Native Instruments teases the future of digital DJing with the Traktor Kontrol S8
Back in 2010, Native Instruments unveiled the Traktor Kontrol S4, a MIDI controller which would go on to become the product of a digital DJing generation. Eventually, of course, the competition caught up and in many ways outdid the S4 with controllers like Serato’s DDJ-SX and Numark’s NV. Now, however, Traktor has officially confirmed the next controller in its Traktor line, the Kontrol S8.
As usual, the video teaser is mysterious and alluring — showing enough of the controller to pique one’s interest without giving too much away. The clip comes packed with some top tier Ibiza-savvy sponsorship from the likes of Luciano, Carl Craig and more.
To those up to speed on the digital DJing world, the announcement is nothing new. Leaked images have been circulating the web for months now, and Native Instruments’ new trailer only confirms the news. For the rest of the world, here’s what you need to know:
Native Instruments has done away with jog wheels, replacing the real estate with built-in displays. These new mini-screens serve as windows for the track and sample decks while the Remix Decks now come equipped with four channels aside, each with their own volume fader. 8 performance pads have been added, and tempo faders have been done away with in favor of a universal BPM knob. The touch strip at the bottom may very well be the replacement for jog wheel manipulation as well as the home to other exciting effects. There will undoubtedly be more features to speak of as more information is revealed, but for now, take a gander at this leaked image which has all but been confirmed by Native Instruments’ new video.
It’s easy to criticize Native Instruments’ latest move — especially one that so conspicuously disregards the turntable world. Yet it’s also clear to see the potential it could have in the hands of the right artist. Richie Hawtin comes to mind. We’ll have to wait until the controller is officially released to determine just how viable and innovative a piece of equipment the Kontrol S8 truly is.
Want more DJ tech news? Check out the latest on the future of Pioneer DJ.