Denon DJ
Denon DJ Prime 4+
$2199
Released 2023-06
Best DJ Controllers · head-to-head
Denon DJ Prime 4+ vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 is cheaper at $899. Every spec and price links to its source.
Native Instruments
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3
$899Cheaper
Released 2018-11
Which is better: the Denon DJ Prime 4+ or Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 is the cheaper at $899.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Denon DJ Prime 4+ | Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $2199 | $899 |
| Brand | Denon DJ | Native Instruments |
| Released | 2023-06 | 2018-11 |
| Channels | 4 | 4 |
| Jog wheel size (in) | 6 in | 5.5 in (motorized, haptic) |
| Pads per deck | 16 | 8 |
| Standalone | Yes | No |
| Built in soundcard | Yes | Yes |
| Audio outputs | 2x XLR master, 2x XLR booth, 2x XLR zone, 1x RCA master (L/R), 1/4" and 3.5 mm headphones | 2x XLR master (L/R), 2x RCA master (L/R), 2x 1/4" TRS booth, 1/4" and 1/8" headphones |
| Software bundle | Engine DJ (built-in OS); Serato DJ Pro (controller mode, separate license) | Traktor Pro 3 (included) |
| Deck control | 4 decks | 4 decks |
| Release | 2023-06 | 2018-11 |
Sources — Denon DJ Prime 4+: denondj.com (verified 2026-06-20). Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3: djtechtools.com (verified 2026-06-20).
What's the difference between the Denon DJ Prime 4+ and Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- Jog wheel size (in): Denon DJ Prime 4+ 6 in vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 5.5 in (motorized, haptic)
- Pads per deck: Denon DJ Prime 4+ 16 vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 8
- Standalone: Denon DJ Prime 4+ true vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 false
- Audio outputs: Denon DJ Prime 4+ 2x XLR master, 2x XLR booth, 2x XLR zone, 1x RCA master (L/R), 1/4" and 3.5 mm headphones vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 2x XLR master (L/R), 2x RCA master (L/R), 2x 1/4" TRS booth, 1/4" and 1/8" headphones
- Software bundle: Denon DJ Prime 4+ Engine DJ (built-in OS); Serato DJ Pro (controller mode, separate license) vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 Traktor Pro 3 (included)
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Denon DJ Prime 4+
No sourced tester review yet.
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3
Only one whitelisted outlet, Engadget, covered this exact model, and only as a launch preview/announcement rather than a lab test, so no measurements exist and its impressions are largely forward-looking. It highlights the motorized 'Haptic Drive' jog wheels and per-deck displays as the standout S4 MK3 upgrades. Sound on Sound and MusicRadar never reviewed this model; treat this as preliminary. (1 sourced review.)
Praised: Motorized 'Haptic Drive' jog wheels let you feel cue points as you roll the wheel; Per-deck displays give immediate visual feedback, reducing reliance on the laptop screen; Configurable jog-wheel torque and start/stop speed.
Flagged: Jog-wheel 'feel' benefits were described speculatively ('Hopefully...'), not confirmed by extended hands-on testing.