With the Traktor Kontrol S8, it is obvious that Native Instruments has outdone itself in making available a controller that is completely stand alone. The touch sensitive controls, replaceable high quality faders and sharp vision screens make it the greatest DJ controller. You do not have to keep glancing at your laptop when mixing with the Traktor Kontrol S8 because all the information you need for playing music can be seen from the dual high resolution screens. The only major difference with other controllers is the Remix decks controls that take the place of pitch sliders. This aspect may make it difficult for amateurs and rigid DJs to make the most of this equipment.
The brushed metal face that constitutes the top of the Traktor Kontrol S8 makes it to appear elegant and classy. Some of the anticipated weigh is however eliminated by using plastic and rubber at the bottom and sides of the unit. With a four channel mixer, it is no wonder that no computer is needed to play music tracks on this stand-alone controller. The two sets of microphone units and three outputs make the Traktor Kontrol S8 from Native Instruments, a great machine for easy transitioning.
If you want to get the best out of this S8 design, use it as a centerpiece in your DJ setup. This makes it easy to playback music, connect Turntables and CD decks. This controller forms a great DJ’s tool if there is an existing collection of sync-enabled music. Having to carry the controller from one place to another is rather easy because it is pretty lightweight owing to the materials that it is made from.
Although the Traktor Kontrol S8 is a great DJ tool, it only works for those DJs who have already synced and perfected their beat grids. For DJs who use manual methods of matching beats, there will be need to have CD decks and turntables connected externally. What this means is that DJs who mix the mainstream music genres need to have more gear in order to make use of the Traktor Kontrol S8. The other setback while using the Traktor Kontrol S8 is that even if you can see the display from the controller, you still have to use the laptop for library information and to search for tracks.
This controller is without a doubt a handy update to the Native Instruments products family and DJs who are particularly fond of making their own music using the Remix Decks will enjoy the performance.
