Traktor + Traditional Vinyl Same Set?

Hello Everyone,

I am an all analog DJ currently using 2 turntables but would like to delve into the world of digital djing. I've done a lot of research via the internet but I have a few question still unanswered...

1. Is it possible for me to use Traktor with the time-coded vinyl plus use traditional vinyl in a set together?

2. Also, while I assume the answer is no would I be able to use Traktor to some how record sets where I am using time-coded vinyl plus traditional vinyl?

3. If that isn't possible how could I make that possible?

4. What programs are used to record sets that are strictly done with traditional vinyl?

Thank you in advance for any answers or suggestions.

Cheers, Brett

 

Ok Brett here are your answers :
1. Definatly YES, i can think at least 2 ways of doing this. But keep in mind that you have to get the Scratch version of the programm (DUO or PRO) as to upgrade is more pricy.
2. Definatly YES. If you use the audio8 dj soundcard you can use one of its input set to record using Traktor.
3. Answered above.
4. I use my audio 4dj as a soundcard to record with Alesis LE when mixing with traditional formats ; )

hope i set a route there.

 

1. Yes - love doing that

2. see Komodino's answer

3. ..

4. Any recording app, I personally use Logic, but you can use Traktor's record mode if you like, or any other waveshaper/DAW application

 

absolutely, all you have to do is to switch from line back to phono on your mixer.

if you buy traktor scratch pro, you get the audio 8 dj soundcard, which has enough inputs to connect a cable from the master out to e.g. input d on the a8dj. in traktor you define from which input channel of the a8dj you want to record and voilà, all good. since you're recording from the master out, it doesnt matter what source (timecode or normal vinyl) you use.

 

1. if you're using Traktor Scratch Pro with the audio8 soundcard, you should be supplied with the native-instrument cable that allows you to pass your phono signal directly to your mixer...so mixing with traditional vinyl will be unhindered so long as you're able to switch the channel between line and phono.

2. Traktor offers an internal record, but this only seems to work if using the "internal" mixer setting...so unless you're using a midi mixer this option won't work for you. However, you can manually assign any free input available to record from easily within the same menu. Once you've done this, you simply need to use an RCA cable to route the audio from your mixer to your chosen soundcard channel.

3. As you have seen, this option IS available...but that doesn't make this a bad question. Obviously your options when routing audio signals is only limited by your available resources (2 or 4 channel mixer, separate recording devices, etc.).

4. Of course you've learned by now that Traktor offers a recording feature. However, I think it's always wise to install Audacity on your machine for recording purposes. It's a highly respected open source program with many features that is free to download. Unlike Traktor's recording feature, Audacity will allow you to track out your recording (even after you've recorded the audio elsewhere) and if you load LAME you can compress to mp3 for smaller file size (Traktor records in high quality .wav format).

 

Thank You for everyone's replies! I have since purchased Traktor Scratch Pro but I am unable to open the Advanced Control Panel in order to set beat grids. The arrow type icon to active the control panel does nothing when it is clicked on. Any suggestions? Faulty program or simply my ignorance of the program at this point.

Thanks, Brett

 

this can happen if you dont have enough space/resolution on your screen.
if you have deck c/d expaneded to full decks, doubleclick on their heading (where the track info is) to minimize them. then you should be able to open the advanced tabs as well.

 

Hi Brettscott,

Not to long ago I asked myself the same question about switching to a DVS. I wan't to tell you one thing, you might not want to use traditional vinyl anymore after u started using Traktor, cause u can't use effects and loops and on top of that you need to carry ur Traktor set up + ur vinyls that's a pain in the a**.

What I to want to advice you on, is train the taking over situation if you start with traktor, there is nothing worse then standing in a club with them pesky Multicore cable (which are freakin long) and not beeing sure about how to plug everything up. For me that's the biggest disadvantage of any DVS. I now use traktor since the pro version is out and I still think alot of old times when I would just dig up some vynil and put it on the plate or a slide a cd into a cd deck without having to plug anything.
But besides that, you are going to love Traktor for severall reasons. First, you do not need to lug 20 Kilos of vinyls every time you play(your back is going to thank you) and second you will love the fact of beeing able to loop and use the absolutly fantastic sounding FX section.

I know these aren't the answers you were asking for but still I thought you might want to hear some experiance from real users not just from the producing company, at least that would be what I'd like to hear cause i am quite distrustfull.

Anyway hope I didn't bore you,

Cheers
David

P.S: Get a Kontrol X1 if u decide to go for Traktor! It is just the perfect combination with Traktor!

 

if you find the NI cables confusing, just ditch the multicore, plug the TT's directly into the NI soundcard, then line out to the mixer, - you can then use FX on your regular vinyl (but not looping) by using the 'audio thru' mode.

if you assign a hotkey on your computer keyboard for each deck to activate 'thru' mode, it will become a very simple process to flip between digital tracks and vinyl tracks.