Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 by Native Instruments - Demo & Review 

I just received mine today. What a great controller and the fact it comes with a full version of the Traktor software was an added bonus. I’m not a professional or anything or need 4 decks so this fit my needs perfectly.

This is actually the best channel I found to get into DJing even for people who don‘t live in an english speaking country! Thank you Jamie!

Effects adjustments are a must.

For mobile DJs, there's really nothing better than that sweet, sweet, S2. The key things about the S2 that matters to me and that makes it stand out from the Kontrol S4/S5/S8: This controller runs entirely off of USB, no need for power adapter like on the S4/S5/S8 or a power strip for your CDJs, mixer, etc... Relative to Rekordbox/Serato based controllers, the hardware includes full version of Traktor Pro 3 (no "lite" version, no free trial, etc) and is completely plug-and-play and it _feels_ like professional-grade hardware / audio gear - many times I've seen DJs on boiler room crushing it with the little doink S2. Traktor is amazingly flexible and allows you to connect any Midi controllers you want for more extensive functionality - for example, you can plug in a MidiFighter 3D, add the instant gratification modification to it, and have more access to the internal traktor effects than you would have from an S4 alone. With this controller and a Soundboks, you have a completely mobile DJ setup that is totally capable and completely portable without power.

Thats the BEST review on Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 in whole internet!!!

Kids are spoilt for choice nowdays. Strongly recommend these Controllers. I've used a kontrol S2 mk2 for a few years. Solid piece of kit.

Seems to be a great controller. Not sure if it's better than DDJ400 for the price, but definitely a great option. I'm considering to change my Numark Platinum for this one since I always wanted to work with traktor

You know full damn well there's gonna be an s8. It's gonna be a beast

Looking forward to a DDJ400 and Traktor s2 mk3 comparison.

Really good intro to this. Thank you!

Nice review. I saw the S2 at ADE, but I spent all my time looking at and playing with the S4 ;) But this is a nice entry level controller indeed

Just bought this thing to learn. Man, thanks a lot. Now I know how some things work :D

Looking forward to the S4 MK3 review, I'd love to see you compare it with the DDJ 1000, and maybe compare current Rekordbox to Traktor Pro 3

Good review as always. I was hoping you'd sneak in the Grid button.... We'll learn more on Oct 18 hopefully.

Hey guys! Nice review But tell me one thing… Still worth it in 2022? Or do you guys think that will be better version?

I would really love to have a review of the S4 MK3, as I really dont know what to chose between this and the ddj 1000

Best option for the Ipad mixing group. i would like something like this for that moment when i want to use a extra small set up (ipad mini and s2mk3 and bose speaker) i Came back to DJing using S2MK2 two years ago. But since left for serato/rekorbox software/hardware. I love rekorbox and what they are doing with the DVS side of DJing. if you notice they did not announce a Traktor Z3 which is really sad. the Z2 is still one of the best bargains but a new Mixer would of been dope. I want to see how the program is , there was bugs in the program that made me stop using the software. let see if they addressed the issues.

Perfect price for a back up, I have a Sz2 but this is portable and a decent price. Got a s4 but broke it this week :/

Mr. Jamie your review is very Professional and straight to the point review. Controller does have awesome features, well layout. Might be a good idea to acquire a microphone with an ON/OFF switch since mic volumen is on the back, But is NOT a big deal as least for me. Yes! Good JOB!! Native Instruments.

I can't make my mind up between this and the Pioneer DDJ 400. Any thoughts? One thing that looks interesting on the Pioneer is the keyboard mode on the pads. I suppose the other consideration is Traktor vs Rekordbox. Library preparation is of importance to me too, and Rekordbox has a mobile app for this but is it any good?

I'ma treat myself to this and a midi fighter. Gotta get my finguh drummin' skillz back!

Think this unit is absolutely fantastic value for the bedroom DJ or someone who just likes to put together mixes. Comes bundled with the new Traktor Pro 3 software and can connect to your iPad. Love it. Obviously it's not as feature-rich as some other products, but for £229.99 you really can't go wrong.

I used the S2 Mk2 for about 1 year and was really happy about it, but now switched to the DDJ 100 because the s2 has just not a lot to play with. I dont get it why they didn't put the 6 effect buttons on, a thing that i miss at the MK3 and the DDJ 400. I also wanted to upgrade a little more and stay at Traktor, but there is just the S2 and then the s4(mk3) but the prices just have a huge gap. I would like something between both. Right now I'm pretty happy with my DDJ 400, thanks to your Video also learned a lot. Keep up the good work. I would like to take part in one of your courses but im sorry to say that 100€ is just way to much for me and i just have no idea how it will look. I probably wouldn't pay more than 25€. Keep up the good work on RU-vid!

LOVELY... now I'm waiting for the S4 review

I am a rapper/producer that has never DJ'd a day in his life... but I just won this on an auction site I frequent for $50. Time to learn!

I bet this will help so much

a perfect simple controller for beginners

thank's i just bought one .

nice, i had traktor s2 but these new features for effect's are nice, i buying it

just picked my s2 mk3, great piece of kit. $329 in the US fyi.

Great video! It was really useful to finally decide which controller I will buy

Hi crossfader, next video you can map effects via any button effects making it a combo. filter + effects or filter effects+effects+effects. effects combination is unlimited on traktor.

we'll i like traktor no matter what controller is, playing remix deck and sequencing tracks was never boring for me. No need to wait for some remixed or edit tracks just making my own live.

Excited to get mine!

I love your reviews! Thank you! It was really helpful

Got this, the sound card is highly impressive better then lot of mid range controllers, your get more drive when out via the master, great price and for me this edges ddj 400 , the pitch is ok workable your not going to be able to do scratching like a ddj 400, it's more for club, bar mixing , home mixing combine with maschine mk3 or F1 for remix decks, your getting close to S4 mk3, I've seen it working with maschine mikro mk3

ddj400 or s2 mk3 for beginner's? 😐

In your opinion what is a better choice for beginners, traktor kontrol S2 or DDJ 400?

For a club, which would you choose: ddj 400 or S2 mk3?? Thank you 😊

Thanks. Bought! Great vid.

I just got the S2 this week, so exiced to start playing music. Thanks a lot for the video!! Do you have more tutorials?

I love it well done

Oh yeah yeah ❤

For this day i like more quality from denon. But native instruments was my first hardware and software. Its work perfectly.

Great review guys, much more in depth than some I've seen. Absolutely torn about sticking with Traktor and going full gun with the DDJ-1000. I'm an experienced DJ and want to up my skillset, but have enjoyed the portability of the MK2 S2. What to do...

Thanks I find this information very interesting and informative would consider buying this :)

I have been using the S4 mk1 from the beginning. But now it’s not compatible anymore with my new mac , it’s retired and on the wall! Missing features for me - XLR/ jack out, booth out- loop length led screen - top effect knobs- microphone knob and switch on/off on top- ... Ok for beginners. For me... also ok ;) but will be mapping it big time. Wanted a 2 channel small controller. Price is amazing.

Thanks for the review. Very informative.

Pretty cool controller but I am not into Traktor. I am glad to see some awesome improvements.

Very best demonstration 🤗

thinking about this since all seratos controllers now have a fee to use the good software

Wish Traktor have vertical waves like Serato and Rekorbox.

Thanks for the review. I really looking forward to buy it. Is there any problem with main volume? I read a lot reviews that they say about the main volume is lower than s2 mk2.

What is the song he plays during the video? Thank you a lot! :)

I'm going to give my honest opinion, this really explanes everything a synthesizer does. Keep up the good work!

Is it only with Traktor software compatible? Which console under 300$ is more "pro" and less "intro" oriented, Virtual DJ8 "friendly", acoording to your opinion? Thnx !

Have you tried changing the default mapping? Are all buttons/knobs/faders/pads fully midi-mappable?

nice track

Will you review the S4 MK3??

Good review buddy, keep it up

Really nice info. Thanks a lot!

What I don't like is the Mic input. They should use XLR input and improve mic quality sound. In s4 mk2 the quality is a sh!t I don't think this one is better. Another thing I like is 2 size headphones input, and they just choose small one. It is a beginner controller can't ask much for that price. I hope you make a review of S4 mk3. And make a review of Traktor 3 software and how it goes with pioneer xdj 1000 in HID mode. Thanks for your videos, and continue the good work 😉

i am having a problem with lower volume on deck b on my kontrol s2 mk3. 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 a should be around 50-60% gain)

Jamie, thx for the video. What are your opinions about the current versions of Traktor, Serato and RB for a House / Minimal / Techno DJ? Same question but this time applied to a Hip-Hop DJ? A DJ using controller only, a mixer + Turntables /CDJ system or a hybrid setup? What about DVS? Other interessant criterias: - crate / playlist creation (prepare in advance) and browsing of tracks (live alterations of playlist or just spontaneous live set) - fx - performance modes: which are shared by all three, which are unique for a specific software? - recording a set

Great review👍 Is it possible to change a reverb effect let's say for an echo effect in traktor settings? Is filter resonance can be changed as well?

Well hello i have i simple question witch is When i go to samples and settings turn on the remix decks it’s empty how come its not like yours while you are showing us on the video below?

He said, first Like, Sub and Comment. I've done that all in 10 Seconds :D great videos by the Way!

I like that it gives the rgb pads on an intro controller, something very lacking in other entry level models. The extra "color" effects are cool too, since most just give a filter. I think the performance mode for the pads is seriously lacking, though. Could have easily added in touch effects. Not sure if traktor has it, but things like slicer and keyboard are awesome things included in other companies entry controllers. 4 samples for each deck is kinda lame too. I hope you do a nice review of their new software. I'm in the process of deciding a controller for my son to start on, and if the new tractor is pretty great (especially track analysis), I would consider this over the ddj 400 I'm expecting to get him

Thank you! 🎚

Thank You so Much Nice Review, It helps me.

Brilliant review

I return mine the day after receiving it. It has very low level output, so useless for a live gig. Not sure why this is not mentioned in the review?

Look at your pitch position. Is not in the middle with the controller and in your software shows in the middle. Also mine works like this. Seems like the hardware doesnt send the correct info to the program. Then you have to move your pitch like twice

thank for video man! Nice thing

Can you control the remix decks and stems control?

the best demo review Thz !

When using the Trakor DJ iPad app is it possible to pre listen a track with headphones?

Mac Joseph are you here ?? You need computer for this too bro

Just got it. Hate that the browser button is at the top. My wrist always hits the jog wheel

What about the sound card? Is it good?

Can you please share the link for the video about connecting it to the iPad that you talked about here? Thank you!

Thank you

4 years later, would you still recommend this controller?

Awesome reviews as always :D

A friend of mine bought this unit, so I was curious. Great review.

hello, can I use my spotify playlist with this controller ? TY !

Hello I have been waiting for this product and I watched your review and some others. However, mostly the critics are negative on the s2 Mark 3. I was trying to decide between the Mark 3 and DDJ 400 pioneer. DDJ 400 seems like a safe decision but the new mark 3 hardware and Traktor Pro 3 software are exciting as well. I am stuck in between of these 2 products. I have been DJing for several years now and I have a command on both Pioneer and Traktor systems. I would really appreciate if you could enlighten me. Thanks in advance. Regards

Great video , how does the sound card on this unit vs the other units? is the sound card good?

I own a S2 MK2. Watching the video I don't see a real benefit switching to the S2 MK3. Or what do you think?

Thanks for showing ins and outs. Other reviews left that out. Is that the same improved soundcard that in s4mk3?

This looks sick.....

Are you going to make a video for the S4 mk3? I'm yet to see a review really showing us what this thing is about and if it's worth the buy

Strange why the master volume on the pro 3 doesn't light up and work with the s2 mk3 controller.

Great video

i love S2

Explain the GRID button option and what is the uses?

IF YOU WANT TO BUY THIS MODEL OR DDJ 400 WHICH ONE IS YOUR PREFER

How about the volume for the headphones , is it louder than the mk2 ? That was one of the big issues I had with the mk2 the volume was soft

I don’t really get why you would pay 4 times as much for a controller and the only thing you get are Some effects and small functions

The song he plays is so nice, can somebody tell me the name?