Native Instruments
Review: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S5
Native Instruments’ new Traktor Kontrol S5 controller follows in the footsteps of its relatives, the S8 and D2. It is essentially a more stripped-down and portable version of the larger S8, which despite all its features, is a pain to travel with.
Watch Mojaxx’s review of the S5 above in this week’s episode of Tips & Tricks.
Related: Native Instruments’ Traktor Kontrol D2 Reviewed
DJs Shouldn’t Upgrade to OS X El Capitan Yet

DJs should think twice before upgrading to Mac OS X 10.11 aka El Capitan.
Within the last couple of days, Serato, Native Instruments, and Pioneer DJ have all released statements advising users to not upgrade, due to compatibility issues.
Serato and Native Instruments have said they are currently working on fixes. In the meantime, it’s best to be safe and check the compatibility of your products and El Capitan.
The following products have been affected:
Serato:
Serato DJ
Native Instruments:
Traktor Kontrol S4 (MK1)
Traktor Kontrol X1 (MK1)
Traktor Audio 2 (MK1)
Audio 8 DJ
Audio 4 DJ
Audio 2 DJ (MK1)
Maschine (MK1)
Rig Kontrol 3
Native Instruments have already provided beta drivers that fix the issue.
Pioneer:
DJM-S9, DJM-2000NXS, DJM-2000, DJM-900NXS, DJM-900SRT, DJM-850, DJM-750, DJM-T1, DJM-5000
DDJ-RZ, DDJ-SZ
XDJ-AERO, XDJ-RX
MEP-7000
RMX-500
Related: Serato Issues Statement Regarding OS X Yosemite
Native Instruments Introduces Traktor Kontrol S5
Native Instruments has introduced the Traktor Kontrol S5 — a new portable, Stems-ready four-channel DJ system.
The modern decks provide the tools for instant edits, mashups, acapellas, and more overall creative control.
Some standout features on the system include two high-res displays, touch-sensitive controls, performance modes, and multipurpose touch strips, allowing you to shape your sound.
The S5 costs $799 and is available to pre-order on Native Instruments’ website.
Related: Shiftee Demonstrates Native Instruments’ Stems
Shiftee Demonstrates Native Instruments’ Stems
A lot has been written about Native Instruments’ new Stems format, but there are only a few videos of turntablists using it in action. Thankfully, two-time DMC World DJ Champion Shiftee has just posted a short video of him putting the format to the test.
Watch above as the New York DJ/producer performs a routine based on Curl Up’s future bass song, “Frozen Shell.” Shiftee uses two Technics turntables, one Traktor Kontrol Z2 mixer, and two Traktor Kontrol D2 controllers in conjunction with Stems.
Related: Is Native Instruments’ Stems the Format of the Future?
Native Instruments Launches Stems Creator Tool

When Native Instruments launched its new Stems file format earlier this month, there were only a handful of artists and labels that were offering their songs in the format.
That’s likely to change, though, as the German company today released a public beta of their Stems Creator Tool. Now any artist and label can offer their tracks as Stems.
As some experts have pointed out, it’s essential that more content creators offer their tracks as Stems if the format is going to catch on. Today’s release of the Stems Creator Tool is a big move in the right direction.
Native Instruments also released a tutorial video on how to create Stems, which you can watch below.
Do you think we should offer Stems on DJcity? If so, would you pay extra for them? Let us know in the comment section below.
Related: Is Native Instruments’ Stems the Format of the Future?
Is Native Instruments’ Stems the Format of the Future?
We’ve been eager to experiment with Native Instruments’ new Stems file format since it was announced back in March. Now that it’s finally here, DJcityTV’s Mojaxx has been playing with it around the clock.
In case you haven’t heard, Stems is Native Instruments’ attempt to create the first format specifically for DJ use. In a nutshell, it enables DJs to mix and blend four elements of a track.
DJs and producers will be able to assemble their own files with the Stems Creator Tool, which will be released soon.
So far, the only DJ software that supports Stems is Traktor. It’s possible that other companies might support it in the future, though.
Watch our review above and let us know if we should carry Stems on DJcity and if you would pay extra for them.
Related: Review: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol D2
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