NI STEMS Format now available for all Traktor Pro users
The NI STEMS file format can now be used by anybody who owns Traktor Pro 2 software.
Read here: What is NI STEMS?
This opens up digital djing to a whole new realm of possibilities for so many existing owners of Traktor controllers from the Kontrol F1 right through to the Kontrol S2 and S4 models too.
Previously NI STEMS would only work with the following controllers;
But with the Kontrol F1 the shortcoming was that you could not see the four individual tracks on the NI STEMS file as there is no screen on this controller.
Now however, because the new version of Traktor Pro – the 2.10.1 update – actually displays the 4 individual tracks from the NI STEMS file, you can essentially map any controller with either performance pads or 4-channel volume sliders to be used with this latest version.
Why the sudden change of tactics from Native Instruments?
I thought it was very clever of Native Instruments to make NI STEMS available only on their latest controllers with onboard screens as they clearly wanted to sell as many of these new units as possible and push this new format.
Making the Kontrol F1 usable too, albeit without total visual feedback was kind of an olive branch to appease existing users to some extent, but it was never going to be as much fun as using NI STEMS with the full visual feedback like on their new S8, S5 and D2.
However to convert the Traktor DJ community en masse to a new file format, get them to pay a premium price for the NI STEMS tracks and buy new controllers was (and still is) a big ask.
Then if you consider that Pioneer DJ are now targeting laptop DJs more than ever with their fully fledged Rekordbox DJ software and dedicated controllers as well as forging ahead with even bigger and better Nexus gear too, plus Serato continuing to be a strong force with almost every controller brand (other than Native Instruments and in time, Pioneer DJ) being shipped with Serato Intro or Serato DJ, Native Instruments have, in my opinion, been forced to make the company’s DJ solutions more cutting edge and desirable across the range.
I don’t think the S8, S5 or D2 have been as big a seller as they’d hoped thus far. So now, their approach would be to reel in existing users, get them to adopt the NI STEMS format and ultimately grow into becoming users of their future gear.
For us, the end users, it’s awesome that these guys are all striving to outgun each other with new and innovative digital djing features.
It helps us grow as DJs and opens up new ways to be creative and to perform.
The new Traktor Pro 2.10.1 update is now available through Native Instruments’ Service Centre. Check the Native Instruments website for more details.
[youtube_sc url=”sTx6V5X8j-Q”]
