Numark Traktor2 Getting Started
Getting Started
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not repre
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Document authored by: Native Instruments
Document version: 1.0 (03/2011)
Special thanks to the Beta Test Team, who were invaluable not just in tracking down bugs,
but in making this a better product.
Disclaimer
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR 2! .........................................................................
1.1 What Is TRAKTOR 2? ................................................................................................................... 9
1.2 The TRAKTOR 2 Documentation .................................................................................................. 9
1.3 System Requirements and Compatibility .................................................................................... 12
1.2.1 Where To Start? ......................................................................................................... 9
1.2.2 In This Manual ........................................................................................................... 10
1.2.3 Manual Conventions .................................................................................................. 11
2 Upgrading from TRAKTOR (SCRATCH) PRO/DUO and TRAKTOR LE ..................................
2.1 Backup ....................................................................................................................................... 13
2.2 Installation ................................................................................................................................. 13
2.3 Importing Your Data ................................................................................................................... 14
2.3.1 Importing Your MIDI and Hotkey Mappings ................................................................ 14
2.3.2 Importing Your Music ................................................................................................ 14
3 TRAKTOR 2 Overview .................................................................................................
3.1 The Big Picture ........................................................................................................................... 16
3.2 Main Elements ............................................................................................................................17
3.2.1 Application Menu Bar ................................................................................................ 17
3.2.2 Header ....................................................................................................................... 18
3.2.3 Global Section ........................................................................................................... 21
3.2.4 Decks ......................................................................................................................... 24
3.2.5 Mixer .......................................................................................................................... 28
3.2.6 Browser ..................................................................................................................... 29
4 Importing Your Music ................................................................................................
9
13
15
30
4.1 What Is the Track Collection? ..................................................................................................... 30
4.2 Importing Music Folders ............................................................................................................. 30
4.3 Tracks Managed by iTunes ......................................................................................................... 32
TRAKTOR 2 - Getting Started - 4
Table of Contents
4.3.1 Playing Tracks Managed by iTunes ............................................................................ 32
4.3.2 Importing a Selection of Tracks from iTunes .............................................................. 32
4.3.3 Importing iTunes Playlists ......................................................................................... 32
5 Tutorials ...................................................................................................................
5.1 Prerequisites .............................................................................................................................. 33
5.2 Goals of the Following Chapters ................................................................................................. 34
5.3 Playing Your First Track .............................................................................................................. 35
5.4 Mixing In a Second Track ............................................................................................................ 41
5.5 Adjusting Levels ......................................................................................................................... 57
5.6 Looping and Cueing ....................................................................................................................59
5.7 Adding FX ................................................................................................................................... 65
5.3.1 Quick Loading a Track ............................................................................................... 35
5.3.2 Playing the Track ....................................................................................................... 37
5.3.3 If You Don’t Hear the Track ........................................................................................ 39
5.4.1 Pre-listening a Second Track in the Preview Player ................................................... 42
5.4.2 Loading and Playing the Second Track ...................................................................... 44
5.4.3 Using Headphones to Prepare the Mix ....................................................................... 45
5.4.4 Synchronizing the Second Track ................................................................................ 47
5.4.5 Setting a Cue Point as Starting Point (Disabled in TRAKTOR LE 2) ............................ 48
5.4.6 Snapping to the Beats ............................................................................................... 51
5.4.7 Sticking to the Beats ................................................................................................. 51
5.4.8 Interlude: In Case the Left Track Is Over… ............................................................... 51
5.4.9 Mixing In the Track by Using the Channel EQ and Filter ............................................ 52
5.4.10 Manual Beat-matching ............................................................................................. 54
5.5.1 The Theory… ............................................................................................................. 57
5.5.2 …and the Practice .................................................................................................... 58
5.6.1 Playing with Loops ..................................................................................................... 60
5.6.2 Using Hotcues (Disabled in TRAKTOR LE 2) ............................................................... 64
33
TRAKTOR 2 - Getting Started - 5
Table of Contents
5.8 Using Samples in Your Mix (Disabled in TRAKTOR LE 2) ............................................................. 70
5.9 Using the Loop Recorder (TRAKTOR PRO 2 / SCRATCH PRO 2 Only) ............................................ 76
5.10 Synchronization .......................................................................................................................... 81
5.7.1 Assigning a Deck to an FX Unit (TRAKTOR PRO 2 / SCRATCH PRO 2 Only) ................. 66
5.7.2 Group Mode ............................................................................................................... 67
5.7.3 Getting the FX Unit Ready .......................................................................................... 68
5.7.4 Controlling the FX Unit .............................................................................................. 69
5.7.5 Single Mode (TRAKTOR PRO 2 / SCRATCH PRO 2 Only) .............................................. 69
5.7.6 Storing a Snapshot .................................................................................................... 70
5.8.1 Loading a Sample from the Collection ....................................................................... 71
5.8.2 Triggering the Sample ............................................................................................... 72
5.8.3 Grabbing a Sample from a Track ............................................................................... 73
5.8.4 More Sample Controls ................................................................................................ 75
5.9.1 Choosing a Source ..................................................................................................... 77
5.9.2 Recording a Loop ....................................................................................................... 78
5.9.3 Overdubbing .............................................................................................................. 80
5.9.4 Further Uses of the Recorded Loop ............................................................................ 80
5.10.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 81
5.10.2 The Tempo Master ..................................................................................................... 81
5.10.3 The Beat Grid ............................................................................................................. 86
5.10.4 Other Useful Tools for Synching ................................................................................. 87
6 Using TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO / DUO 2 .......................................................................
90
6.1 Calibration ................................................................................................................................. 90
6.2 Tracking Modes .......................................................................................................................... 91
6.3 Relevant Related Preferences ..................................................................................................... 92
6.2.1 Absolute Tracking Mode ............................................................................................. 91
6.2.2 Relative Tracking Mode ............................................................................................. 92
6.2.3 Internal Playback Mode ............................................................................................. 92
TRAKTOR 2 - Getting Started - 6
6.4 TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO/DUO 2 Troubleshooting ........................................................................ 94
6.4.1 Calibration Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 95
6.4.2 Audio Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 98
7 Customizing TRAKTOR 2 ............................................................................................
7.1 Routing .......................................................................................................................................101
7.2 Switching the Deck Flavors (Disabled in TRAKTOR LE 2) ............................................................ 101
7.3 Effects (TRAKTOR PRO 2 / SCRATCH PRO 2 Only) ....................................................................... 102
7.4 Adjusting TRAKTOR’s Look (TRAKTOR PRO 2 / SCRATCH PRO 2 Only) ......................................... 104
7.5 MIDI and Mappings (Disabled in TRAKTOR LE 2) ........................................................................ 104
7.6 Profiles and Backup (Disabled in TRAKTOR LE 2) ....................................................................... 105
8 The Setup Wizard ......................................................................................................
Table of Contents
99
106
9 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................
9.1 TRAKTOR 2 Won’t Start ............................................................................................................... 114
9.2 Latency Issues ............................................................................................................................ 114
9.3 TRAKTOR 2 Crashes .................................................................................................................... 115
9.4 Updates ...................................................................................................................................... 115
10 Getting Help ..............................................................................................................
10.1 Knowledge Base ......................................................................................................................... 116
10.2 Technical Support .......................................................................................................................116
10.3 Registration Support .................................................................................................................. 117
10.4 User Forum ................................................................................................................................. 117
11 Appendix A – Common Setups ....................................................................................
11.1 TRAKTOR with an On-board Sound Card and Fallback ................................................................ 118
11.2 TRAKTOR with an External Audio Interface ................................................................................. 119
11.3 TRAKTOR 2 with an External Mixer .............................................................................................. 120
11.4 TRAKTOR 2 with a Controller ....................................................................................................... 121
11.4.1 Controllers with Mixer Controls (and optionally a Built-In Audio Interface) ............... 122
11.4.2 Controllers without Mixer Controls ............................................................................. 124
114
116
118
TRAKTOR 2 - Getting Started - 7
11.5 TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 with TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2 ............................................................... 124
11.6 Adding a Microphone .................................................................................................................. 124
11.7 Recording Setup (Disabled in TRAKTOR LE 2) ............................................................................. 126
11.6.1 Using Your Microphone with the Loop Recorder ......................................................... 125
11.6.2 Using Your Microphone as a Live Input and with TRAKTOR FX ................................... 125
11.7.1 Recording from the Internal Source ........................................................................... 126
11.7.2 Recording from an External Source ............................................................................ 127
Index ........................................................................................................................
Table of Contents
130
TRAKTOR 2 - Getting Started - 8
Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR 2!
What Is TRAKTOR 2?
1 Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR 2!
We are delighted that you have chosen TRAKTOR 2! This Getting Started guide is intend
ed to help you set up and use your TRAKTOR system correctly.
1.1 What Is TRAKTOR 2?
TRAKTOR 2 is the most powerful and versatile DJ software on the market. With TRAK
TOR 2, you can mix your tracks traditionally as well as combine your tracks and loops in a
non-linear way, using it as a powerful live remixing tool.
1.2 The TRAKTOR 2 Documentation
1.2.1 Where To Start?
TRAKTOR 2 provides you with many information sources. The main sources are meant to
be read in the following sequence:
▪ Setup Guide
▪ TRAKTOR 2 Getting Started (this document) and video tutorials
Additionally, a keyboard shortcut overview card will help you in your everyday work with
TRAKTOR 2. Hereafter is a quick description of each of these documentation sources.
Some of these documents (Setup Guide and Keyboard Shortcut Overview Card) are availa
ble
in printed form in the product box. The whole documentation is also available in PDF
format via:
Mac OS X: Macintosh HD/Applications/Native Instruments/Traktor 2/Documentation
▪
▪ Windows: Start > All Programs > Native Instruments > Traktor 2 > Documentation
Your First Stop: the Setup Guide
A printed Setup Guide is included in the product box. It will guide you through the soft
ware (and hardware, where appropriate) installation of TRAKTOR 2, from the very begin
ning to the first sound coming through your speakers. This should be your first stop in
learning TRAKTOR 2.
First read the Setup Guide. Then proceed with this TRAKTOR 2 Getting Started manual to get
more familiar with TRAKTOR 2!
TRAKTOR 2 - Getting Started - 9
Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR 2!
The TRAKTOR 2 Documentation
TRAKTOR 2 Getting Started Manual
After having read the Setup Guide and followed its instructions, TRAKTOR should be up
running. The next step is to read this Getting Started manual. The Getting Started
and
manual gives you a practical approach to TRAKTOR 2. The next chapter will give you an
overview of the manual content.
Keyboard Shortcut Overview Card
A keyboard shortcut overview card is included in the product box. It provides quick access
to the dedicated keyboard mappings for the TRAKTOR 2 software.
Video Tutorials
The Native Instruments website provides you with a bunch of video tutorials that give you
a hands-on approach to many sides of the TRAKTOR 2 workflow. To see them, point your
favorite browser to following URL: http://www.native-instruments.com/traktor.
1.2.2 In This Manual
What you are reading now is the TRAKTOR 2 Getting Started manual. This manual is
structured as follows:
▪ The first part is this introduction.
▪ Chapter ↑2,
Upgrading from TRAKTOR (SCRATCH) PRO/DUO and TRAKTOR LE
ex
plains how to upgrade from former TRAKTOR versions.
▪ Chapter ↑3, TRAKTOR 2 Overview introduces you to the TRAKTOR 2 user interface
and its main areas.
▪ Chapter ↑4,
Importing Your Music
shows you how to import your own music into the
powerful Track Collection of TRAKTOR 2 so that you can use all TRAKTOR 2 features
with your own tracks.
▪ Chapter ↑5,
Tutorials
is a selection of tutorials. They will let you progressively discover
how to use the various tools provided by TRAKTOR 2. These practical examples will
simplify the learning process and get you quickly started with computer-based DJing.
▪ Chapter ↑6, Using TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO / DUO 2 is about Timecode Vinyl and CD
control. If you don’t own a TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO/DUO 2 license, you can skip this
chapter.
▪ Chapter ↑7, Customizing TRAKTOR 2 shows you how to customize TRAKTOR 2 in or
der to make it fit your particular needs.
▪ Chapter ↑8, The Setup Wizard explains the Setup Wizard in detail.
TRAKTOR 2 - Getting Started - 10
Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR 2!
The TRAKTOR 2 Documentation
▪ Chapter ↑9,
Troubleshooting
provides you with a list of the most common problems
and their solutions, along with info on how to get help.
▪ ↑11,
Appendix A – Common Setups
shows you various ways to integrate TRAKTOR 2
into your studio or live setup.
1.2.3 Manual Conventions
This manual uses particular formatting to point out special facts and to warn you of poten
issues. The icons introducing these notes let you see what kind of information is to be
tial
expected:
Whenever this exclamation mark icon appears, you should read the corresponding note care
fully and follow the instructions and hints given there if applicable.
This lightbulb icon indicates that a note contains useful extra information. This information
may
often help you to solve a task more efficiently, but does not necessarily apply to the setup
or operating system you are using; however, it's always worth a look.
Furthermore, the following formatting is used:
▪ Text appearing in (drop-down) menus (such as Open…, Save as… etc.), in paths to loca
on your hard drive or other storage devices, and in Preferences paths is printed in
tions
italics.
▪ Text appearing elsewhere (labels of buttons, controls, text next to checkboxes etc.) is
printed in blue. Whenever you see this formatting applied, you will find the same text
appearing somewhere on the screen.
▪ Important names and concepts are printed in bold.
► Single instructions are introduced by this play button type arrow.
→ Results of actions are introduced by this smaller arrow.
Pet Names for the Software
Throughout the documentation, we will refer to the TRAKTOR (SCRATCH) PRO 2, TRAK
TOR (SCRATCH) DUO 2, and TRAKTOR LE 2 software as “TRAKTOR 2” or simply “TRAK
TOR.”
TRAKTOR 2 - Getting Started - 11
Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR 2!
System Requirements and Compatibility
Different TRAKTOR Versions
TRAKTOR SCRATCH DUO 2, TRAKTOR DUO 2 and TRAKTOR LE 2 are limited in certain
features compared to the full TRAKTOR (SCRATCH) PRO 2 version. The differences will
be documented at the appropriate places in this manual.
All relevant information regarding Timecode Vinyl and CD control, which is only available
in TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2 and TRAKTOR SCRATCH DUO 2, will be explained in
chapter ↑6, Using TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO / DUO 2.
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:
www.native-instruments.com/traktor
Please note that meeting the system requirements does not guarantee running all TRAKTOR 2
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
chapter
To check the compatibility with several operating systems, please have a look at: http://
www.native-instruments.com/compatibility.
↑10.1, Knowledge Base for more information.
TRAKTOR 2 - Getting Started - 12
Upgrading from TRAKTOR (SCRATCH) PRO/DUO and TRAKTOR LE
2 Upgrading from TRAKTOR (SCRATCH) PRO/DUO and
TRAKTOR LE
If you’re completely new to TRAKTOR, you can skip this chapter and continue reading in
the
next chapter. However, if you have been using TRAKTOR (SCRATCH) PRO/DUO or
TRAKTOR LE, you should read this chapter carefully!
2.1 Backup
Before installing TRAKTOR 2, backup the following folders and files:
▪ Your TRAKTOR folder, per default found in [User]\My Documents\Native Instruments\Trak
(Windows) and User:Documents:Native Instruments:Traktor
tor
▪ Your Music folders as defined in Preferences > Data Location > Music Folders
▪ Any other data that is not stored in the aforementioned places because you have chos
en another location for them.
At this point, it is a good idea to remove all unnecessary stuff from your TRAKTOR folder, e.g.
mappings for controllers you don’t use anymore, etc.
(Mac OS X).
Backup
2.2 Installation
Follow the instructions from the Setup Guide carefully.
As a general rule: start with the software installation before you install the hardware (TRAK
TOR AUDIO 6/10, TRAKTOR KONTROL X1, TRAKTOR KONTROL S4, etc.)!
The installation creates a new User Folder in [User]\My Documents\Native Instruments\Trak
tor 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.
TRAKTOR 2 - Getting Started - 13
Upgrading from TRAKTOR (SCRATCH) PRO/DUO and TRAKTOR LE
Importing Your Data
2.3 Importing Your Data
▪ When you start TRAKTOR 2 for the first time, the Setup Wizard greets you with some
simple questions regarding your setup. This will adjust TRAKTOR’s look and Preferen
ces accordingly. Read more about the Setup Wizard in chapter ↑8, The Setup Wizard.
▪ Next, TRAKTOR will ask if you want to import your previous data by copying the exist
ing
user content to a new folder in your user folder. Your previous data will not be al
tered if you copy it to the new default folder.
2.3.1 Importing Your MIDI and Hotkey Mappings
For TRAKTOR 2, the mapping system has been changed. While some mappings created
with
previous versions of TRAKTOR may still work, others will not be imported correctly.
Hence, we recommend double-checking your imported mappings before you use them in a
live situation.
2.3.2 Importing Your Music
Due to changes in TRAKTOR’s database, you will have to re-analyze your complete Track
Collection.
even if they’re not BPM-locked.
► To force recalculation of BPM and Gain values, you can re-trigger the BPM analysis by
right-clicking ([Ctrl]-click on Mac OS X) the Browser list entries and selecting the com
mand Detect BPM (Async)
However, existing BPM and Gain values stored in your files will not be touched
.
If your Track Collection contains more than 10,000 files, it is recommended to have TRAK
TOR 2 analyze your Track Collection in smaller chunks of only a few thousand files each. As
this procedure may take quite a while, it is a good idea to let TRAKTOR 2 perform the analysis
while you are not working with your computer such as overnight.
TRAKTOR 2 - Getting Started - 14
TRAKTOR 2 Overview
3 TRAKTOR 2 Overview
This chapter will quickly introduce you to TRAKTOR 2’s main areas and concepts.
Take the time to read these few pages, as they will familiarize you with the way TRAKTOR 2
works and provide insight to the power of its design.
When you start TRAKTOR 2 for the first time, it opens the Essential View layout. To make
all elements described hereafter visible, open the layout named Mixer by selecting it from
the layout selector.
Fig. 3.1 - Use the layout selector to choose the Mixer Layout.
If you are using TRAKTOR SCRATCH DUO/PRO 2, you will most likely use an external analog
mixer instead of TRAKTOR's internal software mixer. However, to follow the explanations in
this manual, you should also open the Mixer layout.
TRAKTOR 2 - Getting Started - 15
TRAKTOR 2 Overview
The Big Picture
3.1 The Big Picture
The picture below shows the interface of TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2. Your graphical user
interface will look slightly different if you are using TRAKTOR (SCRATCH) DUO 2 or
TRAKTOR LE 2.
Fig. 3.2 – Main features of the software
(1) Application Menu Bar: The Application Menu Bar provides access to basic functions and
information about the software.
(2) Header: Here you can find various status indicators and useful functions and buttons,
e.g. the Preferences button.
TRAKTOR 2 - Getting Started - 16
TRAKTOR 2 Overview
Main Elements
(3) Global section: The Global section contains the FX Units, Master Clock, the Audio Re
corder as well as the new Loop Recorder.
(4) Decks: TRAKTOR 2 provides you with four virtual Decks. The Decks are the place
where
tracks, samples, and live input are played back. The Decks can be seen as the virtu
al equivalent to good old vinyl or CD decks.
(5) Mixer: Sitting in the middle of your TRAKTOR 2 window is the Mixer. It receives on its
four channels the audio signals coming from the four Decks described above. There is one
channel
for each Deck. As with any DJ mixer, the Mixer’s basic purpose is to adjust the
relative level of each channel, to control the channels’ frequency content, possibly feeding
them into the FX Units, before sending the overall result to your audience.
(6) Browser : The Browser manages all your tracks in a database called the Track Collec
You can group tracks in Playlists, sort them according different attributes, and search
tion.
within Playlists as well as in the whole Collection.
In TRAKTOR (SCRATCH) DUO 2, the Master Clock and Loop Recorder are not available. In
TRAKTOR LE 2, the Audio Recorder is also not available.
3.2 Main Elements
This chapter explains the main areas and elements of the TRAKTOR 2 software.
3.2.1 Application Menu Bar
Fig. 3.3 – The Application Menu Bar on Windows
TRAKTOR 2 - Getting Started - 17
Fig. 3.4 - The Application Menu Bar on Mac OS X
The File
, View, and Help menus will give you access to basic TRAKTOR functions. You can,
for example, open this Getting Started manual via the Help menu.
3.2.2 Header
TRAKTOR 2 Overview
Main Elements
Fig. 3.5 – TRAKTOR’s Header
The Header is the small horizontal strip located at the very top of TRAKTOR’s user inter
face. Its elements are described hereafter from left to right.
TRAKTOR 2 Logo
Fig. 3.6 – TRAKTOR logo
Click on the TRAKTOR logo to open the About screen. The About screen displays the full
version number of your TRAKTOR software.
TRAKTOR 2 - Getting Started - 18
TRAKTOR 2 Overview
Main Elements
Status Indicators
Fig. 3.7 – Status indicators
Several status indicators update you about the current state of the TRAKTOR software.
From left to right:
▪
CTRL indicator: displays the incoming MIDI and Native (NHL) signals. It flashes blue
while a signal is received.
▪ Connection indicator
(mixer symbol): shows if all listed controllers are connected – blue
= all connected; orange = some controller(s) not connected; unlit = none connected.
▪
AUDIO indicator: displays the connection to your audio interface – blue = connected; red
= not connected; orange = internal soundcard selected.
▪
CPU meter: indicates how much of the CPU capacity is available in TRAKTOR’s internal
audio engine. Check this display to see the current processing load on your system.
▪ System Clock: displays the time of day, depending on the system time.
▪
MAIN: displays the Master Output level. The tips of the signal meters turn red if signal
clipping (overload) occurs.
▪
BAT (battery indicator): gives information about how much power remains in your com
puter’s
battery. It glows blue if you have a power supply connected and red when
you’re running from battery.
▪
REC (recording indicator): displays the status of TRAKTOR’s Audio Recorder. It turns
red when recording.
In TRAKTOR LE 2 the Recording indicator is not present.
TRAKTOR 2 - Getting Started - 19
TRAKTOR 2 Overview
Main Elements
Layout Selector
Fig. 3.8 – Layout selector
Click on the downwards-pointing arrow to open the drop-down menu and choose from one
of
the default Layouts. You can delete, define, and save your own Layouts in the Preferen
ces.
Layout customizing and managing is disabled in TRAKTOR DUO 2, TRAKTOR SCRATCH
DUO 2, and TRAKTOR LE 2.
Utility Buttons
Fig. 3.9 – Utility Buttons
From left to right:
▪ Maximize Browser: A click on this button will toggle the maximized Browser view which
comes in handy whenever you’re searching for a track in a large list.
▪ Preferences: here you can open the Preferences – all TRAKTOR settings are made here.
▪ Cruise: if you activate this button, Cruise mode starts (i.e. autoplay of the currently
viewed Playlist).
▪ Fullscreen: activates Fullscreen mode where none of the operating system’s controls are
visible. Looks neat!
TRAKTOR 2 - Getting Started - 20
TRAKTOR 2 Overview
Main Elements
3.2.3 Global Section
Fig. 3.10 – The Global Section
The Global section offers six distinct panels. Depending on the screen size and resolution
of
your computer, not all panels can be displayed at the same time. In that case, you can
reach every panel by clicking on the corresponding tab at the far left and right. We will
describe every panel in the sections below.
In TRAKTOR DUO 2 and TRAKTOR SCRATCH DUO 2, Loop Recorder and Master Clock are
disabled. In addition to this, the Snap and Quantize buttons, and the Audio Recorder are disa
bled in TRAKTOR LE 2.
Master Clock (TRAKTOR PRO / TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2 Only)
Fig. 3.11 – The Master Clock
The Master Clock controls the synchronizing methods. We will learn about Clock modes in
the tutorials in chapter ↑5, Tutorials.
TRAKTOR 2 - Getting Started - 21
TRAKTOR 2 Overview
Main Elements
FX Units
Fig. 3.12 – The FX Unit 1 in Single mode
Fig. 3.13 – The FX Unit 2 in Group mode
Adding
effects to songs can tremendously expand the sonic possibilities of your mix. For
that purpose, TRAKTOR 2 provides you with a great selection of high-quality effects (or
FX, in short). These FX can be loaded into so-called FX Units.
TRAKTOR offers four FX Units. By default, two FX Units are active. Both FX Unit 1 and FX
Unit 2 can be freely assigned to any of the mixer’s channels A-D.
You can choose from two different FX Unit modes in TRAKTOR 2: Either choose Single
FX, where four buttons and four knobs control one effect, or choose Group FX, where you
can use three effects simultaneously with a one-knob control.
► You can switch the FX Panel mode in Preferences > Effects > FX Panel Mode.
In TRAKTOR DUO 2 and TRAKTOR SCRATCH DUO 2, only two FX Units with a fixed mixer
channel assignment and a reduced number of effect types are available. Additionally, these
FX can only be used in Group FX mode. In TRAKTOR LE 2, only one Group FX is available and
the number of effect types has been reduced further.
TRAKTOR 2 - Getting Started - 22
TRAKTOR 2 Overview
Main Elements
Audio Recorder
Fig. 3.14 – The Audio Recorder
The Audio Recorder enables you to record your mix from the main output (be it TRAK
TOR 2’s Main Output or the master output of your analog mixer) as well as from other
sources (turntable, microphone, etc.). The recording will be saved to your computer's hard
disk
as a *.wav file. It will also be added to the Track Collection in a special Playlist called
Audio Recordings
from which it is immediately available for playback.
The Audio Recorder is disabled in TRAKTOR LE 2.
Loop Recorder (TRAKTOR PRO / TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2 Only)
Fig. 3.15 – The Loop Recorder
The
Loop Recorder is a powerful tool for live remixing of your tracks. It allows you to in
stantly
create loops from the Mixer’s Main Output signal, from a particular Deck, or from a
physical audio input. As soon as a loop is recorded, it is automatically triggered. You can
then blend between the loop playing in the Loop Recorder and your main mix. Moreover,
you can save the recorded loop to your hard disk or, better, transfer it directly to any rele
vant location in TRAKTOR 2 — typically a Sample Slot on a Sample Deck!
The Loop Recorder can be used in Internal and External Mixing Mode – read more about it
in chapter ↑5.9, Using the Loop Recorder (TRAKTOR PRO 2 / SCRATCH PRO 2 Only).
TRAKTOR 2 - Getting Started - 23
TRAKTOR 2 Overview
Main Elements
Main Panel
Fig. 3.16 – The Main panel
The Main panel contains the MAIN knob, which controls the overall volume of TRAKTOR
and the Snap (S) and Quantize (Q) buttons that we will explain later. They are lit blue when
activated.
TRAKTOR LE 2 has neither Snap nor Quantize button.
3.2.4 Decks
TRAKTOR 2 provides you with four virtual Decks
. The Decks can be seen as the virtual
equivalent to hardware decks — just with a bunch of powerful additional features and the
flexibility of a computer-based system.
Your Decks can handle three different types of audio material, each of which is assigned
to a specific
Deck flavor. For each Deck you can choose one of the following flavors:
▪ Track Deck: A track is a song stored in digital format stored on your hard disk. Use this
mode
Playlist
if you want to want to play back a particular sequence of tracks — a so-called
. Decks handling tracks are called
Track Decks.
▪ Sample Deck: A sample is a small piece of audio material. Its physical content does not
much from a track’s content (it’s all about audio stored in digital format on your
differ
hard disk). There is a difference between samples and tracks in terms of size and pur
pose, though: in general, a sample is much shorter than a track, and it is aimed to be
TRAKTOR 2 - Getting Started - 24
TRAKTOR 2 Overview
Main Elements
added to (or blended into) your main mix. Notably, samples are perfect material for live
remixing!
vides you with four Sample Slots
▪
Live Input: Whereas the two aforementioned audio material types are played back from
your
audio signals coming from the outside world to TRAKTOR’s audio processing and
fer
Decks handling samples are called
Sample Decks. Each Sample Deck pro
with a full set of sample-related features.
hard disk, the Decks can also be switched to
Live Inputs, in which case they trans
mixing facilities. Whether it’s a microphone, a turntable, a keyboard or anything else, it
gets directly inserted in TRAKTOR’s signal flow.
TRAKTOR LE 2 offers only two Decks and Deck Flavors cannot be changed. In TRAKTOR
DUO 2 and TRAKTOR SCRATCH DUO 2, four Decks are available but you can only choose
Deck Flavors for the upper two Decks.
► To select a Deck flavor, click on the Deck letter of a Deck to open the drop-down menu.
Now select the desired Deck flavor.
As a TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO/DUO 2 user, you can also choose the Playback Mode (Internal
Playback or Scratch Control) and, if you own a TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 or TRAKTOR AUDIO 10
audio interface, a hardware Direct Thru mode for a complete audio bypass via this drop-down
For more information on this, please refer to the Setup Guide of your TRAKTOR AU
menu.
DIO 6/10 audio interface.
TRAKTOR 2 - Getting Started - 25
Track Deck
TRAKTOR 2 Overview
Main Elements
Fig. 3.17 – A Track Deck
Each Track
Deck provides you with synchronizing tools like the SYNC
and MASTER buttons
(1), the pitch bend buttons (3), and the tempo fader (4). Traditional Play and CUE/CUP but
tons (5) are available as are Hotcue buttons (6) and Loop controls (7).
Sample Deck (Disabled in TRAKTOR LE 2)
TRAKTOR 2 - Getting Started - 26
TRAKTOR 2 Overview
Main Elements
Fig. 3.18 – A Sample Deck
Each Sample
back in One-
Deck provides 4 Sample Slots (2
(1) or Looped (3) mode. Every Sample Slot comes with a Play button (4), a
shot
) that hold audio samples and can be played
Volume knob (5), and a Filter knob (6). The tempo of looped samples is automatically
synchronized to the tempo master.
In TRAKTOR DUO 2 and TRAKTOR SCRATCH DUO 2, individual Filter and Volume knobs are
disabled, and only small Sample Decks are available.
Live Input
Fig. 3.19 – Deck in Live Input
TRAKTOR 2 - Getting Started - 27
TRAKTOR 2 Overview
Main Elements
A Deck switched to Live Input enables you to use an external analog source such as a
turntable or microphone. You can then apply TRAKTOR 2's FX to the signal coming from
the external source.
3.2.5 Mixer
Fig. 3.20 – The Mixer in TRAKTOR 2
The Mixer is sitting in the center of your TRAKTOR 2 window. Its four channels (1) receive
audio signals coming from the various Decks described above. There is one channel for
the
each Deck, therefore the channels are labeled from A to D to indicate their corresponding
Deck (TRAKTOR LE 2 will only have channels A and B).
Like with any DJ mixer, the Mixer serves a number of purposes. You can:
▪ adjust the relative level of each
channel
▪ control the channels’ frequency content with the EQs
▪ feed signals into the FX Units via the
),
(2
FX Assign
(3),
) buttons, and
(1
▪ send the overall result to the Main section, thus generating the mix that is sent to your
audience.
TRAKTOR 2 - Getting Started - 28
TRAKTOR 2 Overview
Main Elements
Of course, the Mixer also provides you with a crossfader (5
seamless transitions between various channels, and Headphones Cue
to your songs. Cue Mix
ten
be found on the right of the crossfader (5). The AUX knob
can
(6) and Cue Vol knobs (7) controlling your headphones signal
), which allows you to make
(4) buttons to pre-lis
(8) controls the volume of
the AUX input, which can be fed by an external signal like a microphone.
In TRAKTOR DUO 2, TRAKTOR SCRATCH DUO 2, and TRAKTOR LE 2, FX assignments are
fixed and no PAN knobs are present.
3.2.6 Browser
Fig. 3.21 – TRAKTOR’s Browser
TRAKTOR’s Browser provides you with tools to organize your tracks and to build and main
tain
your track database: the Track Collection. Search for a track in the Search field
drag your Playlists to a Favorite slot (4
) for quicker access, and sort the Browser list
(5
(2),
) by a
specific attribute. You can edit all track tags here in the Browser list. By using the Browser
Tree (3), you can browse your hard drives and access various Playlists, including the spe
cial Archive which automatically saves a playlist for every session. With the Preview
Player
(1), you can pre-listen to tracks before they will be heard by the audience. The status bar
(6) provides basic info.
TRAKTOR 2 - Getting Started - 29
Importing Your Music
What Is the Track Collection?
4 Importing Your Music
Most likely you already have a collection of music files on your computer. For those of you
who
can’t wait to start mixing your tracks, this chapter is for you! You will learn here how
to quickly import your music into the powerful
4.1 What Is the Track Collection?
The Track Collection (or simply “Collection”) represents the music that you have used,
that you are using, or that you plan to use in TRAKTOR 2.
Based on the music files on your computer, the Collection makes it easy to organize, tag,
and prepare your tracks for being played as part of your mix.
Worth noting is that the Track Collection doesn’t care about the actual file structure on your
disk, nor will it alter this structure in any way (as long as you don’t delete your files from
hard
within TRAKTOR 2).
The Track Collection is:
▪ A database storing numerous information about your music files.
▪ A convenient way to filter your music files by many of their characteristics (tags) like
title, artist name, BPM, genre, etc.
▪ The place where TRAKTOR-specific information about your tracks is stored.
▪ The basis on which you can create your Playlists.
The Track Collection
▪ Moving, copying, or converting any audio file to some secret location.
▪ Modifying in any way the hierarchic structure of your files on your hard disk.
To make use of the Track Collection, you have to populate it by importing your music files.
is not:
Track Collection of TRAKTOR.
TRAKTOR reads existing song tags during the import of the music and writes tags to the
immediately when you change some property of one or more track(s), like changing the
tracks
Genre of a song.
4.2 Importing Music Folders
TRAKTOR offers an easy import function for tracks stored on your hard drive:
TRAKTOR 2 - Getting Started - 30
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