Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S3chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

The S3 only includes 8 basic mixer effects instead of Traktor's full 40+ effect suite, with no dedicated per-deck FX knobs like older S2 models or the S4. Multiple commenters call this a major downgrade and a deliberate upsell tactic.

@liamjones246

Its worth noting that the traktor s3 is stuck with 8 piss poor effects. The traktor software has a total of 43 effects that can only be used with the mk2 or s4, money plot...\nI nearly returned the controller, but after months of headaches i have now learnt how to map the effects units onto my preferred controls on the S3. Its not convenient but its worth it to save another 700$ for the s4. Something everyone needs to be cautious aboutlaunch

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September 1, 2020

@CriticsConfession

Kind of fucked that the individual knobs for the fx are only on the S4 when they used to be on the original S2. Native Instruments will do anything to skimp out and still make you pay extra for it.launch

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August 2, 2020

@sathishM98845

So there is not even a single Knob to use all the 40 effects in FX suite, i thought atlleast there could be one Effect turn on/off and level Knob like in DDJ 400. Only 8 effects and a filter for a 4 channel controller 👎👎👎launch

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July 12, 2020

@Noah-Lach

I really miss those FX controls. If the old, much smaller S2 mk2 had them, why do they have to be absent on the S3 (and the S2 mk3 for that matter)?launch

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June 12, 2020

Jog wheels are described as stiff with no adjustable tension, making scratching, spin-backs, and fast forward/rewind difficult or impossible for some users, especially compared to the S4's adjustable tension.

@GrooveMasterChillyCee

The crossfader is crap. I am on my third unit because the crossfader over a short amount of time will allow bleed over from the other deck (basically audio can be heard from the other channel when the crossfader is to sharp and positioned either to the extreme left or right). Jog wheels are stiff, you really have adjusted your style to accommodate the jog wheel tension especially when scratching. This unit needs a tension control but, to get that you must buy the S4.launch

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March 23, 2023

@GrooveMasterChillyCee

My add is that if you are a scratch DJ S2 and S3 will be a bit of a struggle because the jog wheel tension is stiff. S4 has a tension control where you can adjust the jog wheels to your liking. Another problem I've encountered is that after 2- 3 weeks the crossfader will experience bleeding over. Meaning that if the crossfader is all the right you can still hear audio from the left when the crossfader curve is set to sharp. The same situation is experienced when you position the crossfader to the right, you will hear the left channel with the crossfader set to sharp. Customer support does not have a fix for this issue.launch

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March 18, 2023

@Romina-SoulPower

Thanks for this super helpful video and I understood you very well :)\nDo you maybe have a few tips, what else can be done with the shift key? And do you know how to adjust the sensitivity of the jogwheels?\nThanks for your answer and many greetings to you :)launch

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January 29, 2023

@GrooveMasterChillyCee

This is just my spill on trying out some features on the Traktor S3 since I purchase it on 25 April 2022. Jog wheels are stiff and can't do a spin back with any great effect. You should be able to fast forward and rewind with the jog wheels. But no, you got to use one hand for the shift button and the other hand to spin the jog wheel. This is counterproductive to what used to take one hand now requires two. This is CRAY, CRAY to me. Sync buttons will do some not-so-great beat matching. I do a lot of nogging or manual beat matches. The tempo faders just need to be longer. The switching of the software from 2% to any iteration up to a100% is just a lot of guesswork. It's hard to find the right balance, and or keep changing to fit certain genres of music when mixing because the adjustment isn't enough for that track. Maybe Traktor on an upgrade to S2, S3, and S4 should have a tension control or adjustment for the jog wheels.launch

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April 28, 2022

Multiple users report the crossfader leaking audio from the opposite channel even when set to a sharp curve and positioned fully left or right, with some going through several replacement units without a fix from NI support.

@GrooveMasterChillyCee

Traktor Kontrol S3 crossfader is a piece of you know what. I have sent my original purchase back and received a preowned from NI Support. The crossfader on that started having problems and sent that back and received a new one and now that controller's crossfade is having the same issue which is when you set it to sharp you get feedback . For example both deck A & b have a track playing , moving the crossfader from the center to the extreme right there should be no sound from Deck A on the left. Same thing happens if you did the same setup with Deck B moving the crossfader to the extreme right. NI support, and their technicians can't resolve this problem. So, I'm stuck with a problemmatic controller with no fix insight. I been using traktor DJ software for about 10 years and the S3 MK 3 since April 2021. Finallly, I guess i will have to make the move to Pioneer Rekord Box with the DDJ FLX-10. Its a better product uses athe Generation 3 MAGVEL crossfader plus it buil and has STEMS separation on the fly which NI does have yet putting them way behind the curve.launch

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July 25, 2023

@GrooveMasterChillyCee

The crossfader is crap. I am on my third unit because the crossfader over a short amount of time will allow bleed over from the other deck (basically audio can be heard from the other channel when the crossfader is to sharp and positioned either to the extreme left or right). Jog wheels are stiff, you really have adjusted your style to accommodate the jog wheel tension especially when scratching. This unit needs a tension control but, to get that you must buy the S4.launch

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March 23, 2023

@GrooveMasterChillyCee

My add is that if you are a scratch DJ S2 and S3 will be a bit of a struggle because the jog wheel tension is stiff. S4 has a tension control where you can adjust the jog wheels to your liking. Another problem I've encountered is that after 2- 3 weeks the crossfader will experience bleeding over. Meaning that if the crossfader is all the right you can still hear audio from the left when the crossfader curve is set to sharp. The same situation is experienced when you position the crossfader to the right, you will hear the left channel with the crossfader set to sharp. Customer support does not have a fix for this issue.launch

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March 18, 2023

@jaytendo5281

damn had one and the entire thing is junk....sorry, but had the fader bleeding less than a week scratching with it, thanks @Traktor, as i went with the rane 12's and 72....nuff saidlaunch

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December 17, 2019

Several commenters feel the €599-699 price is too high given the missing FX and build quality, suggesting €399-500 would be more reasonable or pointing to competitors like the Pioneer DDJ-1000 or Denon Prime 4.

@DriveTillDuskMusic

I think 500 would be a better price than almost 700 bucks. It may be good as a midrange but again it’s much of a stretch at 700.launch

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May 2, 2021

@IDRIS-ALC

At that price €599!!!!! this S3 controller without FX has no interest, pass it by. Look at PIONEER (DENON prime 4) instead, it's more expensive certainly but it moves at all levels... too bad because I'm a fan of NI but that's no longer possible.launch

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October 28, 2019

@DjGJ

Would be interresting at price of €399...but €599? Forget about it..it's about time to make a deal with pioneer dj to bring the DDJ-1000 traktor version...just like they have for serato...at reasonable price point 😊launch

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October 17, 2019

@hot4futureyears2come

two things, light around the jog would of been nice (see the vestax 380) also Mic in the Front? all that room in the back of the controller? seems like a over site. but nice price point and i am sure this has a great soundcard. too bad the ddj800 is a way better choice (if you not married to traktor that is)launch

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October 16, 2019

Users note the controller can only handle one external audio source simultaneously, limiting scenarios like mic plus a guest DJ's device, which some feel should be standard at this price and channel count.

@redyman99

I have this controller and I like it very much but it has one huge downside. You can use only one external source at a time. For example as a salsa/bachata dj when a guest instructor makes a dance workshop before the party I can't give him/her a jack plug for her/his music player (phone, tablet etc.) and a head microphone at the same time. I need a standalone mixer to achive this. At this price range with 4 channel it would be a default functionality. :/launch

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February 17, 2023

@brentdietiker

Hello- I'am using the S3 w/my MacBook. In the past I've used the Kontrol S4 and would route audio from the Amazon music or other online sources into channel B or D. Now with the S3, I'am finding that the audio that I'am playing from the out port on the MacBook into the RCA is only playing and not able to be manipulated(volume sliders etc).Am I wrong to think this shouldn't be the case? Thanks for your timelaunch

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November 19, 2021

@dFixxx3r

cool\nim buying it couse im beeing weirdly looked at with my z1 and x1 so gonna use it for some gigs with x1 to control effects and when things are simple i just kick z1 and x1 in my backpack leaving this home. so i dont see the reason to buy s4. my only worry is only one input. can't use mic and for example friend line in to play b2b. right ?launch

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January 1, 2020

Some users describe the S3 (and S2) as cheaply built compared to the S4 mk3, citing plastic cue/play buttons instead of rubber and overall lower build quality.

@Odyseuss08

it shoudl be mentioned that the S2 and S3 are way way waaaaaaaay more cheaper made in built quality in every aspect then the S4 MK3.launch

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October 21, 2023

@RudeTortuga

The fact that cue/play arent \"rubber\" but plastic is the no-go point for me. Shame, it looks nice tho.launch

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May 16, 2023

@neilpreedy919

Been a big fan and user of Traktor and NI gear sinse 2010, but seriously ! The new S2 MK3 and S3 and terrlibel ! Who's idea was it to make the most cheap and tacky controllers on the market ! The S4 MK3 is great, but NI should be ashamed by the S2 & S3 !!!! What were you thinking ! Seriously , how could you make something as good as the S4 MK3 then make the S3 so bad ! Why would you do that ?launch

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April 4, 2020

Users report frustrating experiences with NI support, including unresolved crossfader defects, USB connector replacement delays, and a serial number suddenly not being recognized on a new laptop.

@GrooveMasterChillyCee

Traktor Kontrol S3 crossfader is a piece of you know what. I have sent my original purchase back and received a preowned from NI Support. The crossfader on that started having problems and sent that back and received a new one and now that controller's crossfade is having the same issue which is when you set it to sharp you get feedback . For example both deck A & b have a track playing , moving the crossfader from the center to the extreme right there should be no sound from Deck A on the left. Same thing happens if you did the same setup with Deck B moving the crossfader to the extreme right. NI support, and their technicians can't resolve this problem. So, I'm stuck with a problemmatic controller with no fix insight. I been using traktor DJ software for about 10 years and the S3 MK 3 since April 2021. Finallly, I guess i will have to make the move to Pioneer Rekord Box with the DDJ FLX-10. Its a better product uses athe Generation 3 MAGVEL crossfader plus it buil and has STEMS separation on the fly which NI does have yet putting them way behind the curve.launch

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July 25, 2023

@barrachinasoundcafe

I purchased a Traktor S3 on 22.12.20 and wanted to transfer it from my old laptop to my more powerful laptop. Now Native Instruments does not recognize my serial number, which it accepted on the old laptop! This raises questions!! For example, how secure is my data, why doesn't support answer my questions, why can't I use my controller anymore? That's not customer-friendly, is it?? I'm curious, I'll give it 5 more days, then I'll probably have to take legal action whether I like it or not. I bought a product, but the software performance is not being delivered!!launch

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January 31, 2022

@thisbridgehascables

Does it come with a working usb connector?? The last 2 months have been hell dealing with support, paid a replacement fee for a defective device two months ago and still no replacement. I thought NI would treat customers with a bit more respect and not leave them hanging. \n\nIf you delete this comment, i will just post again and again and again.\n\nThe worst part is that they made me pay, took my money and i’ve gotten nothing. \n\nI love NI products and software but jeez.. i just expected better.launch

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October 23, 2019

One user says master and headphone volumes are insufficient for playing outside a bedroom setting, unfavorably compared to an older Behringer controller.

@palmonix

I bought a new S3 to replace my old controller ... master and headphones volumes simple don't work for a DJ who wants to play outside the bedroom. My old behringer one output is miles away from this one. I will return mine. In your opinion what is the best options to replace it? Many thanks in advancelaunch

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June 13, 2020