Ready to Remix? Native Instruments Debuts Traktor Kontrol F1, Traktor Pro 2.5 Update
The arts of DJing and live performance may have just converged in a new way — Native Instruments’ recent Traktor Pro 2.5 upgrade has sparked curiosity to create and connect with the Kontrol F1.
Here’s our preview take on these developments:
TRAKTOR CONTROL F1 launches today, happily blurring the line between DJing and live performance.
The Traktor Kontrol F1 is a new hardware controller that integrates with the new Remix Decks in Traktor Pro 2.5 software. The 16 multi-colored LED pads launch clips allowing users to switch between up to 64 tracks, loops, and one-shot samples on each deck.
Designed especially for the quasi-tasking DJ, this mixer aligns next to the standard DJ mixers and the all-in-one DJ systems Traktor Kontrol S2 and S4.
So submerge in the sound this summer, and forget the beach and sandcastles! We’ll be cascading castles of Native Instruments hardware.
Getting Started: TRAKTOR 2.5 UPGRADE
Remix Deck – Control loops and one shot samples, just like in the track deck of Traktor Pro 2.0. Any one of the four decks in Traktor Pro 2.5 can be switched to be a Remix Deck.
Users can control the entire Remix Deck via Native Scratch time code control with vinyl or CDs – or scratch using the Traktor Kontrol S2/S4 jog wheels. Each Remix Deck has its own transport, sync, and tempo master controls.
Remix Set – A Remix Set is the combination of 64 loops and one-shot samples and their respective beat grids and BPMs – stored and loaded just like a regular track in the browser view. Users can load their own sound or capture loops live while DJing. Save them as a Remix Set to build up your own loop library or practice makes perfect with “Prepare and Play.”
To get the DJ started, Traktor Pro 2.5 update includes 1.4 GB of free sound library consisting of remix sets, loops and one-shot samples.
Improved BMP Detection – Load any track and Traktor 2.5 will analyze and ”beat grid” the track automatically- no matter what the genre. Quantization can also be used to set different values for full control of musical phrasing. Improvements were also made in the rewritten tempo detection, rewritten tempo tap and new downbeat auto detection.
KONTROL F1 Integration – Three important features, including clip color, sample launching, and scrolling will only work on the F1.
The main concern of most is that the remix decks are only MIDI-mapped with the F1 hardware and not compatible with Maschine or other non-NI controllers. The marriage between software and hardware makes it difficult for Native Instruments users who expect the most integration possible between their beloved Native Instruments products. Hopes of correcting this glitch are rumored in future updates to Traktor Pro Software.
Navigating the: TRAKTOR KONTROL F1
Mixer Section- Four volume faders and four dedicated filter knobs allows users advanced precision while remixing.
Global Section – Global commands let you control the sample size, sync, and change and assign the colors of the pads. From Traktor’s browser, users load their sounds and samples and/or Remix Sets, then engage the push encoder to switch through the four pages of 64 sounds assigned to the 16 pads. Use the “Capture” button to capture loops created live in the mix.
Remix Section – 16 multi-colored LED pads, in four rows of four lets users trigger loops and samples. Press the Shift Button to try out “Punch Mode” for switching between different loops in one instrument group or take your remix’s to the next level by playing samples in reverse by selecting which slots are fed through the Traktor’S FX units. The four smaller pads at the bottom of the matrix stop or mute a group of samples.
Overall, influences of Ableton Live have been noted, but Traktor introduces the ability to micromanage and effect each sample in new creative ways. Lighting the way for enhanced live visual midi performances. the KONTROL F1’S bright and colorful feedback should prove inspiring – it sets a new precedent for capturing and creating live remixes!
Traktor Kontrol F1 is available starting today, May 30th for a suggested retail price of $279 / 249 EUR at authorized retailers and at the NI Online Shop. It will ship with a full version of Traktor Pro 2.5. All owners of Traktor Pro 2, Traktor Scratch Pro, Traktor Kontrol S2 and Traktor Kontrol S4 will receive Traktor Pro 2.5 as a free update from May 30th.
Techno artist Stewart Walker demos the Remix Decks of Traktor Control 2.5 using two Traktor Kontrol F1’s.
Please note: When you buy products through links on this page, we may earn an affiliate commission.