So, you might be thinking, ‘Another DJ controller review? What sets this one apart?’
Well, let’s talk about the Traktor S8. With its sleek design and advanced features, this controller has garnered quite the attention in the DJ community.
But does it live up to the hype? Stay tuned to find out how this innovative piece of equipment could potentially change your DJ game.
Key Takeaways
- Professional and futuristic aesthetic with a solid weight and brushed metal finish
- Intuitive and flexible features for live sampling and looping, empowering unique remixes and real-time effects manipulation
- Two 4.7-inch screens for each deck, touch-sensitive knobs and touch strips, and MIDI in and out connectivity
- High sound quality with XLR and RCA main outs, TRS booth outs, and standalone 4-channel mixer capability
Traktor S8 Design and Build Quality
The Traktor S8’s design and build quality exude a professional and futuristic aesthetic, setting it apart as a high-quality and durable controller reminiscent of Pioneer CDJs. Its well-built construction with a solid weight and brushed metal finish not only adds to its visual appeal but also ensures its durability. The seamless integration of touch-sensitive controls and large color displays further enhances the overall build quality, making it a standout in the market.
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8 boasts an innovative jogwheel-less design, offering a fresh approach to DJ controllers. The smooth faders and large pads and buttons not only contribute to its high-quality build but also provide a tactile and responsive feel, enhancing the user experience. The inclusion of a standalone 4-channel mixer and large VU meters showcases the attention to detail in crafting a comprehensive mixing experience.
Moreover, the Traktor S8’s standout feature lies in its two 4.7-inch screens for each deck, elevating the DJing experience by providing clear and extensive screen functionality. This eliminates the need to constantly focus on a computer screen, offering a truly immersive and innovative DJing experience.
Performance and Software Integration
Enhance your DJ performance with the Traktor Kontrol S8’s intuitive and flexible features for live sampling, looping, and seamless software integration. The controller’s performance capabilities and software integration provide a seamless and immersive DJ experience. The innovative touch-sensitive controls, along with the two high-resolution screens, enable you to stay focused on your performance without constantly looking at a computer screen. The Traktor Kontrol S8 acts as a complete hub for your DJ setup, offering a wide range of I/O options and serving as both an audio and MIDI interface for Traktor. Its Remix Deck controls, touch-sensitive knobs and faders, and flexible touch strip for track seeking and pitch bending, empower you to craft unique remixes and manipulate a variety of effects in real-time.
| Performance Features | Software Integration | Professional Connectivity | Intuitive Controls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live sampling | Seamless with Traktor | Connect up to 4 CDJs | Touch-sensitive |
| Looping | Complete control | Connect turntables | Touch strip |
| Remix capabilities | Audio and MIDI interface | Standalone mixer | High-resolution screens |
The Traktor Kontrol S8 redefines the DJ controller landscape, offering a seamless blend of performance and software integration, empowering you to unleash your creativity and precision in real-time.
Interface and Control Features
Building on the seamless performance and software integration of the Traktor Kontrol S8, the interface and control features of this DJ controller offer a comprehensive and intuitive platform for professional DJing.
The two 4.7-inch screens for each deck significantly reduce the need to constantly look at the laptop screen during performances, allowing for a more engaging and seamless experience.
The mixer section, with its four-channel mixer and per-channel filters with on/off buttons, provides enhanced control and versatility. Additionally, the touch-sensitive knobs and touch strips offer a clean screen display and intuitive control, enhancing the overall DJing experience.
The Traktor Kontrol S8’s integration with other Native Instruments products through MIDI in and out connectivity provides flexibility in setup and use, catering to the needs of digital DJs.
Furthermore, the controller’s Remix Decks, jog wheels, Remix mode, and Flux mode contribute to its versatility and suitability for professional use.
While the installation process may be complex for beginners, the user-friendly interface and intuitive FX unit ensure quick and efficient DJing once set up, making it a powerful tool for any DJ.
Sound Quality and Output Options
Featuring high sound quality and a diverse range of output options, the Traktor Kontrol S8 provides exceptional flexibility for various DJ setups. Here’s an analysis of the sound quality and output options provided by the Traktor Kontrol S8:
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- Output Versatility: The Traktor Kontrol S8 offers XLR and RCA main outs, TRS booth outs, four line/phono switchable input channels, and two microphone inputs, catering to diverse connectivity needs. This extensive range of output options ensures compatibility with various sound systems and setups.
- Mixer Capability: The controller’s standalone 4-channel mixer capability allows the connection of up to 4 CDJs or turntables, enhancing its output versatility. This feature is especially valuable for DJs who prefer incorporating traditional CDJs or turntables into their setups.
- Control Options: The integration of freeze mode, remix deck controls, and extensive screen functionality adds further dimension to the sound quality and output options, making it a comprehensive DJ controller. The controller’s fader section, in combination with these control options, provides precise and intuitive control over the sound output.
- Software Integration: The Traktor Kontrol S8 seamlessly integrates with Traktor software, offering access to Remix Sets, track decks, DVS support, and Remix deck slots. This integration expands the creative possibilities and output options for DJs using the Traktor Kontrol S8.
User Experience and Versatility
The Traktor Kontrol S8’s seamless integration with Traktor software and its standalone 4-channel mixer capability contribute to its exceptional user experience and versatility as a DJ controller.
Its well-implemented standalone mixer allows for smooth transitions between different setups, making it suitable for various performance scenarios.
The backlit pads, faders, and knobs further enhance the user experience by providing tactile and visual feedback, ensuring precise control over the decks and effects.
Additionally, the controller’s DVS support expands its versatility, allowing for traditional vinyl scratching and mixing techniques to be seamlessly integrated into digital setups.
The ergonomic layout and intuitive interface make it easy to access and control essential functions, enhancing the overall user experience.
Whether you’re a scratch DJ, a remix artist, or a traditional mixer, the Traktor Kontrol S8’s versatility caters to a wide range of DJing styles.
Its user-friendly features and comprehensive functionality contribute to a seamless and innovative DJing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Traktor S8 Discontinued?
Yes, the Traktor S8 has been discontinued, but it still offers advanced features, making it a sought-after controller in the used market. Its unique capabilities, including dual high-resolution screens and a standalone 4-channel mixer, continue to be appreciated by DJs.
Is Traktor S8 Standalone?
Yes, the Traktor S8 is standalone, offering comprehensive performance capabilities with versatile connectivity options. Its user interface, mixer functionality, and build quality are impressive. The sound quality, looping capabilities, and effects integration enhance the DJing experience.
What Is the Difference Between Native S5 and S8?
When comparing the Native S5 and S8 controllers, the S8 offers advanced performance features, a standalone 4 channel mixer, and touch-sensitive knobs. It also includes touch strip capabilities and extensive visual feedback, but at a higher price point.
Which Famous DJs Use Traktor?
Famous DJs rely on Traktor Kontrol S8 for its advanced DJ equipment, cutting-edge music technology, and professional performance gear. It’s a game-changer in electronic music, DJ software, mixing techniques, club culture, turntablism history, and live DJing.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading our Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8 review. This thing is a top-of-the-line DJ controller with a sleek design, professional features, and high-quality construction.
Its performance and software integration are seamless, and the interface is user-friendly. The sound quality and output options are impressive, making it a versatile tool for DJs.
While it may be complicated for beginners to set up, its overall functionality and durability make it one of the best options on the market.