Native Instruments Traktor MX2 Review – An Editor’s Choice Controller Perfect for Creative DJing

Native Instruments has a reputation that works against them and in their favor at the same time. They release some of the best software-based instruments in the game all the time (like, they have an insane release calendar every year of VSTs and Kontakt libraries). But when it comes to hardware, they’re a bit more selective; when they drop something new, it’s usually from a particular perspective. They do not flood the market with controllers every year, so when a new one comes out, like the Traktor MX2, I pay attention, mainly because they tend to aim incredibly high even when the product is positioned for newer users. That was the tension I kept coming back to with the Traktor MX2. This controller clearly targets a more entry-level audience on paper, but Native Instruments rarely builds anything without layering in deeper capability. I wanted to see where those ambitions landed when filtered through a consumer price point. I also wanted to see how much of Traktor’s identity actually made it into the hardware rather than being left behind in the software. After spending time with it in real sessions, what stood out most was how intentionally the Traktor MX2 sits between accessibility and depth. It feels like a controller designed to grow with you rather than one you outgrow quickly, and that framing makes more sense the longer you use it. Jump to these sectionsWhy The Traktor MX2 Took Home The Editor’s Choice AwardLiving inside Traktor Pro 4 without frictionExternal Power And Audio QualityVisual feedback helps a ton with focusPerformance tools that stay usable mid-mixFlux and reverse with confidenceMixer layout and effects routingCustomization depth and ownership over time Why The Traktor MX2 Took Home The Editor’s Choice Award Very few DJ products actually move the conversation forward, especially at a price point aimed at newer artists, and that is where the Traktor MX2 separates itself. What impressed me most is that Native Instruments did not simply scale down existing ideas to hit a lower cost. Instead, they focused on expanding what performance-oriented DJing can look like right now in 2025 (and 2026 when you’re likely reading this). The Traktor MX2 introduces workflows that feel genuinely modern, particularly around stems, Pattern Player, and hands-on sequencing during a mix. In an era where beatmatching and core technical tasks have largely been solved by software, DJing increasingly becomes about interpretation and expression; obviously track selection is the most important part of DJing but now instead of technical chops being a close second, it’s the interplay of those tracks and the delivery of them that defines a new-level DJ these days and the Traktor MX2 gives modern selectors all the tools they need to steal the show. I found that the Traktor MX2 leans directly into that reality. It encourages live remixing, creative looping, and track stacking in ways that feel natural rather than forced. Custom effects routing and performance controls are not treated as optional extras but as central parts of the experience. Image Cred: Native Instruments This approach becomes even more meaningful when paired with Native Instruments’ more budget-friendly software direction with the introduction of Traktor Play. Together, the hardware and software lower the barrier to entry without lowering creative potential. Newer DJs can access serious tools early, while more experienced users still have room to explore and refine their identity. That balance is why the Traktor MX2 snags an Editor’s Choice easily as the year winds its way to a close. It prioritizes individuality, flexibility, and creative control at a time when many products still focus on surface-level upgrades. Native Instruments clearly understands where DJing is heading, and the Traktor MX2 reflects that vision in a way that feels thoughtful, accessible, and genuinely forward-looking. Living inside Traktor Pro 4 without friction Having the full version of Traktor Pro 4 included changes the tone of the entire experience. I did not feel like I was working inside a limited ecosystem or being nudged toward upgrades. Everything Traktor offers was available immediately, and that made learning the controller feel worthwhile rather than provisional. I found that this encouraged experimentation and I spent more time testing stems, Pattern Player, and effects simply because nothing was locked away before deep menus and complex routings or channels. That freedom matters, especially for newer users who may not know yet which tools will become central to their workflow. The hardware integration reinforces that openness. Browsing, previewing, loading, and prepping tracks all happen quickly from the controller, and I noticed that my laptop became more of a reference point than a control surface. Over longer sessions, this reduced fatigue and made mixing feel more continuous. I found that this helped me stay present in the mix, since I was not constantly shifting b