WORLD OF MUSIC ; PORTABLE KEYBOARD

Native Instruments introduces Traktor X1 MK3 USB DJ Controller

30 Aug, 2023 No Comment

Native Instruments today introduced the new Traktor X1 MK3 USB DJ controller, a compact, modular controller that they say is designed for DJs who want portability, powerful effects control, and intuitive operation.

Building on the X1 MK1 and MK2 models, X1 MK3 adds innovative new features, based on feedback from the Traktor community:

A highly visual design allows DJs to focus on their performance instead of looking at a laptop. Five OLED displays reveal essential track and effect information, including track progress, track name, loop size, selected effects, and effect parameters.
An advanced lighting system notifies performers with key information, like when a track is about to run out or if it’s running in a loop. DJs can also choose from a spectrum of colors to customize the ambient lighting and button color, perfect for matching their unique style or brand. Accessibility enhancements include tactile dots across the controller and increased button sizes, making it easier for performers to orient themselves, even in low light environments.
The new “Mixer Mode” allows DJs to press a single button to switch from effects mode to mixer mode, instantly take control of EQs and channel levels, and transition tracks while monitoring all four channel levels on the displays.
X1 can be customized to meet your specific needs. Make adjustments to mapping with a customization page in Traktor Pro and color-code each button group to easily identify different functions.
A three-port powered USB hub extends connectivity, allowing you to connect to CDJs, your custom setups, or additional X1 units.

X1 MK3 comes bundled with the latest version of NI’s flagship DJ software, Traktor Pro 3. Traktor Pro 3 includes sonic sculpting tools, professional audio quality, and a clear and intuitive interface. Additional features include time-stretching, an improved limiter, a huge array of effects, and a wide range of options for customizing your mixing workflow.

Traktor X1 MK3 is available for pre-order with the following pricing:

€ 299 / $ 299 / JPY 42.900 / £ 259 / AUD 449 / CAD 389 / CHF 299 / CNY ¥ 2.399

Traktor X1 MK3 will be available online and in stores on September 20, 2023.

iZotope, Brainworx and Plugin Alliance are now part of Native Instruments, meaning that Soundwide is no more

16 Jun, 2023 No Comment

Native Instruments has announced that it is dumping the Soundwide brand, announced in April of 2022 as the parent company for NI, iZotope, Plugin Alliance, Brainworx and Sound Stacks.

As of today, though, that’s all changed, as it’s just been confirmed that iZotope, Brainworx and Plugin Alliance are now part of Native Instruments. The company says that the move will help create a seamless and consistent experience for customers that use Native Instruments, iZotope, and Brainworx products.

If you’re a little confused, we are sure you’re not the only one. The bosses of the company formerly known as Soundwide are now saying that they’re moving forward with the NI name on the masthead because it’s “more familiar to our community,” which is certainly true.

Native says that they’re making the change because:

“What about Soundwide?

Some of you might remember back in 2022 when iZotope, Native Instruments, Plugin Alliance, and Brainworx came together as a group called Soundwide. While the spirit of Soundwide lives on—our brands coming together to empower creativity—the Soundwide name wasn’t as familiar to our community.

With that in mind, we made the choice to move forward with a brand that more people know and love: Native Instruments.”

This is more than just a rebranding exercise. In the future, you can expect to be able to use one login across all the brands, while NI’s Native Access will become the preferred destination for installing and authenticating a broader range of products, negating the need for multiple similar tools. There will be one customer care centre, and we’re promised a “one-stop shop” that will enable you to explore all products, loyalty offers and upgrades. Expect a more “tightly-connected” experience across all products, too.

No timeframe has been announced for all of this to be implemented, but you can expect to see some changes this year. These include more iZotope products in Native Access (with more Brainworx titles to follow next year) and more cross-brand content on the Native Instruments blog and social media channels. There could also be cross-pollination of features and new bundle offers.

Because it’s a vendor for third-party plugins, Plugin Alliance will remain distinct from the rest of the brands, but sales and special pricing offers will be coordinated across the year. Evidence of this can be seen in the current Summer of Sound campaign, which features savings of up to 50% on iZotope, Native Instruments, Plugin Alliance and Brainworx products.

The company says that they are working to make it possible to:

Use one unified login for your accounts across the brands, so you don’t have to remember multiple sets of login details;
Utilize Native Access as the preferred destination for installing and authenticating a broader range of products, reducing the need for multiple product installation tools;
Get access to one Customer Care center to get the support you need, across all product lines;
Visit a one-stop Shop and discover products across all their brands, including loyalty offers and upgrades; and
Explore more tightly connected experiences and technologies across NI products.