Native Instruments announces TRAKTOR PRO 3: September 6, 2018, Berlin – Native Instruments today announces a new version of its flagship DJ software, TRAKTOR PRO 3. The announcement sees TRAKTOR build on almost two decades of club heritage to extend the possibilities of DJ performance and provide performers of all genres and abilities with the tools they need to define their own style. Jan 10, 2020 The latest iteration of NI’s entry-level Traktor controller is a great tool for beginner DJs. It can connect to both a laptop running Traktor Pro 3 or NI’s free Traktor DJ iOS app, with no need for an additional cable or adapter. All other standard MIDI controllers are supported via djay Pro’s MIDI Learn feature, which lets you map jog wheels, buttons, sliders, and knobs on the controller to functions in djay Pro. To get started, simply launch djay Pro, connect your MIDI controller, and follow the instructions in the app (or select “Configure” from the MIDI menu in djay).

1. Traktor 3 Compatible Controllers
2. Traktor Pro Compatible Controllers Download
3. Traktor Pro Compatible Controllers For Sale
4. Traktor Pro 2 Compatible Controllers

The beauty of Traktor is that the software can be used with any MIDI controller. Traktor’s flexibility allows DJs to use Traktor with a Native Instruments controller, a third party Traktor controller or any other MIDI device. No matter what controller you want to use with Traktor, the good news is it can and will work if you’re willing to invest a little time and energy into setting it up.

Why Use A Controller?

Before we examine how to set up a controller, let’s take a minute to examine why DJs might want to use a controller with Traktor in the first place. Using a controller allows DJs to navigate the software, load tracks and mix creatively without having to touch the computer. A controller allows DJs to focus their energy on the mix, and spend less time with their hands on laptops during performances.

Using Traktor With A Traktor-Ready Controller

One of the simplest ways to set up a controller with Traktor is to use a Traktor-ready controller. These are manufactured by Native Instruments and many other companies including Allen and Heath, Pioneer DJ and many more. A list of compatible Traktor ready controllers can be found here.

These controllers have been manufactured to have enhanced integration and compatibility with Traktor. A Traktor-ready controller takes a special approach, as the Traktor configuration has already been done and is automatically loaded in Traktor’s Setup Wizard. To setup a Traktor-ready controller, open Traktor’s Setup Wizard by opening Traktor’s Preferences and clicking on the Setup Wizard button.

Connect your controller, then select Next. Select Yes when asked if you are using an External Controller. Choose the manufacturer and model of the controller and click Next. Lastly, select your Setup. If you’d like to use the classic DJing setup, select two Track Decks, then click Finish.

You may need to define a MIDI port for the controller so it can communicate with Traktor. To do this, open Preferences and navigate to the Controller Manager. Click on the device menu and click on the mapping for your specific Traktor controller. Select the name of your controller in the In-Port and Out-Port drop down menu. Close the Preferences and check to see that the controller is working with Traktor.

Setting Up Other MIDI Controllers In Traktor

Any type of MIDI controller can be used with Traktor, but you will need to add a MIDI mapping to Traktor’s Controller Manager. A controller mapping creates a way for the knobs, faders, buttons and encoders of your MIDI controller to communicate with Traktor’s functions.

There are two options for doing this: either use an existing MIDI mapping or create an original MIDI mapping for the controller. The simplest solution is to use an existing MIDI mapping, but the disadvantage of this is that not all the features on the controller may be optimized for your personal use. Whether you add a MIDI mapping of your own or find one online, make sure to only add in one instance of the MIDI mapping in the Controller Manager. Multiple MIDI mappings may cause the mapping not to work correctly.

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If you’ve found a MIDI mapping for your controller online, start by connecting the controller to the computer. A controller mapping has the extension .tsi at the end of the file name. To import the mapping, open Traktor’s Preferences and navigate to the Controller Manager. In the Device field, click on the Add button and select Import. Navigate to where the .tsi mapping file is stored, highlight it and click Open.

The MIDI mapping will be displayed in the assignment table. In the In-Port and Out-Port drop down menu, select the corresponding ports of the controller. Close the Preferences and test the controller to see if the mapping is functioning correctly.

Creating A Mapping

The most rewarding way of using a controller with Traktor is to create your own mapping. To start the process, I highly recommend sketching out which Traktor function each button, knob or fader will be mapped to. This will provide a guide for the mapping process which can be used once the mapping is finished. Once you have a plan for the features you will assign to each knob or button, you’re ready to begin mapping.

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Start by connecting your controller to the computer, open Traktor’s Preferences and navigate to the Controller Manager. In the Device field, click on the Add button and select Generic MIDI. In the In-Port and Out-Port field, select the corresponding MIDI port name of your controller.

The Assignment Table holds all the assignments for the mapping. Add in the first mapping by clicking the Add In… underneath the Assignment Table and selecting the function you’d like to map. In the Device Mapping section, click Learn and then press or turn the corresponding button, knob or fader on your controller. In the Mapping Details section, you’ll need to select the Type of Controller (button, knob or fader) or Interaction Mode. There are many options available for Interaction Mode, which depend on the Type of Controller and control target of the selected assignment. Further research should be done on how each Interaction Mode functions before mapping.

There’s a section called Modifier Conditions which can be used, but it's intended for advanced mappings. Modifiers are control types in Traktor which define other conditions for other assignments in the same mapping. For example, if you want to have a button perform one function, but another function when you press on a Shift button, one way to accomplish this would be to use a Modifier.

Once your mapping is finished, or you would like to save the mapping, in the Controller Manager’s Device Setup section click Edit, then Export. Name your mapping and store it in a safe place on your computer. Close the Preferences and test to see that the mapping is working the way you’d like it to. If not, the mapping can easily be re-edited until you’re satisfied with its functionality.

Conclusion

Traktor is flexible and easily programmable software that works fluidly with any MIDI controller. Both Traktor-ready controllers and customized mappings improve Traktor’s functionality and can be a great benefit to a DJ’s live performance. Any MIDI controller can be used with Traktor if you’re willing to put in a bit of effort. The results are worth it!

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