Native Instruments Traktor MX2: DJ Controller Lights Up When Tracks Are Going to End
Two Decks and Lots of Effects
4,2 / 5,0 | 
Native Instruments Traktor MX2 · Source: Native Instruments
Native Instruments Traktor MX2 · Source: Native Instruments
Native Instruments Traktor MX2 · Source: Native Instruments
Traktor MX2 is a new DJ controller from Native Instruments with an illuminated bottom shell that warns you when a track is running out. Cameras ready, prepare to flash.
Native Instruments Traktor MX2
Traktor Pro DJs, prick up your ears. Native Instruments has a new controller out with some clever functionality that puts the most-used parameters within easy reach – and adds LED lights under the housing to provide visual information about tracks.
Called Traktor MX2, the two-channel controller is aimed at DJs of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. It’s also made accessing effects easy, with a dial to tweak one of nine single-knob mixer FX such as filters, reverbs, and delays for creating drops, buildups, and transitions.
Traktor MX2 also offers Deck FX, with more than 40 effects for per-track stretching, layering, and transforming via two assignable FX units.
Performance Pads and Jog Wheel
Each deck in Traktor MX2 features eight RGB pads (that’s a total of 16 for those of you who slept through math class). These hold four different pad modes, including Hot Cues, Flux Loops for stuttered loops, Pattern Player for programming percussion step sequences on the fly, and Stems, which lets you remix vocals, drums, bass, and instruments live. You can also customize pad colors.
The new controller also sports two touch-sensitive jog wheels with Turntable and Jog modes for both mixing and scrolling through your library.
Light ‘Em Up
I have to say, I’m a big fan of the industrial design of the Traktor controllers, MX2 included. With no screen, though, you may be missing some important visual information, such as when a track is going to run out, or which song is looping. Sure, you could look at your laptop screen, but when you’re in the mix, that’s not always possible. Native Instruments has added a new visual system to this controller to help you stay focused without having to look up: an illuminated bottom shell.
As with the Traktor X1, the MX2 has LEDs embedded under the controller with a transparent shell around the bottom so you can see the lights. These will flash when a track is about to end, or when a song is looping. Pretty clever.
Sound and Bundle
MX2 is not just a controller. It’s also an audio interface, with high-fidelity 24-bit/96kHz sound. Of course, Traktor Pro 4 includes iZotope’s Ozone Maximizer on the output bus for that extra sonic boost.
And speaking of Traktor Pro 4, the DJ software is included with the purchase of the MX2, as is a free two-month subscription to Beatport Streaming.
Pricing and Availability
Native Instruments Traktor MX2 is out now for $389 / £395 / 395 €. You can get it at Thomann*.
More Information
- Native Instruments Traktor MX2 product page
- All about Native Instruments
- All about DJ controllers
- All about DJing
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One response to “Native Instruments Traktor MX2: DJ Controller Lights Up When Tracks Are Going to End”
Nice, a much needed S2 update, but the 2 channel market is crowded. looking forward to a MX4, would be the go-to on multiple platforms if it has midi mode this time.