For those looking for a new DJ "kontroller," turn to the latest offspring of Native Instruments, Traktor Kontrol X1 ($229 MSRP) -- a two-deck DJ controller that provides hands-on control over Traktor and Serato Scratch Live. The Traktor Kontrol X1 integrates fully with the latest version of Traktor software, and gives DJs the intuitive control they need over loop, cue, effect, track selection, and transport functions.

The unit accommodates the timecode-controlled setup of Traktor Scratch, which consists of a hardware mixer and turntables or CD decks; it also works as a self-contained controller for those who usually play beat-gridded tracks within Traktor software and mix externally. For a four-deck setup, combine two Kontrol X1 units; you will then be able to control all decks and effect units of Traktor Pro or Traktor Scratch Pro simultaneously.

NI designers incorporated artist and user feedback into the unit's layout, and equipped it with a heavy-duty yet compact casing, durable knobs and encoders, colored backlighting for additional visual feedback, and an optional carrying bag ($49 extra).

You can use Traktor Kontrol X1 to control DJ software or music performance applications other than Traktor, by the way. Native Instruments would prefer that you use it with Traktor though, and for that reason, the unit ships with Traktor LE, the basic version of Traktor Pro software.

Expect Traktor Kontrol X1 to be available in February of 2010.