![]() So how does it work then? Rather than rely on dedicated controls for volume and filters, the Kontrol S5 co-opts the BROWSE and LOOP encoders when a stem deck is active. The S5, on the other hand, is missing some of that core functionality (namely the four volume faders). Functionality for playing the multi-track music format fit snuggly into the remix deck controls on the F1, S8, and D2s. The latest big thing with Traktor, software-wise, was the brand new stem file format which came out a few months ago. I cover the nitty gritty of their implementation below, but as you’d expect, the workflow fits perfectly with Traktor Pro 2. The decks can be broken down into the screen section, performance section, transport, and effects units. Yeah, I guess it’s a bit disappointing that it’s not a user-replaceable part, but how many people that buy this are really going to mash their crossfader? Before we get yet another round of “OMG NI have abandoned scratch DJs!” you need to stop and think about what niche (pronounced ‘neesh’, FYI) this controller fills. The Kontrol S5 isn’t ‘Innofader compatible’ because the crossfader isn’t user replaceable. Speaking of crossfaders, the question that always pops up can be answered with a simple ‘no’. There’s four channels of volume, EQ, filters, trims and cue toggle, effects select, along with the usual master/booth/cue volume controls plus a crossfader. The mixer section is straightforward, whether you’re familiar with Traktor gear or not. You still get all the major features from the software for fundamental four-deck mixing. The reality is though that it’s smaller than S8, and has less functionality, but the price tag does reflect that fairly. But there’s certainly been some thought put into the layout and control. It only has two FX units, one on each deck. It’s easy to take a glance at this controller and compare the layout to the S8 to see what’s missing. Yes, they’re likely the same ones as the S8, but having spent much more time with this controller, I’ve noticed you can see what’s happening on the screens from pretty much any angle you might be looking. ![]() Something I noticed about them while in use is the viewing angle. The LED brightness can be adjusted to suit your tastes, but I’m always impressed with how vibrant they are. Everything is solid, easy to locate, LEDs are bright, and the screens are as top-notch as ever. Every bit of gear is designed to be rugged, and NI’s choice of buttons and sliders are great. In all the time I’ve used their gear (since the X1 MK1), I’ve only really ever known of a few disappointments: The USB ports on some controllers are a bit flimsy, and, for some reason, the loop knobs on the X1 MK2 in the studio decided to fall off. Native Instruments has been pretty consistent in in the industrial design of its hardware products. You also obviously get your download code for the full version of Traktor Pro 2 (not Scratch, mind). There’s the comically huge quick start guide, which is daft looking but actually quite useful. Along with the 1.5 metre USB cable, you get the standard AC power supply with snap-on international adapters in case you take a fancy to rocking out in Germany or Taiwan or anywhere. ![]() The company has managed to standardise their offerings pretty well, so there’s no real surprises here. In usual NI fashion, there’s been some thought put into the packaging design for the Kontrol S5. The Traktor Kontrol S5 is a four-channel Traktor Pro 2 controller with two colour screens that’s compact and features control for the new Stem file format and Traktor’s remix decks. There might be a lot of crossover, but they definitely have their own identities, and as such, understanding what they both offer will best inform you as to which (if any) would suit you. I was expecting a two-channel S2 analogue, sort of a like a screen-laden Novation Twitch (a good, but slightly flawed, controller).Īs a side note, It might be worth reading Jared’s most non-heinous review of the S8 from late last year to get a good idea of the intricacies of what Native Instruments’ flagship controller is capable of compared to this one. I was actually most surprised by the fact that the S8’s baby sibling had four decks. When the Kontrol S5 images first did the rounds within the DJWORX team, it didn’t look that much different from the S8… yet seemed hampered in its functionality. I’m an ardent pessimist when it comes to all-in-one controllers: the S8 was fun, but I’ll always choose modular whenever possible. Native Instruments’ Stem files launch was the last big piece of news that really got me excited, with the Kontrol S8 piquing my interest a year ago. When you’ve constantly got your head dunked in the noise of the industry, it’s difficult to get overly excited when a new product comes along. Link: NI product page | Price: $799/€799/£579 | Manual: ZIP/PDF INTRODUCTION ![]()
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