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The Traktor Kontrol F1 - Why It Belongs In Your Setup
The Traktor Kontrol F1 has landed, and we've finally had a chance to go in depth and find out exactly what makes it an amazing controller!
1st
June
2012
ViewSo, the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol F1 - we've mentioned it before. We've told you it's coming, we've told you we're excited, and we've told you that it's great - but we haven't really told you why! So, to correct this terrible oversight, I present to you our in-depth look at the Traktor Kontrol F1!
Traktor has been the industry standard for digital DJs for some time now, and the latest upgrade to Traktor Pro 2.5 adds in the new Remix Decks feature. Essentially, the Remix Decks are a powerful sampler and clip launch system - an upgrade on the existing Sample Decks introduced by Traktor Pro 2. The Sample Decks allowed four one-shot or looping samples that could be triggered from your controller, as well as on-the-fly sampling of the currently playing track. Clever use of the on-the-fly sampling allowed DJs to mix ten tracks by taking a short loop from one, loading in another, rinse, repeat. The advantage to the Remix Decks is that you now have a huge 64 sample slots, meaning that you can even build an entire track without using the normal decks at all - or the handy beat sync means that the samples can be scratched and pitch controlled with the decks just like the main tracks!
Now, this is where the F1 comes in. Designed to perfectly match the new functionality of Traktor 2.5 and the Remix Decks, the F1 features a 16-button layout that corresponds to the Sample Deck layout on the screen, as well as faders for the four sample channels and assignable control dials. The 64 available sample slots are spread across 4 pages, easily switched by a single dial. All of the pads are velocity sensitive, which can be configured in different ways - you can either control volume, as with a traditional drum pad, or you can trigger the sample at a different point - great for smooth transitions or sharp attacks, as illustrated by Moldover in this video:
So, the F1 is the ideal controller for your Traktor Pro 2.5 remixes. Not only does the F1 come with this amazing software included, but you also get a mindboggling 1.4GB of samples pre-loaded as remix sets - and, of course, the options of what you can load into your Remix Decks are limitless!
So there you have it - a full explanation of why every digital DJ should have the F1 on their radar - or, even better, in their setup. Come and check it out in our flagship music store in Leicester, or give us a call on 01162 625 625 to get yours on order.
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