Native Instruments has announced the availability of Traktor Kontrol S5 – their new Stems-ready 4-channel DJ controller for Traktor.
Stems Support
The key new feature in Traktor Kontrol S5 is Stems support.
Stems is a completely new way to DJ. A Stem file is an open, multi-channel audio file that contains a track split into four musical elements – bass, drums, vocals, and melody, for example. With each element available independently, you can mix in ways that just weren’t possible until now.
Traktor Kontrol S5 delivers essential control for Stems. You can create on-the-fly edits, mash-ups, a cappellas, and more with hands-on creative control. This lets you do things like add reverb to the vocals, and leave the rest of the track dry.
High Resolution Displays
Touch-sensitive knobs and two multi-purpose touch strips trigger a host of views, panels, and functions visible on the high-resolution displays – designed to let you work at the controller vs the computer.
Other Features
Traktor Kontrol S5 also offers a professional on-board audio interface and robust build quality.
The integrated 24-bit/48kHz audio interface features both XLR and RCA master outputs, one ¼ inch booth output, and an independent stand-alone RCA or ¼ inch AUX channel input for connecting a mic, MP3 player, or other line-level peripherals. And the unit’s compact construction features high-grade materials and a durable build-quality made to withstand frequent gigging and touring.
Here are the official intro videos:
Traktor Kontrol S5 is now available for US $799 USD / 799 EU / £579 GBP. See the Native Instruments site for details.
Is this format still got legs? Comments would suggest the bost was missed on this one.
Isn’t this the first controller that supports Stems? I think they are just rolling it out.
I think comments suggest that a lot of synth players think DJs are douches, rather than anything useful about the actual technology.
I’m not a DJ, but can you still scratch with this thing? I think stems is a pretty cool idea, glad they implemented a device for it. I hope it sticks around, seems really useful for dub reggae remixes.
Can NI move STEMs into acceptance by the industry? Time will tell. For me, I think no.
NI is the digital DJ industry. Traktor is the most popular DJ app by far. What other companies do you think they need to convince?
Got any stats to back this up? I don’t think NI ARE the digital DJ industry, Serato is a major player and Pioneer have moved into software.
Pioneer / Serato.
I think it’s more a case of douches think they are djs than synth players think djs are douches.
Native Instruments should just put a midi sequencer inside this and call it maschine version 3
I can seperate my old 90s mixes back into tracks for $800? That’s interesting.