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  • Traktor Pro 3 Manual
  • Setting Up Traktor

Setting Up Traktor

Abstract

Traktor can be used in different setups and for various use cases, allowing you to set it up for your preferred workflow.

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 instructions using this link Registering and Installing a Native Instruments Product using NATIVE ACCESS.

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.

Traktor with External Audio Interface 

This section and so this documentation assumes you are using Traktor with at least an external audio interface with one stereo output and a stereo headphone output. This way we can make sure the workflows explained also apply to Traktor setups using any other external audio equipment or controller with an integrated audio interface.

Note

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 external audio interface.

Traktor Configuration Steps

When starting Traktor for the first time, you need to configure Traktor so that it works in your specific setup. The following steps for configuring Traktor are required:

  1. Importing Data from previous installations: If you have installed a previous Traktor installation, 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 external 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 Configuring Traktor to Use with an External Audio Interface.

  4. Traktor Layouts and Layout Switching: Traktor provides several Layouts that display more or less elements, depending on use case. For more information, refer to Traktor Layouts and Layout Switching.Traktor Layouts and Layout Switching

Importing Your Data from a Previous Traktor Version

When you start Traktor for the first time, Traktor will ask if you want to import your previous data by copying the existing user content to a new folder in your user folder. Your previous data will not be altered if you copy it to the new default folder.

Pre-Configuring Traktor using the Setup Wizard

When starting Traktor for the first time, you are provided with the Setup Wizard. In a few steps, the Setup Wizard guides you through the process of configuring Traktor. It can also be used to reset Traktor to an out-of-the-box setup.

Setup Wizard Pages

  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.

Starting the Setup Wizard

You can start the Setup Wizard in two ways:

  1. Select Start Setup Wizard in the Help menu of the Application Menu bar (not visible in Fullscreen mode).

  2. Or click the Setup Wizard button at the bottom left corner of the Preferences dialog window.

Configuring Traktor to Use with an External Audio Interface

To use Traktor’s preview feature, you need to have an audio interface with two independent stereo outputs, one for the Master Out and one for the Headphones CUE channel. Refer to the manufacturer’s manual for installing and connecting your external audio interface.

In Traktor, do the following:

  1. Click the Preferences button in the Header to open the Preferences.

  2. Select the Audio Setup page.

  3. Select your external audio interface from the Audio Device drop-down menu.

  4. Open the Output Routing page.

  5. Select Internal under Mixing Mode.

  6. Select an output pair for Output Master and one output pair for Output Monitor.

  7. If your audio device provides another output, you can assign this to the Output Record.

  8. Close the Preferences.

    Traktor is now configured.

Selecting Traktor Layouts

Traktor provides a set of user interface layouts to organize its graphical user interface. These are called Traktor Layouts. Each Traktor Layout is appropriate for a particular use case where certain user interface elements are displayed while others remain hidden. In this section you will learn how to select another Traktor Layout. In addition, you are introduced to the various Traktor Layouts.

You can select different Traktor layouts directly in the header:

  1. Click the Traktor layout drop-down menu in the header.

    TP3_TRAKTOR_Layouts_Click_drop-down_menu.png

  2. Select a Traktor layout from the list.

    TP3_TRAKTOR_Layouts_select_layout.png

    The appearance of the user interface changes according to the selected Traktor layout.

Default Traktor Layouts

You can choose between the following standard Traktor Layouts:

  • Essential, Extended, Browser, Mixer, Parallel, and Preparation

Additionally, you can create your own Traktor layouts to customize the user interface to your needs. For more information, refer to Managing Traktor Layouts.

Traktor Layout – Essential

The Essential layout shows the most important control elements for basic mixing. The decks show the waveforms, stripes and the transport controls. The Essential layout is optimized for using an external controller as the internal mixer is not shown.

essentials.png

Traktor layout – Essential.

Traktor Layout – Extended

The Extended layout shows Hotcue and effect controls. The decks are extended and show the advanced panels with Hotcue and loop controls. The mixer shows the panorama control for each channel and provide controls for applying Mixer FX and FX Units. The global section shows the FX Units.

expended.png

Traktor layout – Extended.

Traktor Layout – Browser

The Browser layout shows a maximized view on the browser and a minimized view on the decks. The mixer is not visible in the this Traktor layout. This arrangement gives you the best view on your browser and the track list to prepare playlists and to maintain your track collection.

browser.png

Traktor layout – Browser.

Traktor Layout – Parallel

The Parallel layout shows the waveforms stacked above the decks to support you on mixing tracks visually even without using SYNC and prelistening. The waveforms reach over the entire application window to give you a wider view on the tracks. This lets you quickly switch between the tracks. The parallel beatgrids indicate to what degree the tracks are in or out of sync without relying on prelistening. The Parallel layout also works for mixing with four decks.

parallel.png

Traktor layout – Parallel.

Traktor Layout – Preparation

The Preparation layout shows only deck A that is enlarged across the entire application window, and the maximized browser. The wider view of the waveform and stripe help you to precisely organize your cue points and loops. The other decks and the mixer are not visible in this Traktor layout.

preperation.png

Traktor layout – Preparation.

Switching Deck Layouts

You can switch the decks between various deck layouts. There are seven deck layouts available from providing least controls up to most controls with stacked waveforms directly above the decks. In this section you will learn how to change the deck layout. In addition, you will be introduced with the different deck layouts.

Switching the Deck Layout

To switch the deck layout:

  • Perform a double-click in the deck header.

    TP3_Deck_Header_Click_to_switch_Deck_Layout.png

    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 select the Deck layout in the Decks Layout page in the Preferences.

Available Deck Layouts

The following deck layouts are available:

  • Micro, Small, Essential, Full, Advanced, Parallel Slim, and Parallel Full

Deck Layout – Micro

When using deck layout Micro, you will see the following information and deck controls:

  • Stripe

  • Play button

  • Deck header showing the first row with the information track title, remaining track time, and current track tempo

TP3_Deck_Layout_Micro.png

Deck layout – Micro.

Deck Layout – Small

When using the deck layout Small, you will see the following information and deck controls:

  • Stripe

  • Transport controls

  • Key Lock 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

TP3_Deck_Layout_Small.png

Deck layout – Small.

Deck Layout – Essential

When using the deck layout Essential, you will see the following information and deck controls:

  • Waveform

  • Stripe

  • Transport controls

  • Key Lock 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

TP3_Deck_Layout_Essential.png

Deck layout – Essential.

Deck Layout – Full

When using the deck layout Full, you will see the following information and Deck controls:

  • Waveform

  • Stripe

  • Transport controls

  • Key Lock button

  • Tempo bend controls

  • Tempo fader

  • Phase meter

  • SYNC and MASTER buttons

  • Full deck header with all track information

TP3_Deck_Layout_Full.png

Deck layout – Full.

Deck Layout – Advanced

When using the deck layout Advanced, you will see the following information and deck controls:

  • Waveform

  • Stripe

  • Advanced Panel

  • Transport controls

  • Key Lock button

  • Pitch bend controls

  • Tempo fader

  • Phase meter

  • SYNC and MASTER buttons

  • Full deck header with all track information

TP3_Deck_Layout_Advanced.png

Deck layout – Advanced.

Deck Layout – Parallel Slim

When using the deck layout Parallel Slim, you will see the following information and deck controls:

  • Stacked waveforms of deck A and B above the decks.

  • Stripe

  • Transport controls

  • Key Lock button

  • Tempo bend controls

  • Tempo fader

  • Phase meter

  • SYNC and MASTER buttons

  • Deck header showing the first row with the track information cover art, track title, remaining track time, and current track tempo

TP3_Deck_Layout_Parallel_Slim.png

Deck layout – Parallel Slim.

Deck Layout – Parallel Full

When using deck layout Parallel Full, you will see the following information and deck controls:

  • Stacked waveforms of deck A and B above the decks

  • Stripe

  • Transport controls

  • Advanced Panel

  • Key Lock button

  • Tempo bend controls

  • Tempo fader

  • Phase meter

  • SYNC and MASTER buttons

  • Full deck header with all track information

TP3_Deck_Layout_Parallel_Full.png

Deck layout – Parallel Full.