Traktor Kontrol S8: Feature Overview + First Look
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ต.ค. 2024
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2024 and mine is still rockin'! Got a Rane 12 on each side of it, running VDJ to map those middle faders to individual stems. Guess everyone complaining about no jog wheels never thought to just add two turntables? 😂 This thing is a beast!
Reading this comments tells you a great deal about the way DJ'ing is progressing. I keep hearing the same complaints over and over from people who are unwilling to move on from previous methods of DJ'ing. I can understand that people feel a need to preserve skills such as beat matching etc. Personally I really feel that controllers have the possibility to be way more musical than other forms of DJ gear. In the right hands controllers can let you manipulate tracks on a deeper level, they allow for the art of improvisation and they allow the user to explore more sonic territory than previously possible. For me I don't want to be known for my impressive ability to perfectly align two records manually, I want to be known for creating a unique live experience where I can creatively control what is happening and how the music is conveyed to the audience. I want to be free to focus on giving the audience something they can't experience at home. This is only my opinion though so if you think otherwise that's cool too.
Had mine for well over a year now and I'm still in love with it. Use it nearly every single day.
I've been using tracktor for 5 years at least, and in all that time I haven't felt the need of use a jogwheel... NEVER. In fact, I feel very comfortable mixin' without it. Is that really bad you can't scratch in a party? Of course not. You can say what ever you want, but tracktor is far better dj software than any other, in many ways... and this controller it's a perfect complement for it. This will be my next purchase for shure. :)
Great overview, thanks dude! :)
The most fun part about watching reviews on new innovative DJ gear is the comments where DJs reply stupidly about how its not the right tool because it makes mixing too easy or has too many options. Its like listening to a guy with a screwdriver praise how awesome it is to a guy with a power drill. Mind-numbing.... The internet gives everyone a voice and boy do DJs want to be heard :)
Garrett Trott well thing is mate u can grab one of these and be able to mix right out of the box - people who play records or learned on vinyl because it was the only way at the time, had to spend hours a day for months just learning how to match beats, which, take it from me is fkn frustrating for a long time until you get it. So of course people are butt hurt when there’s DJ’s who never had to learn to mix properly and use the sync button when they play out and think they’re carl cox on the decks. Anyway, DJ stands for disk jockey sooooo if u ain’t jockeying disks are u really a DJ or just a manual iPod shuffle with nice transitions? JS
Tecnically all DJ's are "just a manual iPod shuffle with nice transitions".
Well, 8 dont like it lowering the entrybarriers and thus spawning lots of shit DJs.
As a producer I find this setup really intuitive, when I want to play a live show now I can export some loops from my song and load them into my remix deck, this is going to bring a whole new dynamic to live electronic performances.
Music is now being remixed this just enhances the possibilities. Respect!! When design a concept see if people will support it, till then respect!!!
so you killed beatmatching.Good job NI,you will be respected accordingly
Thanks Ian... so good to hear someone supporting the no cogwheels phase for digi djing...
From The Oxford English Dictionary:
A Disc Jockey or "DJ" is a person who introduces and plays recorded music, especially on radio or at a disco.
This definition does not change whether you use a controller or cdjs, or vinyl to play live. Therefore, the argument for or against anyone using one or the other is invalid as long as they are performing the same basic function, none of this "real DJing" malarky.
Carl Cox uses an s8 and two cdjs, would you say he isn't a real dj? He himself states that he "know(s) how to mix two songs together very well" but he wants to further his horizons.
I suggest you use whatever works for you, and don't criticise other people's choices if they work for them, that will make us all better DJs in the long run.
Thank you.
Well said!!!!
That was a homerun mate, well said!
Carl Cox also can mix on 3 vinyl players. This is a tool for DJs who throw in lots of stuff and are "creative". I like the oldschool mixing style more so its not really for me.
based af tbh
I love the design! I feel like jog wheels are honestly a thing of the past at this point. They just take up space and if you really wanna do some scratching you'd be much better off with timecode vinyl than using a little toy wheel on your controller. I also absolutely LOVE the screens on the controller. That's gonna let us really get into the mix and hopefully make everyone stop thinking that you're on fucking Facebook the whole time! Build quality looks fantastic as well and I would love to pick one of these up when I get the cash!
+1 for mentioning Timecoded vinyls for scratching. I too have mapped those tiny Jog wheels for FX modulation and kill (touch sensitive) and never missed scratching! The nudge still works.
I totally agree with you. I know is out of production now (2023), but im looking for one s8 right now to use with turntables as well.
Awesome video! I was up in the air between this and the Pioneer DDJ SX2 and you just sold me on the S8. Thanks!
Good review Hugh Jackman!
Tech House DJs will love this thing.
The feature I miss the most on the S8 which my old S4 had was the ability to use a rotary knob in the middle of the S4 which allowed you to quickly scroll through a playlist and if you pressed it in allowed you to hear the track in headphones as well as quickly scroll through it, also I seem to remember somebody saying something about the ability to alter the loop start on the fly, I do love the remix feature though and the ability to manually beat grid much more easily. Thanks for the vid :)
I've enjoyed watching this overview, Traktor Kontrol is a neat set.
Excellent review and overview Ean, you did a great job on this one.
LOVE MY S8!! just about done beat mapping my library, creating remix sets and learning this thing better
i should get one? :D
+Juan Sevilla I had some issues with it freezing recently so I am not so crazy about it anymore. Is definitely not the computer since I have the most recent MacBook Pro
+TONAH i have an ddjsx2 and wanted a change, thats why
It is a cool tool, I just haven't seen a collection of really good videos showing all that you can do with it. Reason is that people more than likely would like to spend all that energy making better tracks than getting good at something that might be an outdated brick in 3 years
+TONAH my idea is to use this with turntables im still deciding what to so
You have such a calm voice.
This looks like such a cool musical interface! I've been dj'ing on and off since 2004 both casually and professionally and the last setup I had was hybrid (2x techs and cdj800, xone 4D traktor and ableton)...it was kind of overkill and I wasn't maximizing it and most importantly I couldn't settle on a fun/intuitive way to get beyond running samples on top of beatmatching. Ultimately I moved on to other things.
Several years later now it looks like the technology has moved along and the S8 looks like exactly the tool that could be both fun and useful in creating music! Hope to pick one of these up soon :), thanks for the great review, well articulated Ean
New drinking game! Have a shot everytime Ean says "super cool" haha
This and one Turntable for me would be so dope!
A few weeks ago I picked up a Denon DJ Prime Go because I still couldn't afford a second hand S8, don't get me wrong I will still get one some day and I know I will enjoy the music from it all the same.
Seems a lot like the excellent Novation Twitch with a few bells and whistles. I guess if you factor in the built in Traktor A10 and Kontrollers its good value.
Great Explaination and Demo. I'm An Old School Dee Jay ( Mixing And Remixing With Vynils & Turntables) And I Can Tell That Now We Are Not Anymore Afraid To Get Into The Digital World. Thanks To Show Us The Emprovement. Ilike The FAct You Can Add Turntables Cause In Case Crash Out Of The Divices
I would love to see an S8 MK2 with actual platters, you could get a lot of expressive effect manipulation by using them
ok, i miss the jog wheels, this controller-s amazing. but i miss my joggy joggy wheels. Well there's still people who can feel really confortable with this and make awesome music. Cheers
Great review! answered any questions iI had on the S8!
Thank you. This was very informative!
Looks awesome! Maybe I should start djing now... ;-) This tool looks like it could be a lot of fun playing around with it.
This is next level ... Waiting on a serato competitor .
Personally I just got a second hand S4 MK1 with x2 F1's controllers and a flight case for a more than reasonable price and I am personally glad I got it before this was announced. An S4 has the jogwheels and tempo faders which is more hands on and would get you use to working with other controllers and even cdjs. And the F1 controllers are essentially launch pad grids for the remix decks with the possibility to map 64 loops and samples split on to its 4 pages. So in total that's 128 loop and sample slots at my disposal. With a price drop to be potentially expected for the S4, I reckon they are still the better use, this controller still needs a laptop regardless of the lcd screens.
Absolutely amazing intro to the s8 functionality it is a big help specially with effects and pitch and filter of remix sets and I can use deck b and d on the one channel ty.
Awesome controller, really took it to the next level. It would be also great if they had added 2x USB ports like on the Z2 mixer. Still it's a great controller!
great review, really terrific. Your shows are awesome! Thanks!!
buddy, you are a little sweaty today. Get that funk on.
I'm looking for a first mixer, something I can contantly learn, and grow into. Whilst many people might think to start with something entry level, why keep upgrading, and having to get used to new mixers, when you can set a foundation to become more and more familiar with. I have children also, and I hope at least one of them will take interest in DJing, so they can DJ their s hool events, and one day be pro club DJs, or even well paid sound engineers. The S8 is our future, and doesn't suck as much as the S5.
Going to be playing my own shows in a year or so, so I better get this and learn how to use it lol
Great! Thanks for this cool Overview!!!
It seems native instruments has learned a lot from the novation twitch, which is a good thing! If I ever find myself looking to upgrade I think I'll go for this.
Song at 0:25 : Nick Warren - Devil's Elbow (Max Cooper Remix)
State of the art review, thanks!
Great explanation very professional.
The S8 looks great i just wish that the screens were at a tilt so that i wont have to keep looking over the controller, also i have never actually had a need for jog wheels. The jog wheels are always in the way taking up space. If those of you need something to scratch with then just add onto the controller. I think that the s8 is at a great price right now and i hope on getting one for myself when they come out.
He look better now without the long hair jesus look
Very clean & professional
Was almost considering selling my Xone 4D to get one of these but after watching that i've realised that i already have FAR MORE control on my 4D that i could ever get on the S8 plus i also have jog wheels... It looks nice though, i'll give them that...
Awesome video. Looks like a solid controller, but I think I'll wait for another Traktor-based controller with better screens and actual jog wheels.
I would have loved to have seen at least an attempt at a better jog-wheel replacement. Havent had my actual hands on one of these yet but that touch strip (if its anything like the one's on Pioneer's CDJs) seems great for *seeking through a track* and inadequate/overkill for nudging or intricate phase/speed adjustments. Even a couple small, tension-adjustable embedded wheels on the top left and right sides (off the face of the S8) specifically for nudging and start/stop, spin/wind down control would have been cool.
The emphasis on FX & stems seems to be what is being marketed by NI here. The size and price are a big turn off for me (as an owner of the S4 looking to upgrade). Im loving the direction of more control over every aspect of sound and the screens are beautiful. However, I dont think I'd drop close to $1k on this beast though...not until it comes with a collapsible 15-17" screen, a proper CPU with USB inputs and a stable OS.......I can spend the same amount of cash for a higher end laptop. Just sayin...
People are complaining over no jog wheels but you can hook up CDjs to this?
Pig & Dan - Savage (Original Mix) Is the song on the B channel
Thank You
so much win, just ordered mine and I can't wait. A little disappointed the form factor is larger though, I don't know how anyone is going to be able to travel with this. The S4 allowed you to fit it in an overhead compartment on a plane.
Can you expand on the capabilities of using the S8 with the laptop turned off, if this really true or partially closed like in the Video? How does the S8 work with the iPad like the S4 MKII?
Still, I can't wait! Any word on cases / bags?
this is perfect, this s8 with technics what a setup. im glad it hasnt got the jog wheels i will use it as a mixer/effects and use my decks to beat match
As Always Mr. Ean you are tha shit! BOOM!
Pioneer DDJ-SZ takes my vote. Was open to this until I saw no jog wheels.
love it - would love to purchase through you guys, but as i'm UK based i cant (can i?) shame as would love to support and also get the bonus bit you throw in.
Was hoping for a good Ean overview :) Looks very cool, but im gonna stick to transitioning from my S4 to an X1+Mixer set up.
Awesome mixers and the ability to mix stems (not mentioned in God )which of course is the future of mixing (even though its still not caught on )
I think it's good they removed the jog wheel, makes space for more control.
Very advanced review again bei Ean Golden... I am a big fan of his vlogs... Art of DJing... and Know How !
I personally love my S8 very much because it is a huge Power Machine with plenty of possibilities for creativity...
Your ability and phantasy is the limit actually ! ♫ ♥ ♪
(promptly shared this Video on my new Facebook Artist page)
Very cool.. The individual FX send returns per voice is very cool. Is that actually a function of a new Traktor update?
it is possible broadcast in the mixify with Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8 thank you for support and help
Good Job on the introduction video. I heard you mention new feature that you had unlock. That sound very interesting hope you can show that later. The only thing That I'm a bit sad about is that Native_Instrument may not as of yet invest in improving on their library. Making it smart or some thing similar to what the Serato or Engine have. I love to see what the new feature you talk about are. I have to say even thought I'm a Traktor user and own nothing but Traktor gear for the most, the Serato Flip mode and slicer are some thing I would enjoy on the traktor gear.
I feel like the mixer is to wide. Like it looks like too much space between channels. But that's just me. I wan't one though
We thought so too at first- but it actually lets you have enough room to really have your hands on the mixer. S4 and S2 designs were prone to accidental button presses, fader brushing, and you can really tell NI thought about how to avoid that on the S8
good job ...bput it cust a lot money maybe i can wait 2 years for the price it can be down thank you for support
I'd like to see a modular set up of this. Separate out the elements, I'd personally love a X1/F1 with screen controller beside my DB2..F/X Control?! This would be perfect.
Great review
How is the pitch control? Some users are saying the pitch control is not accurate. What are your thoughts? Syncing the same genre of music is fine, but what if you do a variety of genres.
this was a super detailed video. Loved it, so thank you! I felt like the information presented was appropriate (not excessive, but definitely well covered) and it was done at a level that I could understand! (subscribing now!)
small question: why is the video edited to have us not being looked at ? It was weird, I was like, wait I want to be in in the other camera! :)
Traktor Kontrol S8 - No JOG WHEELS
Traktor Kontrol S9 - No faders
Traktor Kontrol S10 - No Knobs
Traktor Kontrol S11 - Built in Wifi Check your Email
s9 built-flash drive
S10 no nobs ... just a motion sensor for filters
S11 wifi/blue tooth for transfers
Pioneer ... you listening? ;)
nice job thank you
Awesome review!!!!
This is a great video Ean, I have been interested in this since i seen the amazon leaks. I wasn't sure how browsing for tracks would work. It seems that those screens would still be big enough to be able to see your tracks and playlists and not have to have your laptop open which i like a lot. As far as the pitch bend or tempo fader in the traditional sense being gone. From what i am understanding it isnt gone its just now the same fader style tempo fader you would use the touch strip for that now which would be fine for me. So the estimated price is going to be about 1200$ from what i am seeing.
The whole idea of this new technology is to bring more to DJing, mixing is easy lets be honest, if you can count to 4 you can beatmatch. So why not take if further? People say beatmatching on vinyl is an artform, i agree with you. But being able to expertise with this is also. Technology is moving on and so are we. Time's are changing in the DJ world, and its only the people that are scared of the technology that are really hating on this product.
perfect tutorial . thanx
I hope they make a rotary fader option.
+friendofCHAKA Instead of the channel mixing section, or the faders under each screen?
+DJ TechTools in the mixer section, for us old schoolers.
Geniale, Traktor Kontrol S8 I Like.....
very good toy
Can you set it up with your laptop and forget it during the mix? The screens look good enough to do everything you need without looking at your laptop and for that, I would like that, it would give it the feel of an all-in-one unit even though it isn't.
this is the future
?
Now that the S8 is out, will there be an update to Traktor Pro? say Traktor Pro 3.xxx or something. And what to expect with the update?
No audio out on the mixer? or is that just for your demo set up
eangolden rules nice review from the GRANDMASTER HIMSELF :)
love this!!!thanks
Hey guys, I want to buy a new controller. Which I should buy the DDJ SX 2 or the Kontrol S8? Answer please!
Question about the remix deck: do you actually need to load up the tracks (eg: bass, kick, snare, hihat, synth, etc) individually to manipulate them (cut them or add effects to)?
Love it djtechtools
My assumption is eventually possible next iteration of the "S8" will be without a laptop completely, something using a USB. This is almost like a modern CDJ
Gotta have it.
Looks nice but what if you're a Turntablist, and you wanted to do scratching, spinbacks, or beat juggling and can't because it has no jog wheels?
do we have an idea on the price range of this beauty and when will it be released?
So we've seen the numark and the N.I. approach to controllers with screens, but where's pioneers?
I wonder if there coming out with a machine mk3
Looks like a ton o' fun BUT....how does it sound compared with the other NI audio interfaces etc? Apparently the same Cirrus guts as before but can you do an actual comparison for us? Thanks
I'm moving to France and now i've seen this, i do not know if i'll take with me the DDJ-SR from Pioneer or buy this one. Can anyone give me an advice? I've learned how to djing live with a CDJ2000 players and then i'd got my DDJ-SR so this one it will be new for me. Pros and cons?
hopefully ni brings out a controller with larger platters soon i dont me buying this right now
Looks like a great device, however bigger, heavier and no jog wheel doesn't work for me. I wouldn't mind playing around with it just to check out all the bells and whistles. I'll rock with my S4. It gets the job done for my application (rocking the hell out of a party and satisfying my audience). Peace.
The grip is that you still need to carry around your laptop..... One is there only one fully integrated DJ controller one the market, the now ageing Stanton SCS.4DJ ?
just like the color :d
WANT! WANT! WANT!
i hate how cool u are ian golden