Vestax is now shipping the new TR-1 Traktor Controller, a radical USB MIDI controller designed in cooperation with one of the pioneers of laptop-based DJing in Japan, the legendary Hiroshi Watanabe. The TR-1 is a compact, user-friendly controller designed to emulate the touch and feel of a traditional DJ mixer while providing the features and usability that professionals demand in a laptop-based system.
Working directly with Watanabe over 2-1/2 years, the Vestax design team has created an easy-to-use, compact and logical design with an array of faders, switches and rotary controllers tuned to combine the natural touch of a DJ mixer with the advanced functionality offered by Native Instruments Traktor software. By merging ease of use with advanced software command, the TR-1 offers new creative possibilities for computer-based DJs.
The TR-1 features seamless command of Traktor Pro software for control of up to four laptops through two program channels. Key features include soft-push switches and smooth 60mm slide faders for high-precision mixing, with an adjustable Input Fader curve to adapt to any mixing style. A new Shift switch feature allows the user to customize control functions by assigning a second command to a single button.
All standard controls are present and accounted for — tempo faders with pitch bend, 3-band EQ with pan on both sides, back and forward cue controls, dual effects loops per side, and more. Connectivity is USB-easy.
The Vestax TR-1 comes bundled with Native Instruments Traktor LE software, can command over 160 parameters right out of the box, including live signal processing effects, beat matching, loop programming, filter sweeping, and EQ sweetening in real time. Both the TR-1 and Traktor LE software are compatible with both Windows (XP, Vista) and Mac (OS 10.4 or higher) operating systems. Please see our website for full details on minimum system requirements.
Visually, the TR-1 features the traditional Vestax white gold faceplate and knobs, housed in a compact, road-tough chassis design that ensures reliability on tour. Hardware features include adjustable brightness of the surface’s LED lights for adaptability to any working conditions, and all control knobs are ergonomically designed for easy grabbing and smooth, noise-free adjustment.
The new Vestax TR-1 DJ Controller is in stores now. For more information, including a live demo of the TR-1 at LOOP Tokyo by our design partner, Hiroshi Watanabe, please visit http://ci.vestax.com/en/products/tr1_01.html.