TRAKTOR PRO 3.1 Setup & Tutorials
TRAKTOR PRO 3.1 Setup & Tutorials
1. Disclaimer .................................................................................................................. 1
1. DISCLAIMER
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Native Instruments GmbH. The software described by this document is
subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media. No part of this publication
may be copied, reproduced or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose, without prior
written permission by Native Instruments GmbH, hereinafter referred to as Native Instruments.
“Native Instruments”, “NI” and associated logos are (registered) trademarks of Native Instruments
GmbH.
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Ableton Live™ and LINK™ are a trademarks of Ableton AG.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and use of them does not imply
any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
Document authored by: Native Instruments GmbH
Software version: 3.1 (02/2019)
Special thanks to the Beta Test Team, who were invaluable not just in tracking down bugs, but in
making this a better product.
1
Welcome to TRAKTOR
2. WELCOME TO TRAKTOR
Thank you for choosing TRAKTOR PRO 3 — it is because of customers like you that we can con-
tinue developing groundbreaking music software and hardware. 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.
This documentation provides you with all the information you need to make use of TRAKTOR’s
features to their full capacity.
The speech bubble icon indicates a useful tip that may help you to solve a task more
efficiently.
The exclamation mark icon highlights important information that is essential for the
given context.
The warning icon warns you of serious issues and potential risks that require your
full attention.
• Paths to locations on your hard disk or other storage devices are printed in italics.
• Important names and concepts are printed in bold.
• Square brackets are used to reference keys on a computer’s keyboard, e.g., Press [Shift] +
[Enter].
2
New in TRAKTOR PRO 3.1
With the release of TRAKTOR PRO 3.1 you get plenty of new features and improvements, includ-
ing:
Preparation View
The new TRAKTOR layout Preparation gives you wider view on deck A. The waveform reaches
over the entire application window which enables you to easy prepare your tracks with cue points
and loops. For more information, refer to Switching Deck Layouts.
Parallel Waveforms View
You can now stack the track waveforms over the entire application window above the decks using
the TRAKTOR layout Parallel. This enables you to preview the waveforms and quickly switch be-
tween the tracks without relying on prelistening. For more information, refer to Selecting TRAK-
TOR Layouts.
Tooltips for the Preferences dialog
TRAKTOR now provides you with tooltips for the options in the Preferences dialog. You can ena-
ble tooltips directly in TRAKTOR's header. For more information, refer to Enabling Tooltips.
Overmapping TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 and D2 controllers now supported
TRAKTOR now supports overmapping of the TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 and D2 controllers using
the Controller Manager in the Preferences dialog. For more information on configuring MIDI con-
trollers, refer to Configuring MIDI Controller for Controlling TRAKTOR.
Duplicating Layouts
The Layout Manager in the Preferences dialog now contains the Duplicate button for duplicating
existing TRAKTOR layouts. For more information, refer to Managing TRAKTOR Layouts.
Non destructive File handling
A set of Tag writing mode options has been added to the File Management page in the Prefer-
ences. These options are used to configure which types of metadata TRAKTOR does write and
does not write into the audio files. For more information, refer to Preferences – File Management
Page.
3
New in TRAKTOR PRO 3.1
4
The TRAKTOR Workflow
The following steps outline the key workflow of using TRAKTOR. Each milestone step is briefly in-
troduced and provides links with further information:
1. Importing Your Music: At first, you need to import your music into TRAKTOR. When you im-
port your music, all music files get stored in the Track Collection. The Track Collection uses
track-specific metadata to categorize the tracks by certain criteria. For more information, refer
to Importing Music to the Track Collection.
2. Browsing for Music: Once your music is imported in TRAKTOR, you can use the Browser to
find specific tracks for your mix. Search for music in the Browser by performing a text search
or by navigating the Browser Tree. The Track List shows the tracks of the selected folder with
its metadata sorted inside a table. For more information, refer to Browsing for Music.
3. Loading Tracks into Decks: When loading a track from the Track List, TRAKTOR calculates
its exact tempo and key information. This analysis of each track can also be done before
loading tracks. While analyzing, TRAKTOR creates the Beatgrid and the Waveform for each
imported track. This information is then stored for each track in the Track Collection. For more
information, refer to Loading Music into Decks.
4. Start Playback of a Deck: In order to hear music from the Deck you need to adjust the Mixer
controls of the respective Mixer channel and set the crossfader accordingly. Then you can
start playback and the Waveform will start moving. For more information, refer to Mixing Your
First Two Tracks.
5. Finding and loading another Track: While the first track is playing you can browse for the
next track in your Track Collection and load it into another Deck. For more information, refer
to Mixing Your First Two Tracks.
6. Syncing the Tracks: Since TRAKTOR has calculated the tempos and the Beatgrids for both
tracks, you can sync the next track with the track that is currently playing by using the SYNC
button on the stopped Deck. Now when playing back the next track, the beats of both tracks
will perfectly match. You can also sync the tracks manually by using the tempo and synchro-
nization controls provided on any Deck. For more information, refer to Mixing Your First Two
Tracks.
7. Previewing the transition: The Mixer provides you with the controls to preview the next
track when preparing the transition, using your headphones. This allows you to find the right
position for starting playback, and you can then fade the track in using the crossfader. For
more information, refer to Using the Cue Channel for Mixing.
8. Using Equalizer and adding Effects: To make transitions more flawless, the Mixer is equip-
ped with equalizer controls for tweaking frequency bands in the audio signals. Furthermore,
TRAKTOR provides FX Units and Mixer FX for modulating the audio signals. For more infor-
mation, refer to Using the Equalizer, Working with FX Units, Working with Mixer FX.
9. Cueing using Hotcue buttons: You can create Cue points and store them on Hotcue but-
tons. When later loading the track, you can trigger the Hotcues and the playback will instantly
continue from the stored cue point position. For more information, refer to Working with Hot-
cue buttons and Flux Mode, Working with Cue Points.
10. Looping: TRAKTOR provides you with Loop controls for enabling Loops in pre-defined sizes.
As with Cue points, Loops can be stored using the Hotcue buttons and triggered at a later
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The TRAKTOR Workflow
time. For more information, refer to Working with Hotcue buttons and Flux Mode, Working
with Loops.
11. Remixing: Using the STEM Decks, you can perform your music by taking out entire musical
elements in STEM Files. You can also remix your music using Loops and One-shot Samples
in Remix Decks. For more information, refer to Working with STEM Decks, Working with Re-
mix Decks.
6
Setting Up TRAKTOR
5. SETTING UP TRAKTOR
This section assumes you have already installed TRAKTOR PRO 3 using NATIVE ACCESS, and
that you can start to configure TRAKTOR for its first use. If this is not the case, follow the instruc-
tions using this link Registering and Installing a Native Instruments Product using NATIVE AC-
CESS.
TRAKTOR can be used in various setups. Besides using TRAKTOR with a dedicated TRAKTOR
KONTROL hardware controller, it can also be used with an external audio interface (with or without
an external DJ Mixer).
It can also be used with a MIDI controller of another manufacturer. In this case, you need to load
the specific controller mapping file or you create a custom controller mapping yourself.
Of course you can use TRAKTOR with your the built-in sound card. However, you
are then only using the stereo output.
The steps in this section will guide you through the process of configuring TRAKTOR using an ex-
ternal audio interface.
1. Importing Data from previous installations: If you have installed a previous TRAKTOR in-
stallation, TRAKTOR asks you to import the data. For more information, refer to Importing
Your Data from a Previous TRAKTOR Version.
2. Configuring TRAKTOR using the Setup Wizard: The Setup Wizard helps to you configure
TRAKTOR step-by-step. For more information, refer to Pre-Configuring TRAKTOR using the
Setup Wizard.
3. Configuring TRAKTOR for using the external audio interface: When connecting an exter-
nal audio interface, TRAKTOR automatically sets the Mixing Mode to External Mixing. For
more information on setting up TRAKTOR with an external audio interface, refer to Configur-
ing TRAKTOR to Use with an External Audio Interface.
4. TRAKTOR Layouts and Layout Switching: TRAKTOR provides several Layouts that dis-
play more or less elements, depending on use case. For more information, refer to TRAK-
TOR Layouts and Layout Switching.
7
Setting Up TRAKTOR
1. The WELCOME page asks you to connect any controllers and devices to your computer.
2. The MIXER SETUP page asks you to select whether or not you want to use TRAKTOR with a
controller different than TRAKTOR KONTROL. If yes, on the next page you can choose the
controller manufacturer and model from the drop-down lists.
3. On the DECK LAYOUT page you can select whether or not you are using Timecode vinyls or
CDs to externally control TRAKTOR's Decks. Furthermore, you can select how many Decks
and the Flavors you want to use. This can also be changed from within the software.
4. The SUMMARY Page shows you the configuration of TRAKTOR. You can click Back to
change the settings made, Cancel to close the Setup Wizard completely, or Finish, which
confirms your configuration.
1. Select Start Setup Wizard in the Help menu of the Application Menu bar (not visible in Full-
screen mode).
2. Or click the Setup Wizard button at the bottom left corner of the Preferences dialog window.
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Setting Up TRAKTOR
7. If your audio device provides another output, you can assign this to the Output Record.
8. Close the Preferences.
TRAKTOR is now configured.
The appearance of the user interface changes according to the selected TRAKTOR layout.
Additionally, you can create your own TRAKTOR layouts to customize the user interface to your
needs. For more information, refer to Managing TRAKTOR Layouts.
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Setting Up TRAKTOR
10
Setting Up TRAKTOR
11
Setting Up TRAKTOR
12
Setting Up TRAKTOR
The deck layout switches. Each double-click in the deck header switches to the next deck
layout.
TRAKTOR automatically saves the deck layout for the current TRAKTOR layout. You can also se-
lect the Deck layout in the Decks Layout page in the Preferences.
• Micro, Small, Essential, Full, Advanced, Parallel Slim, and Parallel Full
• Stripe
• Play button
• Deck header showing the first row with the information track title, remaining track time, and cur-
rent track tempo
• Stripe
• Transport controls
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Setting Up TRAKTOR
• Keylock button
• Tempo bend controls
• Tempo fader
• Phase meter
• SYNC and MASTER buttons
• Deck header showing the first row with the information cover art, track title, remaining track
time, and current track tempo
• Waveform
• Stripe
• Transport controls
• Keylock button
• Tempo bend controls
• Tempo fader
• Phase meter
• SYNC and MASTER buttons
• Deck header showing the first row with track the information track title, remaining track time,
and current track temp
• Waveform
• Stripe
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Setting Up TRAKTOR
• Transport controls
• Keylock button
• Tempo bend controls
• Tempo fader
• Phase meter
• SYNC and MASTER buttons
• Full deck header with all track information
• Waveform
• Stripe
• Advanced Panel
• Transport controls
• Keylock button
• Pitch bend controls
• Tempo fader
• Phase meter
• SYNC and MASTER buttons
• Full deck header with all track information
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Setting Up TRAKTOR
16
Setting Up TRAKTOR
17
TRAKTOR Overview
6. TRAKTOR OVERVIEW
1
2
(1) Application menu bar: Provides access to basic functions and information about the software.
For more information, refer to Application Menu Bar.
(2) Header: Here you can find various status indicators and useful functions and buttons, e.g., the
Preferences button. For more information, refer to Header.
(3) Global section: The Global section contains the FX Units, the Master Control panel, the AU-
DIO RECORDER, and the LOOP RECORDER. For more information, refer to Global Section.
(4) Decks: TRAKTOR provides you with the four virtual Decks A, B, C, and D. The Decks are
where tracks, STEM files, and Samples are played back. If you previously selected to use only two
Decks A and B from the Setup Wizard, you can enable the lower Decks C and D in the Preferen-
ces. For more information, refer to Decks and Deck Types.
(5) Mixer: The Mixer receives audio signals on its four Mixer channels, coming from the four
Decks. The Mixer’s basic purpose is to adjust the relative level of each Mixer channel, to control
the channels’ frequency content, possibly routing them into the FX Units, before sending the over-
all result to the master output. For more information, refer to Mixer.
(6) Browser: Lets you manage all your tracks in the Track Collection. You can group tracks in
Playlists, sort them according to various attributes, and search within Playlists as well as in the en-
tire Track Collection. For more information, refer to Browser.
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TRAKTOR Overview
• Layouts: Shows the list of available TRAKTOR Layouts you can select.
• Fullscreen: Switches the TRAKTOR application into Fullscreen view.
• Check for Updates on Native Access: Calls up the Native Access application that is checking
for available software updates.
• Downloads: Opens the web browser on your computer and directs you to the download page
on the Native Instruments website.
• Get Started with TRAKTOR: Opens the web browser on your computer and directs you to the
TRAKTOR video tutorials page on the Native Instruments website.
• Online TRAKTOR documentation: Opens the web browser on your computer and directs you
to the Online TRAKTOR documentation page on the Native Instruments website.
• Start Setup Wizard: Launches the Setup Wizard for configuring TRAKTOR.
• Buy Upgrades and Accessories: Opens the web browser on your computer and directs you
to the TRAKTOR products page on the Native Instruments website.
• About: Opens the about screen.
6.2. Header
The Header is located at the very top of TRAKTOR’s user interface and contains various status
indicators, and useful functions and buttons.
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3 5 7 9 11 13 15
Header.
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TRAKTOR Overview
(1) TRAKTOR Logo: Clicking the TRAKTOR logo displays the about screen with the current ver-
sion number of the TRAKTOR software, the credits, and some additional information.
(2) MIDI indicator: Indicates the incoming MIDI and Native (NHL) signals. The indicator lights blue
while a signal is received.
(3) Connection indicator: Indicates if all listed controllers are connected. The indicator lights blue
if all controllers are connected, orange if some controllers are connected, unlit if no controller is
connected.
(4) Audio indicator: Indicates the connection to your audio interface. It lights up blue if an audio
interface is connected, red if no audio interface is connected, orange if the internal soundcard se-
lected. For more information, refer to Preferences Audio setup.
(5) LOAD indicator: Indicates how much computing time available per audio buffer is currently
used by TRAKTOR to process audio data contained in one buffer. This value shows how much
CPU load the audio processing requires and how much headroom is left before audio starts drop-
ping out. The system should be kept at values below the LOAD indicator turning red.
(6) Master Output level meter: Displays the Master Output level.
(7) System Clock: Displays the time of day derived from the system time of your computer.
(8) Battery indicator: Indicates how much power remains in your computer's battery. It lights up
blue if a power supply is connected and red when running out of battery power.
(9) Recording indicator: Indicates the status of the AUDIO RECORDER. It lights up red when re-
cording. For more information, refer to Recording Your Mix with the AUDIO RECORDER.
(10) Layout selector: Provides you with a list of default TRAKTOR Layouts. For more information,
refer to TRAKTOR Layouts and Layout Switching.
(11) Maximize Browser button: Maximizes the Browser view by minimizing the sizes of the
Decks, the Mixer, and the Global section.
(12) Preferences button: Opens the Preferences dialog. All TRAKTOR settings are made here.
For more information, refer to Preferences.
(13) Cruise Mode button: Enables Cruise mode allowing you to automatically play one track after
the other from a Playlist or your Track Collection. Cruise mode seamlessly takes over playback
control. For more information, refer to Using Cruise Mode for Automatic Mixing.
(14) Tooltip button: Enables the tooltips in TRAKTOR.
(15) Fullscreen button: Enables Fullscreen mode. When enabled, none of the operating system’s
controls are visible.
(16) NI Logo: Displays the about screen with the current version number of the TRAKTOR soft-
ware, the credits, and some additional information.
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TRAKTOR Overview
1 2 1
(1) FX Unit 1 and FX Unit 2: TRAKTOR offers four FX Units for tweaking the audio signals in the
Mixer. By default, only FX Unit 1 and FX Unit 2 are enabled. All FX Units can be freely assigned to
any of the Mixer channels A - D. For more information, refer to FX Units.
(2) Master Control panel: The Master Control panel is a central component of TRAKTOR. It lets
you control the MAIN volume, and defines the behavior for setting Cue Points and Loops as well
as enabling and disabling the Master Limiter. It also contains the Master Clock and works as a
tempo reference for the Sync function and the effects. Here you can also join or start network ses-
sions via Ableton Link, or send a MIDI Clock signal to external hardware and software. For more
information, refer to Master Control Panel.
1 2
Global Section with the LOOP RECORDER and AUDIO RECORDER displayed.
(1) LOOP RECORDER: The LOOP RECORDER allows you to instantly create Loops from the
Mixer’s main output signal, from a particular Deck, or from an external audio input. For more infor-
mation, refer to LOOP RECORDER.
(2) AUDIO RECORDER: The AUDIO RECORDER enables you to record your mix from the main
output as well as from other physical audio inputs. For more information, refer to Audio Recorder.
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Master Control panel.
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TRAKTOR Overview
(1) SNAP: Enables SNAP mode. When SNAP mode is enabled, Cue Points or Loops are always
set to the closest beat. The button lights up blue when enabled.
(2) MASTER CLOCK TEMPO display: Displays the current tempo and offset of the Master Clock.
You can enter a new tempo with a double-click.
(4) LIMITER: Enables the Limiter for the main output signal. When enabled, the main output level
meter shows the Limiter position right before the red LEDs. For more information, refer to Adjust-
ing Gain Levels for Incoming Audio Signals.
(5) MASTER: When enabled you can play on four Decks with a stable tempo reference. It is also
the mode to be used when TRAKTOR is sending out the master tempo via MIDI Clock messages
to another application or hardware being slaved to TRAKTOR.
(6) AUTO: When enabled TRAKTOR automatically selects one of the Decks as Tempo Master.
The Master Clock then automatically syncs to the Master Deck.
(7) LINK: Syncs TRAKTOR to an Ableton Link session and gives additional status information. For
more information, refer to Synchronization using Ableton Link. When the Enable MIDI Clock set-
ting is enabled in the External Sync page in the Preferences, LINK is replaced by EXT. For more
information, refer to Syncing TRAKTOR via MIDI Clock.
(8) QUANT: Enables Quantize mode. Quantize mode lets you jump between Cue Points and Stor-
ed Loops seamlessly, without losing sync. Skipping in the track in Quantize mode brings the play-
head position to the next destination without losing sync. The button lights up blue when enabled.
1 2
4 3
Master Control panel.
(1) TAP button: With this button you can tap in the desired Master Clock tempo.
(2) Master Clock Bend buttons: Slows down or speeds up the Master Tempo momentarily.
(3) MASTER CLOCK Tempo Up / Down buttons: Decreases or Increases the Master Tempo
step-wise.
(4) Metronome (Master Clock Tick): Toggles an audible metronome beat tick with the Master
Clock as source on or off.
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TRAKTOR Overview
2
3
Master Control panel.
6.3.2. FX Units
TRAKTOR offers four FX Units which give you the control of adding FX to your mix. By default
there are only two FX Units enabled - FX Unit 1 and FX Unit 2. Each FX Unit can be assigned to
any Mixer channel individually or to more than one Mixer channel at a time. The FX Units are loca-
ted on the left and the right side in the Global section. A click on the FX Unit buttons labeled FX on
either end of the Global section shows the corresponding FX Unit.
The FX Units are used as insert effects by default, but you can also use them as post-fader effects
and as Send effects. The FX Units are freely configurable.
Additionally, you can choose from two different FX Unit modes in TRAKTOR: Either Single FX
mode, where four buttons and four knobs control one effect, or Group FX mode, where you can
use chain of three effects. For more Information on using the FX Units, refer to Working with FX
Units.
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FX Unit 1 in Single FX Mode.
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TRAKTOR Overview
In Single FX mode you get full control over all parameters of a single effect.
(1) FX Unit Config drop-down menu: Opens a drop-down menu for configuring the FX Unit and
taking snapshots. Additionally, the number identifies the FX Unit and the selected FX mode.
(2) D/W knob: Controls the direct-to-processed signal mix.
(3) FX Selector: Selects the effect to be controlled in the FX Unit.
(4) – (6) FX Parameter control 1 – 3: Modulates the parameters for the selected effect.
(7), (8) FX buttons 1 – 2: Controls the selected effect. The exact function depends on the selected
effect.
(9) RST button: Resets all parameters for the selected effect. This button is not available for all
effects.
(10) FX On button: Switches the effect on and off. If on, the buttons light up yellow.
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10 9 8 7
FX Unit 1 in Group FX Mode.
(1) FX Unit Config drop-down menu: Opens a drop-down menu for configuring the FX Unit and
taking snapshots. Additionally, the number identifies the FX Unit and the selected FX mode.
(2) D/W knob: Controls the direct-to-processed signal mix for the entire effect chain.
(3) FX Selector 1 – 3: Selects the effect to be controlled in the FX Unit.
(4) – (6) Effect Amount knob 1 – 3: Controls the individual effect amount.
(7) – (9) Effect On buttons 1 – 3: Switches every effect in the effect chain on and off.
(10) FX On button: Switches the effect on and off.
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TRAKTOR Overview
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7 6 5 4
AUDIO RECORDER.
(1) Broadcast button: Starts broadcasting your mix once a server has been installed and config-
ured.
(2) Display: Shows the actual file size and recorded time.
(3) CUT button: Saves the recording until the current recording time and seamlessly starts a new
file for recording.
(4) AUDIO RECORDER button: Opens the AUDIO RECORDER.
(5) Recording meter: Indicates the current recording level.
(6) Record GAIN knob: Adjusts the level for the incoming audio signal.
(7) Record button: Starts and stops recording and saves the recorded file in the Recordings fold-
er.
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LOOP RECORDER.
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TRAKTOR Overview
(7) Source drop-down menu: Selects the source for the recording.
(8) LOOP RECORDER button: Opens the LOOP RECORDER.
If you’re using TRAKTOR with the Scratch feature and are therefore in External Mix-
ing mode, the only available recording source to select is EXT.
• Track Deck: The Track Deck in TRAKTOR represents the equivalent of a turntable or a CD
player used to play back conventional tracks in a classic mixing setup. For more information,
refer to Track Deck.
• STEM Deck: The STEM Deck is capable of playing back and remixing STEM Files
(.stem.mp4). The functionality is basically identical to the Track Deck, but features additional
sub-mix controls for the four Slot Volumes, Filters, and FX Sends for the STEM Parts. For more
information, refer to STEM Deck.
It is mandatory that STEM Files have to be analyzed before loading them into a
STEM Deck. It is not possible to load and play a STEM File before it has been
analyzed.
• Remix Deck: The Remix Deck provides you with four Sample Slots, for adding Samples and
loops to your mix. You can load, create and save complex Remix Sets, and arrange Samples
live in your mix. The Remix Deck comes with a variety of Sample-related features. For more
information, refer to Remix Deck.
• Live Input: The Live Input is not a Deck, but it allows you to include live audio from an external
source in your mix. This can be from any audio input, i.e. a turntable, a microphone, or a syn-
thesizer. For more information, refer to Live Input.
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TRAKTOR Overview
1 2 3
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5
8
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Common Deck controls.
(1) Deck Header: Displays information about the loaded track, like the artist name or track title. By
double-clicking the Deck Header, you can switch the Deck layout between five different views from
minimized to full layout. For more information, refer to Deck Header.
(2) Deck Tempo display: Contains information about the track tempo. Depending on Deck Type,
the contained elements and controls slightly differ. For more information, refer to Deck Tempo Dis-
play on the Remix Deck.
(3) Deck Focus: Identifies the Deck and holds a menu for selecting the Deck Flavor and the play-
back mode for the Deck. Each Deck is named by a letter A, B, C and D. The letter of the focused
Deck is highlighted in orange.
(4) Synchronization and Tempo controls: Define if the Deck is the Tempo Master or if it is
synced to the Tempo Master. The controls visualize if the track is out of sync, and they contain
tempo bend controls. For more information, refer to Synchronization and Tempo Controls.
(4) Deck center: Hosts the elements and controls the characteristic of the selected Deck Flavor.
For more Information, refer to Track Deck,STEM Deck,Remix Deck, and Live Input.
(5) Loop controls: Activate looping and define the loop size. For more information, refer to Loop
Controls.
(6) Advanced panel: On the Track Deck and on the STEM Deck, the Advanced panel contains
advanced control options for Cue Point and Loop management. On the Remix Deck the Advanced
panel gives you access to the parameter settings of the individual Sample Cells. For more informa-
tion, refer to ??? and Advanced Panel on the Remix Deck.
(7) Advanced panel button: Shows and hides the Advanced panel below the Loop controls for
Deck A and B, and for Deck C and D, respectively. It also shows and hides the Panorama controls
in the Mixer for Deck A and B, and for Deck C and D, respectively.
(8) Transport controls: Contain the usual transport controls Play/Pause and CUE as well as the
Flux mode and Reverse mode buttons. For more information, refer to Transport Controls.
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TRAKTOR Overview
Deck Header
The Deck Header displays information about the loaded track, Remix Set, or STEM File such as
the artist name, track title and tempo. The displayed information can be customized in the Prefer-
ences.
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Deck Header.
(1) Track Cover Artwork: Displays the cover artwork of the track.
(2) Track title: Displays the track title.
(3) Artist name: Displays the artist name.
(4) Album title: Displays the album title.
(5) Track time: Displays the track time.
(6) Remaining track time: Displays the time remaining until the track ends.
(8) Current tempo: Displays the current tempo value in BPM, determined by the Tempo Fader po-
sition.
(7) Tempo fader position: Reflects the current Tempo fader position as a percentage.
(9) Base tempo: Represents the original track tempo.
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Deck Tempo display on the Remix Deck.
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TRAKTOR Overview
(6) Base tempo: Represents the original Remix Deck tempo. You can enter a new value by dou-
ble-clicking.
(7) Capture source: Represents the selected source for capturing Samples when using hardware
controllers. The triangle that appears when hovering with the mouse, opens a drop-down menu
where you can select the source.
(8) Beat Count: Represents the current internal Beat Count position of the Remix Deck. Synchro-
nization and quantize functions are based on this value.
1 2 3 4 5
(1) SYNC button: Synchronizes the current track to the Tempo Master.
(2) MASTER button: Sets the Deck as the Tempo Master.
(3) Phase meter: Visually indicates the offset of the beats when manually syncing a track to the
Tempo Master or the Master Clock.
(4) Tempo bend buttons: Correct the offset of the beats when manually syncing a track to the
Tempo Master or the Master Clock. The left arrow slightly slows down the tempo and the right ar-
row speeds it up.
(5) Tempo fader: Decreases or increases the tempo of the playing track, Remix Set, or STEM file
in the respective Deck.
Transport Controls
All Deck Types contain the same transport controls, which are used for playing back tracks with
TRAKTOR’s internal playback mode.
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Transport controls.
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TRAKTOR Overview
(2) CUE button: Depending on the playback state, this button either sets a new Floating Cue Point
or jumps to the previously set Floating Cue Point.
(3) CUP button (CUE/Play): Jumps to the current cue point and starts playback upon release.
(4) Flux Mode button: Enables Flux mode for the Deck. For more information on Flux mode, refer
to Working with Hotcue buttons and Flux Mode.
(5) Reverse Mode button: Enables Reverse mode and Flux Mode for the Deck. For more infor-
mation on Reverse mode, refer to Working with Hotcue buttons and Flux Mode.
Scratch Controls
When setting the Deck’s playback mode to Scratch Control, the CUE and CUP buttons are re-
placed by the Absolute Mode button and the Relative Mode button.
1 2
(1) Relative Mode button: Enables Relative mode for controlling the Deck with Timecode vinyl or
CD.
(2) Absolute Mode button: Enables Absolute mode for controlling the Deck with Timecode vinyl
or CD.
Loop Controls
The Loop controls offer the functions required for the creative usage of Loops in your mix.
2 3 2 4 5 6
Loop controls.
(1) Active Loop: When a Loop is enabled it is highlighted in green in the Waveform display and in
the Stripe view.
(2) Arrow buttons: Clicking the left and right arrows of the Loop Size control will scroll through the
list of Loop values. The Arrow buttons flash if the selected size is out of range.
(3) Loop size control: Determine the size of the enabled or disabled Loop.
(4) Loop In button: Sets the start point for the Loop.
30
TRAKTOR Overview
(5) Loop Out button: Sets the end point for the Loop. The Loop will be enabled when the play-
back position reaches these two points and the ACTIVE button will be highlighted.
(6) ACTIVE button: Enables/disables Looping. The button lights up green when Looping is ena-
bled.
Track Deck.
(1) Waveform display: Visually represents a localized view of the loaded track. The brighter color
shade represents higher frequencies, while the darker color shade represents lower frequencies. It
also shows the Beatgrid markers, and shows zoom controls when hovering the mouse over the
Waveform display.
(2) Stripe view: The Stripe view shows the entire waveform of the track including all Cue Point
markers and Loop markers. You can jump back to the start of the track or directly jump within the
track by clicking inside the Stripe view. You can also activate Keylock for the track.
31
TRAKTOR Overview
STEM Deck.
(1) Multi-Track Waveform: The Multi-Track Waveform shows the waveforms of the STEM Parts,
and provides controls to adjust volumes and apply effects individually. The brighter color shade
represents higher frequencies, while the darker color shade represents lower frequencies.
For more information on the Multi-Track Waveform, refer to section Multi-Track Waveform.
(2) Stripe view: Shows the entire Waveform of the STEM File including all Cue Point markers and
Loop markers. You can jump back to the start of the track or directly jump within the track by click-
ing inside the Stripe view. You can also activate Keylock for the STEM file.
Multi-Track Waveform
The Multi-Track Waveform shows the waveforms of the STEM Parts, and provides controls to ad-
just volumes and apply effects individually.
1 2 3 5
4
Multi-Track Waveform.
(1) STEM channel 1 – 4: Each of the four rows represents one STEM Channel, including the indi-
vidual STEM Part name.
(2) Volume control: Every STEM Channel provides a Volume control for adjusting the volume in-
dividually. All STEM controls can be hidden using the small arrow button.
(3) Filter controls: Every STEM Channel provides Filter controls. The Filter button enables the Fil-
ter, whereby the Filter knob determines the Filter amount.
32
TRAKTOR Overview
(4) FX Send control: Every STEM channel provides FX Send controls. The FX Send button ena-
bles FX Send mode for the individual STEM Channel, whereby the FX Send knob determines the
FX Send amount.
(5) Waveform: Each STEM Channel displays the waveform of the contained STEM Part in a differ-
ent color, as well as the Beatgrid.
Remix Deck.
(1) Sample Slot: The Remix Deck shows four Samples Slots containing the Samples, trigger con-
trols and other elements. For more information, refer to Sample Slot.
(2) Advanced panel: The Advanced panel on the Remix Deck contains options for i.e. adjusting
Sample Grids. For more information, refer to Advanced Panel on the Remix Deck.
Sample Slot
A Sample Slot contains the following elements:
1 2 3
7
4
6 5
Sample Slot.
(1) Sample name: Displays the name of the Sample loaded in the Slot Player.
33
TRAKTOR Overview
(2) Slot Player: Displays the waveform of the Sample currently loaded. A moving red playhead
indicates the current playback position within the Sample. Hovering the mouse over the Slot Player
shows a Mute button, which mutes/unmutes the Sample.
(3) Volume control: Controls the Sample Slot's volume. This control is applied after the individual
Gain control of a Sample Cell, which is accessible from the Advanced panel.
(4) Filter control: Applies a low-pass or high-pass filter to the Sample Slot by moving the bar
downwards or upwards, respectively.
(5) Sample Cell: Represents the container for Samples in the Sample Slot.
(6) Play Type indicator: Indicates whether the Sample Cell is set to Loop or One-shot mode.
Clicking this symbol also triggers the Sample.
(7) Page Selector: Selects the current Page with Samples for the Remix Set.
1 2
(1) Sample Slot parameters: Each Sample Slot has a set of parameters. Hovering the mouse
over the Sample Slot Player or Sample title displays the relevant parameters:
• Keylock button: Separates the playback key from the playback speed. This control needs to
be activated to adjust the Sample Cell's pitch in the Advanced panel. Otherwise, the Sample
Cell's pitch directly relates to the Remix Deck's tempo.
• FX button: Routes the Sample Slot through the FX Unit(s) currently assigned to the Mixer
channel for the Remix Deck.
• Monitor button: Routes the Sample Slot to the Mixer’s Monitor Output (which can be moni-
tored in headphones).
• Punch mode: When a Sample is triggered, the position of that Sample is fixed to the Remix
Deck's internal timeline.
34
TRAKTOR Overview
Live Input.
1 2
Advanced panel.
(1) Advanced panel button: Shows and hides the Advanced panel below the Loop controls for
Deck A and B, and for Deck C and D, respectively. It also shows and hides the Panorama controls
in the Mixer for Deck A and B, and for Deck C and D, respectively.
The Advanced panel can only be displayed when the Deck is displayed in full Deck
layout and in advanced Deck layout.
(2) Advanced panel page selector: Selects one of three Advanced panel pages; MOVE, CUE,
and GRID containing individual control and editing elements.
• CUE: Provides direct access to 8 user-definable Cue/Loop In Points per track, as well as fur-
ther Cue Point management controls. For more information, refer to Working with Cue Points.
35
TRAKTOR Overview
• MOVE: Provides options for moving the active Loop within the track as well as jumping the cur-
rent playhead position within the track by beats. For more information, refer to Working with
Loops.
• GRID: Provides control over the Beatmarker, the Beatgrid, and the stored tempo of a track. For
more information, refer to Correcting Beatgrids.
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Advanced Panel – CUE page.
(1) Hotcue 1 – 8: Allows you to directly set or access eight Hotcue or Loop In Points per track.
(2) Prev Cue / Next Cue: Skips backward or forward to the previous or next stored Cue Point in
the track.
(3) Cue Point Position: Displays the position of the selected Cue Point or Loop in minutes : sec-
onds : milliseconds.
(4) Cue Point List: Selects the Cue Point.
(5) Cue Point Type menu: Provides a list of several Cue Point Types.
(6) Delete Cue Point: Deletes the selected Cue Point or Loop In Point.
(7) MAP: Enables Hotcue Mapping mode. When enabled, pressing a Hotcue button will map the
displayed Cue Point or Loop In Point to it.
(8) STORE: Stores the selected Cue Point and maps it to the next free Hotcue button.
36
TRAKTOR Overview
1 2 3 4 5
6
Advanced Panel – MOVE page.
(1) Move Mode menu: Selects one of the Move modes BeatJump, Loop, Loop In, and Loop
Out.
(3) LOOP mode: Selects a step size that is based on the current Loop size for the movement.
(4) Cue Move BWD: Depending on the selected Move mode, the selected Cue Point or Loop is
moved backwards at the selected step size.
(5) Cue Move FWD: Depending on the selected Move mode, the selected Cue Point or Loop is
moved forward at the selected step size.
(6) FINE mode: Selects a fine step size for the movement. Use this for fine adjustments.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
14 13 12 11 10 9
Advanced Panel – GRID page.
(3) Analysis Lock button: Locks all values against future changes by the track analysis and by
the user.
(4) BPM Edit Display: Shows the current tempo of the track. A double-click enables manual tem-
po adjustment.
(7) AUTO Grid: Calculates the BPM of the current track and sets a Gridmarker next to the current
playback position. This function is only available for previously analyzed tracks.
37
TRAKTOR Overview
(8) TAP: Sets the BPM based on how fast or slow the button is tapped. The BPM will be adjusted
after the fourth tap.
(9) RESET Gridmarker: Resets the set BMP and recalculates it.
(10 BMP x2: Doubles the tempo in the Edit Display.
(11 BPM /2: Halves the tempo in the Edit Display.
(12) Beat Tick: Enables an audible beat tick (metronome) to help align the Beatgrid during play-
back. In Internal Mixer mode, the Beat Tick is only audible on signals cued over the head-
phones. In External Mixer mode, the tick is laid over the Deck's Mixer channel signal when Head-
phone Cue on the Internal Mixer is active.
(13) BPM INC (Increase): Precisely increases the BPM in minor steps. As a result the Beatgrid
gets narrower.
(14) BPM DEC (Decrease): Precisely decreases the BPM in minor steps. As a result the Beatgrid
gets expanded.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
13 12 11 10 9
Advanced Panel on the Remix Deck.
(1) SAMPLE PITCH control: Sets the pitch for the selected Sample in semitone steps.
(2) SAMPLE GAIN control: Sets the gain level for the selected Sample.
(3) BPM x2: Doubles the tempo of the Sample.
(4) BPM Edit Display: Shows the current BPM value for the Sample. A double-click enables man-
ual tempo adjustment.
(5) Move Grid Left: Moves the Sample Cell's Beatgrid to the left.
(6) Move Grid Right: Moves the Sample Cell's Beatrgid to the right.
(7) Trigger Type: When enabled (Latch mode), a Sample will continue to play after you release
the mouse button, either until the end of the Sample is reached (for One-shot Samples) or until it is
stopped by some other method (like triggering a new Sample in the same Slot).
The alternative Type is Gate mode, where a Sample will only play while you’re holding down on
the mouse button. Upon releasing the mouse button, the Sample will stop playing.
(8) Reverse Playback: Enables reverse playback for the Sample Cell currently being played in the
Slot Player.
38
TRAKTOR Overview
(9) Play Type: This property determines whether a Sample stops after reaching its end or if it con-
tinuously loops. When set to One-Shot (arrow symbol), a Sample will stop playing when it gets to
its end. When set to Loop (ellipse symbol), the Sample will automatically return to its start and con-
tinue playing indefinitely.
(10) Sync Type: This property determines if the Sample should be synchronized to the Remix
Deck’s Tempo or not. When SYNC is on, the Sample’s BPM will match the Remix Deck’s BPM.
When SYNC is off, the Sample will play at its original speed.
(11) BPM Increase: Precisely increases the BPM in minor steps. As a result the Beatgrid is expan-
ded.
(12) BPM Decrease: Precisely decreases the BPM in minor steps. As a result the Beatgrid be-
comes narrower.
(13) BPM /2: Halves the tempo of the Sample.
6.5. Mixer
The Mixer is the center of TRAKTOR, used to control and modulate the audio signals coming from
the Decks before they are sent to the master output.
3 4 5
2
Mixer.
(1) Mixer channel: Contains the controls to adjust the Mixer channels’ volume and to modulate
the audio signals’ frequency. Furthermore, you can assign the FX Units to the Mixer channel and
route the audio signal to the Headphone Cue channel. For more information, refer to Mixer Chan-
nel.
(2) Crossfade controls: These controls allow you to make seamless transitions between various
Mixer channels. For more information, refer to Crossfade Controls
(3) Headphone Cue Vol: Determine the ratio of the cue-signal-to-master-signal in your head-
phones.
(4) Headphone Cue Mix: Let you adjust the Headphone Cue volume.
(5) AUX control: Controls the volume of the AUX input, which can be fed by an external signal like
a microphone. For more information, refer to AUX Control.
The available Mixer controls differ depending on the current Mixing mode and the
selected TRAKTOR Layout. If TRAKTOR is used in External Mixing mode, the chan-
nel faders, the crossfader, as well as Heaphone Cue controls are disabled.
39
TRAKTOR Overview
1 2 3
4
13 5
12 6
11
10 7
9
8
Mixer channel.
(1) GAIN knob: Controls the pre-fader input level. GAIN is only visible when full size Deck Layouts
are activated.
(2) GAIN View button: Enables/disables visibility of the GAIN button. When disabled, the the pre-
fader input level cannot be adjusted manually.
(3) Channel Level Meter: Indicate the current volume of the audio signal in the Mixer channel. It
also indicates if the signal is clipping.
(4) HI, MID, LOW EQ knobs: Adjusts the high, middle, and lower frequencies in the audio signal.
(5) HI, MID, LOW Kill buttons: Complete takes out (kills) high, middle, and lower frequencies from
the audio signal.
(7) Channel fader: The channel fader adjust the channel volume.
(8) CUE channel button: Sends the audio signal to the Headphone Cue channel for preview. For
using the Cue function a multi-channel audio device is required. The Cue channel button is only
visible when full size Decks Layout is enabled. For more information, refer to Using the Cue Chan-
nel for Mixing.
(10) KEY knob: Controls the key of a playing track without affecting its tempo.
(11) FX Assign buttons: Assigns the individual FX Unit to the Mixer channel.
(12) Mixer FX drop-down menu: HEre you can select the Mixer FX.
(13) Mixer FX Amount knob: The Mixer FX Amount knob controls the selected Mixer FX.
40
TRAKTOR Overview
(14) PAN knob: Controls the balance between the left and right stereo channel for any Mixer
channel individually. The PAN knobs are only visible when the Advanced Panels are opened.
4 3 2 1 2 3 4
Crossfade controls.
(1) Crossfader: Enables transitions between Decks by dragging it from one side to the other. The
crossfader curve can be adjusted individually in the Preferences.
(2) Crossfader assign buttons: Allow to assign the Mixer channels to be audible either on the left
or right crossfader position.
(3) Fade left / right buttons: Let the crossfader move to the dedicated direction step by step.
(4) Auto fade left / right button: Let the crossfader automatically move from one side to the other.
6.6. Browser
TRAKTOR’s Browser lets you load tracks into Decks and provides you with tools to organize your
Track Collection.
1 7
2
5
Browser.
(1) Preview Player: Allows you to preview tracks before loading them into a Deck. For more infor-
mation, refer to Previewing Tracks in the Browser.
(2) Search field: Provides a live search based on the tags of the tracks in the Collection. For more
information, refer to Browsing for Music.
41
TRAKTOR Overview
• Track Collection: Contains all tracks imported to your Track Collection. They are automatically
sorted by Artist, Release, Label or Genre.
• Playlists: Contains all your TRAKTOR Playlists.
• Explorer: Lets you browse your hard drives for tracks. It also contains an Archive folder con-
taining History Playlists.
• Audio Recordings: Contains all recordings created with the AUDIO RECORDER.
• iTunes: Provides direct access to your iTunes Library including all iTunes Playlists.
• History: Contains latest history playlists.
Each History Playlist is time-stamped and contains the additional columns Start-Time, Dura-
tion, Deck for more information about when and how you have played the tracks.
(4) Cover Artwork: Displays the Cover Artwork of the selected track in the Track List.
(5) Status bar: Displays the progress of track analysis, error messages, and the overall status of
TRAKTOR.
(6) Track List: Shows tracks depending on the source that is selected (folder, Playlist, search re-
sults or tag-based).
(7) Favorites: Provides direct access to favorite Playlists and favorite folders.
42
Automatic Track Synchronization
This section introduces the principles of the automatic synchronization features offered by TRAK-
TOR.
One of the key features of TRAKTOR is the automatic synchronization of tracks. After loading
tracks into the Decks, you can synchronize the track tempos with the SYNC function. The tempo of
the synced track then adjusts to the tempo of the Tempo Master, for example, the track in the play-
ing Deck. For this to work, TRAKTOR uses the tempo and beat information from the Beatgrids of
tracks. Samples and time-evolving effects sync to the current Tempo Master automatically.
7.1. Beatgrid
TRAKTOR analyzes the tracks by providing reliable tempo information for syncing. This analysis
determines the tempo (BPM) as well as the position of the beats; the result is the Beatgrid. There
is a specific Beatgrid for each of your tracks.
43
Basic Usage Tutorials
This section introduces you to the basics of importing, browsing and previewing tracks as well as
loading music to the Decks. The tutorials also guide you through the fundamentals of mixing your
tracks, using Equalizer and Hotcues as well as using Mixer FXs.
• Drag the music files from the location on your computer and drop them in the Track Collec-
tion folder in TRAKTOR's Browser Tree.
TRAKTOR now analyzes the metadata of the music files and stores the files in the Track
Collection.
1. In the Browser Tree expand the Track Collection folder to show the subfolders.
2. Expand the subfolder of the metadata category by which you want to search a track, i.e. Ar-
tists.
3. Select the subfolder named by the artist to your liking, for example, Native Instruments.
The Track List now shows all the music according to the selected artist.
4. In the Track List, browse for a track to your liking.
5. Load the track into Deck A by using drag and drop.
TRAKTOR now analyzes the entire track for calculating the tempo (BPM) to create the Beat-
grid and the Waveform.
44
Basic Usage Tutorials
To use the Preview Player you need to assign an output to "Output Preview" (for Ex-
ternal Mixer mode) or "Output Monitor" (for Internal Mixer mode). Find these settings
on the Output Routing page in the Preferences.
1. Drag-and-drop a track from the Track List into the Preview Player.
45
Basic Usage Tutorials
• Drag the selected music from the Track List and drop it into the Deck to your liking.
TRAKTOR now analyzes the track for its tempo (BPM) to create the Beatgrid and the Wave-
form. Depending on the selected track, the Deck flavor switches, i.e to a STEM Deck. The
Track information are visible in the Deck Header.
1. Right-click the track in the Track list to open the context menu.
2. Select the entry for the Deck you want to load the track in to, i.e Load into Track Deck A.
TRAKTOR now analyzes the track for calculating its tempo (BPM) to create the Beatgrid and
the Waveform.
The entries in the context menu differ according to the selected music. When right-
clicking a Remix Set, the entries change to i.e. Load into Remix Deck A. If none of
the Decks is currently a Remix Deck, the corresponding entries are not available in
the Browser context menu. This also applies to STEM files.
1. Select the iTunes folder in the Browser Tree to display its content in the Track List. A double-
click expands the iTunes folder.
46
Basic Usage Tutorials
8.4.1. Prerequisites
1. Set the crossfader to the left-most position.
The waveform starts moving and the Channel Volume meter LEDs and the MAIN Volume
Level meter LEDs start to illuminate.
2. Slowly increase the volume of your audio system or active speakers to a moderate listening
level.
You now hear the audio of the track in your speakers.
47
Basic Usage Tutorials
The tempos of both tracks are now in sync, indicated by the equal tempo value in the Deck
Header. The Tempo fader on Deck B has also moved accordingly and the SYNC button
lights up.
1. Drag the crossfader and slowly move it towards center position, then hold it for a moment.
The audio signal of the track in Mixer channel B is fading into the main signal.
2. While the track in Deck A reaches its end, slowly move the crossfader to the right-most posi-
tion.
48
Basic Usage Tutorials
The audio signal of Mixer channel A slowly fades out of the main signal. Only Mixer Channel
B is now audible. Alternatively to the crossfader, you can also use the Fade left and Fade
right buttons to move the crossfader step-wise, or you can even use the Autofade buttons to
let the crossfader automatically move to the opposite side. You have now mixed your first two
tracks.
With the end of the playback of Deck A, Deck B automatically becomes the new Tempo Master
and is ready for the next transition to another Deck.
Adjusting the levels at these different stages supports the audio quality of the mix and ensures the
best possible dynamic range. It also protects the audience from potential ear damage and pre-
serves the audio equipment, for example, power amplifiers and speakers.
The normal dynamic range for an audio signal is between no sound to nominal level (0 dB).
8.5.2. Clipping
If an audio signal clips, the gain of the audio signal is too high. An audio signal clips if it exceeds
the nominal level and also the headroom – normally at +6 dB. Then the audio signal starts to dis-
tort and looses dynamics and punch. Although the audio signal then seems louder, the entire au-
dio quality decreases significantly. This critical audio signal can damage ears and audio equip-
ment. That is why it is important to as well adjust the gain levels to protect ears and electronics.
To protect the audio equipment connected to the MAIN output stage, TRAKTOR uses an integra-
ted Limiter. The purpose of the Limiter is to prevent the signal from clipping by reducing the dy-
namic range.
49
Basic Usage Tutorials
8.5.3. Headroom
Before an audio signal starts to clip there is still a reserve to buffer transient audio peaks, the so-
called headroom. The headroom starts where where nominal level ends, at 0 db. It normally ends
before + 6dB.
However, you can configure the available Headroom for your Mixer channels in the Preferences on
the Mixer page, or you can entirely switched it off. Furthermore, you can let the Channel Level Me-
ters reflect the Headroom settings. For more information, refer to Preferences – Mixer Page.
• The EQ knobs adjust the high, middle, or low frequencies in the audio signal.
• The Kill buttons completely remove high, middle, or low frequencies from the audio signal.
Using the EQs can make transitions more flawless. The following example outlines a procedure on
how to use the Equalizer during a transition.
1. Before starting the transition, turn the LOW knob on Mixer channel B to minimum position for
taking out the bass frequencies of the track in Deck B.
2. Progressively mix in Mixer channel B by gradually moving the crossfader from the left to the
center position.
Both tracks are audible in the Master signal but the track on Deck B has no bass.
50
Basic Usage Tutorials
3. When you want to bring the bass back in, gradually increase the bass amount of Mixer chan-
nel B while simultaneously decreasing that of Mixer channel A using the LOW knobs on both
Mixer channels.
Both tracks are still audible in the Master signal but the track on Deck A has no bass.
4. Complete the transition by gradually moving the crossfader all the way to the right.
You mixed two tracks in conjunction with the Equalizer.
Alternatively to the EQ knobs, you can also use the EQ Kill buttons. These buttons
are used for immediate killing the respective the frequency band of the audio signals
during transitions as well as for performances in between.
Using the EQs during a transition to take out frequencies can avoid clipping that can
easily occur when two tracks play together with full volume.
Available MIXER FX
When you start TRAKTOR, the Filter is always selected by default. However, you can pre-select
four MIXER FX from the available eight:
• Reverb
• Dual Delay
• Noise
• Time Gater
• Flanger
• Barber Pole
• Dotted Delay
• Modern Krush
Pre-Selected Mixer FX
By default the following Mixer FX are pre-selected:
51
Basic Usage Tutorials
• Filter: The pointer color of the Mixer FX Amount knob is orange. The Filter is not removable
from the drop-down menu.
• Reverb: The pointer color of the Mixer FX Amount knob is red.
• Dual Delay: The pointer color of the Mixer FX Amount knob is green.
• Noise: The pointer color of the Mixer FX Amount knob is blue.
• Time Gater: The pointer color of the Mixer FX Amount knob is yellow.
The button lights up with the color of the selected Mixer FX, indicating the Mixer FX is ena-
bled.
1. Click the label next to the Mixer FX On button to open the Mixer FX drop-down menu.
The pointer color of the Mixer FX Amount knob changed according to the selected Mixer FX.
52
Basic Usage Tutorials
The higher and middle frequencies get progressively filtered out from the audio signal and
you noticeably hear the low-pass Filter FX.
2. Apply a high-pass Filter FX by turning the Mixer FX Amount knob clockwise.
The middle and lower frequencies get progressively filtered out from the audio signal and
you noticeably hear the high-pass Filter FX.
1. Click on the Advanced Panel button to display the Advanced Panels of Deck A and B, and
Deck C and D, respectively.
53
Basic Usage Tutorials
The Cue Point is stored to the Hotcue button. The Hotcue button lights up blue.
• Click a Hotcue button to jump to the stored Cue Point or Loop and for continuing playback.
When the Deck is stopped, the Hotcue buttons behave in the same manner as the CUE button in
the Transport Controls:
• Click and hold a Hotcue button to jump to the stored Cue Point or Loop.
Holding the Hotcue button continues playback until it is released. Upon release the playback
position will jump back to the Cue Point or Loop and remain paused.
1. Click the Hotcue button with the Cue Point or Loop you want to remap.
2. Click the MAP button to enable MAP mode.
3. Click the Hotcue button to which you want to map the Cue Point or Loop.
The Cue Point or Loop is mapped to the new Hotcue button. The original Hotcue button is
now empty.
54
Basic Usage Tutorials
When you release the Loop or Cue Point—by releasing the relevant Hotcue button—playback re-
sumes at this playhead position. The longer you loop, the farther ahead the playhead position will
move and therefore the farther ahead playback will jump to when you release Hotcue button. The
virtual Flux mode timeline is represented by a green playhead in the Waveform view.
You can also enable the Reverse mode, which allows the track playback reversely from the current
playhead position.
To avoid this, TRAKTOR provides you with the Keylock feature that uncouples the pitch (key) and
the tempo (BPM) of a track. This means if you lock the key of a track at the normal tempo, and you
then move the tempo fader up or down, the tempo changes but the key remains unaffected.
55
Basic Usage Tutorials
When now changing the tempo, you will notice the key remains at its original pitch.
3. Turn the Key knob clockwise or counter-clockwise to change the key accordingly.
The key changes without affecting the tempo.
Waveform
The Waveform gives an overview of the loaded track, its transients, and Beatgrid information.
• The Waveform is only visible in Essential, Full, and Advanced Deck Layouts. It is not available
when using the Micro or Small Deck Layouts. You can change the Deck Layout in the Preferen-
ces. For more information, refer to Preferences – Decks Layout Page.
• The Waveform has color-coded transients; lighter colors represent high frequency content
while darker colors represent low frequency content.
• The Waveform provides a visual reference for BeatJumps, Cue Points, Loops and Beatmark-
ers. Zoom in the Waveform to precisely place markers.
• The Waveform and Stripe share the same Color Mode (color scheme). There are four Color
Modes available: Ultraviolet, Infrared, X-Ray and Spectrum. You can change the Color Mode in
the Preferences. For more information, refer to Preferences – Decks Layout Page.
• The behavior of dragging the waveform with the mouse depends on the Mouse Control mode.
There are two Mouse Control modes available: Vinyl and Snap. You can change the behavior
in the Preferences. For more information, refer to Preferences – Transport Page.
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Basic Usage Tutorials
1. You can zoom in and out on a waveform by clicking the + and - buttons.
2. A click on the = symbol resets the zoom view.
3. Dragging the Waveform: The behavior of dragging the waveform with the mouse depends on
the Mouse Control mode. There are two Mouse Control modes available: Vinyl and Snap.
Stripe
The Stripe gives an overview of the entire track. It also displays the current playback position as
well as all of the Cue Points and Loops.
Stripe Interactions
• When clicking inside the Stripe, the consequent behavior depends on the SNAP mode and
QUANTIZE mode.
57
Advanced Usage Tutorials
This section guides you through more advanced workflows of TRAKTOR PRO 3 such as using FX
Units, creating Remix Sets, working with Cue Points and managing your Track Collection.
• Floating Cue Point: The Floating Cue Point is always your starting point for working with cue
points and for storing loops. The Floating Cue Point is displayed in white.
• Cue Point: The regular Cue Points used to jump to particular positions in the track. Cue Points
are displayed in blue.
• Load: A track with a Load Cue Point will automatically jump to this point when loaded. Load
Cue Points are displayed in yellow.
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Advanced Usage Tutorials
If you want to make use of Load Cue Points, you need to enable the Initially cue
to Load Marker option in the Preferences > Loading > Loading.
• Fade Out and Fade In: The Fade Out and Fade In Cue Points are used for the automated
Cue/Play of tracks. For this to work, you have to set a Fade Out Cue Point in one track and a
Fade In Cue Point in another track. Fade In and Fade Out Cue Points are displayed in orange.
For more information, refer to Setting Fade Out and Fade In Cue Points in Tracks for Automa-
ted Mixing.
• Grid (Beatmarker): This is a special Cue Point from which the regularly spaced Beatgrid is cre-
ated. The Beatmarker sets the starting point for the Beatgrid. Beatmarkers are displayed in
white. For more information, refer to Beatgrids and Correcting Beatgrids.
• Loop (Loop In point ): When selecting Loop from the menu, this changes the selected Cue
Point into a Loop In marker. Loop markers are displayed in green. For more information, refer
to Working with Loops.
1. Click on the Advanced Panel button to display the Advanced Panels of Deck A and B, and
Deck C and D, respectively.
1. Scroll to the position in the track where you want to set a Cue Point.
2. Click the CUE button in the Transport Controls to set the Cue Point at the current position.
When you now playback the track and you click the CUE button in the transport controls, the play-
head jumps directly to the Cue Point.
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Advanced Usage Tutorials
1. Scroll to the position in the track where you want to set a Cue Point.
2. Click the CUE button in the Transport Controls to set the Cue Point at the current position.
3. Click the STORE button on the CUE page in the Advanced Panel to store the Cue Point.
The Cue Point is stored in the Cue List.
• Use the Next/Previous Cue Point buttons to skip from one Stored Cue Point to the next.
The playhead jumps to the respective position in the Waveform and in the Stripe. The Cue
Position display shows the position of the stored Cue Point within the track.
The following Cue Point Types are available in the Cue Type drop-down menu:
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Advanced Usage Tutorials
Procedure
1. Select the stored Cue Point for which you want to change the Cue Type.
2. Click on the Cue Type menu button to open the menu.
3. Select the Cue Type to which you want to change the Cue Point.
The Cue Point Type and the color of the Cue Point marker in the Waveform display and the
Stripe view are changed accordingly.
9.1.10. Setting Fade Out and Fade In Cue Points in Tracks for
Automated Mixing
This section explains how you set Fade Out Points and Fade In Cue Points for tracks to be mixed
automatically. For this to work, you have to set a Fade Out Cue Point in one track and a Fade In
Cue Point in the other track. While a Fade Out Cue Point always triggers the playback of the next
track, a Fade In Cue Point triggers no action. Fade In and Fade Out Cue Points also work when
using Cruise mode.
You have to enable the Activate Fade In & Fade Out Markers option in the Prefer-
ences > Loading > Loading.
1. On a Track Deck open the Advanced Panel and select the CUE page.
2. Load a track into Deck A.
3. Scroll to the position where you want the track to fade out for the transition.
4. Click CUE to set the Cue Point to this position.
5. Click STORE to convert the Cue Point into a stored Cue Point.
6. Open the Cue Type drop-down menu and and select Fade-Out.
An orange Fade Out Cue Point appears in the Waveform and in the Stripe.
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Advanced Usage Tutorials
4. Click STORE to convert the Cue Point into a stored Cue Point.
5. Open the Cue Type drop-down menu and and select Fade-In.
An orange Fade In Cue Point appears in the Waveform and in the Stripe.
When you start the playback of the track in Deck A and the playhead crosses the Fade Out Cue
Point, the track in Deck B will automatically begin playing from its Fade In Cue Point.
• 1/32 of a beat
• 1/16 of a beat
• 1/8 of a beat
• 1/4 of a beat
• 1/2 of a beat
• 1 beat
• 2 beats
• 4 beats
• 8 beats
• 16 beats
• 32 beats
You can also define the loop start and loop end manually with the help of dedicated Loop IN and
OUT buttons.
• Click one of the Auto Loop buttons with the predefined size on the Deck.
This automatically enables Looping at the current playback position in the track. The Loop is
marked in green in the Waveform display. Also, the ACTIVE button lights up in green.
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Advanced Usage Tutorials
By pressing the ACTIVE button when no Loop is enabled, this will enable the next Loop stored in
the track.
1. Click the IN button to set the Loop In Point at the current position in the Waveform display.
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Advanced Usage Tutorials
The Loop is stored on the Hotcue button. The Hotcue button lights up green. You can return
to the Loop by pressing the same Hotcue button again.
Besides using the Hotcue buttons you can alternatively use the STORE button in the CUE page to
store loops in the CUE list.
4. Move the Loop forward or backward by clicking the Loop Move buttons (arrow buttons).
Moving only Loop In or Loop Out point can be used for tension-building drum roll ef-
fects with the active loop.
Procedure
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Advanced Usage Tutorials
• By using the LOOP Mode button, you select a move size that is based on the current Loop
size for the movement.
• By using FINE Mode button, you select a fine step size for the movement. The MOVE Size
Control bar automatically switches to FINE. Use xFNE to make even finer changes.
• Click the FX Unit On button for the corresponding FX Unit in the Mixer channel.
Selecting an Effect
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Advanced Usage Tutorials
• Modulate the behavior of the selected effect with the Effect Parameter knobs and Effect but-
tons.
Control the Mix between the Effect Signal and the Original Signal
• Click the RST button to reset all the effect settings inside the panel to the default value.
An FX Unit in Single FX mode can be recognized on the single dot next to the FX Unit number. An
FX Unit in Group FX mode shows three dots.
Selecting Effects
• Switch on and off every effect in the effect chain with the three FX On buttons.
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Advanced Usage Tutorials
Controlling the Mix of the Effect Signal and the Original Signal
• Turn the D/W knob to control the direct-to-processed signal mix for the entire effect chain.
• Double-click an effect knob to reset the individual setting to the default value.
2. While holding the left mouse button, select Save Snapshot and release.
The parameter settings are saved. The next time you select the Effect in an FX Unit, this will
recall the saved settings.
1. Switch the TRAKTOR Layout to Mixer by selecting it from the Layout drop-down menu in the
header.
The Headphone Cue controls and the Cue buttons on the Mixer channels are now displayed.
2. Click the Cue button on the Mixer channel with the audio signal you want to mix next.
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Advanced Usage Tutorials
The button lights up, indicating that the audio signal of the Mixer channel is sent to the Head-
phone Cue channel which you will hear in your headphones.
3. Turn the VOL knob to adjust the volume of the Headphones Cue channel to a moderate lis-
tening level.
4. Turn the MIX knob to adjust the balance between the cued track and the main mix in your
headphones. Turn it counter-clockwise when you want to concentrate on the cued track and
turn it clockwise when you want to hear more of the main mix.
STEM files allow you to interact with four different musical elements of a track independently while
DJing. The four STEM parts of a track can be modified individually to create spontaneous instru-
mentals, remixes, or mashups. You can create transitions between elements STEM-by-STEM, or
apply effects and EQ to just to a specific STEM part instead of the entire track. To get really crea-
tive, mix musical elements across multiple STEM Decks, for example, you could take the vocals
from one track and mix it with the beat from another.
For more information on how to analyze tracks or STEM files, refer to Analyzing Tracks Manually.
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Advanced Usage Tutorials
3. Drag and drop the STEM File into the desired Deck.
The Deck Type automatically switches to STEM Deck. The Waveform display shows the four
individual STEM Part Waveforms. The Stripe view shows the Waveform for the entire STEM
File.
The volume of the musical element in the STEM Part decreases or increases accordingly.
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Advanced Usage Tutorials
1. In any STEM Channel, click the Filter button to activate the Filter effect.
2. Drag the respective Filter knob up or down to change the Filter FX amount.
You hear a high-pass or a low-pass filter applied to the key elements of the music.
1. In any STEM Channel, click the FX Send on button to apply the FX Send.
2. Drag the respective FX Send knob up or down to change the FX Send amount.
You will hear the Effect from the assigned FX Unit applied to the key element of the music.
You can also create your own Remix Sets by directly capturing Samples from tracks in Track
Decks or from the LOOP RECORDER, and saving them in your Track Collection. For more infor-
mation on creating new Remix Sets, refer to Creating Remix Sets.
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Advanced Usage Tutorials
1. Select the folder All Remix Sets in the Browser Tree to display all Remix Sets in the Track
List.
2. Drag the Remix Set to your liking and drop it in any Deck.
The Deck loads the Remix Set and switches the Deck Type to Remix Deck.
1. Click gray dot to enable Quantize mode for the Remix Deck.
The dot lights up blue, indicating Quantize mode is enabled for the Remix Deck.
2. Click on the triangle next to the blue dot to open the Quantize value menu.
3. Select the Quantize value at which you want the Samples to trigger, i.e. 1 (one beat).
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Advanced Usage Tutorials
The Quantize mode is enabled and the Quantize value is set for the Remix Deck. The Sam-
ples will now trigger always to the downbeat.
3. Anytime, trigger other Samples in the Sample Slots, by clicking their Sample Trigger buttons
in the Sample Cells.
The Sample Trigger buttons flash until the next down beat is reached, and then start playing.
The former Samples stop playback immediately.
Stopping Samples
To stop the Samples and reset the playheads to start positions:
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Advanced Usage Tutorials
• Click the Page Selector to switch to the individual page on the Sample Grid.
1. Hover the mouse over the Slot Player to display additional controls.
• Drag the Filter control up or down to apply a high-pass or low-pass Filter Effect to the Sam-
ple Slot.
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Advanced Usage Tutorials
When you now change the Remix Deck's tempo, the pitch of the Samples in the Sample Slot
remains.
When now adjusting the parameters in the FX Unit(s), the sound of the Sample Slot gets
modulated accordingly.
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Advanced Usage Tutorials
2. Click on the Slot Monitor control to route the Sample Slot to the Headphone Cue channel.
When now triggering another Sample in the Sample Slot, the triggered Sample will start the
playback from the playhead position of the previous Sample.
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Advanced Usage Tutorials
The Deck is switched to the Deck Flavor Remix Deck. The Remix Deck is empty. You can
now load or capture Samples into the Sample Cells.
1. In the Browser Tree select the folder All Samples to display all Samples in your Track Col-
lection.
2. Drag a Sample from the Track list and drop it into any Sample Cell in the Sample Slot.
The Sample is now loaded and ready to play.
3. To load more Samples to Sample Cells, repeat the aforementioned steps.
When a Sample Cell already contains a Sample, loading another Sample to the Sample Cell repla-
ces the Sample.
If the Track Deck you captured from was not playing a Loop, the Remix Deck will still capture a
Sample from it, but it will instead take it from the current playback position. The Sample will auto-
matically be cut to the length of the selected Loop size in the Loop control bar in the Track Deck.
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Advanced Usage Tutorials
1. Click the Sample Play Type button to define the Sample to be played back as a Loop or One-
shot.
2. Click the Reverse mode button, if you want the Sample to be played back reversely.
3. Click the Sample Sync mode button to let the Sample be played back in sync to the Remix
Deck.
4. Click the Sample Trigger Type button to let the Sample play back until its end or for only as
long as you keep the Sample Trigger button clicked.
When enabled (Latch mode), a Sample will continue to play after you release the mouse but-
ton, either until the end of the Sample is reached (for One-shot Samples) or until it is stopped
by some other method (like triggering a new Sample in the same Slot). Latch mode is ena-
bled by default.
When disabled (Gate mode), a Sample will play only when the mouse button is held. Upon
releasing the mouse button, the Sample will stop playing immediately.
As recorded or captured Samples can have different pitches that might not be suited to other Sam-
ples in the Remix Set, it can be mandatory to adjust the pitch for individual Samples:
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Advanced Usage Tutorials
You can halve or double the current tempo using the x2 or /2 buttons to adjust the base tempo
accordingly.
3. Use the BPM Decrease and BPM Increase buttons to make minor corrections to the base
tempo.
3. In the Browser Tree select the folder All Remix Sets to display all Remix Sets in the Track
List.
4. Click and hold the Remix Set title in the Deck Header and drag it down into the Track List.
The Remix Set is saved and stored in the Track Collection. Additionally, all contained Sam-
ples are stored as individual Samples in the All Samples folder.
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Advanced Usage Tutorials
Incorrect Beatgrid.
To correct mismatching Beatgrids, TRAKTOR provides you with the tools to do so:
• Click the Beat Tick button to enable the beat tick for the Deck.
You now hear a tick on every beat of the calculated tempo and Beatgrid. If the Beatgrid is
miscalculated, you notice the beat tick is off the track's beat.
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Advanced Usage Tutorials
1. Click the MOVE GRID BWD and MOVE GRID FWD buttons to move the Beatgrid backward
or forward.
2. Click the BPM INC or BPM DEC buttons to compress or enlarge the Beatgrid slighty.
1. Click the Delete Beatgrid Marker button to delete the current Beatgrid.
3. Click the Set Beatgrid Marker button to set a Beatgrid marker at that position.
Outgoing from that position a new Beatgrid is created throughout the track according to the
base tempo.
You can also define a new base tempo by either tapping in the Tempo using the TAP button or by
entering the tempo in the tempo edit display.
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Working with Playlists
In this section you learn about Playlists and how work with them. Playlists are effective tools of
organizing your tracks for different purposes. Generally, a Playlist is a collection of tracks to be
used for preparing for DJ sets.
Additionally, you can directly add the tracks at the desired position inside the Playlist by moving
the mouse over to the Track List and dropping it at the position to your liking. The orange line indi-
cates where the track(s) will be inserted when releasing the mouse button.
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Working with Playlists
• Click on the header of the #-column to sort the Playlist by original track order.
• Click on the name of the column header to sort the Playlist by this category. A second
click inverts the sorting order.
After restarting TRAKTOR all Playlists will reset to their original track order.
1. Right-click the Playlist in the Browser Tree to open the context menu.
2. Select the option Consolidate.
1. Click on the header of the #-column to sort the Playlist by original track order.
2. Select one or more track(s) and drag them up or down in the Playlist. The orange line indi-
cates where the selection will drop when releasing the mouse button.
1. Right-click the Playlist folder in the Browser Tree to open the context menu.
2. Select Create Folder.
3. Type in the name for the Playlist folder in the dialog.
4. Click OK to confirm.
Your new Playlist folder will appear under the Playlist folder. You can now add Playlists to
this folder via drag-and-drop.
1. Right-click the Playlist in the Browser Tree to open the context menu.
2. Select Export Playlist.
3. Enter a name for the Playlist to be exported in the dialog.
4. Enter a destination path.
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Working with Playlists
5. Click OK to confirm.
TRAKTOR now exports the Playlist including the tracks to the destination on your computer.
1. Right-click on the Playlists folder or a Playlist sub-folder in the Browser Tree to open the
context menu.
2. Select Import Playlist.
The Playlist and all contained tracks will be added to your Track Collection.
1. Double-click the iTunes folder in the Browser Tree to display the iTunes Playlists.
2. Right-click a Playlist to open the context menu.
3. Select Import to Playlists.
4. In the dialog enter the name for the new Playlist.
5. Click OK to confirm.
1. Right-click any track(s) in the Track List to open the context menu.
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Working with Playlists
2. Select Append to Preparation Playlist to add the selection to the Preparation Playlist.
3. Alternatively, select Add as Next to Preparation Playlist to insert the selection after the last
loaded track into the Preparation Playlist.
Each track is displayed with a diamond icon indicating it appends to the Preparation Playlist.
• Deck Letters A, B, C and D: Identify the tracks currently loaded into the Decks.
• Check mark: Identifies tracks that have already been played.
• Exclamation mark: Identifies tracks which are not found at the file’s previous location. Some
possible reasons for this could be that a storage medium is unavailable (external hard drive for
example), the location of the track has been changed or the track has been renamed.
• Lock icon: Identifies tracks with a locked Beatgrid.
• Triangle (only available in the History and Archive folders): Identifies tracks that have already
been played. Tracks that have been previewed will not be marked.
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Working with Playlists
1. Right-click the Playlist in the Browser Tree to open the context menu.
2. Select Rename.
3. Enter the new name for the Playlist.
1. Right-click the track(s) in the Track List of the Playlist to open the context menu.
2. Select Restore AutoGain.
The gain value is restored to original.
1. Right-click the Playlist in the Browser Tree to open the context menu.
2. Select Delete Playlist.
The Playlist is deleted.
1. Right-click the Playlist in the Browser Tree to open the context menu.
2. Select Remove Duplicates.
All double entries in the Playlist are removed.
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Working with Playlists
1. Right-click the Playlist in the Browser Tree to open the context menu.
2. Select Save as Webpage.
3. Enter a name for the Playlist.
4. Enter a destination for the exported file.
5. From the List Options select the columns you want to add to the Playlist file.
6. Click OK to confirm.
The Playlist is saved as HTML file.
1. Right-click the track(s) in the Track List to open the context menu.
2. Select Search in Playlists.
TRAKTOR now searches for the selected track(s) and returns with a report showing all Play-
lists containing the selected track(s).
1. Right-click the Playlist in the Browser Tree to open the context menu.
2. Select Clear Playlist.
All tracks are removed from the selected Playlist.
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Managing Your Track Collection
• MP3
• M4A (AAC)
• WAV
• AIFF
• FLAC
• OGG Vorbis
DRM-protected music files cannot be played back in TRAKTOR. This affects for ex-
ample AAC-tracks bought in the iTunes store.
1. Right-click the Track Collection folder in the Browser Tree to open the context menu.
2. Select Import Music Folders.
TRAKTOR now imports the music files from the local music folder.
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Managing Your Track Collection
1. Select the iTunes folder in the Browser Tree to display its content in the Track List. A double-
click expands the folder in the Browser Tree.
2. Select the track(s) you want to import into the Track Collection.
3. Right-click on the selection to open the context menu.
4. Hover the mouse over Import to Collection to display further importing options.
5. Select either as Tracks, as Looped Samples, or as One-Shot-Samples to load the selec-
tion into the Track Collection accordingly.
1. Right-click the track(s) in the Track List to open the context menu.
2. Select Show in Explorer/Finder.
Your operating system opens a window with the track(s) stored on your local drive.
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Managing Your Track Collection
If you are using iTunes for collection management we recommend that you only edit
tag metadata in iTunes.
Edit dialog.
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Managing Your Track Collection
5. To apply the changes, click the button labeled Apply or OK. Use the Restore button to undo
any changes you have made, or use Cancel to abort editing and to close the Edit dialog.
Use the Restore button to undo any changes you have made, or use Cancel to abort editing and
to close the Edit dialog.
1. Right-click a track or several tracks in the Track List to open the context menu.
2. Select Import Cover.
3. In the dialog select the cover artwork file on your computer and confirm.
The cover artwork is now stored within the track file(s).
1. Right-click a track or several tracks in the Track List to open the context menu.
2. Select Delete Cover.
The cover artwork(s) are deleted for the track(s).
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Managing Your Track Collection
Pre-assigned Favorites
• Preparation
• History
• Track Collection
• All Tracks
• All Remix Sets
• Demo Tracks
• Demo Remix Sets
• Drag the folder or Playlist name from the Browser Tree and drop is onto a free (not assigned)
Favorite slot.
Now you can access the Playlist quickly by clicking on the relevant Favorite.
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Managing Your Track Collection
• Tabs: Selects the individual tab with detailed information about the Consistency Check Report.
• Relocate button: Opens the Relocate dialog to start relocation of missing tracks.
• Remove Missing button: Removes references to not existing tracks from the Track Collection.
• Analyze button: Starts analysis of tracks to be analyzed or to be re-analyzed, respectively.
• Lists all missing tracks in the Track Collection.
• Lists all tracks in the Track Collection that need to be analyzed or re-analyzed, respectively.
• Lists all tracks in the Track Collection that need to be analyzed or re-analyzed, respectively.
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Managing Your Track Collection
Executing the Consistency Check on startup can increase TRAKTOR’s startup time.
STEM files always need to be analyzed before loading them into a Deck.
1. Right-click a track or a selection of tracks in the Track List to open the context menu. You
can also right-click a Playlist in the Browser tree.
2. Select Analyze (Async).
The Analyze dialog opens.
3. Select the options for the analysis.
4. Click OK to start the analysis.
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Managing Your Track Collection
• All: When selected, this analyzes tracks according to the default settings selected in Analyze
Options page in the Preferences.
For locked tracks the All option does not permit the BPM, Beatgrid markers,
Gain, or Key to be overwritten.
• Special: When selected, you are provided with a more detailed range of analysis settings that
can be performed on tracks:
• BPM: When selected TRAKTOR analyzes the track to calculate the tempo. In the drop-
down menu below you can pre-define the tempo range you want TRAKTOR to analyze.
In case you are analyzing a large number of tracks with very different tempos,
select either a wide range or leave it to automatic. However, narrowing down
the tempo range will provide more accurate results.
• Set Beatgrid: Sets the Beatgrid on the track and aligns it to the nearest downbeat. If the
track already contains a Beatgrid, TRAKTOR will move it accordingly.
Beatgrids cannot be set without checking the BPM, as the two options are in-
terlinked.
This option increases CPU load and should not be used in live situation.
1. Right-click the track(s) in the Track List to open the context menu.
2. Select Relocate.
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Managing Your Track Collection
3. In the browse dialog navigate to the destination where your missing track have been
moved. To find multiple tracks in different folders, navigate to the top-level folder where they
are stored. You can even select your main hard drive folder.
4. Confirm your edits.
The track is now relocated.
1. Right-click the track(s) in the Track List to open the context menu.
2. Select Delete from Collection.
3. From the security dialog select one of the following options:
• delete from collection: Deletes the track(s) from the Track Collection and from all Play-
lists.
• additionally remove TRAKTOR tags (may take some time): Deletes the track(s) from
the Track Collection and from all Playlists, and all TRAKTOR specific tags will be re-
moved from the music files.
• additionally delete file(s) from hard drive: Deletes the track(s) from the Track Collec-
tion and from all Playlists, and deletes the music file(s) from your computer.
The tracks are deleted from your Track Collection.
1. Right-click the Track Collection folder in the Browser Tree to open the context menu.
2. Select Save Collection.
1. Right-click the Track Collection folder in the Browser Tree to open the context menu.
2. Select Export the Collection to open the Export Tracks dialog.
3. Enter the title for the backup in the Playlist Title field. Do not remove the $ symbol in the
beginning.
4. Select the path to store the backup in the Destination field.
5. Select the file format in the Export Format drop-down menu.
6. Select Copy Tracks To Destination.
7. Click OK to confirm.
TRAKTOR now exports your Track Collection.
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Managing Your Track Collection
1. Right-click the Track Collection folder in the Browser Tree to open the context menu.
2. Select Import another Collection to open the browser dialog.
3. Double-click the Backup folder to open it.
4. Double-click the Collection folder to open it.
5. Select the backup version to which you would like to restore.
6. Click OK to confirm.
The Track Collection is now restored to a previous version.
1. Right-click the Track Collection folder in the Browser Tree to open the context menu.
2. Select Clear Collection.
3. From the security dialog select one of the following options:
• clear collection: Deletes the tracks from the Track Collection and from all Playlists.
• additionally remove Traktor tags (may take some time): Deletes the tracks from the
Track Collection and from all Playlists, and all TRAKTOR specific tags will be removed
from the music files on your local drive.
• additionally delete file(s) from hard drive:Deletes the tracks from the Track Collection
and from all Playlists, and deletes the music files from your computer.
All tracks are deleted from your Track Collection.
96
Advanced Operation of TRAKTOR
This section explains you the advanced features of TRAKTOR PRO 3 such as using MIDI and
master clocks, recording and broadcasting mixes and using Cruise Mode.
• For reliability, connect to the local network using a router via an Ethernet cable.
• If you do use a Wi-Fi network, be sure to use a password to prevent excluded users from join-
ing your session.
• For the most secure and reliable connection, create a Link session via a direct connection from
one computer to another using a Thunderbolt or Ethernet cable. For more general information
on setting up and using Link, please refer to the Link FAQs article located on the Ableton web-
site: https://help.ableton.com/hc/en-us/articles/209776125-Link-FAQs.
It is possible to join a Link session at any time by clicking the LINK button. When another Link-
enabled application is connected, a moving bar within the LINK button is displayed even though
TRAKTOR’s Decks are stopped. This bar represents the global phase of Link that all participating
applications lock into.
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Advanced Operation of TRAKTOR
After clicking the Play button on a SYNC-enabled Deck, playback will resume on the downbeat
once the progress bar within the LINK button is filled. The first participant to join the session sets
the initial tempo, from then on any participant in the session can change the tempo in their respec-
tive application. If multiple participants change the tempo at the same time, the last tempo change
will take effect.
The option LINK must be enabled under External Clock Source on the External
Sync page in the Preferences in order LINK to be visible in the Master Control pan-
el.
While connected, the LINK button displays how many other Link-enabled applications are connec-
ted via Link. The example below indicates that there are four other applications connected.
When using External Sync, the automatic Tempo Master assignment mode AUTO is
disabled and the Master Clock is forced to always be the Tempo Master. The tempo
of such session cannot be changed from the Decks but only from the Master Clock
controls.
The Deck’s behavior when synchronized to the Master Clock, and thus the Link timeline, is defined
by the Sync Mode, which can be set in TRAKTOR’s Preferences under Sync Mode on the Trans-
port page.
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Advanced Operation of TRAKTOR
BeatSync Mode
BeatSync mode is recommended when using Link. It synchronizes both tempo and phase of a
Deck to the tempo master, in this case the Link timeline. The phase of the Deck is aligned when
the SYNC button is turned on. SYNC turns dim when the phase of the Deck is shifted manually
(i.e. when scratching or holding a Deck in the stopped position), but TRAKTOR will re-align the
phase when the Deck plays normally again (i.e. when you release the record or jog wheel).
The Beatgrids of your tracks need to be properly set for BeatSync to function cor-
rectly.
TempoSync Mode
TempoSync maintains tempo-only synchronization to the Tempo Master, in this case the Link
timeline. The phase of the Deck is aligned when the SYNC button is turned on. SYNC turns dim if
the phase of a Deck is shifted. The tempo always remains synchronized in this mode. When using
TempoSync with Link, drifts in tempo and phase may occur.
You can quickly re-align the tempo and phase by pressing the Deck’s SYNC button
twice.
On macOS, you can use the Latency slider in the Audio Setup page to adjust the
buffer size. On Windows, click on Settings in the Audio Setup page to change the
buffer size in the control panel of your audio driver.
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Advanced Operation of TRAKTOR
Resetting the downbeat may cause skip by one or two beats backwards in the Link
timeline.
In case of an offset between the sending hard- or software and TRAKTOR, the offset has to be
adjusted in the sending (Master) device.
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Advanced Operation of TRAKTOR
By clicking the SYNC button, TRAKTOR triggers a MIDI Clock Stop Message immediately fol-
lowed by a MIDI Clock Start Message to re-sync the external hard- or software.
It may be required to adjust the offset between TRAKTOR and the receiving hard- or software.
For syncing external hardware with the MIDI Clock, the Master Clock has to be set
as Master Tempo Source.
1. Connect the two computers via MIDI in order to transmit the MIDI Clock signals.
2. Decide which of the two computers should be the Clock Master and click the MASTER but-
ton in the Master Control panel.
3. On the other computer click the AUTO button in the Master Control panel.
4. To sync both computers, press the TICK button in the Master Control panel.
5. Once the two ticks are audible, press the SYNC button in the Master Control panel on the
sending computer in order to reset the receiving computer.
6. Now start tweaking the MIDI Clock Sending Offset until the two Ticks are in perfect sync by
clicking the Offset button.
7. You can then turn off the Ticks.
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Advanced Operation of TRAKTOR
For more information about the Mix Recorder Preferences, refer to Preferences – Mix Recorder
Page.
1. Click the AUDIO RECORDER button in the Global section to display the AUDIO RECORD-
ER.
2. Playback a track on any Deck to monitor the incoming audio signal in the AUDIO RECORD-
ER.
The Recordings Level Meter in the AUDIO RECORDER reflects the incoming audio signal. If
not, make sure the channel fader is raised and the crossfader is positioned accordingly.
3. Adjust the recording level with the GAIN knob of the AUDIO RECORDER.
For more information about adjusting levels, refer to Adjusting Gain Levels for Incoming Audio Sig-
nals.
In order to broadcast your mix with the AUDIO RECORDER you at first need to make some ad-
justments in the Preferences and also to the AUDIO RECORDER .
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Advanced Operation of TRAKTOR
For more information about the Mix Recorder Preferences, refer to Preferences – Mix Recorder
Page.
Before getting started, it is necessary to configure TRAKTOR so that the local client can connect
to the server and the metadata of the radio stream contains the correct information:
For more information about the Broadcasting page in the Preferences, refer to Preferences –
Broadcasting Page.
1. Click the Audio Recorder button in the Global Section to display the AUDIO RECORDER.
2. Playback a track on any Deck to monitor the incoming audio signal in the AUDIO RECORD-
ER.
The Recordings Level Meter in the AUDIO RECORDER reflects the incoming audio signal. If
not, make sure the channel fader is raised and the crossfader is positioned accordingly.
3. Adjust the recording level with the Record GAIN knob.
For more information about adjusting levels, refer to Adjusting Gain Levels for Incoming Audio Sig-
nals.
Starting Broadcast
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Advanced Operation of TRAKTOR
For more information about setting up an Icecast server, refer to the Icecast web-
site http://www.icecast.org/docs.php.
Icecast works only on Windows and Linux. For Broadcasting with on macOS take a
look at the easy-to-use application Nicecast from rogue amoeba rogueamoeba.com/
nicecast/.
1. Select any Playlist or the Track Collection folder in the Browser Tree.
2. Load a Track from the Track List into a Deck.
3. Click the Play button on that Deck to start playback.
4. Click the Cruise mode button in the Header to enable Cruise mode.
Cruise mode is enabled. TRAKTOR now mixes the tracks contained in the Track List one by
one.
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Advanced Operation of TRAKTOR
• The next track in the Playlist is automatically loaded into the opposite Deck.
• The next track will automatically start playback a few seconds before the current track reaches
its end.
• The FX Units 1 and 3, and FX Units 2 and 4 share the panels in the Global section.
• In any Mixer channel there are now four FX Unit On buttons available.
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Advanced Operation of TRAKTOR
Send FX mode is only available in External Mixer mode and has to be configured in
the Preferences.
• On the Output Routing page, set an output of your audio device as Output Send.
This output will typically be connected to the FX return input of the external mixer.
1. Hover the mouse over a control element to display its + and - buttons.
2. Click the + and - buttons to move the Tempo fader or turn the knob stepwise into the respec-
tive direction.
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Advanced Operation of TRAKTOR
1. Hover the mouse over a control element to display its + and - buttons.
2. Perform a right-click on either the + or - button to open the sensitivity options menu.
3. Select one of the options.
4. Click the + and - buttons or use the mouse wheel to see how the behavior of the knob or
fader has changed.
1. Right-click and hold any knob to display another knob pointer in gray.
2. While holding the right mouse button, drag the mouse to turn the gray knob pointer to the
position to your liking.
3. While still holding the right mouse button, click and also hold the left mouse button.
This turns the blue knob pointer to the gray knob pointer position.
4. Release the left mouse button before and then release the left mouse button.
The parameter value changed immediately.
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Advanced Operation of TRAKTOR
1. Select the TRAKTOR layout you want to customize in the Personal Layouts table.
2. Open the Preferences page with the option you want to select, for example, Decks Layout.
3. Select the option, for example, 4 Decks from the decks drop-down menu.
The user interface now shows four decks.
4. Continue to customize the TRAKTOR layout by selecting further options in the Preferences.
The user interface will change according to your customs. All changes are automatically
saved for the selected TRAKTOR layout.
1. Select the TRAKTOR layout you want to duplicate in the Personal Layouts table.
2. Click on Duplicate.
A duplicate of the selected TRAKTOR layout is added to the Personal Layouts table. You
can now rename and customize the duplicate to your needs.
Sorting Layouts
You can sort TRAKTOR layouts by priority in the layouts drop-down menu in the header.
1. Select a TRAKTOR layout in the Personal Layouts table in the Layout Manager page in
the Preferences.
2. Use the Move Up and Move Down buttons to move the selected TRAKTOR layout up or
down in the Personal Layouts table.
The order of the TRAKTOR layouts also changes in the TRAKTOR layout drop-down menu
in the header.
The Tooltip button lits blue indicating the tooltips are enabled. When you now hover a control
element, you are presented with the corresponding tooltip.
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Advanced Operation of TRAKTOR
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Setting up TRAKTOR for SCRATCH Control
This section describes how to set up TRAKTOR to control it using Timecode Vinyls or Timecode
CDs.
In order to make use of TRAKTOR's SCRATCH functionality, you need further external audio
equipment by use case:
Required Equipment
For a two Deck Scratch Setup, you need the following devices:
• 2 x DJ turntable, or 2 x CD player
• 1 x SCRATCH certified DJ Mixer, or 1 x DJ Mixer with at least 2 channels + 1 audio interface
with 2 inputs and 2 outputs
If you cannot switch the output signal from PHONO to LINE on your DJ turnta-
bles, it is mandatory the audio interface has at least two integrated PHONO pre-
amplifiers. Refer to the documentation of your turntables and your audio interface
for more information.
1. Connect the USB cable belonging to your audio interface to the USB socket on the audio in-
terface.
2. Connect the other end of the USB cable to the USB socket of your computer.
1. Using a pair of RCA cables, connect the audio outputs for channel A of your audio interface
to the Line/CD channel inputs on your DJ mixer.
2. Using a pair of RCA cables, connect the audio outputs for channel B of your audio interface
to the Line/CD channel inputs on your DJ mixer.
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Setting up TRAKTOR for SCRATCH Control
3. Switch the DJ mixer channels connected to the audio interface to Line input mode.
4. Connect the DJ mixer to the power outlet without switching it on afterwards.
Before putting on headphones, always make sure the headphone volume control is
set to minimum! Then, while playing music, slowly increase the headphone volume
until it reaches the desired listening level.
1. Connect the DJ Mixer and the turntables, or CD Players, respectively, to the power outlets.
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Setting up TRAKTOR for SCRATCH Control
Switching on Devices
To avoid speaker noises, fully turn down the volume controls on all devices before you switch them
on. It is recommended to switch on the devices in this order:
1. If you are using turntables, put a Control Vinyl on each of your turntables.
2. If you are using CD players, insert a Control CD into each of your CD players.
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Setting up TRAKTOR for SCRATCH Control
4. Select the individual outputs of your audio interface in Output Deck A and Output Deck B.
5. Select the Input Routing page.
6. Select the individual inputs of your audio interface in Input Deck A and Input Deck B.
The audio interface is configured.
1. Put on Timecode vinyls on your turntables or insert Timecode CDs in your CD players.
2. Start playback of the devices.
TRAKTOR will automatically calibrate for timecode control as soon it receives the timecode
signals for the first time. TRAKTOR will analyze position and tempo of the timecode source,
along with the signal quality. The Scopes give you visual feedback about the calibration.
You can control up to four of TRAKTOR's Decks using Timecode media simultane-
ously. If you want to use four turntables or four CD players, you can purchase addi-
tional Control Vinyls or Control CDs in the Native Instruments online shop.
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Setting up TRAKTOR for SCRATCH Control
CD Track 2: PLAYBACK—(25:00)
This track is used for regular playback.
TRAKTOR will switch to Internal mode when reaching the end of Track 2 on the con-
trol CD.
CD Track 3: BROWSE—(5:00)
Skipping to CD Track 3 allows you to scroll up and down through your Playlist by manually spin-
ning the jog wheel of your CD player.
To play the selected Track, skip back to CD Track 2 by pressing the “previous track” button on your
CD player.
1. Dropping the needle into the lead-in zone of the record will skip to the beginning of the Track.
2. Use this to skip back to the beginning of a track when playing in the Relative Control Read-
ing mode.
• This is subdivided into 10 Tracks on Side A and 15 Tracks on Side B. This zone is used for
regular playback.
• The divisions are visual markers of time, equally spaced by 1 minute and do not affect the con-
tinuous playback of the loaded track.
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Setting up TRAKTOR for SCRATCH Control
When reaching the end on the vinyl, TRAKTOR will switch to Internal mode to
avoid a sudden playback stop.
1. Dropping the needle in the Browse Zone allows you to scroll up and down through your play-
list by manually spinning the record forward or backward.
2. To play the selected track, simply place the tonearm back into the Playback Zone.
To skip back to the beginning of the track while using Relative Tracking mode:
• Drop the needle into the lead-in area of the record, or restart playback on CD players.
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Common TRAKTOR Setups
Here the user will find information about the most common setups of using TRAKTOR with:
Required Hardware
To control two TRAKTOR Decks, you need the following hardware:
If you want to control three or four TRAKTOR Decks, you need an audio interface with the accord-
ing amount of outputs, and a mixer with the according amount of inputs.
1. Connect the audio interface to your computer with the supplied USB cable.
2. Connect the outputs of your audio interface to the respective inputs of your external mixer
using RCA cables.
Configuring TRAKTOR
To let TRAKTOR use the connected audio interface, you need to select and configure the audio
interface in the Preferences:
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Common TRAKTOR Setups
You can now control all mixer related functions with your external mixer. To control other TRAK-
TOR’s features from external you need a MIDI controller. For more information, refer to Using
TRAKTOR with an Add-On Controller.
You can configure the External Mixing mode on the Mixer page in the Preferences. This way you
can use the functions of TRAKTOR's internal mixer before the audio signals are send to the audio
interface. For more information, refer to Preferences – Mixer Page.
1. Connect your controller to your computer with the supplied USB cable.
2. Start TRAKTOR on your computer.
3. Open the Preferences.
4. Select the Controller Manager page.
5. Under Device Setup click Add....
6. Navigate through the drop-down menu to select your MIDI controller.
The controller is added to your TRAKTOR setup.
7. Move a fader or knob on the MIDI controller and observe the MIDI indicator in TRAKTOR'S
header.
Whenever you move anything on the MIDI controller, the MIDI indicator should show activity.
• Connect your microphone to the microphone input of your computer or the audio interface.
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Common TRAKTOR Setups
If you want to apply effects to the microphone signal, you can also select the
microphone channel from the drop-down menu of an unused Deck, for exam-
ple, Input Deck D. Then you need to set the Deck Type to Live Input.
4. If your audio interface provides a gain control, adjust the input gain of your microphone input
channel. Monitor the gain setting with the level meters right to the drop-down selection me-
nus.
5. Close the Preferences.
The microphone is configured.
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Configuring MIDI Controller for Controlling TRAKTOR
This section gives you an overview of the Controller Manager page in the Preferences. At first
you learn how to import controller configuration files. Then you find all necessary information for
configuring your MIDI controller to be used with TRAKTOR.
5. Click OK.
The Preferences dialog shows the Controller Manager page.
6. Select your controller mapping from the Device drop-down menu.
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Configuring MIDI Controller for Controlling TRAKTOR
By default, all MIDI In- and Out-Ports are active per mapping. This can cause unintended behavior
of your whole MIDI setup. The first thing to do is to select the appropriate MIDI device for each
MIDI mapping instead of leaving it on All Ports.
All mappings are concurrently active! If unintended behavior is observed for certain Controls, try to
isolate the problem by disabling all other mappings, which can be done by setting the In- and Out-
Ports to "None."
• Device: Selects a mapping to edit. The selection does not define the active mapping because
all mappings are always active unless you set the In- and Out-Ports to None.
• In-Port: Defines the MIDI In port for the selected mapping. It is set to All by default and should
be changed to your physical MIDI in-port or to a virtual MIDI port.
A virtual MIDI connection can be used to send MIDI data between two applica-
tions on the same computer.
• Out-Port: This defines the MIDI Out port for the selected mapping. It is set to All by default and
should be set to your physical MIDI out-port or to a virtual MIDI port.
• Add...: Opens a drop-down menu with the following options:
• Generic Keyboard: Creates a mapping for assigning computer keyboard keys to TRAK-
TOR Controls.
• Generic MIDI: Creates a mapping for assigning MIDI controls to TRAKTOR Controls.
• Import: Here you can add a mapping to the Device list from your local drive. Mappings that
are already loaded will not be overwritten or deleted. Since this function always creates a
new device, you need to delete the other devices in the list if you do not want to use them at
the same time.
The Add... menu includes all mappings for the devices natively supported by this version of
TRAKTOR.
• Edit...: Opens a drop-down menu with the following options:
• Edit Comment: Adds a comment to the Mapping name. This will appear at the beginning of
the mapping name in the Device drop-down list.
• Duplicate: Makes a copy of the selected mapping.
• Export: Allows you to store the selected mapping as a file on your local drive.
• Delete: Deletes the selected mapping.
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You can sort the Assignment Table by any column if you click on the header of the
column, which is very useful for large mappings. Also adding descriptive comments
for each Control assignment can be very helpful allowing you to sort by the comment
column.
• Control: This is the name of the function assignment. You can add Controls via the Add in...
and Add Out... buttons. A complete list of all Controls and their meaning can be found in sec-
tion Available Controller Types.
• I/O: States if a Control will be used as a MIDI input (from a knob, button, or encoder) or a MIDI
output (to an LED or level meter).
• Use MIDI input Control (In) when you want to assign a TRAKTOR element to an external
MIDI controller element (like a knob on a MIDI controller).
• MIDI output Controls (Out) are mostly used when your controller has the ability to receive
feedback, such as LED output, to show the current state of the software user interface.
• Assignment: Shows the target you have specified in the Assignment drop-down menu un-
der Mapping Details. This can be Deck A to D or Device Target for Deck controls, and Glob-
al for other Controls and modifiers. These settings are explained in the Mapping Details sec-
tion Mapping Details Section.
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Configuring MIDI Controller for Controlling TRAKTOR
• Mode: Shows the interaction mode you have set for a Control under Mapping Details. The
available modes depend on the type of Control (e.g. button, fader/knob, encoder). Interaction
modes are explained in section Mapping Details Section.
• Mapped to: Shows either the source for the Control (input devices) or the target (output devi-
ces).
• Cond1 and Cond2: Display the values of the first and second conditions as set under Map-
ping Details. Modifiers are explained in section Mapping Details Section.
• Comment: You can enter a comment in this field, which is stored with the Control assignment.
The currently selected Control in the list is highlighted in yellow. If there is another Control in the
list and it has the same Control source assigned in the Mapped to column as the selected Control,
this will be highlighted in a darker yellow. This feature is especially useful for debugging large map-
ping lists.
• Learn: Allows you to map the control to the desired knob/button/key by simply turning/pressing/
hitting the relevant input parameter.
The Learn function is available for MIDI Input controllers and HID controls (keyboard, mouse
etc.).
Learn stays enabled until you press this button again. This allows you to assign several con-
trols in one go.
Do not forget to disable Learn when you are finished in order to avoid undesired assignments.
• Assignment Drop-Down menu: Here you can manually assign a control.
This is the only way to assign a MIDI output controller or HID (keyboard, mouse etc.). On the
first level of the drop-down list you choose the MIDI channel (1-16). If no assignment is work-
ing, check which MIDI channel your MIDI controller or HID is set to for sending and receiving
MIDI.
• Reset: Deletes the current assignment.
• Comment: You can enter a comment in this field, which is stored with the Control assignment.
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Configuring MIDI Controller for Controlling TRAKTOR
• Modifier Conditions: A Modifier allows you to define a Control, either a MIDI message or key-
board key (depending on the mapping), to operate another Control depending on one or even
two condition(s).
Each Modifier functions as an If command. In order to execute the Control, each Modifier's Val-
ue condition must be met, and those Modifiers and Value conditions are set here. Once they
have been set, they will appear for that Control in the Assignment Table under the columns
Cond1 and Cond2 (e.g. M1=0).
A Modifier is always restricted to the mapping it is part of. You cannot use a Modifier for any-
thing outside of a mapping. Each mapping can have up to eight Modifiers (M1 to M8).
• Type of Controller: The controller types available here depend on the Control target you have
added to the mapping. For example:
While a Deck's Play/Pause only allows to be mapped to a button, other parameters (like the
Filter Mixer FX Amount knob) can be assigned to knobs and faders. The Interaction Mode and
the Button Options below the Mapping Details section depend on the selected Controller
Type.
• Assignment: The available options are Deck A to Deck D and Device Target for Deck con-
trol, and Global for other Controls and Modifiers.
If you select one of the Decks here, the Control is always routed to this Deck. If you select
Device Target, you can specify the actual target under Device Setup at the top of the Con-
troller Manager page.
Button
Available Interaction modes for buttons:
• Toggle: When you press and release the MIDI button or Key, the TRAKTOR button is enabled,
when you press and release it again, it is disabled.
• Hold: This is the default setting for buttons. The TRAKTOR button will stay pressed as long as
your MIDI button or keyboard key is pressed. If you release the MIDI button/key, the TRAKTOR
button will also be released.
• Invert: Inverts the action. For an input controller this means that the TRAKTOR button is press-
ed when you release the MIDI button or keyboard key and vice versa.
• Direct: When selecting this, you can specify either 0 or 1 in the Button options below. This can
be used if you want a specific MIDI button or Key to always set a certain TRAKTOR button sta-
tus, independently of the current TRAKTOR status. For example: Define a Play/Pause control-
ler for Deck A, set the Interaction mode to Direct and the Value for the Direct mode to 1. Now
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Configuring MIDI Controller for Controlling TRAKTOR
assign a MIDI note or keyboard key to it using MIDI learn. Whatever the current state of the
Deck A Start button is (pressed or not pressed), hitting the defined MIDI button or Key will al-
ways playback the track in Deck A, so if the Start button is not pressed yet, the playback will
start, if it is already playing, nothing will happen.
Button Options
The elements appearing in the Button options are dependent on the Interaction Mode you have set
and in some cases on the actual parameter you edit.
• Value (Direct mode): The available range of numbers can differ and is dependent on the Con-
trol you are editing. Some Controls only allow integers while others allow fractions.
• Invert (Toggle and Hold modes): Inverts the movement of your external Control. For an input
controller this means that the TRAKTOR button is pressed when you release the MIDI button
or keyboard key and vice versa.
• Auto Repeat: Holding down the button will auto repeat that input. This is only available for spe-
cific Controls.
• Resolution: Allows you to adjust (fine or coarse) the increment or decrement of the input. This
is only available for specific Controls such as the buttons below the Deck TEMPO fader.
There are other parameters available in this section. Remember that all parameters appearing
here are pre-defined for each available Control.
Fader/Knob
Faders or knobs can have one of the following Interaction Modes:
• Direct: The position of the external Control always matches the position of the TRAKTOR pa-
rameter.
• Relative: The position of the TRAKTOR parameter can be shifted compared to the external
Control. Relative mode is best suited for incremental knobs (which send -1 and +1 instead of
absolute values). Here are some examples of Relative Interaction mode applications:
• When you can only control a certain portion of the entire range of a parameter, such as the fil-
ter.
• Tempo fader at high resolution. This allows you to press Sync and then fine-control the tem-
po fader at the synched position.
• When you can only control a certain portion of the entire range of a parameter, such as the
filter.
• Relative mode can be used when a knob or fader is shared between different parameters to
avoid skips when switching to the other assignment.
Fader/Knob Options
• Soft Takeover (Direct mode): Enable this to avoid parameter jumps when starting controlling a
parameter.
• Invert (Direct and Relative mode): Inverts the action of your external Control. High fader/knob
values become low values in the TRAKTOR and vice versa.
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Configuring MIDI Controller for Controlling TRAKTOR
Encoder
• Enc.-Mode: You can switch between two types of encoders. 7Fh/01h is standard for most con-
trollers. However if your encoder mapping does not behave as intended (e.g. inverted) or the
mapped parameter reacts too coarsely, it is most likely due to the wrong encoder mode and we
recommend trying the alternate mode (3Fh/41h).
Encoder Options
• Rotary Sensitivity (Relative mode): This defines the speed of the TRAKTOR Control move-
ment. A higher value will make a TRAKTOR fader or knob move faster.
• Rotary Acceleration (Relative mode): It is recommended to set this to 0% for most applica-
tions. We recommend experimenting with this after you have tried the Sensitivity parameter.
The TRAKTOR Control position is influenced by the speed of the external Control movement.
As a side effect, this results in a different value of the TRAKTOR Control if for example you
move a fader up fast and then slowly down to its original position.
• Invert (Direct and Relative mode): Inverts the action of your external Control. High fader/knob
values become low values in TRAKTOR and vice versa.
Procedure
To assign MIDI controls to your MIDI controller:
4. Click Add In... below the Assignment Table to open the drop-down menu.
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Configuring MIDI Controller for Controlling TRAKTOR
5. Select the MIDI Input control from that drop-down menu, for example, Track Deck > Key-
lock On.
The MIDI input control Keylock On is now listed in the Assignment Table.
6. Click Learn to arm the Controller Manager to receive the command of MIDI control type from
the MIDI controller.
7. Use the individual control on your MIDI controller, for example, press Pad 4 on the left S2
Deck.
The MIDI control Keylock On is assigned to Pad 4 on the Left Deck.
8. Select Override factory map to disable the original function of that control type. If you unse-
lect that option, then the control type triggers both the original function and the newly map-
ped function.
9. Repeat the aforementioned steps to assign further MIDI controls to other control types on the
controller.
10. When you are finish, click Learn again to disarm the Controller Manager.
The MIDI controls are assigned to your controller.
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Configuring MIDI Controller for Controlling TRAKTOR
Before you assign individual MIDI controls to your controller, you can use the Setup Wizard to
check whether a mapping file for you MIDI controller is already available:
• To start the Setup Wizard, go to Help > Start Setup Wizard in TRAKTOR's Application
Menu Bar.
• Input controls: Input controls can receive MIDI signals from an external MIDI controller such
as a slider or a knob. For example, you can assign the Play/Pause control to a button on a
MIDI controller and trigger this command with that button. Every Input control also has an Out-
put control counterpart, which can send LED states to a controller for visual feedback. Input
controls are available via the Add In... button in the Assignment Table.
• Output controls: Output controls can send LED states to external hardware for visual feed-
back. For example, you can assign the "Track End Warning" control from the Track Deck con-
trols to a controller LED. This way the controller LED lights up when a track in a Track Deck is
nearby reaching its end. Output controls are available via the Add Out... button in the Assign-
ment Table.
In the screenshot below, you see a TRAKTOR control mapped to a controller both as an input, re-
ceiving signal, and as an output, sending signal. In this example, TRAKTOR's Deck Play/Pause
control receives a MIDI signal from a button on the controller, and it also sends an on-state to the
button's LED when Play/Pause is initiated.
The Play/Pause control added to the mapping both as an input and as an output control.
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Configuring MIDI Controller for Controlling TRAKTOR
15.4.2. Browser
The following table lists the assignable MIDI controls of the Browser.
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Configuring MIDI Controller for Controlling TRAKTOR
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Configuring MIDI Controller for Controlling TRAKTOR
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Configuring MIDI Controller for Controlling TRAKTOR
15.4.4. FX Unit
The following table lists the assignable MIDI controls of the FX Unit.
15.4.5. Global
The following table lists the assignable MIDI controls for global functions.
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Configuring MIDI Controller for Controlling TRAKTOR
15.4.6. Layout
The following table lists the assignable MIDI controls of the user interface layout controls.
15.4.9. Mixer
The following table lists the assignable MIDI controls of the Mixer.
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Configuring MIDI Controller for Controlling TRAKTOR
15.4.10. Modifier
The following table lists the assignable MIDI controls of modifiers.
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Configuring MIDI Controller for Controlling TRAKTOR
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Configuring MIDI Controller for Controlling TRAKTOR
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Configuring MIDI Controller for Controlling TRAKTOR
136
Preferences
16. PREFERENCES
The Preferences provides you with various options to customize specific parts of your TRAKTOR
system. This section describes the Preferences dialog including all options in the corresponding
pages in order of appearance.
Preferences dialog.
(1) Preferences Pages: The customization options are sorted by category and occur in several
tabs in the left column of the Preferences dialog. When connecting an external Native Instruments
controller to your computer (e.g. TRAKTOR KONTROL S2/S4), an additional Preferences page
will appear.
137
Preferences
You will find more information on these Preferences in the corresponding hardware controller man-
ual.
(2) Setup Wizard button: Starts the Setup Wizard for resetting TRAKTOR to a fresh out-of-the-
box configuration.
(3) Import: Allows you to import a TRAKTOR configuration from a TRAKTOR Settings Information
file (.tsi). After selecting the configuration file an Import filter dialog will be displayed allowing you
to choose which settings to be imported.
(4) Export: Allows you to save a TRAKTOR configuration in a TRAKTOR Settings Information file
(.tsi). An Export filter dialog will be displayed allowing you to choose which settings to be exported.
Export/import dialog.
• Keyboard Mappings: Export / import settings for keyboard mappings as configured in Prefer-
ences > Controller Manager.
• Controller Mappings: Export / import settings for Controller Mappings as configured in Prefer-
ences > Controller Manager.
• GUI Layout: Export / import settings for GUI layouts as set in Preferences > Layout Manager.
• File Load- And Write- paths: Export / import settings for file directories as configured in Pref-
erences > File Management > Directories.
• Favorites: Export / import favorite browser details as configured in Preferences > Browser De-
tails.
• Broadcasting: Export / import Proxy, Server and Metadata settings from Preferences > Broad-
casting.
• Audio Device Settings: Export / import audio setup device details from Preferences > Audio
Setup.
• MIDI Clock settings: Export / import MIDI clock setting from Preferences > MIDI Clock.
• Effect Settings: Export / import effects setting including FX Unit routing, FX Unit mode and FX
pre-selection as configured in Preferences > Effects.
• Other Preferences and setting: Export / import all other preference and settings such as
Global settings for example, Tooltips on or off, or if TRAKTOR starts in Fullscreen mode etc.
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Audio Setup
• Audio Device: Allows you to select the external audio interface. If no external audio interface
is selected, you can always select the built-in sound card as the audio device.
• Sample Rate: Allows you to select a sample rate according to the audio interface. Note that
higher sample rates require more CPU load. The standard sample rate is at 44.1 kHz which is
also used by audio by CDs.
• Buffer Size: Determines the size of the audio data packages which are sent to and processed
by the CPU. The higher the buffer size, the longer it takes for a signal to finally arrive at the
output as audio. We recommend a value between 256 and 512.
• Latency: Displays the calculated latency values determined by the Sample Rate and Buffer
Size. Lower latency values are better but require more CPU load. A value too low can lead to
audio dropouts, artifacts, or other unwanted behavior. Start with a latency setting of around 15
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Phono / Line
• Input Channel: Enables you to switch the Input channel from Phono to Line mode on a Na-
tive Instruments AUDIO 4 DJ and AUDIO 8 DJ Interface. This is necessary when switching
from using from turntables to CD players.
Routing
• Swap Channels: Enables you to reroute channels (swap channel pairs) from your audio inter-
face within TRAKTOR. This is useful for rerouting channels without physically swapping leads
on your audio hardware.
Built-in Soundcard
• Win Built-In: Allows you to select the internal soundcard as fallback. This will be the sound-
card used by your system in case your Audio Device set in the Audio Setup section will be re-
moved.
Multi-Core
• Enable Multi-Core Processor Support: When enabled, the CPU load can be brought down
for demanding tasks such as running Keylock on all Decks. The function must be disabled,
when running a second real-time application on the same computer.
The audio routing is usually automatically configured for all TRAKTOR KONTROL
controllers, certified controllers, and audio interfaces.
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• Input Deck A / B / C / D: Selects an input pair for incorporating the audio signal from an exter-
nal audio device.
• Input FX Send (Ext): Selects an input pair for using send effects.
• Input Aux: Selects an input pair for the auxiliary input. This is only available when Internal Mix-
ing Mode is selected in the Output Routing page.
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• LINK: if selected the LINK is displayed in the Master Control panel. Use this option for con-
necting to external devices using Ableton LINK connection.
• EXT: If selected the LINK is replaced by the EXT. Use this option for connecting to external
devices using MIDI connection.
• Enable MIDI Clock: If this option is checked, the Master Control panel extends providing you
additional MIDI Clock controls.
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Timecode Inputs
The control signal Scopes give you a visual idea of the quality of the Timecode Control signal.
Tracking
• Track Start Position: Selects the start position of the tracking between 0 min and 10 min. This
is useful if you want to sticker your record with a lead-in sticker, or the beginning of your control
record is worn out or scratched.
• Turntable Speed: Selects 45 RPM handling mode for the control record. This option requires
to also select 45 RPM Playback on the connected turntable. When unchecked, 33 RPM is the
default.
• Tracking Alert: When selected TRAKTOR gives visual feedback if the Timecode Control signal
quality becomes bad. In this case the tracking buttons start flashing in red. While the red flash-
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ing is normal when you move the record back and forth, if the red flashing occurs during normal
forward playback, you probably have dust under the needle.
• Load next track when flipping record: With this option checked, you can load the next track
of any Playlist by flipping the record.
• Use playlist scrolling zone: With this option, you can enable Playlist Scrolling. For example,
skipping to CD Track 3 allows you to scroll up and down through your Playlist by manually spin-
ning the Jog Wheel on your CD player.
• Switch to Absolute mode in lead-in: Check this option if you want the Tracking mode to
switch to Absolute Mode when placing the needle in the Lead-In of the Timecode vinyl or skip
to the first track of the Timecode CD.
• Switch to Absolute mode when loading: Check this option if you want the Tracking mode
always to switch to Absolute Mode when loading a track.
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Loading
• Loading only into stopped Deck: Prevents loading into a playing Deck and therefore stops
you from accidentally loading a track into the wrong Deck.
• Stop playback at end of track: Stops the playback of a Deck when a track is at its end.
• Duplicate Deck when loading same track: If a track is currently loaded into a Deck, you can
directly copy the track and its playback position by using drag and drop from the Deck Heading
to another Deck.
• Load next at end of track: Enables TRAKTOR to automatically load the next track from the
current Playlist. Switching to another Playlist during playback does not activate another Playlist.
• Initially Cue to Load Marker: With this enabled, a track will automatically cue to an establish-
ed Load Marker when it is loaded.
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• Activate Fade & Fade Out Markers: Allows the use of Fade In and Fade Out Markers for au-
tomatic crossfades between tracks.
• Cruise Loops Playlist: This option affects the Cruise mode. With this option checked, TRAK-
TOR will repeat the Playlist from the beginning when the end of the list is reached.
Resetting Controls
• Reset all Deck controls when loading track: Resets all Deck controls to their default value
when a track is loaded.
• Reset all mixer controls when loading track: Resets all mixer controls to their default value
when a track is loaded.
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Tempo
• Set Tempo Range To: Determines a global tempo range for all Tempo faders to define the
maximum amount you can increase or decrease tempo. The available values are 2 %, 4 %,
6 %, 8 %, 10 %, 12 %, 14 %, 16 %, 18 %, 20 %, 25 %, 35 %, 50 % and 100 %. If you choose a
range of 100 % you are able to perform a full stop of a track.
• Current Tempo Range: Displays the current tempo range for the Tempo Fader of each Deck.
Tempo Bend
• Sensitivity: Adjusts the sensitivity of the Tempo Bend function. The value range of the slider is
0–200 %. By default the Sensitivity is set to 100%.
• Tempo Bend Progressive Sensitivity: When unselected, using the Tempo bend buttons
slightly increases or decreases the tempo as long as one of the Tempo bend buttons are
used. When selected, using the Tempo bend buttons let the tempo progressively speed-up or
slow-down as long as the Tempo bend buttons are used.
Sync Mode
There are two methods for synchronizing tracks: TempoSync and BeatSync.
• TempoSync: Maintains tempo-only synchronization between the tracks. The phase of the
Decks will be aligned when the SYNC button is used. If the phase of the Decks are shifted,
SYNC will turn dim. The tempos will remain synced in this mode.
• BeatSync: Forces tempo and phase synchronization between the tracks. The phase of the
Decks will be aligned when the SYNC button is used. If the phase of the tracks are shifted
manually, for example, by Scratching or holding a Deck in the stopped position, SYNC will turn
dim, but TRAKTOR will re-align the phase of the tracks when the Deck plays normally again
when you release the record or Jog Wheel.
This concept allows you, even if you are using TRAKTOR SCRATCH, to keep your tracks tempo-
matched, and also raise the tempo of two or more tracks simultaneously, even if their phases are
shifted.
Auto Master Mode: There are two options for enabling Tempo Master ability for the Remix Deck,
and for restricting assignment of the Tempo Master to Decks that are on air:
• Remix Decks can be Tempo Master: With this option enabled, Remix Decks will behave in a
standard Deck manner, i.e., they can become your Tempo Master throughout a mix. If you wish
for Remix Decks to never be the Tempo Master, disable this option.
• Only On-Air Decks can be Tempo Master: When deactivated, a Deck can only become the
Tempo Master automatically if it's loaded and playing. Therefore, if you stop the current Tempo
Master, TRAKTOR will find the next playing Deck and assign it as the Tempo Master.
When activated, it will be mandatory that the playing Deck is audible in the master output in
order to become Tempo Master.
You might prefer having this option turned on as it will ensure that the Tempo Master is always
a track that you can hear, so there is no risk of synced Decks following the tempo of a Deck
that cannot be heard.
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However, in some cases, especially when performing scratch routines, you will prefer to leave
this preference turned off. That way, you can perform scratch routines (which includes turning
the volume down on certain Decks without either the channel faders or the crossfader) with
TRAKTOR assigning the Tempo Master to a different Deck.
Key Lock
The Key Lock Modes determine the range in which the Key Lock function operates if activated in
the Decks.
• Scratch: Key Lock gets disabled when playback speed is below -30 % or above +50 %. When
doing scratch routines with Timecode media or Jog Wheels, this leads to a more natural
scratch sound.
• Normal: Key Lock is enabled within the full tempo range.
Loops
• Auto-Detect Size: Determines the size beneath which a track is automatically detected as loop
and therefore will be looped automatically. An automatically detected loop will show the green
loop markers at the beginning and end in the Waveform/Stripe.
Play Count
• Min. Playtime: Determines the time that must to be exceeded until a track is marked as played
and therefore is added to the history Playlist for this session. When the minimum playtime is
reached, the track is displayed with the Checkmark icon, which marks it as played. Also, its
Play Count is raised.
Beat Counter
• Bars per Phrase: Determines how many bars a phrase shall contain. A bar consists of 4
beats. This setting influences directly the Beats and Beats to Cue options in Preferences >
Decks > Deck Heading.
Mouse Control
The following options affect the behavior of the detailed waveform when clicking it with the mouse.
The following modes are available:
• Vinyl: When enabled, clicking the waveform stops the track like putting your hand on a record
on a turntable. Holding the mouse and dragging back and forth works like scratching or spin-
ning a record.
• Snap: When enabled, the mouse arrow will always snap to the beat of the loaded track.
If you click inside the waveform the play position jumps to the beat next to where you clicked
and the playback stops.
Clicking in the waveform and holding the mouse button while the Deck is paused works like the
Cue button.
Right-clicking on the waveform works like the Deck Play button.
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Deck Flavor
• A, B, C, D: Selects the current Deck Type for each Deck. Track Deck, Remix Deck, STEM
Deck, or Live Input.
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Deck Layout
• Size A & B, Size C & D: Switch between Micro, Small, Essential, Full or Advanced Decks to
save screen space. Micro and Small Decks do not show the Waveform and Advanced Con-
trols. Select Advanced Decks to make Advanced Controls visible.
• Show Deck C & D: Displays Decks C and D. If unchecked, Decks C and D are hidden and
muted, except for Live Input flavor which will stay live even if Decks C and D are hidden.
Tempo Fader
• Here you can determine on which Decks the Tempo Fader is enabled and visible.
Platter / Scope
• Here you can switch between Minimized, Platter, and Scope panels to be visible in the Decks
when using TRAKTOR SCRATCH. You may also turn the panels off.
Scratch Panels are only available if TRAKTOR SCRATCH and the required hard-
ware are installed.
Miscellaneous
• Grid Mode: Switches the view of the Beatmarker from Full, Dim, Ticks and Invisible.
• Show Minute Markers: Switches the Minute Markers in the Stripes on or off.
• Show Bar Markers: Switches the Bar Markers in the Waveforms on or off.
• Color Mode: Select from four waveforms Ultraviolet, Infrared, X-Ray, and Spectrum.
Deck Header
• Show Cover Art: Switches the Cover Art icon in the Deck Headers on or off.
• Show Phase Meter: Switches the Phase Meters in the Decks on or off.
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Deck Header
• Top Row / Middle Row / Bottom Row: Here you can choose which information for a loaded
track will be shown in the Deck Header. There are three fields per three rows available. The top
row is displayed larger and the bottom row smaller, so you can sort the information by impor-
tance.
Advanced Tabs
• A, B, C, D: For each Deck, select the Advanced Panel page to be displayed when the Ad-
vanced Panel is opened.
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Miscellaneous
• Track End Warning: Determines the point in time when the track end warning will begin. When
the playback position on the Track Deck reaches the set Track End Warning time the Stripe will
flash red indicating the track is about to end. The timescale of the Track End Warning ranges
from 0 to 120 seconds.
• PlayMarker Position: Determines the playhead position in the Waveform. The playhead indi-
cates the current playback position within a track. At value 0 the playhead position is at the far
left, at value 50 it is in the middle (default position), and at value 100 it is at the far right.
• Stripe View Fit: Determines the Stripe view either from the length of the Record (timecode
media) or to the actual length of the loaded Track. The Record will represent the whole Stripe
view even if the loaded track is shorter. Track is selected by default.
• Default Zoom: Determines the default Zoom level of the Waveform view on the Track Decks. A
value of -1.00 will zoom out as far possible and likewise a value of +1.00 will zoom in as close
as possible. Once the default value is set the Track Decks will maintain this view each time
they are used. Alternatively, you may use the + and - symbols on the waveform display itself to
alter the zoom view.
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• Show Volume Fader: Determines if the Slot Volume controls are visible or hidden in the Remix
Deck.
• Show Filter Fader: Determines if the Filter fader controls are visible or hidden in the Remix
Deck.
• Permanently Show Slot Indicators: Determines if the minimized Slot Parameter indicators
are permanently visible or not in the Remix Deck. When checked, minimized Slot Parameter
indicators are always visible in the Sample Slots. When unchecked, the minimized Slot Param-
eter indicators are hidden. In both cases, the Slot Parameter buttons will always appear when
hovering the mouse pointer over the Sample Slots.
• Set Auto-Gain When Loading Samples: Determines if TRAKTOR should use the Auto-Gain
value stored in a Sample when it is loaded into the Remix Deck. When this option is un-
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checked, TRAKTOR will leave the Sample's gain at 0.0 dB, thus, playing the Sample at its orig-
inal level. When checked, TRAKTOR will adjust the gain level as specified by the Auto-Gain
level in the Sample so that it plays at an almost maximum volume (matching the level of other
Samples that were loaded with Auto-Gain).
Behaviors
• Auto-Enable Deck Play on Sample Trigger: With this option enabled, TRAKTOR will force
the Remix Deck's Play button to the on state whenever you trigger a Sample, even if the Deck
had been previously stopped. When this option is disabled, triggering Samples will have no ef-
fect on the Remix Deck's Play button, allowing you to select the Sample before starting play-
back of the entire Deck.
• One-Shot Samples Ignore Punch Mode: With this option enabled, Samples in One-shot
mode will ignore the setting of Punch mode, they will always play starting from the beginning.
When this option is disabled, Samples in One-shot mode will follow the rules of Punch mode:
they will start playing from a location corresponding to the phase/location of the previously
playing Sample.
• One-Shot Samples Ignore Quantize Mode: With this option enabled, Samples in One-shot
mode will ignore the setting of the Remix Deck's Quantize mode.
Saving
• Auto-Save Edited Remix Sets: When this option is enabled, TRAKTOR will automatically
save the current Remix Set when you initiate actions that will alter the current contents of the
Remix Deck.
When initiating Auto-Save, you will not be presented with any dialogs. If the Remix
Set already exists in the Track Collection, the older version will be automatically
overwritten.
When this option is unchecked, TRAKTOR will not attempt to save edited Remix Sets in the above
conditions. Instead, TRAKTOR will simply discard all changes made. This can be the preferred
workflow if you want your Remix Sets to always start from the same state for each performance,
regardless of what you did to them during a previous performance.
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EQ / Filter Selection
• EQ Type: Selects the EQ type to be controlled using the internal Mixer. You can choose be-
tween six alternative EQ Types, which differ from each other in their sound and features:
• Classic: The standard three-band TRAKTOR EQ.
• P600: This three-band EQ model references older DJ mixers by a Japanese manufacturer.
• NUO: This three-band EQ model references a line of DJ mixers by a Spanish manufacturer.
• Xone: This EQ model references a line of DJ mixers by a British manufacturer. It adds an
additional mid setting for a total of four EQ-bands. Note that this additional band may not be
accessible from your controller.
• Z ISO: This is the same three-band EQ as found in the new TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 DJ
mixer. It is a full kill isolator EQ with a 24 db/octave slope, and sharply cuts the respective
frequency band when turned fully counterclockwise.
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• P800: This three-band EQ model references more recent DJ mixers by a Japanese manu-
facturer.
• Filter Type: Selects the Filter type to be controlled using the internal Mixer.
• Ladder: The Ladder filter concept is commonly associated with classic synthesizers. It of-
fers a steep response and a lot of resonance.
• Xone: This filter is modeled after a line of DJ mixers by a British manufacturer. It has a
more mellow slope and less resonance.
• Z: This is the same filter model as found in the new TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 DJ-mixer. It is
a steep filter, but it does not have as much resonance as the Ladder model.
Mixer FX
• Mixer FX Slot 1, 2, 3, 4: Preselect one of seven available Mixer FX for each of the Mixer FX
slots: Reverb, Dual Delay, Noise, Time Gater, Flanger, Shepard, and Barber Pole.
Crossfader
• Auto Crossfade Time: Adjusts the amount of time for the auto crossfade function to crossfade
between tracks.
• Smooth/Sharp: Adjusts the crossfader curve from Smooth to Sharp.
Mixer Layout
• EQ + Fader: Shows or hides the EQ controls and the Channel faders from the internal Mixer.
• Filter + Key + Gain + Cue + Balance: Shows or hides the Filter, Key, Gain, Cue, and Balance
controls from the internal Mixer.
• Crossfader: Shows or hides the crossfader from the internal Mixer.
• Enable Autogain: When you enable this option, TRAKTOR adjusts the gain for the incoming
audio signals automatically.
• Enable Limiter: Enables the Limiter to prevent clipping of the outgoing audio signal. You can
also access this option directly from the Master Control panel.
• Limiter Type: Selects the Limiter type Classic or Transparent from the drop-down menu.
• Classic allows a slight digital distortion of the signal.
• Transparent compresses the signal in a less audible way.
• Headroom: Here you can define the size of the headroom by selecting one of the values from
the drop-down menu. Select from None, -3dB, -6dB, -9dB, or -12dB. When None is selected,
there is no additional headroom before the audio signal starts clipping. When a specific value is
selected, there is additional headroom in the relevant size before the signal starts clipping.
• Apply Headroom to Channel Meters: When this setting is enabled the current headroom set-
ting is visually reflected by the Channel Meter LEDs in the Mixer channels.
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• Enable Master Volume Control: Enables the Master Volume control in the software. When
you use the MAIN knob in the software, then you can adjust the levels for all outgoing audio
signals at once.
• Enable EQ + GAIN: Enables the EQ and GAIN controls in the Mixer channels in the software.
When you use the EQ and GAIN controls, then you can individually adjust the EQ and GAIN
values for the outgoing audio signals.
• Enable Mixer FX: Enables the Mixer FX controls in the software. You can then apply TRAK-
TOR's Mixer FX to the outgoing audio signals.
• Enable Autogain: When you enable this option, TRAKTOR adjusts the gain for the incoming
audio signals automatically.
• Limiter Type: Selects the Limiter type Classic or Transparent from the drop-down menu.
• Classic allows a slight digital distortion of the signal.
• Transparent compresses the signal in a less audible way.
• Enable Limiter: Enables the Limiter to prevent clipping of the outgoing audio signal. You can
also access this option directly from the Master Control panel.
• Headroom: Here you can define the size of the headroom by selecting one of the values from
the drop-down menu. Select from None, -3dB, -6dB, -9dB, or -12dB. When None is selected,
there is no additional headroom before the audio signal starts clipping. When a specific value is
selected, there is additional headroom in the relevant size before the signal starts clipping.
• Apply Headroom to Channel Meters: When this setting is enabled the current headroom set-
ting is visually reflected by the Channel Meter LEDs in the Mixer channels.
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Global Section
Miscellaneous
• Fullscreen Resolution: Determines the zoom factor of TRAKTOR’s fullscreen view. If set to
Desktop, TRAKTOR uses the native resolution of your computer 1:1. When choosing another
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option, the full screen view appears larger (zoomed in) because TRAKTOR assumes a lower
screen resolution. The available options depend on your hardware.
• Switch to Fullscreen on Startup: With this selected, TRAKTOR will open in full screen mode
(maximizing the TRAKTOR window) each time it is started.
• Show Tooltips: Enable or disable Tools Tips. If you would like to familiarize yourself with
TRAKTOR we recommend you enable Tool Tips as they provide a short descriptions of inter-
face.
• Deck Focus: Select control of the visual Deck Focus from the following menu:
Software: Enable Software control of Deck Focus.
Hardware: Enable Hardware control of Deck Focus.
None: Disable Deck Focus.
• Show value when over control: With this option checked, knobs like Gain, Master Volume, or
the Effects’ knobs show their actual value when hovering over it.
• Enable Deck Header Warnings: When enabled, TRAKTOR informs you of important deck re-
lated warning messages directly through the Deck Headers. With the Deck Header Warnings
disabled, TRAKTOR's status bar will still display warnings.
• Reset Hidden Dialogs: Resets all dialogs that have been hidden by clicking on the “Don’t
Show This Again” checkbox.
Usage Data
Usage Data Tracking can be disabled / enabled at any time, allowing you to decide exactly when
you wish to share anonymous data.
• Read more...: Opens your web browser and directs you to more information about Usage Data
Tracking on the Native Instruments website.
• Yes, enable Usage Data Tracking: This checkbox enables Usage Data tracking.
• No, I don't want to contribute: This checkbox disables Usage Data tracking.
For more information on Usage Data Tracking, refer to the knowledge-base https://support.native-
instruments.com/hc/en-us/articles/209545029.
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Effects page.
FX Unit Routing
• FX1, FX2, FX3, FX4: The values in the drop-down menus determine if the FX Unit is routed as
Insert, Send, or Post Fader effect.
Insert: In Insert mode, the FX Unit is inserted into the signal chain right before the channel fil-
ter. The balance of the direct signal (Dry) and effect signal (Wet) is controlled by the D/W-knob
in the FX Unit.
Send: In Send mode, the FX Unit becomes independent from TRAKTOR’s internal signal flow.
The FX Unit receives input externally from one of the inputs of the audio interface as selected
in Preferences > Input Routing. The FX Unit sends its output to one of the Outputs of the audio
interface, as selected in Preferences > Output Routing. Only one audio interface input and out-
put is supported. If you use more than one send effect, they are chained in the order 1-2-3-4.
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Post Fader: In Post Fader mode, the FX Unit is inserted into the signal chain after the chan-
nel's volume fader so it will still be audible when turning down the volume on a channel. The
balance of the direct signal (Dry) and effect signal (Wet) is controlled by the D/W-knob in the
FX Unit. Post Fader effects are not available in External Mixer mode.
• 2 FX Units / 4 FX Units: Switches between 2 FX Units or 4 FX Units to be available in the
Global Section.
• Restore parameters when switching FX: When this option is checked, the FX Units parame-
ters are restored to their default settings when switching FX in FX Units.
FX Panel Mode
• FX1, FX2, FX3, FX4: The values in the drop-down menus determine the FX Mode for the FX
Unit.
Single: The Single FX mode provides a more detailed control over one selected effect.
Group: The Group FX mode gives you control of up to three selected effects in one FX Unit.
FX Pre-Selection
TRAKTOR provides a vast range of FX. You can create a personal selection of all available effects
to narrow down the FX appearing in the Effect Selector of the FX Units.
• Add: You can add the selected FX from the Pre-Selected Effects column to the Available Ef-
fects column with a click on Add.
• Remove: You can remove the selected FX from the Available Effects column to the Pre-Se-
lected Effects column with a click on Remove.
• Up / Down: Let you move the selected FX in the Pre-Selected Effects column up or down.
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Source
• Source: Selects the recording source, either the Internal source to record from TRAKTOR’s
internal Master output or the Extenal to record an external audio source like a turntable, micro-
phone, or from your external hardware mixer.
• External Input: Selects the input channel from which TRAKTOR will record external audio.
File
• Directory: Determines the file path in which your audio recordings are stored.
• Prefix: Here you can enter a prefix to be added to the filename of each recording.
• Split File at Size: With a file size selected, your audio recordings will be split each time the file
size is reached. The maximum file size is 2048 MB.
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Latency
• Rec. Latency: Adjust the recording latency of the Loop Recorder if in External mixer mode.
Overdubbing
• LoopDecay: Adjust the percentage of how long it takes for recorded audio to fade out when
overdubbing.
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Proxy Settings
If connecting to the Internet through a Proxy, you can configure TRAKTOR to use your Proxy set-
tings:
• Custom: Use this option if you want to add your own custom Proxy Settings.
• Default: Select this option to use the same Proxy Settings from your computer as the Proxy in
TRAKTOR.
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Server Settings
Use this menu to configure TRAKTOR to use your server.
Refer to the help section of your operating system for information on how to find
your computer's IP address.
• Port: Enter the Port number. Most servers use the default port number setting of 8000.
• Mount Path: Enter the mount path (a specific directory) you want your listeners to connect to.
This is useful when broadcasting two events on the same server.
• Password: Enter the password of your server.
• Format: Select the sound quality you want to broadcast. Higher resolutions will require more
bandwidth. Use an appropriate setting for your connection.
Metadata Settings
In this section you can configure metadata for your broadcasting stream. This is the information
your listeners will see.
• Stream URL: Represents the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) you are broadcasting on and
the URL you should give to your listeners.
• Stream Name: Represents the title of your broadcast to be displayed.
• Stream Description: Represents a description for your broadcast to be displayed.
• Stream Genre: Represents the genre of music you broadcast.
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Editing
• Allow Inline Editing in List Window: If checked, you can edit metadata of your music files by
double-clicking them in the Track List. With this option unchecked, editing track tags in the
Track List is not allowed to prevent unwanted changes, for example, during a live situation.
• Font & Font Size: Selects the font and the font size for the Browser.
• List Row Height: Determines the list row height in the Track List.
Browser Details
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• Show Playlist Favorites: Shows or hides the Browser Favorites on top of the Track List.
• Show Track Info: Shows or hides the track info bar.
• Show Status Bar/Error Messages: Shows or hides the Status Bar. This area also displays er-
ror messages.
Layout Manager
• Change Name: Here you can type in a name for the selected Layout.
• Rename: Verifies your entry.
• Personal Layouts: Lists all stored Layouts. A click on the Layout activates it. The active layout
is marked with Active in the first column. The order in this list also defines the order of layouts
in the Layout Selector of TRAKTOR’s Header.
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File Management
• Import Music-Folders at Startup: With this selected, each time TRAKTOR is started, it will
automatically import all tracks in your Music Folder that have not already been imported.
• Determine track-time automatically (before analysis): With this option checked TRAKTOR
estimates the track-time before analyzing it.
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• Analyze new imported tracks: Performs an automatic analysis of all new tracks when impor-
ted into the Track Collection.
• Analyze new tracks when loading into deck: Triggers the analysis only when loading a track
into a Deck. The Status bar at the bottom of TRAKTOR will provide visual feedback on analysis
progress and alert you if there is a problem. Analyzing the tracks on demand possibly avoids
CPU load problems with a permanent background analysis.
Analysis generates high CPU load. Due to lower prioritization of the analysis
process there is no risk of slowdowns for TRAKTOR itself, but when using addi-
tional software along with TRAKTOR, you may note that the software performs
slower than usual.
• Save created Loops and Samples automatically: Automatically saves the Loops and Sam-
ples you created in TRAKTOR for later use.
• Show Consistency Check Report on Startup: With this selected, the Consistency Check Re-
port will be displayed each time you start TRAKTOR. This report displays information about
your Track Collection and gives options to manage it.
• Do not write any tags to files: When selected TRAKTOR does not write any tags to the files.
• Only write custom Traktor tags: When selected TRAKTOR only writes custom tags to the
files.
• Write all tags to files: When selected TRAKTOR writes all tags into files.
Directories
These settings define TRAKTOR’s directories. The directories can be changed by using the …!
button and selecting the path of the preferred folder. Using the reset buttons set the directories
back to the defaults.
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Preferences
Music Folders
If you want to use your own music folder structure you can add your music folders in this list.
TRAKTOR can automatically import all music files stored within this Music Folder.
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Preferences
BPM Detection
• BPM Range: Selects the minimum and maximum beats per minute (BPM) values of the tracks
you are going to analyze.
This will help TRAKTOR’s BPM-analysis find the correct BPM value when analyzing. The Au-
tomatic setting uses artificial intelligence techniques to help improve the tempo and downbeat
results. For example, Drum and Bass tracks will have tempos in the 170BPM range instead of
85BPM.
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Preferences
• Set Beatgrid when detecting BPM: By checking this option, TRAKTOR will place a Beatgrid
on the track and will align it to the nearest downbeat. If the track already contains a Beatgrid,
TRAKTOR will move it, if necessary, to the nearest downbeat.
• Store Beatmarker as Hotcue: When TRAKTOR analyzes a track it creates a Beatmarker as
reference for the Beatgrid. With this option enabled the Beatmarker is also available for use as
a Hotcue. Disable this option to prevent accidental erasure; as a result, you will not be able to
use the Beatmarker as a Hotcue.
Musical Key
TRAKTOR automatically detects a track’s key which can be displayed in TRAKTOR as well as be
written into the metadata of the track. The following settings are available:
• Displayed in Traktor: Selects the notation to be displayed in the Key column of the Browser.
This option can be changed at any time and will change the way all Keys are displayed in
TRAKTOR. Available notations are: Musical, Musical (all sharps), Open Key.
• Written to File Tags: Selects the notation to be written into the metadata of a track file itself so
that the notation information can be used in third party software applications. Available nota-
tions are: Musical, Musical (all sharps), Open Key, Key Text.
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Preferences
• Device Setup: Allows you to create multiple mappings for your computer keyboard, MIDI con-
trollers, and some HID devices.
• Assignment Table: Lists all assignments for the mapping that is selected in Device. All map-
ped devices are active at the same time, not just the selected mapping.
• Device Mapping: Allows you to map TRAKTOR controls to desired control elements of a MIDI
device.
• Mapping Details: allows to make customization to mapped TRAKTOR controls i.e the Modifier
Conditions and the Interactions Mode.
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Effect Reference
In this section you will find an overview of all 40 Effects contained in TRAKTOR.
17.1. Delay
This is the classic tempo-synced Delay with Freeze button. The rate of the Delay is directly con-
trolled by the Master Clock of TRAKTOR to ensure that the Delay syncs to the beat even during
tempo changes.
Single Mode
• FILTER: Internal carbonized high pass and low pass filter (similar to a bandpass filter). The fil-
ter is open when the knob is in full left position and progressively cuts out low and high fre-
quencies when turned to the right.
• FEEDB (Feedback): Controls the strength of the delay’s feedback, making the effect stronger
and more colorful. Min: low feedback, Max: strong feedback.
• RATE: Controls the Delay time. The 7 available values are expressed in fractions of bars, and
are equally distributed over the range of the knob. Min—Max: 1/32, 1/16, 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 3/8,
4/4.
The Rate knob continues to work in Freeze mode and allows interesting mash-ups. It is important,
though, to turn the knob down to low values only briefly because otherwise the buffer will empty.
The effect rate can be switched during operation without any crackles or glitches in
audio!
Even in Freeze mode the Delay follows the Master Clock and will therefore seam-
lessly merge into the mix once released.
• FRZ (Freeze): Freezes the Delay by closing the input and turning up the Feedback to maxi-
mum value. The filter remains active in the feedback loop. For endless freezes, the FILTER
knob has to be therefore turned down to full left position.
• SPRD (Stereo Spread): Creates an offset between the delay times of the left and right channel
giving the effect of spatial depth. The Delay times are: L Min—Max: 1/32, 1/16, 1/8, 3/16, 2/4,
3/8, 4/4 R Min—Max: 1/32, 1/8, 3/16, 3/8, 3/8, 2/4, 4/4.
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Effect Reference
17.2. Reverb
Classic Reverb with extreme room sizes, individual low and high pass filter controls, and Freeze
function.
Single Mode
• HP: High Pass filter in the effect loop—fully open when turned to the left.
• LP: Low Pass filter in the effect loop—fully open when turned to the right.
• SIZE: Controls the size of the added reverb, ranging from small to vast room sizes.
• FRZ (Freeze): Freezes the Reverb by closing the input and leaving the output open.
17.3. Flanger
A Classic Flanger with tempo based and free running rate control and stereo phasing.
Single Mode
• SPRD (Stereo Spread): Creates a stereo spread effect by controlling the phase offset between
the left and right stereo channel. Min: no phase offset, Max: maximum phase offset (1/2 period)
• FEEDB (Feedback): Controls the amount of the Flanger’s feedback, making the effect stronger
and more colorful. Min: no feedback, Max: maximum feedback
• RATE: Controls the rate of Flanger oscillation. The 11 available values are expressed in frac-
tions of bars, and are equally distributed over the range of the knob. Max—Min: 16 bars, 8
bars, 4 bars, 2 bars, 4/4, 2/4, 3/8, 1/4, 3/16, 1/8, 1/16.
• UP: When pressed the direction of the oscillation is inverted, starting with the lowest frequency,
and moves upward.
• FR.R: Enables continuous rate control, independent from tempo and ranges from 30 sec (Max)
to 1/30 sec (Min).
• LFO RESET (Master panel): Resets the oscillation and restarts at the lowest or highest point,
according to the status of DN/UP.
The LFO RESET button in the Master panel resets the low frequency oscillation
phase to zero (highest point).
• The knob controls the rate of the up and down oscillation of the flanging sound. The knob
behaves like the RATE knob in Single mode with Freerun activated.
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Effect Reference
Has the most effect on music with gaps in it, such as drum loops, because the self-oscillation can
develop best in empty parts of the music.
Single Mode
• SHAPE: Controls the shape of the Flanger Pulse. The range of the controller bears a multitude
of patterns and morphs between them for continuously new sound effects. Explore the range of
this knob in combination with the FEEDB and the AMNT knob and store the preset whenever
you like it.
• FEEDB (Feedback): Controls the strength of the Flanger’s feedback making the effect stronger
and more colorful. Min: low feedback, Max: strong feedback
• AMNT (Amount): The knob has two operating zones on the left and the right side of the center
position and controls the modulation amount of the Flanger frequency.
• FB- (Inverted Feedback): Only passes uneven harmonics, making the flanging effect sound
deeper in frequency.
• SPR (Stereo Spread): Creates an offset between the flanging effect of the right and left stereo
channel giving the effect of spatial depth.
Single Mode
• FEEDB (Feedback): Controls the amount of the Flanger’s feedback, making the effect stronger
and more colorful. Min: low feedback, Max: strong feedback.
• PITCH: Controls the pitch of the effect. The center position of the knob is neutral, to either side
the flanging effect moves from high to low frequencies.
• FB- (Inverted Feedback): Only passes uneven harmonics making the flanging effect sound
deeper in frequency.
• SPR (Stereo Spread): Creates an offset between the flanging effect of the right and left stereo
channel, giving the effect of spatial depth.
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Effect Reference
17.6. Gater
The Gater rhythmically mutes parts of the audio at adjustable rates. The Master Clock controls the
rate and the moment in time of muting. A hissing noise can be added to the Gater for emphasizing
the rhythmical pattern.
In order for the Gater to match the beats in the music, it is absolutely necessary that your tracks
have well aligned Beatgrids and that the Master Clock follows the track tempo in Auto Mode.
Single Mode
• NOISE (Noise Level): Controls the amount of hissing noise added to the Gate. Min: No added
hissing, Max: Much added hissing.
• SHAPE: Controls the shape of the Gate. Min—Center: 1 % Hold, 0 % Decay—50 % Hold, 0 %
Decay Center—Max: 50 % Hold, 0 % Decay—0 % Hold, 100 % Decay.
• RATE: Controls the rate of the Gater. The 5 available values are expressed in fractions of bars,
and are equally distributed over the range of the knob. Min—Max: Off—1/4—1/8—1/16—1/32.
• MTE (Mute): Fully mutes the music and passes only the added hissing noise.
Activating MTE in combination with no added Noise Level results in no audio output.
• STT (Stutter): Activates 3/16 gating time for producing a stuttering effect.
17.7. Beatmasher 2
The Beatmasher 2 is a buffer-based effect that captures a short loop from the current audio materi-
al and mashes it up.
Single Mode
• ON: When turning on the effect it samples one bar or audio based on the tempo of the master
clock. To sample a new piece of audio, turn the effect off and then back on.
The effect has to be started in off mode and then turned on to sample the current audio.
• GATE: Combined controller for different ways of mixing and gating the sampled material:
• In full left position bypasses the effect. From full left to centre mixes in progressively bigger
chunks of the buffered audio.
• In centre position just plays the buffered audio. From center to full right position cuts out
progressively bigger chunks of audio like a gater.
• ROT (Rotate): Shifts the sampled audio relative to its original position in steps of 1/8 notes. At
minimum Length, the Rotate knob continuously rotates the sample.
• LEN (Length): Controls the length of the audio played back from the buffer.
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Effect Reference
• WRP (Warp): Re-syncs the effect on each bar for more musical results.
• REV (Reverse): Reverses the playback direction of the buffered audio samples.
17.8. Delay T3
Classical tempo-synced Delay with a Freeze button. The Rate of the Delay is directly controlled by
TRAKTOR’s Master Clock to ensure that the Delay syncs to the beat also during tempo changes.
Single Mode
• FILTER: Internal high pass filter and low pass filter (similar to a band pass filter). The filter is
open when the knob is in center position. It progressively cuts out low frequencies when turned
to the right and cuts out high frequencies when turned to the left.
• FEEDB (Feedback): Controls the strength of the delays feedback, making the effect stronger
and more colorful:
• Min: low feedback
• Max: strong feedback
• RATE: Controls the Delay time. Compared to prior TRAKTOR versions, the orientation of the
knob has changed to: Min: long delay times, Max: short delay times. The 7 available values are
expressed in fractions of bars, and are equally distributed over the range of the knob. The
knobs position is displayed in bold letters:
• Min ⇨ Max: 4/4, 3/8, 1/4, 3/16, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32.
The effect rate can be switched during operation without any crackles or glitches in audio!
Even in Freeze mode the Delay follows the Master Clock and will therefore seam-
lessly merge into the mix once it is released.
The RATE knob continues to work in Freeze mode and allows interesting mash-ups.
It is important to turn the knob down to low values only shortly because otherwise
the buffer will empty.
• FRZ (Freeze): Freezes the Delay by closing the input while playing the delay with the set Feed-
back. The filer remains active in the feedback loop. For endless freezes, the FILTER knob has
to be therefore turned to the middle position.
• FR.R (Free Run): When pressed, delay times are not quantized and can be changed continu-
ously. Changing delay times while the Delay is active may result in sudden skips in pitch and
rhythm.
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Effect Reference
In Freerun mode (FR.R) the rate of the Flanger oscillation is not tied to the musical
tempo and varies continuously from 30 sec (Max) to 1/30 sec (Min).
Single Mode
The LFO RST button resets the low frequency oscillation phase to zero (highest
point).
• D/RNG (Dry-Range): Controls the strength of the effect with a combination of Dry-Wet and the
LFO-Range. The filter is fully bypassed in full left position. As soon as the knob is not in full left
position the filter kicks in fully and the knob progressively increases the range of the LFO when
turned clockwise.
• SHAPE: Controls the shape of the LFO. At the full left knob position the shape is a triangle,
morphing into a saw tooth with sharp decay at the full right knob position.
• RES: Controls the resonance of the filter. High resonance makes the filter sound colorful and
more noticeable. Min: low resonance, Max: high resonance
• RATE: Controls the rate of Filter oscillation. The 11 available values are expressed in fractions
of bars, and are equally distributed over the range of the knob. –Max—Min : 16 bars, 8 bars,
4 bars, 2 bars, 4/4, 2/4, 3/8, 1/4, 3/16, 1/8, 1/16
• UP: When pressed the direction of the oscillation is inverted, starting with the lowest frequency,
and moves upward.
• FR.R: In Freerun mode (FR.R) the rate of the Phaser oscillation is not tied to the musical tem-
po and varies continuously from 30 sec (Max) to 1/30 sec (Min).
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Effect Reference
It has the most effect on music with gaps in it, such as drum loops, because the self-oscillation can
develop in empty parts of the music.
Single Mode
• SOFTEN: Controls the smoothness of the cutoff envelope. The more the knob is turned to the
right, the softer the filter sweeps will be.
• RES: Controls the resonance of the filter. High resonance makes the filter sound colorful and
more noticeable. Min: low resonance, Max: high resonance.
• AMT: Controls the frequency where the filter action takes place. Compared to a regular filter,
the filter frequency is modulated by the peaks in the music resulting in a dynamic pattern of
filter sweeps. In center position the modulation is neutral, to the right the modulation goes up-
wards and to the left the modulation goes downwards.
• P.SN (Peak Sensitivity): This raises the threshold for the peak envelope follower from 50 % to
80 %.
• P.MD (Peak Mode): This enabled Peak Sensitivity (see above).
17.11. Filter
Classic filter with 2-knob and single knob control modes, based on ladder filter architecture.
Single Mode
• HP (High Pass):
• Controls the low cutoff frequency.
• Passes the entire band in full left position (bypass).
• Progressively cuts frequencies from low to high when turned to the right.
• RES: Controls the resonance of the filter. High resonance makes the filter sound colorful and
more noticeable. Min: low resonance, Max: high resonance.
• LP (Low Pass):
• Controls the high cutoff frequency.
• Passes the entire band in full right position (bypass).
• Progressively cuts frequencies from high to low when turned to the left.
• BRJ (Band Reject): Switches the filter to Band Reject mode. In this mode the frequencies be-
tween the two cutoff frequencies are eliminated rather than passed through.
• DJM (DJ Mode):
• Switches the panel to 1-knob filter control. The LP knob becomes a bipolar control for con-
trolling both the lower and higher cutoff frequency.
• Passes the entire band in center position.
• Progressively cuts frequencies from high to low when turned from center to the left.
• Progressively cuts frequencies from low to high when turned from center to the right.
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Effect Reference
In DJ Mode (DJM) the LP knob is labeled LP/HP and has a combined function to
control both low-cut and high-cut frequencies.
Single Mode
The LFO RST button resets the low frequency oscillation phase to zero (highest
point).
• D/RNG (Dry-Range): Controls the strength of the effect with a combination of Dry-Wet and the
LFO-Range. The filter is fully bypassed in full left position. As soon as the knob is not in full left
position the filter kicks in fully and the knob progressively increases the range of the LFO when
turned clockwise.
• SHAPE: Controls the shape of the LFO. At the full left knob position the shape is a triangle,
morphing into a saw tooth with sharp decay at the full right knob position.
• RES: Controls the resonance of the filter. High resonance makes the filter sound colorful and
more noticeable. Min: low resonance, Max: high resonance.
• RATE: Controls the rate of Filter oscillation. The 11 available values are expressed in fractions
of bars, and are equally distributed over the range of the knob. –Max—Min : 16 bars, 8 bars, 4
bars, 2 bars, 4/4, 2/4, 3/8, 1/4, 3/16, 1/8, 1/16.
• UP: When pressed the direction of the oscillation is inverted, starting with the lowest frequency,
and moves upward.
• FR.R: In Freerun mode (FR.R) the rate of the LFO oscillation is not tied to the musical tempo
and varies continuously from 30 sec (Max) to 1/30 sec (Min).
It has the most effect on music with gaps in it, such as drum loops, because the self-oscillation can
develop best in empty parts of the music.
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Effect Reference
Single Mode
• SOFTEN: Controls the smoothness of the cutoff envelope. The more the knob is turned to the
right, the softer the filter sweeps will be.
• RES: Controls the resonance of the filter. High resonance makes the filter sound colorful and
more noticeable. Min: low resonance, Max: high resonance.
• AMT:
• Controls the frequency where the filter action takes place. Compared to a regular filter, the
filter frequency is modulated by the peaks in the music resulting in a dynamic pattern of fil-
ter sweeps.
• In center position the modulation is neutral, to the right the modulation goes upwards and to
the left the modulation goes downwards.
• P.SN (Peak Sensitivity): Raises the threshold for the peak envelope follower from 50 % to
80 %.
• P.MD (Peak Mode): This enables Peak Sensitivity (see above).
17.14. Phaser
Classic Phaser with tempo based and free running rate control and stereo phasing.
The controls of the Phaser are identical in behavior to those of the Flanger.
Single Mode
• SPRD (Stereo Spread): Creates a stereo spread effect by controlling the phase offset between
the left and right stereo channel. Min: no phase offset, Max: maximum phase offset (1/2 peri-
od).
• FEEDB (Feedback): Controls the amount of the Phaser’s feedback, making the effect stronger
and more colorful. Min: no feedback, Max: maximum feedback.
• RATE: Controls the rate of Phaser oscillation. The 11 available values are expressed in frac-
tions of bars, and are equally distributed over the range of the knob. Max—Min: 16 bars,
8 bars, 4 bars, 2 bars, 4/4, 2/4, 3/8, 1/4, 3/16, 1/8, 1/16.
• UP: When pressed the direction of the oscillation is inverted, starting with the lowest frequency,
and moves upward.
• FR.R: Enables continuous rate control, independent from tempo and ranges from 30 sec (Max)
to 1/30 sec (Min).
• LFO RST: Resets the oscillation and restarts at the lowest or highest point, according to the
status of DN/UP.
The RST button resets the low frequency oscillation phase to zero (highest point).
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Effect Reference
It has the most effect on music with gaps in it, such as drum loops, because the self-oscillation can
develop best in empty parts of the music.
Single Mode
• SHAPE: Controls the shape of the Phaser Pulse. The range of the controller bears a multitude
of patterns and morphs between them for continuously new sound effects. Explore the range of
this knob in combination with the FEEDB and the AMNT knob and store the preset whenever
you like it.
• FEEDB (Feedback): Controls the strength of the Phaser’s feedback making the effect stronger
and more colorful. Min: low feedback, Max: strong feedback
• AMNT (Amount): The knob has two operating zones on the left and the right side of the center
position and controls the modulation amount of the Phaser's frequency.
• 8PL (8 Pole): Switches between 6 Pole and 8 Pole filters making the effect more intense.
• SPRD (Stereo Spread): Creates an offset between the phasing effect of the right and left ster-
eo channel giving the effect of spatial depth.
Single Mode
• FEEDB (Feedback): Controls the amount of the Phaser’s feedback, making the effect stronger
and more colorful. Min: low feedback, Max: strong feedback.
• PITCH: Controls the pitch of the effect. The center position of the knob is neutral, to either side
the phasing effect moves from high to low frequencies.
• 8PL (8 Pole): Switches between 6 Pole and 8 Pole filters, making the effect more intense.
• SPR (Stereo Spread): Creates an offset between the phasing effect of the right and left stereo
channel, giving the effect of spatial depth.
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Effect Reference
Single Mode
17.18. Turntable FX
This effect emulates sounds produced by spinning back or slowing down a record playing on a
turntable.
The effect has to be started in off mode and then turned on to sample the current audio.
Single Mode
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Effect Reference
17.19. Iceverb
The Iceverb is an innovative Reverb with self-oscillating filters for interesting colorful effects. The
Filter of the Iceverb is outside the feedback loop, which makes the decay independent from the
filter settings.
Single Mode
• ICING: Controls the resonance of the filter and therefore the intensity of the color.
• COLOR: Controls the cutoff frequency of the filter and therefore the color of the reverb.
• SIZE: Controls the size of the added reverb, ranging from small to vast room sizes.
• FRZ (Freeze): Freezes the reverb by closing the input and leaving the output open. The SIZE
control remains active in Freeze mode allowing interesting pitch effects.
17.20. Reverb T3
Classic Reverb with extreme room sizes, individual low pass & high pass Filter Controls, and
Freeze function like in TRAKTOR 3 and previous TRAKTOR SCRATCH versions.
Single Mode
• LP: LP filter in the effect loop—fully open when turned to the left.
• HP: HP filter in the effect loop—fully open when turned to the right.
• SIZE: Control the size of the added reverb, ranging from small to vast room sizes.
• FRZ (Freeze): Freezes the Reverb by closing the input and leaving open the output.
Single Mode
• AM-RM: Morphs the type of modulation from amplitude modulation in full left position to ring
modulation in full right position. Amplitude modulation sounds softer compared to ring modula-
tion.
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Effect Reference
• RAW: Controls the shape of the modulation oscillator. The oscillator is a sine wave in full left
position for smooth sounds and a filtered square wave in full right position for harsher sounds.
• PITCH: Controls the frequency of the modulating oscillator from low in full left position to high in
full right position (100 Hz—8371 Hz).
Single Mode
• BIT (Bit Depth): Controls the bit rate ranging from full bit rate in full left position to just above
one bit in full right position.
• SMTH (Sample Rate Smooth): Creates a smoother effect by introducing a lag into the sample
rate reduction.
• SRTE (Sample Rate): Controls the Sample Rate reduction raging from no reduction in full left
position to 100 Hz sample rate in full right position.
This knob only has an effect in combination with SMTH (sample rate smooth).
• SPREAD: Creates an offset between the sample reproduced on the right and left stereo chan-
nel giving the effect of spatial depth.
Single Mode
• TONE:
• Controls the frequency of the feedback tone.
• Requires a certain amount of feedback to have an effect.
• Creates a great variety of tones when used in combination with the FEEDB knob.
• FEEDB (Feedback): Controls the amount of feedback in the effect ranging from 0 to 100 %.
With zero feedback in full left position, the effect behaves like regular tube distortion.
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Effect Reference
• DRIVE (Overdrive): Controls which of the two overdrive units is fed and by how much. Drives
only one unit in full left and full right position and morphs between them when in between.
• FB- (Inverted Feedback): Only passes uneven harmonics, making the effect sound deeper in
frequency.
Single Mode
• STRCH (Time Stretch): As soon as the knob is moved away from full left position, the input is
recorded for 1 bar (2 if the button “Tx2” is pressed) and then is endlessly looped and played
back. The more the knob is moved to the right, the more the time is stretched until the music
comes to a complete stop on a single “Grain”.
The STRCH knob has to be in full left position to open the input of the effect. The effect must be
loaded with the STRCH knob in full left position!
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Effect Reference
Single Mode
• BUZZ: Creates a beat-roll effect by increasing the repetition rate within one beat of the current
pattern.
• STYLE: Selects one of five groups of patterns.
• PAT (Pattern): Switches between different patterns within a group. The first pattern of a group
is always neutral (i.e. bypasses the signal in original sequence).
• GO: When pressing GO audio material is buffered and at the same time manipulated. Size of
the buffered loop is 1 bar.
• 2 BAR (2 Bars): When activating the 2 BAR button, the entire buffer of two bars is used for
slicing. Otherwise only the first bar of audio buffer is sliced.
Group Mode
The knob represents the PAT (Pattern) knob in Single Effects mode.
Single Mode
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Effect Reference
Single Mode
• D/W: The D/W not only mixes the modulated audio signal to the original signal but additionally
increases the filter frequency of the peak.
• PUMP: Adds brickwall limitation to the effected signal.
• EDGE: Modulates the width of the peak by increasing the resonance. When turned to the right,
the emphasized frequency becomes more pronounced.
• FREQ: Controls the frequency that is emphasized.
• KILL: Inverts the peak and makes the effect similar to a notch filter.
Single Mode
• FILT (Filter): Internal high pass filter. The filter is open when the knob is in full left position and
progressively cuts out low frequencies when turned to the right.
• FBK (Feedback): Controls the strength of the delay’s feedback, making the effect stronger and
more colorful.
• SPEED: Controls the speed of the Tape Delay.
The effect rate can be switched during operation without any crackles or glitches in audio!
Even in Freeze mode the Delay follows the Master Clock and will therefore seam-
lessly merge into the mix once released.
• FRZ (Freeze): Freezes the Delay by closing the input and turning up the Feedback to maxi-
mum value. The filter remains active in the feedback loop. For endless freezes, the FILTER
knob has to be therefore turned down to full left position.
• ACCL: Activates a higher acceleration of the virtual tape speed.
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Effect Reference
Single Mode
• FILTER: Bipolar control for controlling both the lower and higher cutoff frequency. Passes the
entire band in center position. Progressively cuts frequencies from high to low, when turned
from center to the left. Progressively cuts frequencies from low to high, when turned from cen-
ter to the right.
• DURATION:
• Controls the length of the delay ramp. The ramp defines how long the delay takes to transi-
tion between different delay rates.
• The 7 available values are expressed in fractions of bars, and are equally distributed over
the range of the knob. The knobs position is displayed in bold letters: Min ⇨ Max: 1/4, 2/4,
4/4, 2 BARS, 4 BARS, 8 BARS, 16 BARS.
• RATE:
• Controls the speed of the Ramp Delay.
• The 7 available values are expressed in fractions of bars, and are equally distributed over
the range of the knob. The knobs position is displayed in bold letters: Min ⇨ Max: 4/4, 3/8,
1/4, 3/16, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32.
The effect rate can be switched during operation without any crackles or glitches in audio!
Even in Freeze mode the Delay follows the Master Clock and will therefore seam-
lessly merge into the mix once released.
• FRZ (Freeze): Freezes the Delay by closing the input and turning up the Feedback to maxi-
mum value. The filter remains active in the feedback loop. For endless freezes, the FILTER
knob has to be therefore turned down to full left position.
• FB+ (Feedback): Raises the feedback to 90 %.
Single Mode
• TRANS (Transpose): Adjusts transposition of the repetitions. When turned from center to right
the transposition will increase as it follows the pattern. When turned from center to left the
transposition will decrease as it follows the pattern.
• BEND: Increases and decreases the repetitions. When turned from center to right the speed
will decrease by progress of the pattern. When turned from center to left the speed will in-
crease by progress of the pattern.
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Effect Reference
17.31. Bouncer
The Bouncer is a buffer-based effect that captures snippets of 1 beat and repeats them at various
speeds and pitch.
Single Mode
• TRANS (Transpose): Adjusts the transposition of the repetitions. When turned from center to
right the repetitions will be pitched up. When turned from center to left the repetitions will be
pitched down.
• FILTER: Low-pass filter that is open when turned fully to the right. Turning it to the left will pro-
gressively cut high frequencies.
• SPEED: Defines the speed of the repeated samples.
• AUT: Re-samples the input every 2 (2/4) beats when activated.
• X2: Doubles the current speed value.
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