Native Instruments Traktor 2 Application Reference
Application Reference
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not repre
sent 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 record
ed, for any purpose, without prior written permission by Native Instruments GmbH, herein
after referred to as Native Instruments.
“Native Instruments”, “NI” and associated logos are (registered) trademarks of Native In
struments GmbH.
Traktor Scratch products are authorized for use under license of patents owned by N2IT
holdings B.V., including U.S. Patent Nos. 7,012,184 B2 and 7,238,874 B2.
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 Corpora
tion 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: Irmgard Bauer, David Gover, Chad Carrier, Nicolas Sidi
Document version: 1.1 (04/2011)
Special thanks to the Beta Test Team, who were invaluable not just in tracking down bugs,
but in making this a better product.
Disclaimer
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Native Instruments GmbH
Schlesische Str. 28
D-10997 Berlin
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info@native-instruments.de
www.native-instruments.de
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sales@native-instruments.com
www.native-instruments.com
Contact
© Native Instruments GmbH, 2011. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Welcome ..................................................................................................................
1.1 The TRAKTOR 2 Documentation .................................................................................................. 16
1.2 System Requirements and Compatibility .................................................................................... 18
1.1.1 Where To Start? ......................................................................................................... 16
1.1.2 In This Manual ........................................................................................................... 17
2 Upgrading from TRAKTOR (SCRATCH) PRO/DUO and TRAKTOR LE ..................................
2.1 Backup ....................................................................................................................................... 19
2.2 Installation ................................................................................................................................. 19
2.3 Importing Your Data ................................................................................................................... 19
2.3.1 Importing Your MIDI and Hotkey Mappings ................................................................ 20
2.3.2 Importing Your Music ................................................................................................ 20
3 The Setup Wizard ......................................................................................................
4 The User Interface .....................................................................................................
4.1 The Big Picture ........................................................................................................................... 30
4.2 Main Elements ............................................................................................................................31
4.2.1 Application Menu Bar ................................................................................................ 31
4.2.2 Header ....................................................................................................................... 32
4.2.3 Global Section ........................................................................................................... 35
4.2.4 Decks ......................................................................................................................... 38
4.2.5 Mixer .......................................................................................................................... 42
4.2.6 Browser ..................................................................................................................... 43
5 The Browser ..............................................................................................................
5.1 The Track Collection ................................................................................................................... 45
5.2 Importing Music Folders ............................................................................................................. 46
5.3 Tracks Managed by iTunes ......................................................................................................... 48
5.2.1 Alternative Import Methods ....................................................................................... 47
16
19
21
29
45
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5.4 Finding Tracks (Search) .............................................................................................................. 49
5.5 Working with Collection & Playlists ............................................................................................ 50
5.6 Editing Track Meta Data ............................................................................................................. 57
5.7 Track Icons ................................................................................................................................. 58
5.8 The Preview Player ...................................................................................................................... 59
5.3.1 Playing Tracks Managed by iTunes ............................................................................ 48
5.3.2 Importing a Selection of Tracks from iTunes .............................................................. 48
5.3.3 Importing iTunes Playlists ......................................................................................... 48
5.4.1 Filtering Playlists ....................................................................................................... 49
5.4.2 Refining a Search ...................................................................................................... 49
5.4.3 Searching for Similar Tracks ..................................................................................... 50
5.4.4 Search in Playlists ..................................................................................................... 50
5.5.1 Creating a Playlist ..................................................................................................... 50
5.5.2 Adding Tracks to Playlists ......................................................................................... 51
5.5.3 Showing Tracks in Collection ..................................................................................... 51
5.5.4 Deleting Tracks .......................................................................................................... 51
5.5.5 Sorting Playlists ........................................................................................................ 52
5.5.6 Organizing Playlists in Folders .................................................................................. 53
5.5.7 Track Collection Subfolders ....................................................................................... 53
5.5.8 Favorites .................................................................................................................... 53
5.5.9 Preparation Playlist ................................................................................................... 54
5.5.10 Exporting Playlists ..................................................................................................... 54
5.5.11 Importing Playlists .................................................................................................... 54
5.5.12 Printing Playlists ....................................................................................................... 55
5.5.13 More Playlist Functions .............................................................................................. 55
5.5.14 History Playlist ........................................................................................................... 56
5.6.1 Editing Track Properties via Inline Editing ................................................................. 57
5.6.2 Editing Track Properties via the Edit Dialog .............................................................. 57
TRAKTOR 2 - Application Reference - 5
5.9 Cover Art .....................................................................................................................................59
5.10 Collection Maintenance .............................................................................................................. 60
5.11 Working with Audio CDs .............................................................................................................. 64
5.12 Working with Digital Audio Players ............................................................................................. 64
5.9.1 Show Cover Art .......................................................................................................... 59
5.9.2 Editing Cover Art ....................................................................................................... 60
5.10.1 Consistency Check ..................................................................................................... 61
5.10.2 Analysis ..................................................................................................................... 62
5.10.3 Data Directories ......................................................................................................... 63
5.10.4 Other Maintenance Functions .................................................................................... 63
5.11.1 CD Text ...................................................................................................................... 64
5.11.2 Audio CDs and Favorites ............................................................................................ 64
5.11.3 Eject CD ..................................................................................................................... 64
5.12.1 iPod ........................................................................................................................... 65
6 The Decks .................................................................................................................
6.1 Deck Flavors ............................................................................................................................... 66
6.2 Loading Tracks ........................................................................................................................... 70
6.3 The Deck Heading ....................................................................................................................... 71
6.4 The Waveform Display and the Stripe View ................................................................................. 73
6.5 The Transport Controls ............................................................................................................... 75
6.6 Loop Controls ..............................................................................................................................76
6.7 Tempo Controls ........................................................................................................................... 77
6.3.1 Deck Focus ................................................................................................................ 71
6.3.2 Deck Flavor ................................................................................................................ 71
6.3.3 Playback Mode ........................................................................................................... 71
6.3.4 Deck Layout ............................................................................................................... 71
6.3.5 Deck Audio Drag and Drop ......................................................................................... 72
6.7.1 Manual Tempo Controls ............................................................................................. 78
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6.8 The Advanced Panel ................................................................................................................... 81
6.7.2 Phase Meter ............................................................................................................... 79
6.7.3 Beat Syncing ............................................................................................................. 79
6.8.1 BeatJump and Loop Move (MOVE Panel) .................................................................... 81
6.8.2 Cue Point and Loop Management Panel (CUE Panel) ................................................. 89
6.8.3 Cue Point Types ......................................................................................................... 91
6.8.4 Deleting a Stored Cue Point or Loop ........................................................................... 93
6.8.5 Hotcue Mapping ........................................................................................................ 93
6.8.6 Beatgrid Panel (GRID) ............................................................................................... 94
7 The Internal Mixer & the Crossfader ...........................................................................
7.1 Channel Faders .......................................................................................................................... 101
7.2 Crossfader .................................................................................................................................. 101
7.3 Equalizer .................................................................................................................................... 102
7.4 GAIN, Cue and PAN ..................................................................................................................... 104
7.5 FILTER, KEY and Effect Insert ..................................................................................................... 105
7.6 The Internal Mixer in External Mixer Mode ................................................................................... 108
7.3.1 Equalizer Types .......................................................................................................... 102
7.5.1 Headphone Controls .................................................................................................. 107
8 Using TRAKTOR with an External Mixer .......................................................................
8.1 Requirements ............................................................................................................................. 109
8.2 Hardware Setup .......................................................................................................................... 110
8.3 Software Setup ........................................................................................................................... 110
8.1.1 The Mixer ................................................................................................................... 109
8.1.2 Audio Device .............................................................................................................. 109
9 Using the Header and Global Sections ........................................................................
9.1 Header ........................................................................................................................................ 112
9.2 The Global Section ...................................................................................................................... 115
9.2.1 Master Panel ............................................................................................................. 115
101
109
112
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Table of Contents
9.3 Effect Panels .............................................................................................................................. 119
9.2.2 The Loop Recorder ..................................................................................................... 116
9.2.3 Master Clock Panel .................................................................................................... 117
9.2.4 MIDI Clock Send ......................................................................................................... 118
9.3.1 Group Mode ............................................................................................................... 120
9.3.2 Single Mode ............................................................................................................... 122
9.3.3 Audio Recorder Panel ................................................................................................. 124
9.3.4 Broadcasting ............................................................................................................. 125
10 Mouse Control for Faders and Knobs ..........................................................................
10.1 Basic Controls ............................................................................................................................ 126
10.2 Advanced Control ....................................................................................................................... 126
11 Control via Keyboard & MIDI Hotkeys .........................................................................
11.1 Keyboard Hotkeys ........................................................................................................................128
11.2 MIDI Hotkeys ............................................................................................................................... 128
12 Setting Up TRAKTOR Scratch ......................................................................................
12.1 The Turntable Setup ................................................................................................................... 130
12.2 CD Player Setup .......................................................................................................................... 131
12.3 Mixed Setup ................................................................................................................................ 133
12.4 Calibration ................................................................................................................................. 133
12.5 Tracking Modes .......................................................................................................................... 134
12.1.1 Making Connections for Turntables ........................................................................... 130
12.1.2 Test Drive TRAKTOR SCRATCH with Turntables .......................................................... 130
12.1.3 The Control Zones on Vinyl ......................................................................................... 130
12.2.1 Making connections ................................................................................................... 131
12.2.2 Test Drive TRAKTOR SCRATCH with CD Players .......................................................... 132
12.2.3 The Control Zones on CD ............................................................................................ 132
12.5.1 Absolute Tracking Mode ............................................................................................. 134
12.5.2 Relative Tracking Mode ............................................................................................. 135
126
128
130
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12.6 Relevant Related Preferences ..................................................................................................... 135
12.7 TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO/DUO 2 Troubleshooting ........................................................................ 137
12.5.3 Internal Mode ............................................................................................................ 135
12.7.1 Calibration Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 138
12.7.2 Audio Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 141
13 Preferences ..............................................................................................................
13.1 The Preferences Window ............................................................................................................. 142
13.2 Audio Setup ................................................................................................................................ 143
13.3 Output Routing ........................................................................................................................... 144
13.4 Input Routing ............................................................................................................................. 146
13.5 MIDI Clock .................................................................................................................................. 146
13.6 Timecode Setup .......................................................................................................................... 146
13.7 Loading ...................................................................................................................................... 147
13.8 Transport .................................................................................................................................... 149
13.9 Decks ..........................................................................................................................................151
13.10 Mixer ...........................................................................................................................................153
13.11 Global Settings ........................................................................................................................... 154
13.12 Effects ........................................................................................................................................ 155
13.13 Mix Recorder ............................................................................................................................... 156
13.14 Loop Recorder ............................................................................................................................. 156
13.15 Broadcasting .............................................................................................................................. 157
13.16 Browser Details .......................................................................................................................... 158
13.17 Layout Manager .......................................................................................................................... 159
13.2.1 Audio Device .............................................................................................................. 143
13.2.2 Phono / Line ............................................................................................................... 144
13.2.3 Routing ...................................................................................................................... 144
13.2.4 Built-in Soundcard (only Windows) ............................................................................ 144
13.3.1 Mixing Mode .............................................................................................................. 145
142
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13.18 File Management ........................................................................................................................ 159
13.19 Controller Manager ..................................................................................................................... 161
13.20 Traktor Kontrol X1 ....................................................................................................................... 168
13.21 Traktor Kontrol S4 ....................................................................................................................... 169
13.19.1 Overview .................................................................................................................... 161
13.19.2 Device Setup .............................................................................................................. 161
13.19.3 Assignment Table ...................................................................................................... 163
13.19.4 Device Mapping ......................................................................................................... 164
13.19.5 Mapping Details ........................................................................................................ 165
13.19.6 Available Controller Types ......................................................................................... 166
14 Advanced Operation of TRAKTOR ................................................................................
14.1 TRAKTOR Profiles ........................................................................................................................ 176
14.2 Syncing via MIDI Clock ............................................................................................................... 179
14.3 Broadcasting .............................................................................................................................. 181
14.1.1 The TRAKTOR Root folder ........................................................................................... 176
14.1.2 The Recordings folder ................................................................................................ 177
14.1.3 Complete Backup ...................................................................................................... 177
14.1.4 Restoring TRAKTOR from a Backup ............................................................................ 177
14.1.5 Creating a portable version of TRAKTOR .................................................................... 178
14.1.6 Automatic Collection Backup (Security Backup) ........................................................ 179
14.1.7 Repairing a Corrupted Collection ............................................................................... 179
14.2.1 TRAKTOR as Tempo Source (MIDI Clock send) ............................................................ 179
14.2.2 Syncing TRAKTOR to an external MIDI Clock Signal (External Sync) ........................... 180
14.2.3 Syncing two versions of TRAKTOR .............................................................................. 180
14.3.1 Streaming Protocol .................................................................................................... 181
14.3.2 Configuring TRAKTOR ................................................................................................ 182
14.3.3 Starting the Broadcast .............................................................................................. 182
14.3.4 How to setup a microphone for your Broadcast .......................................................... 183
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14.4 The Effects in Detail ................................................................................................................... 183
14.4.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 183
14.4.2 FX Panel Modes ......................................................................................................... 184
14.4.3 Common Parameters ................................................................................................. 186
14.4.4 Delay ......................................................................................................................... 186
14.4.5 Reverb ....................................................................................................................... 187
14.4.6 Flanger ...................................................................................................................... 188
14.4.7 Flanger Pulse ............................................................................................................. 188
14.4.8 Flanger Flux ............................................................................................................... 189
14.4.9 Gater ......................................................................................................................... 190
14.4.10 Beatmasher 2 ............................................................................................................ 190
14.4.11 Delay T3 ..................................................................................................................... 191
14.4.12 Filter LFO ................................................................................................................... 192
14.4.13 Filter Pulse ................................................................................................................ 193
14.4.14 Filter .......................................................................................................................... 194
14.4.15 Filter:92 LFO .............................................................................................................. 195
14.4.16 Filter:92 Pulse ........................................................................................................... 195
14.4.17 Filter:92 ..................................................................................................................... 196
14.4.18 Phaser ....................................................................................................................... 197
14.4.19 Phaser Pulse .............................................................................................................. 198
14.4.20 Phaser Flux ................................................................................................................ 198
14.4.21 Reverse Grain ............................................................................................................ 199
14.4.22 Turntable FX .............................................................................................................. 200
14.4.23 Iceverb ....................................................................................................................... 200
14.4.24 Reverb T3 .................................................................................................................. 201
14.4.25 Ring Modulator .......................................................................................................... 201
14.4.26 Digital LoFi ................................................................................................................ 202
14.4.27 Mulholland Drive ....................................................................................................... 202
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Table of Contents
14.4.28 Transpose Stretch ...................................................................................................... 203
14.4.29 BeatSlicer Buffer ....................................................................................................... 204
14.4.30 Formant Filter ............................................................................................................ 204
14.4.31 Peak Filter ................................................................................................................. 205
14.4.32 Tape Delay ................................................................................................................. 205
14.4.33 Ramp Delay ............................................................................................................... 206
14.4.34 Auto Bouncer ............................................................................................................. 207
14.4.35 Bouncer ..................................................................................................................... 208
15 Tutorials ...................................................................................................................
15.1 Prerequisites .............................................................................................................................. 209
15.2 Goals of the Following Chapters ................................................................................................. 210
15.3 Playing Your First Track .............................................................................................................. 211
15.4 Mixing In a Second Track ............................................................................................................ 216
15.5 Adjusting Levels ......................................................................................................................... 232
15.3.1 Quick Loading a Track ............................................................................................... 211
15.3.2 Playing the Track ....................................................................................................... 213
15.3.3 If You Don’t Hear the Track ........................................................................................ 214
15.4.1 Pre-listening a Second Track in the Preview Player ................................................... 217
15.4.2 Loading and Playing the Second Track ...................................................................... 220
15.4.3 Using Headphones to Prepare the Mix ....................................................................... 220
15.4.4 Synchronizing the Second Track ................................................................................ 222
15.4.5 Setting a Cue Point as Starting Point (Not Available in TRAKTOR LE 2) ..................... 223
15.4.6 Snapping to the Beats ............................................................................................... 226
15.4.7 Sticking to the Beats ................................................................................................. 226
15.4.8 Interlude: In Case the Left Track Is Over… ............................................................... 227
15.4.9 Mixing In the Track by Using the Channel EQ and Filter ............................................ 227
15.4.10 Manual Beat-matching ............................................................................................. 229
15.5.1 The Theory… ............................................................................................................. 232
209
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Table of Contents
15.6 Looping and Cueing ....................................................................................................................234
15.7 Adding FX ................................................................................................................................... 239
15.8 Using Samples in Your Mix (Not Available in TRAKTOR LE 2) ...................................................... 245
15.9 Using the Loop Recorder (TRAKTOR PRO 2 / TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2 Only) ............................. 250
15.10 Synchronization .......................................................................................................................... 255
15.5.2 …and the Practice .................................................................................................... 233
15.6.1 Playing with Loops ..................................................................................................... 235
15.6.2 Using Hotcues (Not Available in TRAKTOR LE 2) ........................................................ 238
15.7.1 Assigning a Deck to an FX Unit (TRAKTOR PRO 2 / TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2 Only) .. 240
15.7.2 Group Mode ............................................................................................................... 241
15.7.3 Getting the FX Unit Ready .......................................................................................... 242
15.7.4 Controlling the FX Unit .............................................................................................. 243
15.7.5 Single Mode (TRAKTOR PRO 2 / TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2 Only) ............................... 244
15.7.6 Storing a Snapshot .................................................................................................... 244
15.8.1 Loading a Sample from the Collection ....................................................................... 246
15.8.2 Triggering the Sample ............................................................................................... 246
15.8.3 Grabbing a Sample from a Track ............................................................................... 247
15.8.4 More Sample Controls ................................................................................................ 249
15.9.1 Choosing a Source ..................................................................................................... 251
15.9.2 Recording a Loop ....................................................................................................... 252
15.9.3 Overdubbing .............................................................................................................. 254
15.9.4 Further Uses of the Recorded Loop ............................................................................ 254
15.10.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 255
15.10.2 The Tempo Master ..................................................................................................... 255
15.10.3 The Beatgrid .............................................................................................................. 260
15.10.4 Other Useful Tools for Synching ................................................................................. 261
16 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................
16.1 TRAKTOR 2 Won’t Start ............................................................................................................... 264
264
TRAKTOR 2 - Application Reference - 13
16.2 Latency Issues ............................................................................................................................ 264
16.3 TRAKTOR 2 Crashes .................................................................................................................... 265
16.4 Updates ...................................................................................................................................... 265
17 Getting Help ..............................................................................................................
17.1 Knowledge Base ......................................................................................................................... 266
17.2 Technical Support .......................................................................................................................266
17.3 Registration Support .................................................................................................................. 267
17.4 User Forum ................................................................................................................................. 267
18 Appendix A — Common Setups ..................................................................................
18.1 TRAKTOR with an On-board Sound Card and Fallback ................................................................ 268
18.2 TRAKTOR with an External Audio Interface ................................................................................. 269
18.3 TRAKTOR with an External Mixer ................................................................................................. 270
18.4 TRAKTOR with a Controller .......................................................................................................... 271
18.5 TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 with TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2 ............................................................... 274
18.6 Adding a Microphone .................................................................................................................. 274
18.7 Recording Setup (Not Available in TRAKTOR LE 2) ...................................................................... 275
18.4.1 Controllers with Mixer Controls (and optionally a Built-In Audio Interface) ............... 272
18.4.2 Controllers without Mixer Controls ............................................................................. 273
18.6.1 Using Your Microphone with the Loop Recorder ......................................................... 274
18.6.2 Using Your Microphone as a Live Input and with TRAKTOR FX ................................... 275
18.7.1 Recording from the Internal Source ........................................................................... 276
18.7.2 Recording from an External Source ............................................................................ 277
19 Default Keyboard Mappings .......................................................................................
19.1 Performance Layout TRAKTOR ..................................................................................................... 279
19.1.1 Transport ................................................................................................................... 279
19.1.2 Sample Decks ............................................................................................................ 280
19.1.3 Cue & Loop ................................................................................................................ 280
19.1.4 Favorites & Navigation .............................................................................................. 281
Table of Contents
266
268
279
TRAKTOR 2 - Application Reference - 14
Table of Contents
19.1.5 Loop Recorder ............................................................................................................ 281
19.1.6 Zoom & Layout ........................................................................................................... 282
19.1.7 Scratch Modes ........................................................................................................... 282
20 Assignable MIDI Controls ...........................................................................................
20.1 General Controls ......................................................................................................................... 283
20.2 Output Controls .......................................................................................................................... 296
20.1.1 Load .......................................................................................................................... 283
20.1.2 Transport ................................................................................................................... 283
20.1.3 Timecode ................................................................................................................... 284
20.1.4 Cue/Loops .................................................................................................................. 284
20.1.5 Mixer .......................................................................................................................... 285
20.1.6 Sample Deck .............................................................................................................. 287
20.1.7 Loop Recorder ............................................................................................................ 288
20.1.8 FX Group .................................................................................................................... 288
20.1.9 FX Single ................................................................................................................... 289
20.1.10 Recording .................................................................................................................. 289
20.1.11 Tempo ........................................................................................................................ 290
20.1.12 Track BPM ................................................................................................................. 290
20.1.13 Master Clock .............................................................................................................. 291
20.1.14 Preview ...................................................................................................................... 291
20.1.15 Browser Controls ....................................................................................................... 292
20.1.16 Layout ........................................................................................................................ 294
20.1.17 Global Controls .......................................................................................................... 295
20.1.18 Modifier Controls ....................................................................................................... 295
Index ........................................................................................................................
283
297
TRAKTOR 2 - Application Reference - 15
The TRAKTOR 2 Documentation
1 Welcome
TRAKTOR 2 is the most powerful and versatile DJ software on the market. With TRAK
TOR 2, you can mix your tracks traditionally as well as combine your tracks and loops in a
non-linear way, using it as a powerful live remixing tool.
1.1 The TRAKTOR 2 Documentation
This manual covers all elements of TRAKTOR 2 in detail. If you want to get deeply into the
software, this is the document to refer to.
1.1.1 Where To Start?
TRAKTOR 2 provides you with many information sources. The main sources should be
read in the following sequence:
1. Setup Guide.
2. TRAKTOR 2 Getting Started and video tutorials.
3. This TRAKTOR 2 Application Reference.
Additionally, a keyboard shortcut overview card will help you in your everyday work with
TRAKTOR 2. Hereafter is a quick description of each of these documentation sources.
Some of these documents (Setup Guide and Keyboard Shortcut Overview Card) are availa
ble in printed form in the product box. The whole documentation is also available in PDF
format via:
▪ Mac OS X: Macintosh HD/Applications/Native Instruments/Traktor 2/Documentation
▪ Windows: Start > All Programs > Native Instruments > Traktor 2 > Documentation
Welcome
Your First Stop: the Setup Guide
A printed Setup Guide is included in the product box. It will guide you through the soft
ware (and hardware, where appropriate) installation of TRAKTOR 2, from the very begin
ning to the first sound coming through your speakers. This should be your first stop in
learning TRAKTOR 2.
First read the Setup Guide. Then proceed to the TRAKTOR 2 Getting Started manual to get
more familiar with TRAKTOR 2!
TRAKTOR 2 - Application Reference - 16
The TRAKTOR 2 Documentation
TRAKTOR 2 Getting Started Manual
After having read the Setup Guide and followed its instructions, TRAKTOR should be up
and running. The next step is to read the Getting Started manual. The Getting Started
manual gives you a practical approach to TRAKTOR 2.
Keyboard Shortcut Overview Card
A keyboard shortcut overview card is included in the product box. It provides quick access
to the dedicated keyboard mappings for the TRAKTOR 2 software.
Video Tutorials
The Native Instruments website provides you with a bunch of video tutorials that give you
a hands-on approach to many sides of the TRAKTOR 2 workflow. To see them, point your
favorite browser to following URL: http://www.native-instruments.com/traktor.
1.1.2 In This Manual
What you are reading now is the TRAKTOR 2 Application Reference manual. This manual
will provide detailed information on all aspects of TRAKTOR 2.
This manual uses particular formatting to point out special facts and to warn you of poten
tial issues. The icons introducing these notes let you see what kind of information is to be
expected:
Welcome
Whenever this exclamation mark icon appears, you should read the corresponding note care
fully 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 set
up or operating system you are using; however, it's always worth a look.
Furthermore, the following formatting is used:
▪ Text appearing in (drop-down) menus (such as Open…, Save as… etc.), in paths to loca
tions on your hard drive or other storage devices, and in Preferences paths is printed in
italics.
▪ Text appearing elsewhere (labels of buttons, controls, text next to checkboxes etc.) is
printed in blue. Whenever you see this formatting applied, you will find the same text
appearing somewhere on the screen.
▪ Important names and concepts are printed in bold.
► Single instructions are introduced by this play button type arrow.
TRAKTOR 2 - Application Reference - 17
System Requirements and Compatibility
→ Results of actions are introduced by this smaller arrow.
Pet Names for Software and Hardware
Throughout the documentation, we will refer to the TRAKTOR (SCRATCH) PRO 2, TRAK
TOR (SCRATCH) DUO 2, and TRAKTOR LE 2 software as “TRAKTOR 2” or simply “TRAK
TOR.”
Different TRAKTOR Versions
TRAKTOR SCRATCH DUO 2, TRAKTOR DUO 2 and TRAKTOR LE 2 are limited in certain
features compared to the full TRAKTOR (SCRATCH) PRO 2 version. The differences will
be documented at the appropriate places in this manual.
1.2 System Requirements and Compatibility
For the minimum system requirements your computer needs to meet, see the TRAKTOR
section of the Native Instruments website:
www.native-instruments.com/traktor.
Please note that meeting the system requirements does not guarantee running all TRAK
TOR 2 features hassle-free. You might be forced to tweak your system following Native In
struments’ tuning tips for audio computers. You can find these tuning tips in the Knowledge
Base—see ↑17.1, Knowledge Base for more information.
Welcome
To check the compatibility with several operating systems, please have a look at: http://
www.native-instruments.com/compatibility.
TRAKTOR 2 - Application Reference - 18
Upgrading from TRAKTOR (SCRATCH) PRO/DUO and TRAKTOR LE
2 Upgrading from TRAKTOR (SCRATCH) PRO/DUO and
TRAKTOR LE
If you’re completely new to TRAKTOR, you can skip this chapter and continue reading in
the next chapter. However, if you have been using TRAKTOR (SCRATCH) PRO/DUO or
TRAKTOR LE, you should read this chapter carefully!
2.1 Backup
Before installing TRAKTOR 2, backup the following folders and files:
▪ your TRAKTOR folder, per default found in [User]\My Documents\Native Instruments\Trak
tor (Windows) and User:Documents:Native Instruments:Traktor (Mac OS X)
▪ your Music folders as defined in Preferences > Data Location > Music Folders
▪ any other data that is not stored in the aforementioned places because you have chos
en another location for them.
At this point, it is a good idea to remove all unnecessary files from your TRAKTOR folder,
e.g. mappings for controllers you don’t use anymore, etc.
Backup
2.2 Installation
Follow the instructions from the Setup Guide carefully.
As a general rule: start with the software installation before you install the hardware (TRAK
TOR AUDIO 6/10, TRAKTOR KONTROL X1, TRAKTOR KONTROL S4, etc.)!
The installation creates a new User Folder in [User]\My Documents\Native Instruments\Traktor
2.x.x (Windows) and User:Documents:Native Instruments:Traktor 2.x.x (Mac OS X). Also, your
previous TRAKTOR version will not be uninstalled. This means that from now on you’ll al
ways be able to easily return to the last version if needed.
2.3 Importing Your Data
▪ When you start TRAKTOR 2 for the first time, the Setup Wizard greets you with some
simple questions regarding your setup. This will adjust TRAKTOR’s look and Preferen
ces accordingly. Read more about the Setup Wizard in ↑3, The Setup Wizard.
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Upgrading from TRAKTOR (SCRATCH) PRO/DUO and TRAKTOR LE
Importing Your Data
▪ Next, TRAKTOR will ask if you want to import your previous data by copying the exist
ing user content to a new folder in your user folder. Your previous data will not be al
tered if you copy it to the new default folder.
2.3.1 Importing Your MIDI and Hotkey Mappings
For TRAKTOR 2, the mapping system has been changed. While some mappings created
with previous versions of TRAKTOR may still work, others will not be imported correctly.
Hence, we recommend double-checking your imported mappings before you use them in a
live situation.
2.3.2 Importing Your Music
Due to changes in TRAKTOR’s database, you will have to re-analyze your complete Track
Collection. However, existing BPM and Gain values stored in your files will not be touched
even if they are not BPM-locked.
► To force recalculation of BPMs and Gain values, you can re-trigger the BPM analysis by
right-clicking ([Ctrl]-clicking on Mac OS X) the Browser list entries and selecting the com
mand
Detect BPM (Async).
The Status Bar at the bottom of the Browser window will provide a visual indication of the
analysis process and alert you to any problems.
If your Track Collection contains more than 10,000 files, it is recommended to have TRAK
TOR 2 analyze your Track Collection in smaller chunks of only a few thousand files each. As
this procedure may take quite a while, it is a good idea to let TRAKTOR 2 perform the analy
sis while you are not working with your computer such as overnight.
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The Setup Wizard
3 The Setup Wizard
Depending on the version of TRAKTOR software you have (SCRATCH, DUO, LE, etc.) the
Setup Wizard may not offer all shown screens or selections.
The Setup Wizard is a convenient way to restart with a fresh “out-of-the-box” TRAKTOR 2
setup. The Setup Wizard does two things:
▪ It lets you choose from a few basic Audio, MIDI, and general setup configurations and
automatically sets the available options accordingly.
▪ It resets all other TRAKTOR 2 settings to their default values.
You can start the Setup Wizard in two ways:
► Select Start Setup Wizard in the Help menu of the Application Menu Bar (to see this
bar, Fullscreen mode must be deactivated).
or
► Click the Setup Wizard button at the bottom left corner of the Preferences window.
► Select the desired configurations and click Finish to confirm your choices (or Cancel to
leave the Setup Wizard without changing anything).
→ The Setup Wizard activates the selected configurations, configures the audio routing
options accordingly, and resets all other TRAKTOR 2 settings to their default value.
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The Setup Wizard
Fig. 3-1 — The Setup Wizard
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The Setup Wizard
Fig. 3-2 — Hardware Controller switch
The first question is about your general setup and asks if you’re using an external control
ler with TRAKTOR 2.
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The Setup Wizard
Fig. 3-3 — Hardware Controller selection
If you have chosen Yes in the last screen, you can define your exact controller manufactur
er and model here. This enables TRAKTOR to load the respective mappings accordingly.
If you have chosen No, continue with the next picture below.
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The Setup Wizard
Fig. 3-4 — Mixer switch
The next screen lets you choose between TRAKTOR’s internal mixer and an external mixer.
Don’t get confused: using a MIDI controller is not using an external mixer! If you’re using a
MIDI controller / MIDI mixer, you have to choose Internal here.
This screen is skipped if you are using TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO/DUO 2.
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The Setup Wizard
Fig. 3-5 — Timecode medium selection
This screen is only shown if you’re using TRAKTOR SCRATCH DUO/PRO 2. If you’re using
TRAKTOR SCRATCH with the AUDIO 4/8 DJ, you can let TRAKTOR switch the inputs to
match the respective Timecode medium.
This does not work with the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6/10, here you have to switch the inputs in
the Control Panel of the interface which can be found in Preferences > Audio Setup.
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The Setup Wizard
Fig. 3-6 — Deck setup selection
Here you can select a basic setup for your Decks. If you want to change your Deck setup,
you don’t have to start the Setup Wizard again — all selections can be done in TRAKTOR’s
Preferences.
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The Setup Wizard
Fig. 3-7 — Final Screen
This is the last screen of the Setup Wizard. It sums up your selection of options. You can
go Back and change some configurations, Cancel the Setup Wizard completely, or Finish it
and confirm your selections.
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The User Interface
4 The User Interface
This chapter will introduce you to TRAKTOR 2’s user interface.
Take the time to read these few pages, as they will familiarize you with the way TRAKTOR 2
works and provide insight to the power of its design.
When you start TRAKTOR 2 for the first time, it opens the Essential View layout. To make
all elements described hereafter visible, open the layout named Mixer by selecting it from
the Layout Selector.
Fig. 4-1 — Use the Layout Selector to choose the Mixer Layout.
If you are using TRAKTOR SCRATCH DUO/PRO 2, you will most likely use an external mixer
instead of TRAKTOR's internal software mixer. However, to follow the explanations in this
manual, you should also open the Mixer layout.
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The User Interface
The Big Picture
4.1 The Big Picture
The picture below shows the interface of TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2. Your graphical user
interface will look slightly different if you are using TRAKTOR (SCRATCH) DUO 2 or
TRAKTOR LE 2.
Fig. 4-2 — Main features of the software
1. Application Menu Bar: The Application Menu Bar provides access to basic functions and
information about the software.
2. Header: Here you can find various status indicators and useful functions and buttons,
e.g. the Preferences button.
3. Global section: The Global section contains the FX Units, Master Clock, the Audio Re
corder as well as the new Loop Recorder.
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