Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S5

General

The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S5 is the newest member of the STEM family. This smaller version of the Kontrol S8 has the same clear layout as its bigger brother, but without the four remix-decks faders. What's left is a four-channel setup that allows you to work with the four decks integrated in the Traktor Pro 2 software, included as download license, which means you can get started right away. For DJs that like to work intuitively with STEMS, but find the Kontrol S8 too cumbersome and the Kontrol D2 lacking a mixer section, the Traktor Kontrol S5 fits the bill.

STEMS

STEMS is an audio format introduced by Native Instruments to split a track up into four segments, for example: drums, bass, melody and vocals. This allows for extra creative space when working with the audio material of your tracks, for instance, if you want to use one track's bass line on another, or if you feel like replacing existing vocals. This makes it easy to create a mashup, an acapella or instrumental version of a song. An increasing number of labels and producers are offering STEM-compatible tracks, and thanks to the multi-track system, anyone can save their own music in the STEM format.

Traktor Kontrol S5: full colour DJ creativity

Two full-colour displays adorn the Kontrol S5, which means you won't need your laptop to see what you're doing, and you'll be free to engage with your audience. It also means you can (re)mix even more intuitively! Touch-sensitive buttons and a multifunctional touch strip ensure responsive operation. With the help of hit-sensitive performance pads, you can easily define hot cues, make loops, apply effects and control your remix decks.

• Please note: the specifications may vary from the actual product.