The Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 is the controller I’ve DJed on at home for five years. It’s a two-deck controller from Native Instruments, built to run Traktor Pro, with a mixer, jog wheels, pads and an audio interface in one bus-powered box.
It’s a good controller. It’s also getting hard to buy new: Native Instruments lists it as sold out, and some major retailers no longer carry it. So this review covers two questions: is it good, and should you hunt one down?
The Short Answer
- It’s a great first controller if you want to learn on Traktor and DJ from a laptop.
- Buy it used at a fair price, or new if you can still find it near list.
- Look at a 4-deck controller if you already know you want more than two decks or motorized jog wheels.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 |
|---|---|
| List price | $339 (sold out at Native Instruments, Oct 2026) |
| Decks | 2 decks, 2+1 channel mixer |
| Jog wheels | Touch-sensitive (not motorized) |
| Pads | 16 RGB (8 per deck) |
| Mixer FX | One FX knob per channel |
| Audio interface | 24-bit, 44.1 or 48 kHz |
| Outputs | Main out on RCA and 1/4" TRS, headphone out |
| Mic input | 1/4" TRS |
| Power | USB bus-powered |
| Software | Traktor Pro (now Traktor Pro 4) and Traktor DJ 2 |
| Size and weight | 48.6 x 26.5 x 5.9 cm, 2.36 kg |
Layout and Feel
The S2 MK3 is laid out like a classic two-deck setup with a mixer in the middle. If you learn on it, the skills carry straight over to club gear: EQs, filters, volume faders, cueing in headphones.
The jog wheels are touch-sensitive and fine for nudging and light scratching. They’re not motorized like the S4 MK3’s Haptic Drive jogs, and that’s the one upgrade I keep wishing for: haptic jogs push back and give you cue-point bumps you can feel. For beat-matching by ear and adjusting a mix, the S2’s jogs do the job.
The 16 pads cover hot cues, loops and samples. Each channel has a single mixer FX knob, which is the fastest way to add a filter sweep or a wash without digging into menus.
Audio Interface
The built-in interface is enough for home and small gigs:
- Main outputs on both RCA and balanced 1/4" TRS, so it plugs into powered speakers, a home stereo or a small PA
- A headphone output for cueing
- A 1/4" mic input for talking over the mix
- 24-bit at 44.1 or 48 kHz
It’s USB bus-powered, so there’s no power brick to forget. That also means it runs entirely off your laptop’s USB port.
Software
New units include full Traktor Pro, now Traktor Pro 4, plus Traktor DJ 2. The S2 MK3 is mapped out of the box, and it supports Traktor’s Stems format.
I run it with Traktor DJ 2 on my laptop. It’s the simpler of the two apps, and for two decks at home it’s all I’ve needed. Sync and beatgrids let you focus on track selection and transitions while you’re learning, and you can turn the help off as you get better. If you outgrow it, Traktor Pro 4 is in the box.
The Catch: Availability
Native Instruments’ own store lists the S2 MK3 at $339 and marks it sold out, and some retailers have dropped it. That usually means stock is running down.
What that means for you:
- Used is a good option. These are simple, sturdy controllers. Check the jog wheels, faders and pads before you pay, and confirm it comes with a USB cable.
- New stock near $339 is still a fair deal. Don’t pay a scarcity markup for it.
- If you’ll want four decks or motorized jogs within a year, skip ahead to a 4-deck controller instead of buying twice.
Who Should Buy the S2 MK3
- You’re learning to DJ and want a real mixer layout, not an app-first toy
- You want to stay in the Traktor ecosystem
- You DJ at home or small parties from a laptop
- You’d rather spend on music than gear
Who should look elsewhere:
- You want four decks, stem decks, or motorized jog wheels
- You plan to DJ on club CDJs soon and want something closer to that layout
- You need standalone operation without a laptop
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3
Best Traktor StarterA simple, solid two-deck Traktor controller that teaches real mixer habits. Grab one used or near list while you still can.
Bottom Line
The S2 MK3 is still a great way to learn and play Traktor at home. Five years in, it’s still the controller I use, and it hasn’t held me back. The only real problem is buying one: grab it used or near list, and if you already know you’ll outgrow two decks, start with a four-deck controller instead.
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