Traktor Audio 10: How to identify a Mk2 model?

maniacintosh81

Hello,

as there are no new DVS interfaces with support for at least 4 decks I am currently looking for a second hand Traktor Audio 10. There are some interesting offerings online but there is one caveat: How can I identify if it is a Mk1 or Mk2 model? Main advantage of Mk2 is that it is able to run bus powered over USB without mains power. And depending on source you sometimes read that Mk1 isn't class compliant. Class compliance is essential for me as I am using Macs.

Researching on Google doesn't bring up much on this topic. Some models have sticker on the bottom which indicates it is a Mk2 - but some say they have a Mk2 (because it runs bus powered) but no sticker telling it is a Mk2. NI itself neglects on their support sites that there is a Mk1 and Mk2. They just say all Audio 10 don't need a power supply:

https://support.native-instruments.com/hc/en-us/articles/5902112892689-Which-NI-Hardware-Devices-require-a-Power-Supply

But in an article by DJ Worx the existence is confirmed and they got a change log which confirms some changes:

https://djworx.com/review-ni-traktor-scratch-a10-mk2-audio-interface/?srsltid=AfmBOopRpxN-alnLGwznazlkGfRESHfpIt4WwO98AbuR1iXhaGpgD_0j

As there a two different designs of Traktor Audio 10 I assume that models with the older design (featuring the older more bolder Traktor font face as on the older Audio 8) are Mk1 models and the newer design (with the slimmer font face as on Kontrol S4 Mk3 and Kontrol D2) are Mk2 models.

Can someone confirm my assumption? (Or deny it?) Or has another clue how to identify them?

As most sellers don't make pictures of the bottom side (to not release the units serial in public) the Mk2 sticker on the bottom is not really helpful. I could ask sellers if the unit works bus powered but I expect not everyone bothers.

Thanks for any help in advance.

Sunborn

Identifying a Traktor Audio 10 MK2 can be very tricky, unless you have the device in front of you!
There isn't a clear, universally consistent label, so do not look for web photos, most probably you will waste your time. However, here are few key factors to help you identify it:

Visual Differences:

• The font of the Traktor logo on the device. The MK2 has a slimmer font, that is more "modern". So yes, your assumption is correct @maniacintosh81
• The print on the underside of the device is different. The MK1 has "output A and B" while the MK2 has "Main and HP" printed there (i found only one reference of that "printing" info, so i can't be 100% sure if it's accurate).

"Traktor Scratch A10" naming:

• The newer MK2 models can be found boxed with the naming of "Traktor Scratch A10" rather than just "Traktor Audio 10"

Bottom Sticker:

• Some sources indicate that MK2 models may have a sticker on the bottom explicitly stating "MK2." However, this isn't always reliable, as some MK2 units might lack this sticker.

Bottom line is that, information on distinguishing between the MK1 and MK2 can be somewhat inconsistent. Therefore, the most reliable way to tell, is the ability to run on Bus Power, which is a significant feature of the MK2. Meaning it can operate without a separate power supply. This is a primary functional difference from the MK1. So if the device can run without a power adapter, it is an MK2.

Sûlherokhh

Look for pictures on the web for the different models.

Also, all reputable sellers should answer customer questions. If one doesn't, look for a different seller.

maniacintosh81

Searches for "Traktor Audio 10 Mk1" and "Traktor Audio 10 Mk2" both brought up pictures of both versions. Otherwise I wouldn't have asked here. But the websites containing the pictures almost always don't talk about Mk1 or Mk2 just about Traktor Audio 10. I think it is unlikely but still possible that NI changed the design before they changed the technical specifications.

All pictures that show a Mk2 (according to their website) feature the newer design. Therefore I am sure old design = Mk1. But I find no confirmation for my assumption, that the newer design is a Mk2 for sure.

If I consider the DJ Worx article there is also a third version (which I haven't seen for sale in my region yet) which features the newer design but is labelled Traktor Scratch A10 on the top instead of Traktor Audio 10. But I expect that this was only a pre release test sample of Mk2.

You are right: Reputable sellers should answer questions and yes it usually will be better to avoid those that doesn't. But it would be easier if I could sort out the "bad" Mk1 from start without asking different sellers (and wait for their answers).

Sûlherokhh

True. I looked around for close to half an hour, although with half my mind somewhere else. I still haven't found any pictures to put side by side for a comparison. I'll ask someone who might know.

Sunborn

Identifying a Traktor Audio 10 MK2 can be very tricky, unless you have the device in front of you!
There isn't a clear, universally consistent label, so do not look for web photos, most probably you will waste your time. However, here are few key factors to help you identify it:

Visual Differences:

• The font of the Traktor logo on the device. The MK2 has a slimmer font, that is more "modern". So yes, your assumption is correct @maniacintosh81
• The print on the underside of the device is different. The MK1 has "output A and B" while the MK2 has "Main and HP" printed there (i found only one reference of that "printing" info, so i can't be 100% sure if it's accurate).

"Traktor Scratch A10" naming:

• The newer MK2 models can be found boxed with the naming of "Traktor Scratch A10" rather than just "Traktor Audio 10"

Bottom Sticker:

• Some sources indicate that MK2 models may have a sticker on the bottom explicitly stating "MK2." However, this isn't always reliable, as some MK2 units might lack this sticker.

Bottom line is that, information on distinguishing between the MK1 and MK2 can be somewhat inconsistent. Therefore, the most reliable way to tell, is the ability to run on Bus Power, which is a significant feature of the MK2. Meaning it can operate without a separate power supply. This is a primary functional difference from the MK1. So if the device can run without a power adapter, it is an MK2.

Sûlherokhh

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/217759#Comment_217759

Thanks for dropping your wisdom. :)

Sunborn

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/217761#Comment_217761

Oh, nothing to do with wisdom mate… When i wake up this morning i had no idea about this matter…

What i have is just slightly better, non-googled, search skills and the ability to re-phrase and "organize" the information, for better understanding, that's all. 😉

maniacintosh81

Thank you both for your help. As I hadn't a clear confirmation last night, I wrote to one seller and asked about bus power and Mk2 sticker last night before @Sunborn answered here. The seller answered it features both. I bought it and hope to receive in some days.

Sûlherokhh

Post some pictures of the device and box with the above mentioned important Mk2 signifiers visible when the package arrives. :)