• Traktor S2 Logic Pro X 7

The TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 also includes a full version of the new TRAKTOR PRO 3 software. The TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 has undergone a complete redesign, with a visual language that aligns closely with TRAKTOR’s club-standard heritage. The system features 16 RGB pads for triggering samples and loops, as well as for setting and triggering cue points. Mar 25, 2013  Ok, so i originally posted this question on the 'Logic Pro Help Forum' as i want to use my f1 as a midi controller for Logic, to specifically use as a drum pad with the Logic plugin 'Ultra Beat' & figured that i should enquire on the Logic page as to how to set this up. Press Release. Native Instruments launches limited-time price drop on TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 and TRAKTOR KONTROL S2. Berlin, April 1, 2014 – Native Instruments today launched “It’s all about the drop” – a limited-time special offer on the industry-standard TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 and TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 all-in-one DJ controllers. Traktor S2 and Logic Pro X. Hi i just got pro x trial and was wondering if its possible to connect to use with pro x so that I can use the pads. Save hide report. 100% Upvoted. Log in or sign up to leave a comment log in sign up. No comments yet. Apr 05, 2011  The fact that lots of the “innovations” in Traktor Pro 2 are from the S4 software contributed a bit to maybe a less than massive “wow” from users on launch, but I think that this new incarnation of Traktor Pro needs to be seen for what it is – formalising the functionality of the S4 in all Traktor software, so other hardware. Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 DJ Controller w/ Lightning Cable Hardware and software – fused in perfect harmony. The redesigned Traktor Kontrol S4 is the first-class DJ system tailor-made for Traktor to deliver an inspiring DJ experience. Learn to create your own instruments in Logic Pro X. Sam Willings-6th March 2020. The next video in our Logic Tips tutorial series breaks down some of the effective tools in the EXS24 sampler. Traktor S2 is one of the premier DJ performance systems so it’s well worth a look if you’re about to embark on a career in DJ’ing or just in.

If NI’s Traktor family has felt a little like it’s taken a back seat in the last couple of years, that’s only really because of the sheer range of other gear NI has been developing and releasing. Plus, digital DJ’ing is already pretty advanced, so any major update to the hardware and software was always likely to be saved for when there was a major step forward ready.
And step forward indeed the new generation of Traktor - version 3 of the software, and the third generation of the controller hardware. I’m looking here at the Traktor Kontrol S2 MkIII, although there’s a bigger S4 as well, which was also demoed to me back in summer 2018 by the Traktor specialists at NI’s London offices. Just like with Komplete Kontrol or Maschine, every variant of the hardware works with the same software. In this case that means Traktor Pro 3, which comes in the box, or Traktor LE.

I had the choice of the S2 or S4 when reviewing (one of the perks of the job) and I went for the S2 because I think it’s a more accessible unit for a wider range of people. I’m oversimplifying a little, but in addition to experienced DJs it’s also designed for keen amateurs or those looking to get started in DJing. It has plenty of features of course - it’s just that the S4 is really more of a pro solution and therefore likely of more interest to serious and already-experienced performers.

Why Hardware?

Digital DJ’ing is a bit like any musical performance in the sense that while you can technically do some of it with a mouse and a screen, it works an awful lot better when you are able to get hands-on and use hardware to interact and perform with the software. The Traktor Kontrol S2 has NI’s hallmark build - unfussy yet solid, lightweight and sturdy - and the physical controls are smooth, reactive, accurate and reliable, as they are on all the company's latest hardware models.
It’s USB powered - the only new Traktor Kontrol unit that is - with an optional PSU input if you prefer. It also has an integrated audio interface, because frankly who wants to carry around two boxes? NI has really nailed this particular functionality now, and tends to fit audio I/O wherever it can within the power requirements of a unit. Audio is 24-bit at up to 48KHz, and there’s 1x 1/4 inch TRS mic input with gain control, phono and mini jack main outputs although no further audio inputs - these are saved for the larger models. A headphone out on the front edge is a mini jack format, to save space.

There’s also an iOS port which does nothing at present, but NI told me that this unit will support connecting an iPad or iPhone with Traktor for iOS installed, and controlling that app. This is presumably waiting on an update to Traktor for iOS, but it’s a tantalising prospect, especially as audio will presumably be handled via the S2’s internal interface, so your iOS device will do the processing while the S2 does all the cool stuff. I can't wait to try that out since I love the iPad as a DJ platform.

Fire It Up

Daisydisk lost and found. The S2 hooks into Traktor Pro 3, a big update that introduces a new, flatter and more streamlined look as well as an upgraded audio engine, Elastique 3 time stretching algorithm, new mixer FX and improvements to Flux mode that support the new Reverse button on the S2 - this lets you reverse any deck then release the button and not lose sync, jumping back to where you were.

The top surface has had a redesign, with a greater focus on workflow. There are two physical deck controllers, each identical. You load and browse sounds using the Browse dial and control playback using the new jog wheels. These are larger than before and have a different feel - they are touch sensitive and extremely responsive to input for cueing, scratching or navigating. Thanks to the automatic beat grid and beat matching that has taken yet another step forward in this new version of Traktor, keeping tracks synced and in time is easier than ever. Of course it still works best with music that fits a certain profile - clearly defined beats, regular rhythms - but it’s surprisingly good with hip hop, experimental EDM and other styles that aren’t necessarily just 4-to-the-floor kicks.

Here’s the skinny - I am not exactly a turntable champion, but I found it surprisingly easy to sync and beat match using this new software and hardware. Yes, it’s doing some of the work for you, but your audience doesn’t know that. If you want to really show off there are plenty of timecode vinyl systems out there, but this is easier, and fun. That’s not to say it’s simplistic at all - just that the learning curve is more gentle than you might have thought.

Pad Up

NI has included 8 of its signature backlit RGB pads on each deck, and these can be used for all kinds of tricks including setting cue points and jumping around a track, punching in samples and loops of your own using Remix decks and much more. Of course there's support for NI's Stems format too, for easy remixing on the fly. It’s simple to switch between hot cue or sample modes - again, NI has codified this into two buttons which are very clear. Looping and moving loops is also simple using the dedicated controls, as are setting sync and tempo adjustment. At the top of each deck is a new Transport Mode switch with two buttons - Flex and Reverse. By using the software’s tempo analysis features coupled with the excellent new jog wheels, you can perform pretty advanced scratches, cuts and speed effects without losing your place in a track.

New Mixer

In the centre of the unit, in addition to crossfader, level meter and headphone cue controls is a new, colour coded FX section. There are eight FX and three filters that can be selected using the four buttons, and dialled in using the associated knobs. Finally of course there’s dedicated lo, mid and high EQ controls and further headphone mix and volume controls for more accurate cueing.

Conclusion

The S2 follows NI’s new strategy of creating some more affordable hardware products alongside its pricier and more “pro” gear, but bundling them with the same software. The S2 is a great way into the world of digital DJ’ing that balances affordability, ease of use and features in a way that really works. On the one hand you sacrifice a few things like XLR ins and the (very cool) haptic drive motorised jog wheel that’s found on the S4. But then you gain portability, forthcoming iOS support and also a simpler and more accessible overall learning curve and performing experience.
Ultimately the S2 is great fun to use and will probably make you sound like a better DJ than you really are - until of course your skills improve and then you can do even more impressive tricks! It’s portable enough that you really can throw it in a backpack (carefully), it powers over USB and has an audio interface - it’s everything you need to perform, and look serious, without breaking the bank and without carrying a huge amount of kit. The new jog wheels are responsive, the controls overall are extremely well thought-out and easy to learn. And if you’re already a decent DJ, there’s plenty to like with the new reverse mode, improved beat grids and expanded mixer FX.
Comparison between all Traktor controllers: https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/traktor/dj-controllers/traktor-kontrol-s2/compare/

/organ-vst-free-download.html. on Mar 31, 2017 in DJ & Live Performance 0 comments

A good techno record lends itself to a few well-placed effects. Many techno cuts are sparse enough that there's room for DJs to add imaginative effects to tracks and mixes. If you're a DJ who's keen to learn more about how to use Traktor's effects in techno sets, read on..

Delays and Single FX Chains

Delay is an effect that can be creatively used in many ways during sets. There are many types of delay in Traktor, each with a unique sound that should be explored. To learn to use delay, practise using each type of delay in a Single FX unit in Traktor. To create a Single FX unit, open the Preferences, navigate to the Effects section and in the FX Panel mode select Single.

Delay

Traktor's 'standard' delay may be a seemingly common effect in Traktor, but it's capable of producing amazing textures. Begin by loading up Delay into a single FX unit and turn the effect on by pressing the ON button. The Dry/Wet can either be at 50%, or at zero and slowly turned up clockwise. New rhythms can be created by turning the Rate (SPR level) down, then raising it back up again.

Use the EQ on the mixer or the Filter in the delay to cut the bass so only the percussion and hi hats are delayed. Close the FX by gradually turning down the D/W to 0 or pressing ON to turn the FX off. A quick ending tends to sounds best if you turn off the effect on beat with the track.

Delay T3

Start with the Delay T3 on, the D/W down to 0 and the Rate (FR.R) to about 0.25. Slowly raise up the D/W up and once it's at about 50% turn the FR.R on. Experiment with turning the Rate (FR.R) counter clockwise, then clockwise to create interesting sounds and transitions. I find Delay T3 works best with tracks that have sparsely programmed rhythms.

Delay Freeze

The Delay's Freeze parameter can be used to create transitions in a mix where other tracks can be brought in, or the track that's playing can trail out entirely. To use this effect, start with the Delay on in a single FX unit, then push Freeze (FRZ) located underneath the Feedback button. It takes a few seconds for the Delay to fade away, which gives time to mix in other tracks. This technique also works well with the other types of delay, including Ramp Delay and Tape Delay.

Ramp Delay

Ramp delay is a an effect that can produce psychedelic sounding, tripped out delay effects that sound great on techno tracks. Start out with the Dry/Wet (D/W) on the Ramp Delay turned to 50%, the Filter at about 80%, the Duration at 1/4” and the Rate all the way up at 1/32. Ramp Delay sounds best when it's applied during a part of the song with minimal percussion.

Turn on the effect then take the Rate down to 1/16, then turn the rate back up to 1/32. Once you master this, experiment with starting with the D/W control set to Dry at 0 and slowly turn it up while you sweep the Rate control. To transition back into the track, slowly turn the D/W down to 0 for a gradual fade. To turn the Ramp Delay off quickly, simply press either FX 1 or FX 2 (whichever its assigned to) to take the effect out of the mix.

FX Chains and Groups

FX can be used in Groups in Traktor, which mean more than three FX are stacked on top of each other. To create an FX chain, open the Preferences, then Effects and in the FX Panel mode, then select Group.

Beatmasher2 + LaserSlicer + Strrretch (slow)

On one FX Group, choose the BeatBeatmasher2 in the first slot, the LaserSlicer in the second slot and the + Strrretch (slow) in the third slot. This combination of FX can be used to produce trippy stretched out FX that can compliment techno sets. Try slowly turning on each FX on within the group one at a time, and adjusting its parameters to learn what each individual FX sounds like. Once you're comfortable with each effect on its own, try turning on each FX and slowly turning up the D/W so the entire chain is heard together. Adjust each parameter individually and try turning the FX within the chain on and off. Keep adjusting and experimenting and turn off the entire chain by dropping it out (with the ON button) or slowly bringing down the D/W of the chain.

BeatSlicer/ Filter:92 LFO/Delay Chain

Any FX chain that involves delay works great for techno and the BeatSlicer is a useful effect for creating rhythmic interest. In one FX Group, choose the BeatSlicer in the first slot, the Filter:92 LFO in the second slot and the Delay in the third slot. I tried placing the BeatSlicer around eight o'clock and the Filter:92 LFO and Delay around 2 o'clock. Start with the D/W of the chain at zero and slowly bring up the D/W level until the FX chain is audible. Practise adjusting the parameters of the three FX, or simply use the D/W to mix the entire chain in and out of the mix.

Beatmasher Chain

The Beatmasher can be used to create staccato snare fills, and Reverb is placed in this chain to add ambience to the sound. To create the chain, place the Beatmaster2 in the first slot, Formant Filter or Peak Filter in the second slot and the Reverb into the third FX slot in a group. In a minimal section of a track with claps or snares, bring the D/W level of the chain slowly up and adjust the level of the Beatmasher2 until it catches the snare or clap. I find it's best if the Reverb is set to a specific level when the chain is in use, as adjustments to the Reverb make a big difference in the overall sound. Use the Filter to create new rhythms and patterns and play with the snare or clap. Try adjusting the D/W level, and then re-adjust each parameter again within the chain. This is quite a fun chain to play with that can add a lot of interest to minimal tracks.

Final Words

Traktor gives DJs the power to introduce new sounds that can give sets an original flair. Take the time to carefully explore each effect and learn what its capable of! With a little practise, soon you'll start to receive compliments on tastefully placed effects in your sets.

Photo: Rauwshan Mahanaim

Traktor S2 Logic Pro X 7