Native Instruments just released an exciting teaser video that officially confirms the speculation of their new all-in-one DJ controller, the Traktor Kontrol S8. The most notable and intriguing feature, or lack thereof, is the absence of jog wheels. By ditching the wheels for a built-in display screen, the company is certainly taking a gamble that take on a new group of skeptics. However, freeing up that space may do quite a bit good for the S8. The new jog-wheel free controller with dual touch screens is capable of pulling information directly from Traktor Pro and allows for heightened focus on remix decks. There are “Capture” and “Edit” buttons used for recording and swiftly deploying remix deck slots. Moreover, the controller comes equipped with full-color backlit pads for each channel that allow for hot cue triggering, sampling, looping and applying effects. Aside for the increased remix functionality, each screen is able to display two decks simultaneously. As DJ and producer Luciano said in the video, Traktor Kontrol S8 allows for creativity and possibilities to be pushed even further than before. With the wide success and popularity of NI’s Traktor S2 and S4, their S8 is shaping up to be a hot commodity for the modern DJ.
