NI Kontrol S4 MK2

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NI Kontrol S4 MK2
Posted on: 06.08.2013 by Glinda Stagner
So... With the Kontrol X1 mk2 going on sale today, anyone else believeing that it may be time for the introduction of an s4 mk2?

S4's have dropped in price recently (a common sign of NI bringing out a new product)

The s4 has been around for a good few years, time for a new one?

With the introduction of new features such as the touch strip, now found on the new NI controllers, is the s4 missing out?

What are your thoughts?
nayit ruiz jaramillo
27.09.2013
Originally Posted by DJ Abide
They kept the MK2 under wraps only to be not functioning upon release. .
Traktor DJ update came out yesterday bringing S4MK2 and S2MK2 compatibility.
Official (note official) release date for both controllers is 30/09/2013 (as mentioned in your post) so the app was actually available before the kontrollers.
nayit ruiz jaramillo
27.09.2013
Originally Posted by DJ Abide
I doubt this is the case. NI is proprietary happy/savvy.
Yeah, I realise that. NHL in most cases.

Originally Posted by DJ Abide
Their app doesn't claim to be midi mappable and I don't believe they'd leave that door open for any class compliant device to run Traktor DJ.
The app certainly isn't open to midi mapping, I know that it isn't because I work on the app.
I was talking about the Kontrollers being class compliant which is usually necessary for them to work with an iPad.

As I have already said the app is in Apples 'MFI' program so it cannot be open to midi mapping by other devices because apps in the program must only work with iOS/MFI certified devices. This is a condition set by Apple.
I guess that having 'MFI' status means that the Kontrollers do not need to be class compliant. I don't know cus I haven't bothered to ask a dev.

Originally Posted by DJ Abide
This iOS7 compatibility issue could force them to a early sale because that's really the main selling point of the mk2.
I'm not with you? I don't understand the point being made.

BTW - A very quick test shows that the S4MK2 is recognised by Midi Monitor as a midi input device but MM does not detect any midi messages. The S2MK2 is not recognised and switching it to midi mode (shift+shift) has no affect either (I stress this was a test done in about 5 minutes whilst I was waiting for my dinner to cook)
Lashay Walchak
27.09.2013
Originally Posted by Karlos Santos
Both the S4MK2 and the S2MK2 work with Traktor DJ. They have Apples "Made For iOS" status. I don't know if this means they are class compliant.

I can try both controllers with Midi Monitor to see.
I doubt this is the case. NI is proprietary happy/savvy. Their app doesn't claim to be midi mappable and I don't believe they'd leave that door open for any class compliant device to run Traktor DJ. This iOS7 compatibility issue could force them to a early sale because that's really the main selling point of the mk2.
nayit ruiz jaramillo
20.09.2013
Originally Posted by m2lawren
The only thing I wish they included on the model is some clever way to incorporate an Ipad holder.
Yeah that would have been neat. I have been using a chopped up Ikea Brada laptop stand or an X1 case. Will try get a pic up.

However it will wedge inbetween the first row of EQ knobs, but then you cannot use the top 2 rows of knobs or the jog wheels so that's a bit poo (kidding).
Sonja Roybal
17.09.2013
Originally Posted by theconsole
So, this will run traktor 2.6.3?

http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD...-intel-core-i5
Any i5 machine (pc or Mac) should run Traktor easily.
Delena Katherman
17.09.2013
Originally Posted by theconsole
So, this will run traktor 2.6.3?

http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD...-intel-core-i5
Definitely, although more RAM (8 GB) is always better. Also, that 64 GB hard drive is going to fill up fast if you have a large music library or intend to use the computer for non-DJ stuff.
Delena Katherman
17.09.2013
Originally Posted by theconsole
So, you can dj with traktor on a macbook air. I thought macbook airs had 1.3 gigahertz processor. Doesn't Traktor require more ?
From NI:

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Mac OS X 10.7 or 10.8 (latest update), Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended)
General: Monitor with 1024 x 768 screen resolution, USB 2.0, 1 GB free disc space, high-speed internet required

The Mac requirements don't specify processor speed. I was rocking the original MacBook Air first generation until about a year ago with no problems. The new ones are definitely powerful enough.
Brinda Toalston
17.09.2013
Originally Posted by djproben
It's lighter in terms of weight but it's clunky in terms of the operating system - you don't have full capabilities of Traktor, multitasking is really difficult, and you don't have the flexibility of a real computer. And you only save a few ounces over the Macbook Air.



Well that's not what I said at all - I like Traktor as it is (and I see use for the ipad version in smaller contexts, though I wouldn't bother with an S4 for that), but if you want to make things less clunky and do away with a laptop, it doesn't do much to replace it with a less efficient but slightly smaller computer.
So, you can dj with traktor on a macbook air. I thought macbook airs had 1.3 gigahertz processor. Doesn't Traktor require more ?
nayit ruiz jaramillo
27.09.2013
Originally Posted by DJ Abide
They kept the MK2 under wraps only to be not functioning upon release. .
Traktor DJ update came out yesterday bringing S4MK2 and S2MK2 compatibility.
Official (note official) release date for both controllers is 30/09/2013 (as mentioned in your post) so the app was actually available before the kontrollers.
Lashay Walchak
27.09.2013		It's a real hit on NI w/ this iOS7 compatibility issue. They kept the MK2 under wraps only to be not functioning upon release. I've got one here in the shop ready for sale on the 30th, willing to bet it sits around. The controller didn't change much. It's not going to sell well at any price above $599. They can still bleed another $120 for TSP.
nayit ruiz jaramillo
27.09.2013
Originally Posted by DJ Abide
I doubt this is the case. NI is proprietary happy/savvy.
Yeah, I realise that. NHL in most cases.

Originally Posted by DJ Abide
Their app doesn't claim to be midi mappable and I don't believe they'd leave that door open for any class compliant device to run Traktor DJ.
The app certainly isn't open to midi mapping, I know that it isn't because I work on the app.
I was talking about the Kontrollers being class compliant which is usually necessary for them to work with an iPad.

As I have already said the app is in Apples 'MFI' program so it cannot be open to midi mapping by other devices because apps in the program must only work with iOS/MFI certified devices. This is a condition set by Apple.
I guess that having 'MFI' status means that the Kontrollers do not need to be class compliant. I don't know cus I haven't bothered to ask a dev.

Originally Posted by DJ Abide
This iOS7 compatibility issue could force them to a early sale because that's really the main selling point of the mk2.
I'm not with you? I don't understand the point being made.

BTW - A very quick test shows that the S4MK2 is recognised by Midi Monitor as a midi input device but MM does not detect any midi messages. The S2MK2 is not recognised and switching it to midi mode (shift+shift) has no affect either (I stress this was a test done in about 5 minutes whilst I was waiting for my dinner to cook)
Lashay Walchak
27.09.2013
Originally Posted by Karlos Santos
Both the S4MK2 and the S2MK2 work with Traktor DJ. They have Apples "Made For iOS" status. I don't know if this means they are class compliant.

I can try both controllers with Midi Monitor to see.
I doubt this is the case. NI is proprietary happy/savvy. Their app doesn't claim to be midi mappable and I don't believe they'd leave that door open for any class compliant device to run Traktor DJ. This iOS7 compatibility issue could force them to a early sale because that's really the main selling point of the mk2.
nayit ruiz jaramillo
20.09.2013
Originally Posted by m2lawren
The only thing I wish they included on the model is some clever way to incorporate an Ipad holder.
Yeah that would have been neat. I have been using a chopped up Ikea Brada laptop stand or an X1 case. Will try get a pic up.

However it will wedge inbetween the first row of EQ knobs, but then you cannot use the top 2 rows of knobs or the jog wheels so that's a bit poo (kidding).
Cody Mcnall
20.09.2013		All I know is I pre ordered my s4 mk2 already and I can barely sleep!!! lol. Pretty much have to wait 2 weeks for it ship plus transit time. The only thing I wish they included on the model is some clever way to incorporate an Ipad holder.
Logan Lassey
20.09.2013		Having now watched a few of the walkthrough videos that have popped up from the BPM show, I gotta say the new S2 when used with an iPad is a pretty great setup.
All the previous criticisms of the Traktor DJ app seem to have been addressed, and I believe you can now do all of what most people would need with it.
Will be really interesting to see where the Traktor DJ app goes from here.
Fannie Ohayre
18.09.2013		Back on topic.
]After reading all of the posts and looking at the various videos of the Kontrol S4 MKII, I've decided that it will be my next controller.
nayit ruiz jaramillo
18.09.2013		This thread has gone totally off topic.
Bulah Pizzolo
18.09.2013		I have an 2011 Air with an i5 1.6Ghz and never had problems at all.
Nelle Maisel
17.09.2013		I've got a 2011 Air with 1.7 processor and 4GB of ram. It has played several multi hour sets by multiple DJs when their computers crash. And I still have Office and everything else from school still on it.
Sonja Roybal
17.09.2013
Originally Posted by theconsole
So, this will run traktor 2.6.3?

http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD...-intel-core-i5
Any i5 machine (pc or Mac) should run Traktor easily.
Delena Katherman
17.09.2013
Originally Posted by theconsole
So, this will run traktor 2.6.3?

http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD...-intel-core-i5
Definitely, although more RAM (8 GB) is always better. Also, that 64 GB hard drive is going to fill up fast if you have a large music library or intend to use the computer for non-DJ stuff.
Sonja Roybal
17.09.2013		I would never rely on the Traktor DJ app. It crashes a lot. I've crashed Traktor 1 time on an i3/3GB laptop and crashed the app on the iPad numerous times. It's really unstable. I don't know if it's the app's fault or iOS.
Brinda Toalston
17.09.2013		So, this will run traktor 2.6.3?

http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD...-intel-core-i5
Delena Katherman
17.09.2013
Originally Posted by theconsole
So, you can dj with traktor on a macbook air. I thought macbook airs had 1.3 gigahertz processor. Doesn't Traktor require more ?
From NI:

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Mac OS X 10.7 or 10.8 (latest update), Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended)
General: Monitor with 1024 x 768 screen resolution, USB 2.0, 1 GB free disc space, high-speed internet required

The Mac requirements don't specify processor speed. I was rocking the original MacBook Air first generation until about a year ago with no problems. The new ones are definitely powerful enough.
Brinda Toalston
17.09.2013
Originally Posted by djproben
It's lighter in terms of weight but it's clunky in terms of the operating system - you don't have full capabilities of Traktor, multitasking is really difficult, and you don't have the flexibility of a real computer. And you only save a few ounces over the Macbook Air.



Well that's not what I said at all - I like Traktor as it is (and I see use for the ipad version in smaller contexts, though I wouldn't bother with an S4 for that), but if you want to make things less clunky and do away with a laptop, it doesn't do much to replace it with a less efficient but slightly smaller computer.
So, you can dj with traktor on a macbook air. I thought macbook airs had 1.3 gigahertz processor. Doesn't Traktor require more ?
Reena Buckel
17.09.2013
People who bought a s2 or s4 in the past 6 months should be eligible for an upgrade.
Nelle Maisel
17.09.2013
Originally Posted by 031999
hey real quick! i just found this product.

Protect your crossfader on your s4.

THIS IS NOT MY PRODUCT. i just ran across it. But lol, its not really not significant enough to start a new thread.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-CROSSFADER...item3cd527e5a9
Thats a great idea. That should work for the Z2 guys that are having their crossfaders marks where out too. Good find.
Lannie Kutay
17.09.2013		hey real quick! i just found this product.

Protect your crossfader on your s4.

THIS IS NOT MY PRODUCT. i just ran across it. But lol, its not really not significant enough to start a new thread.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-CROSSFADER...item3cd527e5a9
Danae Dumler
17.09.2013
Originally Posted by theconsole
How is the ipad clunky? I was going to go with S2 and Ipad mini.
Would that not be lighter and slightly more portable?
It's lighter in terms of weight but it's clunky in terms of the operating system - you don't have full capabilities of Traktor, multitasking is really difficult, and you don't have the flexibility of a real computer. And you only save a few ounces over the Macbook Air.

So you believe the Traktor software should be completely built into the controller, with no need for a laptop? I can't see NI going that route any time soon, especially considering it looks like they are going more and more toward a minimalist (modular/portable) approach than all-in-one.
Well that's not what I said at all - I like Traktor as it is (and I see use for the ipad version in smaller contexts, though I wouldn't bother with an S4 for that), but if you want to make things less clunky and do away with a laptop, it doesn't do much to replace it with a less efficient but slightly smaller computer.
Isidro Vanegdom
17.09.2013		Personally, I changed my mind to change mk1 to mk2.
Notebook is not a problem for me, i am also own NI Maschine Mk1 and remix decks works fine with mapping from digitaldjtools dot net.
Bulah Pizzolo
17.09.2013		Can't agree more @ bisco
Bulah Pizzolo
17.09.2013
Originally Posted by jdownesbaird
So you believe the Traktor software should be completely built into the controller, with no need for a laptop? I can't see NI going that route any time soon, especially considering it looks like they are going more and more toward a minimalist (modular/portable) approach than all-in-one.
I am pretty sure they will do quite soon! Again, if you're a prof. DJ traveling around the globe, wouldn't be great to just bring your USB/hard drive? Also, with all the new controllers and mixers coming up for Serato DJ, they're really aggressive to the market right now. To me, naturally NI is going with their own controller hardware. Of course, Pioneer or even any other producer didn't came up with a new controller for Traktor as this would simply reduce sales on the S4/S2. Why does Pioneer just came up with all the Serato controllers and even mixers with build-in audio interfaces now? I believe it's almost the best strategy for Serato, to expand the controller family with Pioneer as one of the most know premium DJ gear producers at all.
Kevin Brandin
17.09.2013		People who bought a s2 or s4 in the past 6 months should be eligible for an upgrade.
Reena Buckel
18.09.2013
The VCI 100 is compatible with the Ipad but not with Traktor DJ.
why not, you can use the internal soundcard ipad not?
Alphonso Deitchman
17.09.2013		Only problem is the lack of sound card.
Vito Chesnut
17.09.2013
Originally Posted by easyrider
would that mean that the vci 100 is compatible
has anyone tried this
That would be a good option for a very small yet durable dj setup.
Alphonso Deitchman
17.09.2013		The VCI 100 is compatible with the Ipad but not with Traktor DJ.
Reena Buckel
17.09.2013
List of class compliant DJ controllers

Here’s the current list of controllers we know will work in this way with iPad. We’ll continually update this as we find out more…

Vestax: VCI-100, VCI-300, VCI-380, VCI-400, VFX-1, Spin, Spin2, Typhoon
would that mean that the vci 100 is compatible
has anyone tried this
Alphonso Deitchman
17.09.2013		They don't light up at all in the Mad Zach video. Looks like the same orange ring that's on the S2 Mk1 Sample knob.
Monserrate Rupnow
17.09.2013		Do the new front panel rings around the knobs light up, or are those just painted on? Hard to tell in the videos.

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