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Sep 12

Native Instruments intros second-gen Traktor Kontrol S2 and S4 DJ systems with iOS support (video)

Many modern DJs prefer to mix with an iPad instead of a laptop, and Native Instruments has just updated its Traktor Kontrol S4 and S2 decks (shown both above and below the break) to accommodate those tastes. The new controllers now work directly with Traktor DJ, giving iOS-based artists hardware controls for everything they see onscreen. There are updates to the controls themselves, of course. The two systems now have backlit RGB buttons, higher-precision jogwheels and sturdier designs; there’s also a shortcut to Flux Mode, which helps DJs tweak cue points and loops in mid-set. The revised version of the two-channel S2 is available for $499, while the four-channel S4 sells for $799.

Filed under: Peripherals

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Source: Native Instruments (1), (2)

Feb 21

Native Instruments announces Traktor DJ for iPad, brings the mix to iOS (video)

Posted in: Today's Chili

DJ apps for iPad? There’s a bunch. But — if you’re at all familiar with the craft — there’s a very notable name absent from the crowd. Until today that is. Native Instruments set the high watermark for DJ software with its desktop-based Traktor application, and now it’s available in compact iOS form. Designed by the same team as the full-fat version, aspiring DJs can enjoy two waveform-based decks, with three-band EQ, eight effects (ported over from Trakor Pro) all redesigned from the ground up for the iPad’s touch-based input. The interface eschews the conventional virtualization of a turntable set-up, instead creating a workflow more congruent with the hardware’s form factor. Notably, a new “Freeze” mode stops the waveform from galloping on, letting you tend to cue points, loops etc or slice it into samples for “playable” parts. There’s also interaction between the mobile and desktop versions via dropbox-based media sync, so any tracks loops and so on made on the move can be seamlessly transported to your club performance too. Think an iPad app is nice and all, but want a little more spice? Well, hook it up to one of the firm’s popular Audio 6 or Audio 10 interfaces (via the USB connection kit) you just got proper pre-listen and cue functionality too. Traktor DJ is available today for $19.99, and if you’re still undecided, there’s a demo video after the break that might just swing it for you.

Filed under: Tablets

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Source: Native Instruments

Oct 10

Pioneer XDJ-Aero review: a DJ controller that loves music, hates physical formats

Posted in: Today's Chili

Pioneer has enjoyed a fairly tight grip on the upper-end of the DJ market, but if you step out of the professional DJ booth, and into the bars and bedrooms, the competition starts to heat up. So when we heard about the XDJ-Aero and its curious new WiFi functionality, we were interested to see how this $1,399 controller would be received. That’s not to say the DJ mainstay doesn’t hold its ground in this busier market — it does — but as the far more frequent product release schedule will attest, the industry standard crown is still up for grabs. There’s the other issue of software to consider, also. Pioneer has remained fairly neutral so far, releasing controllers for the big two platforms already, with the paint barely dry on its latest addition.

The XDJ-Aero, however, hints at a new approach. One where you don’t need to choose your software gang colors to be involved. This isn’t the first bit of kit that lets you play direct from USB drives or skip the laptop, but it’s the first from Pioneer that clearly heads out in its own direction. Ditch the Traktor, wean yourself of Serato, even forget CDs and just get on with the mixing. That seems to be what the XDJ-Aero is about, but does it hold its own? We popped a few of our favorite ditties on to find out.

Gallery: Pioneer XDJ-Aero review