T2 - New new NI Traktor is here

As someone once said, "The only constant is change", and as more and more DJ booths and bedrooms switch from vinyl or CDJ to digital systems the battle between the leading brands is pushing the technology on and on.

Last year saw Native Instruments launch the S4 Kontol (of which I've loved using so much) and now the rest of the Traktor family receives an overhaul. The main thrust of the changes are really incorporating the new software features from the S4 version into the standard package; loop recording, new effects, the sample decks that's so key to the S4 and perhaps the most significant is the TruWave waveforms feature, offering a whole new dimension to your mix (and it looks nice and sexy in that blue!) - it's able to differentiate between kicks, hi-hats and snares and anticipate your mix. 



With various zoom levels you'll even be able to set up tighter cue points than ever before. And as with the S4 you'll be able to choose between layouts (something I've not quite got used to on the S4 but it does allow you to eliminate stuff you don't use - depending on your style).

The new package comes with a monster loops kits too - 40 original loops and 10 full tracks drawn from Loopmasters’ new DJ Mixtools series, plus additional scratch sounds by DMC Champ DJ Craze. Drum, bass, percussion and synth loop in dubstep, minimal, house, techno and trance styles all for you to do your own thing with.

And the future doesn't stop there, the Audio sound cards have had an update as has the S4 software (from what I can tell on NI's site) so I'm off to check my updates....