Numark Announces 4TRAK – 4-Channel Traktor DJ Controller
Numark has announced 4TRAK, a four-channel digital DJ controller with built-in four-channel mixer and auxillary effects console, built for Native Instruments’ Traktor software. Numark has evolved their controller technology from their excellent NS6, most likely with a major firmware revision, to create “the ultimate controller for Traktor software, combining legendary Numark build quality with the critically acclaimed performance capabilities of Native Instrument’s software.”
Although this simply appears to be a NS6 in Traktor clothing, there’s a bit more to it, since this was a collaboration between the two companies and the included Traktor 4TRAK edition software was tweaked specifically for this model. Why would Native Instruments want to cannibalize sales of their own S2/S4 hardware? Market share. Numark’s marketing prowess and presence in major retail outlets is no joke, especially in South America. Thus, Numark doesn’t get left out of the Traktor side of the digital DJ business, and Native gets a substantial hardware partner to penetrate the in those hard to itch places of the DJ market.
4TRAK’s built-in four-channel mixer allows turntables, microphones, MP3 players—really anything—to be added into the mix. Each of 4TRAK’s channels has an input selector, so DJs can instantly transition between controlling Traktor’s four decks and their external sources. 4TRAK offers unbrideled control over Traktor’s effects and filters with the expansive 12-knob FX KOMMAND CONSOLE (Nice! —Ed.). DJs have top-level access to effect and filter parameters, giving them “Kommanding” performance capabilities. They can layer effects, adjust filters, and mix and match both instantly in ways not possible on any other controller. 4TRAK’s platters feature bi-colored, rotating LEDs, 3600 ticks of resolution per rotation, automatically adjusting sensitivity, and high-resolution 14-bit MIDI, which combine to provide ultra-precise turntable control. 4TRAK’s layout features mouse-less library navigation, Master Tempo, complete Pitch Control, manual and instant Looping, Hot Cues and more.?
Features:
» Four decks of software control with included TRAKTOR 2 4TRAK Edition software
» 12-knob FX KOMMAND CONSOLE for complete control over effects & filters
» Built-in four-channel DJ mixer that works with or without a computer
» Four line inputs, two turntable inputs and two microphone inputs
» Touch-sensitive illuminated platters with 3600 ticks of resolution per rotation
» Built-in 24-bit audio interface with balanced XLR outputs
» Solid metal construction
» Maps seamlessly with TRAKTOR PRO 2 including sample triggers
» Ultra-precise, low-latency high-speed MIDI
» Strip Search with illuminated track-position indicator
» Mouseless library navigation with view options
» Works with a wide range of MIDI software
At the heart of 4TRAK is a premium-quality fully independent four-channel mixer that can be used with or without a computer. 4TRAK has a full range of input and outputs for connecting virtually any device: RCA inputs on each channel and four line-level inputs with two switchable to phono and two switchable to mic. Connect almost any external music source like turntables, CD players and microphones, and mix them in seamlessly with tracks from your software.
With the FX KOMMAND CONSOLE, you have top-level access to effect and filter parameters, giving you incredible performance capabilities. Layer effects, adjust filters, and mix and match both of them in ways that were previously impossible. 4TRAK’s FX KOMMAND CONSOLE gives you two decks of effects controls, FX1 and FX2, plus four detented filter knobs for each of 4TRAK’s four channels. Both the FX1 and FX2 decks give you three controls that can be assigned to the effects of your choice. Each FX deck also features time division controls, allowing you to match your effects to a track’s BPM instantly, and giving you continuous control over an effect’s pacing.
Each of 4TRAK’s channels has an input selector, so you can instantly transition between controlling Traktor’s four decks and your external sources. Connect two CD players, two turntables, two mics—the combinations are endless. Grab tracks or loops from your music library one moment, then your turntable, iPod, or a mic the next. 4TRAK makes it possible to take music from virtually any source and bring it into your mix.
4TRAK includes the Numark innovation known as Strip Search. Originally introduced with NS7, this virtual-needle-drop technology allows you to locate any point on a track by using an advanced touch strip on each deck. LED track indicators above each strip provide real-time visual feedback about the tracks position.
4TRAK’s platters feature 3600 ticks of resolution per rotation along with automatically adjusting platter sensitivity, giving you high definition turntable control. With precise, high-resolution 14-bit MIDI, 4TRAK removes the line between hardware and software, giving you tight response. Bi-colored LEDs also surround each platter, providing both an indication of the Deck in control and also a Deck’s playback status. Effects can be instantly accessed by channel.
The simple and intuitive design of 4TRAK includes favorites like mouseless library navigation, Master Tempo, complete Pitch Control, manual and instant Looping and Hot Cues. You’ll get direct access to beat grid controls and beat skip, allowing you to juggle a track inline with the beat so that it never loses sync. 4TRAKS built-in professional 24-bit audio interface guarantees pristine audio quality from your computer.
Start mixing and unleashing powerful effects right away with the included Traktor 2 4TRAK Edition software. Traktor 4TRAK Edition brings you a four-deck DJ program with an intuitive interface featuring TruWave colored waveforms.
Numark’s 4TRAK will be available in Q1 of 2012 for a substantial $1499.
