Traktor Kontrol PRO series (feedback)

Native instruments recently asked for feedback for the future of TRAKTOR PRO and KONTROL.

This is my feedback

Modular controllers that you can attach together like the Avid Artist series, and form a 2-deck or 4-deck controller.
The 2 modules are DECK KONTROL PRO and MIX KONTROL PRO.

Target pricing could be 1,099 for the 2 deck kit, and 1,499 for the 4 deck kit. Of course the flightcase should come for both configurations.

Here are some photoshop that can give you an idea of what I envision as a modular Traktor professional controller, and a size comparison with CDJ-3000 and SC6000 prime.

 

Size comparison with S4

 

Very cool concepts Ale Rossi I personally like the addition of the dedicated mic section on the mixer which is a great pro feature to go along with the larger jog wheels.

My suggestion for revisions would be to move the FX 1/2 knobs back to the area above each "deck" like on the S4 (to mirror the layout in the software), and the FX assign section on the mixer to be kept like it is on the S4 with the buttons simply labelled: | FX1 | FX2 |

 

Hi kosta x

Thanks for your feedback!

My concept was based on "standard" dj mixers (which usually have the FX section on the right), but your suggestions make total sense.

As this concept is modular, moving the FX sections above the jog wheels may end up with 4 FX sections (which Traktor supports by the way).



So it may be a good idea to have the FX assign section like the original S4 with [<] for FX 1 (above deck A) and [>] for FX 2 (B), then use SHIFT [<] for FX 3 (C) and SHIFT [>] for FX 4 (D).

I personally don't use 4 FX, but having the option is good – the S4 does not provide it (I guess).

 

The only thing is that it would be difficult to provide a visual feedback of which FX is active on the channel.

Having it in the channel strip means it should have different color for the backlight, like red for FX A/B and blue for FX C/D, but when you have both FX A and C on the same channel this concept falls apart.

Another option may be to have 4 individual buttons, but 2 would not work if you have just 2 decks (which I guess will be a good portion of the user base)...

 

Simple buttons with backlit LEDs for on/off states of the FX should work great. To make it even more clear, those buttons could be "clear" (white) with black text). Take a look at the Z2 for an example.

Hardware controls of 2FX banks per deck would clutter the design, but an option to toggle between which FX bank you are controlling is definitely an idea to consider. I thought your original implementation of the FX "strip" on the mixer was very clever, but I think it makes more sense to put FX controls on the decks. If someone wants to use a different mixer like a pioneer, there would be no FX controls for Traktor's FX.

 

Excellent work Ale Rossi - i wonder how these would look at the side of a djm900 nx2?

i would loose the pitch bend buttons and make the pads larger/FX/RGB with a larger screen and a turntable brake speed knob somewhere.

also if i was in charge i would have 4 user programmable buttons above the jog wheel for grid marker or what ever.

outstanding effort! cant help but wonder if this is more official than it appears on the surface hmmmmm........

 

not motorized jogwheels! 10" platter and vinyl record without "funny" spindles please.

 

Why not? It seems you had some experience with some? Please share these thoughts!

 

I tried the S4 with the motorized jogs at musicstore and I didnt like it. its really weird, feels like a toy, low torque, let me try to explain, once you put your hand on the jog it stops rotating, but you can feel the motor trying to run, on real TT you hold the record and you feel the platter(+slipmat) rotating underneath. on a S4 there isnt any, so the jog stops, and starts when you "drop", and it just doesnt feel right. there are 7" portable TTs with belt driven platters that feel more like a TT than the S4 "emulation".

 

I see…

 

I dig the brainstorming session! I think NI really... REALLY needs to nail the next hardware iteration. I LOVED the S8 but it always required turntables to be able to touch the songs... I have said for years, if they added jogwheels (like, proper jog wheels) to the S8 and made some tweaks, I'd be sold forever. Given their recent M(+) build, I am hopeful they can now join the pack of InMusic products and make something that's actually standalone.

If I were in charge of 2022 product line for Traktor I'd focus on something standalone, completely 4-channel with ALL of the controls on the S4 but with larger jogs... Something to compete with Pioneer's Standalone unit.

Alongside that project, I would take serious note of the fact that some of the most famous Traktor users in the world are using the software with massive, high-end mixers... and for those users NI would benefit from revamping the x1 units with this focus in mind. The Xone k2 is far more utilized by these musicians bc the X1 is lacking some features. Why not cut the mixer out of the S4 and enlarge the two "control" sections, make them connect over ethernet (like the Xone) and ensure that we literally never need to open our laptops to run a four deck traktor set through a V10 or Model1? I love the loop controls on the S4, but overall the controller is less inspiring than a full-sized mixer. My Denon prime players far excel in the playability department due to their clever loop/slice and other features... I just wish NI would make two modules that cover the best of the Denon feature set AND the amazing effects/effects routing found in Traktor...

Maybe cut the mixer out, make the two sides as large as the Denon units, make them standalone and add the dual audio outs to the rear. Just make a damn SC6000M that's an NI- traktor version with all of the best pieces. Deal?

Sorry for the ramble.