The Traktor Kontrol S8 — full details

Finally. After the leak came the tease, and naturally following that is the full and complete word from NI HQ about their vision of the future of DJing. The Traktor Kontrol S8 kicks jogs and pitch to the kerb, and instead focussed on loops, samples, and Remix Decks in one huge controller, that ironically is full Traktor Scratch compatible.

Traktor Kontrol S8 DJ Controller (6)

The leaks and teasers are over, and the #futureofmusic hashtag has led us to this point. Native Instruments finally and officially announce, in full, the Traktor Kontrol S8. Obviously it’s not new to any of us, but we can at least now get the complete picture and fill in the gaps left by pouring over the Amazon leaked picture.

First the words from NI HQ:

Native Instruments announces TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 all-in-one DJ system

New flagship all-in-one TRAKTOR controller delivers unparalleled hardware and software integration and introduces a new standard in DJ performance

Berlin, October 13, 2014 – Native Instruments today officially announced TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 – a new all-in-one DJ controller designed for state- of-the-art TRAKTOR PRO 2 control. Offering DJs an entirely new performance dynamic, TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 is a breakthrough innovation built on the desire to bring the sole focus of digital DJs back towards the crowd and away from the laptop – accomplishing this through new and inspiring technology.

TRAKTOR KONTROL S8’s full color displays and touch-sensitive hardware controls uniquely fuse with enhanced track decks, a 4-channel standalone mixer, and the flagship TRAKTOR software – creating a fluid, multisensory DJ experience. Available online and at retailers worldwide on October 30, 2014, the advanced DJ controller signals a milestone in Native Instruments’ vision of the future of DJing.

A video showing what TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 can do is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBNt9feV_XM

Additional information on TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 is available at: www.native-instruments.com/s8

Pricing and availability

TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 will be available for $1199 / 1199 € at the NI Online Shop and at local retailers on October 30, 2014.

Preorder is also available.

Further product information and press material

Integral to bringing TRAKTOR KONTROL S8’s touch-and-see workflow to life are two high-resolution displays that respond to touch-sensitive knobs. Tracks appear on the displays as stunningly crisp vector waveforms while an array of key views and pop-up panels instantly activate when the corresponding control is touched. The Browse Knob for example, triggers the Browse View for track selection directly from the controller. When activated by performance knobs, Performance Panels appear over track waveforms to view and modify BPM, key, filter, or individual effect values. The FX Panel reveals current parameters of up to two TRAKTOR FX units when an FX knob is touched.

The deck sections on TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 were designed for enhanced Remix Decks integration and live performance features that extend creative workflow beyond current standards and empower pro DJs to develop their own trademark sound. When the Remix Deck View is active, samples and loops all become accessible in full screen on the displays for mixing with the eight dedicated Remix Deck faders. Eight color-coded pads per deck can trigger sounds while in Remix View, juggle cue points, or rearrange a playing track in Freeze View on the fly for boundless live improvisation.

TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 also delivers increased hands-on editing functions for spontaneous track adjustments or further creativity. The Beatgrid View enables instant fine-tuning of a playing track’s beatgrid when adjustment is needed. Enhanced Remix Decks workflow allows live capturing of loops from a running deck for instant sampling. And two LED-guided touch strips provide motion-sensitive pitch bending, track seeking, vinyl scratch emulation, and keep track of phase in dark environments.

TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 not only raises the bar in DJ performance features, but also integrates a comprehensive 24-bit/48kHz audio interface designed for expansive connectivity. Four analog RCA inputs with phono and mic preamps allow connection of turntables, CDJs or other analog gear. XLR and RCA master output and a ¼ inch booth output provide versatile connectivity with any sound system. And MIDI In/Out allows external gear like MASCHINE to sync with TRAKTOR via MIDI clock.

Adding to its workflow innovations, the S8 boasts a mixer section with enhanced pro features. Four mixer channels can also work in stand-alone mode when TRAKTOR Mode buttons are deactivated – making DJ switchovers or mixed analog/TRAKTOR SCRATCH usage possible with the touch of one button. The fader section debuts unique wear-resistant faders, which prevents debris from damaging the fader’s carbon strips – prolonging fader life, and maintaining proper function at all times.

Fueling the technology behind TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 is the included TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2* software. An innovation in and of itself, TRAKTOR PRO is the award winning DJ software used by countless professionals. Four software decks, over 30 studio-grade effects, and powerful advanced features for creative looping and cueing have provided DJs all over the world with inspiring and customizable DJ possibilities.

Traktor Kontrol S8 DJ Controller (11)

The official word

So there you have it — official words, pictures and videos. But rather than add our own opinion at the end of this very important release, we’ve got a lengthy piece following this very shortly. We’ll be dissecting this information in great detail and offering diverse and multiple opinions.

One thing missing from the PR is the UK street price – £939. And all being well, it’ll be hitting those streets around the world at the end of the month.

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Mark Settle
Mark Settle

The old Editor of DJWORX - you can now find Mark at WORXLAB

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92 Comments

  1. Looks like NI have doubled down on the techno / minimal side of DJing, increasing the control of loops and efx and (more) clearly differentiating their hardware products VS Serato. I dig it.

  6. let me guess? NI will never open the S8 API to third parties, so no-one else will be able to use the screens and RGB leds properly?

    Also guessing that there is no MIDI controller functionality in standalone mode (ie. not connected to the computer)? And the filter controls will still be poorly ranged like on the Z2?

    For the price NIs asking, this ought to be perfect in every aspect.. is it?

          • Nope, they don’t send MIDI at all. It’s only the driver on your computer which creates a virtual MIDI device, and translates the custom protocol to MIDI.

            • Gábor notice that the s8 has midi din i/o and it works as standalone mixer… Maybe it will work as standalone midi controller with some limitations. I don’t expect screens or 14bits sysex from the touchstrips/rgb leds but who knows?
              Why to add these midi i/o if you don’t let the controller be standalone? Extra midi ports to… Maschine?

              What do you think about it?

              • As the NI website says: “MIDI In and Out lets you sync TRAKTOR with synthesizers, drum computers, MASCHINE, or external effects.”

                The MIDI in port receives MIDI and sends it to Traktor.

                The MIDI out port sends MIDI clock and transport messages from Traktor.

                It doesn’t change that the S8 itself doesn’t send it’s own control messages in MIDI format, and doesn’t receive MIDI commands.

                • You were right and NI missed an opportunity to implement these message in some kind of “class compliance”…

                  Not useful for my setup then. Next!
                  ;)

        • Right, they have a custom protocol which communicates with Traktor or Maschine. But you can access a MIDI mode for all of them and transmit MIDI (shift Browse on the F1, Shift + the Left and Right buttons on the X1Mk2

  7. I posed this same question where they had the overview but wondering if anyone here has any insight on it.
    Question: Have you (anyone) had the opportunity to test outdoors? My concern is, as with laptops, the screens won’t be very useful in sunlight??

      • sorry to be so nit-picky with getting this info but its a lot of money to put down and just need make sure it does what i need…. since i already on traktor scratch pro. dvs this WILL allow me to just use 2 deck with my turntables and two with controller correct….or should i be waiting for a possible new mixer coming ?

        • Nit picky is good. :)

          As I understand it, you can have four decks, and those decks can be any combination of phono, line, or Traktor. I’ll get NI to confirm that though. I imagine they be watching anyway and will hopefully dive in unprompted.

          • You can have any combination of decks as Mark noted – channels are switchable between line/phono or you engage them as a Traktor channel. You can use timecode to control Traktor or set the track deck to be a live channel – you keep the three options for decks you have now – Track Deck, Remix Deck or Live Input.

      • So where is this huge pile of nonsense fitting in your average booth then….? Serato opens itself up to a load of decent third party controllers, and we have this joke, and the average S4 / S2…… I have been waiting for something magical, and instead they’ve just p*ssed on my chips….. Not sarcasm, it’s disappointment.

          • Of course you’re right, you know, all those massive clumsy controllers….. *shakeshead*….. Let me make this simple. I have loved Traktor, I liked where the hardware was going, until the S2/S4 weak revamps…… I can appreciate this ‘thing’, but DJing is about dexterity, fun, reaction. Calvin Harris and the EDM / Techno boys can do what they like, but reactive, dare I say ‘proper’ DJs don’t just push buttons…… Right now, Pioneer & Serato must be skinning teeth right now, sales bulging.

              • Oh dear, another fan of the button pressing brigade…. Do you remember when Techno had flavour and was for melody and vocal despising fan boys. Your faves are not groundbreaking, they’re just another four ‘producers’ with less influence on the scene. They are very good at what they do, but Vega, Cox, Humphries, Karizma, Nut, Peterson, Jeff, Osunlade et al are DJs who can teach a craft….. Let’s keep this on point. This controller is all about the buttons and sync, not reactive tempo changing party action….. Traktor simply became Ableton. Dull. Never thought I’d see the day I would type that…..

                • Do you really need a platter to blend tracks? Ill bet most of the dj’s you mentioned would not. I’ve used the S4 and to be honest I rarely touched them. The touch strip looks to be well implemented so I doubt if they would be missed. And if you really need platters just add decks. The people arguing about missing platters look pretty pre-historic right now.

                  • Oh that’s right, us pre-historic types….. I guess Pioneer must be too, with all those CDJ 2000s flying out, and the uproar over the CDJ 900s not rocking Traktor natively… Plus all those lovely jogwheel controllers selling so well, even enticing Traktor users away from the S2 / S4. Oh, and haven’t NI already conceded that this controller is a niche ‘meaning aimed at a minority’ product? Go on Big Dave, keep digging that hole……… You don’t use jogwheels because you play 4/4 all night, and sync everything. DJing isn’t all about one genre… Some of us, lots even, play different styles, in clubs, at festivals, all over. However, I’ll take my old bones and my Rekordbox / Traktor filled Hard Drive elsewhere though……. PS. It’s called ‘DJ Culture’…. Never heard of ‘DJ One Genre’ before…… Next big booking I make, I’ll tell the guest that Big Dave says you don’t want tactile control, because we’re all dinosaurs…… Back to the S8 though: It’s NOT the future. It’s just a tool.

                    • Lol! Ok Mr. Nanton for one, the DJ product industry in whole is one big “niche”. Pioneer has admitted as much as it being one of the reasons they recently sold off it’s DJ division. I’ve been spinning for 30 plus yrs, so I’m well aware that there are many styles of music not just 4/4 to the floor and to your argument, most of the DJ’s you mentioned only play House Music… which is one genre of music. It may not all be quantized but it’s still House Music. Finally, ALL of the DJ equipment we use are “tools”, be it controllers, turntables, CDJs, or whatever. None of them will automatically make you a great DJ if you don’t know how to use them properly, platters or not. The new wave of DJ’ing is here like it or not, might as well get used to it or get out of the way!

                    • ….to which brings me back to my original point. Button pressing silly box, with screens, that still needs a Mac, so as one can go through playlists. Pitiful. After all the love I have given Traktor, this is their declaration of ‘future’……… I cry a little every day. My Serato fan boys are waiting for me to jump over…… For the first time ever, I’m looking at them in envy……..

                    • I do understand your frustration with Native Instruments and their vision with Traktor though. I’m also a huge fan of the software and loved the products up until the s4 mk2. I felt they were pushing the producer side of it a little too much and the mk2 was just not enough especially compared to the Pioneer and Numark controllers. But the s8 is a beautiful piece and i would love to add it to my setup which does include decks so the platter omission won’t be a big deal for me. I’m just tired of the sync button argument that’s alll.

                    • @Tony – The last time I checked there were around 3 million different kind of 4 channel controllers on the market with jogwheels and not a single one without. Not one.
                      Now NI is finally releasing one and all dinosaurs like you can do it to bitch and moan about it.
                      On top of that you go on some kind of rampage declaring absolutes as to the definition of DJing based on your incredibly narrow point of view
                      I am a one genre 4/4 DJ and my sets never vary more than 5 bmp from finish to end. On top of that… I push buttons. GASP!!! According to your warped standards that means I’m no “real” DJ, but the fact that I have been doing this for 15+ years and played in 25+ countries, sometimes for crowds 10.000+ is proof enough that at least some people disagree…
                      So yeah, go back to your much valued relics, shaking your head over things you don’t understand and drooling over yet another controller with jogwheels, while I’m quite happy to be able to replace my ECLER and NI X1/F1 set-up with a single device.

                    • You enjoy that Fractalfrog…… It seems that wanting to play across genres is something that gets a lot of ‘DJs’ vexed when us multi genre speak out. Jeez, well done for playing your style of dance music to so many, but it doesn’t make my opinion any less….. I personally don’t see the progress, I really don’t. If it works for you, enjoy. I though like to manipulate my tracks differently. We could argue all night…….. Fact is, we all think we’re right. S8 doesn’t change a thing though, not a thing……. PS. I used to push buttons too, worked well enough, but just not my bag.

                    • And because I want jog wheels that makes me a dinosaur? is that how you react to people who aren’t in lock step with your DJ methods? Is your way the only way? You are lucky I even replied back to you. Have a nice day.

                    • I was such a die hard traktor user. I’m selling all my NI gear. No reason to stick around.

                    • I’m with you Tony…… The updates are buggy, and the hardware just isn’t for me. Never thought I’d see the day when ‘Serato’ would be on my screen……

  11. How well will this integrate with Ableton 9? It would be great to run Push with this and Ableton. Do you see any plans to make Traktor 2.0 play nice with Ableton. I have been holding out on a controller and I think this maybe the one I will actually purchase.

  12. I’m a little disappointed there are no pitch faders or platters. I’m not anti-sync as I used it all the time with my turntables but this has gone too far!! Waiting on the next z2

        • Yeah, it would be a really big mixer just to use as a mixer. A Z4 would be interesting, definitely.

          Out of curiosity, do you find yourself really missing 4 decks when you use a 2 channel mixer? As a hip hop DJ, do you feel that you would be better served by the 2 extra channel faders for your mixing, or would you want it for switch offs?

  14. From the official blurb: “Fueling the technology behind TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 is the included TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2* software”

    Why the asterisk? Is it not a fully functioning version of Pro 2?

  16. It’s interesting hardware for the specific niche it’s targeted at. It’s of no use to someone like me who does mobile work with tracks of a variety of speeds.

    Traktor’s sync feature isn’t exactly helpful for tracks that don’t have a consistent BPM throughout the track. I can’t imagine that setting cue points in places that don’t sit exactly on a grid line will be much fun either. I also use the pitch as a means of tweaking the energy level in a set, rather than to match the BPMs of two tracks and overlay them, so being able to set the pitch at a value of my choosing is important.

    Like I said, I can see the appeal of this, but pitch controls and jog wheels have persisted because they work, not just because they’re the “old school” way of doing things. Removing them breaks some work flows, and that’s not a good thing. It might even end up limiting creativity for some people, rather than enabling it.

    I hope this is only a part of NI’s strategy going forward, as opposed to the one true way they intend to push everyone towards using.

      • It depends on the implementation.

        Jog wheels are big, obvious and can be used for both large, fast movements as well as smaller, more controlled ones. The touch strip could work, possibly with some sort of modifier key, but I’d have to try it before passing judgement. It’s like in computer gaming when comparing aiming using a mouse vs using a controller thumb stick – the thumb stick can do either fast OR accurate, but it can’t do both because it has such a limited range of movement. I’m concerned that the same principle might apply here.

        As for the pitch, a rotary could work of the pitch steps were reasonable (0.2% maybe) and if the pitch automatically reset to 0 on track load.

        The question then becomes, would I get enough benefit from the new workflow to offset the pain during the transition period? Probably not to be perfectly honest. I’d have to change the way I use basic features, and probably wouldn’t use the more advanced stuff that this style of controller makes possible. Other people’s milage may vary.

        • That’s a very reasonable response. I’ll put these concerns into the review I will eventually write, but I appreciate your thoughtful reply.

          The only advice I can offer is related to some of the day-job stuff I do. The technology is going to move forward whether we like it or not. It might not always be better, but it’s worth learning it mainly because it gives you a better perspective on what you’re currently doing. I think these new tools are very important, and can allow us to to improve our usage of the existing tools.

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