Traktor Kontrol S8

So without any software updates this is pretty much going to be just an S4 without jogwheels and just a couple of pretty screens..... Damn, I was hoping for something a bit more..........

 

...I dunno...they might very well do this in two phases...first the hardware (with everything it needs to unlock the potential of the next main Traktor update), then the software at a later time. I'm sure they already know where they want to go with this and have it all mapped out for future updates, releases and iterations. N.I. is just too big now to be flying by the seat of their pants so I don't see how it could be otherwise....time will tell I guess!

 

So 2 Mic inputs, and a pair of buttons near the master volume ... So where's the Mic Volume/Gain control? Hopefully it's not software based!

 

I'm pretty sure it will be....if we're lucky they may provide an assign option (via shift) to a knob on the hardware in the Control Editor, or some mapping guru will make one and share it here on the forum.

 

I dunno, I'm thinking that, in addition to the screens, the dedicated buttons for switching between phono/line input and traktor, the 2 extra pairs of inputs, the XLR main outs, a separate booth out, and what looks an awful lot like the ability to use it as a stand-alone mixer ups it's technological advancement over the S4 quite a bit. Then there's the 8 extra level faders. I don't have much use for the remix decks, but I could see those being useful for effects.

Then again, I only ever used my S4 in vinyl control or sync mode. I started DJing in 93, so I missed the whole CDJ/jogwheel thing.

 

I am hoping hey are keeping updates in mind for this controller, I have no problems losing the jogwheels if it means more live production, and this is coming from someone who started DJing in 1987 and has always used some form of platter/jogwheel for control.....

For all we know for the future they may be planning to use a usb stick music and software device and do without the laptop altogether.... Even better they might even be planning to integrate the software into the hardware, now that would be nice.......

 

Oh and NI if you ever do that make sure you put at least a couple of usb slots on the top

 

hey Karlos, i don't know if they are releasing a traktor 3, but i'm really guessing here, but the s8 has Freeze on it, like the traktor dj app, i know you probably know better than me but i'm guessing there is going to be some sort of new features added to traktor or maybe just maybe a TP3... but i'm just playing the guessing game here, NI always deliver the unexpected to exceed expectations...

 

As you would expect I can't go into more detail until NI release more info but what you wrote is very perceptive

 

Damn! I' m disappointed.. I was all over this.. But 'cmon NI??! A New flagship controller with the same ol' Traktor 2?! Too bad! New traktor pro 3+ new s8= instant buy. I don't wanna invest 1200$ to have an outdated piece of gear in 6 months or so.. To be honest Karlos, NI did not realese any meaningful traktor update since spring 2012. That's why people are expecting a new major release with the s8

 

sign! word ! fully agree!

 

Yep I totally understand your point however no NI gear is ever outdated. You can still use any NI controller with Traktor and the S8 will be no different.

It's obvious that there will be a Traktor Pro 3 at some point. The S8 will just be one of many controllers that will work with it.

Karlos

 

So, will it really work as a stand alone mixer? I am a little confused now that there don´t seem to be gain knobs for the mic.

Same as Flux and Macro FX features came later to Traktor 2 I don´t see why freeze and any other feature this controller seem to offer cannot come to a 2.X version of Traktor. I don´t see why expecting a new line.

 

i like it but i am a scratch dj so i am wondering if i should hold out for the 4 channel scratch mixer.....ah the decisions

 

It may be similar to the Pioneer DDJ-SX which has mics on certain channels, which in the case of the SX is 1 and 4.

As as stand alone mixer I am hoping for external sources that at least the filters and EQ can be used.

 

I guess nobody has brought up the point that thank god it doesn´t have a glossy surface!

 

NI and (still) competitive? Funny idea...

Now finally at last one outstanding reason to buy it!

 

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#505 <-

or ->

http://www.rockshop.co.nz/news/clinics/native-instruments-new-product-launch-auckland/

 

Very strange that they've opened it up to public/industry like that ... there is however an invite only launch in Australia a few days earlier (we've already had the Komplete 10 and Keyboard launch) that I have an invite to ...

 

Is this really an all in one controller? You still need a laptop for this. I don't think u can use usb flash drive? Now the xdj r1 and xdj aero are all in one controllers. Unless NI is keeping it a secret