New: Traktor Kontrol S8

[yizzle]

The new Kontrol S8 flagship Traktor controller from Native Instruments is finally getting it’s official launch today, and we’ve got an exclusive in-depth video that reviews all the S8 functions in our studios at the bottom of the page.

• Retail price at $1199 Dollars/Euros - ~$1140 AUD

• Available in stores on October 31st

• About 20% larger than the S4

Kontrol S8 Essential Features

In a nutshell, the new Kontrol S8 brings the following developments to the table:

• Expands the mixer into a fully functional mixer with analogue inputs

• Replaces the jog wheels with high-resolution color screens and a touch strip

• Merges the X1 and F1 style controllers into a single interface with level controls for Remix Decks

• Adds many dedicated buttons for popular features like Freeze, Flux

• Introduces touch-sensitive encoders and knobs with matching screen updates

Expanded Four Channel Mixer

The mixing section is wider and taller and brings a number of dedicated mixer functions to the center console. This sets the S8 apart from the S2 and S4, making it more realistic to use the controller as a dedicated club interface or at least your full-time mixer at home.

Along with cross fader assignments and curve and curve, there is a full four channel mixer with CD or Phono inputs. The dual mic inputs can also be assigned to the channels for EQ and gain adjustments, essentially making this a full Z4 mixer.

Combined Controls For All Styles Of Decks

Instead of owning a F1 and a X1 to control Remix Decks or traditional tracks, this new interface allows you to flex between two deck styles with ease. The four buttons can trigger remix cells, cue points, and also unlocks the popular Freeze mode – which was previously only in Traktor DJ (on iOS).

Jog Wheels Make Room For High Powered Screens

These screens could allow you to almost entirely put away the laptop and keep attention on the mixer. Detailed browser panes with album art, BPM and key.

The Remix Deck implementation is particularly good with a clear view of what is happening with your loops and samples.

Touch-sensitive Knobs Team Up With The Screens For Clear Feedback

There are now eight touch-sensitive encoders, and 8 touch sensitive potentiometers (knobs with end points) on each side of the mixer which can be used to control all 4 FX units or parameters of the remix cells. When any of the knobs are touched, the screen updates to show you the details of that section in a very clear manner. The traditional knobs above the screen have end points while the encoders bellow are endless.

Kontrol S8 Functional Improvements

Along with the new features, there are a host of minor updates which could be a big deal for some DJs:

• Replaceable faders – with room around them to avoid dangerous accidental button press

• Custom fader technology purported to be very long-lasting.

• Main out can be XLR out or RCA out

• 1/4″ jack booth out

• Crossfader assignment and curve adjust

• Can work as a standalone mixer but does always requires a power supply to run

• Filter On/Off buttons on each of the filter knobs

• MIDI in and out for syncing with Maschine and other external music products.

Only a few things stuck out to us as being missing in action from the S4/S2 lines:

• Loop recorder section is missing - we suspect NI wants to focus on recording into Remix Sets instead on this controller

• Tempo faders have been replaced by a master tempo encoder in the middle of the unit – considering most users of this controller will likely sync, it’s not that big of a deal

Source

[ThatPartyGuy]

[Kodiak]

No tempo faders? Wat?

[BeatLeSS]

They're really nailing the 'future' of dj'ing. Very impressed with what's coming around the corner.

[SolDios]

Id love to use this thing as just a Timecode mixer.

This with TT's or cdj's would be da bomb