Native Instruments has officially announced the Traktor Kontrol D2 along with pricing and release date. The Traktor Kontrol D2 was teased last month at WMC in performances by Dubfire, MK, and Uner but exact details were missing. Now Dj TechTools has the full scoop on the latest hardware from Berlin.
- Retail price: $499 USD
- Available for pre-order, ships May4th 2015
- Includes Traktor Pro 2 software
Traktor Kontrol D2 Details + Features
Native Instruments has taken isolated the deck portion of a S8 to create a more portable and affordable Kontrol D2. For DJs that already have a 4 channel mixer, they can get the benefit of the screens and extra controls without the larger size and price tag of the Kontrol S8. Those familiar with the Kontrol S8 will recognize the same features.
- Large touch strip with LED feedback
- High-resolution color screens for displaying track collection, track information, and FX parameters
- Kontrol X1/F1 hybrid with fx controls, hot cues, loops, alongside performance faders and encoders for remix decks
- New freeze mode for slicing a track into temporary hot cues across the 8 RGB pads
Track Decks, Remix Decks, Stem Decks – It’s All Here
The Kontrol D2 is somewhat of a jack of all trades combining familiar controls from both the Kontrol X1 MK2 and Kontrol F1. The larger pads control a variety of features: remix deck cells, hot cues, loops, and the new Freeze mode. The performance faders and encoders give DJs control over individual remix slot volumes, filters, fx send, and can now easily adjust pitch per remix cell. The screens really make a difference for new stem decks since you can really see which parts are available.
The Kontrol D2 will be the first Stem Deck ready controller. In case you missed the Stems announcement, Stems Decks will support the new Stem format being pioneered by Native Instruments. Songs can be downloaded in the Stems format and loaded into a Stem Deck, where the song will be split into 4 stems that can be remixed on the fly. The performance faders and knob correspond to each stem part to give control over mixing, EQing, and effects for individual elements.
For DJs that picked up the Kontrol S8, don’t worry, the S8 will provide the same control over the Stem Decks. The Stem Decks and Stems format will be available Summer 2015.
What’s Different From The Kontrol S8?
The Kontrol D2 has some unique features that aren’t found on the Kontrol S8. On the back of the unit is a USB hub with two ports (similar to the hub of the Kontrol Z2). Because of these ports, the D2 does require a power supply but Native Instruments will be including a power supply splitter that is capable of powering two D2 controllers to reduce cable clutter.
Similar to Maschine Studio, the Kontrol D2 has collapsable feet at the top and bottom of the controller. DJs can fold out the top legs to angle the controller towards them or they can fold out both legs to raise the controller to standard mixer height which does solve the extra bag problem and some complaints about screen angle visibility.
Finally the Kontrol D2 has 4 buttons to toggle between all 4 decks. So in theory a DJ could control all 4 decks using one Kontrol D2. However most people will probably opt for two on each side of the mixer for better control and a more traditional looking workflow.
Interested? Preorder the Kontrol D2 here in the DJTT webstore while they’re available.
[…] Check out the launch video below, and more details over @ djtechtools.com […]
I personally want a combination of the X1 and Z1 in one unit, such as a D1 with browsing, selecting, playback, and mixing in a single sound-card-equipped unit. Ya know, for the working man.
For all of you, who thinking of buying just one D2:
http://www.native-instruments.com/de/support/knowledge-base/show/3912/how-can-i-switch-between-decks-a-and-b-with-one-traktor-kontrol-d2/
So two of them are great (and BIG), but just one one of them: not my taste (i’ve tried one out tonight).
Any word on how the performabce pads are? Are they more like Maschine pads, or are they like F1 pads?
I hope NI comeback to midi mapping capability some day
Third Flower
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One simple question guys… Can control 2 track decks with one of this? Thanks!
[…] For more info, check out this review from DJ Tech Tools […]
ok it looks like a nice piece of kit but here’s where I should have paid attention in math class , 2 d2 are going about $1000.00 and that nice mixer you have in the picture is about $800.00 when a s8 is about $1100.00. ok so I guess they are using that new math in berlin.
If you buy one Beer you pay around 1$.
If you ask the brewery what they charge you for 1000 Beer it won’t be 1000$ as you get a discount.
Maybe you better should have paid attention in economics…
That top image looks like the next-gen novation Twitch.
finally we can ditch the cdjs and still use a pioneer mixer well done NI
I would like to see a major uptdate to the traktor software. I think there are a bunch of things that really needs to be improved (Browser / Controller Mapping / Retina). New hardware is fine and gives NI more money, but I think NI should keep their Software at a higher standard, and listen to the wishes of their customers.
Can you use this with control vinyl
what type of faders, especially d crossfader r in d Kontrol z2 mixer? i’m a scratch dj, which faders can they b replaced with?
d d2 look nice but pricey. it comes with Traktor Pro 2, the same as Traktor Scratch Pro 2? anyone do reply, need info.
cool
Z2 comes stock with ino-faders.
[…] For more info, check out this review from DJ Tech Tools […]
Going to buy one as soon as I can. Been looking for a good excuse to get rid of my CDJ400s and I already have a Z2 mixer, so I don’t need to worry about sound cards and this looks like it fits the bill perfectly for what I need. I personally think that a lot of people are whining for the sake of whining. It’s miles cheaper than a CDJ-900 which is more or less a glorified CD player, which not many people play CDs with the last time I checked. Bring on a Z4 to go with 4 D2s and the real magic will begin. 😉
nice gear but my beloved x1 does everything i need wothout switching decks
If it had PIONEER on it instead of NI, NONE of you would be complaining. FACTS!
The Kontrol D2 will be the first Stem Deck ready controller. So does that mean the S8 isn’t stem deck ready?
a lot of community reactions on this
my sole thing is that ( from a weird fetish autistic point of view) they should have been symmetrical ;. like a left and right version , it just bothers me visually…but that’s just me, and i fully understand that’s silly and absurd to take that into consideration as a manufacturer.. but there all -in-ones are (S4, S8 etc) symmetrical ( not all all-in-ones, pioneer etc are), but anyway.. it is what it is..
they look cool with the Z2
for some reason i never trusted the all- in-one controllers ( although i do own one) putting audio and midi data through the same usb… so its nice that your ” mission critical systems” are separated…
( i am aware there was an article on DJTT about (dis)advantages of modular controllers vs one package)
the hubs are also handy
So tempted by these but just wish there weren’t so many damn wires. How hard would it have been to build a sound card into them? Setup just becomes that more complicated & if you’re needing to get straight on without messing the DJ around before & after you it just gets worse. Saying that though the room it saves in the booth over the S8 & travelling options certainly make it stack up well. Damn you NI, just more gear to crave!
For 500 I can buy a used 1200mkII and play like a boss.. I just cannot believe that such small lcd on it and a NI logo would push the price so far… I bet they’d still sell silly amounts, even if it costed like 800€ … Stop with the industry standards please, u made everybody sound the same…
and for 1000 you can buy an used car … and ???
LOL exactly..Plus the pair of 1200s you can get for $500 will be really worn shape..
[…] For more info, check out this review from DJ Tech Tools […]
£429 in the UK!?? The S8 is 869!! Why buy one when you can buy two and get that sweet 4 channel mixer with a soundcard?
Way too expensive here in the UK, I mean I know NI like to push it with their prices sometimes but this is pushed too far unfortunately.
I’ll wait till the second hand bedroom DJ market flourishes with them after this Christmas.
This is why I hoped they would have made a smaller sized S8….
Traktor 3
Stems…..no need for mixer-EQ….just midi-EQ with D2/S8
Remix-decks—->Machine Decks…+ New Maschine DJ hardware (pads like Roland SPD/HPD)
Z4 mixer or official support for A&H DB4/2
????
If this works in HID mode you can pair 2 of these with the Rane MP 2015 and never need another set-up.
I’m seeing a pretty solid piece of equipment, with a whole bunch of people complaining.
I’m sure if any hardware was released for $150 people would still complain that it costs too much.
If this isn’t the device you’ve been dreaming of, create your own?
I think noone expects a new and bigger controller for les than an X1 or F1. €350 to €400 would still be 75% to double the price than the former mentioned controller. €500 is 150% more. people can count too you know.
I guess it depends on the value you place in a controller, I bought a Kontrol F1 and felt like it was well worth $200.
The D2 packs many features into one controller, you could comfortably DJ a set with two D2 controllers, I personally wouldn’t rely on two X1’s or F1’s and a mixer. So I would say it’s well worth $500
I was actually expecting a higher price on this item.
well, €200 euro is a decent price for an F1 or X1 imo, but I feel 500 euro is pushing it for a hybrid of those with an integrated screen. for that price they should have included a soundcard (again just my opinion) and did away with the hassle of externals. now they are just really expensive midi controllers.
Exactly. 500 no soundcard – fuck no!
What everyone else said.
$500 x2, and then I need a traktor enabled mixer or audio interface, AND a computer to even make it make sound.
I feel like NI is banking on stems and the future of Maschine integration to make this work, but once again I’m a bit disappointed with an NI release.
Maybe they should sell off to a private investment company?
Back to saving up for xdj-1000s
Traktor can use every Mixer with build in Soundcard? Why is everybody thinking that one needs a Traktor certified Mixer?!
Naysayers = Those with little imagination or deductive reasoning.
they should do a mirrored version with the track select knob on the left side
this is worth no more than 350
call me insane but how about 2 D2 with an S8 for full 4 decks controll without the need to switch decks? 😀 like 4 CDJ’s
it is mad cool,but why not just make controllers that lay on top of the laptop keyboard,and use that huge free screen….people bugging over the screen is all hype…the laptop is the brain,once shit is set,and you know the software,one doesnt even need to look at the computer/screen…and they thought staring at the computer was stupid looking?imagine looking atta tiny ass screen inna loud club while 3 girls are hitting on you or asking to play some track they lost their virginity to or whatever…screens is not it…take say the new MPC controller hardware-lace it with X1 controls,and F-1/maschine properly and have it sit on the laptop….bam-…oh,and freeze mode?,like we have more than a few seconds to just kut a track in 8…lol,..thats why the F1 is so cool cuz it already does that and you can do it before,or on the fly,and use loop record…so freeze is just a ‘screenshot’ zoomed way the fuck out in 1/4 cuts?…retarded…has anybody realized that they keep selling you the same thing the X1 and F1 does over and over…its like when we had tapes,then hadda buy cd’s…or beta-to VHS,to DVD,to Blue Ray…Meanwhile the companies are cracking up knowing the human eye cant even distinguish the latter differences….at the end of the day…before i had the money,I mapped my actual laptop keyboard to do all the X1 functions…its encoders lacked…make no mistake,this thing controls 4 decks “dope”…and you can throw away your X1 and F1 if u wanna use ‘shift + whatever every 3rd move”…its cool,just over-priced and well,kinda unnecessary.IMO-of course…only cuz the 4 deck control is even to be considered.
If only the display offered stacked waveforms, I’d buy one of these in a second. Without that…. I can buy 2 X1’s for the cost of a D2. It is a very pretty controller, tho.
half the cost of the xdj and a quarter of the price of one cdj2k. Sounds like a deal to me.
for 500 not worth it… but at 250-300 possibly. its def not worth the upgrade from an X1, why fix what ain’t broke
bells whistles with a lot of bugs….. wellcome to ni i got rid of my s8 , some of the gimmick are just gimmick and some dont work properlly like freez… and who needs 64 samples for djing at once??? i find proper tempo slider is better than encoder…. and bugs….. d2 looks like another bug that cost 400+ as for the new 4 track mode… well if anyone who knows a bit about mastering would know the 4 track mode will most likely mean worse sound quality…. now go and waste your money on it…
$399 plus a two channel sound card Integrated
I have to say I love the looks though.
I think the new F1 might be a 64 pad kontroller as you notice people like RH and Dubfire use the Ableton Push. So I can see NI brink going something else to go alongside both Traktor and Maschine. Which they’ve already hinted at working on
Expensive only for the LCD screen .The funny of this thing is that you maybe will paid for this controller when you have a retina screen of the traktor decks in your mac hahahah . What do you think ?
2x D2 cost as much as a bigger maschine studio wich includes a kickass music making evirnoment. the screen argument is bogus if you look at other products like the S8
a play out using Traktor dvs via audio 10 and f1 and a x1, the way i see it i can just use dvs and one of these to do the same job with better feedback from the unit. I LIKE IT
its not…has your X1 ever died and you gotta use the F1 as the X1 in Midi mode?..where u only get 2 effects instead of 3 and every simple command is now a combination of shift + another button or 2 buttons?-.if you get this,I would still keep the X1 and F1,hence the HUB….this meets only halfway…again,the only Trump card it has is the 4 deck control….thats it yo’….and if you play out,dem screens is pretty…pretty fucking small for a smokey club deciding where to lay cue points onna cell phone,basically….jus saying.
I love this concept and can’t wait to get my hands on two of these. My only concern is that there is only one set of effect controls on each one. I use a combination of multi-mode effects in my first and second inserts and single mode effects in the 3rd/4th insert. Its essential for my workflow to have dedicated controls for all four inserts. Otherwise I’m not going to be able to chain and control all the various effects together like I do with my two X1s. Other than that these, along with using Stems, is definitely the next level for my performances:)
You could always keep an X1 for the 3rd and 4th FX units or go the route that I’d like to take and buy four D2’s. $2,000 for plastic MIDI controllers with screens is a hard pill to swallow but it starts to make a little more sense when you compare the power of four D2’s hooked up to Traktor with a nice external mixer versus one CDJ-2000 that lists for the same retail price even though no one should be paying retail for CDJ’s. Regardless, I won’t be buying until NI lowers the price and I can get a set of four for around $1,500.
Ya.. I was wondering if there would be any sort of compatibility issues when plugging two D2s in along with an X1. If that is what I have to do to continue my current workflow than so be it. The benefits of the D2s and using Stems is well worth it.
On the S8 you can switch the lower row of controls (performance controls) to FX control.
MF Twisters are very lovely.. 4 banks.. plus sequencer..
Would u mind sharing the basics of your workflow? personally I use the mouse and keyboard to browse effects, which sucks. The main selling point of this unit for me, is the ability to browse the effects from the hardware, which I am not sure how to do on an x1, or MF twister, (I have both). Do you map a set of filters and their dial positions to a keypress?
I am also wondering how adjusting the pitch per remix cell is done on the D2?
If I can use a CDJ for platter control and pitch adjust on the same deck as this, then I will definitely buy this. I might have a bad unit, but my X1 MK2 (not from djtechtools) does not have what I would call a “reliable” touch strip.
Personally I love sync, when it works, its awesome, but there is no way I can be bothered to go through all my tracks and beatgrid them, I want precise platter control and pitch adjust right in front of me when I need it.
Hey brentgreeff, you can use this MFT mapping to control, send and select effects all from your device: https://maps.djtechtools.com/mappings/2922
that looks ideal, thx
To change effects using an X1 you just have to hold down the shift key and turn the parameter knob in the effects section of the X1. Simple.
As for my work flow..
As I said, I use the first two effect inserts in Group mode which gives me 6 different effects.
I put a delay on the third insert and use single mode so I can get all the control for feedback, rate, and filtering.
Lastly, I put a reverb in the fourth insert also in single mode for more control.
This is really powerful because I can create really awesome and different sounding effect chains and always be able to smooth it out with the delay and reverb at the end.
For example.. run a Gater into a Flanger into a Transpose Stretch into a Wormhole and then through the delay/reverb.
Turning on so many effects and then having to turn them off at the end of a breakdown (for example) proved to be a pain but I fixed that by mapping a key to turn ALL effects off.
Fun stuff:)
Yea I guess a single X1 does seem limited now that I think about it.
i wanna see a dj try and beatmatch with this….
I don’t see why not. encoder can adjust BPM by 0.01 and strip is basically a jog wheel. I can do this with my BASE controller and those touchstrips are somewhat less of resolution.
its just not my style.im a fan of the pitch fader and seeing the person mix the old way
The D2 doesn’t preclude this.. as I’ve mentioned elsewhere it’s entirely possible to achieve beatmatching in Traktor regardless of what midi controllers you have plugged in.
I can’t even afford decks right now and it hasn’t stopped me from coming up with a way to control pitch for 2 decks and master tempo.
long long time ago there was a dj cd player that set the bar for the future … it was called DN-2000 … pitching was done via buttons. You can do that with a D2 too.
S’real easy dude.. just plug in TTs or CDJs to your mixer and go to town.
Im not sure you understand what ‘beatmatching’ is. You don’t need a jogwheel to beatmatch, the touch strip works just fine for nudging the tempo.
It is all about the stems format, wait and see/hear…
I think this can become a brilliant concept for all stakeholders, producers, DJ’s and NI as a platform for great gear and music.
I don’t get this… Why making new hardware for an old software ? I’m a Traktor user and still love the software. But all I want to see at this time is Traktor Pro 3 released with :
– Smart Playlists
– MASCHINE Integration
– HID Support on all CDJS
– Flexible Beatgrids
– Plug&Play with all Mixers, having the Certified Mixer label for all of them !
– Seamless Integration with professional Hardware, not Toys!
Losing development in new Hardware which no one will use is pointless at this time!
No one will find this on a club or even come with such a thing for many reasons. The S8 is a Toy and this D2-R2 things too. I’m sorry, I’m not blaming NI or anyone but this is not the way I thought. People want simplicity and versatility ! Coming to the booth, connecting your Laptop with a USB cable on Mixer/CDJs and Play. That’s it !
I just can’t imagine playing without a Jogwheel … maybe you guys can but I don’t.
Of course the Remix decks are great and the Stems-decks too, I’m also a F1 user and like the idea to integrate Samples in my sets. That’s why I’m hoping for a Maschine Integration soon on Traktor Pro 3 as a serious update.
But all we achieve at this time is, like Garuda said, a jungle of cables… A super complicated setup with hundreds of flashing Pads, but we’re not all like Richie Hawtin… And God knows I respect him for his work.
So what do we have now ? A ugly plastic thing for 499€. Cool, you dont need to watch your Macbook screen.. You will now look at our new tiny screen ! Cm’on…!!!
I’m sorry but this is frustrating me. At least they’re working on updates like the 64-bit Version of the software which will allow us to finally use all the Ram available on our computers and some other minor things. These are improvements !
One would hope the long time between releases means NI is rewriting Traktor from the ground up, which it needs. Their comments about how difficult it was to implement remix decks tells me how bad their codebase is. I’d even be fine with more marginal improvements for 3.0, if it meant NI had a solid framework to then expand rapidly upon: Build VST support. Build vastly improved library management. Build a modern, modular GUI drawing layer. All those things are very doable, if you have a workable, well designed codebase first.
Do you really imagine Traktor 3 will not have support for their hardware lineup?
Cable jungles can be overcome with forethought and planning.
If you really can’t imagine DJing without a jogwheel.. that’s a personal failing.. not an actual problem.. Plugin a CDJ on one side and a D2 on the other.
Completelly agree with you! I also add: why no jog weels?
Exactly, there’s something about just hooking up a laptop and a small/functional controller to a club system (or back home) and it all just works, without all the cabling, SW re-routing, HIDs, huge jog wheels, functions on knobs that are used mostly once a day or once, or never…
The only open question…is it re-mapable? and to other software. If they want to compete with Pioneer, they must open it to Serato and Ableton. The lack of soundcard isn’t good and should be an option down the line.
They already have soundcard options… Z2, Z1, A10, A6, Audio 2, DJM 850-900-2000…
that option is no the one I have in mind…I was thinking of an D2 with a built-in soundcard
They already have it… NI called it the S8.
lol…that’s true
That Z2 still looking good after a couple years of being out on the market – if it works don’t change it right?!
seen one in the store best faders i felt and i have been tho a few in my 17 years of djing
Yes, Z2 is a great unit. I would get one but my S4 is still getting used for the few times I DJ.
nice
That’s why I bought mine in Xmas. Best thing I’ve made.
$499 for this? NI I think you missed the mark once again.
What I can see. …is only
1. Jungle of cable
2. Need sound card
3. Very expensive
4. An Old software (still not do exile beatgrid )
5. No pitch is slide (see point nr. 4)
…and many other things. ..
Is worthy? I don’t know. ..
NI think that djs only plays straight house music prepared and nd edited and not home? There and not re and not re word “outside” that want just normality and creativity.
Just my 2 cent..
I think the individual deck pitch control, and deck volume are found under the sub-menu window (using the multi-knob).
u should use this gear with a mixer has a built in soundcard (pioneer,rane) in it.actually u can slide with the touch strip it is just a new way of doin things
But guys, the D2 has cool feet that you can flip out and play with! Totally worth it! Plus a USB hub! Innovation station! I will say this: Two D2’s and an Allen and Heath Xone DB4 would be a sexy setup!
$500 bucks for this overpriced ugly controller. No thanks
Allow midi mapping? If not I think the versus controler will be a better choice
Why do you imagine remapping this will be entirely impossible?
For what it does.. the versus doesn’t seem to me to offer anything that can match a Z2 and ONE D2..
NI hardware cant be midi mapped so you can only usi with NI products. I thinks this is like Windows in the 90s… also the versus is 1500 usd son Is not an option anymore,
If midi mapping capability is really worth 3 times the cost of a D2 then be my guest!!
you re rigth, didnt know the versus was 1500 at that day, so let me say in a different way, 500 bucks should incluide midi mapping
For 500$, I’m not interested. This doesnt even make sense, They sell the S8 for 1200$ and for two of these it’s 1000$. They’re only valuing the mixer on the S8 at 200$?
I agree completely. I don’t see myself ditching my X1 mk2’s for these when they are $500 a pop and it would cost $2000 to have the functionality I prefer (no switching layers). If they were $300-$400 each I would consider it but I won’t be paying through the nose just to get the sides of the S8. Does NI really think their customers are stupid enough to believe that the S8 mixer is only worth $200? Bring the price down at least $100 and I’ll buy 4 of them but for now I’ll stick with my X1’s, DB4, and Maschine Studio mapped to extra Traktor functions in the studio and use Rekordbox on CDJ’s or my Faderfox DJ44 when playing out. I’m a huge NI fan but they’ve been getting very greedy the past few years.
Agreed. They would sell at a loss, but $350 would move enough units that NI could have a chance to capture the market. At $500… the response will be tepid. The more cynical side of my brain won’t shut up about how their new stem format is a way to justify needing 4 upfaders per deck, because almost nobody cares about remix decks.
Yep… because industrial engineering and strategy is only about cutting a S8 in 3 parts. Of course you can’t just divide the price of the S8 in 3 parts and apply it on the D2 pricing.
There were probably loads of development & research investments into the screens, stems and everything and these costs need to be distributed on new products.
I agree that the pricing is a bit steep. But on the other hand you can get one of these + a used macbook and still pay less than the mid-entry level CDJs
Yes, plus manufacturing, shipping cost and all those are pretty much the same no matter the size of the unit.
As for the stems container SW format, any SW engineer who could read the MP4 specs could put that together in a day. There’s some work in the LCD display for showing the stems and re-routing the waveforms in the audio bus but that’s maybe two weeks’ of work. I.. it certainly does not justify a big price hike. Especially as a lot of the SW code most likely is reused from existing code.
ding ding ding ding! 😉
News flash.. they didn’t design it for people heavily considering an S8.. They designed it for those with a Z2 or interested in using their own digital mixer.
With that in mind, $500 is an excellent value for 4 deck control.
It’s really over-priced for a MIDI controller for $500, even an LCD screen is not so expensive to add to a unit nowadays.
Possibly.. but there are lots of people who made an audio interface their first digital djing purchase.. I honestly don’t need a soundcard shoehorned into every controller I buy.. That’s why I chose a mixer that had one in it.
Many also don’t want to bring more and more cables, units and gear to gigs compared with having a small unit that does most of the work. This would have been a perfect S1 but NI choose a different direction.
That’s one extra cable for one device that can control 4 decks.. I’m not sure light weight 4 channel mixer/midi controller is possible.. You can have the one.. lightweight.. or you can have the other.. 4 channel mixer midi controller… but trying to please everyone by making a light 4 channel mixer/midi controller is bound to please no one.
and the Z1 is small I will give you that.. but I’ve compared the feel to my Z2.. no thanks..
I think for a working club DJ you work with the space and equipment you have..
Would I like to always set up both of my mixer cases for my environment? Yes.. would I force people to go through all that trouble if I need to spin at the 99% of club environments that are already going to have a mixer and two CDJs set up? No… I’ll just plug in a USB stick and if needed throw a cable to the other CDJ so I can share the stick.
Those DJs that you spoke of that don’t want to deal with cables and setup are perfectly able to use the pioneer equipment that’s likely already there.
The Behringer CMD MM-1 fits the bill for a 4 channel mixer midi controller. The catch is that you need a separate sound card as it doesn’t have one built in to it.
If it doesn’t do any summing.. at all.. whatsoever.. it doesn’t fit the bill as a mixer.. Z2 yes.. something without audio i/o can only really be described as a midi controller with a mixer design aesthetic..
Remove jog wheels (totally dinosaur things by today.) Combine multiple switches to one with smart toggles. Make the controls 20% smaller compared with let’s say S2.
not digging your vision.. I’ll leave it at that..
I.e. no need to bring any NI gear at all to clubs then according do you. I would think NI would be interested to break this trend. I’m sure you know most club spaces are crowded concerning adding more equipment — like an S8…
I’m saying that DJs work with what’s available and if they have a few inches to spare and CDJs are already set up I don’t see why they wouldn’t want to plug in their D2 if they wanted remix deck control.. or any of the other things that a D2 can that a CDJ cannot.
absolutely right comment, just making more money
Also, have you recently priced LCD screens with approximately the same resolution or size?
I recently bought an LCD screen with a driver board but without a frame. It’s 10″ and that came to around $144. The tech concern of creating a driver board to run through USB reliably while still packing in all the other functionality leads me to believe that $500 is really not that bad if the D2 provides what a lot of DJs are looking for.. I believe it does.
NI’s bulk pricing options are quite different compared with individuals purchasing single LCD units. Especially as NI uses the same LCDs for other purposes, too.
I can’t see how adding let’s say $25 in components where the audio USB components are already purchased in bulk by NI would have been a big deal. Unless they had to squeeze the price under $500 and keep the profit margins reasonable (suspect something between 25 and 30% myself.)
that’s squeezing in a lot of hardware where they already have products that fulfill that functionality..
and my point was that even in bulk that is a good price for a screen and the driver board to run it (through USB no less).
Dev costs money too.. Not just hardware.
You be surprised how much better pricing bigger (and even bigger) companies get from components compared with ordering something from Amazon. Anyway, the dev costs are an issue but today a lot of the code is shared, I would not be surprised that large parts for this unit are from Z2, S* SW, firmware, drivers and so on. So it’s a cost, but spread across multiple devices on sale.
The maschine studios wich has a much bigger footprint than two D2 costs €999 AND comes with a huge software library.
Yes, and it’s on my radar.. Before a D2 certainly.. But I just bought an X1 Mk2, an F1, and a twister… Not to mention a 10″ hdmi screen and a flight case for my Mini.. So a pretty pad controller will probably be quite a distance in the future for me.
I mean that the price argument for the D2 is kinda iffy. they are overpriced compared to their other gear imo.
Understandable, debatable certainly.. But understandable..
with one D2 you can control 4 decks?..how?..can it control even deck A & B?..if that is so then its a good deal..pair one with the Z1 and all is good..
That’s what I’ve gleaned from the writing yes. It would be better two have two but one is apparently enough to control all four decks through switching.
“Finally the Kontrol D2 has 4 buttons to toggle between all 4 decks. So in theory a DJ could control all 4 decks using one Kontrol D2.”
it can kontrol 4 decks… I tested in my gig last weekend and works fine…
No is not. No sound card? It’s just oversized, fancy plastic fantastic controller. Not a player as they falsely advertise it.
They NEVER advertised this as anything except deck control for their software. Eat your sour grapes elsewhere. Better yet.. Buy a soundcard and STFU.
Well… they do on their website – Next Generation Deck – Deck IS a Player – Controller is NOT a Deck. It is false advertising. Deck plays music, controller just controls. So I am right and you are wrong. Ahhh for these moments Internet was invented… 🙂
No. a deck is a deck.. which could mean quite a lot of things but doesn’t necessarily mean quite a few others. They have never implied it’s a player so if you inferred it was by them using the word deck.. That’s where you would be wrong.
Look, I’m sorry english is kind of a fucked up language.. Which can be very confusing for people who don’t have it as a first language.. But here’s the thing.. Most languages use context as a key for meaning..
If you read the info.. looked at the pictures.. and continued to wonder where the CD slot is.. KNOWING what kind of company NI is and what they’ve made in the past.. I can’t help you..
But let’s go with your supposition here for a moment “controller just controls”. Ok.. If that’s your basis.. This ISN’T just a controller then. It has information relayed back to the device via HID.. thereby not just controlling.. If it gives a person information about what is playing on the computer then it doesn’t JUST control.
So take your gloating about being “right” and your “win” on the internet and shove them up your ass next to your mastery of the english language. 🙂
Dictionary – DECK -a piece of equipment used for playing music tapes, records etc. This one does not have soundcard so it does not produce sound, therefore it IS NOT A DECK. It is a controller, therefore they false advertise it.
I tried be reasonable but apparently you are unable to continue conversation without insulting other party.
Like they say… You’re not right, your’e just an asshole.
Words can have multiple meanings.. Try the Wikipedia page. You’ll see there are other uses for the term as well. As far as being an asshole goes; It takes one to know one.
You’re the pissant who’s so interested in being “right”. If you believe it’s false advertising.. Don’t buy it. Stop being a pedant and buy a fucking sound card already..
Criminy, you’re like that guy in Family guy who keeps yelling “You’re a phony! You’re a phony!”.
Fuck off with your interest in having a “reasonable” conversation. I’m not interested in having “conversations” with dense fucks that can’t parse meaning through context.
Yes, this is the internet.. Where nobody is responsible for doing your thinking or understanding. I seriously doubt considering NI’s history of hardware manufacturing anyone actually thought NI would be coming out with a media player. Be it via flash memory or optical disk. If you expected that because of the use of the term “Deck” you’re a dumbfuck and not worth responding to further. GFY.
P.S. Language evolves.. Evolve with it.. or don’t.. Nobody gives a shit about your pedantic non-issue.
Also, by your definition, even if they stuck a sound card in it; it STILL wouldn’t be a deck.. A deck plays music? Well, that’s just fine.. Sound cards don’t play music. They process information which could be music.. or not. They don’t actually play any “media”. Your computer does that. A sound card allows whatever that is to be routed out of your computer.. or in.. Whether in or out.. a soundcard is never actually the thing being the “playhead”.
f*ck yes the d2 is a fascinating piece of gear. and it whil have a greater success for club use the s8 will have because of the smaller fitting between common club gear. eg mixer and cdjs/turntables. so ther is no need for an extra mixer if you are an etablished artist an are able to order an 900djm or any Sound card enabled mixer, and you will get your wished gear. but gor all starting artists in smaller venues whit less budget there is more the need of everything. and here is the punchline of ni’s surreal pricing politics: how much does a 4ch mixer with full audio interface and scratch! plus full midi funktion? 200 bucks? i dont think so. and this why the d2 ist heavy overpriced or otherwise the s8 is damn cheap.
The mixer on the Kontrol S8 is also a 4 channel mixer, so there’s that piece to contend with too.
Exactly. NI should go for bigger market shares than club DJs that have specific equipment already.
If you compare to pioneers overpriced gear I would agree… the S8 is damn cheap.
Not liking this. No, sound card and still over $400? That’s a lot considering to get the full tactile use out of it you would need to have two. For another $200 you can get the S8. I feel bad for the people who bought a Z2. Plus you have to have a D2 or an S8 to use the new Stem format? NI is starting to get a little to pushy with their prices and releases. I’m all about new innovation but this seems like a straight up money maker release to me.
Exactly right! Money maker 😛
In the Stems article and in the video Ean tells that stem is an open audio format, and after the release everybody can use this technology, so serato or even pioneer can release a new software/function which handle this format, and also you can map this functionality for any controller, Ean did the video with the Midifighter Twister! The NI S8 and D2 is just stem ready right out of the box!
Yo,not to Diss,but Stem format is gonna only work with electronic music or kats that buy packs of sounds instead of digging.How the fuck are you gonna get a Throbbing Gristle’ Stem file.?..or the ‘Fat Backs,or the JB’s,Eddie Bo???,Etc.Unless one had access to the master recording,meaning,the drum track,the a capella,the guitar,etc…so yeah,it speeds up mash ups and editing,but everybody will be working with the same sounds…which in the end,sounds ordinary…whats wrong with chopping samples and using obscure sources? isnt that what the Master DJ’s who actually live the Life do?…Stems,Flems…this is for slapping stuff together to impress the non initiated….simple as that…’its gonna go something like this : Wow,you are so good,thats so dope,and you did that so fast,you are the Dopest ever”.that is a compliment coming from somebody outside the circle. We,as Actual DJ’s gotta protect our Artform,not make it Easy..People already say we arent actual artist cuz we play other peoples music….this only adds to that nonsense…Tell that to DJ Shadow,or DJ Krush,or Geoff Barrlow/Portishead or Andy Smith or Fucking Afrika Bambatta and see what they say…
“but everybody will be working with the same sounds…”
Really? Shit! I guess I’m going to be one of a fucking kind when I use stems and remix decks to create whatever the hell I want.
Stem based mixing is nothing new, anyone could take loops from drum only or bass only tracks from many sources and use them as mix-in loops. It’s just packetizing in a new format, nothing new under the sun.
Correct, it’s not a new idea, just a new way to package things. I was being sarcastic.. If people want to buy “Stem” files there is nothing stopping them.. neither will there be anything stopping people that want to use the format however they wish. There doesn’t seem to be anything stopping people from putting whatever they want in those stem files.. or using the bassline stem with a remix deck track containing a drum loop.. or a twister deck..
Nice one rasp I agree w/ you bro. I thought I’m the only one who doesn’t like the stem format. Every software dj now can easily mashup everything and those innocent party people can praise them. What about those hardworking djs who really dig and craft their own creative live set like enferno, etc. You have to work your way up and be unique, not relying on automation and buying easy music format. *smh
What’s precluding those hardworking crate diggers from using this technology? Ohhhh.. nothing..
Yes, people will buy stem files and sound like everyone else.. There will also be those people who create their own and find new ways to use them that will be doubly unique.
I doubt there’s much uniqueness in four individual stems. Speaking of uniqueness is more of a personal touch — but that means someone actually has to play an instrument on stage….
Depends on what people decide to put in the format.. I’m not saying there is a direct analogue but if people can stick the Dr. Mario theme inside a gif of one of the germs they can certainly figure out ways to use this in a unique and original way.
This really perplexes me? Why would you feel bad for people who bought the Z2?
Especially when one of your arguments is “No soundcard.”
Anybody that did the deductive reasoning could see that they designed the D2 to be the perfect partner to the Z2.
That’s fine.. You can feel bad..
Meanwhile, I’ll have a set up that allows me to plug in two TTs, two CDJs, Two D2’s and a twister and have complete and total control over everything in Traktor whichever way I would like to control it..
At what is really a very sane price point..
I’ve been muddling over throwing down $2000 for a CDJ for a long time.. All so I could get somewhat better deck control over two decks while having a HID screen.. Now I can’t really see the point whatsoever.. Clubs can make that investment and I can purchase one of these and get what I want out of it at a price I can deal with.
The Z2 was also pretty reasonable during the Valentine’s Day sale that saw it drop to $600 when I scooped my mine. Recently passed it to my 16yr old daughter, due to a new upgrade.
Also.. where did you get the ” you have to have a D2 or an S8 to use the new Stem format”? Did you miss the part where those midi commands will be available to everyone?
“straight up money maker release to me.”
Yes.. That’s what businesses are formed to do..
$500.00 is harsh punishment for anyone that already owns a mixer.. 2 of these are basically the same cost as an s8…if they were priced at $400.00 at least it would leave consumers the quasi- freedom of choice of going modular, by leaving a few hundred for a cheap mixer. BUT if you buy 2 at $500.00 each , add a z2(which is a downgrade from the s8 mixer, but by the SAME MFGR).. and you pay almost $2000.00. never mind the cost of a equally featured 4 channel mixer paired with 2 of these….
my point is if you have no set up, or even if you already have a nice 4 channel mixer, it would be a bad investment to buy 2 x D2s instead of just buying an s8…
It’s meant for DJs that have a mixer..xone with an NI soundcard or DJM or Rane etc..to give functionality for remix decks..less use of laptop..stems etc..and replace a cdj.. A new DJ should probably get s4 or cheaper controller then move up later..NI is trying to crack the hold pioneer has on the the club market and with pro djs as well as offer new workflow to hobby DJ’s. Price is probably high for hobbist but reasonable for pro
i fully understand the role the controller plays, im pointing out that if you do own a DJM, rane or xone, youre getting charged for an s8 anyway by purchasing 2 x D2s
and it doesnt “replace” CDJ… since it cant play music without a laptop.
Well I only need one since I use traktor dvs.. And the S8 is a non starter because it won’t fit in the booth.. although I have rekordbox, vinyl and cds I play traktor 90% of the time and don’t switch back and forth so for a primarily traktor DJ it replaces a cdj
“my point is if you have no set up, or even if you already have a nice 4 channel mixer, it would be a bad investment to buy 2 x D2s instead of just buying an s8…”
I don’t understand your logic.. If you are going to buy an S8 you might as well leave it at home because good luck trying to get the space to place it in a tiny booth that already has decks, CDJs, and a viable mixer.
If you have no set up whatsoever.. No.. you should probably work on getting a quality mixer first..
I think $399-$449 would be a better price point, but you do get a ton of functionality. This is partially marketed at those who want to replace a CDJ I would imagine so in that context, not a bad deal.
Exactly
actually 150-200$ would be the right price for a plastick midi controller i say…
WORD!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Kontrol X1 mk2 is $200 and the stand to bring it to mixer height is $50. I think $350 for this controller would be fair.
These controllers without sound card and that make mandatory the purchase of the native sound cards are a lack of respect for consumers
Or just buy a Z1, Z2, or use it along side an S2 or S4. You have many options.
Money don´t fall of trees
IMO a modular setup is always more expensive than a compact all in one solution, so…
Yes and that is why you can either play gigs to earn money to buy more equipment or use whatever means to be able to add one of these to your workflow.
2 of these would be perfect for my DJM850.
I agree, not including a simple 2×2 audio interface was an odd decision, maybe based on profit margins…
In my opinion it doesn’t do anything with the profit margins, just simple the concept behind this that you buy these D2s for control your Traktor effects and remix decks alongside a standart club mixer like the Pioneer DJM900 or a A&H mixer which both have a built in sound card, so the controller’s audio card would be unnecessary…
Well, my guestimate is that one out of 200 DJs actually play at clubs so if they want to restrict the target to a much smaller set of customers, that’s fine for me. Also, if NI thinks clubs will throw out Pioneer decks for this one, I think it’s fun to daydream.
I still think they didn’t want to eat up their profit margins and rather ask DJs to purchase an Audio 2 or something similar from them. Or then a Z1 could work in case someone does not really need all the fancy wave forms and could look at a laptop screen instead. I still think an S1 would have been a cool product, i.e. try to squeeze down the S2/S4 into the smallest possible form factor for transportation and setup, but that’s just my opinion…
Xone 92s don’t have a sound card and they’re the default mixer behind Pioneers
They likely based the decision off of the opinions of people who bought a Z2 and would be thinking “why the hell do I need ANOTHER audio interface when one is already in my mixer?”.
So it’s for Z2 owners only, that’s even a smaller target group than club DJs… OK.
If you need to believe it can’t be used without a Z2 or any other viable digital mixer.. or analogue mixer next to a CDJ, or audio interface connected to an analogue mixer.. OK…
I’m constantly astounded by people who feel the need to assume everyone else suffers their own limitations of imagination..
I’m mostly stating my own opinion why NI didn’t go for bigger markets than Z2 owners or clubs. Assuming they want to make a profit, of course.
They did.. My opinion is that your perspective doesn’t allow you to see that.
My perspective is based on the concept that companies want to either short term or long term make profit from products and services they provide. This by making products that are desirable for the maximal amount of customers — especially in a competitive area where multiple solutions are available for customers to choose. Not on my personal needs as those are minuscule compared with the big picture.
But if the opinion is that NI will make good money for just selling to Z2 owners or hoping clubs will replace CDJs with these — good luck with that.
I continue to wonder why you think you could not use this with whatever mixer you already had.. As I’ve said elsewhere.. They aren’t expecting club owners to replace CDJs with these. They are expecting that a lot of DJs will use a CDJ as their audio interface and do want extra functionality that a CDJ will NOT ever be able to provide.. I.E. Full Remix deck functionality.
Cake and eating it..
I guess I could try to use it with an analog mixer, of course with no USB audio drivers, right.
Yes, you could use it with an analogue mixer.. Because the two would have little to do with each other in terms of what and why you were hooking it up.. If you were going to use it with an analogue mixer I presume you would also be using it with whatever audio interface you already had.. Unless you just joined the party yesterday and have no idea what you are doing..
and yes you could use it with the Pioneer equipment already in the club.. So go ahead.. make that CDJ-2000 nexus control a remix deck.. or any of the effects decks… I’ll wait..
The D2 is a Traktor controller. If you own Traktor you already have a soundcard. Why would someone buy a Traktor controller if they didn’t already have Traktor?
Traktor is SW, it does not have a sound card. I guess you could use the laptop’s output, most modern Mac laptops have pretty good sound output actually. And get the $9 split cable. Still, I would not get the D2, overpriced as a Midi controller.
You’ve not understood…. if you own and use Traktor then you will already have a sound card in your set up. either a certified mixer (there are several that aren’t the Z2) or a separate sound card and a bog standard mixer, but if you are using Traktor you likely have something that routes the sound for you. The D2 isn’t a sound card solution. Just like the X1 and F1, its intended use is to accompany a mixer of some kind. Sticking a sound card in it would be a complete waste. Now I’m not defending the price. it is what it is. But saying that this controller should have a sound card integrated is completely missing the point of the D2.
Yep, only to be paired up with the Z2. Completely useless with my DJM. LOL… Not like people have A10s or A6s either.
You got it!
Why not include an integrated sound card in Kontrol D2? And even worse, costing $500 USD / € (imagine here in Brazil the price, with our very high taxes)
Native Instruments keeps improving the “features”, but forgetting the simplicity in time to play. If I buy the D2, I have to always be with an audio card connected and carrying a lot of cables.
My Allen & Heath K2 it’s only 2 cables, a USB and a RCA Master Out straight from the controller. What a pity Native Instruments, thought it would migrate to the D2, but not this time =/
Could not agree more with you
clearly NI make this modular controller for those who don’t use any external separate audio card, but they do make this for who use any club standard mixer that has a traktor certified audio card built in, or use their Z2 mixer!
Sorry, but not all clubs (in Brazil, at least in my area) do not have a mixer with a traktor certified audio card built in. That’s the point! If I want to simply plug in a RCA Master Out in ANY place, it is not possible, only using an audio card. For me, D2 it’s still making no sense
It makes no sense to you, because it is a controller that was not designed for you. Makes perfect sense to myself and my daughter, she owns a Z2 and I own a DJM. She’s looking at these as drop ins, instead of taking my pair of 900’s out with her.
Exactly! This is the exact concept behind this product!
This is a controller. Like the X1, X1 mk2, and F1. None of those controllers contain a sound card. are they all useless too? This isn’t an all-in-one. Its a supplementary controller to accompany a mixer. As a Traktor user you either have a mixer that includes a sound card or you own a separate sound card. This controller makes no sense to you because you don’t understand its concept.
Well, my guestimate is that one out of 200 DJs actually play at clubs so if they want to restrict the target to a much smaller set of customers, that’s fine for me. Also, if NI thinks clubs will throw out Pioneer decks for this one, I think it’s fun to daydream.
I still think they didn’t want to eat up their profit margins and rather ask DJs to purchase an Audio 2 or something similar from them. Or then a Z1 could work in case someone does not really need all the fancy wave forms and could look at a laptop screen instead. I still think an S1 would have been a cool product, i.e. try to squeeze down the S2/S4 into the smallest possible form factor for transportation and setup, but that’s just my opinion.
Thousands of DJs have xone 92/62/42 or DJMs this is perfect for.. And clubs don’t need to buy them.. They are portable as an F1 or X1 so you bring it with you .. The market for these is huge..
Actually, I expect that NI understands that clubs will likely still continue to buy CDJs.. and wanted a product that would fit somewhere in the mix..
If you DON’T have a mixer with an audio interface.. plug in a CDJ.. As you say.. the clubs will continue to buy them.
Expensive only for the LCD screen .The funny of this thing is that you maybe will paid for this controller when you have a retina screen of the traktor decks in your mac hahahah
€500? really?
It’s NI’s cdj or turntable replacement player. A pair of D2s is less than a CDJ 900, XDJ 1000 or pair of PLXs ..its a decent price for a player that does what it does with a usb hub and a great screen etc..
it’s not a player, it’s a midi controller. A darn pretty one, I’ll give it that. But it is not a player.
What makes it not a player? Compared to a CDJ what is different ? Besides the jog wheel replaced by the touch strip.
okay, I can pick up two cdj/xdj or variants, come home and plug them into my mixer and be ready to play. I still need a sound card and a computer with software to get the D2 to do anything. And I’m not hating, I use traktor all the time myself
To use a CDJ with traktor you need the laptop…as far as traktor goes …not the world of rekordbox or a cd .. They are the same.. In fact the d2 is a better traktor player than a CDJ..
what? I don’t need traktor to use the cdj, they play cd’s or usb sticks last I’ve heard.
You said you use traktor..its a traktor player..so when you’re using traktor …it’s the same as a CDJ
Yes and I also use traktor dvs, but my technics don’t magically do nothing when I decide to play some vinyl.
The difference is it does not have a sound card so it does not output any audio. So it is not a player. If they had put sound cards is these they would be great.
agreed, for that price there should have been an integrated audiocard eliminating all that cablemess. they always get so close and then drop the ball.
There is a difference between a soundcard (audio interface) and a sound processor or DAC. A soundcard requires a computer, a player is standalone and does its own digital audio conversion.
No audio. Not a player. Just fancy overpriced controller.
Sadly, because it doesn’t have an audio card.
Are you really comparing the D2 to a CDJ 900 haha.. this is a glorified midi controller.
Tell me the difference for a traktor DJ? maybe $700 less per unit, better traktor integration, remix decks,etc..for the thousands of Traktor Xone 92, Xone DB4/2, DJM 900/850/2000, Rane, Vestax, Audio 10/8/2 users its a way better player than a CDJ..So the $500 investment in a NI soundcard or $1200 plus investment in my mixer won’t get wasted..the DJs targeted don’t need a soundcard like a CDJ.. so why put it in and charge $699? Plus its built for Traktor 3.0 so no work-a-round mapping tsi files in a couple months.. They will sell a lot of these..
Buy a used A&H 4D for that money 😀 You have everything in one unit and it is cheaper. Combine that with maschine and you can do some good magic 😀 No needs for this overpriced midi controler
Used 4Ds are still over a $1000 on ebay in decent condition and I had a 4D..its nice but big a hell and won’t fit easily in booths and hard to take with you.. A D2 is way smaller.. Screens help a lot and can pack in DJ bag in 2 minutes and don’t have to worry about mapping for traktor 3.0 this summer
Those you mentioned are “standalone” players not a midi only controller to justify the price difference. So don’t compare those
To a traktor DJ they do the same things.. So you can compare.. Traktor DJs wouldn’t be playing cds or rekordbox and if you play using more than traktor then this isn’t for you anyway.. this is targeted at DJs that already have sound cards..in their mixer or an NI Audio 10/8/6.. The price difference is real..
Just popped on the NI site and it’s saying £429 for pre-order. This would mean a price of almost €600 in the UK. 🙁 I hope this is just a throwback from the original announcement…