traktor pro 2 | Digital DJ Tips

December 30th, 2012 Training

Controller Clinic #18: Can I DJ Weddings & Bars With The Novation Twitch?

by Phil Morse

The Novation Twitch is a cool, modern controller with lots of performance features… but is it appropriate for a bar or wedding DJ?

Digital DJ Tips reader Scott writes: “I am looking at purchasing my first controller and although I am familiar with Ableton I am new to DJing. I have friends who are turntablists but at heart I think I am a controllerist. I would like to get out there and DJ to a crowd ASAP – maybe even bars and weddings, as I love music although it would be useful to make some extra cash.

“Originally I had thought the Denon DJ MC2000, but decided the extra input backup and levels on the Denon DJ MC3000 would be a better choice. My dilemma is that I like the idea of the Novation Twitch and its features but I am concerned that this may not be as applicable to the type of crowds I hope to entertain.

39 Comments »

November 22nd, 2012 News & Opinion

Traktor Pro 2.6 Half Price Until Nov 26

by Phil Morse

Cash in before the end of Monday to get your 50% off Traktor 2.

If you’re one of our US readers, you’re already well aware it’s Thanksgiving this weekend. To celebrate, Native Instruments is offering Traktor Pro 2 for half price until November 26.

Luckily for us Europeans and other non-US citizens, this offer is good wherever you are in the world. So for four days only, you can bag a copy of Traktor for 50% off – that’s just $44.50 / €39.50.

29 Comments »

April 2nd, 2012 News & Opinion

Traktor Pro 2 Slashed By 61%, Now Comes Free With All NI DJ Gear

by Phil Morse

Traktor Scratch A6 - new name, new software - same old sound card?

Traktor Scratch A6/A10 are the new names for the Audio 6/Audio 10 interfaces, which now come - like all Traktor hardware - with the full version of the software, and a free upgrade to version 2.5 when it's released.

In an aggressive move to consolidate its position in the DJ software market, Native Instruments today slashed the price of Traktor Pro 2, killed off entirely Duo (offering all Duo owners a free upgrade to Pro), and announced that the full Pro version of Traktor will now be bundled with all Traktor hardware, from the lowly Audio 2 upwards.

Native is calling it a “simplification” of the range to coincide with the launch of Traktor Pro 2.5, but it also effectively marks the end of expensive DJ software; the most that users will pay for Traktor is now US$89/€79 (the price of the software bought fresh from the NI store) against US$229/€199 previously, and for US$119/€99 for the Audio 2 – the cheapest hardware from NI – you also get the full version of Traktor as well.

43 Comments »

January 14th, 2012 Training

Controller Clinic #7: Novation Twitch or Launchpad?

by Phil Morse

Our reader can't decide between a straight DJ controller like the Twitch, or going down the Ableton Live route with something like the Novation Launchpad or the Akai APC40 (both pictured above).

Reader DJ Mustachio Nuts (great name!) writes: “I’ve been a musician, mostly bass, all my life which has definitely helped me understand the core job of a DJ – getting people to shake their asses! – which is what I loved about being a bass player. I played in rock bands and always considered it my job to get people’s heads nodding, no matter how heavy the music, so DJing seemed perfect for me.

“I bought a Numark Mixtrack, but found that although my DJ skills matched the controller perfectly, my producer / musician ear had already felt like I’d outgrown it. I wanted easier access to samples, and one shots, I wanted to run an acappella track and mix and cut together multiple music tracks underneath below to make live mashups.

19 Comments »

August 11th, 2011 Training

7 Tips & Tricks For Using Traktor Like A Pro

by Steven

Enough going on for ya? Now it's time to tame some of those features...

With its mammoth configuration section, cockpit-style advanced display modes, and myriad buttons, dials and faders, Traktor Pro 2 has a control for just about everything a DJ could possibly want or need to do.

Here are seven power tips for making the most of the program. From keeping Traktor running smoothly to getting the most from some of its advanced features to using functions in unusual or original ways, there’s bound to be something here you’ve not thought of yet…

34 Comments »

June 4th, 2011 DJ Culture

Your Questions: Virtual DJ FX in Traktor, Best DJ Production Software

by Phil Morse

Virtual DJ has an effects library where you can access a whole host of effects written by its users.

Reader Utsav Lama has not one but two questions. He writes: “I am a 19-year-old club DJ from Kathmandu, Nepal. I learned about DJing with a laptop with Virtual DJ 7 and now I am using a Traktor Kontrol S4 (my father who is working in Dubai bought it for me).

“I want to ask you whether the .dll effects from Virtual DJ can be put to use in Traktor Pro 2, because I miss some of them. Also, I currently produce music with Reason 5 but I want to change, so please can you tell me which is best production software for DJ/producers?

10 Comments »

May 28th, 2011 Equipment

Your Questions: Can My Mixtrack Pro Work With Traktor Pro 2?

by Phil Morse

The Mixtrack Pro 2: Comes with Virtual DJ LE in most of the world, but you can use it with Traktor too. Here's how...

Reader Arjun from New Delhi, India, writes: “I just ordered my first controller, the Mixtrack Pro, which ships with Virtual DJ. Though it is a great software, I was wondering if there is a Traktor 2 mapping available for the same. Since I am a beginner DJ, I won’t really require four decks at the beginning, but I would still like the flexibility of using Traktor 2 and Virtual DJ, since I am adept at using both the softwares.

Can I do that? What will I need to do if i want to switch my software when I want?

33 Comments »

April 5th, 2011 Software

Review: Traktor Pro 2 – Is It Evolution, Or Revolution?

by Phil Morse

Traktor Pro 2 Review: It looks cleaner and sharper with its coloured waveforms and improved interface, although it retains the Traktor feel we are familiar with.

Traktor Pro 2 Review: Last week, Native Instruments launched its new Traktor 2 range, which consisted of new versions of all of its Traktor software, plus the Audio 6 and Audio 10 sound interfaces to replace the old Audio 4 and Audio 8 devices.

Of most interest to serious digital DJs, of course, was Traktor Pro 2, the new version of the company’s flagship product for controller users. We’ve now had a weekend to play with it, and with the help of a lot of insightful feedback from you, our readers, over on our First Thoughts on Traktor Pro 2 post, here we present our review.

54 Comments »

March 30th, 2011 Software

Traktor 2 Software & Hardware Hit Stores Worldwide

by Phil Morse

Go get it - The full Traktor 2 range of software and hardware is now available from stores worldwide.

The wait is officially over – Native Instruments has just announced that the entire new generation of six Traktor products is now available in stores worldwide, we can exclusively reveal. Plus, read on for a brand new promo video.

Straight from the company itself: “Berlin, March 30th, 2011 – Native Instruments today announced that the Traktor 2 generation is now available in stores worldwide. The new Traktor generation establishes the next level of versatility and ease-of-use with its Traktor Pro 2 software and Traktor Scratch Pro 2 digital vinyl system as well as its two-deck Duo versions.

38 Comments »

February 10th, 2011 Equipment

It’s Here! New Traktor Software & Hardware Officially Announced

by Phil Morse

The complete Traktor range, following today's raft of new product announcements.

Native Instruments has officially announced the much anticipated new Traktor software and hardware, as teased in their promotional video last month and exclusively revealed on Digital DJ Tips last week.

As well as the biggest upgrade of Traktor software in years, with Traktor Pro 2 and Traktor Scratch Pro 2 (as well as the cut-down duo), the company has released two new high-end sound cards, the Traktor Audio 10 and Traktor Audio 6.

25 Comments »

February 10th, 2011 Software

New Traktor Pro 2 Brings Kontrol S4′s Features To Everyone

by Phil Morse

Traktor Pro 2 lets non S4 users access the key features that were added when the Kontrol S4 was released last year.

Ever glanced jealously at the sample decks, loop recorder and cleaner interface of the Traktor Kontrol S4′s software and wished your version of Traktor Pro had the same features? Well today Native Instruments has made that possible, with the release of its next-generation Traktor Pro 2 software.

Replacing Traktor Pro, Traktor Pro 2 is just one new product in a host of announcements today from the German music and technology company, and aims to cement Traktor’s position as the number one DJ software choice among controllerists.

8 Comments »