Native Instruments F1 Controller & Traktor 2.5
So, waaay back at the start of NAMM week, we got the first teaser vid of the new Native Instruments Traktor F1 remix controller, which was tipped to be called the X2.
Well, now it’s offically surfaced its actually the Traktor Kontrol F1, but the feature set seems pretty much as predicted.
The unit will ship along with Traktor 2.5 software, which brings in the “Remix Deck” functionality. The NI CEO introduced the device by saying
“So those of you that like Ableton but actually didn’t feel that it’s quite a DJ product, this is it. We take the whole production clipping aspect right into a DJ application, and these pads light up in just the same color as the cells in the Remix Decks.”
Well, it certainly seems to deliver exactly that, and here’s a Vid of DJ Shiftee putting it though its paces (once the mc shuts up!)
Here’s a hi-res image of the controller
Lets take a look from the top down then…..
First thing to notice is the four filter knobs, i’d presume at this point that they would control the same hi/low pass filter thats found on the S4, though of course with these controllers, you can assign them to any parameter in the software to suit your workflow.
Next up are the faders, presumably preset to volume, so perfect for doing some manual fades.
Then we get down to the control buttons, sync will lock all of the samples loaded to the master tempo, and the QUANT(ize) button will make things lock to beat, so they are come in tempo perfect (the same as ableton) and i expect that the dial will also be able to change the quantize resolution to bar, quarter note etc.
Capture and size we still know nothing about, but you can definatly reverse samples so, thats probably what the reverse button is for.
As you can see from the buttons, there is no “trigger everything in a line” button, like you find on the ableton controllers, but with four fingers, you should be able to trigger things quite easily, so i cant see that being any great loss. The stop buttons at the bottom are a nice touch too, so that you can easily stop using the decks and go back to regular dj’ing.
The Native Instruments Kontrol F1 will be available from at the end of May and will retail at £199, including the Traktor Pro 2.5 Software.
For More Information On the F1 Controller From Native Instruments