We gave you the heads up about the possibility of something new and Traktory coming from NI at the Winter Music Conference, and they didn’t disappoint. Uner posted a picture of his setup on his Facebook page, and we’ve just taken delivery of proper pictures from the show that gives a little more detail about the new Traktor Kontrol D2.
What is the Traktor Kontrol D2?
The best description I can provide is that it’s one third of a Kontrol S8, the right hand third to be more precise. As a unit, it’s an absolute no-brainer for NI to take a saw to the S8 and hack off the controller element. But it’s how you make this work with a mixer that is of most interest for me.
We got some official pictures of the evening, and of course skipped past the pictures of beautiful people having a good time, and zoomed in and enhanced forensically on the images of the gear. And a mixture of guesswork and arm-twisting allows me to deliver what I think we’re seeing here.
A big controller — the D2 is about 2″ wider and 3″ deeper than a conventional X1/F1 format, hence the D2 name.
Almost identical to one third of an S8 — The only noticeable difference is four A, B, C, and D buttons above the FX select one. Thus I see four deck control from one D2, but I expect that most users will but a pair.
USB chaining — the Kontrol D2 doesn’t have an audio interface. As an F1/X1 style controller, it doesn’t make a huge amount of sense to include one, because this just controls elements of Traktor but isn’t a mixer like say the Z1. As the above image shows, there’s a USB two port hub for chaining, USB connector, a power connector and an on/off switch.
Stacked Waveforms — there seems to be some differences in how the screen is used. I’m not 100% clear on if these are remix deck waveforms, but in theory if the Kontrol D2 can control four decks then it makes sense to have stacked waveforms for those decks too.
Feet — the Kontrol D2 can be angled. The image shows two, but there may well be four to bring it level with standard height gear.
Use them with an S8? — apparently yes. Full four deck control can be yours, for a price.
So it’s the controller element of an S8 that offers four deck control and has extra waveform options. It looks to be working with the current version of Traktor. Our guess is that Traktor is being rebuilt from the ground up to enable in-app purchases among other things and will be out later this year. Not too late though NI OK?
We don’t know the price, but one third of an S8 doesn’t seem unreasonable for this. I’m guessing in the £299-399 range.
What the Kontrol D2 really is
If you look at the setups in the videos, the Kontrol D2 is a controller aimed at being a CDJ alternative. Getting full controllers (especially at S8 size) shoehorned into a booth is quite a feat. But turning up with a small bag with a pair of D2s (brace yourselves – twin D2 bags are coming), and pushing CDJs to one side is a much easier task. And then you get to use an established club standard mixer with your Traktor controllers.
Digging deeper and reading between the lines, this release really does indicate that a modular Traktor jog wheel controller isn’t coming, and perhaps more disappointingly for many, the chances of a Z4 are getting slimmer every day. Why would NI try to take on Pioneer and Allen & Heath when there are so many installed? And what could a Z4 bring that isn’t already out there? All NI needs to do is stop being so closed, certify every USB mixer, and the Kontrol D2 will sell by the container load. I have no doubt that Pioneer will welcome them with open arms, as their policy seems to be to get everything working with their gear, and to make a Pioneer dominated club scene accessible to all.
Clearly this is a soft launch, because NI needs to be talked about positively again. And if my predictions pan out to be true, this is so much more than just another controller release. Bigger picture — the Kontrol D2 has the potential to be a club standard controller, provided NI opens up and certifies mixers.
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Love the in built USB hub, so simple yet so useful, i currently use 2 x X2mk2, F1’s & 2/3 CDJ 2000nexus in HID mode, so this will streamline that setup without the need for a separate usb Hub…..hopefully, providing it’s stable!
This is exactly what I´m looking for. Wish something like this for Serato DJ, so I can still use my DJM850.
In theory, you could use this as a secondary controller for Serato DJ. You just wouldn’t be able to use the screens.
I’m tired of making posts wishing for a 4 channel DVS ready twitch like iteration for SeratoDJ.
Dammit I did it again :( :P
amen, 4 channel twitch with DVS support FTW!
Those 4 stacked waveforms look kind of strange. They seem to shrink from the top and there are labels in the same colors underneath.
Wait… there are two USB ports in the hub? That blurry picture looks like two USB ports.
And those stacked wave forms are something different. I saw points where there was a single loop across all four waves, and that wasn’t reflected on the computer screen. I think it’s one deck. So here’s what I saw:
D2 is controlling Deck A, which is a full track deck. (B and D are full decks as well, but C is a Remix Deck). You can tell it’s controlling one deck because the transport buttons are blue. They’d be white if it was controlling Deck C.
1, 2, 3 or 4 lanes are moving independently, which is not reflected in the mixer. There may be one or two lanes moving but the VU meters are showing 2, 3 or 4 decks playing.
When a loop is dropped on Deck A it is across all four lanes, but there is no loop moving across the other D2, so it has to be completely independent.
Which means, to me, that all four lanes are associated with one track, meaning that it is broken out somehow, or split up into something that might be resembling stems. Only 4 is definitely different, though, since they would need to be broken out somehow. Could be by EQ but that’d be super weird.
Cool..
But at the moment my eyes can see only
1) A jungle of cable
2) No pitch control with a slide (seriously..try to do a 70’s party without)
3) No jog (ok..this can be accetable)
4) 2 power adapters (one each)
5) No software update (especially for unstable beat)
so my question is: But NI think that the djs are only House superstar and producer? They should be know that there are a lot of “professional” djs that not play in Ibiza or in a “coo”l place and that maybe need some more “practical” solution. Why they not harmonize these needed with the great function of Remixdeck etcc..??
just my 2 cent..
Interesting how you can see that there is no software upgrade. You must have some kind of superpowers!
Or.. just throwing this out there, since it’s the same conversation we had about the S8, You put a turntable or CD Deck next to it, just like any other modular controller, and use them in concert. And since it’s a hub, maybe you can connect your CDJ into it for HID control without needing to use an extra port on your laptop.
Hmm……..Well it looks nice and would definitely be a nice add-on to my Z2, so I can leave my X1mk2 and F1 at home, BUT I must admit, that I was and still am hoping for a Traktor Jogwheel Controller with a 7″-10″ platter and a cue-indicator, as well as a Z4 or at least a updated Z2 mk2!
Jogs please!
I wish the USB hub had been in the f1/x1 as well. It would have made so much sense to daisy chain everything together. Unlike some people, I like the direction this is going. No jogs doesn’t bother me, though. using the touch strip just takes some time to learn as well.
I get why some people would like the modular aspect of these controllers, but JEEZ what a mess of cables! In this day and age of awesome all-in-one controllers do we really need to still be messing with external sound cards, CAT5 cables, multiple USB cables and hubs? I’m totally happy with all-in-one controllers, this is not for me.
It comes down to choice. An all in one is a a compromise to many, whereas the ability to use a high end mixer makes a world of difference. If NI opens up a lot more USB mixers, then the dabbling thing is over.
I also find that a lot of all in one controllers sound almost lifeless. I went from the S4 to a Z2 and found that there was a world of difference in the warmth of the sound. Since then I have given my Z2 to my 16yr old daughter and gotten myself a DJM 850 (stopped waiting for the Z4 concept to become reality).
I wouldn’t go back if I were paid. The warmth and quality that I get from my new mixer is leaps and bounds ahead.
These look interesting for decks C/D as I already have a pair of 900’s (honestly, I don’t need waveform for track decks).
Don’t know if I like the idea of the D2 or not yet.. I like that they are going towards using screens and less laptop djing .. But…What bothers me is the NI’s future of DJing is apparently turntable free..so traktor scratch seems to have its days numbered and doesn’t really fit well in this workflow..when I say that I don’t mean the discontinue of the product…but a product and its users neglected has the same result.. I think the remix decks and screens are a great idea…if I could use them with turntables and not look at a laptop I would have a dream setup…have to see how much space all this takes up…I get they want to replace the cdj and turntable in the booth..but would also like a device that replaced the laptop ..allowed the use of remix decks..and worked well with a CDJ / turntable in real world booths with size and setup considered…maybe this will be that device ..but dubfire MK and Uner all still had laptops open…could just be not used to the device yet..didn’t want to take a chance on worldwide video..
..would like NI to use Loco Dice, Marco Carola or Stacey Pullen…DJs that use scratch pro and turntables …with these product launches to see how other workflows look..
It’s not turntable free though. The flagship product is Traktor Scratch Pro, and the S8 is designed to be used with CDJs or turntables. And just because the newest device isn’t turntable specific doesn’t mean that support is disappearing.
Yeah I get it…but if you make it so that the users of turntables or CDJs aren’t better off using it then it won’t catch on… For example..I was happy the S8 was announced as a scratch pro controller/mixer but when I went to see it its way too big to be used that way..if you hook up two turntables in normal twin turntable playing position it’s like 5 feet long…so what DVS scratch pro DJ, outside of Carl Cox..getting paid a lot ..will actually use it? So it looks like DVS was the 4th or 5th consideration in the S8 design..which is cool..like I said…I get NI…but a device that is designed from the start to eliminate a laptop and add remix decks for the scratch pro DJ is what I would like..the D2 might work well..have to see..and I was just saying that if new NI products keep making DVS the 4th design consideration then if Serato or pioneer build a device to cater to the no laptop DVS setup then DJs will leave…and honestly don’t think NI cares much…but then why have scratch pro announced with your flagship S8? Kinda half hearted attempt to please DVS/CDJ people I guess…
Well… get a Z2 and D2, then?
If the D2 is worth it..can see getting it..its probably going to be $499 US so will have to see…I have a scratch certified mixer so I’m good…but.. The dream setup would be a Rane MP 2015 and a D2 with a closed laptop :-)
They have nothing on the Numark NS7II..I would rather have my platers with me at all time then have to pack them in another case and bring them to a gig.
Big Thumbs down.
Agreed. I’m getting a NS7III as soon as they come out. Can’t understand folks saying “You can connect turntables to the S8”. So much for a single solution. I’m not sure how turntables would fit into the setup pictured above (guess you’d have to be that stretch guy from the fantastic four). Some folks would rather carry the super large S8, 2 turntables, all the wiring necessary, hook and connect then all of them together, rather than use a Non NI solution? Just doesn’t make sense that folks here are suggesting carry around all this extra equipment rather than recommend a Non NI solution. Whats up with that?
What does NI have against Turntable’ism?
Nothing. Modular kit will work with 1210’s same as S8, same as Z2 with X1 and F1 added on…..
That’s kind of the setup I have now. But replace the Z2 with a Denon DNX-1700 and the 1200’s with Denon 3900’s. No Chroma caps though. But I was hoping to see NI’s new products support turntable’ism. Right now NI seems to be on the non-jog wheel route. And if you want to scratch? NI suggests you use other Non-NI equipment or equipment that they made over 2 years ago. That isn’t too reassuring for a NI lover that loves turntable’ism and wants to see new NI hardware that satisfies that need. Right now there isn’t any. I doubt you will ever see a new NI product with jog wheels. NI can only recommend their older stuff and Non NI equipment for so long before folks realize that turntable’ism isn’t a priority for them. I don’t have to wait that long, I can see it now.
I see your point, but does anyone really scratch much with jog wheels? Surely as long as the certified mixer takes phono ins with TSP you’d go for turntables and vinyl / DVS every time.
I’m a have cake and eat it sort of guy, I want the latest technology and workflow provided I can hook up a pair of technics too ;) Otherwise I aint buying…..
For me a pair of D2’s and 1210’s with a certified 4 channel mixer would work nicely. NI’s big priority now has to be playing nice with others again to make sure there are as many TSP certified mixers on the market as possible otherwise the D2 will be a big fail.
PS, did you spot the missing coma cap? :) (fixed now)
Yes, people do scratching with jog wheels. Go to youtube and do a search and you will find folks scratching on pioneer Wego3’s, Nexus 2000’s and everything else in between. I actually have a wego3, nice piece of kit to keep in my car, hook it up and play around. I missed the missing Chroma cap :)
Here’s my setup
Sweet.
What?
I want to perform turntable tricks on NI equipment that isn’t over 2 years old. I want to perform turntable tricks on 2014/2015 NI equipment. No other brands involved. Can you help me out? Nice setup BTW
Why do you need it to be from this year? There’s nothing TSP2 does that the Z2 can’t provide. Nor the X1 MK2, F1 or whatever. Companies don’t automatically update every range of product yearly, when they don’t need to. Several of NI’s products are directly aimed at turntablists, and they’ve made it clear with the S8 that if you’re really serious about scratching, you need to bring platters that matter (lol).
You need to ask yourself “what exactly has NI done to turn their backs on scratching?” They have gear for every niche of production and DJing, probably with better cover than Serato do. NI don’t hate turntablists, they just understand it’s a small subset of a bigger picture.
I’m talking primarily from a hardware standpoint. It appears that NI seems to be abandoning the art. Look at it this way; Pioneer, Denon, Reloop, Numark, Gemini have all released hardware this year that either have jog wheels or platters. While NI keeps releasing product after product without them. NI from a hardware standpoint is turning their backs on scratching. Their latest and greatest hardware doesn’t include jogwheels or platters. Can you imagine an S4 setup with S8 type screens? That would be sweet.
I’m not sure what bigger picture that they are trying to be a part of when Ni’s competitors offers better hardware options for the turtablist. Ni’s hardware is outdated and seriously lacking in features when compared to the other competitor’s options. Sure you could make due with an S2/S4 but compared to the screen based controllers that are starting to show up, the S4/S2 is lacking. You can’t continue to recommend the S4 to folks when they’re controllers out there like the pioneer XDJ-RX and the Numark NS7 III. Those controllers have the latest and greatest features. NI hasn’t improved their jog wheeled hardware to include their own latest features. So until they do. It can honestly be said that NI is putting scratching on the back burner. Just my opinion.
You talk about turntablism then mention the S2/S4? Native have a mixer that’s literally designed for scratching:
http://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/traktor/dj-mixer/traktor-kontrol-z2/
S2/S4 are old equipment. What if you want a setup with nice screens like the S8? You cant keep recommending the S2/S4 to folks when they’re better alternatives from competing brands. And we’re not talking mixers, we’re talking controllers :)
If you are talking about controllers and not mixers, you should leave the Z2 and the S8 out of your conversation as these are stand alone units… mixers with MIDI function. Think Rane Mixer, not DDJ-XX equivalents.
These are great little drop ins for someone like me, this way I don’t feel as if I have to take my pair 900’s out with me. Say what you like… I wouldn’t feel too bad about running a pair of D2’s with my DJM.
NI’s strength has never been hardware (it is primarily a software company), Traktor’s strength has always been it’s flexibility.
Hmm. I love and have a Z2 since the day it was released but sadly I don’t believe that it was primarely designed for turntablists /hardcore scratching but more like a “simple” 2+2 channel mixer as it f.ex. doesn’t have line fader curves etc…
An updated version with:
– curve-controls for all faders (preferably they should all be FULL innofaders)- controls for 3 FX Units per Deck (like the Pioneer DJM T1)
– Filter on & off buttons
– more metal and less plastic (f.ex. all stems)
– some controls (perhaps via shift+flux) to control the newly added Freeze mode
– perhaps even some hardware effects or at least effect ins/outs to add an external effect unit
– Touch-sensitive push encoder EQs that kill when pushed
– footswitch in
– AND MOST OF ALL: Two USB-Ports for easier switch-overs between 2 Traktor DJs => so just like all current rane mixers! would be nice! :)
I can’t take people serious who think a controller with jogwheels is the right tool to do turntablism…
I have a full DVS system. A controller with jog wheel/platters are for the times you don’t want to lug all of that around. Got it? And if you haven’t noticed folks can do complex scratching on controller jog wheels.
They want to sell hardware. As many different pieces of hardware as they can. They want to convolute the act of djing, and make it as complicated as they can, in order to sell lots of harware. They will not let what the customers want get in the way of their plans. Turntablism shows djing as straight forward (2 tts and a mixer) and that doesnt preclude the need fir a big complicated setup.
They hate it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcNzDgMFF1o
How old is the Z2? Every other major manufacturer of DJ hardware has released hardware that either have jog wheels or platters this year. While the last time NI released any hardware related to scratching was almost 3 years ago.
I really like the idea of single deck USB controllers that just control and let your USB mixer be the audio interface. I’m more of a serato/turntables/jogwheel type of DJ and i’m still excited to see something like this, i hope we get more controllers like this from everyone.
I’m at a loss as to why NI is completely going away from the jog wheels!!!
Jog wheels with the integrated screens would sell like hot cakes.
They could reach both markets if they integrated it into the controller. As before, those that don’t use the jogs can just ignore it and use Start/stop like they can on Twitch. Add the touch strip and all will be served. Sure it will be slightly larger, but if don’t have to place turntables beside it, then it won’t matter.
They’re just trying things out. In their remix deck workflow, this works well, and a jog wheel is less necessary. But seeing as most of the DJ world likes jog wheel, they’ll probably be back with updates to the S2 and S4.
Totally agree……. I’m virtualy alone as a Traktor user now, all my friends who I got into DVS / Controllerism have now gone to Serato…… If there are no updates to the S2/4 this summer, I’m off too, and I think many other will be also….
I think NI is recognizing that Jog Wheels are a bad emulation of the ubiquitous turntables that are out there. Some people like touch strips, and use them, some people like turn tables and use them, but while the new NI controllers allow input from controllers, few people prefer jog wheels to turntables.
What’s up with all that fuss about certifying USB mixers? If you don’t need timecode support, Traktor happily accepts any audio device to play out with.
I’d rather want NI to finally play well with current and newest Pioneer CDJ/XDJ gear – this is what I care for!
CDJ/XDJ support is coming … :)
Boring….
So… will a USB drive work when plugged in without a computer?
There isn’t even a sound interface. You’re dreaming.
There is an RCA audio output from the Kontrol D2.
You made me think that _I_ was dreaming, LOL! Nope, there no sound interface – just USB, power, and a hub. No outputs. http://d3qk4yk8nq0n55.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/traktor-kontrol-d2-rear.jpg
if u have a djm 2000 u don’t need a sound interface
Definitely no audio interface in the D2 CUSP.
Ah, hence the need for the audio card. I thought they were plugging in directly.
The screens alone (plus the idea of 1/3rd of an S8) definitely catches my attention. Biggest question in my mind is if they can readily match the height of the Z2 and my STR8-150’s, and if you can browse for things using just the screens.
Would be also interesting if they offered a matched/mirrored pair, so those who spend too much time (and focus, arguably) on things like symmetry in their setups (or just want to replicate the S8 but with their own mixer in the middle) can enjoy that kind of look.
Bonus internet points if the pads are similar to the ones Maschine has.
It’s a nice bit of kit from the looks of it but it will only appeal to certain DJs who do things a certain way, and will probably also only work best with a few styles of music too. I don’t think this is for everyone, which is why the whole NI “future of DJing” leaves me scratching my head.
I say this as a long time NI software user.
Obviously its a remix deck centric controller but ultimately NI seemed to of worked very hard to make deck area of the S8 and now the D2 versatile for the whole spectrum of deck focused features. Ignoring the little faders I’m looking at the D2 as the next gen X1 with screens
I’m tottally sold on the one physical deck setup and copying over to the virtual deck, the notion of a D2 sitting above a midi xfader box gets me quite excited, that’s alot of features in a small foot print! Pleasing to see NI has answered what most people were hoping for after the S8 release. Ultimately I’m more interested to find out how or even if NI will integrate the new intended workflow and tech in to the rest of their range, mrk 2 Z2, mrk 3 S4 etc… The screens and endless encoders combo gives so much scope for cross software integration, let alone making the hardware much more update proof.
Also thinking they’ve done little to push the “scratch” element of traktor scratch pro since the z2 so I’m still wondering if there’ll be something else in the pipeline when TSP3 finally lands, maybe an interface update. I’d certainly be surprised if the z2 doesn’t get an update in the next 18months at least.
While I’m here – GIVE ME/TPS3 INDEPENDENT POST FADE SAMPLING IN INTERNAL MODE DIRECT TO REMIX DECKS PLEEEEEEEEEEASE! Yes It’s pos (kinda) in external mode but I want it work on the Z2!
This is more a competition with akai’s AFX, the pleasure of djing is that you have jog wheels and pitch ,All this technological shit makes djing getting worst.
its no different than having a sampler back in the day . samplers came out in the 60’s . also most forget that your jog wheel is your cdj or turntables
im getting 2 along side my s2
This will look awesome next to that GLORIOUS RANE MP2015
7 years I have stuck with NI / Traktor. There won’t be an eight.
I don’t remember people complaining that much about no-jogs when the X1 and F1 came out. Why always those jogs? If you want jogs buy TT or CDJ.
P.S.: I like the D2 very much. It will be nice “compact” setup with one turntable on one side of the mixer and D2 on the other
D2 = Stem file format, the future of mixing, NI says djing the need to say “mixing”. With Beatport pushing this, it might just get big, as for scratching and turntablists, I think NI is focusing on mixing and making the dj or the home user able to create better mixes with a more personal touch.
Scratching is awesome. But for many people the mixing and control is just as creative and fun to do as well.
“Use them with an S8? —.” I don’t think so , s8 have left and right decks inside (bad design) it will looks horrible with 2 d2 on the sides .
Look bad, yes. But it’ll still work just fine.
looks as they don’t know how to do it well .
I’m going to guess that they don’t expect S8 owners to buy D2s. All-in-one controllers are generally symmetrical, but selling individual controllers in symmetrical pairs makes no business sense. So it’s not bad design, but is good business.
what i dont like from this is that of course there planning a smaller one.. this one is just a little too big to be an hasle and of course it’s empty inside so no real reason to be so large.
it’s kinda a scam of the marketers to make money on their own customer base NI are really the best at that..
Do you know if you can wire them to an djm 750 and run traktor with it, without having to by some extra gear (e.g. sound-card)?