Numark
Numark Party Mix II
$99Cheaper
Released 2021
Best DJ Controllers · head-to-head
Numark Party Mix II vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Numark Party Mix II is cheaper at $99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Native Instruments
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3
$899
Released 2018-11
Which is better: the Numark Party Mix II or Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Numark Party Mix II is the cheaper at $99.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Numark Party Mix II | Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $99 | $899 |
| Brand | Numark | Native Instruments |
| Released | 2021 | 2018-11 |
| Channels | 2 | 4 |
| Jog wheel size (in) | 4 in (capacitive touch) | 5.5 in (motorized, haptic) |
| Pads per deck | 4 | 8 |
| Standalone | No | No |
| Built in soundcard | Yes | Yes |
| Audio outputs | 1x 3.5 mm master, 1x 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 | Serato DJ Lite | Traktor Pro 3 (included) |
| Deck control | 2 decks | 4 decks |
| Release | 2021 | 2018-11 |
Sources — Numark Party Mix II: numark.com (verified 2026-06-20). Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3: djtechtools.com (verified 2026-06-20).
What's the difference between the Numark Party Mix II and Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (6 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- Channels: Numark Party Mix II 2 vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 4
- Jog wheel size (in): Numark Party Mix II 4 in (capacitive touch) vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 5.5 in (motorized, haptic)
- Pads per deck: Numark Party Mix II 4 vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 8
- Audio outputs: Numark Party Mix II 1x 3.5 mm master, 1x 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: Numark Party Mix II Serato DJ Lite vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 Traktor Pro 3 (included)
- Deck control: Numark Party Mix II 2 decks vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 4 decks
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Numark Party Mix II
Across 2 testing outlets (MusicTech, Digital DJ Tips), the Numark Party Mix II earns a consistently positive verdict as a budget beginner DJ controller. Both reviewers were struck by how sturdy and well-built it feels for its low price, citing solid knobs, smooth-moving faders, and metal jog plates rather than the cheap feel typical of entry-level gear. The main knocks are the limited EQ control (no three-band parametric EQ) and the weak built-in speakers, which one outlet notes any decent portable Bluetooth speaker would beat. (2 sourced reviews, 2 lab-tested.)
Praised: Feels sturdy and well-built despite the low price (solid knobs, smooth faders, metal jog plates); Great value / fun for beginners at its price point.
Flagged: Built-in speakers are weak, easily outperformed by a decent Bluetooth speaker; Lacks a three-band parametric EQ for precise tonal control.
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.