Native Instruments announced this morning a consolidation of their Traktor product line, centered around the new 2.5 release which contains the new “Remix Decks”. They’ve simplified the DJ offerings and finally offered precise details on when we can expect to see Traktor Pro 2.5 and the Kontrol F1 controller.

We asked NI what makes today’s announcement important:

“This “remix” significantly simplifies the Traktor product range and makes it more affordable for DJs to get into Traktor at a low price point. The big news is that any Traktor hardware now ships with a full version of Traktor Pro 2. With the Audio 2, for instance, customers can now get a full professional DJ package for under $120.”

Makes sense – keep your software affordable and focus on selling hardware is a strategy that worked very well for a certain computer company that recently became the biggest company in the world. But what exactly has changed? Read on for the full details.

SOFTWARE CHANGES

Traktor Duo got the axe – Only Pro from now on out! Duo 2 and Duo 2 Scratch users get a free upgrade today to Pro 2.

Only Pro from now on out! Duo 2 and Duo 2 Scratch users get a free upgrade today to Pro 2. Cheap upgrades – Customers who own Traktor Pro 1 (or older!) can upgrade to Traktor 2.5 for $44.50 until April 30th. Own Traktor LE? The same upgrade is $89.

Customers who own Traktor Pro 1 (or older!) can upgrade to Traktor 2.5 for $44.50 until April 30th. Own Traktor LE? The same upgrade is $89. Traktor Pro 2 is cheaper, digital download! – Traktor Pro 2 will be available only as a Digital Download for the significantly cheaper price of $89.

Traktor Pro 2 will be available only as a Digital Download for the significantly cheaper price of $89. 2.5 is free! Version 2.5 will be available at the end of May as a free update to all owners of Traktor 2 Pro and Duo.

Version 2.5 will be available at the end of May as a free update to all owners of Traktor 2 Pro and Duo. Hardware + Software Combo: Traktor Pro 2.5 will be included with all NI hardware for free from here on out.

BPM DETECTION UPGRADE

We’re also interested to see a rewrite of Traktor’s beat/tempo detection engine will be coming in 2.5, with a number of new behaviors and features that many have been asking for.

Rewritten tempo detection for improved accuracy, developed from analyzing thousands of tracks from various genres

New “downbeat” auto-detection improves auto-beat-gridding and phase recognition

Convenient analysis options when importing files to your collection – set the tempo range by BPM

Much improved BPM detection on tracks with variable tempo, (such as “live” drummer genres) – now detects average BPM

Rewritten Tempo-Tap – instant and simple realignment anytime your tracks drifts away from the grid over time

Manually adjusted grids, (and all BPM-locked tracks) keep their position and tempo from previous versions

HARDWARE CHANGES