Native Instruments Traktor Performance Controller
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Native Instruments have been the leading the way in how to digital DJ for the past 10 years. Continually evolving the way DJs perform and interact with their music. After releasing the Kontrol X1 which was a major success earlier in the year Native instruments are back with the jewel in their crown the Traktor Kontrol S4. The Traktor Kontrol S4 is a fully integrated portable plug in and play software and hardware digital DJ system. It eradicates the need for the DJ to touch their computer or mouse as well as one of the main problems faced by digital DJs while performing, which is, ‘the DJ looks like they are sending emails’. The Kontrol S4 is a robust piece of kit featuring a 4-channel mixer, 24 bit soundcard, loop recorder & library, sampler and the new S4 software. The main features of the S4 unit are it’s 4 channels each with their own 3 band EQs, a 24bit sound card, the same as the Audio 4. Two easy to use effect banks each with their own 4 control knobs, and two nicely sized dual touch sensitive jog wheels, which have used a new electromagnetic technology which hasn’t been seen on midi players before. The jog wheels on the S4 offer extremely precise and responsive deck control and there is a smooth pitch bending as well. Other features include input slots for a microphone & headphones and two brand new features the loop recorder and sample decks. The unit comes with many backlights and L.E.D.s, which allow the DJ to concentrate on playing even in the darkest of surroundings. The Kontrol S4 is designed to play with the new S4 software only, although you can configure and map the control unit to other digital DJ programs. The S4 software is similar to Native Instruments market leading DJ software Traktor Pro but has a slight new layout and a number of new features, namely the 4 deck sampler. The new built in ‘sampler’ allows you to add effects and sounds to your mix as well as the option to build live off the cuff live edits by sampling live from your master output or from one of the input channels and overdubbing back onto the master audio. No mix set will be the same ever again. This is an extremely handy new feature that makes S4 unit stand out from its competitors. One of the best features about the S4 system is what you see on your laptop screen is replicated directly on the hardware unit making it extremely easy for a DJ to use. The major plus the S4 has over separate DJ systems on the market is that you can simply plug in and play. There is no messing around wiring cables to midi players, laptops, sounds cards etc. Coupling this with not having to touch your laptop as much and being able to be totally creative while performing, building live edits of the cuff means this system has raised the bar above anything else in the digital DJ market. Native Instruments have taken a big leap forward with this new digital DJ system, it is now up to their competitors to see if they can follow them. The Traktor Kontrol S4 is definitely worth checking out if you are looking to take your digital DJing to the next level. At £750 the unit is competitively priced with buying a pro midi controller and sound card separately. For more articles and information on how to digital DJ and electronic music production visit http://www.funknaughty.com. |
Best Purchase I’ve Made in a Long, Long Time
Solid design, great functionality