Native Instruments Announces Traktor DJ Studio 3
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September 21, 2005
Native Instruments has announced Traktor DJ Studio 3, the next
generation of its mixing software. The new version adds a host of powerful creative
features, including four playback decks, a suite of performance effects, an
analog-modeled mixer section, a customizable user interface and more.
Traktor DJ Studio 3 also allows DJs to browse and purchase the latest club
music releases from within the software by giving access to the full catalog
of Beatport, an online store for club music.
Four full-featured playback decks
Traktor DJ Studio 3 takes a significant step beyond the limits of
conventional DJ setups by offering two additional playback decks, opening up
a whole new world of creative possibilities. DJs can now mix up to four
tracks simultaneously, or integrate additional loops and samples. Each of
the four decks in Traktor DJ Studio 3 is fully equipped with zoomable
waveform displays, comprehensive cueing and looping functionality, and
Traktor's time stretching technology that offers unrivalled audio
quality even at extreme settings.
Beatport online store integration
Traktor DJ Studio 3 takes full advantage of NI's partnership with Beatport,
an online music store for DJs, currently representing more than
1.200 electronic music labels from all over the world. The complete Beatport
catalog can now be accessed directly within the browser section of Traktor,
which allows DJs to preview and purchase the latest club music releases with
maximum convenience. Traktor DJ Studio 3 integrates a dedicated download
manager, and tracks downloaded from Beatport are instantly added to the
existing music collection.
Professional 4-channel DJ mixer emulation
Traktor DJ Studio 3 offers a completely new 4-channel mixer section modeled
after the Allen & Heath Xone:92. The mixer emulation is based on analog
modeling technology and offers not only the general layout and signal flow
of the Xone:92, but also the sought-after audio characteristics of the
4-band-EQ and filter sections, as well as true-to-life channel
fader and cross fader behavior. The emulation was developed in close
cooperation with Allen & Heath to ensure maximum authenticity and fidelity.
Furthermore, each mixer channel can be individually switched to emulate the
EQ sections of either the Ecler Nuo4 or the Pioneer DJM-600, to guarantee
sonic compatibility when using Traktor DJ Studio 3 in combination with other
popular outboard mixers.
Beat-synchronized DJ effects
Traktor DJ Studio 3 gives DJs a powerful arsenal of creative tools
by incorporating a complete set of performance effects. Filter,
beat masher, flanger, delay and reverb effects add more depth and variation
to the mix, and can be kept in sync with the track at a click of a button.
Each effect parameter can be easily assigned to external hardware
controllers, and different effects can be inserted on individual channels
and the master section of the mixer.
New customizable user interface
Traktor DJ Studio 3 is equipped with a totally redesigned user interface
that offers significant improvements in both flexibility and ease of use.
The interface is now fully resizable to adapt to any screen size and aspect
ratio, and offers a freely configurable modular section that allows
individual control modules to be combined according to the personal
preference of the user. This includes control elements for Traktor's
extensive looping and cueing functionality, mix and input recording, master
section, and various deck and mixer functions.
Performance-oriented parameter control
A new control concept makes DJing with Traktor DJ Studio even
more flexible, intuitive and precise. Parameter changes for knobs and faders
can now be "pre-dialed" via mouse and then instantly activated with the
click of a button. Additionally the sensitivity for each on-screen-control
element can be changed on the fly in five different levels. A new
"Snap-to-Beat" mode turns each Traktor waveform display into an advanced
control surface, offering DJs unparalleled interaction with the track and
making precise cueing easier than ever before.
Advanced track collection and library functions
The library functions in Traktor DJ Studio 3 have been
significantly extended to make handling of ever-growing digital track
collections even more efficient. The track browser now supports Context
Selection for increased overview and versatile track sorting, while a new
Category Search function allows for much faster results when searching for
specific tracks, artists, labels or even BPM ranges.
Traktor DJ Studio 3 includes a host of further improvements, and continues
to offer the full set of features that made the previous version the
favorite tool of forward-thinking DJs: powerful library and playlist
functions, compatibility with a comprehensive range of audio file formats,
non-destructive mix recording, real-time Internet broadcasting, support for
the Traktor Mix File format, extensive MIDI remote control options, and
seamless integration with Stanton's FinalScratch 2 digital DJ system.
Pricing and Availability
Traktor DJ Studio 3 will be available in November 2005 for for a suggested
retail price of $ 279 / 249 Euro from authorized dealers and in the NI
Online Shop. An update for users of Traktor DJ Studio 2 will be available
for $ 99 / 79 Euro.
For more information, visit their web site at www.native-instruments.com. | 
