Native Instruments Traktor Audio 6 Operation Manual

Manual

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TRAKTOR AUDIO 6

Manual

Table Of Contents

1 Welcome to TRAKTOR AUDIO 6!....................................................................................................................				4
	1.1	What is Included in the Box?............................................................................		4
	1.2	Manual Conventions........................................................................................		4
2	Safety Precautions.......................................................................................................................................			6
	2.1	Risk of Damaging your Hearing.........................................................................		6
	2.2	Caution..........................................................................................................		7
	2.3	Notice...........................................................................................................		7
		2.3.1 Disposal of the Product...........................................................................		7
		2.3.2	Specifications Subject to Change.............................................................	8
		2.3.3	Disclaimer.............................................................................................	8
3	Installation....................................................................................................................................................			9
	3.1	System Requirements.....................................................................................		9
	3.2	Software Installation.......................................................................................		9
		3.2.1	Installing TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 on Windows 7.............................................	9
		3.2.2	Installing TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 on Windows XP/Vista..................................	12
		3.2.3	Installing TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 on Mac OS X.............................................	15
	3.3	Connecting the Hardware................................................................................		19
	3.4	Registration...................................................................................................		21
4	Basic Configuration....................................................................................................................................			22
	4.1	Selecting the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 as Your System’s Default Audio
		Output Device...............................................................................................		22
		4.1.1	Windows XP.........................................................................................	22
		4.1.2 Windows Vista, Windows 7....................................................................		22
		4.1.3	Mac OS X............................................................................................	23
	4.2	Using the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 as an Audio Output Device with
		Music Software..............................................................................................		23
	4.3	Using the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 with DJ Software...............................................		23
5 The Hardware in Detail...............................................................................................................................				24
	5.1	Front Panel...................................................................................................		24
	5.2	Rear Panel....................................................................................................		25
	5.3	Top Panel......................................................................................................		26
6	Advanced Configuration.............................................................................................................................			28
	6.1	Advanced Configuration on Windows (Control Panel).........................................		28
		6.1.1	Audio Settings Page..............................................................................	29
		6.1.2 Channel Setup (Port Configuration on Windows)......................................		30
		6.1.3	Diagnostics Page..................................................................................	34
	6.2	Advanced Configuration on Mac OS X..............................................................		36
		6.2.1	Channel Setup (Port Configuration on Mac OS X).....................................	36
		6.2.2	Audio Configuration..............................................................................	39

7 Using the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 (Setup Scenarios)........................................................................................				41
	7.1	Analog DJing Setups......................................................................................		41
		7.1.1	Connecting a Turntable for Analog DJing..................................................	41
		7.1.2	Connecting a CD Deck for Analog DJing..................................................	45
	7.2	Digital DJing Setups.......................................................................................		48
		7.2.1	Setting Up TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 for Internal Mixing...................................	48
		7.2.2	Setting Up TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 for External Mixing...................................	51
		7.2.3	Connecting Turntables for DJing with Timecode Vinyl...............................	55
		7.2.4	Connecting CD Decks for DJing with Timecode CDs.................................	63
	7.3	Miscellaneous Setups.....................................................................................		70
		7.3.1	Connecting Headphones........................................................................	70
8	Troubleshooting...........................................................................................................................................			72
	8.1	Solving Hardware-related Problems.................................................................		72
	8.2	How to Check Whether the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 Drivers are Installed
		Correctly.......................................................................................................		72
	8.3	USB Troubleshooting......................................................................................		73
		8.3.1	USB 2.0 required.................................................................................	73
		8.3.2	Try another USB cable..........................................................................	73
		8.3.3	Using a powered USB 2.0 hub...............................................................	73
		8.3.4	Recommended USB-ports (MacBook Only)..............................................	74
		8.3.5	Disable USB Energy Saving Mode (Windows only).....................................	74
		8.3.6	Update the Driver..................................................................................	74
	8.4	Physically Re-configuring the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6.............................................		74
	8.5	Check your IRQs (Windows only).....................................................................		74
9	Getting Help................................................................................................................................................			75
	9.1	Readme / Knowledge Base / Technical Support.................................................		75
	9.2	Forum...........................................................................................................		75
	9.3	Updates........................................................................................................		75
10	Appendix......................................................................................................................................................			76
	10.1	About Latency and Buffers.............................................................................		76
	10.2 Different Types of ASIO..................................................................................			76

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1 Welcome to TRAKTOR AUDIO 6!

Thank you for your purchase of TRAKTOR AUDIO 6. It is the ultimate hardware complement for a variety of home studio and DJ applications. The TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 provides the following features:

•USB 2.0 soundcard, based on the new XMOS audio platform

•6 Ins / 6 Outs (RCA)

•Phono preamps for input channels on ports A and B

•“Direct Thru” option on ports A and B for analog mixing

•Headphones output

•24-bit / 96 kHz Cirrus Logic audio interface

•ASIO, Core Audio, Directsound and WASAPI driver support

•Stand-alone functionality (only in combination with the dedicated DC power supply; see chapter 5.2 for further information on the power supply)

1.1What is Included in the Box?

The package contains:

•1 x TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 audio interface

•1 x shielded USB 2.0 cable

•1 x driver installation disc

•1 x DC power supply (if you obtained the TA6 as part of a TRAKTOR software package)

•A printed copy of this manual

•The TRAKTOR LE 2 DJ software

•KOMPLETE 7 PLAYERS software bundle

1.2 Manual Conventions

This manual 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 is to 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 lightbulb 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.

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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 checkboxes, etc.) is printed in light 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.

•References to keys on your computer’s keyboard you’ll find put in square brackets (e.g., “Press [Shift] + [Return]”).

►► Single instructions are introduced by this play button type arrow. →→ Results of actions are introduced by this smaller arrow.

Pet Names for the Hardware

Throughout the documentation, we will refer to the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 hardware whether as “TRAKTOR AUDIO 6” or abbreviate “TA6.”

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2 Safety Precautions

Before using the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6, thoroughly read the following instructions. This will provide you with important information needed for setting up and using your TRAKTOR

AUDIO 6 safely.

!!Keep this document in a safe place for further reference.

In case you obtained the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 as part of a TRAKTOR software package, the box contains a power supply for the soundcard. If not, you can purchase the power supply separately on the NI webshop. The power supply is not mandatory for operating the soundcard, it is only needed for using the TA6 in stand-alone mode (without employing a computer).

2.1 Risk of Damaging your Hearing

The TRAKTOR AUDIO 6, in combination with an amplifier, headphones or speakers, can produce sounds in decibel ranges that may cause hearing damage. For your protection, set all volume levels to a minimum before using TRAKTOR AUDIO 6. Gradually raise the volume controls while music is playing to set the desired listening level. If you experience any hearing problems or ringing in the ears, consult a hearing specialist immediately.

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2.2 Caution

It is important you read and understand the following instructions to make sure the TRAK-

TOR AUDIO 6 or any device connected will not be damaged during usage or maintenance:

•Do not use the product’s power supply if it appears to be malfunctioning. Discontinue use immediately and have the device inspected by qualified service personnel.

•Do not connect the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 to power supplies of types not identical to the one delivered with the device.

•Do not open the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 or attempt to disassemble or modify any internal parts. The TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 does not contain any user-serviceable parts. If the device appears to be malfunctioning, discontinue use immediately and have the device inspected by qualified service personnel.

•Do not expose the unit to rain, use it near water or in damp or wet conditions.

•Make sure no objects or liquids of any kind penetrate the unit. When cleaning the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6, use a soft, dry cloth. Never use paint thinners, solvents, cleaning fluids, or chemical-infused wiping cloths.

•Never use or store the unit in areas subject to extreme temperatures (e.g., direct exposure to sunlight in an enclosed vehicle or near heat-generating equipment), or high levels of vibration.

•Always let the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 adapt to changed room temperature after it has been stored in a cold environment.

•Do not place the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 in an unstable position where it could accidentally fall.

•Turn off electronic devices (e.g., mixers, amplifiers or active speakers) before connecting them to the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6.

•Before moving the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6, remove all connected cables.

•Disconnect the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6’s power supply from the power outlet during thunderstorms or when leaving the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 unused for a long period of time.

•Do not use excessive force on buttons, knobs, switches and connectors if any parts should appear to be malfunctioning. Discontinue use immediately and have the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 inspected by qualified service personnel.

2.3 Notice

2.3.1 Disposal of the Product

Should this product become damaged beyond repair, or if you wish to dispose it, please observe the regulations of your area and country that relate to the disposal of electronic products.

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2.3.2 Specifications Subject to Change

The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of printing or digital release. However, Native Instruments reserves the right to make changes to the specifications at any time without notice or obligation to update existing units.

2.3.3 Disclaimer

Native Instruments GmbH cannot be held responsible for damage or lost or destroyed data caused by improper use or modification of TRAKTOR AUDIO 6.

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3 Installation

In order for the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 to work properly with your computer, the following two programs are automatically installed on your system during the software installation process:

•The TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 driver. This handles the communication between the audio interface and your computer.

•The Control Panel software:

•• In Windows, the Control Panel software allows you to adjust performance settings, preamp settings, to perform diagnostics, and to configure the soundcard’s port settings.

•• In Mac OS X, the performance settings and preamp settings are controlled from the system’s Audio MIDI setup, located in the Utilities folder. The port configuration again is accessed through the Control Panel software.

%%If you are familiar with the installation procedure and the general configuration of USBdriven audio devices on your computer, you can skip this chapter and continue with registration chapter 3.4.

3.1 System Requirements

For the latest system requirements of your product, please visit the product page at http:// www.native-instruments.com/TA6.

3.2 Software Installation

3.2.1 Installing TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 on Windows 7

!!Do not connect the TA6 to your computer before the software installation process is finished.

To install the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 on Windows 7:

1.Place the installation disc in your computer’s CD/DVD-ROM drive.

2.Use Windows Explorer to browse the contents of the disc.

3.Double-click the installer file: “TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 Setup PC.exe.”

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TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 – Manual – 9

4.In the installation welcome screen, click Next.

5.To continue, you need to first accept the license agreement. After you have read the license agreement, click on the corresponding checkbox. Then click Next.

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6.	The InstallAware Wizard will prompt you to begin the configuration. Click Next to proceed.		ENGLISH

7.Once the installation has been performed successfully, click Finish.

8.Proceed with connecting the hardware as described in chapter 3.3.

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3.2.2 Installing TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 on Windows XP/Vista

!!Dofinished.not connect the TA6 to your computer before the software installation process is

To install the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 on Windows XP/Vista:

1.Place the installation disc in your computer’s CD/DVD-ROM drive.

2.Use the Windows Explorer to browse the contents of the disc.

3.Double-click the installer file: “TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 Setup PC.exe.”

4.In the installation welcome screen, click Next.

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5.	To continue, you first need to accept the license agreement. After you have read the	ENGLISH

license agreement, click on the corresponding checkbox. Then click Next.

6.The InstallAware Wizard will prompt you to begin the configuration. Click Next to proceed.

7.During driver installation, a Windows security warning will appear. This does not indicate a problem. To proceed with the installation, click Continue Anyway (on Windows XP) or Install (on Windows Vista).

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8.Once the installation has been performed successfully, click Finish.

9.Proceed with connecting the hardware as described in chapter 3.3.

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3.2.3 Installing TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 on Mac OS X

To install the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 on Mac OS X:

1.Place the installation disc in your computer’s CD/DVD-ROM drive. Its icon will appear in the Mac OS X Finder.

2.Double-click the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 disc icon to display the contents of the disc.

3.Double-click the installer file: “Traktor Audio 6 Installer Mac.mpkg.” The installation will start, and a welcome screen will appear.

4.Click Continue to proceed.

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5.Read the Software License Agreement and click Continue to proceed.

TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 – Manual – 15

6.If you agree to the Software License Agreement, click Agree to continue.

7.Select the drive you want to install the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 driver to and click Continue.

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8.Click Install to install the driver.

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9.Mac OS X will prompt you to authenticate the installation. Enter the name and corresponding password of a user with administrator privileges.

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10.Once the installation has been performed successfully, you will be prompted to restart your Mac. Click the Restart button to complete the installation.

11. Proceed with connecting the hardware as described in section 3.3.

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3.3 Connecting the Hardware

Before connecting the hardware, make sure you have installed all software components as described in chapter 3.2. Once you have installed the software:

!!Steps 1 to 3 are only relevant if you obtained the TA6 as part of a TRAKTOR software package; in that case, the box contains a DC power supply for powering the soundcard. The power supply is not mandatory for operating the soundcard, it is only needed for using the TA6 in stand-alone mode. You can purchase the power supply separately in the NI webshop.

1.Insert the fixture of the matching adapter plug into the corresponding part on the power supply, then press the adapter plug carefully against the power supply until a click confirms the adapter plug has snapped into place.

2.Connect the power supply to a power outlet.

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3.Connect the plug at the end of the power supply’s cable to the power supply connector on the rear panel of your TA6.

4.Connect the TA6 to a USB 2.0 port on your computer using the USB cable included in the package.

→→ After connecting the soundcard to your computer, the USB drivers will be installed on your computer automatically and the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 soundcard should be ready to use straight away. Proceed with registration chapter 3.4. For Windows XP, see separate section below.

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XP Users Only: Completing the Device Driver Installation

Upon detection of the new hardware, Windows completes the device driver installation:

1.Windows XP will identify the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 soundcard. Choose No if Windows asks you to search the internet for a driver.

2.During device driver installation, a Windows message may call attention to the fact that the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 driver has not passed Windows Logo Testing. This is an expected behavior and does not indicate a problem. To proceed, click Continue Anyway.

→→ Your computer will display a “New Hardware found” message. Subsequently, another message reading “Your devices are ready to use” will notify you that the device driver installation was completed successfully.

►► After you have completed the driver installation procedure, the driver installer will start again. This is intended behavior. Repeat the previous steps in order to install all required driver components.

→→ All software components are now installed, and the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 should be ready to use. Proceed with registration chapter 3.4.

3.4 Registration

Registering the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 is not mandatory. Nevertheless, registration is recommended for support inquiries or in case of theft. As a registered user, you will also benefit from exclusive incentives and insider specials.

!!To register your TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 on the Native Instruments website, you will need the serial number from the product activation sticker. This is located on the bottom panel of your TRAKTOR AUDIO 6.

To register your TRAKTOR AUDIO 6:

►► Visit our registration page on: http://www.native-instruments.com/registration and follow the on-screen instructions.

Proceed with chapter 4.

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4 Basic Configuration

In order for the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 to operate as your computer’s default audio output device, you will need to select it within the system’s audio preferences. Find the relevant instructions in chapter 4.1.

For information on using the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 as your music software’s default audio output device, see chapter 4.2.

For information on using the TA6 with TRAKTOR DJ or other DJ software, see chapter 4.3.

4.1Selecting the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 as Your System’s Default Audio Output Device

In the following sections, you will learn how to set up the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 as your computer’s default audio output device.

4.1.1 Windows XP

1.Open Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound.

2.In the Sounds and Audio Devices Properties window, select the Audio tab.

3.From the Default Device drop-down list of options, select TRAKTOR AUDIO 6.

4.Click OK to confirm your selection and close the window.

→→ TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 is now selected as the default audio output device.

4.1.2 Windows Vista, Windows 7

1.Open Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound.

2.In the Sound control panel, select the Playback tab.

3.Choose from one of TRAKTOR AUDIO 6’s pair of outputs (Ch A, Out 1|2 or Ch B, Out 3|4) that you want to set as default by clicking the corresponding entry.

4.Click Set Default.

5.Click OK to confirm your selection and close the window.

→→ TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 is now selected as the default audio output device.

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4.1.3 Mac OS X

1.Open the System Preferences under the gray Apple Icon menu in the top left corner of your screen.

2.In the Hardware category (second row from top), select Sound.

3.In the Sound control panel, select the Output tab.

4.Choose TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 from the list of available soundcards.

5.Close the panel.

→→ TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 is now selected as the default audio output device.

4.2Using the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 as an Audio Output Device with

Music Software

Before using the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 with music production or DJ software, you will need to set it up as the software’s audio output device. Most music production and DJ programs provide direct access to the soundcard properties in the audio and MIDI setup section of their preferences dialog. Please refer to the documentation of your music production or DJ software for information on how to configure audio and MIDI interfaces.

4.3 Using the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 with DJ Software

For instructions on how to utilize TRAKTOR DJ software for mixing purposes with a dedicated hardware audio interface, please see the documentation of your TRAKTOR software.

For the TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 to work in a digital DJing context (with timecode media), it is important that the input channels on the relevant ports are set up for receiving timecode, i.e., THRU mode is deactivated and the channels are set to PHONO or LINE (see soundcard’s top panel LEDs), depending on whether you use timecode vinyl or CD decks sending timecode. See chapter 6.1.2 / 6.2.1 for instructions on how to configure the port settings. See chapter 7.2 for instructions on how to set up the TA6 to work with DJ software.

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