A new TRAKTOR SCRATCH public beta test is now open to all current Traktor Pro 2.6 users. This new beta version tests improvements to tracking alerts, resistance against record damage, high input warning and scroll-zone unresponsiveness. Native Instruments wants YOU to test the new TRAKTOR SCRATCH beta on your own DJ setup and help shape the future of the industry-leading vinyl and CD DJ timecode system. Enter to get the installer and sign up today.

DJ Unkut, the 2011 DMC Online Turntablist Champion, is in the DJbooth in this demo video showing off the next step in Traktor Scratch performance: Native Scratch Technology. All of the new scratch products by NI will contain the Native Scratch Technology that delivers super-accurate performance through the MK2 timecode for an authentic vinyl feel. In this video DJ Unkut goes all out showing his scratching, drumming, and controllerism skills to the ultimate test. Check out the full Video Demo after the jump.

Qbert and DJ Craze are two of my personal favorite DJ's in the whole wide world. They have been killing the scratch/turntablist game for years and years and they both hold three DMC World titles each. Native Instruments has teamed up with Qbert and DJ Craze to bring an excellent Limited Edition Traktor Control Vinyl Set with exclusive sounds on side A (one with samples from Qbert and one with beats by Craze) and Traktor Scratch timecode on side B. Check out the details and links to get your set after the jump.

Last week, (only a day after the Traktor Z1 was announced) the popular DJ Equipment website PSSL accidentally posted a new product by Native Instruments which appears to be the Traktor Kontrol X1 MK2. The original Traktor Kontrol X1 came out a few years ago and is commonly used by Traktor DJ's as a playback companion controller with DVS setups or other mixing consoles. The updated X1 has most of the same functions as the original with a few new additions including RGB backlit buttons for Remix Deck control, Flux Mode buttons, a Touch Sensitive Strip for beatmatching/nudging and much more.

Late last week, Native Instruments announced the third and final price-drop of its long-standing flagship 4-deck Digital DJ Controller called the Traktor Kontrol S4. I call this the third and final price-drop because NI has listed this offer to last from now until August 31st OR until stocks last. The writing has been on the wall for a fresh new round of all-in-one DJ controllers since the release of Traktor 2.5 and the remix deck functionality that the S2/S4 could never really take advantage of. The S4 is still a very capable DJ controller that also has a built in Traktor DJ Soundcard that allows DJ's to playback timecode vinyl or CD's with external turntables or CD decks. Take advantage of this sweet deal while you still can.

The new Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2 and S4 MK2 Digital DJ controllers were just released to the public last week and we've got review units in the lab for full out video and written reviews. The new controllers boast improvements to the original designs by adding multi-color hotcue/remix deck pads, hi-res aluminum metal plate jog wheels, FLUX mode buttons, and Traktor DJ iOS compatibility. The original S2 and S4 DJ controllers were the perfect 2-channel and 4-channel mixing consoles for the Traktor software. The Traktor software has seen lots of new updates since the release of the original S2 /S4 so it's only natural that NI releases new controller interfaces to access the new advanced features such as remix decks controls and FLUX mode. We'll have the full reviews completed shortly, but check out our unboxing & first impressions videos in the meantime to see what comes in the boxes.