Native Instruments
Native Instruments Launches ‘Stems’ File Format
After months of anticipation, Native Instruments has launched their new “Stems” file format. The potentially game-changing technology is now available via a free update to Traktor Pro.
Announced in March, Stems enables DJs to access the individual elements of songs, such as the bass, drums, melody, vocals, etc. As of right now, it is only available to users of Traktor Kontrol S8, D2, and F1.
To accompany the launch, Native Instruments also released a video of German DJ/producer NGHT DRPS performing with Stems. You can watch his two-minute routine above.
Visit Native Instruments’ website to learn more and get discounts on Stems-ready controllers.
Related: A First Look at Native Instruments’ Stems File Format
A First Look at Native Instruments’ Stems File Format
With Native Instruments’ Stems file format set to launch in August, the company has released a first-look video of the potentially game-changing technology.
Announced in March, Stems was developed to help DJs get more creative with their mixes by providing access to the individual elements of songs, like the bass, drums, melody, vocals, etc. The new format enables DJs to create instant track edits, blends, acapellas, and more.
Watch the demo above and be on the lookout for Stems in the next version of Traktor Pro 2.
Also, stay tuned for a thorough review of Stems from DJcityTV’s Mojaxx.
Related: Review: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol D2
Just Blaze and 9th Wonder on Their Song-Making Process and Producing with Maschine

Just Blaze, Khrysis and Che Pope at the “Beatmaker Roundtable.” (Drew Gurian/Red Bull)
Last month, Native Instruments and Red Bull Music Academy put together a discussion panel called the “Beatmaker Roundtable.” The event took place in New York City during the Red Bull Music Academy Festival and featured influential hip-hop and R&B producers Just Blaze, 9th Wonder, Khrysis, and Che Pope. Thankfully, Native Instruments has now uploaded a video of the entire discussion to their YouTube channel.
While Jay Z collaborators Just Blaze and 9th Wonder are well-known in the hip-hop world, you might not have heard of Khrysis and Che Pope. Khrysis has engineered and produced for artists like Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller, Problem, and Talib Kweli and Pope has been head of Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music label since 2011. He’s also a Grammy-winning producer, having contributed to numerous projects, including The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
The two-hour video contains a multitude of production and business wisdom, even if you’re not a Maschine user. We highly recommend watching it from start to finish, and if you can’t see it all in one sitting, break it up into pieces and watch them separately.
Related: Just Blaze on Ghost Producing, the Rise of DJs, and More
Review: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol D2
Native Instruments is on a mission to be “the future of DJing” and its new Traktor Kontrol D2 controller is part of that plan. A modular version of the deck found on the all-in-one S8 controller, the company designed the D2 to be used alongside existing mixers. DJcityTV’s Mojaxx spent a week with the device to find out what it’s capable of and gave us a full report.
Related: Watch Shiftee Use the Traktor Kontrol S8 as a DVS Mixer with Two Turntables
Watch Shiftee Use the Traktor Kontrol S8 as a DVS Mixer with Two Turntables
A few months ago, Shiftee posted a photo on his Instagram account of a Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8 between a pair of Technics turntables. The unusual setup caught the attention of fans, as the S8 is a standalone controller and rarely used as a DVS mixer.
However, as DJ Zo found out when reviewing the S8 for DJcity, the controller transforms into a “super mixer” when plugged into two turntables. We’ve also watched a couple videos of DJs getting busy with the same configuration, but today is the first time we’ve seen one from a DMC World Champion. Filmed in one take, Shiftee’s new video showcases some of the S8’s most powerful features, including Freeze Mode, Remix Decks, touch screens, and more.
The tracks flipped in the routine are: Lido’s remix of Alt-J’s “Left Hand Free,” the Low Pros’s “Who Wanna Play” featuring Que, and Shiftee’s “Uh Yo And Also Yo.”
Related: Shiftee Talks Spreading Turntablism to a Larger Audience
Native Instruments Announces Traktor Kontrol D2

A week after introducing a new file format for DJs, Native Instruments announced Tuesday a new device called the Traktor Kontrol D2.
The D2 is a modular deck that’s intended to be used alongside existing mixers and is identical to that of the S8 all-in-one controller, which includes two decks and a mixer.
Billed as a “next-generation deck,” the D2 is designed to work with Native Instruments’ new Stems file format, which enables DJs to interact with different elements of a song on the fly.
Although it lacks a jog wheel, it can be used as part of a DVS system for scratch control.
The D2 costs $499 and can be preordered on Native Instruments’ website.
Related: Native Instruments Unveils New Audio Format
Popular
-
September 29, 2026
The Space Jam DJ Challenge Is Here 🚀
The Space Jam DJ Challenge Is Here: 30 Years Later, It’s Your Turn to Flip It It’s been 30 years since Space Jam hit theaters, and the iconic “Space Jam” t...
-
September 22, 2026
These 8 Tracks Made MarkCutz a Top Remixer On DJcity
8 Tracks That Made MarkCutz A Top Remixer 8 Tracks That MadeMarkCutz A Top Remixer You already know the name MarkCutz. One of our top remixers and a stando...
-
September 24, 2026
The Hercules DJControl T10 Goes Big!
The DJControl T10 from Hercules takes the belt-drive spinning platter concept from their highly successful T7, and scales everything up - including...
-
September 29, 2026
September 2026 Charts: Top Downloads By Region 📈
September 2026 Download Charts DJcity's monthly charts highlight the most popular tracks globally alongside regional breakdowns across key markets. Select...
-
September 24, 2026
💍 New Wedding Playlist – Curated by Nick Spinelli
Essential Wedding Songs, Edits, & Remixes Curated by Nick Spinelli This wedding-ready playlist was curated by acclaimed special event DJ Nick Spinelli...
-
October 1, 2026
R.O.A.D. Podcast – RICH MEDINA (Pt.1): From DJ to Owner, Building Dante’s HiFi Vinyl Community
In part 1 of this 2 part episode of @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with legendary DJ, producer, and @Dante’sHiFi creative director @RichMedina! St...
-
May 23, 2023
The Best Remixes for Wedding DJs 2023
*** UPDATE: check out our updated 2024 and 2025 playlists! Wedding season has arrived! DJcity’s Remix Director Sir Marcus has put together a list of...
-
October 2, 2026
🆕 Must-Play Tracks by Drake, Don Toliver, Chris Lorenzo + more
This week's notable adds on DJcity to power your weekend DJ sets 🔥 Download All Tracks This Week's Picks 01 HIP HOP Solar Eclipse Drake & Don Toliver 0...
-
September 25, 2026
🆕 Must-Play Tracks by Taylor Swift, Ty Dolla $ign, Cloonee + more
This week's notable adds on DJcity to power your weekend DJ sets 🔥 Download All Tracks This Week's Picks 01 DANCE Movimiento Cloonee, Yandel & ATLAC 02...
-
August 2, 2026
DJcity Summer Sale 2026: Get 2 Months for $10 (Use Code SUMMER26)
News • Summer Sale 2026 🚨 Summer Sale ON NOW: Get 2 Months for $10 UPDATE: THIS PROMO HAS ENDED. Summer is in full swing. Make sure your crates are loaded...




