Native Instruments Traktor S2 MK3

I use this to mainly have quick fun by myself or with my friends, without the inconvenience of carrying or wiring mixers, turntables and etc. For this task or for learning basics of DJ-ing this is a very good controller. It is really well built and feels sturdy. All the buttons and knobs feel really good and clicky. I only don't like the hotques/sample buttons at the bottom, but lets say that they are OK. Few other things that I find annoying:
- Most of the people have said this already, but yeah - why removing the effects knobs, when the MK2 already has it. It can get quite boring using only the mixer FX ( you can use only 1 for each channel). You could use custom mappings for free, which are not ideal or invest in a Kontrol X1 (which is not so cheap) to manage this. Also there is not an IN/OUT buttons for the loops, but you could do a mapping in Traktor for this pretty easily.
- The pitch slider is small and beatmatching could be quite hard. Set this in your software to +/- 8% and it will be better.
- The sound coming from this is somewhat on the quieter side. Both from master and monitor
- Very limited I/O. Only 1/8" jack for the headphones, instead of the bigger more professional 1/4". Also on the back there are only unbalanced outputs (RCA) and AUX, no XLR. I recommend using XLR to RCA cable for connecting studio monitors. The DAC is fine, though. The sound is nice, just a little bit quiet.

All in all, I don't regret the purchase. I totally knew what I was getting when ordering. If you need something more serious you should look elsewhere (and invest more).

I have been using the controller since the end of 2018. First, I want to note the reliability of the USB connector - this is the first thing you come across. Before the S2 MK3, I used the Numark Mixtrack Pro II controller and now I'm really happy with the ergonomics. No difficulties with the first installation and setting up software - it saves a lot of time and nerves. The sound quality on both outputs (RCA and mini-jack) is excellent. I used the controller with an old Lenovo W541 laptop under Windows 10 x64 with constantly updating OS - no errors or crashes for all time. All controls (faders, encoders, knobs) are tactile friendly, when it be able to push it's understood by touch. My advice: understand the Shift button modification for a smooth experience with the controller out of the box – use it to quickly navigate the track and extend the pitch range when you play unfamiliar tunes and want to do your best for the first time. I'm totally satisfied with the price/quality and plan to extend my gear park by NI S4 asap.

The hardware is good, well built and relatively easy to use, probably comparable to most other suchlike dj controllers of a respectable brand (although I can't compare). Setting up and connecting to a laptop is extremely easy and presents no problems. The lit pads make it possible to work in a dark environment. No comments on the effect as I don't use them.

The software, however, is outdated as - contrary to other software - it does not allow to create flexible or 'elastic' beat grids. Beat matching using the sync button is no problem as long as you play electronic music that comes out of a box, but with 'real' music it's almost impossible. There is a cumbersome procedure to reset the beat, but with music with lost of tempo changes, you need to redefine the 'beatmarkers' every few bars. Another option is to use other software to 'correct' the variations in tempo of the tracks, but actually that's taking the soul out of the music.

I haven't used the controller for quite a while now and only use it occasionally. It is possible that the new Traktor Pro 3 provides a method for flexible beat grids, I only used Pro 2. Anyway, if you're interested in pre-80s music, or in any music performed by real musicians, make sure to check this before you buy this Traktor! If I remember well, users have been asking for this elementary option included in almost all other dj-software for many years, but somehow the people at Native are very slow to provide this basic function.

I Have been a traktor pro user for years using a variety of timecode and midi controller setups. My audio 8 and s2 mk1 were starting to have issues after years of use so i was looking at replacing both units.

When Traktor pro 3 was announced the feature that really got my attention was that you no longer needed a native instruments audio interface to use timecode vinyl. When the s2 mk3 was announced as being bundled with 2 licenses for a full version of traktor pro 3 with timecode functionality this seemed like a great value bundle.

Controller:

Simple non cluttered layout, huge improvement with the Jog wheels, larger and very responsive. fun for basic scratching. non symmetrical deck layout is a nice touch. RGB performance pads give great visual feedback for hotcues and loops. all knobs, faders and buttons seem to be where you would expect to find them, pitch control surpisingly accurate for the size.

The mixer effects section and lack of separate effects units/controls at the top has had mixed reviews, my original plan was to simply re map if needed, and thats what i did. If you have a good understanding of mapping and modifiers then you can tweak the effects section to your own preference. works well with other midi controllers as well, when used with my zomo mc1000 ive every control i'm going to need.

Software:

Great software, has worked flawlessly with different setups for me, Timecode vinyl works with my american audio versaport and my m audio connectiv, low latencey with both interfaces.

if you have an existing audio interface that you will be using instead of the s2 then you can use it with windows 7 and just use the s2 as a midi device, just make sure your interface has a headphone monitor

Summary:
huge value for money without a cheap looking product. Not being locked into native instruments audio interfaces for vinyl control is a welcome new feature! Reading the manual is advised to get the most out of the software.

It's been a long struggle for me to choose something to learn the basics of DJing and don't break the bank. This controller so far is the best option I found on the market. It's absolutely crazy that for such a low price you can get fully functional controller that gives you the ability to play proper sets and learn all the the fundamentals.

Use. Extremely simple to use. You've never tried to DJ and now drunk you want to do it first time? Easy! Sync and phase meter got you covered. Want to learn how to beatmatch using only your ears to become a pro at some point? Easy! Just disable the phase meter, sound wave view, stable bpm and now the only thing you can rely on is your ears!

Clarity. Nothing unnecessary in this controller: two decks with launchpads, EQ and set of 4 filters to make it happen.

Pros&cons. Only pros and no cons - you can't ask more from 250 bucks DJ setup...

Additional comment on Traktor Pro 3 software that comes with this beauty. I've been quite anxious about starting on digital, since "all real DJs have to start on vinyl". However, the easiness of use and almost endless possibilities of Traktor Pro left me without any regret about starting with digital. Moreover, even though I still plan to purchase turntables just because I have a small vinyl collection - my next gear goal is proper 4 channel mixer, two X1 and one F1 units from NI to make it 4 decks fully digital setup. The difference in range of possibilities and ways to play between simple two turntables setup and Traktor setup is just insane. If you doubt my opinion check out Speedy J and Richie Hawtin.

10/10 highly recommend