The daddy of DJing software goes Pro, but is this new version just a cosmetic refresh or an essential upgrade?Traktor is arguably the elder-statesman of laptop DJing. First released in 2000, it has grown from basic twin-deck DJing software to a four-deck looping, scratching and performing behemoth. And that was just version 3.
Rather than simply crank it up to v4, though, Native Instruments have decided to drop the numeric suffix and make us feel much more serious about our DJing - enter Traktor Pro! For those who aren't familiar, here's a rundown...
There are various configurations in Traktor, based around either two or four decks. The two main mixing modes are internal or external. Internal is for those who are largely computer-based, and offers up a simple virtual mixer, complete with a choice of EQ types (based on high-quality hardware mixers). External mode routes the virtual decks to physical outputs for mixing using a hardware DJ mixer. The method you go for is largely a matter of personal choice, but we think that DJing is always more impressive - and more fun - when executed with plenty of movement, whether that means using a real knobs-and-faders mixer or a MIDI controller.
As for controlling the decks, there are again two main options: using the on-screen interface or external hardware controllers. And these need not be limited to a standard MIDI-based affair, as the Traktor Scratch Pro option enables the use of time-coded vinyl or CDs to control the virtual decks - see the boxout for more on this.
The whole package has always been extraordinarily stable, designed primarily with reliable live play in mind, as exemplified by details such as a battery indicator and clock built right into the main screen.
Making a difference
There was little wrong before, so what are the major changes? Well, the first thing that you'll spot is the nicely streamlined layout, as well as the extensive range of customisation options. The browser has been tweaked, too. iTunes users will be pleased to know that Traktor Pro recognises Apple's playlists, and, to make things even easier, there's now a little track art window to help you navigate through your music collection. You can even Crate Flick (as Nl call it) through your tunes, with the top third of the
"Mixing tracks together is as simple as dropping them into one of four decks and clicking Sync"
artwork showing. What's more, you can assign images to any audio files, for easy identification. Of course, it's not all cosmetic...
Sound effects
The effects section of Traktor 3 sounded great, though it was pretty limited. However, Pro has 23 different effects types, including some rather fine gating, filtering, beat-mashing, reverb, modulation, delay and distortion effects. What's more, they sound excellent, are extremely functional and can be used as either inserts or sends. An even more impressive touch is the fact that Traktor Pro can run these effects in a basic one-knob control mode, or in the full, 'advanced' version (with up to three parameters per effect). The basic mode is great if you are trying to control multiple effects. As for routing, they're arranged in two banks of three, although you can run the lot in series, if you like, giving a chain of six effects. Each channel in the mixer has a dedicated filter, too.
Ultimately, Traktor is for mixing, and this is now easier than ever. 99% of the time, getting two tracks to work together is as simple as dropping them into one of the four available decks, clicking Sync and starting them both as and when you're ready. It really is that easy, and on those rare occasions you encounter problems, you can edit the grid map used to line up the tracks.
Loops are much more easily set up than in previous versions, plus the rock-solid timing enables them to be layered seamlessly. And, with four decks to hand, all this can go on in conjunction with your regular mixing.
So, as we've seen, while it's not not a radical overhaul, most of the fundamentals of Traktor have been improved in Pro. Nevertheless, there are a few minor issues we'd like to bring up...
Firstly, we have the MIDI and key mapping functions. Now, while these are fairly straightforward, fully functional and entirely usable, they are still far behind the system that Abieton Live employs.
Furthermore, the Native Mix capabilities of previous versions, which allowed the user to redo a fluffed mix Cor pick up from a certain point, in the event of an interruption), have been completely removed. Traktor Pro only has a simple record function that can render either the internal mix or an external signal (for those DJing using a hardware mixer). While we applaud the ditching of the old Native Mix function (it was pretty poor), to not replace it with an equivalent seems a little odd. In NTs defence, the manual states that a replacement will be developed, so let's cross our fingers and hope that it's sooner rather than later.
Still, these are relatively minor grumbles, and this is without doubt an excellent update - it's the most definitive version yet of what was already the best DJing software ever created. If you aren't using the hands-on, vinyl-friendly Scratch features, we still think Abieton Live 7 has the edge for versatility and power, but Traktor Pro requires far less preparation and makes it much easier to browse tracks. So, for those wanting to play a variety of loop-based music in the simplest way possible, Traktor remains the best option on the market at present.
Contact: Arbiter, 020 8207 7880
Web: www.native-instruments.com
Info: Upgrade from Traktor 3, £85 Traktor Scratch Pro, £470
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Mixing with four decks needn't mean mashing four tunes together, as you can load 'em up with loops too≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌≌
Become a scratch pervert with the time-coded vinyl and CDs included in Traktor Scratch ProTurning the tables
When we first heard about control vinyl, it seemed like science fiction, but it's now very much a reality. By using time-coded vinyl to manipulate playback of audio files, you can do all the same tricks as you can with 'the real thing'. It also eliminates the risk of ruining your precious vinyl and makes for a far more portable setup.
To this end, Nl offer the Traktor Scratch Pro bundle, which contains Traktor Pro, a pair of timecoded vinyls (and CDs too, for CDJ units), and the awesome Audio 8 DJ USB interface, featuring eight ins, eight outs and a headphone jack - naturally, it's ideal for using with an external mixer. We have only a few small criticisms: the heavy duty cabling that's intended to make life simple is pretty confusing in practice, and the installation instructions are not straightforward, despite having their own manual!
Having originally adopted the Final Scratch technology, Nl created their own scratch system, and what they've got right now is perhaps the best we've tried, with ultra-fast response that's practically indistinguishable from the real thing. Not only that, but switching between time-code, internal and audio-direct-through modes is very quick indeed, putting the best of all three worlds at your fingertips.
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System requirements
(PC) P4/Athlon1.4GHz,1GB RAM
Windows XP(SP2) /Vista(SP1)(32/64bit)
(MAC) Intel Core 2 Duo 1.66GHZ,
1GB RAM, OS X10.4
Test system
(MAC) Apple MacBook Pro, Intel Core
2 Duo 2GHz, 1GB RAM, OS X 10.5.2
(MAC) Apple Mac Pro, Dual 2.8GHZ Quad-Core Intel Xeon, 2GB RAM,
OS X 10.5.2
Alternatively
Rane Serato Scratch Live N/Aa»N/A»£399
A well-established package, but it's a little limited compared to Traktor
Ableton Live 7 Suite cm121» 9/10 » £539
Very powerful and deep, though not as immediate as Traktor
Verdict
FOR
- Rock-solid stability
- Great sound and effects
- Incredibly easy to use
- Slick new interface
- Very powerful in performance
- Scratch bundle is awesome!
AGAINST
- Limited recording facilities
- MIDI control setup could be improved
Even a couple of flaws can't take points away from this industry-leading product. It's simply the best DJing app out there
MARK: 10/10
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