Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3: Motorized Jogs with Haptic Feedback
· re:union Radio editorial · 3 min read
Native Instruments' Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 features motorized jog wheels with Haptic Drive, new displays, and a pro audio interface.
With the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3, Native Instruments re-released its 4-channel flagship in 2018 – for the first time with motorized jog wheels. Instead of just receiving input, the 5.5-inch wheels now provide tangible “Haptic Drive” feedback when you scroll over cue points or other markers.
At a glance
- Motorized 5.5-inch jog wheels with three modes: Jog Mode, Beatgrid Adjust Mode, Turntable Mode
- New, angular standard layout with identically aligned pitch faders on both decks
- Small LCD displays per deck for track name, key, BPM, loop length, and waveform
- Pro audio interface with 24 bit / 96 kHz, XLR microphone inputs, and separate TRS booth output
Jog wheels that write back
The main innovation of the S4 MK3 is its motorized jog wheels: The Haptic Drive system delivers magnetically-feeling feedback points at cue points and other markers, and the jog tension can be adjusted. Three operating modes are available – the classic Jog Mode, the Beatgrid Adjust Mode for quick beatgrid corrections with haptic feedback, and the motor-assisted, vinyl-like Turntable Mode for nudging and scratching.
New layout, new displays
Visually, Native Instruments opts for a more angular, technical look instead of the curved shapes of its predecessor. A clear difference: The mirrored layout of the previous generation is history; instead, the pitch faders on both decks are now identically aligned – closer to the usual industry standard. Each deck also features a small LCD display showing track name, key, BPM, loop length, and a waveform overview, while RGB light rings visualize deck selection, tempo, and an approaching track end. For the Mixer FX, you can choose from three filter types and eight effects per channel – a concept that, according to DJ TechTools, is reminiscent of Pioneer DJ's Color FX.
Audio interface for the club
The built-in sound card operates at 24 bit/96 kHz resolution and features two stereo phono/line inputs, two additional stereo line inputs, two microphone inputs (XLR and 6.3 mm TRS), two stereo main outputs (phono/line plus XLR), one stereo booth output (6.3 mm TRS), and two mirrored headphone outputs. Compared to the previous generation, MIDI I/O and the footswitch connection have been omitted. For the faders, Native Instruments uses “Carbon Protect” – inverted carbon strips that, according to the manufacturer, offer better protection against dust and other substances.
| Channels | 4 |
|---|---|
| Jog wheels | 5.5 inch, motorized, Haptic Drive™, 3 modes |
| Displays | LCD per deck (track name, key, BPM, loop length, waveform) |
| Audio interface | 24 bit / 96 kHz |
| Inputs/Outputs | 2× Phono/Line, 2× Line, 2× Mic (XLR/TRS), 2× Main-Out (Phono/Line + XLR), 1× Booth-Out (TRS), 2× Headphones |
| Price (Launch) | 939 US dollars / 719 pounds / 899 euros |
| Available since | November 1, 2018 |
“Motorized jogwheels – so hot right now!” – DJ TechTools on the launch of the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3
FAQ
What makes Haptic Drive special on the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3?
Haptic Drive allows the motorized jog wheels to provide tangible, magnetically-feeling feedback when scrolling through cue points and other markers – in addition to the three selectable modes: Jog, Beatgrid Adjust, and Turntable.
What connections does the integrated audio interface offer?
The sound card operates at 24 bit/96 kHz and offers, among other things, two phono/line input pairs, two microphone inputs, two main outputs, and a separate booth output – MIDI I/O and the footswitch connection of the previous generation have been omitted.
If you're looking for another Stems-capable 4-channel controller for techno sets, the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10 is an alternative, while the Native Instruments Maschine+ allows you to continue producing within the same ecosystem.
Source: DJ TechTools, “Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3: Motorized Jog Wheels With Haptic Feedback”.
