NAMM Show Update: Native Instruments announced Audio 8 DJ, a USB 2.0 audio interface specifically designed for Traktor 3 and other professional DJ software.

With a flexible 8-in/8-out configuration, two studio-grade phono preamps, low latency, and a compact and highly robust aluminium casing, Audio 8 DJ is designed to meet the demands of professional ‘digital Djs’ and can act as the centerpiece of a wide range of different performance setups in club, stage and studio environments.

The Audio 8 DJ audio interface offers four stereo inputs, two of which are equipped with software-switchable high-quality phono preamps, making it possible to incorporate nearly any combination of turntables, CD players, drum machines and other instruments into one powerful setup. The interface also provides four stereo outputs, which ideally complement the four full-featured playback decks in Traktor 3 when using the software with an external mixer. All audio connections are in RCA format to allow for easy connection with turntables, CD players and DJ mixers.

Audio 8 DJ features a microphone input for voice-overs, a ground point for turntables, and a MIDI I/O to synchronize external MIDI gear and connect performance controller hardware. Status LEDs on the interface provide an instant overview about input levels and other vital system parameters, while several safeguard features prevent potential operating errors or accidents from interrupting a performance. Audio 8 DJ is completely bus-powered, making a cumbersome AC adapter unnecessary.

The interface is equipped with studio-quality 24-bit/96 kHz audio converters from Cirrus Logic that provide crystal-clear treble and rich bass response. Audio 8 DJ utilizes Native Instruments’ fourth-generation audio driver technology with low-latency operation down to less than 4ms, which enables the high degree of precision and responsiveness that professional DJ performances rely on.

Audio 8 DJ ships with Traktor 3 LE, a compact version of Native Instruments’ Traktor software that offers two decks with high-quality time-stretching, an integrated mixer, performance effects, loop and cueing functions, a powerful track database and Beatport integration. The Audio 8 DJ interface is also the centerpiece of Native Instruments’ new timecode-controlled Traktorscratch DJ system that is available as a separate product.

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Pricing and Availability:
AUDIO 8 DJ will be available in April/May 2007 for a suggested retail price of USD 449 / EUR 399 from authorized dealers and in the NI Online Shop.

Owners of AUDIO 8 DJ will be eligible to purchase TRAKTOR 3 at a discounted upgrade price of USD 119 / EUR 99.