The Lowdown
With its smart new aluminium jogwheels and iOS compatibility, this is the perfect compact Traktor controller. It costs less than the Kontrol S4 MK2 and is easier to transport, and you can add a Kontrol F1 for Traktor Pro 2’s Remix Decks too.
First Impressions / Setting up
The Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2 is the smaller, more compact and more affordable baby brother to the Kontrol S4 Mk2. The Kontrol S2 Mk2 has added buttons and features that complement the updates made on the Traktor software such as Remix Decks, Flux Mode and Effects. It is also now fully compatible with Traktor DJ for iOS.
In Use
There are a number of improvements on the S2 Mk2 that users appreciate such as the addition of the Cues / Remix slots, the new RGB backlit buttons and Flux Mode. While in Flux Mode, you can jump to cue points, loops and hot cues, and afterward jump back to the original position of the timeline. The jogwheels are now aluminium, slightly heavier, but remain smooth and lag-free.
Among the gripes over the S2 Mk2 (and S4 Mk2) is the sound card that produces headphone volume on the quieter side, making it difficult to hear yourself over large speakers when playing in clubs. Also, while you can turn up the levels on deck C and D using the centre knob, it’s a feature that isn’t quite intuitive, hence, the S2 Mk2 can be tricky if you’re planning to mix with more than two decks.
The S2 Mk2 still takes the rugged, portable, and lasting design of its predecessor and remains a great controller for compact, iOS, or mobile DJ setups.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a budget controller for your Traktor DJ or a beginner just getting acquainted with the software, and only need two decks to mix with, then the Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk2 is a great choice.
