Traktor S2 S4 Speaker Connection Guide

Traktor Kontrol S2/4 Speaker Connection Guide
March 2014
Traktor Audio Configuration

1. Select the S2/4 CoreAudio (for Mac) or S2/4 ASIO (for Windows) driver as your Audio Device.
2. Select Internal mixing mode and set the Output Monitor and Output Master using the
available outputs with the same name.
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Page 1 of 8
March 2014
Headphone Connection
Connect your headphones to the Phones output on the front of the S2/4 using the 1/4 TRS
Stereo jack connector.
Note that the connector must have two black bands for normal stereo left and right output.
If using an adapter such as a 3.5mm to 1/4, it must be a Stereo to Stereo adapter.
Turn the CUE MIX knob all the way to the left (anti-clockwise) for only preview monitor channels
with CUE enabled. Turn the CUE MIX knob all the way to the right for only master output.
PC Style Speaker Connection with 3.5mm Aux Input

Most PC speaker systems have a 3.5mm Stereo Aux or Auxilary connector that should be
directly connected to the S4.
You will need a 3.5mm TRS Male Stereo Jack to Dual RCA Male cable
The outputs of the S2/4 are not amplified and must be connected to powered speakers.
Consult your speaker manual to confirm the input connections.

Page 2 of 8
March 2014
HiFi or Home Theatre Amplifier Connection

Most HiFi or Home Theatre Amplifiers have RCA inputs that allow direct connection to the S2/4
RCA outputs.
You will need a Dual RCA Male to Dual RCA Male cable.
Locate an available input on your amplifier such as the CD, Tape or Auxiliary input channel.
Select that channel using the input dial or button on your amplifier.
Many systems have a convenient Aux input on the front of the unit which may be 3.5mm. Use
the same method described in the PC Style Speaker Connection with 3.5mm Aux Input section.
You must connect the S2/4 output to a LINE level input on the amplifier. Do not use any PHONO
inputs which are for vinyl turntables that have a lower output level.
Note that home theatre amplifiers often introduce a noticeable audio delay when converting the
stereo input to home theatre output with multiple speakers and subwoofer. It is recommended
that you disable audio processing and use a simple stereo audio processing option. Consult your
amplifier manual for more information on the available settings to disable Dolby/THX or other
audio processing.

Page 3 of 8
March 2014
Powered Studio Monitor or Professional Performance Speakers

Most powered Studio Monitor Speakers or PA speakers will have XLR and/or 1/4 TRS Jack inputs and may
also have RCA or 3.5mm Aux inputs. Where possible, use the XLR or TRS Balanced Audio connections to
use the professional quality outputs of the S2/4.
You will need two 1/4 TRS Male Jack to 1/4 TRS Male Jack cables
OR two 1/4 TRS Male Jack to XLR Male cables
Or if using XLR connections:
These connections apply to directly connected PA Speakers commonly used for gigs and parties.
Note that on some S2/4 models there is a BOOTH/MAIN switch. For a basic speaker configuration
use the MAIN switch position. When in BOOTH mode, the GAIN knob allows you to independently
control the volume level of that output indicated by the white line above the outputs and the
BOOTH/MAIN and Gain knobs.

Page 4 of 8
March 2014
Powered Performance Speakers with Single Powered Subwoofer (2.1)

The connections will depend on your specific model of speakers and subwoofer. If your subwoofer has link or through outputs, then the most straightforward connection is to connect
from the S2/4 to the subwoofer first and then from the subwoofer to the main speakers.
In the following example, you can use 1/4 TRS Jack connections as per the previous section,
but this guide will demonstrate XLR connections at all the speakers.
You will need two 1/4 TRS Male Jack to XLR Male cables (S2/4 to Sub)
AND
two XLR Female to XLR Male cables (Sub to Main Speakers)
Subwoofer Connection
Main Speaker Connection (Single Left and Right Stereo configuration)

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March 2014
Powered Performance Speakers with Dual Powered Subwoofers (2.2)

This example extends the previous case of only a single Subwoofer to a common mobile DJ
configuration where a Sub is often paired with each main speaker.
You will need two 1/4 TRS Male Jack to XLR Male cables (S2/4 to Sub)
AND
two XLR Female to XLR Male cables (Sub to Main Speakers)
NOTE: The QSC K-Series manual actually recommends

connection to the Main Speaker first. However, the
more general subwoofer first method is shown below.
Left Main Speaker
Right Main Speaker
Subwoofers

Page 6 of 8
March 2014
Club or House Mixer Setup

If you are playing in a club or bar with an existing sound system or DJ booth, then you will most
likely be connecting to the house mixer. This is as simple as finding a spare input on the mixer
and will generally use an RCA connection.
Consult the venue audio technician to confirm how you should connect!
You will (probably) need a Dual RCA Male to Dual RCA Male cable
Note that you must use a LINE level input on the house mixer when connecting the S2/4.
It may be possible to use the 1/4 TRS Balanced outputs of the S2/4 depending on the mixer
inputs.
Make sure to select the correct input on the house mixer using the selector switches and consider
if the crossfader is in through (THRU) mode or assigned to one side of the crossfader and set your
positions accordingly.
Consult the venue audio technician to confirm how you should connect!

Page 7 of 8
March 2014
Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the volume in my headphones low even if I turn up the CUE VOL all the way?
The S2/4 headphone volume is reduced when the unit is not connected to external
power. Use the external power supply in wherever possible.
There is a separate CUE VOL knob in Traktor that may need to be increased to boost
headphone volume level.
I want to connect more speakers! Can I use both the RCA and 1/4 outputs at the
same time?
Yes!
Those models with a MAIN/BOOTH switch and GAIN knob on the back of the unit also let
you change the volume level of that output (indicated by the solid white line above the
outputs and the MAIN/BOOTH controls) so that you can, for example, increase the DJ
Booth speakers for clearer sound to aid beatmatching.
Why do I only have sound from one speaker or the sound is distorted?
You may have used a different cable than indicated in this guide. A common mistake is
using a 1/4 TRS Stereo Jack to Dual RCA cable in the Balanced Outputs of the S2/4. This
results in combinations of low sound level, sound from one speaker or distorted output.
In Traktor, expand Decks A and B into advanced mode (by repeatedly double clicking on
the grey bar above the track title information or enabling Advanced Mode in the Layout
settings). Ensure that the software PAN knob is centred.
Why is the sound from my speakers extremely quiet? I can barely hear it!
The outputs of the S2/4 are not amplified. You may have connected passive speakers
that will not work without an amplifier. Seek some advice from your local DJ or Audio
equipment store.
My sound is loud, but distorted. I think it may be clipping, but how do I tell?
Keep out of the red!
First check to see if the track channel itself is clipping by showing red LEDs on the S2/4
channel level meters. Turn the gain down on that deck to just below the clipping point.
Note that Traktor now has an autogain function and a second track gain that needs to
be checked. This is accessed by clicking on the blue illuminated circle in Traktor just
below the Gain knob.
Then ensure that the Traktor Software Main Level isn't clipping due to the Main Level
Gain being too high or effects boosting the signal. This can be seen on the S4 Main
Level LED meters but first check the Traktor software Main Gain knob.
The S2/4 Main knob is a volume level control at the last stage of the audio processing.
Look at your speakers or amplifier and check if they are indicating clipping usually a
red indicator LED. Turn the S4 Main knob down until the clipping or distortion stops.
Check the gain setting on the amplifier or powered speaker and make sure you are
around the midpoint before trying to increase the volume again.
Is there any specific order to connect speakers?
Make all cabling connections first before powering on any equipment.
Speakers should always be the last thing turned on at the start of the gig and first thing
turned off before disconnecting any cables. This avoids any pops or loud noises that
could damage equipment or hearing.
If this guide has been useful, please considering sending a Bitcoin donation to the BTC address in the footer or contact
me directly at http://djtmhire.com or via the NI User Forums.

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Traktor Kontrol S2/4 Speaker Connection Guide

Traktor Audio Configuration

DJ TM | NI User Forums: tmccoy | http://djtmhire.com

Traktor Kontrol S2/4 Speaker Connection Guide

PC Style Speaker Connection with 3.5mm Aux Input

DJ TM | NI User Forums: tmccoy | http://djtmhire.com

Traktor Kontrol S2/4 Speaker Connection Guide

HiFi or Home Theatre Amplifier Connection

DJ TM | NI User Forums: tmccoy | http://djtmhire.com

Traktor Kontrol S2/4 Speaker Connection Guide

Powered Studio Monitor or Professional Performance Speakers

Or if using XLR connections:

DJ TM | NI User Forums: tmccoy | http://djtmhire.com

Traktor Kontrol S2/4 Speaker Connection Guide

Powered Performance Speakers with Single Powered Subwoofer (2.1)

Main Speaker Connection (Single Left and Right Stereo configuration)

DJ TM | NI User Forums: tmccoy | http://djtmhire.com

Traktor Kontrol S2/4 Speaker Connection Guide

Powered Performance Speakers with Dual Powered Subwoofers (2.2)

NOTE: The QSC K-Series manual actually recommends

Left Main Speaker

Right Main Speaker

DJ TM | NI User Forums: tmccoy | http://djtmhire.com

Traktor Kontrol S2/4 Speaker Connection Guide

Club or House Mixer Setup

DJ TM | NI User Forums: tmccoy | http://djtmhire.com

Traktor Kontrol S2/4 Speaker Connection Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

DJ TM | NI User Forums: tmccoy | http://djtmhire.com

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