Which dj controller to buy

Hanz

Hey guys, I have a Mac book air 13 from 2017, Mac OS Monterey version 12.7.4 with a Traktor s 3 software

which dj controller is compatible and what to buy as a beginner

Thanks for your help!!

Hanz

maniacintosh81

Hey @Hanz,

as you already decided to use Traktor Pro, the classic suggestions would be Kontrol S2 Mk3, Kontrol S3 and Kontrol S4 Mk3. These are Native Instruments own offerings and usually integrate best with Traktor Pro especially if you are beginner. Which one to choose depends on your budget and a bit on your desired features. With S2 Mk3 you only can control 2 decks - which is usually enough especially for beginners. Both S2 Mk3 and S3 don't feature controls for FX units and therefore only support mixer effects. S4 Mk3 features moving platters, controls for the FX units and displays for essential information. If your budget allows a S4 Mk3 this would be my suggestion. But the other two controllers are solid choices too.

If none of these suits your needs you can use any controller which can send MIDI to your Mac. But you have either search for a mapping for Traktor Pro (think of it as instructions which button triggers which button in the software) or build this mapping yourself. I wouldn't recommend this for you as beginner.

Have fun with Traktor. :-)

maniacintosh81

Hey @Hanz,

as you already decided to use Traktor Pro, the classic suggestions would be Kontrol S2 Mk3, Kontrol S3 and Kontrol S4 Mk3. These are Native Instruments own offerings and usually integrate best with Traktor Pro especially if you are beginner. Which one to choose depends on your budget and a bit on your desired features. With S2 Mk3 you only can control 2 decks - which is usually enough especially for beginners. Both S2 Mk3 and S3 don't feature controls for FX units and therefore only support mixer effects. S4 Mk3 features moving platters, controls for the FX units and displays for essential information. If your budget allows a S4 Mk3 this would be my suggestion. But the other two controllers are solid choices too.

If none of these suits your needs you can use any controller which can send MIDI to your Mac. But you have either search for a mapping for Traktor Pro (think of it as instructions which button triggers which button in the software) or build this mapping yourself. I wouldn't recommend this for you as beginner.

Have fun with Traktor. :-)

Hanz

Thank you for your answer maniacintosh, I have another question. Last time I bought an old s 4 controller and my Mac didn't recognize the hardware. Does the s 2 mk 3 work with Mac OS Monterey version 12.7.4?

Sûlherokhh

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/161587#Comment_161587

Check out this link:

https://support.native-instruments.com/hc/en-us/articles/360014900358-Compatibility-of-Native-Instruments-Products-on-macOS

maniacintosh81

Kontrol S2 Mk3 (as all controllers mentioned by me) is a current product and still supported. It works with macOS 12 Monterey and Apple Silicon.

Hanz

ok perfect. if I already have a Traktor software and I buy the controller with Traktor 3 together can I use the software I already bought or do I have to use the new one with the new controller?

maniacintosh81

Traktor Pro 3 is Traktor Pro 3. Usually you just can connect your controller if you have TP3 already licenced and installed. It should work. At least it worked this way with my S4 Mk3. Use TP3 for years now but added the S4 Mk3 as out of home option.

Hanz

Thanks a lot for your support and answering so fast ;-)