Native Instruments Traktor DJ Primer / Setup Guide - A Simplified Guide
The purpose of this primer is to help you find the Native Instruments product that best suits your DJing needs. We've simplified functions and features to the most basic terms, meaning we've left out full feature lists, points of confusion, and advanced themes. If you'd like to know more about DJ setups in general, also checkout our Beginner's Guide To DJ Setups.
JUMP TO:
- 0.1 The Software: Traktor Pro vs. Traktor DJ
- 1.0 Traktor Kontrol S8
- 1.1 Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2
- 1.2 Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2
- 1.3 Traktor Kontrol Z1
- 1.4 Traktor Kontrol X1 MK2
- 1.5 Traktor Kontrol F1
- 1.6 Traktor Kontrol Z2
- 1.7 Traktor Scratch A6
- 1.8 Traktor Audio 2
- 2.0 What Is Maschine?
- 2.1 What Kind Of DJ Are You?
- 2.2 Visual Cheat Sheet
1.0 The Software: Traktor Pro vs. Traktor DJ
What's the difference?
- Traktor Pro is a full-featured DJ program that runs on Macs and PCs.
- Traktor Pro comes bundled with most Native Instruments hardware.
- Traktor DJ is a simplified DJ program that runs on iOS devices such as iPads and iPhones.
- Traktor DJ is available in Apple's App Store for approximately $20.
- Traktor Pro and Traktor DJ each are compatible with specific Native Instruments products, more about this below.
- You can sync track metadata between Traktor Pro and Traktor DJ, but they can not be used simultaneously.
- Traktor LE is the basic / intro version of Traktor Pro. Traktor LE is bundled with some hardware.
The first thing you should decide is which version of Native Instruments Traktor software you want to use. This will dictate what hardware you will need. If you are just experimenting or dabbling in DJing, you may want to try out the Traktor DJ iOS app. If you are serious about DJing and foresee yourself doing it for a while, we recommend Traktor Pro. Advanced users can also use Traktor DJ as their "light" setup while taking advantage of the PRO-DJ sync function.
1.1 Traktor Kontrol S8 DJ Controller
In a nutshell
- all-in-one DJ controller
- replaces traditional jog-wheel (spin) controls with touch panel controls
- more on-board controls and displays, designed to lessen reliance on your computer keyboard and touchpad
- 4 decks, tons of features, full control of Traktor and Remix Decks
- top of the line, expensive
- also works as a traditional DJ mixer: plug in turntables / CDJs
Traktor Pro or Traktor DJ?
- works with Traktor Pro (included) and Traktor DJ
What else will I need to DJ?
- a computer / iOS device
- optional: CDJ (adds USB stick compatibility), turntables
- DJ headphones
1.1 Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 DJ Controller
In a nutshell
- all-in-one DJ controller
- 4 decks, tons of features, full control of Traktor
- top of the line, expensive
- also works as a traditional DJ mixer: plug in turntables / CDJs
Traktor Pro or Traktor DJ?
- works with Traktor Pro (included) and Traktor DJ
What else will I need to DJ?
- a computer / iOS device
- DJ headphones
1.2 Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2 DJ Controller
In a nutshell
- all-in-one DJ controller
- 2 decks, many features
- mid-range in features and price
Traktor Pro or Traktor DJ?
- works with Traktor Pro (included) and Traktor DJ
What else will I need to DJ?
- a computer / iOS device
- DJ headphones
1.3 Traktor Kontrol Z1 DJ Mixer / Interface
In a nutshell
- mixer for computer / iOS - based Djing.
- recommended add-on for Traktor DJ users
- mirrors features of a traditional mixer including headphone cueing capability
- affordable
Traktor Pro or Traktor DJ?
- works with Traktor LE (included), Traktor Pro and Traktor DJ
What else will I need to DJ?
- a computer / iOS device
- DJ headphones
- note: when using Z1 MK2, the X1 will not control decks (only loops, cue points, effects)
1.4 Traktor Kontrol X1 MK2
In a nutshell
- dual purpose: 1) DJ controller 2) dedicated control for advanced Traktor Pro features (hot cues, looping, FX).
- as a DJ controller, this replaces a pair of turntables / cdjs
Traktor Pro or Traktor DJ?
- works only with Traktor Pro (NOT included)
What else will I need to DJ?
- a computer
- DJ headphones
- recommended add-on if you plan to use the X1 as your main DJ controller: Native Instruments Traktor Audio 2 will improve sound quality, allow for headphone cueing, and includes Traktor Pro software.
1.5 Traktor Kontrol F1
In a nutshell
- for advanced Traktor Pro users: control Traktor Pro's Remix Decks
Traktor Pro or Traktor DJ?
- works only with Traktor Pro (included)
What else will I need to DJ?
- a computer
- DJ headphones
- as an advanced user, you're probably already using other Traktor hardware.
1.6 Traktor Kontrol Z2 Control Mixer
In a nutshell
- traditional dj mixer optimized for use with Traktor Pro
- works with turntables / CDJs in digital or regular mode (comes with control vinyl / CDs)
- can also use (1) Traktor Kontrol X1 in place of turntables / CDJs
Traktor Pro or Traktor DJ?
- works only with Traktor Pro (included)
What else will I need to DJ?
- DJ turntables / cdjs / Traktor Kontrol X1
- a computer
- DJ headphones
1.7 Traktor Scratch A6 Digital DJ System
In a nutshell
- Native Instruments' digital vinyl / cd system, similar to Serato Scratch Live
- for users who want to use a traditional DJ setup, but want the ease / features of digital djing
- you will additionally need a mixer, turntables / cdjs.
- used by many professional DJs
Traktor Pro or Traktor DJ?
- works only with Traktor Pro (included)
- note: as an interface only, the A6 works with Traktor DJ
What else will I need to DJ?
- DJ turntables / CDJs
- DJ mixer
- a computer
- DJ headphones
1.8 Traktor Audio 2
In a nutshell
- complete solution for computer-based DJing (aka "Laptop DJing")
- if you want something beyond keyboard and mouse to control your DJ program, you can add a Traktor Kontrol X1 for hands-on control.
Traktor Pro or Traktor DJ?
- works only with Traktor Pro (included)
What else will I need to DJ?
- a computer / iOS device
- DJ headphones
2.0 What is Maschine?
In a nutshell
- Maschine is a hardware / software combo used to produce your own beats / tracks
- It combines a pattern-based sequencer (used to create your track layers), sampler (capture sounds), effects and a sound library
- Maschine is also excellent for performing the tracks you create or manipulating sounds
Traktor Pro or Traktor DJ?
- Neither, Maschine uses its own music making software. It's included with Maschine.
What else will I need to DJ make music?
- a computer
- speakers / monitors or DJ headphones
2.0 What Kind of DJ Are You?
You are a pro or you aspire to be a pro. You want full, hands-on control over Traktor Pro. You want to go beyond mixing and get into advanced features like sampling, looping, cue points, and adding effects. You'll want to use:
- Traktor S8
- Traktor S4
- Traktor S2 (as you want more control you can add X1, F1)
You have DJed with a traditional turntable / cdj setup, but want to move to a digital setup that offers similar function. You don't want to be a "laptop DJ". You'll want to use:
You have DJed with a traditional turntable / cdj setup, but you want to switch to a digital setup, but still want to integrate your turntables / CDJs. You'll want to use:
- Traktor Scratch A6 (you can still use your current setup, this makes it digital)
- Traktor S8 or Traktor S4 (this has inputs for turntables / CDJs)
- Traktor Z2 Mixer (this converts your turntable / CDJ to a digital setup)
You want a minimal setup. You're more focused on your music library, computer, DJ program rather than external hardware. Portability is a factor. You'll want to use:
- Traktor Kontrol Z1 (works with both laptop and iOS device)
- Traktor Audio 2 (most minimal, but works with laptop only)
- Traktor Kontrol X1 + Audio 2 (works with laptop only)
2.2 CHEAT SHEET
