Head to head
DDJ-REV1 vs. Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3
Both are DJ controllers in the same price bracket (€200 to €350) — which is why you genuinely hesitate between them. Here is what our register says about both, side by side, including what speaks against them.
Pioneer DJ
DDJ-REV1
€200 to €350
A battle-layout controller with horizontal tempo faders — built for scratching and Serato.
For
- Battle layout like on turntables
- A real filter knob
- Serato DJ Lite included
Against
- Unusual layout for classic mixing
- Not tied to rekordbox — if that is where you want to go, buy differently
Also available atAmazonAd
Native Instruments
Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3
€200 to €350
Two channels, large jog wheels, Traktor layout — no longer available new, second-hand the compact entry point for Traktor.
For
- Maps one to one onto Traktor Pro
- Large jog wheels, clear layout
- Compact and light, fits in a backpack
Against
- Only makes sense with Traktor — the wrong choice for rekordbox or Serato
- No club layout: mixer section and buttons are NI's own
- No longer available new — Native Instruments no longer lists the S range
Where it says “Ad” we earn a commission if you buy through the link — on the other routes we earn nothing. Either way you pay the same price, and it changes nothing about our recommendation. How we handle this
The key facts side by side
| Feature | DDJ-REV1 | Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Pioneer DJ | Native Instruments |
| Price bracket | €200 to €350 | €200 to €350 |
| Our classification | Recommended | Entry level |
| Meant for | Nothing yet, Laptop only, Controller setup | Nothing yet, Laptop only, Controller setup |
Technical specifications from the manuals
Every value taken word for word from that device’s manufacturer manual, with the PDF page. A dash means there is no clear value in the manual — not that the device lacks it.
| Feature | DDJ-REV1 | Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 |
|---|---|---|
| Channels | 4 decks (left 1 and 3, right 2 and 4)p. 8 | 2 mixer channels (A and B)p. 18 |
| Outputs | MASTER (RCA)p. 60 | MAIN OUT (RCA) or 3.5 mm jackp. 11 |
| Headphone output | 3.5 mm stereo mini jackp. 61 | PHONES OUT (front panel)p. 20 |
| Microphone input | 1/4" TR jackp. 60 | MIC (6.3 mm jack)p. 20 |
| USB | 1 × USB Type-Bp. 61 | USB (to a USB 2.0 port on the computer)p. 10 |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 103 dB (USB, A-weighted)p. 60 | no clear value in the manual |
| Audio resolution | 24-bit, 48 kHzp. 60 | 24-bit / 48 kHzp. 5 |
| Power supply | USB bus powerp. 23 | Socket for optional Native Instruments power supplyp. 20 |
| Dimensions | 526.0 × 255.5 × 59.2 mm (W × D × H)p. 60 | no clear value in the manual |
| Weight | 2.1 kgp. 60 | no clear value in the manual |
Sources: DDJ-REV1: DDJ-REV1 — Bedienungsanleitung (AlphaTheta Corporation) · Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3: TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 MK3 — Handbuch (Native Instruments)
Where they differ
- We classify the two differently — one is an entry device to us, the other is not. That is an editorial call, not a measurement.
- They are built for different ways of playing: at home, in a club, or for scratching. That is the difference that matters most day to day.
- Different manufacturers, so different software ecosystems, spare parts and control logic. If you already own gear from one brand, that is a reason in itself.
We deliberately crown no winner here. What we can back up is above; anything else would be a claim, and there are plenty of those on this question already.
More comparisons: DJ controllers
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