Native Instruments Traktor LE 2, Traktor Scratch Audio 6 Instruction 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
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Document authored by: Native Instruments GmbH
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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© NATIVE INSTRUMENTS GmbH, 2017. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR! ............................................................................
1.1 What’s new in TRAKTOR 2.11 ...................................................................................................... 19
1.2 TRAKTOR Documentation Overview ............................................................................................. 20
1.3 System Requirements and Compatibility .................................................................................... 22
1.2.1 In This Manual ........................................................................................................... 21
1.2.2 Other Documentation ................................................................................................. 21
1.2.3 Recommended Reading Order ................................................................................... 22
2 Upgrading (from TRAKTOR PRO, TRAKTOR LE, and TRAKTOR ME) ..................................
2.1 Backup ....................................................................................................................................... 23
2.2 Installation ................................................................................................................................. 23
2.3 Importing Your Data ................................................................................................................... 24
3 TRAKTOR's Setup Wizard ...........................................................................................
4 The User Interface (Overview) ....................................................................................
4.1 The Big Picture ........................................................................................................................... 34
4.2 Interface Elements ..................................................................................................................... 35
4.2.1 Application Menu Bar ................................................................................................ 35
4.2.2 Header ....................................................................................................................... 36
4.2.3 Global Section ........................................................................................................... 38
4.2.4 Decks ......................................................................................................................... 42
4.2.5 Mixer .......................................................................................................................... 46
4.2.6 Browser ..................................................................................................................... 47
5 The Browser ..............................................................................................................
18
23
25
33
50
5.1 The Track Collection ................................................................................................................... 50
5.2 Importing Music Folders ............................................................................................................. 51
5.3 Tracks Managed by iTunes ......................................................................................................... 53
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5.4 Track Search ...............................................................................................................................55
5.5 Working with the Track Collection and Playlists ......................................................................... 57
5.6 Editing Track Meta Data ............................................................................................................. 65
5.3.1 Playing Tracks Managed by iTunes ............................................................................ 54
5.3.2 Importing a Selection of Tracks from iTunes .............................................................. 54
5.3.3 Importing iTunes Playlists ......................................................................................... 54
5.4.1 Filtering Playlists ....................................................................................................... 55
5.4.2 Refining a Search ...................................................................................................... 56
5.4.3 Searching for Similar Tracks ..................................................................................... 56
5.4.4 Search in Playlists ..................................................................................................... 56
5.5.1 Creating a Playlist ..................................................................................................... 57
5.5.2 Adding Tracks to Playlists ......................................................................................... 58
5.5.3 Showing Tracks in Collection ..................................................................................... 58
5.5.4 Deleting Tracks .......................................................................................................... 58
5.5.5 Sorting Playlists ........................................................................................................ 59
5.5.6 Organizing Playlists in Folders .................................................................................. 60
5.5.7 Track Collection Subfolders ....................................................................................... 60
5.5.8 Favorites .................................................................................................................... 61
5.5.9 Preparation Playlists ................................................................................................. 62
5.5.10 Exporting Playlists ..................................................................................................... 62
5.5.11 Importing Playlists .................................................................................................... 62
5.5.12 Printing Playlists ....................................................................................................... 63
5.5.13 More Playlist Functions .............................................................................................. 64
5.5.14 History Playlist ........................................................................................................... 64
5.6.1 Editing Track Properties via Inline Editing ................................................................. 66
5.6.2 Editing Track Properties via the Edit Dialog .............................................................. 66
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5.7 Track Icons ................................................................................................................................. 67
5.8 The Preview Player ...................................................................................................................... 68
5.9 Cover Art .....................................................................................................................................68
5.10 Collection Maintenance .............................................................................................................. 70
5.11 Working with Audio CDs .............................................................................................................. 76
5.12 Working with Digital Audio Players ............................................................................................. 77
5.9.1 Show Cover Art .......................................................................................................... 69
5.9.2 Editing Cover Art ....................................................................................................... 69
5.10.1 Consistency Check ..................................................................................................... 70
5.10.2 Analysis ..................................................................................................................... 72
5.10.3 Analyze (Async) .......................................................................................................... 73
5.10.4 Data Directories ......................................................................................................... 75
5.10.5 Other Maintenance Functions .................................................................................... 76
5.11.1 CD Text ...................................................................................................................... 76
5.11.2 Audio CDs and Favorites ............................................................................................ 76
5.11.3 Eject CD ..................................................................................................................... 77
6 The Decks .................................................................................................................
Table of Contents
78
6.1 Deck Flavor Descriptions ............................................................................................................ 78
6.2 Loading Tracks, Stem Files, and Remix Sets ............................................................................... 92
6.3 The Deck Heading ....................................................................................................................... 93
6.1.1 Track Deck ................................................................................................................. 81
6.1.2 Remix Deck ................................................................................................................ 83
6.1.3 Stem Deck ................................................................................................................. 89
6.1.3.1 DAW Stem View ..........................................................................................91
6.1.4 Live Input .................................................................................................................. 92
6.3.1 Deck Focus ................................................................................................................ 93
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6.4 The Waveform Display and the Stripe View ................................................................................. 97
6.5 The Transport Controls ............................................................................................................... 98
6.6 Loop Controls ..............................................................................................................................100
6.7 Tempo Controls ........................................................................................................................... 101
6.8 The Advanced Panel ................................................................................................................... 105
6.9 Freeze Mode and Slicer Mode ...................................................................................................... 125
6.3.2 Deck Flavor ................................................................................................................ 93
6.3.3 Playback Mode ........................................................................................................... 93
6.3.4 Flux Mode .................................................................................................................. 94
6.3.5 Deck Layout ............................................................................................................... 95
6.3.6 TRAKTOR Informer: Deck Header Warning Messages ................................................. 95
6.3.7 Deck Audio Drag and Drop ......................................................................................... 96
6.7.1 Manual Tempo Controls ............................................................................................. 102
6.7.2 Phase Meter ............................................................................................................... 103
6.7.3 Beat Syncing ............................................................................................................. 103
6.8.1 BeatJump and Loop Move (MOVE Panel) .................................................................... 106
6.8.2 Cue Point and Loop Management Panel (CUE Panel) ................................................. 112
6.8.3 Cue Point Types ......................................................................................................... 114
6.8.4 Deleting a Stored Cue Point or Loop ........................................................................... 117
6.8.5 Hotcue Mapping ........................................................................................................ 117
6.8.6 Beatgrid Panel (GRID) ............................................................................................... 118
7 The Internal Mixer & the Crossfader ...........................................................................
128
7.1 Channel Faders .......................................................................................................................... 128
7.2 Crossfader .................................................................................................................................. 128
7.3 Equalizer .................................................................................................................................... 129
7.4 FILTER, KEY and Effect Insert ..................................................................................................... 132
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7.5 Headphone Controls ................................................................................................................... 134
7.6 The Internal Mixer in External Mixer Mode ................................................................................... 135
8 Using TRAKTOR with an External Mixer .......................................................................
8.1 Requirements ............................................................................................................................. 136
8.2 Hardware Setup .......................................................................................................................... 137
8.3 Software Setup ........................................................................................................................... 137
8.1.1 The Mixer ................................................................................................................... 136
8.1.2 Audio Device .............................................................................................................. 136
9 Using the Header and Global Sections ........................................................................
9.1 Header ........................................................................................................................................ 139
9.2 The Global Section ...................................................................................................................... 142
9.3 Effect Panels .............................................................................................................................. 147
9.1.1 TRAKTOR Logo ........................................................................................................... 139
9.1.2 Status Indicators ....................................................................................................... 139
9.1.3 Layout Selector .......................................................................................................... 140
9.1.4 Utility Buttons ........................................................................................................... 141
9.2.1 Master Panel ............................................................................................................. 143
9.2.2 The Loop Recorder ..................................................................................................... 144
9.2.3 Master Clock Panel .................................................................................................... 145
9.2.4 MIDI Clock Send ......................................................................................................... 146
9.3.1 Group Mode ............................................................................................................... 148
9.3.2 Single Mode ............................................................................................................... 149
9.3.3 Audio Recorder Panel ................................................................................................. 151
9.3.4 Broadcasting ............................................................................................................. 152
10 Mouse Control for Faders and Knobs ..........................................................................
Table of Contents
136
139
153
10.1 Basic Controls ............................................................................................................................ 153
TRAKTOR - Manual - 8
10.2 Advanced Control ....................................................................................................................... 154
11 Control via Keyboard & MIDI Hotkeys .........................................................................
11.1 Keyboard Hotkeys ........................................................................................................................155
11.2 MIDI Hotkeys ............................................................................................................................... 156
12 Setting Up TRAKTOR SCRATCH ...................................................................................
12.1 The Turntable Setup ................................................................................................................... 158
12.2 CD Player Setup .......................................................................................................................... 160
12.3 Mixed Setup ................................................................................................................................ 161
12.4 Enabling the Decks .....................................................................................................................162
12.5 Calibration ................................................................................................................................. 162
12.6 Tracking Modes .......................................................................................................................... 163
12.7 Timecode Preferences ................................................................................................................. 165
12.8 TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2 Troubleshooting ................................................................................ 166
12.1.1 Making Connections for Turntables ........................................................................... 158
12.1.2 Test Drive TRAKTOR SCRATCH with Turntables .......................................................... 158
12.1.3 The Control Zones on Vinyl ......................................................................................... 159
12.2.1 Making connections ................................................................................................... 160
12.2.2 Test Drive TRAKTOR SCRATCH with CD Players .......................................................... 160
12.2.3 The Control Zones on CD ............................................................................................ 161
12.6.1 Absolute Tracking Mode ............................................................................................. 163
12.6.2 Relative Tracking Mode ............................................................................................. 164
12.6.3 Internal Playback Mode ............................................................................................. 164
12.8.1 Calibration Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 166
12.8.2 Audio Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 180
13 Preferences ..............................................................................................................
Table of Contents
155
158
181
13.1 The Preferences Window ............................................................................................................. 181
TRAKTOR - Manual - 9
13.2 Audio Setup ................................................................................................................................ 183
13.3 Output Routing ........................................................................................................................... 184
13.4 Input Routing ............................................................................................................................. 185
13.5 MIDI Clock .................................................................................................................................. 186
13.6 Timecode Setup .......................................................................................................................... 186
13.7 Loading ...................................................................................................................................... 187
13.8 Transport .................................................................................................................................... 189
13.9 Decks Layout .............................................................................................................................. 193
13.10 Track Decks ................................................................................................................................ 194
13.11 Remix Decks ............................................................................................................................... 195
13.12 Mixer ...........................................................................................................................................197
13.13 Global Settings ........................................................................................................................... 198
13.14 Effects ........................................................................................................................................ 200
13.15 Mix Recorder ............................................................................................................................... 201
13.16 Loop Recorder ............................................................................................................................. 202
13.17 Broadcasting .............................................................................................................................. 202
13.18 Browser Details .......................................................................................................................... 204
13.19 Layout Manager .......................................................................................................................... 205
13.20 File Management ........................................................................................................................ 205
13.21 Analyze Options .......................................................................................................................... 207
13.22 Controller Manager ..................................................................................................................... 209
13.2.1 Audio Device .............................................................................................................. 183
13.2.2 Phono / Line ............................................................................................................... 183
13.2.3 Routing ...................................................................................................................... 184
13.2.4 Built-in Soundcard (only Windows) ............................................................................ 184
13.2.5 Multi-Core ................................................................................................................. 184
Table of Contents
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Table of Contents
13.22.1 Overview .................................................................................................................... 210
13.22.2 Device Setup .............................................................................................................. 210
13.22.3 Assignment Table ...................................................................................................... 212
13.22.4 Device Mapping ......................................................................................................... 213
13.22.5 Mapping Details ........................................................................................................ 214
13.22.6 Available Controller Types ......................................................................................... 215
14 Advanced Operation of TRAKTOR ................................................................................
14.1 TRAKTOR Profiles ........................................................................................................................ 218
14.2 Syncing via MIDI Clock ............................................................................................................... 222
14.3 Synchronization using Ableton Link ............................................................................................ 224
14.4 Broadcasting .............................................................................................................................. 229
14.1.1 The TRAKTOR Root folder ........................................................................................... 218
14.1.2 The Recordings folder ................................................................................................ 219
14.1.3 Complete Backup ...................................................................................................... 219
14.1.4 Restoring TRAKTOR from a Backup ............................................................................ 220
14.1.5 Creating a portable version of TRAKTOR .................................................................... 220
14.1.6 Automatic Collection Backup (Security Backup) ........................................................ 221
14.1.7 Repairing a Corrupted Collection ............................................................................... 222
14.2.1 TRAKTOR as Tempo Source (MIDI Clock send) ............................................................ 222
14.2.2 Syncing TRAKTOR to an external MIDI Clock Signal (External Sync) ........................... 223
14.2.3 Syncing two versions of TRAKTOR .............................................................................. 224
14.3.1 Connecting to a Network ............................................................................................ 224
14.3.2 Joining and Leaving a Link Session ........................................................................... 225
14.3.3 Synchronizing TRAKTOR Decks to the Link Timeline ................................................... 226
14.4.1 Streaming Protocol .................................................................................................... 229
14.4.2 Configuring TRAKTOR ................................................................................................ 230
218
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Table of Contents
14.5 The Effects in Detail ................................................................................................................... 232
14.4.3 Starting the Broadcast .............................................................................................. 231
14.4.4 How to setup a microphone for your Broadcast .......................................................... 231
14.5.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 232
14.5.2 FX Panel Modes ......................................................................................................... 232
14.5.3 Common Parameters ................................................................................................. 234
14.5.4 Delay ......................................................................................................................... 235
14.5.5 Reverb ....................................................................................................................... 236
14.5.6 Flanger ...................................................................................................................... 237
14.5.7 Flanger Pulse ............................................................................................................. 238
14.5.8 Flanger Flux ............................................................................................................... 238
14.5.9 Gater ......................................................................................................................... 239
14.5.10 Beatmasher 2 ............................................................................................................ 240
14.5.11 Delay T3 ..................................................................................................................... 241
14.5.12 Filter LFO ................................................................................................................... 242
14.5.13 Filter Pulse ................................................................................................................ 243
14.5.14 Filter .......................................................................................................................... 243
14.5.15 Filter:92 LFO .............................................................................................................. 245
14.5.16 Filter:92 Pulse ........................................................................................................... 245
14.5.17 Filter:92 ..................................................................................................................... 246
14.5.18 Phaser ....................................................................................................................... 247
14.5.19 Phaser Pulse .............................................................................................................. 248
14.5.20 Phaser Flux ................................................................................................................ 249
14.5.21 Reverse Grain ............................................................................................................ 249
14.5.22 Turntable FX .............................................................................................................. 250
14.5.23 Iceverb ....................................................................................................................... 251
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Table of Contents
14.5.24 Reverb T3 .................................................................................................................. 251
14.5.25 Ring Modulator .......................................................................................................... 252
14.5.26 Digital LoFi ................................................................................................................ 252
14.5.27 Mulholland Drive ....................................................................................................... 253
14.5.28 Transpose Stretch ...................................................................................................... 254
14.5.29 BeatSlicer Buffer ....................................................................................................... 255
14.5.30 Formant Filter ............................................................................................................ 256
14.5.31 Peak Filter ................................................................................................................. 256
14.5.32 Tape Delay ................................................................................................................. 257
14.5.33 Ramp Delay ............................................................................................................... 257
14.5.34 Auto Bouncer ............................................................................................................. 259
14.5.35 Bouncer ..................................................................................................................... 259
15 Tutorials ...................................................................................................................
15.1 Prerequisites .............................................................................................................................. 261
15.2 Goals of the Following Chapters ................................................................................................. 262
15.3 Playing Your First Track .............................................................................................................. 263
15.4 Mixing In a Second Track ............................................................................................................ 268
15.3.1 Quick Loading a Track ............................................................................................... 263
15.3.2 Playing the Track ....................................................................................................... 265
15.3.3 If You Don’t Hear the Track ........................................................................................ 266
15.4.1 Pre-listening a Second Track in the Preview Player ................................................... 268
15.4.2 Loading and Playing the Second Track ...................................................................... 270
15.4.3 Using Headphones to Prepare the Mix ....................................................................... 270
15.4.4 Synchronizing the Second Track ................................................................................ 271
15.4.5 Setting a Cue Point as Starting Point ........................................................................ 272
15.4.6 Snapping to the Beats ............................................................................................... 275
261
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15.5 Adjusting Levels ......................................................................................................................... 280
15.6 Looping and Cueing ....................................................................................................................283
15.7 Adding FX ................................................................................................................................... 289
15.8 Using the Remix Decks in Your Mix ............................................................................................. 294
15.9 Using the STEM Decks in Your Mix .............................................................................................. 302
15.4.7 Sticking to the Beats ................................................................................................. 275
15.4.8 Interlude: In Case the Left Track Is Over… ............................................................... 276
15.4.9 Mixing In the Track by Using the Channel EQ and Filter ............................................ 276
15.4.10 Manual Beat-matching ............................................................................................. 278
15.5.1 The Theory… ............................................................................................................. 281
15.5.2 …and the Practice .................................................................................................... 281
15.6.1 Playing with Loops ..................................................................................................... 284
15.6.2 Using Hotcues ........................................................................................................... 287
15.7.1 Assigning a Deck to an FX Unit .................................................................................. 290
15.7.2 Group Mode ............................................................................................................... 291
15.7.3 Getting the FX Unit Ready .......................................................................................... 291
15.7.4 Controlling the FX Unit .............................................................................................. 292
15.7.5 Single Mode ............................................................................................................... 293
15.7.6 Storing a Snapshot .................................................................................................... 293
15.8.1 Loading a Sample from the Collection ....................................................................... 295
15.8.2 Triggering the Sample ............................................................................................... 296
15.8.3 Capturing a Sample from a Track .............................................................................. 298
15.8.4 More Sample Controls ................................................................................................ 299
15.8.5 Saving A Remix Set .................................................................................................... 302
15.9.1 Loading a Stem File from the Collection .................................................................... 303
15.9.2 Playing back the Stem File ........................................................................................ 304
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Table of Contents
15.10 Using the Loop Recorder ............................................................................................................. 306
15.11 Synchronization .......................................................................................................................... 310
15.12 Harmonic Mixing ........................................................................................................................319
15.9.3 Adjusting or Cutting Volumes of Stem Parts .............................................................. 305
15.9.4 Applying FILTER to Stem Parts ................................................................................... 305
15.9.5 Applying FX SEND to Stem Parts ................................................................................ 306
15.10.1 Choosing a Source ..................................................................................................... 307
15.10.2 Recording a Loop ....................................................................................................... 308
15.10.3 Overdubbing .............................................................................................................. 309
15.10.4 Further Uses of the Recorded Loop ............................................................................ 310
15.11.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 310
15.11.2 The Tempo Master ..................................................................................................... 311
15.11.3 The Beatgrid .............................................................................................................. 316
15.11.4 Other Useful Tools for Synching ................................................................................. 317
16 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................
16.1 TRAKTOR Won’t Start .................................................................................................................. 323
16.2 Latency Issues ............................................................................................................................ 323
16.3 TRAKTOR Crashes ....................................................................................................................... 324
16.4 Updates ...................................................................................................................................... 324
17 Getting Help ..............................................................................................................
323
325
17.1 Knowledge Base ......................................................................................................................... 325
17.2 Technical Support .......................................................................................................................325
17.3 Registration Support .................................................................................................................. 326
17.4 User Forum ................................................................................................................................. 326
18 Appendix—Common Setups .......................................................................................
18.1 TRAKTOR with an On-board Sound Card and Fallback ................................................................ 327
TRAKTOR - Manual - 15
327
18.2 TRAKTOR with an External Audio Interface ................................................................................. 328
18.3 TRAKTOR with an External Mixer ................................................................................................. 329
18.4 TRAKTOR with a Controller .......................................................................................................... 330
18.5 TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 with TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2 ............................................................... 334
18.6 Adding a Microphone .................................................................................................................. 335
18.7 Recording Setup ......................................................................................................................... 337
18.4.1 Controllers with Mixer Controls (and optionally a Built-In Audio Interface) ............... 332
18.4.2 Controllers without Mixer Controls ............................................................................. 334
18.6.1 Using Your Microphone with the Loop Recorder ......................................................... 335
18.6.2 Using Your Microphone as a Live Input and with TRAKTOR FX ................................... 336
18.7.1 Recording from the Internal Source ........................................................................... 337
18.7.2 Recording from an External Source ............................................................................ 338
19 Default Keyboard Mappings .......................................................................................
19.1 Transport .................................................................................................................................... 342
19.2 Remix Decks ............................................................................................................................... 342
19.3 Cue & Loop ................................................................................................................................. 343
19.4 Favorites & Navigation ............................................................................................................... 344
19.5 Loop Recorder ............................................................................................................................. 344
19.6 Zoom & Layout ............................................................................................................................345
19.7 Scratch Modes ............................................................................................................................ 345
20 Assignable MIDI Controls ...........................................................................................
Table of Contents
341
346
20.1 Deck Common ............................................................................................................................. 347
20.2 Track Deck .................................................................................................................................. 350
20.3 Remix Deck ................................................................................................................................. 353
20.4 Mixer ...........................................................................................................................................356
20.5 FX Unit ........................................................................................................................................359
TRAKTOR - Manual - 16
20.6 Browser ...................................................................................................................................... 360
20.7 Preview Player ............................................................................................................................ 363
20.8 Loop Recorder ............................................................................................................................. 364
20.9 Audio Recorder ........................................................................................................................... 364
20.10 Master Clock ...............................................................................................................................365
20.11 Global ......................................................................................................................................... 366
20.12 Layout .........................................................................................................................................366
20.13 Modifier ...................................................................................................................................... 367
Index ........................................................................................................................
Table of Contents
368
TRAKTOR - Manual - 17
Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR!
1 Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR!
TRAKTOR is the most powerful and versatile DJ software on the market. With TRAKTOR, 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. In this manual, you will find everything there is to
know about TRAKTOR. For information on how to use NI TRAKTOR KONTROL controllers
(TRAKTOR KONTROL S4, S2, X1, F1) with TRAKTOR, or for further information on TRAKTOR's audio interfaces and their configuration, please consult the relevant documents from
TRAKTOR's documentation depository, which you can access from the Help menu in TRAKTOR's application menu bar.
Differences Between Versions
TRAKTOR Light Edition 2 and TRAKTOR Manufacturer Edition 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.
Your TRAKTOR version is a Manufacturer Edition 2 version if you obtained it as part of one of
the following bundled products:
▪ Pioneer DDJ-T1 (Traktor Pioneer DDJ-T1 Edition)
▪ Numark 4TRAK (Traktor Numark 4TRAK Edition)
▪ Velocity MIDI Station (Traktor Velocity MIDI Station Edition)
Pet Names for Software and Hardware
Throughout the documentation, we will refer to the TRAKTOR (SCRATCH) PRO 2 software simply as “TRAKTOR.”
TRAKTOR Manufacturer Edition 2 will hereinafter be referred to as "TRAKTOR ME 2" or simply
"ME 2." TRAKTOR Light Edition 2 will hereinafter be referred to as "TRAKTOR LE 2" or simply
"LE 2."
This document uses particular formatting to point out special facts and to warn you of potential issues. The icons introducing the following notes let you see what kind of information can
be expected:
TRAKTOR - Manual - 18
Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR!
What’s new in TRAKTOR 2.11
The speech bubble icon indicates a useful tip that may often help you to solve a task
more efficiently.
The exclamation mark icon highlights important information that is essential for the given context.
The red cross icon warns you of serious issues and potential risks that require your full
attention.
Furthermore, the following formatting is used:
▪ Text appearing in (drop-down) menus (such as Open…, Save as… etc.) in the software and
paths to locations on your hard disk or other storage devices is printed in italics.
▪ Text appearing elsewhere (labels of buttons, controls, text next to checkboxes etc.) in the
software 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.
▪ References to keys on your computer’s keyboard you’ll find put in square brackets (e.g.,
“Press [Shift] + [Enter]”).
Single instructions are introduced by this play button type arrow.
►
Results of actions are introduced by this smaller arrow.
→
1.1 What’s new in TRAKTOR 2.11
This section provides a quick overview of some substantial changes of the TRAKTOR 2.11 software.
TRAKTOR - Manual - 19
Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR!
TRAKTOR Documentation Overview
Ableton Link Integration
TRAKTOR can now sync to other desktop and iOS applications supporting via Ableton Link.
The synchronization works for applications running on the same computer or for applications
on devices sharing the same local network. For more information on syncing TRAKTOR via
Ableton Link, refer to section ↑14.3, Synchronization using Ableton Link.
Step Sequencer Mode for Remix Decks
TRAKTOR now features the Remix Deck based Step Sequencer Mode for one-shots and samples to use on TRAKTOR KONTROL S8, D2, and F1 controllers. All essential controls are assignable to MIDI controllers. For more information on using Step Sequencer Mode on the S8,
D2, or F1 controller, refer to the respective manual. For an overview of the assignable MIDI
controls in TRAKTOR, refer to section ↑20.3, Remix Deck.
Pioneer CDJ-2000 NXS2 HID Integration
TRAKTOR now fully supports up to four Pioneer CDJ-2000 Nexus 2 players automatically mapped to the main deck controls via HID.
Pioneer DJM-900 NXS2 Scratch Certification
The Pioneer DJM-900 Nexus 2 is now Scratch Certified and will automatically configure its audio channels when connected.
Allen & Heath PX5 Certification
The Allen & Heath PX5 is now Scratch Certified and will automatically configure its audio
channels when connected.
1.2 TRAKTOR Documentation Overview
TRAKTOR provides you with many information sources. Find an overview of the available documents and a short description of their content in this chapter.
TRAKTOR - Manual - 20
Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR!
TRAKTOR Documentation Overview
1.2.1 In This Manual
This manual covers all elements of TRAKTOR in detail. Everything there is to know about
TRAKTOR you will find in here.
1.2.2 Other Documentation
These are the additional documents available to help you acquaint yourself with TRAKTOR
(find also a recommended reading order in ↑1.2.3, Recommended Reading Order).
The Setup Guide
The Setup Guide will guide you through the software (and hardware where appropriate) installation of TRAKTOR from the very beginning to the first sound coming through your speakers.
This should be your first stop in learning TRAKTOR. The Setup Guide is available on the
TRAKTOR registration page. Find a link to the registration page on the registration flyer, which
is included in your TRAKTOR product box.
The Getting Started Guide
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 guide. The Getting Started guide gives
you a practical approach to TRAKTOR.
The 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 software.
The 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 workflow. Find them here:
http://www.native-instruments.com/videos
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Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR!
TRAKTOR Documentation Overview
1.2.3 Recommended Reading Order
The documentation items should be read in the following order:
1. Setup Guide relating to your TRAKTOR product.
2. TRAKTOR Getting Started guide and video tutorials.
3. TRAKTOR Manual.
The whole documentation is available via the Open Manual... entry from the Help drop-down
menu in TRAKTOR.
1.3 System Requirements and Compatibility
For the minimum system requirements your computer needs to meet, see the TRAKTOR section of the Native Instruments website:
http://www.native-instruments.com/traktor-pro-2/specifications
Please note that meeting the system requirements does not guarantee running all TRAKTOR
features hassle-free. You might be forced to tweak your system following Native Instruments’
tuning tips for audio computers. You can find these tuning tips in the Knowledge Base—see
↑17.1, Knowledge Base for more information.
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Upgrading (from TRAKTOR PRO, TRAKTOR LE, and TRAKTOR ME)
2 Upgrading (from TRAKTOR PRO, TRAKTOR LE, and
TRAKTOR ME)
When upgrading from one of the aforementioned versions, you will need to import your user
data and mappings. This is a straightforward process assisted by the TRAKTOR software; however, there are a few things to be observed when upgrading. See the following sections for
more info.
2.1 Backup
Before installing TRAKTOR over your previous version, 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 chosen
another location for them.
Backup
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.
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 (TRAKTOR
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 always
be able to easily return to the last version if needed.
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Upgrading (from TRAKTOR PRO, TRAKTOR LE, and TRAKTOR ME)
Importing Your Data
2.3 Importing Your Data
▪ When you start TRAKTOR for the first time, the Setup Wizard greets you with some simple
questions regarding your setup. This will adjust TRAKTOR’s look and Preferences accordingly. Read more about the Setup Wizard in ↑3, TRAKTOR's Setup Wizard.
▪ Next, TRAKTOR will ask if you want to import your previous data by copying the existing
user content to a new folder in your user folder. Your previous data will not be altered if
you copy it to the new default folder.
Importing Your MIDI and Hotkey Mappings
For TRAKTOR, the mapping system has been changed. While some mappings created with previous versions of TRAKTOR may still work, others will not be imported correctly.
We recommend double-checking your imported mappings before you use them in a live situation.
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TRAKTOR's Setup Wizard
3 TRAKTOR's Setup Wizard
The Setup Wizard lets you configure TRAKTOR in a few simple steps. It also is a convenient
way to restart with a fresh out-of-the-box setup. The Setup Wizard does two things:
▪ It lets you choose from a few basic audio, MIDI, and general setup configurations and auto-
matically sets the available options accordingly.
▪ It resets all other TRAKTOR settings to their default values.
Depending on the version of TRAKTOR software you have (e.g., LE 2, ME 2), the Setup Wizard
may not offer all shown screens or selections.
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.
►
Exemplary Setup
Let's walk you through an exemplary configuration using the Setup Wizard:
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TRAKTOR's Setup Wizard
1. On the welcome screen, click Next to confirm you have connected any TRAKTOR controllers to your computer via USB (if you are using any).
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TRAKTOR's Setup Wizard
2. Select whether or not you want to use TRAKTOR with a MIDI controller and proceed with
Next. If you are using one of NI's "KONTROL" models (S4, S2, F1, X1, etc.), select No
here as TRAKTOR is already pre-configured for use with these.
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TRAKTOR's Setup Wizard
3. If you previously selected to use TRAKTOR with a controller, choose the controller manufacturer and model from the drop-down lists and confirm with Next.
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TRAKTOR's Setup Wizard
4. In case your TRAKTOR version is TRAKTOR PRO, ME, or LE, select whether you want to
use an external DJ mixer or TRAKTOR's internal software mixer in your setup. Confirm
with Next. In case of TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO, this screen is skipped and external mixing is auto-selected.
TRAKTOR - Manual - 29
TRAKTOR's Setup Wizard
5. Select a basic setup for your Decks (how many Decks and what Deck Flavors to use). This
can later be easily changed from within the software. The available options can vary, depending on your TRAKTOR version.
6. The last screen of the Setup Wizard sums up your selection of options. Below you see a
summary screen with an exemplary configuration of TRAKTOR with: four Decks (two Track
Decks and two Remix Decks); an external DJ mixer; a German keyboard layout (derived
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