Native Instruments has launched Traktor Play, a streamlined two-deck DJ software priced at £39/€49/$49 that opens the Traktor ecosystem to third-party hardware for the first time in a long time – including plug-and-play compatibility with AlphaTheta’s DDJ-FLX2 and DDJ-FLX4 controllers.
The software is built on the same engine as Traktor Pro 4, with features deliberately disabled. Buy the full version later and you simply enter a licence to unlock everything – it’s identical software underneath.
Native Instruments is bundling Traktor Play with controllers from AlphaTheta (DDJ-FLX2 and DDJ-FLX4) and Reloop (Buddy and Ready). The AlphaTheta controllers work plug-and-play, while Reloop compatibility requires “a few additional clicks” to configure.
What you get
Traktor Play offers two decks with Beatport streaming integration (including two free months of Beatport Streaming Advanced), three-band EQ per channel, and one-knob Mixer FX for filter and delay sweeps.
Creative tools include reverb, delay and gater effects, simplified stem separation (drums only), an 808-style Pattern Player drum machine, looping, hot cues, Flux Mode, and a master limiter.
Missing are the four-deck capability, full stem separation, complete effects suite, DVS support, and advanced features from Pro 4.
The upgrade path
Traktor Play costs £39. Upgrading to Traktor Pro 4 costs an additional £75 (£149 if buying Pro 4 outright). This replaces the discontinued Traktor DJ, which was free but built on a different engine.
Simon Cross, CPTO at Native Instruments, says the partnerships with AlphaTheta and Reloop mean “DJs have more flexibility, more accessibility, and more ways to connect with Traktor than ever before”.
• Traktor Play is available from 3 November at £39/€49/$49. More at native-instruments.com.
