Native Instruments has officially announced TRAKTOR KONTROL S8, the company's new flagship all-in-one DJ controller designed for TRAKTOR PRO 2 control. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 features full color displays and touch-sensitive hardware controls, enhanced track decks, a 4-channel standalone mixer, and the flagship TRAKTOR software.

Integral to bringing TRAKTOR KONTROL S8’s touch-and-see workflow to life are two high-resolution displays that respond to touch-sensitive knobs. Tracks appear on the displays as vector waveforms while an array of key views and pop-up panels instantly activate when the corresponding control is touched. The Browse Knob for example, triggers the Browse View for track selection directly from the controller. When activated by performance knobs, Performance Panels appear over track waveforms to view and modify BPM, key, filter, or individual effect values. The FX Panel reveals current parameters of up to two TRAKTOR FX units when an FX knob is touched.

When the Remix Deck View is active, samples and loops all become accessible in full screen on the displays for mixing with the eight dedicated Remix Deck faders. Eight color-coded pads per deck can trigger sounds while in Remix View, juggle cue points, or rearrange a playing track in Freeze View on the fly.

TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 also delivers increased hands-on editing functions for spontaneous track adjustments or further creativity. The Beatgrid View enables instant fine-tuning of a playing track’s beatgrid when adjustment is needed. Enhanced Remix Decks workflow allows live capturing of loops from a running deck for instant sampling. And two LED-guided touch strips provide motion-sensitive pitch bending, track seeking, vinyl scratch emulation, and keep track of phase in dark environments.

In addition, the new controller integrates a 24-bit/48kHz audio interface designed for expansive connectivity. Four analog RCA inputs with phono and mic preamps allow connection of turntables, CDJs or other analog gear. XLR and RCA master output and a ¼ inch booth output provide connectivity with any sound system. And MIDI In/Out allows external gear like MASCHINE to sync with TRAKTOR via MIDI clock.

The S8 boasts a mixer section with pro features. Four mixer channels can also work in stand-alone mode when TRAKTOR Mode buttons are deactivated - making DJ switchovers or mixed analog/TRAKTOR SCRATCH usage possible with the touch of one button. The fader section debuts unique wear-resistant faders, which prevents debris from damaging the fader’s carbon strips – prolonging fader life, and maintaining proper function at all times.

Fueling the technology behind TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 is the included TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2 software. Four software decks, over 30 studio-grade effects, and advanced features for creative looping and cueing have provided DJs all over the world with customizable DJ possibilities.

TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 will be available for $1199 on October 30, 2014.