Dear Native Instruments Team,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing as a longtime supporter and daily user of Traktor and Native Instruments hardware. I’ve been part of the Traktor community since 2013, and during that time, I’ve invested countless hours and resources into mastering your software and controllers.
To this day, I regularly use the following gear in my setup:
- Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 (my main deck)
- Traktor Kontrol S4 MK1 (my first deck)
- Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2
- Traktor Kontrol S5
- Traktor Kontrol Z1
- Traktor Kontrol F1
- Traktor Kontrol X1
My loyalty to Traktor is clear, and I’ve built my workflow, performance style, and investment around your ecosystem.
That said, many of us in the Traktor community are eager for clarity on the future of flagship hardware. To outline where things stand today:
- The Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3, the last all-in-one flagship controller, was released on November 1, 2018.
- The Traktor X1 MK3 arrived in September 2023, which was a welcome update for modular users but not a full controller.
- Traktor Pro 4 was released in January 2024, bringing exciting software advances. (And hopefully newer flagship model?)
However, it has now been nearly seven years since the last all-in-one flagship controller. While Traktor Pro continues to evolve, the lack of new flagship hardware leaves many of us wondering: Will there be a new flagship controller soon?
As someone who has used Traktor gear for over a decade, I am deeply invested in the platform’s success. Yet I cannot ignore the fact that competitors like Serato and Rekordbox continue to release much newer compatible hardware, expanding their ecosystems and drawing attention from DJs who might otherwise remain loyal to Traktor. Every year without a flagship release risks making Traktor feel like it’s falling behind in the eyes of the community.
Please understand that this comes from a place of passion and respect. Traktor has been a vital part of my creative journey, and I truly believe it remains one of the most innovative DJ ecosystems available. But innovation only matters if it’s backed by a clear commitment to the future.
With that in mind, I respectfully ask:
- Is a new flagship all-in-one controller currently in development?
- Can you share any vision for the hardware roadmap moving forward?
Most importantly, I urge you to communicate openly with the loyal Traktor community that has invested years of time and money into your ecosystem. Transparency about the future will help us feel confident in continuing to build our setups around Traktor rather than seeking alternatives.
Simply put. Traktor is just better!
Thank you for your time, your work, and the products that have inspired DJs worldwide, myself included. I remain hopeful and excited for what’s next.
Sincerely,
Michael
DJ/Business Owner
Wolf Entertainment Mobile DJ’s
www.icandjthat.com
