#Ideal traktor d2 interface full

The focus on NI's multi-part Stem mixing functionality, along with the intuitive looping and effects, makes the D2 a great device for bridging the gap between traditional DJ techniques and 'live' performance.īecause Stems are an open format, and with the help of the forthcoming Stem Creation Tool, the platform is likely to really appeal to DJ/ producers as a simple but hugely effective way to integrate their own productions into their sets.

#Ideal traktor d2 interface full

More importantly though, simply using the D2 to launch and blend full tracks would be completely overlooking the creative scope of its features. For one thing, it's not great at traditional mixing duties, and at times requires multiple fiddly tweaks to replicate the basic functions of a CDJ. In reality, to think of the D2 as a straight replacement for a single CDJ or vinyl turntable would be missing the point. With its lack of jog wheel, once again replaced here by a touchstrip used for nudging, scratching and scrolling through tracks, the D2 is in danger of suffering from the same image problem that has followed the S8 - that it's a completely sync-reliant, 'on the rails' mixing device with nothing to offer traditional DJs. The Stem concept is still an interesting development though, because they should hopefully show off both the D2 and the S8 at their best. In reality, Stems aren't a huge leap forward from Traktor's existing Remix Set format, and they're not exclusive to the D2 either - both the S8 and F1 are also able to take advantage of the format. The main 'new' feature here, however, is the integration of NI's Stems format. As on the S8, it's a great system, and makes the D2's control surface intuitive to work with and shifts focus away from the laptop. It is worth reiterating, however, just how well Native Instruments have implemented the Touch-and-See functionality, which allows the central screen to respond to whichever control is currently being used and seamlessly display appropriate information. In use, the D2 functions pretty much identically to its bigger sibling, offering excellent control over Traktor's Remix Decks, Cue and Loop functions, Freeze mode, FX and track browsing. It looks great too and the backlit pads and hi-res screen mean it works great in low-light environments. We'd have no concerns about chucking the D2 in a bag and taking it out on the road.

The metal chassis is sleek and sturdy, and the pads, knobs and faders are solid and responsive. 'To think of the D2 as a replacement for a single CDJ or vinyl turntable would be missing the point.'īuild quality is, as you'd expect, on a par with the high quality of the S8 or Maschine Studio. It also comes with a power splitter adaptor, allowing multiple units to be powered from the same plug. This is a really smart addition, conserving precious USB real estate for anyone who opts to use a pair of D2s, or use one alongside an existing set-up of controllers and DJ interfaces.

Instead, connections are limited to power input, a main USB port for connection with a computer, and a pair of USB hub connections, which allow more Traktor controllers or an interface to be daisy chained from the unit. Naturally, with the interface and mixer gone, there's no audio ins or outs around the back this time. New for D2ĭesign wise, the D2's top panel is largely indistinguishable from that of the matching section of the S8, other than four small FX Select buttons in the top right corner. It appears to be aimed squarely at DJs who want to slot the creative elements of the S8's feature set into their existing DJ set-up, allowing them to continue using their existing interface or mixer. The D2 is effectively a single deck from the S8 - doing away with the mixer and interface elements, and offering a single set of the S8's track control, performance, effect and browsing features. As such, the arrival of NI's new D2 controller makes a lot of sense.