Berlin, Germany /Music Industry Newswire/ — Native Instruments today announced TRAKTOR KONTROL X1, a highly functional performance controller that gives DJs immediate hands-on control over vital aspects of their performance. Designed by the team behind the groundbreaking TRAKTOR DJ platform, the compact KONTROL X1 offers an unprecedented level of integration with the latest TRAKTOR generation for maximum performance and ease-of-use, and can also efficiently control any MIDI-compatible DJ software on the market.

TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 provides DJs of all styles and genres with a highly efficient and intuitive way to control loop, cue, effect, track selection and transport functions of their system. The unit accommodates the two most common digital DJing paradigms – it ideally complements a typical timecode-controlled TRAKTOR SCRATCH setup consisting of a hardware mixer, turntables or CD decks, and also excels as a self-contained controller for DJs who play beat-gridded tracks with the TRAKTOR software and mix externally. Two X1 units can also easily be combined into a four-deck setup that controls all decks and effect units of TRAKTOR PRO or TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO simultaneously.

The functionality and layout of TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 was carefully engineered and fine-tuned based on extensive artist feedback and usability testing in order to combine a versatile feature set with maximum ease of use. The unit is equipped with precise and durable high-quality buttons, knobs and encoders, complemented by dynamic colored backlighting for additional visual feedback. The X1 integrates with the TRAKTOR software through a dedicated high-resolution protocol, resulting in a level of precision and responsiveness beyond what regular MIDI-based controllers can provide, and allowing for true plug-and-play operation with no setup or specific configuration required.

TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 has been specifically designed for heavy-duty usage in performance environments. Its compact casing is both robust and lightweight for high portability, and the special vertical form factor makes the unit fit seamlessly within a typical club setup. The optional high-quality carrying bag for the X1 doubles as a versatile stand that conveniently raises the controller surface to match the height of typical DJ mixers.

Beyond TRAKTOR, the KONTROL X1 can be used to efficiently control any MIDI-compatible DVS, DJ software or music performance application. The optional MIDI mode of the controller can be engaged on the fly via a dedicated button on the unit. The X1 also comes with a carefully designed set of parameter assignments for the Serato Scratch Liveâ„¢ system, matching the relevant features of the software to the controller in an ideal way without any individual setup effort. A special Serato Scratch Liveâ„¢ overlay for the X1 is also available.
TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 also ships with TRAKTOR LE, a basic version of the TRAKTOR PRO software that provides two decks with essential looping, effects and mixing features, turning X1 into a complete entry-level solution for digital DJing. Owners of TRAKTOR LE can upgrade to the full-featured TRAKTOR PRO software for a special discounted price at any time.

TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 will be available in February 2010 for a suggested price of $229 / 199 EUR. The carrying bag / stand for TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 will be available for $49 / 39 EUR.

Berlin, Germany /Music Industry Newswire/ — Native Instruments today announced AUDIO 2 DJ, the world’s smallest USB audio interface for DJs. Delivering the exact same audio quality and performance as the acclaimed AUDIO 8 DJ and AUDIO 4 DJ interfaces that are used by professional club DJs worldwide, the AUDIO 2 DJ offers users of TRAKTOR and other DJ software a unique new balance of quality, size and price.

With a footprint no larger than a deck of cards, the bus-powered AUDIO 2 DJ literally fits in a pocket. At the same time, it can accommodate the most demanding club systems due to its studio-grade 24bit/96kHz Cirrus Logic converters and its special high-power output amplifiers capable of delivering a pristine +9.7dBu audio signal. Robust low-latency drivers for Windows and Mac OS X enable the responsiveness that DJs need for tight mixing.

The dual stereo outputs of the AUDIO 2 DJ provide the necessary connectivity to route two decks separately into an external DJ mixer, or to output independent master and cue signals when mixing in software. Two included RCA break-out cables make set-up fast and convenient, making AUDIO 2 DJ the ideal audio interface for travelling DJs who don’t want to compromise on performance and quality.

AUDIO 2 DJ will be available in September 2009 for a suggested retail price of $119 / 99 EUR at authorized dealers and in the NI Online Shop.

The introduction of AUDIO 2 DJ is accompanied by a video that features renowned Parkour artist Stephane Vigroux demonstrating the portability of the interface in an urban environment. The video was created by independent film maker Julie Angel and is available on the official NI Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9bsSA-OzH4

About Native Instruments:

Native Instruments is a leading manufacturer of software and hardware for computer-based music production and performance. The company’s mission is to develop innovative, fully integrated solutions for all professions, styles and genres. The resulting products regularly push technological boundaries and open up new creative horizons for professionals and amateurs alike.

FRANKFURT – Musikmesse /Music Industry Newswire/ — Open Labs, a recognized leader in innovative computer-enhanced musical instruments based in Austin, Texas, debuted their new DBeat instrument today at Musikmesse in Frankfurt, Germany. The DBeat marks the first product developed by Open Labs specifically for the DJ and electronic musician market by incorporating a broader range of sounds, powerful DJ hardware and industry leading software for unsurpassed live performance and studio capabilities.

Live demonstrations of the new DBeat instrument are available at Musikmesse in Frankfurt, Germany (Hall 5.1, Booth #D99B). Open Labs’ Chairman and Co-founder, Victor Wong will also participate in a DBeat product overview and Q&A session during a live 2-hour broadcast from Austin on www.OpenLabs.com airing at 4:00pm CDT on April 1, 2009.

“There is a growing multitude of DJs and electronic musicians that not only perform live but are also DJ producers, and this instrument blows the door open for that group.” said Victor Wong, Chairman and Co-founder of Open Labs.

The DBeat instrument was engineered for portability and power. Encased in an ultra-light aluminum chassis and weighing only 20lbs, the DBeat boasts more than 10,000 sounds with an additional 14GB of sounds that come with the included, full feature version of Abletonâ„¢ Live 7. Live DJ performance capability is taken to the next level with the inclusion of Open Labs’ edition of GURUâ„¢ and the proprietary virtual instrument host Riffâ„¢ – making DBeat the ultimate tool for using VSTi’s in a live setting.

DBeat comes loaded with a plethora of fully mappable real-time controllers, including Open Labs’ exclusive Bump MP™ drum pads, the Mix/Edit digital audio workstation panel, and comprehensive DJ controls including a cross-fader. DBeat puts “the feel” back in making music by including an integrated trackball, iPod-compatible cradle and 12-inch capacitive touch screen, which will be multi-touch capable with Windows 7 update.

The ability to directly connect USB turntables and the compatibility with virtually any software, including Deckadanceâ„¢, Serato Scratch Liveâ„¢, Traktorâ„¢, Pro Toolsâ„¢, Reasonâ„¢ and many more, make DBeat the ultimate DJ solution for studio, stage and club use.

The DBeat instrument ships complete with the following:

· More than 10,000 high-quality sounds, plus an additional 14 GB included with the full-feature version of Ableton™ Live 7;

· Open Labs’ proprietary virtual instrument host Riffâ„¢ – the ultimate tool for live performance using VSTi’s;

· Bump MP™ 17-pad drum module controller paired with Open Labs’ edition of GURU™ that includes eight engines, note repeat, chromatic mode, transport and more, taking it far beyond the capabilities of an MPC;

· Mix/Edit digital audio workstation controls include 8 plus 1 fully customizable faders, knobs and soft keys, and an additional 8 mappable knobs with a 2×20 LCD readout;

· DJ panel with cross fader, 7 knobs, 2 encoders for pitch/BPM and 8 buttons all assignable to key parameters for live performance;

· 12-inch capacitive touch screen (multi-touch capable with Windows 7 update) with an integrated trackball and an iPod-compatible cradle

· Comprehensive I/O capable of up to 24bit/96KHz audio with 4 in / 6 out including 2 phantom-powered mic-pres with DI’s, S/PDIF I/O and MIDI I/O;

· Unlimited capability for running third party plug-ins, VSTi’s and applications, including Deckadanceâ„¢, Serato Scratch Liveâ„¢, Traktorâ„¢, Pro Toolsâ„¢, Reasonâ„¢ and many more;

· Intel Core 2 Duo 3.0 GHz processor, 4 GB RAM, 320 GB hard drive, dual-layer DVD burner, and FireWire, USB and Ethernet ports for easy connectivity;

· Portability perfect for DJs, music producers, and musicians on the go (26”L x 14”W x 5”H) and weighs approx. 20lbs;

· Open Labs’ Edition of Windows™, specifically configured for music production; and

· One year of Open Labs Gold Support Services which include: one-hour “Get to Know Your Machine” session, remote desktop support via Internet in addition to phone and email support, and full parts/labor warranty coverage.

The DBeat will be available for $3,999 USD ($3,499 for pre-orders) in June 2009, directly through Open Labs at www.openlabs.com or through an authorized reseller listed on the Web site. Full technical specifications for DBeat can be found at www.openlabs.com/DBeat-tech.html.

About Open Labs

Headquartered in Austin, Texas — at the crossroads of music and technology– Open Labs develops and markets cutting-edge studio and musical instrument technology. Since 2003, Open Labs has been the recognized leader in providing musicians and producers of all genres, with high-performance portable instruments that combine all the equipment found in a professional music studio with unsurpassed live performance capabilities. A-List artists currently using Open Labs products include: The Crystal Method, Timbaland, Jonathan Davis (Korn), Morris Hayes (Prince), Jesse Carmichael (Maroon 5), and Jimmy Nichols (Faith Hill), to name a few. For more information on Open Labs, please visit www.openlabs.com.