Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8 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.
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Mac, macOS, GarageBand, Logic, iTunes and iPod are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.,
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Windows, Windows Vista and DirectSound are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation
in the United States and/or other countries.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and use of them does not imply
any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
Document authored by: Christian Schulz
Software version: 2.11 (10/2016)
Disclaimer
Special thanks to the Beta Test Team, who were invaluable not just in tracking down bugs, but
in making this a better product.
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Contact
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© NATIVE INSTRUMENTS GmbH, 2016. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8! ........................................................
1.1 Where to Start .............................................................................................................................13
1.2 Manual Conventions ................................................................................................................... 15
2 Using Your S8—Getting Started .................................................................................
2.1 Quick Overview of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 ................................................................................... 20
2.2 Enabling Decks ...........................................................................................................................21
2.3 Using the Browser ...................................................................................................................... 24
2.4 Playing Your First Track .............................................................................................................. 30
2.5 Mixing In a Second Track ............................................................................................................ 39
2.6 Adjusting Levels ......................................................................................................................... 52
2.3.1 Opening the Browser ................................................................................................. 24
2.3.2 Scrolling through Music Folders ................................................................................ 25
2.3.3 Browsing using Touch Interactions ............................................................................ 27
2.3.4 Preview Tracks ........................................................................................................... 27
2.3.5 Sorting Tracks ........................................................................................................... 28
2.4.1 Loading a Track ......................................................................................................... 31
2.4.2 Playing a Track .......................................................................................................... 33
2.4.3 If You Don’t Hear the Track ........................................................................................ 36
2.5.1 Loading a Second Track ............................................................................................. 40
2.5.2 Playing the Second Track ........................................................................................... 42
2.5.3 Using Headphones to Prepare the Mix ....................................................................... 44
2.5.4 Synchronizing the Second Track ................................................................................ 45
2.5.5 Interlude: In case the Left Track has finished ............................................................ 47
2.5.6 Mixing In the Track by Using the Channel EQ and Filter ............................................ 48
2.6.1 The Theory ................................................................................................................. 52
13
19
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 4
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2.7 Switching Deck Focus ................................................................................................................. 55
2.8 Switching Deck View and Zooming ............................................................................................. 59
2.9 Using Cue Points ........................................................................................................................ 62
2.10 Adjusting Tempo .........................................................................................................................65
2.11 Using Keylock ............................................................................................................................. 71
2.6.2 In Practice ................................................................................................................. 52
2.9.1 Setting and Deleting Cue Points (HotCues) ............................................................... 63
2.9.2 Aligning Tracks using HotCues .................................................................................. 65
2.10.1 Global Tempo Adjustments ........................................................................................ 66
2.10.2 Deck-specific tempo adjustments ............................................................................. 68
3 Using Your S8—Getting Advanced .............................................................................
3.1 Using Touch Strip ....................................................................................................................... 76
3.2 Playing with Loops in HOTCUE Mode ........................................................................................... 90
3.3 Playing with Loops in LOOP Mode ............................................................................................... 95
3.4 Using FREEZE Mode ....................................................................................................................99
3.1.1 Using Touch Strip to Seek .......................................................................................... 76
3.1.2 Using Touch Strip to Nudge/Pitchbend ...................................................................... 81
3.1.3 Using the Touch Strip to Scratch and Backspin ......................................................... 84
3.2.1 Engaging and Disengaging a Loop ............................................................................ 90
3.2.2 Moving a Loop ........................................................................................................... 93
3.2.3 Storing a Loop ........................................................................................................... 93
3.3.1 Looping with Pre-defined Sizes .................................................................................. 96
3.3.2 Beatjumping .............................................................................................................. 98
3.4.1 Engaging Freeze mode on a track .............................................................................. 100
3.4.2 Adjusting the Freeze Slice Size .................................................................................. 102
3.4.3 Slicer Mode ................................................................................................................ 104
76
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 5
3.5 Using FLUX Mode ........................................................................................................................ 104
3.6 Remixing with Remix Decks ........................................................................................................ 105
3.7 Capturing Samples from Track Decks (Using Remix Mode) ........................................................ 116
3.8 Adding FX ................................................................................................................................... 124
3.9 Using Performance Modes on Remix Decks ................................................................................. 132
3.10 Mixing Stem Files using Stem Decks .......................................................................................... 145
3.6.1 Loading a Remix Set .................................................................................................. 106
3.6.2 Triggering Samples ................................................................................................... 108
3.6.3 Triggering Samples using Different Quantize Sizes ................................................... 113
3.6.4 Adjusting Levels and using Filters of Remix Slots ..................................................... 115
3.6.5 Using the Touch Strip on a Remix Deck ..................................................................... 116
3.8.1 Assigning Decks to the FX Units ................................................................................ 124
3.8.2 Setting up an FX Unit to Group FX Mode .................................................................... 125
3.8.3 Exchanging effects in the Group FX ........................................................................... 128
3.8.4 Storing a Snapshot .................................................................................................... 130
3.8.5 Routing FX ................................................................................................................. 131
3.8.6 Using Four FX Units ................................................................................................... 131
3.9.1 Selecting and applying a Performance Mode ............................................................. 133
3.9.2 Using Performance Mode Pitch .................................................................................. 134
3.9.3 Using Performance Mode Filter .................................................................................. 135
3.9.4 Using Performance Mode FX SEND ............................................................................. 136
3.9.5 Using Performance Mode FX ...................................................................................... 138
3.9.5.1 Changing SINGLE FX in Performance Mode ................................................139
3.9.5.2 Changing GROUP FX in Performance Mode ................................................142
3.10.1 Loading and Playing a Stem File ............................................................................... 146
3.10.2 Switching between Track View and Stem View .......................................................... 149
Table of Contents
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 6
Table of Contents
3.11 Using Step Sequencer Mode on Remix Decks .............................................................................. 158
3.12 Working with Beatgrids .............................................................................................................. 170
3.10.3 Performing with Stem Decks ...................................................................................... 151
3.10.4 Adding another Stem File to the Mix .......................................................................... 156
3.10.4.1 Loading a Stem File into Deck B ................................................................156
3.10.4.2 Combining Sounds of different Stem Decks ...............................................158
3.11.1 Activating Step Sequencer Mode ............................................................................... 160
3.11.2 Operating the Step Sequencer ................................................................................... 162
3.12.1 Checking a Beatgrid .................................................................................................. 170
3.12.2 Correcting a Beatgrid Manually ................................................................................. 172
3.12.3 Additional Help Actions ............................................................................................. 176
4 Hardware Reference ..................................................................................................
4.1 Overview of the Controller ........................................................................................................... 180
4.2 The Deck ..................................................................................................................................... 182
4.2.1 DECK Button .............................................................................................................. 185
4.2.2 FLUX Button ............................................................................................................... 185
4.2.3 Mode Select Buttons .................................................................................................. 185
4.2.3.1 HOTCUE Button ..........................................................................................186
4.2.3.2 LOOP Button ..............................................................................................186
4.2.3.3 FREEZE Button ..........................................................................................188
4.2.3.4 REMIX Button ............................................................................................190
4.2.4 Loop Encoder ............................................................................................................. 191
4.2.5 EDIT Button ............................................................................................................... 191
4.2.6 CAPTURE Button ........................................................................................................ 192
4.2.7 Display Area and Controls ......................................................................................... 192
4.2.7.1 BACK Button ..............................................................................................194
180
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 7
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4.3 The FX Unit ................................................................................................................................. 209
4.4 The Mixer .................................................................................................................................... 214
4.2.8 Performance Controls ................................................................................................ 201
4.2.9 Slot Volume Faders .................................................................................................... 202
4.2.10 Pads .......................................................................................................................... 203
4.2.11 Touch Strip ................................................................................................................ 205
4.2.12 Transport Controls ..................................................................................................... 207
4.3.1 FX SELECT Button ...................................................................................................... 211
4.3.2 FX Unit Assignment ................................................................................................... 212
4.3.3 Additional FX Unit 3 and 4 ......................................................................................... 213
4.4.1 Mixer Channel ............................................................................................................ 216
4.4.2 Mixer Main Section .................................................................................................... 224
4.2.7.2 BROWSE Encoder .......................................................................................194
4.2.7.3 Settings Button .........................................................................................195
4.2.7.4 Display Buttons .........................................................................................196
4.2.7.5 Display ......................................................................................................197
4.2.7.6 View Button ...............................................................................................200
4.2.7.7 Performance Mode Button .........................................................................201
4.4.1.1 GAIN Knob ..................................................................................................218
4.4.1.2 TRAKTOR Button ........................................................................................219
4.4.1.3 FX Assign Buttons .....................................................................................219
4.4.1.4 EQ Knobs ...................................................................................................220
4.4.1.5 Channel Fader ...........................................................................................221
4.4.1.6 Channel Meter ...........................................................................................222
4.4.1.7 FILTER Button and FILTER Knob .................................................................223
4.4.1.8 CUE Button ................................................................................................223
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 8
Table of Contents
4.5 The Rear Panel ........................................................................................................................... 232
4.6 The Front Panel ...........................................................................................................................238
4.7 The Deck ..................................................................................................................................... 241
4.5.1 MAIN OUT Section ...................................................................................................... 234
4.5.2 BOOTH OUT Section ................................................................................................... 234
4.5.3 External INPUT Section .............................................................................................. 235
4.5.4 MIC Input Section ...................................................................................................... 236
4.5.5 Kensington Lock Slot ................................................................................................. 236
4.5.6 MIDI Connectors ........................................................................................................ 237
4.5.7 USB Connector ........................................................................................................... 237
4.5.8 POWER Section .......................................................................................................... 238
4.6.1 Crossfader Assign Switches ...................................................................................... 239
4.6.2 Crossfader Curve Knob .............................................................................................. 240
4.6.3 PHONES Section ......................................................................................................... 240
4.7.1 DECK Button .............................................................................................................. 244
4.7.2 FLUX Button ............................................................................................................... 244
4.7.3 CAPTURE Button ........................................................................................................ 244
4.7.4 Display Area and Controls ......................................................................................... 245
4.4.2.1 Crossfader .................................................................................................226
4.4.2.2 CUE VOL Knob ............................................................................................227
4.4.2.3 CUE MIX Knob ............................................................................................227
4.4.2.4 TEMPO Encoder ..........................................................................................228
4.4.2.5 BOOTH Knob ..............................................................................................230
4.4.2.6 GLOBAL Section .........................................................................................230
4.4.2.7 MIC 1 and 2 Buttons ..................................................................................231
4.4.2.8 MAIN Knob .................................................................................................232
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 9
Table of Contents
4.7.5 Performance Controls ................................................................................................ 254
4.7.6 Slot Volume Faders .................................................................................................... 255
4.7.7 Pads .......................................................................................................................... 256
4.7.8 Touch Strip ................................................................................................................ 258
4.7.9 Transport Controls ..................................................................................................... 260
4.7.4.1 BACK Button ..............................................................................................247
4.7.4.2 BROWSE Encoder .......................................................................................247
4.7.4.3 Settings Button .........................................................................................248
4.7.4.4 Display Buttons .........................................................................................249
4.7.4.5 Display ......................................................................................................250
4.7.4.6 View Button ...............................................................................................253
4.7.4.7 Performance Mode Button .........................................................................254
5 Common Setups ........................................................................................................
5.1 Connecting Turntables ............................................................................................................... 263
5.2 Connecting CD Players ............................................................................................................... 266
5.3 Integrating External Audio Sources in your TRAKTOR Workflow ................................................... 267
5.4 Integrating External Sources as TIMECODE Controls .................................................................. 267
5.5 Using Your S8 as a Stand-alone DJ Mixer ................................................................................... 273
5.6 Connecting Microphones ............................................................................................................ 274
5.4.1 Final Preparations with Turntables ............................................................................ 268
5.4.2 Final Preparations with CD Players ............................................................................ 269
5.4.3 Successful Calibration .............................................................................................. 271
5.6.1 Checking Microphone Assignments ........................................................................... 274
5.6.2 Assigning a Microphone to another Channel ............................................................. 275
5.6.3 Switching between Live Input and Direct Thru ........................................................... 276
5.6.4 Activating a MIC Input ............................................................................................... 277
263
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 10
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6 Preferences Pane in TRAKTOR ...................................................................................
6.1 Restore Default ........................................................................................................................... 279
6.2 Touch Controls ............................................................................................................................279
6.3 Touchstrip .................................................................................................................................. 279
6.4 Calibrate .................................................................................................................................... 280
6.5 LEDs ........................................................................................................................................... 281
6.6 Loop Mode Sizes ......................................................................................................................... 281
6.7 Enable MIDI Controls .................................................................................................................. 281
7 The S8 Audio Interface and Control Panel ...................................................................
7.1 Settings on Mac OS X ................................................................................................................. 289
7.2 Settings on Windows: The Control Panel ..................................................................................... 289
7.3 Using the S8 Audio Interface with Other Music Applications ...................................................... 295
7.4 Setting up S8 as your Default Audio Interface ............................................................................ 295
7.2.1 Opening the Control Panel ......................................................................................... 290
7.2.2 Audio Settings Panel ................................................................................................. 290
7.2.3 Diagnostics Panel ...................................................................................................... 292
7.4.1 Windows .................................................................................................................... 295
7.4.2 Mac OS X ................................................................................................................... 295
8 Troubleshooting - Getting Help ...................................................................................
278
289
297
8.1 Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................................... 297
8.2 Getting Help ............................................................................................................................... 299
8.1.1 TRAKTOR Won’t Start ................................................................................................. 297
8.1.2 TRAKTOR Crashes ...................................................................................................... 298
8.1.3 TRAKTOR Has Performance Issues ............................................................................. 298
8.1.4 Updates ..................................................................................................................... 299
8.2.1 Knowledge Base ........................................................................................................ 299
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 11
Table of Contents
8.2.2 Technical Support ...................................................................................................... 300
8.2.3 Registration Support ................................................................................................. 300
8.2.4 User Forum ................................................................................................................ 301
9 Technical Specification .............................................................................................
302
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 12
Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8!
1 Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8!
Thank you for choosing TRAKTOR KONTROL S8.
What is TRAKTOR KONTROL S8?
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 provides a direct tactile interface to TRAKTOR PRO's features and allows you to achieve more with the controller hardware so you have to do less on your computer
screen.
Whether you intend to perform and remix live with TRAKTOR, use S8 as a stand-alone mixer
with turntables or CD decks or a combination of both; S8 has you covered!
S8 enables performance in various live situations, combining the power of computer-based
DJing with the immediacy and flow you need to focus on your audience.
1.1 Where to Start
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 installation provides you with many information sources. These are intended to be read in the following sequence to ensure easy access for users of all skill levels:
Where to Start
▪ TRAKTOR Getting Started
▪ TRAKTOR Manual
▪ TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 Manual (this document)
Your First Stop: Getting Started
This document guides you through configuration of TRAKTOR to work with a hardware controller by means of the Setup Wizard, as well as importing music into your Track Collection. Afterwards, it introduces you to TRAKTOR's basic concepts and workflows and helps you set up
your system correctly.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 13
Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8!
TRAKTOR Manual
The Manual helps you learn all of the workflows which make TRAKTOR a unique DJing solution. In addition to learning to use TRAKTOR's core features, this document gives advice on
working in various configurations; from using TRAKTOR in the most basic setup on its own to
integrating turntables, external DJ mixers and audio interfaces, as well as the SCRATCH extension.
Access the TRAKTOR manual via TRAKTOR's Help menu. The 'Open Manual...' entry
will open the Documentation sub-folder inside TRAKTOR's application folder.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 Manual
The S8 Manual picks up where controlling TRAKTOR features from the S8 are concerned. A
detailed tutorial section guides you through accessing the basics like loading tracks, mixing,
setting cue points, looping, and using Remix Decks from S8.
Next, a comprehensive Hardware Reference details each and every component you will encounter on the TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 controller. The later chapters of this manual provide
additional information on solving common issues, and the device's full technical specification.
Where to Start
CONTROLLER EDITOR Manual
Besides using S8 with the dedicated TRAKTOR software, you can also use it as a powerful and
highly versatile MIDI controller with any other MIDI-capable application or device. This is
made possible by the CONTROLLER EDITOR software, an application which allows you to assign MIDI controller messages to S8's pads, knobs, faders and encoders. The CONTROLLER EDITOR is usually automatically installed during TRAKTOR's installation. For more information on this, please refer to the CONTROLLER EDITOR Manual available as a PDF file in
the Documentation subfolder of the CONTROLLER EDITOR installation folder on your hard
disk.
Other Online Resources
If you are experiencing problems related to your Native Instruments product that the supplied
documentation does not cover, there are several ways of getting help:
▪ Knowledge Base
▪ User Forum
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 14
Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8!
Manual Conventions
▪ Technical Support
▪ Registration Support
You will find more information on these in chapters ↑8.2, Getting Help and ↑8.1, Trouble-
shooting.
1.2 Manual Conventions
This section introduces you to the signage and text highlighting used in this manual. This manual uses particular formatting to point out special facts and to warn you of potential issues.
The icons introducing these 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 light bulb icon indicates that a note contains useful extra information. This information may often help you 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.
Furthermore, the following formatting is used:
▪ Text appearing in (drop-down) menus (such as Open…, Save as… etc.) and paths to loca-
tions on your hard drive or other storage devices is printed in italics.
▪ Text appearing elsewhere (labels of buttons, controls, text next to checkboxes etc.) is print-
ed in blue. Whenever you see this formatting applied, you will find the same text appearing
somewhere on the screen.
▪ Text appearing on displays of the S8 controller is printed in light grey. Whenever you see
this formatting applied, you will find the same text on a controller display.
▪ Text appearing on labels of the hardware controller is printed in orange. Whenever you see
this formatting applied, you will find the same text on the 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] + [Enter]”).
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 15
Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8!
Manual Conventions
Single instructions are indicated by this play button type arrow.
►
Results of actions are indicated by this smaller arrow.
→
Naming Conventions
Throughout the documentation, we will refer to the TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 hardware controller either as the controller or simply S8.
The TRAKTOR 2 software and TRAKTOR SCRATCH will be referred to as TRAKTOR.
Button Combinations and Shortcuts on Your Controller
Most instructions will use the “+” sign to indicate buttons (or buttons and pads) that must be
pressed simultaneously, starting with the button indicated first. E.g., an instruction such as:
“Press SHIFT + PLAY”
means:
1. Press and hold SHIFT.
2. While holding SHIFT, press PLAY and release it.
3. Release SHIFT.
FX Knobs and Buttons
Above each of the Displays, there's a row of FX knobs and FX buttons which aren't labeled.
Similarly, the knobs below the display are unlabeled, the buttons are all labeled ON. To differentiate them, we'll refer to them as FX knobs 1-4 and FX buttons 1-4 for the elements above the
display and Performance knobs 1-4 and Performance buttons 1-4 beneath the display.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 16
Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8!
Manual Conventions
Numbering scheme for FX and Performance controls
Display Buttons
On each side of a display, there are two buttons marked by a square icon. To differentiate
them from each other, we'll refer to them as depicted here:
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 17
Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8!
Manual Conventions
Numbering scheme for Display Buttons
Pads
Each Deck comes with eight multi color pads. Where necessary, we'll refer to them in this order:
Numbering of the Pads in the PERFORMANCE section
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 18
Using Your S8—Getting Started
2 Using Your S8—Getting Started
This section will guide you through the most common tasks you will encounter during your
work with TRAKTOR KONTROL S8. Most of the tutorials included are workflow-oriented. They
start with the simplest tasks and progressively lead you to more complex operation, helping you
to become familiar with TRAKTOR KONTROL S8.
The tutorials presented here make use of the included demo tracks, which were automatically
copied to your hard disk during the TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 installation procedure. Therefore,
you can follow these tutorials even if you haven't imported your own music.
Although the S8 can be used as a stand-alone mixer, the tutorials here focus on using the device as the integrated controller for the TRAKTOR software on your computer. By the end of
this chapter you will be equipped with the fundamental knowledge to enjoy using your TRAKTOR KONTROL S8, and begin to uncover the creative opportunities it presents to your DJ sessions.
General Prerequisites
We assume here that your TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 system is already up and running. If that's
not the case, please follow the instructions in the separate Setup Guide and return to this
chapter when you are ready.
In case you already changed some settings in TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 before you start with
these tutorials, we strongly recommend you to reset your TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 system to
the factory settings by doing the following:
1. In the TRAKTOR software, click the Help menu in the menu bar at the top of your screen
(on Mac OS X) or at the top of the window (on Windows), and select Help > Start Setup
Wizard.
2. In the window that opens, click Next to skip the setup screens.
3. On the YOUR TRAKTOR SETUP screen, click Finish at the bottom right corner without selecting anything else.
→ Your TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 is now reset to the factory settings.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 19
Using Your S8—Getting Started
Quick Overview of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8
The tutorials presented here assume that TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 is in its default factory
state. If it’s not the case, we cannot guarantee that you will experience what is described here,
and as a result you might find it difficult to follow the instructions.
2.1 Quick Overview of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8
This section briefly introduces S8’s main areas. The image below illustrates which areas of the
S8 control the respective areas in the TRAKTOR software.
Hardware Controller and Software side by side.
(1) Decks: S8 features two identically equipped Deck sections at the far left and right of the
unit. These give you hardware control over the software Decks in the TRAKTOR PRO software.
Active TRAKTOR Decks always work in one of the Deck modes, as either Track Deck, Remix
Deck or Live Input. The left hardware Deck section controls TRAKTOR's Decks A and C, the
right Deck section controls Decks B and D.
(2) FX Units: FX Units allow you to creatively process a track, ranging anywhere from just adding reverb for a build-up to completely messing up a beat with stutter effects. For that purpose, the TRAKTOR software offers a great selection of high-quality FX. These can easily be
configured from S8 and be controlled by the FX controls. The left FX Unit on the S8 will be
referred to as FX Unit 1 throughout this document, and the right FX Unit will be referred to as
FX Unit 2.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 20
Using Your S8—Getting Started
Enabling Decks
(3) Mixer: The 4-channel mixer is situated in the center of S8, and TRAKTOR's software interface. When connected to TRAKTOR, the knobs in S8's mixer section control the corresponding
knobs on the software mixer.
2.2 Enabling Decks
By default, the Decks on your S8 are enabled after you start the TRAKTOR software for the
first time. If, however, the Decks are not enabled (in Direct Thru mode), proceed as follows to
enable the Decks.
The following images show disabled Decks:
Deck A in Direct Thru mode
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 21
Deck C in Direct Thru mode
To enable the Decks:
Push the TRAKTOR buttons of each Deck.
►
Using Your S8—Getting Started
Enabling Decks
The TRAKTOR buttons light up in orange indicating the Deck is now in TRAKTOR mode.
→
The displays read No Track Loaded indicating the corresponding Decks are enabled.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 22
The following images show enabled Decks:
Deck A enabled as Track Deck
Using Your S8—Getting Started
Enabling Decks
Deck C enabled as Remix Deck
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 23
Using Your S8—Getting Started
Using the Browser
2.3 Using the Browser
This tutorial explains how to use the Browser to access your music library. You will learn how
to sort and preview your tracks in the Browser, and how to load tracks into Decks.
It is not possible to open the Browser on S8's left and right Decks simultaneously.
BROWSE Encoder, BACK Button, and Display section
2.3.1 Opening the Browser
To open the Browser:
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 24
Push the BROWSE encoder.
►
The Browser will be displayed in the display.
Using Your S8—Getting Started
Using the Browser
2.3.2 Scrolling through Music Folders
To scroll through music folders:
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 25
Using Your S8—Getting Started
Rotate the BROWSE encoder. The selected entry will be highlighted in blue. The Browser
►
View shows your current location in the folder structure at the top of the display, e.g.
BROWSER>PLAYLIST>DEMO TRACKS.
To open folders and load tracks:
Press the BROWSE encoder to open a folder.
►
Using the Browser
Press the BROWSE encoder to load a track.
►
To return to the previous folder:
Press the BACK button.
►
To exit the Browser:
Press the VIEW button. The display will return to Track view.
►
TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 26
Using Your S8—Getting Started
Using the Browser
2.3.3 Browsing using Touch Interactions
In addition to regular interactions with S8, you can perform touch interactions. However, to
use touch interactions when browsing, the touch sensitivity for the BROWSE encoder has to be
enabled:
1. Open the TRAKTOR Preferences.
2. Select the tab TRAKTOR KONTROL S8.
3. Enable the Touch Control Auto Open Browser on Touch.
The touch sensitivity is now enabled on the BROWSE encoder.
→
With touch sensitivity enabled the following touch interactions can be performed:
To open the Browser:
Touch the BROWSE encoder. The Browser will be displayed in the respective display.
►
To exit the Browser:
Release the BROWSE encoder or stop interacting in the Browser. The display will return
►
to Track view.
2.3.4 Preview Tracks
In the Browser of the TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 it is possible to preview tracks directly.
To preview a selected track:
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Using Your S8—Getting Started
1. Press the ON button 4 to start preview. The preview is now audible in the headphones.
2. Rotate Performance knob 4 to seek within the track in preview.
Using the Browser
2.3.5 Sorting Tracks
To speed up scrolling through folders including a very large number of tracks, you can sort the
tracks by categories TITLE, ARTIST, BPM, IMPORT DATE, #, and KEY. The selected category
is displayed at the bottom-left in the Browser.
To sort your tracks by another category:
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Using Your S8—Getting Started
Rotate Performance knob 1 until the desired category is selected in the SORT BY pop-up
►
window. The tracks will then be resorted.
Additionally, you can display the tracks in ascending or descending order:
Press the ON button 1 to switch between ascending and descending order.
►
Using the Browser
The Browser displaying tracks in descending order.
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Using Your S8—Getting Started
Playing Your First Track
The Browser displaying tracks in ascending order.
2.4 Playing Your First Track
In this tutorial, you will learn how to load and play back a track, how to check the audio outputs and how to quickly troubleshoot your system if no music can be heard. Before you proceed, ensure the following prerequisites are met:
Prerequisites
We assume your S8 is in the following state:
▪ The left Deck is focused on Track Deck A.
▪ The Channel A Crossfader Assign switch is set to the left position.
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