Forget what you know about DJ controllers and DJ software. TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 was designed from its conception as a fully integrated system where software and hardware are fused in perfect harmony. Once you experience it, you’ll immediately feel how simple, yet powerful and fluid a professional DJ system can be. So whether you’re a seasoned TRAKTOR user looking for the ultimate controller, or just entering the world of digital Djing, the S4 delivers like no other can.
Custom-tailored for TRAKTOR, the S4 fuses a premium-quality 4 channel DJ mixer, a built-in 24 bit/96 kHz soundcard, an intuitive controller, and the flagship TRAKTOR PRO S4 software into one fully professional solution - the ideal one-stop package for DJs who want pro features, instant usability and go-anywhere portability.
Top Features
- Highly integrated 4-deck TRAKTOR controller and flagship software
- Plug & play – all you need to start mixing is your computer and MP3s
- 4-channel mixer with ergonomic layout, 2 high-res jog wheels
- 2 analog inputs with phono and mic preamps for hooking up turntables, CD players or external audio gear
- TRAKTOR PRO S4 software – pro features, supreme usability; features 4-deck mixing and effects, plus Sample Decks and a powerful Loop Recorder
- 2 customizable FX units with 28 performance effects for adding your own trademark sound
- Powerful MP3 management with iTunes® integration and iPod® compatibility
- Built-in 24bit/96 kHz soundcard features pristine, award-winning audio quality
- All components designed by the same team – precision German engineering
- Includes 40 original loops and 10 full tracks from the world-famous Loopmasters Studio
Overview
Kontrol in Action
The sleek, stylish controller puts TRAKTOR at your fingertips - fusing hardware and software into one harmonic unit. Innovative Sample Decks, high-quality electromagnetic jog wheels, two effect units and two clearly laid-out deck control sections can be assigned to any of the four software decks and deliver a new level in creative control over your one shots, tracks and loops.
The intuitive and ergonomic controller layout and its robust rotary knobs provide precise visual and tactile status feedback – perfect for any DJ situation. Highly responsive to the touch, TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 is incredibly smooth to use, while its slim and compact profile makes it easy to transport from gig to gig.
Traktor Pro S4 Software
It’s super simple to get straight in the mix, thanks to the included TRAKTOR PRO S4 software, adapted from the pioneering TRAKTOR PRO. Developed in perfect synergy with the S4’s controller, features have been added to the TRAKTOR PRO S4 software to fully take advantage of this all-in-one solution, while premium ready-made and instantly combinable loops have been provided by the renowned Loopmasters sample house.
4-Channel Mixer
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 boasts a full featured 4-channel mixer section with sturdy faders, CUE buttons, illuminated level meters, high-quality 3-band Eqs and a filter control knob on each channel. The filter is switchable between Traktor and Xone-style. The ergonomic layout has been created by DJs for DJs, with some of the world’s biggest names having direct input in to the design. It's easy to integrate other DJ and performance gear like turntables, CD players or a microphone via the inputs.
The innovative Loop Recorder feature acts like a fifth deck, to add an exciting layer on top of your mix by recording and looping audio on-the-fly. An optional foot controller can be used to engage the Loop Recorder while both hands are busy - for instance while performing an advanced scratch routine!
Integrated Audio Interface
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 also includes a powerful and versatile audio interface. With the same build quality as all multi-award winning Native Instruments DJ sound cards, this unit lets you easily integrate external turntables and CD players, instruments, MIDI gear, effects and a microphone into your TRAKTOR DJ sets.
Incorporating high-end AD/DA converters, hi-gain output levels and an ultra-wide frequency response, TRAKTOR KONTROL S4's integrated audio interface provides all the power, clarity and dynamic range that modern DJs demand.
Hit the Road
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 is the ideal solution for mobile DJs as it provides everything you need to rock a party in one highly portable unit. It’s a breeze to set up, simply plug and play, and you’re done in seconds. And with its slim profile, it’s incredibly easy to transport from gig to gig. The optional flight case with high quality industrial design carries your unit with 100% security, while the case also elevates the unit to standard turntable and CD player height and offers a stable stand for your laptop. It's doesn't get more mobile than this. The flexible ins and outs of the included soundcard mean it’s easy to hook up other gear - including a microphone.
S4 and Scratch
In the near future, S4 users will have the option to connect their preferred analog turntables or CDJs to control pitch, scratching, and transport functions for the S4 software. External timecode control via TRAKTOR SCRATCH will open up even more opportunities for creative mixing, fusing the already advanced features of the S4 with the full expressiveness of the traditional turntable / CDJ approach.
Controller
Take Kontrol
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 is the result of exceptionally high-quality workmanship. With meticulous attention to the ergonomics of Djing, the spacious layout is designed for and perfectly integrated with the latest TRAKTOR PRO software - everything you need to control is intuitively placed and feels natural right from the start.
The button grid, located under each jog wheel, contains 12 buttons in three rows of four, laid out to in a design that best suits the evolving nature of digital Djing, with easy access to elemental transport controls, as well as cue points and trigger buttons for samples and loops.
True Plug and Play Useablility
It's never been easier to get into the mix. TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 requires minimal set up - true plug and play usability means that all you need to do is hook up your computer to the S4 and connect it to PA, amp, or speakers.
As the controller was built from the ground up by the same team that created TRAKTOR, it's in perfect synergy with the software - you don't need to make any mapping or control assignments to get started. However, if you wish to customize the controller to better suit your individual workflow, simply dive into the S4 Preferences and express yourself.
Fully Customizable
Every DJ has his own way of doing things, and with its easy to use customization features, the TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 can really cater to your style. For example, you can easily assign default hotcue settings suited to your playing style, set favorite and directly available FX without browsing, or switch pitch faders between relative and absolute modes.
If you don’t need the Sample Deck functions, you can assign the 8 button grid to behave in a number of different creative ways, including setting up 8 different hot cues for your tracks, or even a backward loop function.
Jog Wheel Technology
The S4 features advanced jog wheel technology that makes it one of the most consistent, precise and reliable controllers on the market. DJs will instantly appreciate the grip of the rubber coated outer rim and the touch detection of the wheel’s glossy top plate, requiring light but firm contact for activation. This design avoids accidental triggering and provides gratifying physical feedback for the user.
With 1,000 counts per revolution, the precision and accuracy for cueing or scratching feels like vinyl. The patent-pending braking system is finely calibrated – it doesn’t wear out and ensures a reliable consistency over its entire lifespan.
Precision Engineered
With a specially designed protocol allowing 30 times more data to be processed compared to regular MIDI, the S4 is incredibly responsive. Under the hood, this controller is working at lightning speed to provide a smoother, more precise user experience. You will instantly notice the difference when working the faders or Eqs while in the mix - fluid control over every aspect of your performance is right at your fingertips. In fact, the crossfader on the S4 is so precise it can detect movement at less than 1/4 of the width of a human hair!
Mixer
All in the Mix
The central part of TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 holds the mixer section, made up of four stereo channels each with level faders, 3-band Eqs and a filter knob, gain and two FX sends per channel – very much like any professional club installation mixer.
Two analog stereo inputs are provided with both phono and microphone preamps, allowing the connection of turntables, CD players or external audio gear. The additional auxiliary session input allows you to hook the S4 up to other analog gear.
The Loop Recorder can be found in the center of the mixer, and is a powerful performance tool that will take your set to new levels of creativity. The super smooth crossfader is replaceable and its sharpness curve can be adjusted via the software to fit your mixing style.
Master Section
The upper central part of the mixer contains the Global panel, or Master Section. Here you’ll find controls for the main level output, and one centrally located push encoder dedicated to browsing through play lists and loading tracks.
The Snap button is a simple way to ensure cue points and loops sound tight by snapping to the next point of the beatgrid, while the “Quant” button means they’ll play back in perfect phase sync by waiting for the right moment to launch. The “Master” button switches between Master Clock and Master Deck Mode.
Gain and FX Assign
The encoders serve as gain controls for individual decks in TRAKTOR. Two FX assign buttons route audio to up to two effects units per channel. The Master Level knob in the center adjusts the master output volume, while below it, the Master Tempo controls the overall tempo.
Loop Recorder
With the Loop Recorder unit, located centrally in the Master section, you can now record live loops from any channel (single or multiple), or the live input feeds such as mic input or master output.
Similar to having a fifth deck, you can immediately layer and overdub loops on top of one another, triggering the recording & overdubbing from the Loop Recorder unit via the Record button - or use an optional footswitch if you don't have a hand free. Plus, you can instantly transfer a loop created in the Loop Recorder into a Sample Deck slot, freeing up the Loop Recorder for further use.
Fantastic Faders
All faders have special path limiters to ensure zero dead zone at their boundaries for a sharp cutting attack. Their rugged, long-life performance will continually excel in even the most demanding of gig schedules.
Relative pitch faders avoid sudden jumps in tempo when adjusting track speeds. An Example: If your fader is physically at -5% from the previous track, the newly loaded track will automatically load at +-0%, even with the fader in the same position. Adjust the pitch and the track will respond as though the fader was beginning from 0%, ensuring smooth transitions in tempo.
Software
Traktor Pro S4 Version
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 includes a fully customized version of the legendary TRAKTOR PRO software, adapted in all aspects to perfectly integrate with the S4 controller.
TRAKTOR PRO S4 is built on the same rock-solid 4-deck engine pioneered by Native Instruments five years ago, and integrates several ground-breaking features for use with the hardware controller, arming you with everything you need to rock amazing DJ sets.
Sample Decks
The Sample Decks push the boundaries of live sampling & looping in DJ sets. Instead of using loops for extending build-ups or mixing in and out of tracks, TRAKTOR’s Sample Decks allow for live track remixing and mashups on-the-fly.
You can load samples from your hard drive or use the included factory content loops - or even directly grab loops out of a running deck!
It's ingeniously simple to get started with the Sample Decks - on the running tune, engage a loop using the dedicated loop knob. The number in the display indicates how many beats will loop when engaged. Now press the Play button on an empty Sample Deck slot underneath and it’ll instantly play this loop in the Sample Deck slot. You can also drag & drop loops into these slots, if you prefer.
The default setup of the S4 is with two decks and two Sample Decks, but any deck can be switched between these functions to suit your style. Each Sample Deck holds 4 samples or loops, and due to TRAKTOR’s advanced quantization features, can be instantly triggered in perfect sync with the track playing. Stack or layer loops, and control their volume and sound directly on the Sample Deck via the dedicated filter and volume controls.
This powerful and creative feature can be used in a number of ways, from the simple “name tag shout out” to building entirely new tracks:
1. One Shot Samples – Need to drop your DJ name, the station ID or a vocal snippet over your set? Simple - use the loop deck as a sample trigger for a pre-recorded clip.
2. Live loops – Grab loops live from the tracks playing in TRAKTOR, ands bring them into the mix in perfect time. Apply filters via the dedicated buttons and chance the length of loops in real time, to create new remixes of the source track live, spicing up your set in the process.
3. Loop sets – This describes utilizing a stored selection of prepared segments, such as the included loops from Loopmasters, and building a set from them. The prepared loops would be parts of whole tracks, and the performance will organically work in and out the layers of loops via the dedicated Sample Deck.
4. Deconstruct / reconstruct – The full potential of this feature is reached when using prepared elements of an individual song, such as drum sections or bass lines. Bringing the clips in and out of the mix, and layering the elements together utilizing the individual volume and filter controls allow for on-the-fly remixes, blurring the boundary between Djing and live performance.
Loop Library Loopmasters Included
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 includes amazing loops and sounds from the in-demand sound providers at Loopmasters. These 40 original loops and 10 full tracks are drawn from Loopmasters DJ Mixtools series, covering dubstep, minimal, house, techno and trance styles, and can be freely combined with each other as well as with your own sounds and loops.
The production-ready drum, bass, percussion and synth loops are the perfect staring point to explore the Sample Decks feature.
Loop Recorder
With the Loop Recorder unit, located centrally in the Master section, you can now record live loops from any channel (single or multiple), or the live input feeds such as mic input or master output - as opposed to the Sample Deck, which can take loops from your track's digital file only.
Similar to having a fifth deck, you can immediately layer and overdub loops on top of one another, triggering the recording & overdubbing from the Loop Recorder unit via the Record button - or use an optional footswitch if you don't have a hand free. Plus, you can instantly transfer a loop created in the Loop Recorder into a Sample Deck slot, freeing up the Loop Recorder for further use.
Traktor Powered
TRAKTOR PRO S4 is a customized version of TRAKTOR PRO, designed for use with the S4 controller. TRAKTOR PRO is the leading DJ software, integrating industry-standard DJ workflows into an intuitive and stylish interface. Mix MP3s and other digital music files on four, fully featured decks, with automatic beat gridding of tracks, advanced beat detection and enhanced sync functionality that makes it even easier for newcomers to get in the mix.
Find the right track in moments, thanks to TRAKTOR’S powerful real-time track management including incremental search, Crate Flick artwork browsing, and full iTunes® integration and full iPod® compatibility. The precise looping functions and flexible performance effects suite with 28 tempo-syncable effects have helped establish TRAKTOR PRO as the standard for power, reliability, and creativity in Djing.
Leading Effects Engine
The TRAKTOR PRO S4 version includes the same 28 tried and tested effects as the legendary TRAKTOR PRO. Classics such as the much loved Gater, Slicer, Flanger and numerous filters are all present and easily and instantly triggerable via the two dedicated FX banks on the controller.
Of course, this impressive list has been expanded over time, so you can expect further updates with even more performance tools to elevate your sets and help you to shape your trademark sound.
Single Mode allows for deep manipulation of each effect, with up to four parameters adjustable at one time. This is perfect for in-depth tweaking, such as altering the rate, length and wet / dry single for a delay.
Group Mode makes it possible to control three effects at once via their central parameter - great for dramatically changing the feel of a track with multiple textures- such as adding a reverb, delay and a filter. What’s more, the FX slots can be activated for each channel, with up to three effects each, or chained together to produce a sequence of up to six effects.
Audio Interface
For years, top flight DJs have been rocking the biggest clubs in the world with Native Instruments’ award-winning audio interfaces. High profile users have been won over by the punchy, loud outputs and pristine audio - qualities that the TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 has inherited.
With low-latency drivers for Mac and PC, two stereo analog inputs for external hardware and MIDI In and Out, TRAKTOR KONTROL S4's on-board audio interface provides all the connectivity and brilliant audio quality needed to be the centerpiece of your setup at home or on stage.
Optimum Sound Quality
The audio interface of the TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 delivers enough punch to rock any club thanks to high-end Cirrus-Logic® AD/DA converters. An ultra-wide frequency response, coupled with audio resolution of up to 24-bit/96kHz will please even the most discerning ears.
The main output is equipped with both balanced 1/4" and unbalanced RCA jacks so that you can plug the unit into an external mixer or just go straight into a PA. Either way, the hi-gain outputs, providing up to 9.7 dBu on all channels, have what it takes to get through to your audience.
Cue it Up
A dependable and adjustable headphone mix is an essential prerequisite for any kind of DJ performance and TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 provides a high-quality 1/4" headphone jack with separate controls for headphone volume and cue mix. This means that you can not only pre-listen to channels you have cue'd up but also adjust their volume relative to the master output in your headphones - perfect for fine tuning the mix before going live with it.
Ins and Outs
To make TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 the heart of a larger DJ set-up, its two analog input channels can be switched between line and phono level for routing CD players, turntables, keyboards and effects into a channel of the mixer section.
All routing can be conveniently assigned from within the TRAKTOR software. A microphone input with adjustable gain is also on board, as is MIDI In and Out to sync TRAKTOR with synthesizers, drum computers, MASCHINE or external effects.
Specifications
Dimensions
- Depth: 32.2cm / 12.7''
- Height: 5.2cm / 2''
- Width: 50cm / 19.7''
- Weight: 3.4kg / 7.5lbs
Package includes:
- S4 hardware controller with built-in audio interface
- TRAKTOR PRO S4 software
- USB cable
- Power supply
- Manual
- Keyboard function mapping
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PC
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Mac
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- Windows® XP (latest SP, 32 Bit), Vista®/Windows 7® (latest SP, 32/64 Bit)
- Pentium®/Athlon® XP @ 1.8 GHz OR Core™2/AMD X2
- 2 GB RAM
USB 2.0 port, DVD drive, 6 GB free disk space for complete installation
TRAKTOR PRO S4 supports multi core processors.
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- Mac OS X® 10.5 or higher
- Intel® Core™Duo 1.66 GHz
- 2 GB RAM
USB 2.0 port, DVD drive, 6 GB free disk space for complete installation
TRAKTOR PRO S4 supports multi core processors.
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