Traktor Pro 2.5’s Remix Decks expand on the previous Sample Decks with a lot more programmability, control, and flexibility. TASTE THE RAINBOW Example of Remix Decks in the Small view (top) and Micro view (bottom). You just have to decide if the Remix Decks are cool enough for you to warrant buying one or more F1s to use them (with a controller, rather than with a mouse). And the 2.5 update is free for any registered Traktor Pro 2 users. That is definitely an awesome deal considering the crippled software that comes packaged with a lot of relatively expensive DJ controllers. The full Traktor software now costs $89 instead of $229 two years ago, and you get the software with the purchase of any NI DJ hardware. So is it fair to require a $250 proprietary controller to access the full use of a software update? Decide for yourself. There is an editable User Mode that comes with a Track Deck overlay (more on that later), as well as a MIDI Mode for using the F1 with any other MIDI software.īesides a few other features, the Remix Decks comprise the crux of the Traktor 2.5 update. Therefore, the default Remix Deck mapping of the F1 is hardwired (like the Kontrol S4). NI says this is because the bi-directional communication, 16-color LED feedback, and various modes are too complicated to replicate with MIDI in the Traktor Controller Manager. However, only the Kontrol F1 can have complete control over all 64 Sample Cells and other functions of the Remix Decks. You can also program any third-party MIDI controller to work with the Remix Decks. The Remix Decks replace Traktor Pro 2’s Sample Decks, and older controllers such as the S4 and S2 will be remapped for their Sample Deck controls to handle the fancier Remix Decks. While there is a User Mode that defaults to a set of Track Deck transport, loop, FX, and browsing controls, the main intention for the Kontrol F1 is dedicated control over one or more of Traktor Pro 2.5’s new Remix Decks. Native Instruments (NI) bills the Kontrol F1 as an “add-on” controller, a supplementary device that complements one or more main controllers, such as their S4, S2, or X1. THE F1 PROPOSITION The Traktor Kontrol F1 Combine it with a Kontrol X1 and a small sound card, and you can stash your entire laptop system into an average sized backpack. An F1 complements a variety of DJ setups, from DVS systems to minimal setups. Samples can be captured in real time from Track Decks or imported from a hard drive. Those decks give you up to 64 editable samples each, across four Sample Slots. The Bottom Line: This high-quality controller is – for now – the only one that will access all of the Sample Cells and features of Traktor’s new Remix Decks. MP3 playback from Sample Slots can be spotty, which ought to be addressed in an update. No transport controls included for the Remix Deck. The Bad: Can only control one Remix Deck at a time. The 16 assignable colors of the pad grid look really nice. New and edited Remix Sets are savable and shareable. A User Map and MIDI Mode let you use it for purposes other than the hardwired Remix Deck mapping. Solid, compact construction, just like the Kontrol X1. The Good: Unlocks full controls over Traktor Pro 2.5’s mouth-watering Remix Decks. System Requirements: Windows 7 (latest Service Pack, 32-bit/64-bit), 2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended) / Mac OS X 10.6 or 10.7 (latest update), Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended) Ships with: Traktor Pro 2.5, 1.4 GB Remix Set collection, USB 2.0 cable, Track Deck overlayĭimensions: 11.5 x 4.7 x 2 inches (29.4 x 12 x 5.2 cm) Price: $279 (MSRP), $249 (common retail price)Ĭommunication: High-res Traktor NHL protocol, as well as MIDI over USB (USB powered)Īvailable: Purchase Now in the DJTT Webstore While Traktor Pro 2’s Sample Decks and other performance features already supplied an ample toolshed for live remixes and mashups, Traktor Pro 2.5 Remix Decks and their dedicated controller – the Kontrol F1 – take those previous abilities into uncharted waters. But no matter, because the Kontrol F1 and its accompanying update to Traktor Pro 2.5 give Traktor users admission to the VIP Room of the live remixing party. Hey everybody, let’s get ready to blur the lines between DJing and live performance! Oh wait, you say Ableton Live users have been doing that for years? Fair enough.
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