Native Instruments has introduced Pro versions of its Traktor and Traktor Scratch DJing products. The former comprises just the software, while the latter also adds the Audio 8 DJ interface and pairs of timecoded vinyl and CDs.
If you're looking for new features, they can all be found in the software, which has a new, optimised GUI. The interface is scalable and has high-contrast elements - as before, it contains four decks.
Cueing and looping functions have been revised and refined, and there's now support for cover artwork, too, giving DJs another way to browse their music.
Under the hood, Traktor's syncing capabilities have been improved: beat grids are now automatically created for all tracks, and the Sync Lock feature is designed to keep all decks and effects in time. The quantized navigation tool, meanwhile, enables you to jump between loops, cue points and other parts of tracks seamlessly.
FX and control
Further creative control options come courtesy of the effects section - there are two multi-effects units, both of which contain 20 algorithms. There's also better support for hardware MIDI controllers, including mappings for "all relevant DJ controllers on the market".
The MIDI Sync option, meanwhile, enables you to integrate outboard gear (a drum machine, for example) into your performances.
Several other new features have been thrown into the Traktor Pro mix, too, but that gives you an overview of the big stuff. If you want to learn more, check out NI's new video series, which features interviews with the likes of Grandmaster Flash and Richie Hawtin. The clips can be viewed on the company's new Traktor microsite.
Traktor Pro and Traktor Scratch Pro will be available for Mac and PC on 1 November priced at $229/€199 and $669/€599 respectively.
