Native Instruments announces Traktor Kontrol F1 with Ableton-like Remix Decks

This morning, Native Instruments released details of its forthcoming Traktor Kontrol F1 DJ controller and version 2.5 of Traktor Pro. The hardware and software update is designed to entice those of you who might otherwise be lured away by Ableton Live, and it does this by giving you the ability to fire off tracks, loops, or one-shot samples from the hardware’s sixteen touch-sensitive, multi-colored trigger pads. The pads are laid out in a four by four grid, each column of which has its own fader and filter knob.

The new triggers, faders, and knobs are utilized using a feature that is new to Traktor called Remix Decks. Up to 64 samples or tracks can be stored in a session, and the Remix Set includes beat grids, BPM, and key information for each. Samples can be even be captured on the fly and added to your set.

Look for the hardware on May 30th for an MSRP $279. Owners of Traktor Pro, Traktor Sratch Pro, Traktor Kontrol S2, and Traktor Kontrol S4 will be able to receive the Traktor Pro 2.5 update for free at that time as well. See the new gear in action below.