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Traktor Kontrol S4 hardware interface set to make the scene this winter
Native Instruments today announced its new (and first) integrated hardware / software DJ system with a YouTube video wherein DMC World Champ DJ Shiftee rocked out to the Tetris theme and samples from Mike Tyson's Punch Out! (We guess someone knows their target demographic.) Traktor Kontrol S4 promises to take "functionality and control" to the next level with a new version of Traktor Pro that supports the hardware interface's many features, including: looping, cueing, effects, and track browsing controls, two sample decks, touch-sensitive jog wheels, a mixer, and more. Also included is a low-latency 24bit / 96kHz sound card. Available sometime this winter for an MSRP will be $999 (€899). See it in action after the break.
Token multitouch screen shows us the future of DJing, today (video)
Think you know multitouch surfaces? Think again. We've just come across a video demo of the Token multitouch, erm, pedestal, which seems to have come straight from the future. A clear sheet of glass that beams out video from your computer and accepts touch inputs in return, the Token concept has been designed by a chap named Rodrigo hailing out of Chile. We know it uses a rear projector for its video, but other construction details are scarce at this point; what's really special here, however, is the way he combines it with a Traktor Pro controller titled Emulator, turning a few intelligent finger swipes into a kickass light-and-sound show. See it on video after the break.
Native Instruments teases new all-in-one Traktor controller, enlists Dubfire to help
Even though it's made bits and pieces of DJ hardware for years, Native Instruments has steered clear of the burgeoning all-in-one controller market, leaving that to third-party players like Hercules, Behringer, Stanton, Allen & Heath, and Numark. Thing is, archrival Serato has been taking it to the paint with its Itch systems lately, so it looks like NI getting ready to step up its game. We've just been tossed a video of Dubfire testing out a mysterious, unnamed rig connected to an updated version of Traktor out at Ibiza, and for Traktor DJs, this looks like it could be the hardware you've been waiting for -- especially if the X1 wasn't quite enough to satisfy your deepest, darkest desires. We don't know what the deal is with this thing other than that it's "upcoming," so we'll toss you details just as soon as we have them.
Scratching the surface: DJ'ing with your Mac
It's Saturday night and you're out and about painting the town red, or whatever color it is that towns are painted these days. Whether you end up at a night club, a lounge or a bar, there's a good chance there's going to be a DJ spinning up some tunes at the venue. And there's a good chance that you'll see a glowing Apple in front of the DJ, as said DJ may be accompanied by a MacBook or MacBook Pro. If you've ever looked into doubling your Mac as a virtual turntable, then this post may help you scratch the surface -- err, vinyl.
DMC champ DJ Rafik puts Native Instruments' Traktor Kontrol X1 through its paces (video)
That Traktor Kontrol X1 hardware controller that one eagle-eyed trainspotter hepped us to a while back isn't out until February, but in the meantime Native Instruments (and the editors of Engadget) thought you might enjoy seeing the thing in action. Going for $229, this bad boy connects to your Mac or PC via USB and integrates fully with Traktor to allow you all the access to controls and effects normally reserved for the mouse / trackpad -- as you know, there really is nothing less "rock'n'roll" (er, "rave") than a mouse or a trackpad. Go past the break to get your block rocked (or something) by DMC world champ DJ Rafik.
Native Instruments working on a $200-ish Traktor controller, blinkenlights guaranteed
International musician and man-about-town Richie Hawtin has a track record of collaborating with Native Instruments on its DJ products, frequently putting stuff through its paces well before it's made available to the public at large -- and once again, the dude's been caught using some unknown gear at a show in Berlin. Seems like pretty much everyone and their mother has made a controller compatible with the company's Traktor line of software at this point save for Native Instruments itself, and that's where this new hotness comes into play -- check out the video after the break starting around 19 seconds, where you can clearly make out a couple NI-branded boxes allegedly designed to control two decks at a time (so a grand total of two, like Hawtin has here, would be enough to control a four-deck Traktor setup). We've heard rumors from inside the company that it'll be available for around $200, which would be extremely competitive for a pro-level box that's specifically matched to Traktor's capabilities. Even if you don't have the slightest urge to get on the decks at any point in your life, the lights sure are pretty, aren't they? [Via Engadget German and De:Bug]
Video: Camera-based concept turns any surface into a DJ deck
DJ MoCAP, master of time and white space, has developed a camera-based controller for the TRAKTOR Scratch DJ System. Just sketch the deck onto a piece of white paper and turn any high contrast surface into a mixing table. There seems to be a bit of latency but overall the system looks fairly responsive. Why? Why not, we say. Video demonstration after the break.[Thanks, Brian]
