The 7 Greatest Traktor Controllers from Native Instruments!
Want to build your ideal set-up with Native Instruments equipment? You’re in the right place.
In case you missed it, Native Instruments made the Traktor Kontrol hardware, which is a collection of solutions that are meant to work perfectly with their latest Traktor Software. If you’re new to the DJ world, one important thing to remind yourself of is that the best way to mix tracks and perform music is to buy software that goes along with your hardware. But, like many things, it’s not always easy to choose the best Traktor DJ controller. There are so many things to choose from and it’s hard to pick out just one.
With that in mind, we’ll help you know everything you need to know about the best Traktor controllers so you can buy the right one.
Native Instruments created the Traktor Software to go along with their equipment. N.I. managed to create a state-of-the-art technology, through Kontrol, an all-in-one controller with software to go along with it. “Kontrol” mixes both the hardware and software of the Native Instruments, which makes for a user-friendly surface. If you’re interested in such details, you may want to look for Traktor Kontrol to best suit your ideal home or outside DJ setup. Much like Serato DJ, Traktor Kontrol gives DJs access to beat jumps, cueing, loops, Ableton Link support, and so much more. As a DJ, you can get more done at home or on the road with Native Instruments Kontrol concepts.
Key Features
There’s not the same Traktor Kontrol there is, as each Kontrol differs from one another depending on their functionality. However, they have several key features that are present in all of Kontrol’s instruments, so you wouldn’t be confused about the basics that you’d be dealing with when you pick the right one.
Smart Interface
Native Instruments wants to ensure that all of the software and hardware you use is tightly integrated. To cater to that, N.I. provides a smart interface that allows you to multitask even in a small space. The Traktor Kontrol technology includes the interface through which you can connect your entire setup with various in/out connections, software solutions, and other features. It lets you be ready to record anywhere, and when you’re ready, you can even take the stage with your setups.
Decks:
There are a lot of options you can see with Traktor Decks. There is a digital system that lets you mix and play music on your own. DJs can make use of their computers to help them with syncing and playing music. Traktors also have a system like DVS that lets you manage your music with a turntable and timecode records. The following are the types of decks present in Traktor Software:
Track Deck: A digital deck that can replace a CDJ or turntable. Use hot cues to jump around or play songs straight through.
Stem decks: Four-channel decks that have separate tracks for features such as melody, vocals, drums, and bass.
Live input: Direct input from another controller or a CDJ
Scratch control: Decks that let you change digital music like an old record by putting in a timecode.
Remix decks: Clip-based decks that help DJs play loops and samples quickly.
Visual Feedback
Some smart interfaces are made up of both touch-capacitive controls and high-resolution screen systems. When you touch it, the screen changes to fit the tasks you’re trying to do.
Flux Mode
Flux mode is a feature of Traktor that lets you use a track on a virtual timeline even if you change it in the middle. This feature helps Traktor’s transport controls quick and easy. Using this, you can use several keys such as cue points, loops, hot cues, and more without losing where you were in the song.
And so, without further ado, let’s talk about Native Instruments’ Traktors.
Greatest Traktor DJ Controllers Available:
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8The S8 is one of the best Traktor controllers from Native Instruments for people who want a device that does everything. This flagship controller has all the features you could want: it comes with Traktor Scratch Pro 2 software and a lot of great extras (along with the key basics provided above). There are also touch-sensitive knobs, screens on board for keeping track of your music, and a brilliant, easy-to-use interface.
- Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S5
The Traktor Kontrol S5 is a mid-range controller with a lot of features perfect for those who want to enhance their DJing skills. This product is a great choice for Traktor fans who want to build and break down music in complex sets, but don’t want to give up the purpose-built features of the S8 for a lower price.
- Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3
With large motorized jog wheels and haptic three-mode feedback, this all-in-one Traktor S4 controller by Native Instruments is a top Traktor controller solution. Each jog wheel has an LED ring to indicate deck rotation with high-resolution color displays that can track information about each song you’re playing, such as position or loop length.
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- Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3
The Traktor S2 controller system from Native Instruments may be the best Traktor controller pick for those on a tight budget. S2 Controller provides simple two-deck control and some support for remix decks in a style similar to the S4. This is a good choice if you prefer the traditional dual layout for jog wheels and a small footprint.
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Modular Traktor DJ Controllers Available:
- Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol F1
The Control F1 may appear to be simple at first glance, but it’s a great instrument for gaining more control over Traktor’s Stems and Remix decks. A lot of users often use this solution with their existing Native Instruments S2 or S4 controller. Other than that, you can also use a full timecode strategy with Traktor Scratch to manage your edits wherever you go.
- Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol X1
Delving further with DJ Controllers, only this time we’ll talk about Modular Traktor DJ Controllers. The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol X1 DJ controller, helps you make use of all of Traktor’s effects and decks. With 2 decks and FX units, this small controller gives you a lot of ways to change the sound. Even without your CDJ, you can control all your music with a touch strip that can be used for different things.
- Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1
Native Instruments Traktor Control Z1 is one of their most popular and unique products because it has its own built-in audio interface. It is a two-channel mixer that works with Traktor Pro 2 or Traktor DJ, with users often using this solution for the latter controllers.
Reality speaking, it’s hard to find an ideal DJ controller for your dream set-up that can cater to all your needs as well as go within your budget. Lucky for us, the options that Native Instruments have provided are plenty, guaranteeing you that there’s at least one (or two!) that can fit your needs as a DJ.
