With Traktor v2.5, Native Instruments are now walking a tightrope between the related but disparate worlds of DJing and production. And with every new Traktor release come features that come from a more Ableton Live like environment. And recognising this, Glanzmann Digital DJ Solutions have devised a Traktor v2.5 specific controller to add the producer performance balance to their previous and quite wonderful 4MidiLoop.
The 4TrackTrigger is unashamedly button heavy, and specifically caters for the sample based workflows that NI are heaping a world of hope on. As an indication of just how un-DJ this is, I can’t see a single fader on this unit. A huge controller with no jogwheels or faders… for DJs? Are they mad? Given the excellence of the 4MidiLoop, I suspect they’re not and have spent much time researching this particular box.
Some official words and suitably soft focus picture:
After the successful launch of our 4midiloop-Mix Controller it is now time to introduce the latest hardware for sophisticated DJ’s.
4TrackTrigger the Traktor-Weapon made by the German Faderfox and the Swiss Glanzmann Digital DJ Solutions. A compact and uncompromising 4 Deck Controller, specifically designed for Traktor Pro 2.5 in the external mixer mode. This new instrument is designed with passion for detail and is handmade in Switzerland / Germany. It is the ultimate instrument made by professionals for professionals. It comes with extensive details and a lot of new control features.
150 buttons in different colours and sizes to trigger hot cues, to start samples and to activate effects. 6 displays and 172 LED’s for loop length, loop recorder and master clock. 17 encoder for quick access to functions like browse, seek loop-size and loop-move which are a must for a modern digital DJ. 2 additional pedal connections rear sided to control every effect parameter on the fly.
Everything is fitted into an ergonomically and functional aluminium case, powered by Faderfox!
Available mid June 2012, further information will follow shortly…
Clearly it’s a Glanzmann/Faderfox creation and does throw up some interesting questions about buttons vs pads. Everyone has their own take and preference on this. DJTT’s thing is arcade buttons, whereas Vestax and Novation favour MPC style pads. In my experience, I tend to have little trouble adapting to either, but I suspect that the 4TrackTrigger is button based simply to allow the myriad of controls to be crammed into this footprint. Do they remind anyone else of the now ancient Sinclair Spectrum Plus buttons?
Due in mid June, a very limited first run is being finished off now, and we have our name on one for review. And no, I do not know how much it costs.
I’ve been going without jog wheels and pitch faders for about a year now. Currently using an APC40 and an X1 and just added an ipad to the set up, I think I’m going back to external mixing soon though. I can’t tell if this has knobs for volume or not, but that’s something I think I’ll always need as a either a rotary or fader.
APC40 and X1 for the win! i’ve developed custom mappings for both, if you’re interested check out my youtube channel. http://www.youtube.com/user/4thwavemusic :D i love those 2 controllers!
Interesting looking controller, really like what I see! My only concern would be have Glanzmann/Faderfox taken any precautions that will ensure that it will future proof with future updates & versions of Traktor?
Future proofing hardware is all but impossible. The software vendors come up with crazy ideas, implement them and the manufacturer/end user is left needing to retool to get the best of those features. The speed with which new features comes along is breathtaking.
I understand what your saying but have they actually taken any precautions? Like is this an official Traktor certified product? Obviously Traktor can address software updates through extra modular controllers for its S2 and S4 controller range.
Just an aspect I look at before I decide what equipment I part my money with. I’m looking to buy into Traktor over the summer & so far I really like the look of this controller!
The last one wasn’t official so I have no reason to think this will be either. To a degree, new maps deals with new features. But when you have whole new workflows to contend with, it becomes increasingly complex. Can you imagine the scenario if and when video hits Traktor? People will be expecting a single controller to do all the audio and video and still be useable.
Hmmm……
I don’t get how they can say this is “Traktor 2.5 specific” when the Remix Decks currently only work with the NI F1. Do they have inside info, or are they just hoping that the Remix Decks will be ‘unlocked’ in future?
Update: FaderFox have/has just posted on the Traktor forum that there is no specific Remix Deck functionality with the 4TrackTrigger, it just works along the same lines as the S4…..so only partially accesses the Remix Decks (first slots).
I like it. I owned the DS3 and I really really liked the buttons and size of it but I switched to a pair of K2s as it got too messy plugging up two DJ3s and a DS3 and the DJ3 faders felt steady but I wasn’t too confident it smashing them up and down, the Faderfox build is amazing but what would be nice is if they didn’t label the buttons and knobs, the encoders were decent too but not for extreme twisting magic, this looks like it could take a beating though, although I am disappointed that there is a power supply needed, perhaps an option to piggy back off two usb ports? I doubt one would need another usb controller for this…and then have a built in soundcard woohoo!! Faderfox should make a fader fox. like literally, innofader, usb cable. done.
its the real life dj hero :) nice that thing looks sick
Now that is something different.
I’d be concerned at the crazy number of buttons, based on size only. Arcade buttons and MPC buttons aren’t necessary, but from the picture I’d be concerned that fingers wider than a twig would just trigger way too much at once.
Though, it is definitely right up my alley.