Traktor Kontrol S8 Brings The DJ Back To The Party

Native Instruments have issued a hardware update for their Traktor Kontrol DJ controller. The Traktor Control S8, a new all-in-one system for the serious DJ, will be arriving very soon. Of immediate note is the Traktor Control moves away from jog wheels, replacing them with two screens. There are also touch-sensitive knobs for enhanced control. The S8 wants to bring the DJ away from the laptop and back into focus with the crowd, and this one packs enough under the hood to get that rolling.

The Traktor Kontrol S8 also has touch-sensitive faders, along with LED-guided touch strips. The responsive dual displays are full color, too, so you don't have to divert your attention back to the laptop. You touch it, you see it on the screen — it's that simple.

The screens show you just about everything you need, displaying track info, effect data, and filter values. Tracks have a vector waveform, and you can get access to remix decks as well on the fly.

The S8 has 4x4 channel remix deck faders, letting you live capture mixes, too. Sixteen color-coded pads let you trigger loops and samples easily.

To enhance the experience, Traktor Kontrol is also building Scratch Pro 2 right into the hardware, giving the enterprising DJ a means to leave the laptop at home, if they like. There are four RCA inputs for cobbling turntables, microphones, or other analog gear in, and a 1/4-inch booth output connects it with a myriad of existing sound systems. A MIDI in/out is also on board.

The Traktor Kontrol will be available on October 30, and retail for $1199. For more info, check out the source link below, and be sure to check out the video!

Source: Native Instruments