Native Instruments Controller Editor Version 1.8 User Manual
Manual
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Native Instruments GmbH. The software described by this document is subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media. No part of this
publication may be copied, reproduced or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose,
without prior written permission by Native Instruments GmbH, hereinafter referred to as Native
Instruments.
“Native Instruments”, “NI” and associated logos are (registered) trademarks of Native Instruments GmbH.
Mac, Mac OS, GarageBand, Logic, iTunes and iPod are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.,
registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Windows, Windows Vista and DirectSound are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation
in the United States and/or other countries.
All other trade marks are the property of their respective owners and use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
Document authored by: Native Instruments GmbH
Software version: 1.8.0 (04/2015)
Disclaimer
Special thanks to the Beta Test Team, who were invaluable not just in tracking down bugs, but
in making this a better product.
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS GmbH
Schlesische Str. 29-30
D-10997 Berlin
Germany
www.native-instruments.de
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS North America, Inc.
6725 Sunset Boulevard
5th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90028
USA
www.native-instruments.com
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS K.K.
YO Building 3F
Jingumae 6-7-15, Shibuya-ku,
Tokyo 150-0001
Japan
www.native-instruments.co.jp
Contact
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS UK Limited
18 Phipp Street
London EC2A 4NU
UK
www.native-instruments.com
© NATIVE INSTRUMENTS GmbH, 2015. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Welcome to the Controller Editor! ...............................................................................
1.1 About This Manual ......................................................................................................................13
1.2 Document Conventions ............................................................................................................... 14
2 Installation ...............................................................................................................
2.1 Controller Editor as Part of an NI Product Installation ................................................................ 16
2.2 Downloading the Controller Editor from the Native Instruments Website .................................... 16
3 Quick Start ................................................................................................................
3.1 Switching your NI Controller to MIDI Mode .................................................................................. 19
3.2 Loading MIDI Assignments ......................................................................................................... 21
3.3 Modifying an Assignment ........................................................................................................... 29
3.4 Organizing Your Assignments ..................................................................................................... 31
3.5 Saving and Loading Templates .................................................................................................. 33
3.2.1 Select the NI Controller .............................................................................................. 21
3.2.2 Select a Template ...................................................................................................... 23
3.2.3 Select a Page ............................................................................................................. 24
3.2.4 Select a Pad Page (MASCHINE Controller Family Only) .............................................. 27
3.2.5 Ready to Go? .............................................................................................................. 29
3.4.1 Displaying the Lists of Templates and Pages ............................................................ 31
3.4.2 Renaming Templates and Pages ............................................................................... 32
3.4.3 Re-ordering Templates and Pages ............................................................................. 33
4 Basic Concepts .........................................................................................................
4.1 How the Controller Editor Works .................................................................................................. 36
4.2 Overview of the User Interface .................................................................................................... 36
4.2.1 Application Menu Bar ................................................................................................ 38
4.2.2 Application Control Bar ............................................................................................. 38
4.2.3 Hardware Area ........................................................................................................... 38
13
16
18
36
CONTROLLER EDITOR - Manual - 4
Table of Contents
4.3 The Mapping System .................................................................................................................. 47
4.4 To Sum Up… ..............................................................................................................................51
4.2.4 Inspector ................................................................................................................... 40
4.3.1 Assignments .............................................................................................................. 47
4.3.2 Pages (or Knob Pages) ............................................................................................... 47
4.3.3 Pad Pages (MASCHINE Controller Family Only) .......................................................... 48
4.3.4 I/O and Level Pages (MASCHINE STUDIO Only) ........................................................... 48
4.3.5 Jog Wheel Pages (MASCHINE STUDIO Only) ................................................................ 49
4.3.6 Templates .................................................................................................................. 49
4.3.7 Configuration ............................................................................................................ 51
5 Using Your MASCHINE Controller ...............................................................................
5.1 Basic Controls ............................................................................................................................ 52
5.2 Assignable Control Elements ...................................................................................................... 54
5.3 Visual Feedback on Your Controller ............................................................................................ 57
5.4 The Displays ............................................................................................................................... 59
5.3.1 Buttons ...................................................................................................................... 57
5.3.2 Pads .......................................................................................................................... 58
5.3.3 Knobs ........................................................................................................................ 59
5.4.1 Switching Between Display Modes ............................................................................. 59
5.4.2 Knobs Display Mode ................................................................................................... 60
5.4.3 Pad Pages Display Mode ............................................................................................ 61
5.4.4 Knob Pages Display Mode .......................................................................................... 62
5.4.5 Template Display Mode .............................................................................................. 63
5.4.6 Monitor Display Mode ................................................................................................ 63
5.4.7 Settings Display Mode ............................................................................................... 64
6 Using Your MASCHINE MK2 Controller .......................................................................
6.1 Basic Controls ............................................................................................................................ 66
6.2 Assignable Control Elements ...................................................................................................... 68
52
66
CONTROLLER EDITOR - Manual - 5
6.3 Visual Feedback on Your Controller ............................................................................................ 71
6.4 The Displays ............................................................................................................................... 74
6.3.1 Buttons ...................................................................................................................... 72
6.3.2 Multicolor Pads .......................................................................................................... 73
6.3.3 Knobs ........................................................................................................................ 74
6.3.4 Control Encoder ......................................................................................................... 74
6.4.1 Switching Between Display Modes ............................................................................. 74
6.4.2 Knobs Display Mode ................................................................................................... 75
6.4.3 Pad Pages Display Mode ............................................................................................ 76
6.4.4 Template Display Mode .............................................................................................. 77
6.4.5 Monitor Display Mode ................................................................................................ 78
6.4.6 Settings Display Mode ............................................................................................... 78
7 Using Your MASCHINE MIKRO Controller ....................................................................
7.1 Basic Controls ............................................................................................................................ 80
7.2 Assignable Control Elements ...................................................................................................... 82
7.3 Visual Feedback on Your Controller ............................................................................................ 84
7.4 The Display ................................................................................................................................. 86
7.3.1 Buttons ...................................................................................................................... 85
7.3.2 Pads .......................................................................................................................... 85
7.3.3 Control Encoder ......................................................................................................... 86
7.4.1 Switching Between Display Modes ............................................................................. 86
7.4.2 Control Display Mode ................................................................................................. 87
7.4.3 Template Display Mode .............................................................................................. 88
7.4.4 Setup Display Mode ................................................................................................... 89
8 Using Your MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 Controller .............................................................
8.1 Basic Controls ............................................................................................................................ 90
8.2 Assignable Control Elements ...................................................................................................... 92
8.3 Visual Feedback on Your Controller ............................................................................................ 94
Table of Contents
80
90
CONTROLLER EDITOR - Manual - 6
Table of Contents
8.4 The Display ................................................................................................................................. 97
8.3.1 Buttons ...................................................................................................................... 94
8.3.2 Multicolor Pads .......................................................................................................... 96
8.3.3 Control Encoder ......................................................................................................... 97
8.4.1 Switching Between Display Modes ............................................................................. 97
8.4.2 Control Display Mode ................................................................................................. 98
8.4.3 Template Display Mode .............................................................................................. 98
8.4.4 Setup Display Mode ................................................................................................... 99
9 Using Your MASCHINE STUDIO Controller ...................................................................
9.1 Basic Controls ............................................................................................................................ 101
9.2 Assignable Control Elements ...................................................................................................... 103
9.3 Visual Feedback on Your Controller ............................................................................................ 108
9.4 The Displays ............................................................................................................................... 111
9.3.1 Buttons ...................................................................................................................... 109
9.3.2 Multicolor Pads .......................................................................................................... 110
9.3.3 Knobs ........................................................................................................................ 111
9.3.4 Control Encoder ......................................................................................................... 111
9.4.1 Switching Between Display Modes ............................................................................. 112
9.4.2 Settings Display Mode ............................................................................................... 112
9.4.3 Calibration Display Mode ........................................................................................... 114
9.4.4 Knobs Display Mode ................................................................................................... 115
9.4.5 Pages Display Mode ................................................................................................... 117
9.4.6 Templates Display Mode ............................................................................................ 118
9.4.7 Monitor Display Mode ................................................................................................ 119
10 Using Your TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 ..............................................................................
10.1 Basic Controls ............................................................................................................................ 120
10.2 Assignable Control Elements ...................................................................................................... 121
10.3 Visual Feedback on Your Controller ............................................................................................ 123
101
120
CONTROLLER EDITOR - Manual - 7
10.4 Using Two or More TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 Units ......................................................................... 124
11 Using Your TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 MK2 ......................................................................
11.1 Basic Controls ............................................................................................................................ 125
11.2 Assignable Control Elements ...................................................................................................... 126
11.3 Visual Feedback on Your Controller ............................................................................................ 128
11.4 Using Two or More TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 MK2 Units .................................................................. 130
12 Using Your TRAKTOR KONTROL F1 ..............................................................................
12.1 Basic Controls ............................................................................................................................ 131
12.2 Assignable Control Elements ...................................................................................................... 132
12.3 Visual Feedback on Your Controller ............................................................................................ 134
12.4 Using Two or More TRAKTOR KONTROL F1 Units .......................................................................... 137
12.3.1 Buttons and Pads ...................................................................................................... 135
12.3.2 7-segment Display .................................................................................................... 136
13 Using Your TRAKTOR KONTROL Z1 ..............................................................................
13.1 Basic Controls ............................................................................................................................ 138
13.2 Assignable Control Elements ...................................................................................................... 139
13.3 Visual Feedback on Your Controller ............................................................................................ 140
14 Using Your TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 ..............................................................................
14.1 Basic Controls ............................................................................................................................ 143
14.2 Assignable Control Elements ...................................................................................................... 144
14.3 Visual Feedback on Your Controller ............................................................................................ 146
15 Using Your TRAKTOR KONTROL D2 ..............................................................................
15.1 Basic Controls ............................................................................................................................ 149
15.2 Assignable Control Elements ...................................................................................................... 151
15.3 Visual Feedback on Your Controller ............................................................................................ 154
15.4 The Display ................................................................................................................................. 156
15.3.1 Buttons and Pads ...................................................................................................... 154
15.3.2 Performance Knobs, Slot Volume Faders, and Loop Encoder ...................................... 156
Table of Contents
125
131
138
143
149
CONTROLLER EDITOR - Manual - 8
Table of Contents
15.4.1 Control Display Mode ................................................................................................. 157
15.4.2 Adjust Color And Brightness ...................................................................................... 158
16 Using Your TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 ..............................................................................
16.1 Basic Controls ............................................................................................................................ 161
16.2 Assignable Control Elements ...................................................................................................... 163
16.3 Visual Feedback on Your Controller ............................................................................................ 169
16.4 The Displays ............................................................................................................................... 172
16.2.1 Control Elements on the Deck Units ........................................................................... 164
16.2.2 Control Elements on the Mixer ................................................................................... 167
16.3.1 Buttons and Pads ...................................................................................................... 169
16.3.2 Performance Knobs, Slot Volume Faders, and Loop Encoder ...................................... 171
16.4.1 Control Display Mode ................................................................................................. 172
16.4.2 Adjust Color And Brightness ...................................................................................... 174
17 Using Your TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 ..............................................................................
17.1 Basic Controls ............................................................................................................................ 177
17.2 Assignable Control Elements ...................................................................................................... 179
17.3 Visual Feedback on Your Controller ............................................................................................ 183
17.2.1 Control Elements on the Left Deck ............................................................................. 180
17.2.2 Control Elements on the Right Deck .......................................................................... 181
17.2.3 Control Elements on the Mixer ................................................................................... 181
17.2.4 Assignment Parameters ............................................................................................ 183
17.3.1 Buttons ...................................................................................................................... 184
17.3.2 LED Chains ................................................................................................................ 185
18 Using Your TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 MK2 ......................................................................
18.1 Basic Controls ............................................................................................................................ 186
18.2 Assignable Control Elements ...................................................................................................... 188
18.2.1 Control Elements on the Left Deck ............................................................................. 189
18.2.2 Control Elements on the Right Deck .......................................................................... 190
161
177
186
CONTROLLER EDITOR - Manual - 9
Table of Contents
18.3 Visual Feedback on Your Controller ............................................................................................ 192
18.2.3 Control Elements on the Mixer ................................................................................... 190
18.2.4 Assignment Parameters ............................................................................................ 192
18.3.1 Buttons ...................................................................................................................... 193
18.3.2 LED Chains ................................................................................................................ 194
19 Using Your TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 ..............................................................................
19.1 Basic Controls ............................................................................................................................ 195
19.2 Assignable Control Elements ...................................................................................................... 196
19.3 Visual Feedback on Your Controller ............................................................................................ 197
19.3.1 Buttons ...................................................................................................................... 198
19.3.2 LED Chains ................................................................................................................ 199
20 Using Your TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 MK2 ......................................................................
20.1 Basic Controls ............................................................................................................................ 200
20.2 Assignable Control Elements ...................................................................................................... 201
20.3 Visual Feedback on Your Controller ............................................................................................ 202
20.3.1 Buttons ...................................................................................................................... 203
20.3.2 LED Chains ................................................................................................................ 204
21 Using Your KOMPLETE KONTROL S-SERIES Keyboard ...................................................
21.1 Basic Controls ............................................................................................................................ 205
21.2 Assignable Control Elements ...................................................................................................... 207
21.3 Defining Key Zones ..................................................................................................................... 210
21.4 Visual Feedback on Your Keyboard ............................................................................................. 215
21.3.1 Overview of the Keybed Area ...................................................................................... 210
21.3.2 Editing Key Zones ...................................................................................................... 212
21.4.1 Visual Feedback on the Displays ............................................................................... 215
21.4.2 Visual Feedback on the Light Guide ........................................................................... 216
21.4.3 Visual Feedback on the Touch Strips ......................................................................... 216
21.4.4 Visual Feedback on the Buttons ................................................................................ 217
195
200
205
CONTROLLER EDITOR - Manual - 10
21.5 Using Two or More KOMPLETE KONTROL S-SERIES Units ............................................................ 218
21.6 Stand-alone Operation ............................................................................................................... 218
22 Using Two or More Units of the Same Type .................................................................
22.1 Renaming the Units ....................................................................................................................222
22.2 Accessing Templates and Pages of a Particular Unit ................................................................. 224
22.3 Resolving Device Conflicts ......................................................................................................... 225
23 Reference .................................................................................................................
23.1 The Application Menu Bar ...........................................................................................................227
23.2 The Preferences Window ............................................................................................................. 229
23.3 The Application Control Bar ........................................................................................................ 241
23.4 The Hardware Area ..................................................................................................................... 245
23.5 The Inspector .............................................................................................................................. 249
23.6 MIDI Message Parameters .......................................................................................................... 270
23.1.1 File Menu ................................................................................................................... 227
23.1.2 View Menu ................................................................................................................. 228
23.1.3 Help Menu ................................................................................................................. 228
23.2.1 General Page ............................................................................................................. 230
23.2.2 Controller Page .......................................................................................................... 231
23.3.1 Device Menu .............................................................................................................. 242
23.3.2 Connect Button .......................................................................................................... 243
23.3.3 MIDI Activity Indicator ............................................................................................... 244
23.3.4 NI Logo ...................................................................................................................... 244
23.4.1 Label Fields ............................................................................................................... 245
23.4.2 Selection Frame ......................................................................................................... 247
23.4.3 Page Areas and Page Menus ..................................................................................... 247
23.5.1 Templates Pane ......................................................................................................... 250
23.5.2 Pages Pane ................................................................................................................ 256
23.5.3 Assign Pane ............................................................................................................... 266
Table of Contents
222
227
CONTROLLER EDITOR - Manual - 11
Table of Contents
23.6.1 MIDI Message Types – Type Menu .............................................................................. 270
23.6.2 Assignments for Buttons ........................................................................................... 274
23.6.3 Assignments for Key Zones ........................................................................................ 280
23.6.4 Assignments for the Pads – Hit Action ...................................................................... 281
23.6.5 Assignments for Knobs and the Like .......................................................................... 282
23.6.6 Assignments for the Pads – Press Action .................................................................. 283
23.6.7 Assignments for Digital Encoders .............................................................................. 284
23.6.8 Assignments for Analog Encoders ............................................................................. 286
23.6.9 Assignments for Touch Strips – Position Action (TRAKTOR KONTROL Devices) .......... 289
23.6.10 Assignments for Touch Strips (KOMPLETE KONTROL S-SERIES) ................................. 290
23.6.11 Assignments for LED Chains and 7-segment Displays .............................................. 293
CONTROLLER EDITOR - Manual - 12
Welcome to the Controller Editor!
About This Manual
1 Welcome to the Controller Editor!
This powerful tool turns your Native Instruments hardware controller into a versatile and efficient MIDI remote control for your studio and live setup.
With the Controller Editor, you can precisely define which MIDI message to send when using
your NI controller. This way, you can put your whole music setup right at your fingertips and
remotely control MIDI-capable software or hardware from your NI controller. After you have
prepared your MIDI assignments with the Controller Editor, you can focus on what it’s all
about: making music!
1.1 About This Manual
This manual is divided into four parts:
• The first part introduces you to the Controller Editor: after a short description of the installation procedure (chapter ↑2, Installation), we will start with a brief tutorial (chapter
↑3, Quick Start).
• The second part illustrates the user interface of the Controller Editor, mapping scheme
and the various ways to interact with the software (chapter ↑4, Basic Concepts). This will
familiarize you with Controller Editor’s workflow.
• The third part shows you how to use your particular NI controller(s):
◦ chapter ↑5, Using Your MASCHINE Controller,
◦ chapter ↑6, Using Your MASCHINE MK2 Controller,
◦ chapter ↑7, Using Your MASCHINE MIKRO Controller,
◦ chapter ↑8, Using Your MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 Controller,
◦ chapter ↑9, Using Your MASCHINE STUDIO Controller,
◦ chapter ↑10, Using Your TRAKTOR KONTROL X1,
◦ chapter ↑11, Using Your TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 MK2,
◦ chapter ↑12, Using Your TRAKTOR KONTROL F1,
CONTROLLER EDITOR - Manual - 13
Welcome to the Controller Editor!
Document Conventions
◦ chapter ↑13, Using Your TRAKTOR KONTROL Z1,
◦ chapter ↑14, Using Your TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2,
◦ chapter ↑15, Using Your TRAKTOR KONTROL D2,
◦ chapter ↑16, Using Your TRAKTOR KONTROL S8,
◦ chapter ↑17, Using Your TRAKTOR KONTROL S4,
◦ chapter ↑18, Using Your TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 MK2,
◦ chapter ↑19, Using Your TRAKTOR KONTROL S2,
◦ chapter ↑20, Using Your TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 MK2,
◦ chapter ↑21, Using Your KOMPLETE KONTROL S-SERIES Keyboard,
◦ and chapter ↑22, Using Two or More Units of the Same Type.
• Finally, the fourth part (chapter ↑23, Reference) is a detailed reference describing the
software interface and its operation. Read for information on every knob, button or field
present in the Controller Editor’s interface. You will also find here a complete list of available MIDI message types and parameters.
This manual generally refers to all Native Instruments hardware controller devices simply as
“NI controller.” If any information applies to a specific device only, e.g. the MASCHINE
controller, this will be mentioned explicitly.
1.2 Document Conventions
This document uses particular formatting to point out special facts and to warn you of potential issues. The icons introducing the following notes let you see what kind of information can
be expected:
Whenever this exclamation mark icon appears, you should read the corresponding note
carefully and follow the instructions and hints given there if applicable.
This light bulb icon indicates that a note contains useful extra information. This information may often help you to solve a task more efficiently, but does not necessarily apply to
the setup or operating system you are using; however, it’s always worth a look.
CONTROLLER EDITOR - Manual - 14
Welcome to the Controller Editor!
Document Conventions
Furthermore, the following formatting is used:
• Text appearing in (drop-down) menus (such as Open…, Save as… etc.) and paths to locations on your hard drive or other storage devices is printed in italics.
• Text appearing elsewhere on the screen (labels of buttons, controls, text next to check
boxes etc.) is printed in light blue. Whenever you see this formatting applied, you will find
the same text appearing on the screen.
• Text appearing on the display(s) of your hardware controller is printed in grey. Whenever
you see this formatting applied, you will find the same text appearing on the display(s) of
your controller.
• Important names and concepts are printed in bold.
• References to keys on your computer’s keyboard you’ll find put in square brackets (e.g.,
“Press [Shift] + [Return]”).
1. Sequences of ordered instructions are introduced by numbers.
Single instructions are introduced by this play button type arrow.
►
Results of actions are introduced by this smaller arrow.
→
CONTROLLER EDITOR - Manual - 15
Controller Editor as Part of an NI Product Installation
2 Installation
This chapter describes how to install the Controller Editor in various situations.
2.1 Controller Editor as Part of an NI Product Installation
The Controller Editor is included in the product software package of NI hardware controllers
and was automatically installed during the installation procedure for your NI product.
We assume here that your NI product is already installed on your computer. For a detailed
description of this installation procedure, please refer to the Setup Guide provided with
your NI product.
You should find the Controller Editor at the following locations:
• Mac OS X: Applications/Native Instruments/Controller Editor
• Windows: Program Files\Native Instruments\Controller Editor
If for any reason the Controller Editor is not installed on your computer, please check that your
NI product is up to date. You can do this easily via the Service Center or via the Native Instruments website. If updates are available for your product, download and install them.
Installation
You can also download a stand-alone installer for the Controller Editor from the Native Instruments website — see next section for more information.
2.2 Downloading the Controller Editor from the Native Instruments Website
Apart from being included in the software package of supported NI products, the Controller
Editor is also available for download from the Native Instruments website. If your NI controller
is already installed on your computer, use the Service Center to download the last driver updates.
If your NI controller is not installed on your computer yet, you can manually download the
hardware drivers for your NI controller along with the Controller Editor. To do this:
CONTROLLER EDITOR - Manual - 16
Downloading the Controller Editor from the Native Instruments Website
1. Open your favorite internet browser and go to the following URL:
http://www.native-instruments.com/updates
2. On this page, follow the link to the unprotected updates, drivers and the Service Center.
3. In the list of available downloads, follow the link to your specific NI controller.
4. Download the installer file for your operating system (Windows or Mac OS X) and save it to
your hard disk.
5. Navigate to the directory where you saved the installer file and double-click it.
This launches the installer.
6. The installation process is straightforward: follow the instructions on the screen and
you’re done.
Installation
CONTROLLER EDITOR - Manual - 17
3 Quick Start
This chapter provides a hands-on introduction to the Controller Editor.
It is assumed herein that the Controller Editor is installed on your computer. See chapter
↑2, Installation for more information.
The use of the Controller Editor is straightforward. Most actions can be done either from your
NI controller or via the Controller Editor interface, and this in various ways — you can choose
the one that best fits your needs.
In this chapter, we will successively show you how to:
1. Switch your NI controller to MIDI mode.
2. Load MIDI assignments for a specific task: Select a whole set of assignments (known as a
Template) for your controller; Select a particular subset of assignments (known as a Page)
for specific control elements on your controller; MASCHINE controller family only: Select
an additional subset of assignments (known as a Pad Page) for the pads.
3. Modify assignments to make them perfectly fit your own needs.
4. Organize your customized assignments.
5. Save and recall the whole set of assignments as a Template.
Quick Start
In this chapter, we will often focus on the Controller Editor interface. But the instructions
provided here can also be applied to most NI controllers — and for a few of them, even in
various ways. Notably, this is very handy in live situations. For each task, we provide a
small summary table with the corresponding shortcuts on each NI controllers. For more information on using your controller, please refer to the respective controller-specific chapters, later in this manual.
For details on each and every element in the Controller Editor user interface, please refer to
chapter ↑23, Reference.
For details on each and every element in the Controller Editor user interface, please refer to
chapter ↑23, Reference.
Preparations
At this point, we assume that:
CONTROLLER EDITOR - Manual - 18
Switching your NI Controller to MIDI Mode
• Your computer is up and running.
• You have already installed your NI controller and the Controller Editor (see chapter ↑2, In-
stallation).
• Your NI controller is physically connected to your computer via the USB 2.0 cable.
3.1 Switching your NI Controller to MIDI Mode
First of all, let’s switch your NI controller to MIDI mode.
Indeed, your NI controller can run in two different and mutually exclusive modes:
• In Application mode, it controls its dedicated software (e.g. MASCHINE software) via the
Native Instruments’ ultra fast high-resolution proprietary NHL protocol. Depending on the
respective software, this mode will be called MASCHINE mode, TRAKTOR mode, etc.
• In MIDI mode, it can control any MIDI target(s) available (software or hardware) via the
MIDI protocol.
Switch to MIDI Mode Directly from your NI Controller
Quick Start
It is not necessary to start the Controller Editor software in order to switch your NI controller to
MIDI mode: you can do it directly from your controller.
For each NI controller, the following table shows you how to switch to/from MIDI mode and
how to quickly see whether your controller currently is in MIDI mode or not:
NI Controller Switching to/from MIDI mode Checking that MIDI mode is on
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-SERIES
MASCHINE SHIFT + CONTROL SHIFT button dimly lit
MASCHINE MK2 SHIFT + CONTROL SHIFT button dimly lit
MASCHINE MIKRO SHIFT + F1 SHIFT button dimly lit
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 SHIFT + F1 SHIFT button dimly lit
MASCHINE STUDIO SHIFT + CHANNEL SHIFT button dimly lit
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 SHIFT + SHIFT (on both Decks) Both SHIFT buttons dimly lit
SHIFT + INSTANCE Both PRESET buttons lit
CONTROLLER EDITOR - Manual - 19
Switching your NI Controller to MIDI Mode
NI Controller Switching to/from MIDI mode Checking that MIDI mode is on
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 MK2 SHIFT + SHIFT (on both Decks) Both SHIFT buttons dimly lit
Quick Start
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 SHIFT + BROWSE button
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 MK2 SHIFT + PREVIEW button
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 SHIFT (any Deck) + BACK (right
Deck)
TRAKTOR KONTROL D2 SHIFT (any Deck) + BACK SHIFT button dimly or fully lit
TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 SHIFT + HOTCUE HOTCUE button lit in green
TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 MK2 SHIFT + Load (both left and right
buttons)
TRAKTOR KONTROL F1 SHIFT + BROWSE SHIFT button lit
TRAKTOR KONTROL Z1 MODE + CUES (ensure both A &
B headphone cues are pressed)
TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 SHIFT + Settings Settings button lit
Please find more information on this in the respective controller-specific chapters, later in
this manual.
Loop Size Displays reading “ON”
Loop Size Displays reading “ON”
Both SHIFT buttons dimly or fully lit
SHIFT button lit
MODE button lit
Switch to MIDI Mode by Starting the Controller Editor
You can also switch all your connected NI controllers to MIDI mode by starting the Controller
Editor:
Start the Controller Editor by selecting Start > All Programs > Native Instruments > Con-
►
troller Editor > Controller Editor (Windows) or Applications > Native Instruments > Controller Editor (Mac OS X).
This not only opens the Controller Editor, but also automatically switches any connected
→
controller(s) to MIDI mode.
If the Controller Editor is already open, you can check at any time whether your NI controller is in MIDI mode or not, and if not, switch it back to MIDI mode via the Device menu
and the Connect button nearby — see ↑3.2.1, Select the NI Controller below.
CONTROLLER EDITOR - Manual - 20
Loading MIDI Assignments
Whichever method you have used, when switching your controller(s) to MIDI mode, the MIDI
assignments last used are automatically loaded along with their last state of use. If you are
starting the Controller Editor for the first time, the default MIDI assignments for your controller(s) are loaded instead.
You can start right away using your NI controller as a MIDI remote control!
3.2 Loading MIDI Assignments
In order to load other MIDI assignments for your NI controller, we will use the Controller Editor.
As already mentioned, this can also be done from most NI controllers — see the controllerspecific chapters, later in this manual.
At the top of the Controller Editor window, you see a horizontal bar with a series of controls
ending in the NI logo at the far right. We call this bar the Application Control Bar:
The Application Control Bar, at the top of the Controller Editor window.
Quick Start
We will use the Application Control Bar to start loading new MIDI assignments.
3.2.1 Select the NI Controller
We first have to select the NI controller for which we want to load the MIDI assignments.
To select a controller:
Click the Device menu (the first control from the left in the Application Control Bar), and
►
select the desired controller in the menu.
Choose your NI controller in the Device menu.
CONTROLLER EDITOR - Manual - 21
Loading MIDI Assignments
Here a few points of interest about the Device menu and the controller selection:
• In the menu both the folder containing the controller connected to your computer and the
name of the controller itself are indicated by a leading dot (•) in front of their name.
• Upon your selection, the menu closes and displays the name of the controller that you
just selected.
• The large controller picture below the menu is updated accordingly. This area is called
Hardware area — we will get back to it later.
The selection made in this Device menu does not affect in any way whether your NI controllers are in MIDI mode or not. Its sole purpose is to select a controller for loading,
changing, and managing its MIDI assignments.
Optional: Check that the Selected Controller Is in MIDI Mode
Besides looking at your NI controller to see if it’s in MIDI mode (see ↑3.1, Switching your NI
Controller to MIDI Mode), you can also check the Controller Editor interface:
Next to the Device menu in the Application Control Bar, you can check that the Connect
►
button is lit, indicating that the selected NI controller is in MIDI mode (and thus is connected to the Controller Editor).
Quick Start
The Connect button lights up when your NI controller is in MIDI mode.
If the Connect button is unlit for any reason (for example, if you have started the MASCHINE
or TRAKTOR software after the Controller Editor), you can click it at any time to re-connect the
selected controller with the Controller Editor and switch it back to MIDI mode.
If the Connect button is grayed out and inactive, your NI controller might be disconnected
from your computer. Check the USB connection — if your controller is connected, ensure
that its drivers are properly installed (for more information, see chapter ↑2, Installation).
Your NI controller does not necessarily have to be in MIDI mode or even connected to your
computer in order to work on its MIDI assignments. This notably allows you to work on the
MIDI assignments even if your controller is not to hand at the moment.
CONTROLLER EDITOR - Manual - 22
Loading MIDI Assignments
3.2.2 Select a Template
We will now select a Template — a full set of assignments for all assignable control elements
on your NI controller.
For more information on the Templates, see ↑4.3, The Mapping System.
On the right of the application, click the Templates tab and choose a Template in the list
►
that appears underneath.
Quick Start
The Template list allows you to load the desired Template.
From the Hardware
Some NI controllers also allow you to select Templates via following shortcuts:
NI Controller Template Selection
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-SERIES PRESET buttons
MASCHINE STUDIO SHIFT + Page buttons
MASCHINE MK2 SHIFT + Page buttons
MASCHINE SHIFT + Page buttons
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 SHIFT + Left/Right Arrow buttons
MASCHINE MIKRO SHIFT + Left/Right Arrow buttons
CONTROLLER EDITOR - Manual - 23
Loading MIDI Assignments
NI Controller Template Selection
TRAKTOR KONTROL D2 Performance Mode buttons (left/right arrows on either
side of the displays)
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 Performance Mode buttons (left/right arrows on either
side of the displays)
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 n/a
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 MK2 n/a
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 n/a
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 MK2 n/a
TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 n/a
TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 MK2 n/a
TRAKTOR KONTROL F1 n/a
TRAKTOR KONTROL Z1 n/a
TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 n/a
More information on this in the respective controller-specific chapters, later in this manual.
Quick Start
Either way, the Template will automatically be loaded upon selection and its assignments will
be displayed. You can now control the new target from your NI controller.
Each assignment is recalled at the last state of use: the software automatically saves the last
value for each of the control elements assigned in this Template. When you load a Template
for the first time all assignments are at their default value.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2: You can skip the following sections and directly go to ↑3.2.5,
Ready to Go?.
3.2.3 Select a Page
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2: There are no Pages available for this controller. Hence, you can
skip this section.
CONTROLLER EDITOR - Manual - 24
Loading MIDI Assignments
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-SERIES: Only one Page is available and it is always selected.
Hence, you can skip this section. Multiple Pages will be available in a future KOMPLETE KONTROL update.
Within each Template, some (or all) of the control elements of your NI controller can have multiple assignments, organized into Pages. In the Hardware area, these control elements are indicated by a frame surrounding them.
Quick Start
The orange frame representing the Knob Page in the Hardware area for the MASCHINE STUDIO controller (detail).
At any time there is one active Page, i.e. one active subset of assignments for these specific
control elements.
For more information on the Pages, see ↑4.3, The Mapping System.
Thus, let’s select a particular Page of assignments for loading:
To select a Page, click the Page menu (the orange menu above the orange frame in the
►
picture above) and select the desired Page in the list.
CONTROLLER EDITOR - Manual - 25
Loading MIDI Assignments
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 MK2, S4 (MK2), and S8: the Overview Panel
Due to their great size and number of control elements, the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 MK2, S4
(MK2) and TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 are divided into three parts in the Controller Editor: left
Deck, Mixer, and right Deck. Thus, before selecting any Page on these controllers, you first
have to choose a specific part for displaying. This is done via the Overview, at the top left corner of the Hardware area:
Use the Overview to select the desired Deck (S4 depicted).
You have two Pages at your disposal for each Deck. To select a specific Page:
1. Click the left or right Deck in the Overview.
2. Click the Page menu (the orange menu above the orange frame) and select the desired
Page in the list.
Quick Start
From the Hardware
You can also select Pages from your NI controller:
NI Controller
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-SERIES 1 n/a
MASCHINE (MK2) Unlimited Page buttons
MASCHINE MIKRO (MK2) Unlimited Left/Right Arrow buttons
MASCHINE STUDIO Unlimited Left/Right Arrow buttons
TRAKTOR KONTROL D2 2 for each Deck A–D DECK and/or SHIFT
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 2 for each Deck A–D DECK and/or SHIFT
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 2 for each Deck A–D DECK C/D then SHIFT
TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 MK2 2 for each Deck A–D DECK C/D then SHIFT
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 n/a
# of Available Pages Page Switch/Selection
CONTROLLER EDITOR - Manual - 26
Loading MIDI Assignments
NI Controller # of Available Pages Page Switch/Selection
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 MK2 2 for each Deck A–B SHIFT
TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 2 SHIFT
TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 MK2 2 SHIFT
TRAKTOR KONTROL F1 2 SHIFT
TRAKTOR KONTROL Z1 Unlimited n/a
TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 2 SHIFT
More information on this in the controller-specific chapters, later in this manual.
3.2.4 Select a Pad Page (MASCHINE Controller Family Only)
The sixteen pads of your MASCHINE STUDIO, MASCHINE (MK2) or MASCHINE MIKRO
(MK2) controller can optionally have multiple assignments, too. These are also organized into
pages: the Pad Pages. The Pad Page feature can be activated at the Template level: you can
have some Templates without Pad Pages (i.e. with one assignment each pad) and some other
with Pad Pages (i.e. with several assignments for each pad).
Quick Start
In the Hardware area, provided that the Pad Page feature is activated in the current Template,
the Pad Page is indicated by a blue frame around the pads:
CONTROLLER EDITOR - Manual - 27
The blue frame representing the Pad Page in the Hardware area for the MASCHINE controller family (detail).
At any time there is one active Pad Page, i.e. one subset of assignments for the pads.
Quick Start
Loading MIDI Assignments
For more information on the Pad Pages, see ↑4.3, The Mapping System.
Thus, let’s select a particular Pad Page of assignments for loading:
To select a Pad Page, click the Pad Page menu (the blue menu above the blue frame) and
►
select the desired Pad Page in the list.
MASCHINE STUDIO: Your MASCHINE STUDIO controller offers another two optional paging systems: the I/O and Level Pages can store multiple assignments for the Level knob in
the Master section, and the Jog Wheel Pages can store multiple assignments for the jog
wheel and its LED ring. For more details, see section ↑4.3.4, I/O and Level Pages (MA-
SCHINE STUDIO Only) and ↑4.3.5, Jog Wheel Pages (MASCHINE STUDIO Only), respec-
tively.
From the Hardware
You can also select Pad Pages from your controller:
CONTROLLER EDITOR - Manual - 28
Loading MIDI Assignments
NI Controller # of Available Pad Pages Pad Page Selection
MASCHINE STUDIO 8 (if feature activated) Group buttons A–H
MASCHINE (MK2) 8 (if feature activated) Group buttons A–H
MASCHINE MIKRO (MK2) 8 (if feature activated) GROUP + pads 9–16
Fore more information on the available commands on your controller, see chapter ↑5, Using
Your MASCHINE Controller, ↑6, Using Your MASCHINE MK2 Controller, ↑7, Using Your
MASCHINE MIKRO Controller, ↑8, Using Your MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 Controller, or ↑9,
Using Your MASCHINE STUDIO Controller.
3.2.5 Ready to Go?
If you only plan to use a Template as it is, i.e. without modifying any of its MIDI assignments,
you’re done! As you may have noticed, you can do all this from within your MASCHINE Controller, TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 or KOMPLETE KONTROL S-SERIES — this of course being the
preferred way for any live situation. If you used the Controller Editor, you can close the application now: the corresponding NI background service will take care of everything and you can
start using your NI controller as a MIDI remote control right away!
Quick Start
3.3 Modifying an Assignment
Now, if you want to modify some of the assignments stored in the selected Template (and possibly one of its Pages), continue with these few more steps:
1. TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 (MK2) / S4 (MK2) / S8 only: In the Overview at the top left,
click the part of the controller (left Deck, Mixer, or right Deck) containing the control element whose assignment you want to edit.
CONTROLLER EDITOR - Manual - 29
Modifying an Assignment
2. Select the desired control element. You can do this in two ways: In the Controller Editor,
click the control element within the hardware representation (a double-click on the control element directly brings the Inspector’s Assign pane to the front for faster editing, see
next step). You can also [Shift]-click several control elements of the same type (or click
and drag a rectangle) to select them. Or, on your NI controller (except KOMPLETE KONTROL S-SERIES), touch the control element (for this, the Touch Select option must be
enabled in File > Preferences > General — this is the case by default).
Either way, the control elements selected for editing get surrounded by the red Selection
Frame in the Controller Editor window:
3. In the Inspector (the right part of the Controller Editor interface), click the Assign tab:
The Assign pane opens up and displays all assignments’ properties for the selected control element(s).
4. Modify the assignment’s properties according to your needs: at the top, you can edit the
name of the assignment, and below, all MIDI properties like the type of MIDI message to
be sent, the MIDI channel to use, and so on. The assignment’s details will differ depending on the type of MIDI message you choose.
Quick Start
CONTROLLER EDITOR - Manual - 30
Loading...