Native Instruments Traktor 2 First Look

Native Instruments has announced the next generation of Traktor, its Traktor 2 line, featuring Traktor 2 Pro and Traktor Scratch Pro.

Here’s what’s new in Traktor 2:

The new Traktor generation is based on a revised high-visibility GUI for intuitive operation under all conditions, and now offers up to four Sample Decks as well as Loop Recorder.

While each Sample Deck can add up to four simultaneous samples or loops to the mix, the Loop Recorder allows DJs to capture audio from various sources on the fly and drop it back into the mix at any time.

A further major innovation of the new Traktor generation is the new “TruWave” technology. By displaying tracks and samples in all four decks with high-resolution multi-colored waveforms, it gives insight into the spectral properties of the music, visualizing both individual rhythmic elements as well as general sonic characteristics. With four selectable color schemes, a wide zoom range and accurate waveform rendering, TruWave allows DJs to read their tracks visually for more intuitive mixing.

The synchronization features in Traktor have been further expanded with a new “SoftSync” function that provides a combination of automatic beat-matching and hands-on control. By keeping the tempo of multiple tracks in sync without manipulating the phase, SoftSync accommodates a wide possible range of mixing techniques both in Traktor Pro 2 and in Traktor Scratch Pro 2.

The effect selection of Traktor has also been expanded with four additional types that offer unique ways to create dramatic breakdowns and other typical performance effects, including a tape delay emulation and the new “Bouncer”, increasing the arsenal to an unparalleled assortment of over 30 algorithms.

The timecode-controlled Traktor Scratch Pro 2 combines the new software generation with the new Traktor Audio 10 interface, which offers additional I/O, improved signal chain monitoring and a versatile new bypass functionality over the previous Audio 8 model. With its true analog “Direct Thru” functionality that can be controlled directly from the Traktor 2 software, Traktor Audio 10 allows for easier switchovers between DJ sets and is ideally suited for club installation.

Most features of the new TRAKTOR generation can also be found in the new Traktor Duo 2 versions, which offer a classic two-deck configuration with additional dual sample decks and a compact effect selection at an especially affordable price, with Traktor Scratch Duo 2 including the new Traktor audio 6 interface.

For the Traktor Kontrol S4 system, the new Traktor Pro 2 will replace the originally included Traktor Pro S4 software. All Kontrol S4 owners will receive a download upgrade free of charge.

All products within the new Traktor Pro 2 generation are expected to be available in stores in April 2011.

Pricing:

  • TRAKTOR PRO 2 – $229 / 199 EUR
  • TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2 – $669 / 599 EUR
  • TRAKTOR DUO 2 – $119 / 99 EUR
  • TRAKTOR SCRATCH DUO 2 – $399 / 349 EUR

Update and upgrade pricing is available on the NI website.

5 thoughts on “Native Instruments Traktor 2 First Look

  1. Do yourself a favour and get a copy of Algoriddim Djay instead. It might look basic but it's both cheaper and better than Traktor.

  2. I'm no DJ mind you, but it looks to me as if they took a rather complete product apart into smaller sections and now start selling them separately. Or maybe I simply don't understand due to the flashy introduction movies which don't really give you the fine print details..

    Still; they already have the X4 controller which can do scratching and such. Now they have new Traktor software (S2) and in their demo movie you see some DJ's working exclusively with 2 Traktor Control X1's. I thought the S4 was the leading Traktor controller?

    I am a critic in the overall and as said no DJ. But would I assume right that once existing users upgrade their Traktor software to T2 (free of charge if I read correctly) they end up with software which could be made to work on the S4 ("sorta") but would benefit even more when they purchase one (or better: 2) extra Kontrol X1 controllers ?

    I just can't understand why in these demo movies you basically only get to see the smaller X1 controllers playing a lead role and the S4 is no where in sight.

  3. @SynthFan

    I think you've kinda go the wrong end of the stick to be honest… yes the S4 is the most expensive controller – not sure that is really the same as making it the flagship controller. In this case the S4 isn't going to be used by a scratch DJ who makes routines mainly using the decks and then uses the X1(s) to add extra control aspects to his sets. The S4 just doesn't cut it for that in my opinion – its more for DJs who don't want to buy decks at all than DJs who are already happy using them. In which case the X1 is a more useful controller, giving all the hardware options for FX, cues and sampling.

  4. I have been a loyal Traktor user since 2001 on Linux. I own an Audio 8 DJ and I think the upgrade price of €299 which only includes control disks and software is ABSURD! I am sure I can find the new control vinyl on Ebay and the software for somewhere else for much cheaper… /Loyalty

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