Native Instruments had a party last night to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Traktor, and there they unveiled their powerful new version of Traktor as well as the new piece of hardware we’ve been waiting to learn more about, the Traktor Kontrol F1. Read more about NI CEO Daniel Haver’s semi-official announcement last night! NI CEO Daniel Haver in front of Traktor Pro 2.5, holding a Kontrol F1 Editor’s Note: Looks like the video of the official announcement got taken down from...
Allen and Heath announced today a new side car controller similar to the X1, featuring a built in sound card and internal links to combine multiple units. A blank canvas, the MIDI controller has no suggested purpose, so we are excited to hear how you might use the new Xone K2 from Allen and Heath. Audio Interface: Xone:K2 has a internal, four channel (2 stereo) soundcard. the Allen and Heath K2 controller will ship with a matching case that brings them up to mixer...
One of the biggest announcements at BPM (and best kept secrets leading up to it) was Allen & Heath’s K2 audio interface and controller unit. I snuck Richard Brace, one of the main men behind the controller, away from the hustle and bustle to get the low down and a good feel for it; it didn’t take too much to realise that the K2 was one of the stars of the show for a few reasons. Check out the video for the full story, but here are a few of the key features. The K2 has two...
Vestax is back! After a solid year of limited traction in the DJ world and a lack-luster response to the VCI-100Mk2, Vestax comes back with a solid offering that should have plenty of you drooling. Its sexy, well built, full of great features and certainly “pro” quality. Can they make it in time and at a price you are willing to pay? We shall see! Check out lots of photos and an exclusive walkthrough video after the break. Product: Vestax VCI-400 Price: $999...
Last week’s article “The Laptop: Evolution or Revolution” embraced the idea of ditching the laptop completely for performing DJ sets. Another idea which is famous among DIY-enthusiasts is bringing the PC and controllers together into one shell. This can be as easy as just stuffing everything in one case you can carry around. DJTechTool’s member Chris Blarsky took a slightly more sophisticated approach by integrating multiple controllers, effect devices, synths and a high-end PC...
Many years ago, in our quest to try every possible MIDI controller on the planet, we tried out a variety of foot controllers because of a simple inescapable fact: We only have two hands (curse you, genetics!). To do more with controllers, one simply had to explore other “dimensions” of control, including putting something under your feet. The only problem was that there were only a few MIDI foot pedals, and they were very large, heavy and expensive- hardly something to put in a DJ bag....
While it’s not the game-changer the Kontrol S4 was, the 2-channel Kontrol S2 delivers a formidable all-in-one Traktor Pro 2 package for budding digital DJs, as well as experienced controllerists. On one hand, it’s tempting to call the S2 the S4 Lite, and on the other hand, that’s not such a bad thing to be. Let’s check out this little brother and decide if it deserves a pat on the back or a vicious noogie. Reviewed: Native Instruments Kontrol S2 Price: $669 (MSRP), $599...