their software, their mapping and their hardware.
Contrast that with the Novation Twitch plus Serato ITCH software. Almost as soon as the Twitch hit the street, ITCH 2.0 appeared, adding sample decks there too, which the Twitch – despite all its innovative features – currently simply can’t control at all.
It retains the build quality, backlit LEDs and jogwheel technology of the S4, but now has a two-channel mixer.
Out of all recent controllers, I think these two – the Kontrol S2 and the Novation Twitch – hold the most promise for controllerists, and this new launch has certainly given potential Twitch buyers a decision to make.
However, the jogwheels vs no jogwheels argument is still as legitimate as ever, especially as jogwheel control of FX is not possible out-of-the-box with the S2, unlike the S4 (the Ean Golden video uses a custom mapping), whereas the Twitch has jogwheel-esque FX thanks to its fader FX function. Apparently mappings have been made easier to customise on the S2 though, which with Traktor’s notorious fiddly remapping menu has to be a good thing.
The dedicated filters have gone too, there’s no loop recorder, and there are no external inputs any more (I couldn’t even see an emergency through, although I may be wrong) – but these are compromises that I suspect many DJs won’t really care too much about, especially as the most glaring of them – filtering – is still available in the main effects section.
Pricing and availability
Traktor Kontrol S2 will be available in October for a suggested retail price of US$669 / €599, which is certainly not cheap for a two-deck controller, but as the runaway success of the Kontrol S4 has shown, people are quite happy to pay for innovation and ease of use. Indeed, it will be fascinating to see how this impacts the success of the S4 on the shelves.
We’re looking forward to our review sample so we can give you the usual extended Digital DJ Tips review and demo video.
What do you think? Are you going to rush out and buy one of these? Do you think good effects and sample mapping are more important than four decks? Or is this a step backwards? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Now go to:
Review: Traktor Pro 2 – Is It Evolution, Or Revolution?
Review: Traktor Kontrol S4 – A Great Leap Forward For Digital DJing?
Review & Video: The Novation Twitch DJ Controller
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Tags: controllerism, dj controllers, DJ Midi controller, traktor kontrol s2
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I might be wrong but does the S2 have the NI A2 card built in? For me the S2 might be the perfect controller but this kills it.. not having inputs limits the functionality a LOT (IMHO).. This was a great move for NI, making a cheaper, smaller and simpler controller that fits most users better than the “full” S4 but the lack of inputs makes it a show stopper.. your setup is much harder to expand without those. Definitely a deal breaker for me.
[ link ]Maybe… but not everyone wants to plug decks/CDs into a digital controller. I don’t as I don’t even own any records or CDs!
[ link ]Well I do.. I mean, primarily I am a digital DJ but playing on timecode vinyl is something I have in plan soon. So, for me that’s a deal breaker.. But overall it’s an interesting controller.
[ link ]Me too. The S2 looks great, but with a couple of inputs it would be awesome. Does Dennon have any plans for an MC3000?
[ link ]I don’t really see why it’s effects optimised – IMHO you should correct it Phil, as it’s only Ean’s mapping that made Traktor’s effects shine.
Plus, I do not really see the point of that controller for this price. Traktor Pro is an overkill, the DUO would do fine, and wtf with the lack of filter knobs anyway?
[ link ]Yes you’re right, it’s been corrected – thanks. But while it doesn’t have the jogs mapped to FX out of the box, it does apparently have easier mapping customisation out of the box, so you can make such changes more easily.
[ link ]That is indeed true
[ link ]Great stuff. However I am happy with my S4
In S2 filter knobs for each channel are missing. IMO very important 
[ link ]also my first thought: where are the filters
[ link ]I really want a new controller, but I will wait until there is a full feature controller optimized for VDJ. The price is about right, though.
[ link ]Denon DN-MC6000?
[ link ]My Denon works great with VDJ and traktor 2… I think its the best and most versatile out now.
[ link ]I have been on YouTube checking the Denon out, I think this is the one. Thank you Phil & Architekt
[ link ]I think it’s great that they made a smaller 2 Channel controller but if I was going to buy the s4 or s2 I’d go for the s4 I don’t like the limitations of the s2 no filters and no way to hook up decks deal breaker for sure and I was excited for this one what a bummer
[ link ]You can still use the filters via the FX controls, don’t see this as a big issue myself.
[ link ]Looks like a very posh Numark Mixtrack Pro to me. It’s a real shame that Novation Twitch and this aren’t available at a MUCH cheaper price WITHOUT a built in Audio Interface. Those of us who have been at this game for a while have interfaces we are very happy with and don’t want to pay a premium for another one. Other than that it looks fine, but ditch the jogwheels and the audio interface and give us buttons, knobs and faders please.
[ link ]I knew something like this would happen when NI had the Kontrol X1 sale packaged w/ Traktor Pro. But, wouldnt pay for a $699 controller at this point in my career anyway. Seems nice and all, but every gig I’ve done so far has been in tight spaces so this or an S4 would be way to big. The X1 is perfect for me.
[ link ]I dont think this is it! I expect a kontrol x2 to replace the x1 sometime soon,
[ link ]If anybody has any inside info on this would love to know,ps Im same dont need a built in mixer!
Actually, everyone is talking about X2s, while I’d love to see a big, fat X4… With a4dj integrated for S4-like scratch control.
This would make sense with X2, being a two channel controller similar to S2, but without jogs, and maybe a future S1, with features like the Denon SC-2000.
Daydreaming I am, anyways
[ link ]If this supported DVS I’d be all over this like a rash. I was excited before I realised it didn’t.
I suppose it needs not to have that feature to help keep the S4 more attractive for the higher price.
That aside, the S2 will sell well, but personally if it was my money I’d go for a Twitch (jogs v no jogs preference would apply).
[ link ]Of course, Twitch doesn’t support DVS either…
[ link ]If this supported DVS I’d be all over this like a rash. I was excited before I realised it didn’t.
[ link ]I suppose it needs not to have that feature to help keep the S4 more attractive for the higher price.
That aside, the S2 will sell well, but personally if it was my money I’d go for a Twitch (jogs v no jogs preference would apply).
I am A Mobile DJ So This Piece Is Just what I am Looking for Cant what Until I can Get My Hands On It
[ link ]Dear Allen & Heath, please create a “mini” Xone:DX in the way that NI have created a “mini” S4 here. WOULD WANT
[ link ]Oh and Novation have already stated they’ll be adding direct hardware support for the sampler on the Twitch.
[ link ]That’ll be good – it needs it. You can’t even control the sample decks properly via keyboard shortcuts currently in ITCH 2.0.
[ link ]Looks cool, but I’m loving my Numark NS6!
[ link ]If it fits in my backpack I am sold. That’s the only reason I wouldn’t buy an S4. I am sure the sound card will sound as nice as all their others.
[ link ]That’s one of the big selling points, because the S4 sure ain’t small.
[ link ]How large do you think it will be? is it comparable in size to the VCI-100?
[ link ]Perfect little entry level midi controller imo … the ideal tool to get a good taste of what the possibilities are of dj’ing and digital dj’ing without having to sell your kidney to pay for it.
Most people do not go further than the 2 deck layout with maybe a little sample loop running along … for them this is perfect.
Once you get the hang you’ll see the controller has basically a good mapping but some knobs won’t be used in your workflow while you lack other controls … remap it, and you’re back in business.
[ link ]Can we mention that Ean Goldens live remix was amazing? I mean I really really liked that had my phone playing it on repeat for a while the past couple days!
[ link ]It’s a great remix. Would like to see what he did ie how much was “largin it on the decks” and how much icing on the cake, so to speak. But the end result sounds wicked however he did it
[ link ]Amen. He’s done a explanatory video now, and it’s frankly one of the best things I’ve seen him do. Very simple, very well-executed.
[ link ]So is this analogue/midi so when ur pc crashes the mixer isnt redundant? If you have a set of decks hooked up with time coded vinyl u dont require anything elce ? Is this correct? sorry am new to computer mixing.
[ link ]No, this is 100% digital. computer crashes, it all goes quiet.
[ link ]So what I really want to know is which to get an S4 or an S2? don’t really care about 4 true decks, more about the sample decks. However the lack of loop recorder access is a loss and what about having a cue input for the mic like the DubFx promo video?
[ link ]You’ll want an S4 because I belive there’s no way of recording the microphone input to loop recorder as per the S4, because as you say the loop recorder knob has gone.
[ link ]I’m sure the S2 will be a solid product, however IMO the day Allen & Heath bring out a Traktor version of the Xone:DX or even better Xone:4D , then it will be game over, I’d put my order in right now. You would have the leading software manufacturer coupled with the leading MIDI controller….can someone please get the two of them together !! A club spec mixer, awesome sound card, already optimized for Traktor so no messy confusing re-mapping required, such a product will fly off the shelves. Surely it’s a matter of time before either A&H or Pioneer make such a product…its what everyone is waiting for !
[ link ]@ Rosco, Allen & Heath and Denon = same company. The DN-HC6000 is aimed squarely at Traktor and in my opinion is at least as good a copy of the GUI as the S4. Maybe the two companies dont bring out directly competing items, that would make good business sense. In fact I nearly traded my DNS1200s and DDM4000 (I like it!!) for an ex trade show X-one4d before I read that its not easily compatible with Traktor. So I bought a DN-SC2000 to see if I would like the 6000 which I cant afford till I liquidate my Mixer and CD players. I must say that I rate the build quality of Denon above ANY other equipment except maybe A&H. That includes Pioneer which Ive found to have bits hanging off it, whenever a venue forces me to use their “industry standard” kit.
[ link ]Thanks for that Pete, I wasn’t aware that A&H = Denon . I agree with you about Pioneer hence why I’ve gone digital and taken CDJ’s out of the equation…and as far as mixers go you can’t beat A&H. I actually received correspondence from them last week and they said they have no plans to make a “Traktor specific” controller however they “do see the merit in it”…take from that what you will. They seem to feel that the DX and 4D work well enough with Traktor.
[ link ]I do own an s4. my exprience? well what can relay to s2 any way.
[ link ]Build quality. s2 has the same build quality as s4.
within 6 months my efx on/off sometimes dosent work! 1 of efx encoders dosent work properly either and this arent covered by waranty.
my headphone jack in gives only sound to on side of head phone.
now i have found others with similair problem. looking at s2/s4 u can tell its not pro dj built quality straight away(looks like an toy.).
that just not good enough specially like me if u need to use it 4 times a week at gigs. u dont buy an controller for 6 months but 2-3 year!!!!!
thats not much about that in the review Ean. look at ns6 , mc-6000, djtt(pioneer) and they all have pro built quality !!!!
so if you are for an controller that last u sometime this isnt the one!!!
another thing if the gain encoders are the same as s4 than they are useless(the worst gain encoder ever made and autogain isnt accurate!!).
now s4 is great on some stuff like looping,loop recorder but i regret spending money on it and 6 months down the road thinking of buying a new contoller!!!!
another thing is that it is hid and u cant change anything on hid (like using your gain for filter) unless you dont use hid but use midi fully.
to be honest i googled mc-6000 and found it for 510£ thats 10£ more.
but it is miles better than s2!!!!!! for starters it has an real mixer!!!
so no worries if traktor crashes, and the real eq sounds better than eq on traktor(try hi on traktor and a real mixer and u hear the difference)
it is better build! it has to mic input, xlr output,monitor output where u can even chosse which source goes to monitor. all in all s2 is good for bedroom djs but why buy an nissan when u can have an audi for same price?
If you’re comparing a jog wheel (with it’s push-and-turn ability) with a Touchstrip with it’s pinch-expand abilities, the jog wheel loses, why? You can drop anywhere in a track with a single (touchstrip) touch and scratch without the jog wheel “running away from you”. The Twitch is able to handle 4 FX (over the S2′s 2) and 4 Live Tracks at once or any combination of “Tracks and sample decks” and the 8 buttons (per side, per deck, per bank) instead of 4 give the Twitch a lot more control than the S2 (no one mentioned that the Twitch buttons are color-assignable). Everything on the Twitch is assignable via MIDI (including the Touchstrip) and the Twitch has a Shift Function (per side) which allows you to DOUBLE the controls. The Touchstrip on the Twitch shows you where it’s progress is (and when you’re holding it) with the LED lights.
On Native Instruments’ own territory, the Twitch kicks the S2′s butt; more control over decks and effects. Honestly, this isn’t a fair fight because while the Twitch is a much better controller for less money (when compared directly not the bundled Traktor software). On it’s own Territory (in Itch), the Twitch simply walks away from the S2 a microphone AND Aux in. Nothing Native Instruments makes can compare with “Slicer Mode” in Itch, a lot of people have tried to emulate it but it’s been beyond us (at the moment).
I could go on and on about the superior features, but don’t take my word for it, go out to your local DJ supply store and try them one-to-one in both programs (Itch and Traktor Pro) and decide for yourself.
-ForcedHand
[ link ]Is there any way i can use the s2 and the x1 together?
[ link ]Yes, there’s no issue with doing that.
[ link ]