Hey all i am new to all this digital djing stuff so please be gentel. Ok i have just got traktor 2 and 3. First off which one should i use. Which one is easier to use?? I was alos wondering if anyone has a manual on how to use traktor 2 or 3 in pdf format that they can share?? Also is it possible to use traktor as well as my turntables when mixing. I know i would have to hook up my mixer to my laptop but how?? what cords or any other programs would i need to do this?? So i can mix my mp3's as well as my vinyl. Thanks for any help. And if i have asked any stupid questions please forive me :lol:

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

hey johns.... I'm sure many other have this info, but I'm the drunk as guy who's going to answer first.

First, which is easier to use?? You have to learn them both, and decide for yourself. If you want to know which one is 'better' to learn, I would say 3, because you will learn more features.

And YES, it is possible to use your turntables while mixing . As far as I know, Native Instruments has a contract with Stanton, who makes Final Scratch. They sell vinyl encoded with data that you use with traktor to control it just like a record. There are other companies that sell vinyl with 'data' encoded on them, just like this, but I don't think they work with traktor. But there are tons of programs out there just like traktor, so you have to do some research to find what you want!

To be honest, this isn't the best forum to find answers to your questions.. There is not a lot of activity on the topic you are looking for. Try the futureproducers forum,. the native instruments forum for traktor, or the ms pinky forum for some starting points (use google search!!). But good luck!! And I will try to answer questions as you have them (as will many others on this board).;

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

I hate 3 but love 2.6... they fucked up the interface big time IMO.

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

[quote=groffhibbitz]hey johns.... I'm sure many other have this info, but I'm the drunk as guy who's going to answer first.

First, which is easier to use?? You have to learn them both, and decide for yourself. If you want to know which one is 'better' to learn, I would say 3, because you will learn more features.

And YES, it is possible to use your turntables while mixing . As far as I know, Native Instruments has a contract with Stanton, who makes Final Scratch. They sell vinyl encoded with data that you use with traktor to control it just like a record. There are other companies that sell vinyl with 'data' encoded on them, just like this, but I don't think they work with traktor. But there are tons of programs out there just like traktor, so you have to do some research to find what you want!

To be honest, this isn't the best forum to find answers to your questions.. There is not a lot of activity on the topic you are looking for. Try the futureproducers forum,. the native instruments forum for traktor, or the ms pinky forum for some starting points (use google search!!). But good luck!! And I will try to answer questions as you have them (as will many others on this board).;[/quote]

[quote] Final Scratch. They sell vinyl encoded with data that you use with traktor to control it just like a record. There are other companies that sell vinyl with 'data' encoded on them, just like this, but I don't think they work with traktor.[end quote]

Yes i have heard of this final scratch thing but how does this work?? and what do u mean sell vinyl "data" encoded on them?? Is it like a vinyl cutter where u cut the tracks onto vinyl or something :oops:??

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

well, you can put any sound on the vinyl right? Any 'song'? So instead of putting a 'song' they put a bunch of clicks and digital noise (sounds like a modem connecting or a fax), which can then be decoded by the computer to tell it how fast the song is playing (and in some cases where in the song you are)... Does that make sense?? It's like how a modem works, how it sends data over the phone line, which was designed for our voices, but can send data as well, that the computer can decode. So all the music is being played off of your computer, and the control of the tracks (pitch/speed, direction the song is going (forward or reverse)) is done via the vinyl.

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

I sorta don't get it. But how many finalscratch would i need?? 2 like turntables?? and do i have to keep buying alot of these vinyl'?? or is it just one for each?? i am lost with all this :(. Has anyone got a site where it shows how it all works in video format??

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

Ritchie Hawtin is a big time user of Final Scratch or Serrato Scratch...

Basically all you need at your gig is the Final Scratch or Serrato Scratch adapter boxy thing and then two pieces of time-coded vinyl and a computer full of tracks. You hook up the turntables that are there to the adapter boxy thing, and then a cable goes into your computer and voila: music from your computer that you can manipulate using the turntables because they have those two special vinyls on them.

[IMG]http://www.musik-schmidt.de/osc-schmidt/catalog/images/Stanton_Final_Scratch2_4.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://djservice.com/data/grafix/Produkte/STANTON/FS2/traktor_FS2_screen_4.jpg[/IMG]

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

Thanks mate. I get it now. So i would only have to buy one final scratch and 2 pieces of that vinyl. Then when i want to use a track from my laptop i would place one pieces of vinyl on my turntables and use it like a record. Sounds really interesting acutally. Would i still need to stuff around with traktor as well. I mean i know i would have to start the program but i would not need to mess about with the laptop mixer. Hope i make sense :lol:

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

You would use the software to set up which turntable gets what mp3 and whatever loop points you want to adjust, etc... the rest is up to you and your skills on the decks and mixer...

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

I have Ableton live and traktor 3..which of the two is easiest to use? (going for the simplest option here, lol)

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

ableton will make it easier to make a 'good' set, but you have to spend time beforehand setting up the tracks. If you can already mix, than traktor is easier for sure (IMO).

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Aha....well, i've been fucking around a bit in Ableton and I"m still having trouble to get the beat matched properlay with Ableton. You have to make sure the bass is right on top of the other one, but even with the minuscule adjustments you can make in Ableton it just won't happen...I have no idea what I'm doing wrong right now.

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

I have found Ableton more trouble than it is worth... I can never line shit up correctly to make a decent mix... fuck it. I prefer hands on knob twisting and pitch adjustments anyway.

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

You know....I agree with that wholeheartedly Caley!

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

Traktor 3 is buggy (go check the official forums) and I hate it´s interface.

About Ableton, you guys can´t approach mixing in Ableton the same way as you would on TT´s, CDJ´s or even Traktor. You need to learn about warping. Check this thread out : [URL="http://www.ableton.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11736"]How to warp a track with relative success[/URL]

Take that topic as a guide and in time you´ll develop your own technique and it will become really easy, especially with version 5.

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

yeah, obviously, it's an entirely different program with an entirely different perspective on layering music... however, that being said, the program comes off as cumbersome to newbies. Warping is fucking ridiculous to do and tedious no matter the "easy" quick tricks etc... I have just found it not to match my expectations nor desires within a layering program.

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

anyone could drop a line with link of traktor 3 or 2 ? full version would be great 8)

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

hey guys don't forget there are a lot of other programs out there just like traktor. I'm guessing some of them work better and aren't buggy. Haven't tried any yet though, but in my initial research months ago I remember seeing at least 8 different apps.

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

I have been looking at digital solutions for DJing for years, and in all my time of scouring, Traktor was the best option... PCDJ sucks, MegaSegDJ sucks, MacAMP DJ sucks and all these other shareware mixing programs suck too. Traktor 2.6 is the culmination of thought and consideration of what the DJ wants if going digital, IMO.

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

anyone could host the Traktor Dj Studio 2.6? would be thankful.. thanks in advance

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

are you using a Mac or a PC?

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

pc

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

Well...Im using Dj Traktor Studio 2.5.3 or 2.5.6 I dont like the 3 version cuz its shit...Even if that version has more stuff it`s not so good.. My opinion

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

[QUOTE=Caley Martin]I have found Ableton more trouble than it is worth... I can never line shit up correctly to make a decent mix... fuck it. I prefer hands on knob twisting and pitch adjustments anyway.[/QUOTE]

errr... that becos Ableton Live was designed to be a realtime music production application, not a DJ specific software. there are just tons of kids jumping on the bandwagon of 'Ableton DJing'.

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

[quote='for[e]sight']errr... that becos Ableton Live was designed to be a realtime music production application, not a DJ specific software. there are just tons of kids jumping on the bandwagon of 'Ableton DJing'.[/quote]

I disagree. I don't think ableton is difficult to use. and as far as getting the beats precisely on top of the other... not that difficult either really. I have not tried Traktor yet, it's near the top of my list of things to do.

it's true ableton was not designed specifically for djing, but you can do live sets with it, that is for sure!

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

[quote=moonis]anyone could host the Traktor Dj Studio 2.6? would be thankful.. thanks in advance[/quote]

We do not promote the use of Bootleg cd's on this site, why should we promote the use of bootleg software on here.

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

James Mowbray is one of those Ableton Dj's. I get so tired of suddenly all these "DJ"'s who don't even use the hardware, they are all software. And how many of these Software "DJ's" have ever messed with actual turntables or cd players.

There definitely needs to be a new name for this kinf of thing for they are NOT Disc Jockey's at all.

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

[quote=jeffrey collins]James Mowbray is one of those Ableton Dj's. I get so tired of suddenly all these "DJ"'s who don't even use the hardware, they are all software. And how many of these Software "DJ's" have ever messed with actual turntables or cd players.

There definitely needs to be a new name for this kinf of thing for they are NOT Disc Jockey's at all.[/quote]

while that may be true and is annoying, you shouldn't assume that if you use ableton you can't spin. I have been using vinyl for almost 10 years now, and it is not an issue to mix records together. I am now focusing all my efforts on haveing the largest array of music at my disposal, and working on set programming.

My ideal setup will be two technics with ms pinky vinyl going through a allen & head xone 3d controlling traktor and/or ableton, and having a jazzmutant lemur for control extra control of ableton or any plug ins I want.

I am the most frustrated if I see a dj who can't spin playing off their laptop. I am also extremely pissed off whenever I go to a bar or club that is playing shitty music and the dj completely sucks ass. I usually just drink myself into oblivion.

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

Whether you like it or not, I think you shouldn´t dismiss it. In time most people will be either playing completely off software or at least use it to enhance their performances.

Having fundamentalist attitudes won´t help. Personally, if a DJ plays great music, I could give two shits what he´s using, as long as he´s putting at least some effort into it. And I think most people on a dancefloor feel the same.

I agree that using Live or Traktor is conducive to making someone lazy, but the people that really know these programs know that you have to put work into it, just like any traditional DJ, in order to evolve and go further. You don´t honestly believe it´s just a case of pushing a couple of buttons, do you?

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

[QUOTE=jeffrey collins]James Mowbray is one of those Ableton Dj's. I get so tired of suddenly all these "DJ"'s who don't even use the hardware, they are all software. And how many of these Software "DJ's" have ever messed with actual turntables or cd players.

There definitely needs to be a new name for this kinf of thing for they are NOT Disc Jockey's at all.[/QUOTE]

the Serato forum calls them 'Microwave DJs'. hehe

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

there's a difference between. those that use these programs to accent their sets...Like JZ and those that have never spun off decks...using live and still calling themselves a dj.

I've unfortunately had to sell my DJM-600 to make some money for other things, but now have to do my cd sets with traktor...and doubt if i'll ever put out one of those cd's.

Groff, now that's one hell of a dj system. A&H 3D is one expensive controller.

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

I agree...maybe call them LJs (laptop jockeys). But in the end it´s just people playing other people´s music to entertain a crowd...I don´t think its that important how they´re called.

I have both Live and Traktor now, since I took advantage on NI´s aniversary offer, so I´m gonna try and learn Traktor now. My computer´s too old to do what I really wanna do with Live...it crashes when I drag too many loops on the fly...it just hangs...I´m pissed...

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

[quote=Kinetic]But in the end it?s just people playing other people?s music to entertain a crowd...[/quote]

and that's what I'm trying to get out of. hopefully in the next few weeks i shall have my first productions ready to go. then not only will i be playing other people's music...but also my own.

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

[quote=jeffrey collins]and that's what I'm trying to get out of. hopefully in the next few weeks i shall have my first productions ready to go. then not only will i be playing other people's music...but also my own.[/quote]

Good luck with that man! :D

Be sure to let us hear how it?s going ;)

Btw, getting back on topic, I?ve quickly found out that Traktor has some major flaws for me, so I don?t think I?ll be dedicating too much time too it,at least for now, in version 3 :

• Beat marking is a tedious, overly-complicated and imprecise process,compared to Live, where I can Beat mark a track in 30 seconds. The lack of decent zoom means that even if you take your time doing it, you?re not guaranteed to have results as good as with Live. But at least you can get around that with pitch-bending...but what?s the point of using software then? :roll:
• MIDI mapping and assignment is primitive at best and makes doing assignments "on the fly" impossible, especially in a live situation.
• There?s no MIDI feed-back, which means that if, like me, you?re using a MIDI controller, you might see stuff like having a knob in your controller pointing to a certain value, while the same knob in the software might be pointing at a totally different value. Now imagine a live situation where you touch that knob on your MIDI controller and suddenly there?s, say, a huge jump in volume or something...
• The built-in effects suck ass. The filters and EQ?s are very good though, certainly better than the Live ones.

In short, I?m studying some workarounds for my PC?s limitations in using Live, and I think I?m on to something now.;)

Re: Traktor 2 and 3

i think next time i try to use a computer to do a mix i'll just do it like they did for the GU albums. unless by that time i have some new cd players.