# Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 (Pioneer DJ) and Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 (Native Instruments) among dj controllers. Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 is the cheaper of the two at $329.

## Side by side

| Spec | Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 | Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $329 | $899 |
| Brand | Pioneer DJ | Native Instruments |
| Released | 2022-11 | 2018-11 |
| Channels | 2 | 4 |
| Jog wheel size (in) | 4.39 in (111.6 mm) | 5.5 in (motorized, haptic) |
| Pads per deck | 8 | 8 |
| Standalone | No | No |
| Built in soundcard | Yes | Yes |
| Audio outputs | 1x RCA master (L/R), 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 | rekordbox (free), Serato DJ Lite, djay (free) | Traktor Pro 3 (included) |
| Deck control | 2 decks (4 via software switching) | 4 decks |

## Key differences

- Channels: Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 2 vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 4
- Jog wheel size (in): Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 4.39 in (111.6 mm) vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 5.5 in (motorized, haptic)
- Audio outputs: Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 1x RCA master (L/R), 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: Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 rekordbox (free), Serato DJ Lite, djay (free) vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 Traktor Pro 3 (included)
- Deck control: Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 2 decks (4 via software switching) vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 4 decks

## What reviewers say

**Pioneer DDJ-FLX4** — Only one whitelisted tester, MusicRadar, published a hands-on review; no other whitelisted audio outlet covered this exact model. MusicRadar calls the FLX4 a strong contender for best beginner controller, praising plug-and-play setup, effective smart auto-mix/FX functions and Bluetooth plus USB mic routing, while flagging small jog wheels with no display, an over-simplified single-colour layout, and a small crossfader. (1 sourced review.)

**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.)

## Sources

- Pioneer DDJ-FLX4: https://www.pioneerdj.com/en/product/controller/ddj-flx4/black/specifications/ (pioneerdj.com, verified 2026-06-20)
- Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3: https://djtechtools.com/2018/09/06/traktor-kontrol-s4-mk3-motorized-jog-wheels-with-haptic-feedback/ (djtechtools.com, verified 2026-06-20)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/dj-controllers/pioneer-ddj-flx4-vs-native-instruments-traktor-kontrol-s4-mk3/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 ($329) vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 ($899) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/dj-controllers/pioneer-ddj-flx4-vs-native-instruments-traktor-kontrol-s4-mk3/
License: CC BY 4.0.