Hi everyone,
Looking for some guidance while waiting for NI support to respond.
I recently purchased a Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 (used via Reverb) and the controller was working correctly:
- Worked normally on my HP laptop
- Initially worked when first connected to my MSI desktop
The problem started after I attempted to install the latest S4 MK3 ASIO driver on the desktop and forgot to disconnect the controller before starting the installation (I did not follow the install instructions).
Immediately after the driver install, the controller stopped initializing.
Current behavior
- Controller powers on
- Screens only display “TRAKTOR”
- Jog wheels do not initialize
- Traktor Pro does not detect the device
- Firmware updater cannot detect the controller
Device Manager shows ONLY:
- Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 BD
- Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 DFU
under Other Devices.
It never appears under Sound, Video and Game Controllers.
Firmware Updater behavior
•The updater does not detect the controller at all.
•Firmware version and serial number fields remain blank.
•Clicking RESCAN has no effect.
Because of this, it appears the controller is stuck in a firmware startup/bootloader state.
Troubleshooting already completed
- Clean reinstall of latest S4 MK3 driver
- Removed ghost devices
- Multiple USB ports (direct motherboard connection)
- Different USB cables
- Full power reset
- Correct reinstall order with controller disconnected
- Firmware updater run as Administrator
No change — always BD/DFU only.
Question
Has anyone recovered an S4 MK3 stuck in BD/DFU mode after a driver installation issue?
Is there:
- a user-accessible firmware recovery method?
- a recovery startup/button combination?
- or does this require NI’s internal recovery tool?
Support ticket already opened with NI (Ticket #4832242), posting here while awaiting escalation.
Thanks in advance for any insight!
