Running these for 8 years now and never had any issues with the a/c b/d thing, its the flick of a button to switch between decks and i am running 4 at the same time for 85 % of the time, love that it takes away the need to look at my laptop witch is now under the dj booth. If you get into these litle monsters u can get so much out of them.... fearing they they they will break down as they are not sold anymore....
I have bought 2 D2 today for a low price and it’s juste amazing with TP3 ! Thanks Mojaxx you helped me a lot with this clip ! You rock like D2 Thanks so much sir 👍👍😉😉😉
Thank you for this video...I was about to buy a D2 tomorrow but now I'm going to do some more research. I very often like to stop Deck A and start deck B at the same time when switching between songs but it does not look like this D2 will give me that ability without buying 2. The Kontrol X1 MK2 I have right now definitely lets me do that with the two decks right there.
I use 2 X-1 Mk2 Way more simple and you can as the guy said…do everything you wanna with the X-1 Like Hawtin once told Liebing about his setup You don’t need 2 laptops to to play your set…you can do everything from just one, and boom Look at Liebing setup now Even the pedals he stop to using Cox also gave a try with the D2 for a while, but it didn’t last long The only DJ that i know that still using the D2 is Pablo Ceballos Everyone else that gave the D2 a shoot, didn’t last long X-1 and K-2 in my opinion, is the best option for djs that loves controllers I use A pair of X-1, but after talk to a few friends that already made the transition for the K-2, every single one of them told me that you have a lot more control with the K-2… I’m really thinking of also making this transition
Thnx C, was on the fence about grabbing one... helped to make up my mind. My X1 just died and I need something to browse, load, with single deck transport and control to use with CDJs in HID and DVS. I can get my hands on a lightly used one for $240. Been wanting to give the step sequencer function a run, but the F1 mapping is kind of clunky to navigate. Thanks for the walk through, helpful as always. Ez m8.
great review.I think the points you have raised about workflow are valid. However, it is also worth considering that NI might not have designed this deck with the intention of using it as a multiple deck controller. In fact, I think they are pitching this as an viable alternative to CDJ2000nxs as a single deck. If you look at it this way, from a cost perspective, you can get 4 of these for less than the price of one single CDJ2000nxs.
Traktor D2's with a Traktor Z2 will be my setup in 2016. I already have a Z2 Mixer, 2 X1 Controllers & 2 F1 Controllers as well. I plan to hook up my mothership setup and do an overkill of buttons and knobs. Price is not an issue if you work your tail off. I own 2 Pioneer controllers and a Pioneer DJM 3000 Mixer as well but I find NI products more fun to use. Cheers!
I have had that setup for a while now and I can tell you , you will smoke ne dj with the setup youre talking about . Yhe work youre looking for is called ultima setup
spot on Mr Mojaxx I'm a Traktor user for a few years now, D2 makes absolutely no sense to me other than show how much a S8 is a better and more complete choice. I've tried as well to get into the remix deck thing, just i could not make any sense of it being i could get the same exact results using 4 decks with loops instead of samples. D2 is aimed wrong (as of the percentage of remix decks djs to "regular" 4 deck djs), priced wrong, incomplete design that completely conflicts with their own line up of products. (S2 or S4 with X1's & F1's) I think NI just missed the beat on this product, yet failure is a process of progress. I've owned a S8 for a week (returned), i can never make sense of, IF i have to use the software from a laptop anyway, what's the point of looking a tiny little screen which i had to look a lot harder, than have a quick look at a bigger screen on the side of my setup of my Mac. Kept my S4 and most likely will consider F1's, cheaper more sensible choice. My 2 cents Cheers
Elbowz I also tried the S8 and I'd rather look at my bigger laptop screen than those small displays. I currently run S4 with 2 F1s and thats all i need. well, i do use my axiom pro 49 which has crazy mappings for traktor
Great review Chris, points well made. Here is hoping NI fix the A/C B/D problem with a firmware update as that does suck. I was looking at either going to an S8 or D2's, but the price of 2 D2's without a mixer is prohibitive and right now I don't have a 4 channel mixer hanging around. You get more for your $'s with an S8. I like to keep the kit I have small and portable, which an S8 is not, cannot have everything.
Thank you for this honest review of the D2. Let's hope the deck selector issue will be fixed, or the D2 will really end as a tiny niche product. I own an S4 mk1 and was considering the D2 as an addition to the S4.. But maybe I should go for an S8 (but loosing the jog wheels will feel so wierd;)
If you're looking to replace the S4, the S8 is a brilliant choice. Unless you scratch, losing jog wheels is not a big deal at all once you get over it psychologically. I play solely off X1 mk2s loads.
I've just ordered 2 x D2's simply because I have the Z2 mixer already. Running 2 D2's will be like having the Pioneer Nexus with more functionality in my view
dude,I love your reviews...but you are mistaken...with just one D2 one can control a-b-c-or D decks without a problem....its just holding down the button a bit longer....the main thing is that you may need a larger mixer or soundcard to let it through...great review...but what you had the most 'Un-elegante' comment on is actually doable if one just tells it to....the only 'if actual ' a problem is that u only see 2 decks atta time...thats why one must switch views...but I performed with it for 5 hours and never felt jammed up or it changing my work flow...and the laptop was underneath and never once did I have to look at it...as always...you are a truly great reviewer and this is me pointing something out'...here is my link to my music..i have been a Turntablist for over 20 yrs...this D2 is just a cool F1 and X1 combined....and yes,just like the F1 and X1,its cool if you have 2....but do not,I REPEAT,DO NOT NEED 2 TO FULLY MANIPULATE AND ARTICULATE MUSICALLY THROUGH TRAKTOR....The best Tablist DJ software so far....Mad Respect-J-Kutta of Rasp Haunt-soundcloud.com/rasphaunt and my new video is over here-czcams.com/video/WfwRwo0j-uU/video.html
Exactly! well sad! ;) I watched this video before I bought my D2's and after i realized you can just switch between the 4 decks, I was like YESSS! :D I did buy another one just because I love to do 2 things on different decks at the same time, and ofcourse because of SIMETRICITY! :D
Excellent review! Here's a question: I'm thinking of selling my DJM-800 and replacing it with an S8, so I have 2x Technicas 1200s + All the flexibility of the S8. BUT... I lose my trusted and much loved DJM-800. Think this is a fair trade off or am I a knucklehead?
Great review. I agree with so much of what your saying, NI is push remix decks and stems hard. Im a producer so the idea of making my own remix slots that i can scroll through sounds amazing but right now i just wana get djing down. I got an S4 Mk2, i cant realy use my remix slots at all and im sad i dont have more pads or a mode button so i could use the pads for any of the features the D2 offers, loop mode, freeze, remix, etc on my s4. I really dont wana buy 2 do you think its possible for them to update the D2 so it can play opposite decks at the same time? Right now theirs a deal and i could use it as a sampler and monitor as well for just quickly going through my playlists.
Good review, thank you. - The A/C-B/D-thing is really annoying. Also when you try to work A/B with just one D2, fx-handling will also get a bit complicated. * I also think you really need two of them to work smoothly. But two of them are so biiiiig (and expensive), better bring a S8 - it almost makes no difference in how much space you need in the booth (and the other DJ will not be happy anyway, if you place your D2 between the mixer and his decks). - Best thing I see with this D2: 2x D2 left and right sided of a Rane MP2015 (or something similar). :-) *BTW. Also a bit a problem with 2x X1mk2s: if you set up one with A/C and one with B/D, your four effect units on/off buttons are really strange assigned (like which is for which fx-On/Off-button).
why do people complain about the A/C - B/D thing.. go and buy a CDJ and see how you can do A/B on one unit... first time low-level dj shit that shouldn't even touch the D2 - get a numark for 150$ and there you got your A/B
Great Review. Thank you. It's September 2018 now... are you going to do a new review of this anytime soon. I know there have been quite a few improvements too... hopefully Native instruments have listened to you and also watched your review... that would be great. I've enrolled on the Point Blank Taktor Pro course but haven't bought any controllers yet just in case... I was thinking of the D2 but this has kind of made me want to wait until I talk to the Tutor first or wait for an updated review of the D2 from you.
Carl Rowlinson The display on the TRAKTOR KONTROL D2 allows you to visualize the waveform (or Remix Deck samples) of two Decks at the same time using the Split View button. However, the split only works vertically between upper Deck (e.g. Deck A) and lower Deck (e.g. Deck C). It is not possible to visualize the waveforms / samples of Decks A and B (or Decks C and D) simultaneously on the display. When a Deck Assignment button is not additionally pressed, the DECK button also enables you to switch Deck focus. However, this switch only works vertically between upper and lower Deck. It is not possible to use the DECK button to switch Deck focus across Decks A and B (between left and right).
With all the fuss about not being able to see A & B at the same time on the D2. Can you see it on the S8? If not, I don't get this argument. You can't please everybody. I'm sure at some point NI will update this product to show A&B in a firmware or come out with a new product that will satisfy those who want that feature wishes. It's a matter of people being used to seeing something a certain way and not wanting to adapt to change. Or re-map previous controllers. I get it! All NI has done is included selective features from the Traktor DJ iphone/iPad app, enhanced it a bit and borrowed numerous buttons/features/layout from their line of DJ/Production controllers. I personally don't mind just controlling A & C or B & D at a time. I think the split view is a added bonus to be honest. I always wished I could see a split view like they've done with Traktor DJ app and D2. So, this really makes me happy. But again, it's just a matter of preference. This product caters to my needs just fine:)
I think the D2 has some of the right ideas but wasn't thought through enough. What I think would be a big hit would be some mix of the screen on this but in a controller like the DDJ-sp1 from Pioneer. If that could sit infant of your mixer you could close your laptop entirely!
thinking of buying one d2 to add in my setup to control remix decks in my deck C. i already have s4mk3 but i need more control over them, will there be any issues with trakktor adding both these together?
Thanks! Great Review. I would use them next to my S4 MKII. Are they programmable through the Traktor Controller Manager? A few functions they are missing to be next to my S4... I looked it up and it looks like there is a default mode and a midi mode. Default mode is not programmable, but you can add some functions to the midi mode. SWEET! I want one. NO! Wait! Give me 2!
Can I use the D2 along with my Traktor S2 MK2? I've seen your video where you use an F1 with an S2, and the D2 seems like it can do a lot more than the F1.
yeah but that would be retarded. who in their right mind would expect that? I mean a a 1500$ CDJ nexus can't do that, what is the reasoning for someone to expect that?
can i use the d2 with my ddj sx and use 1 channel on there for it? and will the ddj sx still have all its functions with a traktor mapping? and how can i connect the d2 with the sx?
what about a 2 channel mixer tractor a6 two turntables f1 and d2 or just a d2 and an f1? really u don't need two d2's just two controllers in general. a d2 @ turntable or f1 @d2 etc. that would be fine right?
Hi I Just Want To Know That If I Buy Traktor D2 Then Is It Possible To Play A Gig Only With D2, Mixer And Traktor. Like Does It Control The Play Pause Button Of Deck A And Deck B At The Same Point Of Time While Music Is Playing.For An Example If Am Playing A Track In Deck A At The Same Time I Want To Play The Next Track In Deck B Will It Work With One D2 As There Are 4 Decks Control.Also Is Sound Card Needed To Connect Those D2 and A Mixer With Laptop??!! Thank You, Alpha
So is the ideal solution now, an S8 with two D2s? The one thing that bugged me about the 4 deck mixers/controllers is they didn't have full 4 deck control without having to switch. Having full control over all four decks without having to switch between a/c b/d sounds awesome.
***** In a lot of respects, that would be a superb setup. I did try the single D2 and the S8 at the same time, and it seemed rather demanding on my laptop. I'm not sure how well any machine would cope with a full 4-deck rig. That's a lot of screens to push.
MojaxxVDJ Ah, that's a good point. Are you running a modern MBP? I didnt think that the laptop would be rendering the screen images. I bet the 15 inch varieties' would be stronger if this is the case because they have onboard dedicated graphics which could render those 'external screens'. If you're running a MacBook, could you run apple's activity monitor to check the cpu/ram utilization during 4 desk mixing?
***** Seems like an awesome setup. My only issue would be that they've completely locked the mapping on the S8 so I wouldn't be able to remap the filter knobs to give me 4 band EQ control. I've heard whispers NI are eventually going to change this (my guess would be in Traktor 3) but that's a dealbreaker for me.
Yeah, this is why I think it'll be possible in Traktor 3 which I don't think is too far off. I think that'll have been written from the ground up and the mapping area will be much more powerful.
You can use 1 D2 to control all 4 decks and if you had 2 of them you can do the same as the s8, because the s8 has 2 control surfaces. Can't see his point.
@@djjoeybush Hi Joey, I tried it and Traktor won't allow 4x D2's to be conected. 1x8 with 2x D2's will work though. And there is a point for wanting to use 4x D2's, it's so you have the ability to to control 4 decks without switching layers which is a major ball ache when in the heat of a mix. That's why some Djs use 3 or 4 CDJ's at the same time.
A/C or B/D ??? i just cancelled my order !!! Thanks for the review but i will not buy this until they solve this problem ....What are they thinking ??! :(
I watched this video before I bought my D2's and after I realised you can just switch between any ot the 4 decks, I was like YESSS! :D I did buy another one just because I love to do 2 things on different decks at the same time, and ofcourse because of SIMETRICITY! But you can use one to control 4 decks, just by clicking and holding the DECK button and selecting A-B-C or D :D
Yes, the d2 I'd s controller meaning that you won't get audio out of it so when you use it with your s2 the audio will be routed through the sound card of your s2!
Mark Bolitho it doesn't connect to the mixer, this only connects to your laptop via usb. To connect your decks to an analog mixer, you need a soundcard, and you need to send out your signals in traktor preferences/audio out settings to your mixer. you need rca cables from your soundcard to your mixer. I have 2 D2's and an Allen and heath Xone 42 mixer, with a Traktor Audio 8 soundcard, and it's great :)
i still don't understand all these controller djs, or ones who use ableton and pads and all that type of gear. whatever happened to using decks, turntables, chugs, etc etc... is this a cheaper / easier way? is this what making everyone a dj??? i have cdjs i don't get it.
+Said Villarreal I hope you to think about why pioneer's flagship cdjs and djms are getting to adopt features like 8 hot cues, quantized loops, quantized beat effects, beat jump, etc. The software inside is becoming something similar to Traktor or Serato, except for it is running on their DSP not on the PC. As you know, a true DJ can rock the house with the old cdj100s by getting the right track at the right moment. Yes, this simple (but not easy) fundamental does not change. However, all those new technologies, which were first introduced by software that runs on a PC then now are being adopted by embedded software that runs on a CDJ/DJM's DSP, are opening new creativity for musicians. I think major club DJs will stick to conventional DJing, simply mixing in the right song at the right moment. However, there might appear a new type of DJing with this new technology, maybe something like live sequencing or live remixing. I don't know how they are going to be called. DJ? or another type of performer? Anyway, technology letting musicians come up with another creativity is not bad at all.
If native instruments concentrate on a 4 channel mixer they will do way better this controller it's something that i will never get, i prefer a xdj from pionner if you want to go crazy!!!
Saw a video earlier where a guy was controlling all 4 decks with one D2. Hold down shift + Deck then push A,B,C, or D czcams.com/video/HObAldRsQr0/video.html
You can do that, indeed. But by not having deck A+B as an option, you lose the ability to see both overview waveforms at once, for example, meaning you'll probably need to look at the laptop screen to keep track of where you are. That makes the screen on the D2 (which is where most of your money is going) less useful than it could be.
MojaxxVDJ Just been looking into it more, quite a few people now pointing this out ! I see now that you can only split screen on A+C, or B+D and not A + B !!!!! I guess you could have a track deck on A + C and just send the audio of A to the left hand channel of the mixer, and C to the right hand channel ????? But in all fairness , you could just save yourself a lot of money and get a X1 !!!! Real shame this, was looking to buy one next month, but not now ! Thanks for pointing this out ; )
Mischievous VIDS MojaxxVDJ My D2 came in last week and I did a fair amount of testing with 4 decks. Yes, one method is to run deck A + C as track decks. I didn't find it odd, but i'm pretty use to running 4 decks anyway. I tried djing 4 decks with 1 d2 with out my laptop screen (I covered my screen with a t shirt) and didn't find it too difficult either but that is a bit overkill. What worked well for me was a d2 with an x1 and f1. I felt like i had full control over all 4 decks there. I think the value of the d2 will really come out when we see Stems launch.
Rob Ticho So is there any issue with having A & C as track decks, and then run the audio for A to the left side of the crossfader on an external mixer, and C to the right side of the mixer ? So on the screen of the D2 it would have A on the top of the page, and C on the bottom in split screen view, a bit like the Traktor DJ app ????
It's very do-able but if you are going that route, I wouldn't advise purchasing a D2. For me, the beauty of NI hardware has always been the seamless integration with the software and that approach is kind of a hack. I would suggest just using an x1 instead and save a ton of money. Everyone seems to be all about these controllers with the tiny screens but I think it's hyped too much even though I bought a D2. Who the fuck cares if you look at your computer screen? It's a great way to DJ as long as you don't get stuck staring at it all night.
NOPE don't like it..... Native instruments have issue with their Power Supply.... I have a S8 that is the biggest dust collector I have replaced the PS twice and it worked the 3rd time no good and now NI wants me to pay 180 plus shipping to get a refurbished one..
Traktor did so much in 2015, had us all so excited. Now they're just *gone*...
They back and Numark is funding their rebirth.
Running these for 8 years now and never had any issues with the a/c b/d thing, its the flick of a button to switch between decks and i am running 4 at the same time for 85 % of the time, love that it takes away the need to look at my laptop witch is now under the dj booth. If you get into these litle monsters u can get so much out of them.... fearing they they they will break down as they are not sold anymore....
I have bought 2 D2 today for a low price and it’s juste amazing with TP3 ! Thanks Mojaxx you helped me a lot with this clip ! You rock like D2
Thanks so much sir 👍👍😉😉😉
MojaxxVDJ Does it again! Great Review and Talking points!
Great review!
This is a really good review... Both pro and cons...
Now THIS was an honest review! Nice work!
Im quite happy with my x1 mk2's... They get the job done...
Great review. Personally I think this gus is best reviewer of DJ stuff out there right now.
If you HOLD DOWN Shift and press A or B, you can switch between the decks. Still a bit long winded on one D2, but the option is there.
Liam Cooper I thought that was an option on the unit. Thanks for clarifying that
Sd,. Ze
That was a nice review, thanks for the con's , people normally focus on the good and not the bad of a product
Thank you for this video...I was about to buy a D2 tomorrow but now I'm going to do some more research. I very often like to stop Deck A and start deck B at the same time when switching between songs but it does not look like this D2 will give me that ability without buying 2. The Kontrol X1 MK2 I have right now definitely lets me do that with the two decks right there.
buy 2 or go home . there is no half ass setups
buy an x1 or a cheap numark - if you are a start-stop dj you don't need a D2
I use 2 X-1 Mk2
Way more simple and you can as the guy said…do everything you wanna with the X-1
Like Hawtin once told Liebing about his setup
You don’t need 2 laptops to to play your set…you can do everything from just one, and boom
Look at Liebing setup now
Even the pedals he stop to using
Cox also gave a try with the D2 for a while, but it didn’t last long
The only DJ that i know that still using the D2 is Pablo Ceballos
Everyone else that gave the D2 a shoot, didn’t last long
X-1 and K-2 in my opinion, is the best option for djs that loves controllers
I use A pair of X-1, but after talk to a few friends that already made the transition for the K-2, every single one of them told me that you have a lot more control with the K-2…
I’m really thinking of also making this transition
I'd love a pair of these D2s & a pair CDJ 900nxs combined with a djm 750 mk2 mixer = Paradise 🤗
Thnx C, was on the fence about grabbing one... helped to make up my mind. My X1 just died and I need something to browse, load, with single deck transport and control to use with CDJs in HID and DVS. I can get my hands on a lightly used one for $240. Been wanting to give the step sequencer function a run, but the F1 mapping is kind of clunky to navigate. Thanks for the walk through, helpful as always. Ez m8.
great review.I think the points you have raised about workflow are valid. However, it is also worth considering that NI might not have designed this deck with the intention of using it as a multiple deck controller. In fact, I think they are pitching this as an viable alternative to CDJ2000nxs as a single deck. If you look at it this way, from a cost perspective, you can get 4 of these for less than the price of one single CDJ2000nxs.
I'll be interested to see the stem developments in summer and how many releases will appear in this format.
It be nice to have 4 D2's that way u can get a good visual view of your track without having to constantly having to switch to another track
Excellent review.!..but 720p? c'mon..we need at least 1080..it's 2015..
Traktor D2's with a Traktor Z2 will be my setup in 2016. I already have a Z2 Mixer, 2 X1 Controllers & 2 F1 Controllers as well. I plan to hook up my mothership setup and do an overkill of buttons and knobs. Price is not an issue if you work your tail off. I own 2 Pioneer controllers and a Pioneer DJM 3000 Mixer as well but I find NI products more fun to use. Cheers!
I have had that setup for a while now and I can tell you , you will smoke ne dj with the setup youre talking about . Yhe work youre looking for is called ultima setup
spot on Mr Mojaxx I'm a Traktor user for a few years now, D2 makes absolutely no sense to me other than show how much a S8 is a better and more complete choice.
I've tried as well to get into the remix deck thing, just i could not make any sense of it being i could get the same exact results using 4 decks with loops instead of samples.
D2 is aimed wrong (as of the percentage of remix decks djs to "regular" 4 deck djs), priced wrong, incomplete design that completely conflicts with their own line up of products. (S2 or S4 with X1's & F1's)
I think NI just missed the beat on this product, yet failure is a process of progress.
I've owned a S8 for a week (returned), i can never make sense of, IF i have to use the software from a laptop anyway, what's the point of looking a tiny little screen which i had to look a lot harder, than have a quick look at a bigger screen on the side of my setup of my Mac. Kept my S4 and most likely will consider F1's, cheaper more sensible choice.
My 2 cents
Cheers
Elbowz I also tried the S8 and I'd rather look at my bigger laptop screen than those small displays. I currently run S4 with 2 F1s and thats all i need. well, i do use my axiom pro 49 which has crazy mappings for traktor
Sinthesis Music Labs hey mate, do you use that setup for clubs/gigs? im planning add some f1's. 10x
yes, it works flawlessly
Pioneer needs to do the same with the deck section from the SZ and not sure why Numark hasn't made a MK2 of the V7 yet.
i think this will be really cool, really thinking of adding a a d2 channel with stem decks on my current set up. crazy crazy things will happen... =D
you can use one controller to control all 4 decks mojaxx, you just have to hold down deck and press a,b,c,d instead of tapping the deck button.
Great review Chris, points well made. Here is hoping NI fix the A/C B/D problem with a firmware update as that does suck. I was looking at either going to an S8 or D2's, but the price of 2 D2's without a mixer is prohibitive and right now I don't have a 4 channel mixer hanging around. You get more for your $'s with an S8. I like to keep the kit I have small and portable, which an S8 is not, cannot have everything.
answered the questions I had inside of 5 min. great review
Terrific review! A really honest one.
Thank you for this honest review of the D2.
Let's hope the deck selector issue will be fixed, or the D2 will really end as a tiny niche product.
I own an S4 mk1 and was considering the D2 as an addition to the S4.. But maybe I should go for an S8 (but loosing the jog wheels will feel so wierd;)
If you're looking to replace the S4, the S8 is a brilliant choice. Unless you scratch, losing jog wheels is not a big deal at all once you get over it psychologically. I play solely off X1 mk2s loads.
why did they stop making it? it seems great
I've just ordered 2 x D2's simply because I have the Z2 mixer already. Running 2 D2's will be like having the Pioneer Nexus with more functionality in my view
UKs best mixer bloke
I honestly think you only need one with a deck and X1. Especially when stems hit
dude,I love your reviews...but you are mistaken...with just one D2 one can control a-b-c-or D decks without a problem....its just holding down the button a bit longer....the main thing is that you may need a larger mixer or soundcard to let it through...great review...but what you had the most 'Un-elegante' comment on is actually doable if one just tells it to....the only 'if actual ' a problem is that u only see 2 decks atta time...thats why one must switch views...but I performed with it for 5 hours and never felt jammed up or it changing my work flow...and the laptop was underneath and never once did I have to look at it...as always...you are a truly great reviewer and this is me pointing something out'...here is my link to my music..i have been a Turntablist for over 20 yrs...this D2 is just a cool F1 and X1 combined....and yes,just like the F1 and X1,its cool if you have 2....but do not,I REPEAT,DO NOT NEED 2 TO FULLY MANIPULATE AND ARTICULATE MUSICALLY THROUGH TRAKTOR....The best Tablist DJ software so far....Mad Respect-J-Kutta of Rasp Haunt-soundcloud.com/rasphaunt and my new video is over here-czcams.com/video/WfwRwo0j-uU/video.html
Exactly! well sad! ;) I watched this video before I bought my D2's and after i realized you can just switch between the 4 decks, I was like YESSS! :D I did buy another one just because I love to do 2 things on different decks at the same time, and ofcourse because of SIMETRICITY! :D
Excellent review! Here's a question: I'm thinking of selling my DJM-800 and replacing it with an S8, so I have 2x Technicas 1200s + All the flexibility of the S8. BUT... I lose my trusted and much loved DJM-800. Think this is a fair trade off or am I a knucklehead?
Great review. I agree with so much of what your saying, NI is push remix decks and stems hard. Im a producer so the idea of making my own remix slots that i can scroll through sounds amazing but right now i just wana get djing down. I got an S4 Mk2, i cant realy use my remix slots at all and im sad i dont have more pads or a mode button so i could use the pads for any of the features the D2 offers, loop mode, freeze, remix, etc on my s4. I really dont wana buy 2 do you think its possible for them to update the D2 so it can play opposite decks at the same time? Right now theirs a deal and i could use it as a sampler and monitor as well for just quickly going through my playlists.
great review and got analysis
nice review
can u play without a lap top? and also is there an ethernet kind of connection like the cdjs?
Can we have s4+D2 setup ; wherein i just use D2 for specific deck either as Stem or Remix
Can i play the D2 without a mixer just only my laptop and a speakers?
No
Can you use this as a cdj?
thank u. very helpful
Hey Mojaxx thnx for your reviews etc :) could you make a Video on how to set up a native instruments z2 with 2 D2 and 2 X1 and 2 F1?
it can do 4 deck, hold shift and press a or b in the top to switch decks , should have done your research, just saying
Good review, thank you.
- The A/C-B/D-thing is really annoying. Also when you try to work A/B with just one D2, fx-handling will also get a bit complicated. *
I also think you really need two of them to work smoothly. But two of them are so biiiiig (and expensive), better bring a S8 - it almost makes no difference in how much space you need in the booth (and the other DJ will not be happy anyway, if you place your D2 between the mixer and his decks).
- Best thing I see with this D2: 2x D2 left and right sided of a Rane MP2015 (or something similar). :-)
*BTW. Also a bit a problem with 2x X1mk2s: if you set up one with A/C and one with B/D, your four effect units on/off buttons are really strange assigned (like which is for which fx-On/Off-button).
why do people complain about the A/C - B/D thing.. go and buy a CDJ and see how you can do A/B on one unit...
first time low-level dj shit that shouldn't even touch the D2 - get a numark for 150$ and there you got your A/B
Great Review. Thank you. It's September 2018 now... are you going to do a new review of this anytime soon. I know there have been quite a few improvements too... hopefully Native instruments have listened to you and also watched your review... that would be great. I've enrolled on the Point Blank Taktor Pro course but haven't bought any controllers yet just in case... I was thinking of the D2 but this has kind of made me want to wait until I talk to the Tutor first or wait for an updated review of the D2 from you.
I hear that the d2 has now been discontinued.
Great review, Its a shame not control deck A And B i dont buy until this change.
arturommk www.native-instruments.com/de/support/knowledge-base/show/3912/how-can-i-switch-between-decks-a-and-b-with-one-traktor-kontrol-d2/ Don't worry mate, it's a non-issue!
Carl Rowlinson
The display on the TRAKTOR KONTROL D2 allows you to visualize the waveform (or Remix Deck samples) of two Decks at the same time using the Split View button. However, the split only works vertically between upper Deck (e.g. Deck A) and lower Deck (e.g. Deck C). It is not possible to visualize the waveforms / samples of Decks A and B (or Decks C and D) simultaneously on the display.
When a Deck Assignment button is not additionally pressed, the DECK button also enables you to switch Deck focus. However, this switch only works vertically between upper and lower Deck. It is not possible to use the DECK button to switch Deck focus across Decks A and B (between left and right).
With all the fuss about not being able to see A & B at the same time on the D2. Can you see it on the S8? If not, I don't get this argument. You can't please everybody. I'm sure at some point NI will update this product to show A&B in a firmware or come out with a new product that will satisfy those who want that feature wishes. It's a matter of people being used to seeing something a certain way and not wanting to adapt to change. Or re-map previous controllers. I get it! All NI has done is included selective features from the Traktor DJ iphone/iPad app, enhanced it a bit and borrowed numerous buttons/features/layout from their line of DJ/Production controllers. I personally don't mind just controlling A & C or B & D at a time. I think the split view is a added bonus to be honest. I always wished I could see a split view like they've done with Traktor DJ app and D2. So, this really makes me happy. But again, it's just a matter of preference. This product caters to my needs just fine:)
I think the D2 has some of the right ideas but wasn't thought through enough. What I think would be a big hit would be some mix of the screen on this but in a controller like the DDJ-sp1 from Pioneer. If that could sit infant of your mixer you could close your laptop entirely!
How well does this work with reason are you able to mapp this and as for track browsing will it ingratiate well with the loop browsing reason has?
D2 aside, is that a skin on your X1 to make it white or a special edition? Chroma Caps to?
thinking of buying one d2 to add in my setup to control remix decks in my deck C. i already have s4mk3 but i need more control over them, will there be any issues with trakktor adding both these together?
Thanks! Great Review. I would use them next to my S4 MKII. Are they programmable through the Traktor Controller Manager? A few functions they are missing to be next to my S4... I looked it up and it looks like there is a default mode and a midi mode. Default mode is not programmable, but you can add some functions to the midi mode. SWEET! I want one. NO! Wait! Give me 2!
Can I use the D2 along with my Traktor S2 MK2? I've seen your video where you use an F1 with an S2, and the D2 seems like it can do a lot more than the F1.
Nice One...
but you can use deck A or deck B if you want to ...
but u can switch back and forth between a mix and actually see the tracks line up is what im gettin...
yeah but that would be retarded. who in their right mind would expect that? I mean a a 1500$ CDJ nexus can't do that, what is the reasoning for someone to expect that?
can i use the d2 with my ddj sx and use 1 channel on there for it? and will the ddj sx still have all its functions with a traktor mapping?
and how can i connect the d2 with the sx?
I’m thinking about switching from Serato to Traktor, can these be used with a 900 Nexus 2 Mixer and turntables?
what about a 2 channel mixer tractor a6 two turntables f1 and d2 or just a d2 and an f1? really u don't need two d2's just two controllers in general. a d2 @ turntable or f1 @d2 etc. that would be fine right?
can you guys do a set up with a xone 23c a k2 with maschine mikro
Are these still worth it in 2024, debating swapping for my xdj rx2?! 🤔
No. I wouldn't do that
a d2 and f1 together are now only $500 total keep that in mind people.
I bought my D2's on ebay one for 120 GBP and the other one for 200 GBP and they look and feel brand new :)
still miss me some jog wheels though
I have a numark controller that uses serato ( ns7iii) are these compatible with my setup?
Hi I Just Want To Know That If I Buy Traktor D2 Then Is It Possible To Play A Gig Only With D2, Mixer And Traktor. Like Does It Control The Play Pause Button Of Deck A And Deck B At The Same Point Of Time While Music Is Playing.For An Example If Am Playing A Track In Deck A At The Same Time I Want To Play The Next Track In Deck B Will It Work With One D2 As There Are 4 Decks Control.Also Is Sound Card Needed To Connect Those D2 and A Mixer With Laptop??!!
Thank You,
Alpha
when djcity will start release music in stem format ?
So is the ideal solution now, an S8 with two D2s? The one thing that bugged me about the 4 deck mixers/controllers is they didn't have full 4 deck control without having to switch. Having full control over all four decks without having to switch between a/c b/d sounds awesome.
***** In a lot of respects, that would be a superb setup. I did try the single D2 and the S8 at the same time, and it seemed rather demanding on my laptop. I'm not sure how well any machine would cope with a full 4-deck rig. That's a lot of screens to push.
MojaxxVDJ Ah, that's a good point. Are you running a modern MBP? I didnt think that the laptop would be rendering the screen images. I bet the 15 inch varieties' would be stronger if this is the case because they have onboard dedicated graphics which could render those 'external screens'. If you're running a MacBook, could you run apple's activity monitor to check the cpu/ram utilization during 4 desk mixing?
***** Seems like an awesome setup. My only issue would be that they've completely locked the mapping on the S8 so I wouldn't be able to remap the filter knobs to give me 4 band EQ control. I've heard whispers NI are eventually going to change this (my guess would be in Traktor 3) but that's a dealbreaker for me.
Carl Rowlinson I would imagine they would. They've been extremely flexible before.
Yeah, this is why I think it'll be possible in Traktor 3 which I don't think is too far off. I think that'll have been written from the ground up and the mapping area will be much more powerful.
this is dope
Mo: where did you get the white skin for your X1 ?
You can use 1 D2 to control all 4 decks and if you had 2 of them you can do the same as the s8, because the s8 has 2 control surfaces. Can't see his point.
Kontrol D2 is the key 👀 check some experiments I did with remix decks and stem decks. Dope tools with new perspectives 🔥🔥🔥
Thank you for saving me money. All your dislikes are exactly what mine would be. Thank you again. Great review!
Can I use 4x D2's ?
sure, you can use 8 as well, but there is absolutely no point using more than 2 :) I would prefer to move to analog modular gear if I would be you :)
@@djjoeybush Hi Joey, I tried it and Traktor won't allow 4x D2's to be conected. 1x8 with 2x D2's will work though. And there is a point for wanting to use 4x D2's, it's so you have the ability to to control 4 decks without switching layers which is a major ball ache when in the heat of a mix. That's why some Djs use 3 or 4 CDJ's at the same time.
i think the d2 is really nice if you want to upgrade e.g. your s4...
I have s4 i want to upgrade. How would u go about that
This thing comes with Traktor software?At this price it shoud be
how do you beatmatch without jog wheels?
+MrDreadwing108 pitch bend with the touch strip
A/C or B/D ??? i just cancelled my order !!! Thanks for the review but i will not buy this until they solve this problem ....What are they thinking ??! :(
ProsixOfficial You just can control 4 decks just hold shift+press A or B in the right corner of the unit
I watched this video before I bought my D2's and after I realised you can just switch between any ot the 4 decks, I was like YESSS! :D I did buy another one just because I love to do 2 things on different decks at the same time, and ofcourse because of SIMETRICITY! But you can use one to control 4 decks, just by clicking and holding the DECK button and selecting A-B-C or D :D
Would I be able to hook up my s2 with the d2
Yes, the d2 I'd s controller meaning that you won't get audio out of it so when you use it with your s2 the audio will be routed through the sound card of your s2!
I like it, but wondering how it connects to a mixer. i'm still running my old Citronic Pro8, phono and xlr i/o.
Anyone?
Mark Bolitho it doesn't connect to the mixer, this only connects to your laptop via usb. To connect your decks to an analog mixer, you need a soundcard, and you need to send out your signals in traktor preferences/audio out settings to your mixer. you need rca cables from your soundcard to your mixer. I have 2 D2's and an Allen and heath Xone 42 mixer, with a Traktor Audio 8 soundcard, and it's great :)
i still don't understand all these controller djs, or ones who use ableton and pads and all that type of gear. whatever happened to using decks, turntables, chugs, etc etc... is this a cheaper / easier way? is this what making everyone a dj??? i have cdjs i don't get it.
+Said Villarreal *cdjs* autocorrects to chug everytime.
+Said Villarreal I hope you to think about why pioneer's flagship cdjs and djms are getting to adopt features like 8 hot cues, quantized loops, quantized beat effects, beat jump, etc. The software inside is becoming something similar to Traktor or Serato, except for it is running on their DSP not on the PC.
As you know, a true DJ can rock the house with the old cdj100s by getting the right track at the right moment. Yes, this simple (but not easy) fundamental does not change.
However, all those new technologies, which were first introduced by software that runs on a PC then now are being adopted by embedded software that runs on a CDJ/DJM's DSP, are opening new creativity for musicians.
I think major club DJs will stick to conventional DJing, simply mixing in the right song at the right moment. However, there might appear a new type of DJing with this new technology, maybe something like live sequencing or live remixing. I don't know how they are going to be called. DJ? or another type of performer? Anyway, technology letting musicians come up with another creativity is not bad at all.
so do it my cdjs have collected dust since I now have the 2 d2 and z2 setup
No audio interface = Not a deck - just fancy controller
+mikelo303 I disagree buddy, no audio interface, JUST a deck not a soundcard.
Read what deck means in dictionary. I am right. Marketing is wrong. End of story
+mikelo303 *read what the word deck means in the dictionary. I think we also need to get you a thesaurus.
+Byron Abbott I am not a native speaker but I know a dickhead when I see one.
+mikelo303 did it take you two weeks to come up with that all by yourself? Well done! 👏👏
If native instruments concentrate on a 4 channel mixer they will do way better this controller it's something that i will never get, i prefer a xdj from pionner if you want to go crazy!!!
Igor Foster word. I don't need a D2 at all. Bt a Z2 that had 4 up faders would have me handing NI some more money.
Unfortenately no longer available.
Plenty of good/excellent condition used D2s out there still.
And these are no longer supported by native instruments just like the s5
Works fine with Traktor Pro 3.
Saw a video earlier where a guy was controlling all 4 decks with one D2. Hold down shift + Deck then push A,B,C, or D czcams.com/video/HObAldRsQr0/video.html
You can do that, indeed. But by not having deck A+B as an option, you lose the ability to see both overview waveforms at once, for example, meaning you'll probably need to look at the laptop screen to keep track of where you are. That makes the screen on the D2 (which is where most of your money is going) less useful than it could be.
MojaxxVDJ Just been looking into it more, quite a few people now pointing this out ! I see now that you can only split screen on A+C, or B+D and not A + B !!!!! I guess you could have a track deck on A + C and just send the audio of A to the left hand channel of the mixer, and C to the right hand channel ????? But in all fairness , you could just save yourself a lot of money and get a X1 !!!! Real shame this, was looking to buy one next month, but not now ! Thanks for pointing this out ; )
Mischievous VIDS MojaxxVDJ My D2 came in last week and I did a fair amount of testing with 4 decks. Yes, one method is to run deck A + C as track decks. I didn't find it odd, but i'm pretty use to running 4 decks anyway.
I tried djing 4 decks with 1 d2 with out my laptop screen (I covered my screen with a t shirt) and didn't find it too difficult either but that is a bit overkill. What worked well for me was a d2 with an x1 and f1. I felt like i had full control over all 4 decks there.
I think the value of the d2 will really come out when we see Stems launch.
Rob Ticho So is there any issue with having A & C as track decks, and then run the audio for A to the left side of the crossfader on an external mixer, and C to the right side of the mixer ? So on the screen of the D2 it would have A on the top of the page, and C on the bottom in split screen view, a bit like the Traktor DJ app ????
It's very do-able but if you are going that route, I wouldn't advise purchasing a D2. For me, the beauty of NI hardware has always been the seamless integration with the software and that approach is kind of a hack. I would suggest just using an x1 instead and save a ton of money.
Everyone seems to be all about these controllers with the tiny screens but I think it's hyped too much even though I bought a D2. Who the fuck cares if you look at your computer screen? It's a great way to DJ as long as you don't get stuck staring at it all night.
What the fuck, NI? You gotta fix these weird quirks if you're ever going to get people to move on from Pioneer and just plain vinyl.
+bitspacemusic Let's be honest: if a DJ hasn't moved on from vinyl by now..............they're never going to.
NOPE don't like it..... Native instruments have issue with their Power Supply.... I have a S8 that is the biggest dust collector I have replaced the PS twice and it worked the 3rd time no good and now NI wants me to pay 180 plus shipping to get a refurbished one..
SORRY I NEED TO UPGRADE THE RAM IN MY CPU CAN U PLEASE SLOW THE HELL DOWN.... DAMN/// lol SORRY IM A SINGLE CORE...