Native Instruments TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 User manual

Table of Contents
1. Disclaimer .................................................................................................................. 4
2. Welcome to TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 ......................................................................... 5
2.1. Document Conventions ..................................................................................... 5
2.2. Documentation Resources ................................................................................ 6
2.3. In this Document .............................................................................................. 6
3. Concepts ................................................................................................................... 7
3.1. S4 and TRAKTOR Control Concept ................................................................... 7
3.2. Haptic Drive Modes .......................................................................................... 7
3.3. Pad Modes ....................................................................................................... 8
3.4. Automatic Track Synchronization ....................................................................... 9
3.4.1. Beatgrid ................................................................................................. 9
3.4.2. Tempo Master and Master Clock ............................................................. 9
3.4.3. Automatic Tempo Master Assignment ...................................................... 9
3.5. About the Track Collection ................................................................................ 9
3.6. Snap Mode and Quantize Mode ........................................................................ 9
4. Setting up TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 ........................................................................... 11
4.1. Connecting to the Computer ............................................................................. 11
4.2. Connecting an Amplification System ................................................................ 12
4.3. Connecting Monitors for DJ Booth ................................................................... 12
4.4. Connecting Headphones ................................................................................. 13
4.5. Connecting to the Power Supply ...................................................................... 13
4.6. Final Preparation ............................................................................................ 14
5. TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 Overview ........................................................................... 16
5.1. Decks ............................................................................................................ 17
5.1.1. Browse Controls ................................................................................... 19
5.1.2. Pad Section ......................................................................................... 20
5.1.3. Display Elements for Tracks and STEM Files ......................................... 21
5.1.4. Display Elements on a Remix Deck ....................................................... 21
5.2. Mixer ............................................................................................................. 22
5.2.1. Mixer Channel ...................................................................................... 24
5.3. FX Unit .......................................................................................................... 25
5.4. Front Panel View ............................................................................................ 26
5.5. Rear Panel ..................................................................................................... 26
6. Mixing Your First Tracks ............................................................................................ 28
6.1. Prerequisites .................................................................................................. 28
6.2. Loading the First Track into Deck A ................................................................. 29
6.3. Starting Playback of Deck A ............................................................................ 30
6.4. Loading the Second Track into Deck B ............................................................. 30
6.5. Syncing the Track Tempos .............................................................................. 32
6.6. Starting Playback of the Second Track ............................................................. 32
6.7. Mixing in the Audio Signal ............................................................................... 32
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7. Tutorials ................................................................................................................... 34
7.1. Browsing and Loading .................................................................................... 35
7.2. Controlling Playback ....................................................................................... 36
7.2.1. Using Transport Controls ...................................................................... 37
7.2.2. Using Jog Wheels in Jog Mode ............................................................. 37
7.2.3. Using Jog Wheels in Turntable Mode ..................................................... 41
7.3. Assigning Mixer Channels to the Crossfader .................................................... 44
7.3.1. Setting the Crossfader Curve ................................................................ 45
7.4. Adjusting Levels ............................................................................................. 46
7.5. Using the Equalizer ......................................................................................... 48
7.6. Using Cue Channel ......................................................................................... 49
7.7. Adjusting Tempo ............................................................................................. 50
7.8. Locking Key for Tracks .................................................................................... 53
7.9. Working with Cue Points ................................................................................. 55
7.10. Working with Loops ....................................................................................... 56
7.11. Using Flux and Reverse Modes ..................................................................... 59
7.12. Working with Mixer FX .................................................................................. 60
7.13. Working with FX Units ................................................................................... 62
7.14. Adding Tracks to the Preparation List ............................................................. 63
7.15. Previewing Tracks in the Browser .................................................................. 63
7.16. Switching Deck Focus ................................................................................... 64
7.17. Working with Remix Decks ............................................................................ 64
7.17.1. Using Pattern Recorder ....................................................................... 70
7.18. Working with STEM Decks ............................................................................ 70
7.19. Correcting Beatgrids ..................................................................................... 75
8. Preferences .............................................................................................................. 77
9. Integrating External Devices ...................................................................................... 79
9.1. Integrating Microphone ................................................................................... 79
9.2. Integrating Turntable ....................................................................................... 80
9.3. Integrating CD Players .................................................................................... 81
9.4. Enabling Scratch Function in TRAKTOR .......................................................... 81
10. S4 as Default Audio Interface .................................................................................. 83
11. Specification ........................................................................................................... 84
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1. DISCLAIMER
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Native Instruments GmbH. The software described by this document is
subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media. No part of this publication
may be copied, reproduced or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose, without prior
written permission by Native Instruments GmbH, hereinafter referred to as Native Instruments.
“Native Instruments”, “NI” and associated logos are (registered) trademarks of Native Instruments
GmbH.
Mac, macOS, GarageBand, Logic and iTunes are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., registered
in the U.S. and other countries.
Windows and DirectSound are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and use of them does not imply
any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
Document authored by: Christian Schulz
Software version: 3.0 (11/2018)
Hardware version: TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 MK3
Special thanks to the Beta Test Team, who were invaluable not just in tracking down bugs, but in
making this a better product.
Disclaimer
4

2. WELCOME TO TRAKTOR KONTROL S4
Thank you for choosing TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 — it is because of customers like you that we
can continue developing groundbreaking music software and hardware. TRAKTOR KONTROL S4
is a fully integrated hardware and software DJ performance system. The all-in-one TRAK-
TOR KONTROL S4 controller offers you an ergonomic DJ mixer, a built-in 24-bit/96 kHz audio in-
terface, and a high-resolution control surface, perfectly tailored for TRAKTOR PRO 3.
This documentation provides you with all the information you need to get started mixing, syncing
and looping. If you are already familiar with TRAKTOR, this guide will also help you use the more
advanced features of TRAKTOR KONTROL S4.
2.1. Document Conventions
This document uses particular formatting to point out special facts and to warn you of potential is-
sues. The icons introducing the following notes let you see what kind of information can be expec-
ted:
The speech bubble icon indicates a useful tip that may help you to solve a task more
efficiently.
The exclamation mark icon highlights important information that is essential for the
given context.
The warning icon warns you of serious issues and potential risks that require your
full attention.
Furthermore, the following formatting is used:
• Paths to locations on your hard disk or other storage devices are printed in italics.
• Important names and concepts are printed in bold.
• Square brackets are used to reference keys on a computer’s keyboard, e.g., Press [Shift] +
[Enter].
Pet Names for Software and Hardware
Throughout the documentation, we will refer to the TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 hardware controller
as TRAKTOR KONTROL S4, S4 controller, or simply S4.
Likewise, the TRAKTOR software may be referred to as TRAKTOR.
Welcome to TRAKTOR KONTROL S4
5

2.2. Documentation Resources
Native Instruments provides many information sources regarding TRAKTOR KONTROL S4. The
main resources to get you started are:
•TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 Manual: This manual guides you through the hardware and soft-
ware setup process to get the TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 system up and running. Additionally,
it gives you a practical approach for using your TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 by providing task-
based tutorials.
•TRAKTOR PRO 3 Manual: For in-depth information on all features provided by the TRAKTOR
software, refer to the TRAKTOR PRO 3 manual.
2.3. In this Document
What you are reading now is the TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 Manual. This manual is structured as
follows:
•Concepts quickly introduces you to the TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 user interface and its main
areas, both hardware and software.
•Setting up TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 guides you through the process of setting up your TRAK-
TOR KONTROL S4 system and importing your music into TRAKTOR.
•TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 Overview is an extensive reference of all hardware control elements
to be found on your TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 hardware controller. Whenever you are unsure
about the functionality of a particular control element, you will find all the necessary information
here.
•Mixing Your First Tracks is a quickstart tutorial introducing you to the main steps of mixing your
first tracks using the SYNC function.
•Tutorials contains a collection of short tutorials, showing you how to work with the individual
areas of the controller.
•Preferences explains how to open the Preferences in TRAKTOR and introduces the options to
customize the TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 for specific needs.
•Integrating External Devices shows you how to integrate TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 with your
studio or live setup, in various configurations.
•S4 as Default Audio Interface describes how to use the audio interface of the TRAKTOR KON-
TROL S4 as the default audio device of your computer.
•Specification gives you the technical specifications of the TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 controller.
Welcome to TRAKTOR KONTROL S4
6

3. CONCEPTS
In this section you are briefly introduced to the main concepts of the TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 and
some basic concepts of the TRAKTOR software.
3.1. S4 and TRAKTOR Control Concept
This overview introduces you to the concept of how TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 controls the TRAK-
TOR software.
S4 and TRAKTOR control concept.
(1) Decks: TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 provides you with four virtual Decks. The Decks are where
tracks, Samples and live input are played back. The Decks can be seen as the virtual equivalent to
the good old vinyl or CD decks — with a bunch of additional, powerful features and the flexibility of
a computer-based system. The two Decks on your S4 hardware controller allow you to control the
four software Decks (labeled A, B, C and D) available in TRAKTOR: The left Deck on your S4 can
control Decks A and C in the software. The right Deck on your S4 can control Decks B and D in
the software.
(2) Mixer: Sitting in the middle of your TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 controller and in the middle of
TRAKTOR’s window, the Mixer receives audio signals coming from the four Decks, on its four
channels. There is one channel for each Deck. As with any DJ mixer, the Mixer’s purpose is to
adjust the relative level of each channel, to control the channels’ frequency content, and possibly
adding effects before sending the overall result to the MASTER output.
(3) FX Units: The signals coming from the Decks can be further processed by two FX Units loca-
ted at the top of your hardware and software interface. The FX Units give you access to a collec-
tion of high-quality effects included in TRAKTOR. The left FX Unit 1 on your S4 can control the left
FX Unit 1 in the software. The right FX Unit 2 on your S4 can control the right FX Unit 2 in the
software.
3.2. Haptic Drive Modes
The Jog Wheels on the S4 can be operated in three different modes, called HAPTIC DRIVE
MODEs. Each HAPTIC DRIVE MODE provides you with different control functions for the Jog
Wheels.
Concepts
7

JOG The JOG mode lets you control the playback of your tracks by spinning the Jog Wheel. De-
pending on the playback state or if you touch the top plate or the outer rim, the behavior differs
accordingly. In JOG mode you can use the Jog Wheel for tempo bending and nudging, to cue
beats and scratch tracks, as well as seeking within tracks. Furthermore, you can adjust the tension
for the Jog Wheel using the JOG button as well as in the Preferences. Furthermore, you can ena-
ble a tick felt as haptic feedback in the Jog Wheel in the Preferences. For more information, refer
to Using Jog Wheels in Jog Mode
TT As with the JOG mode, the TT mode (turntable mode) lets you control the playback of your
tracks. The difference is, the Jog Wheels rotate during playback, enabling you to control your
tracks as you would on conventional turntables. In TT mode you can use the Jog Wheel for tempo
bending and nudging, to cue beats and scratch tracks, as well as seeking within tracks. Further-
more, you can adjust the base rotation speed using 33.3 revolutions or 45 revolutions per minute.
For more information, refer to Using Jog Wheels in Turntable Mode
GRID The GRID mode lets you correct faulty Beatgrids for tracks directly on the S4 using the Jog
Wheels and the CUE channel on the fly. For more information, refer to Correcting Beatgrids
3.3. Pad Modes
The Pads on a Deck can be operated in three different Pad modes. Depending on selected Pad
Mode the functions differ accordingly:
•HOTCUES Mode: In HOTCUES mode, the pads' function is to store and trigger Cue Points
and Loops in tracks and STEM Files, as Hotcues. On Decks A and B the button lights up blue
whereas on Decks C and D it lights up orange. HOTCUE mode is the default for Track Decks
and Stem Decks. For more Information on using HOTCUES mode, refer to Working with Cue
Points, and Working with Loops.
HOTCUES mode is not available for Remix Decks. When a Remix Deck is focused,
the HOTCUE button is disabled.
•SAMPLES Mode: SAMPLES mode lets you control the Samples on the Remix Deck. It gives
you direct access to the first Samples in the Sample Slots, reflected by the upper row of Pads.
When the Deck is focused on a Remix Deck, the SAMPLES mode is enabled by default. When
Switching the Deck focus to a Track Deck or STEMS Deck, you can enable the SAMPLES
mode as well. This way you can control the Track Deck or Stem Deck together with the Remix
Deck, without switching the Deck Focus. For more Information on using SAMPLES mode, refer
to Working with Remix Decks.
•STEMS Mode: In STEMS Mode you have access to the individual STEM controls. Using the
Pads you can adjust the individual STEM channel volume levels, filters. STEMS Mode is avail-
able only for STEM Decks. On Decks A and B the button lights up blue whereas on Decks C
and D it lights up orange. For more Information on using STEMS mode, refer to Working with
STEM Decks.
Concepts
8

3.4. Automatic Track Synchronization
This section introduces the principles of the automatic synchronization features offered by TRAK-
TOR.
One of the key features of TRAKTOR is the automatic synchronization of tracks. After loading
tracks into the Decks, you can synchronize the track tempos with the SYNC function. The tempo of
the synced track then adjsuts the tempo of the Tempo Master, e.g., the playing track. For this to
work, TRAKTOR uses the tempo and beat information from the Beatgrids of tracks. Samples and
time-evolving effects sync to the current Tempo Master automatically.
3.4.1. Beatgrid
TRAKTOR analyzes the tracks by providing reliable tempo information for syncing. This analysis
determines the tempo (BPM) as well as the position of the beats; the result is the Beatgrid. There
is a specific Beatgrid for each of your tracks.
3.4.2. Tempo Master and Master Clock
The Tempo Master represents the reference tempo to which the Decks synchronize. When ena-
bling the SYNC function on a Deck, TRAKTOR synchronizes the track to the Tempo Master. The
Tempo Master can either be a Deck or TRAKTOR's Master Clock. When the Master Clock is the
Tempo Master, it then represents the global tempo reference to which all Decks can sync. The
Tempo Master does not have to be the same throughout your mix, but there can only be one Tem-
po Master.
3.4.3. Automatic Tempo Master Assignment
TRAKTOR assigns the new Tempo Master automatically using the AUTO mode in the Master Con-
trol panel. When mixing tracks using the SYNC function, the synced Deck automatically becomes
the new Tempo Master, as soon as the track of the current Tempo Master Deck ends or is stopped
manually. This continues as long as there is no other track synced to the Tempo Master. Then the
Master Clock automatically becomes the new Tempo Master as soon the current track stops play-
ing. The MASTER button then lights up in the Master Control panel.
The AUTO mode is activated by default.
3.5. About the Track Collection
The Track Collection represents all the music you use in TRAKTOR. With the Track Collection you
can organize, tag, and prepare your tracks for being played as part of your mix.
A benefit of the Track Collection is that reads the metadata of the tracks, like track title, artist
name, tempo, genre, key etc. It also stores TRAKTOR-specific information about your tracks.
3.6. Snap Mode and Quantize Mode
Snap mode and Quantize mode are important tools that can help you when working with Cue
Points and Loops, and for jumping in the track:
Concepts
9

•SNAP mode ensures that any Loop or Cue Point you set in a track will snap to the closest
beat.
•QUANTIZE mode ensures that you remain in sync and on , whenever you jump to a Loop, a
Cue Point, or any position in the track.
Examples for using and not using Snap Mode
Depending on what you want to do, you can enable or disable SNAP mode and QUANTIZE mode
at any time. Here are a few examples:
• Enable SNAP mode if you want to set a Loop starting directly on a beat.
• Disable SNAP mode if you want to set a Cue Point at the beginning of vocals that do not nec-
essarily start on the beat.
• Enable QUANTIZE mode if want to mix in a synced track and want the downbeats of both
tracks to perfectly match.
• Disable QUANTIZE mode if you want to trigger tracks or Samples any time you press play or
trigger Hotcue buttons.
Enabling/Disabling Quantize Mode
When Quantize mode is enabled, the QUANT ( Snap ) button lights up brightly. When Quantize
mode is disabled, the QUANT ( Snap ) button lights up dimly.
To enable or disable Quantize mode:
• Press the QUANT ( Snap ) button.
Enabling/Disabling Snap Mode
To enable or disable SNAP mode:
1. Press and hold SHIFT to access the secondary functions of your S4.
When SNAP mode is disabled, the button lights up dimly. When SNAP mode is enabled, the
button lights up brightly.
2. While holding SHIFT + press the QUANT ( Snap ) button to enable or disable SNAP Mode,
respectively.
Concepts
10

4. SETTING UP TRAKTOR KONTROL S4
By this section, you should have already installed TRAKTOR PRO 3 software using NATIVE AC-
CESS, in order to configure S4 for its first use. If this is not the case, follow the instructions under
this link Registering and Installing a Native Instruments Product using NATIVE ACCESS.
This section describes how to set up the TRAKTOR KONTROL S4. When all devices are connec-
ted your setup will look like the following illustration:
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 setup.
4.1. Connecting to the Computer
To connect the TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 to your computer:
1. Connect the device end (square plug) of the included USB cable to the USB socket on the
rear panel of your S4.
2. Connect the computer end (flat rectangle plug) of the USB cable to an available USB 2.0 port
(or later) on your computer.
Setting up TRAKTOR KONTROL S4
11

4.2. Connecting an Amplification System
To connect your power amplifier system to the TRAKTOR KONTROL S4:
• Connect the MAIN OUT XLR or RCA outputs on the rear panel of the TRAKTOR KONTROL
S4 to the inputs of your amplification system using the appropriate cables.
4.3. Connecting Monitors for DJ Booth
To connect your monitor speakers or a second power amplifier for the DJ booth to the TRAKTOR
KONTROL S4:
Setting up TRAKTOR KONTROL S4
12

• Connect the BOOTH OUT RCA outputs on the rear panel of the TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 to
the inputs of your monitoring system using appropriate cables.
4.4. Connecting Headphones
To connect headphones to the TRAKTOR KONTROL S4:
• Connect your headphones to the PHONES OUT socket on the front panel of the TRAKTOR
KONTROL S4 using a 1/4" or a 1/8" connector.
4.5. Connecting to the Power Supply
To connect the Power supply to the TRAKTOR KONTROL S4:
1. Connect the device end of the Power supply cable to the Power socket on the rear panel of
your S4.
2. Connect the Power Supply unit to a power outlet.
Setting up TRAKTOR KONTROL S4
13

4.6. Final Preparation
After successfully setting up the TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 system, you can switch on the devices.
We recommended that you follow the order in the instructions below:
Switching on Devices and Starting TRAKTOR
1. On your S4, turn down the volume controls to minimum position by using the MASTER knob,
the BOOTH knob and the VOL knob for the headphones volume.
2. Switch on the amplification system (active speakers or power amplifier with passive speak-
ers).
3. Switch on your computer.
4. Switch on your S4.
5. Start TRAKTOR by double-clicking the Traktor application icon on your desktop.
The TRAKTOR software opens.
Importing Data from Your Previous TRAKTOR Version
When you start TRAKTOR for the first time, TRAKTOR will ask if you want to import your previous
data by copying the existing user content to a new folder in your user folder. Your previous data
will not be altered if you copy it to the new default folder.
If you want to import data from your previous TRAKTOR installation:
• Click Yes to confirm.
The data is imported.
Switching Mixer FX and Tempo Fader Range to Default Settings
TRAKTOR recognizes the S4 is connected to the computer, and asks you to switch Mixer FX se-
lection and the Tempo fader range to default setting:
Setting up TRAKTOR KONTROL S4
14

TRAKTOR alert for switching Mixer FX and Tempo fader range to default settings.
• Click Yes.
The Mixer FX and the Tempo fader range are set to default settings.
Configuring TRAKTOR using the Setup Wizard
1. The WELCOME page asks you to connect any controllers and devices to your comput-
er. Click Next to proceed.
2. On the DECK LAYOUT page select the Deck setup to control with your S4, e.g., 2 Track
Decks + 2 Remix Decks.
3. Click Next to proceed.
The SUMMARY Page shows you the configuration of TRAKTOR.
4. Click Finish to confirm your configuration.
The TRAKTOR window now appears in the Essential Layout.
Setting up TRAKTOR KONTROL S4
15

5. TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 OVERVIEW
This section introduces you the TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 and all its control elements and connec-
tors.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 Overview.
(1) Decks: TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 provides you with two physical Decks. The Decks are where
tracks, STEM Files, and Samples are controlled. The left Deck on your S4 controls Deck A and C
in the software. The right Deck on your S4 controls Deck B and D in the software. For more infor-
mation on the Deck control elements, refer to Decks.
(2) Mixer: The Mixer receives the audio signals coming from TRAKTOR Decks A, B, C, and D.
The Mixer is then used to adjust the relative level of each channel in order to control the channels’
frequency content. It can also add is also used to send Effects from the FX Units or the Mixer FX,
and to send the overall result to the audience via the Master output. For more information on the
Mixer control elements, refer to Mixer.
(3) FX Units: The FX Units 1 and 2 directly control the FX Units 1 and 2 in the software. The FX
Units can be inserted directly into any Mixer channel to modulate the audio signals. For more infor-
mation, refer to FX Unit.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 Overview
16

5.1. Decks
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 provides you with two physical Decks to control the TRAKTOR
Decks. Each Deck provides you with the following control elements:
S4 Deck.
(1) Browse controls:Allow you to scroll through the Track Collection to find and load tracks, as
well as previewing tracks and preparing playlists. For more information, refer to Browse Controls.
(2) Jog Wheel: Gives you advanced hands-on control of the track transport and allows you to per-
form as you would on a conventional DJ turntable or CD player. The outer LED ring gives you visu-
al feedback on the playback status. For more information, refer to Using Jog Wheels in Jog Mode
and Using Jog Wheels in Turntable Mode.
(3) MASTER (Reset) button: Assigns the Deck to Tempo Master. Using the SHIFT button, it resets
the relative Tempo fader position in the software. For more information, refer to Adjusting Tempo
and Automatic Track Synchronization.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 Overview
17

(4) SYNC (Lock): Syncs the Deck to the Tempo Master. Using SHIFT + SYNC Lock locks the
current tempo for the Deck. For more information, refer to Adjusting Tempo and Locking Key for
Tracks.
(5) TEMPO fader: Adjusts the tempo of the Deck. The TEMPO Fader can be operated in Absolute
Mode and in Relative Mode.If the Deck is synced to the Tempo Master, the Tempo Fader has no
effect. When the Deck is playing at original track tempo, the LED lights up blue independently from
the current TEMPO fader position. When the Deck tempo is faster or slower than the original tem-
po, the LED is unlit. When the tempo is locked for the Deck, the LED lights up red. For more infor-
mation, refer to Adjusting Tempo.
(6) Pad section: The Pads can be used to store and trigger Cue Points and Loops, as well as to
Samples, and to control STEM Files. The individual function depends on the selected Pad mode
as well as on the selected Deck Type. For more information, refer to Pad Section.
(7) Play/Pause: Starts/stops the playback of the Deck. The button brightly lights up green during
playback. For more information, refer to Using Transport Controls.
(8) CUE: Sets a Cue Point and jumps to it. For more information, refer to Using Transport Controls.
(9) SHIFT: The SHIFT button is a modifier to access secondary functions of control elements.
(10) DECK SELECT buttons: Allow you to switch between TRAKTOR Decks A and C on the left
Deck, and between TRAKTOR Decks B and C on the right Deck. For more information, refer to
Switching Deck Focus.
(11) JOG button: Enables JOG mode (Jog Wheel mode) for the Jog Wheel. For more information,
refer to Using Jog Wheels in Jog Mode.
(12) TT button: Enables TT mode (turntable mode) for the Jog Wheel. For more information, refer
to Using Jog Wheels in Turntable Mode.
(13) GRID button: Enables GRID mode to manually correct the Beatgrid for the current track us-
ing the Jog Wheel. For more information, refer to Correcting Beatgrids.
(14) MOVE encoder: Allows you to jump within the track. When Looping is enabled the MOVE
Encoder allows you to move the Loop forwards and backwards in the track. Furthermore, it adjusts
volume parameters for Samples and STEM parts using SHIFT. For more information, refer to Us-
ing Transport Controls and Working with Loops.
(15) Multicolor Display: The multicolor display gives visual feedback about playback times and
the Loop settings, and also provides track details such as artist name and track name. For more
information, refer to Display Elements for Tracks and STEM Files and Display Elements on a Re-
mix Deck.
(16) LOOP encoder: Allows you to enable/disable Looping as well as changing the Loop
size. Furthermore, it adjusts filter effect parameters for Samples and STEM parts using SHIFT. For
more information, refer to Working with Loops.
(17) REV button: Lets the track play reversely in conjunction with Flux mode. When pressing the
REV button, this automatically enables Flux mode as long as the REV button remains depressed.
For more information, refer to Using Flux and Reverse Modes.
(18) FLX button: Enables Flux Mode. For more information, refer to Using Flux and Reverse
Modes.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 Overview
18

(19) FX Unit: Each Deck features one FX Unit which can be assigned to any Mixer channel. FX
Unit 1 is located on the left Deck, and FX Unit 2 on the right Deck. The FX Units allow you to con-
trol the effect parameters in the FX Units in the TRAKTOR software. For more information, refer
to FX Unit.
5.1.1. Browse Controls
The Browse controls let you browse the Track Collection to find and load tracks as well as preview
tracks and prepare playlists.
Browse controls.
(1) Browse encoder: Navigates through the Track Collection for selecting and loading music con-
tent or scans within the track when previewing a track on the Preview Player. In SAMPLES mode it
selects another Sample in the Sample Slot. For more information, refer to Browsing and Load-
ing and Previewing Tracks in the Browser.
(2) VIEW button: Maximizes the Browser view in the TRAKTOR software. For more information,
refer to Browsing and Loading
(3) Preparation List button: Assigns a track to the Preparation List. For more information, refer
to Adding Tracks to the Preparation List.
(4) Star button: When this button is held the Browse encoder then selects favorites. For more in-
formation, refer to Browsing and Loading
(5) Preview Player: Loads a track into the Preview Player in TRAKTOR's Browser and plays it
back. For more information, refer to Previewing Tracks in the Browser.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 Overview
19

5.1.2. Pad Section
Pad section.
(1) HOTCUES button: Enables HOTCUE mode for the Pads. In this mode, the Pads store and
trigger HOTCUE markers in a track. On Decks A and B the button lights up blue whereas on
Decks C and D it lights up orange. HOTCUE mode is the default for Track Decks and Stem
Decks. For more information, refer to Working with Cue Points and Working with Loops.
HOTCUE mode is not available for Remix Decks. When a Remix Deck is focused,
the HOTCUE button is disabled.
(2) Record button: Enables Pattern Recorder on the Remix Deck. With the Pattern Recorder you
can record sequences to be played by the Samples. For more information, refer to Using Pattern
Recorder.
(3) SAMPLES button: Enables SAMPLES mode. The SAMPLES mode can only be enabled
when the underlying Deck is configured as Remix Deck. Otherwise the SAMPLES button remains
unlit. For more information, refer to Working with Remix Decks.
(4) Mute button: Mutes or un-mutes Samples or STEM Parts. For more information, refer to Work-
ing with Remix Decks and Working with STEM Decks.
(5) STEMS button: Accesses the STEM controls on a STEM Deck. Using the Pads, the volumes
of the individual Stem tracks in the Stem File can be adjusted and muted. The STEMS button is
active only on STEM Decks. For more information, refer to Working with STEM Decks.
(6) PADs: Depending on the current Pad mode, the eight Pads have individual functions:
• When in HOTCUES Mode the Pads store and trigger Cue Points and Loops for Track Decks
and STEM Decks.
• When in SAMPLES Mode the Pads control the first four SAMPLE Slots of Remix Decks.
• When in STEMS Mode the Pads control the volumes of the individual Stem tracks and also
mute them.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 Overview
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