poor headphone volume output on S4 mk3

minimodz

Hi, I'm using the latest version of Traktor Pro 4 (4.11.23), and a S4 mk3 controller.

Does anyone else find the headphone output very lame? I'm using Technics EAH-DJ1200 headphones, which have an impedance of 45 Ω, but unless I have red lights showing on the levels on the controller, the headphone volume is usually up to the max.
My old S8 controller used to be really loud—about halfway was more than enough—but since moving to the S4mk3, it's now flat out.

I have checked the firmware update on the controller, and it says its up to date. (Controller is also less than 1yr old).

Attached is a screenshot of the settings if it's any help.

OliverGross

Hey,

Have you checked the headphone volume in Traktor itself?

You can set the the volume there, just look at the Mixer view.

Maybe it‘s tuned down in this setting.

minimodz

you can adjust it with no controller plugged, but when the controller is plugged in, you cannot adjust it.

minimodz

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/215976#Comment_215976

you can adjust it with no controller plugged, but when the controller is plugged in, you cannot adjust it.

Sûlherokhh

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/215978#Comment_215978

All NI controllers with a mixer inbuilt (and headphone controls) deactivate the software controls. This is normal behaviour.

PhynomMusic

Okay, hopefully this helps…it helped me. Remember, the Traktor Kontrol is a hardware interface that works through your OS (operating system) and Traktor Pro 4 software. The software driver that controls the hardware (DJ controller, i.e., Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk3) essentially determines how the sound signal is handled. Windows OS allows the user to make certain adjustments to the hardware, which includes the volume of the signal that is [sent/received…not sure which one…lol] (if a real techy knows, please chime in).

In Windows Device Properties, or by clicking the speaker in the Windows Task Bar > Open Sound Settings > Choose your output device > Speakers (n - Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3) > Device properties > Additional device properties (under Related Settings). This will open a dialog box containing 4 (four) tabs: General, Levels, Advanced, Spatial sound. Click the Levels tab. Here, you can adjust the volume of the output of Traktor hardware but be careful that the headphone volume on the controller/mixer is turned all the way down before adjusting the levels.

Play a song on your controller, click the headphone cue for the deck you are playing through. You should hear silence! Turn your headphone volume to the second notch and set the level setting in the dialog to around 10 or so. From here, I would recommend zeroing out the level in the dialog box and maxing out your headphone volume. Then gradually slide up the level slider in the dialog until you reach an acceptable max volume. But be careful not set actually listen to your headphones at max…perception of sound can be tricky and you easily damage your hearing through prolonged exposure to loud volumes. You may want to even try earplug accessories that block sound and also letting sound in at an acceptable level, so you don't need to max out your headphones just to hear in noisy environments.

FYI, I set mine at 54 for max…any more than that causes the speakers inside my Pioneer HDJ-X7s to bounce and touch my ears!

Hope this helps!