Developer(s) | Native Instruments |
---|---|
Initial release | 2000; 21 years ago |
Stable release | |
Preview release | 3.4.0.121 |
Engine | OpenGL 2.1 or higher |
Operating system | macOS 10.12, 10.13, 10.14, 10.15, Microsoft Windows 7, 8, or 10 version 1803 or later (64 bit), iOS |
Size | 1 GB HD Space |
Type | Digital DJ Software, Vinyl emulation software |
License | Proprietary |
Website | www.native-instruments.com/en/products/dj/traktor |
The TRAKTOR SCRATCH A6 is Native Instruments flagship digital vinyl system with the worlds first Remix Decks in TRAKTOR PRO 2.5, and a 6 channel audio interface for use in the studio or the club. Professional Digital Vinyl System TRAKTOR SCRATCH A6 is the straight-up digital vinyl system for spinning MP3s using super-tight vinyl and CD control. Traktor was first released in 2000. The initial versions available were Traktor DJ and Traktor Studio, with Studio being the version with the most functionality. Version 2 of the software (known as Traktor DJ Studio 2) was released in 2002. The new features included scratch macros. TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2 lets you spin digital files on four track decks using super-tight vinyl and CD control. The next generation of this award-winning digital vinyl system is easier to use than ever. Set it up in seconds thanks to the included TRAKTOR AUDIO 10 interface. TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2's TruWave hi-res colored waveforms and new.
Traktor is DJ software developed by Native Instruments. It is also used as a sub-brand for Native Instruments' associated DJ hardware products.
Traktor was first released in 2000. The initial versions available were Traktor DJ and Traktor Studio, with Studio being the version with the most functionality.[1]
Version 2 of the software (known as Traktor DJ Studio 2) was released in 2002. The new features included scratch macros and expanded looping, MIDI, and cue point functionality. Version 2.5, released in 2003, expanded the time stretching functionality, added Open Sound Control (OSC) support, and introduced GUI customization options.[1]
In 2003 Native Instruments expanded Traktor from purely software. They partnered with Stanton Magnetics to develop Traktor Final Scratch: the software for Stanton's Final Scratch digital vinyl system (which used timecode-stamped vinyl records to control MP3s), whilst Stanton developed the hardware.[2] This partnership also allowed Native Instruments to use the Final Scratch timecode functionality in their own Traktor products.[1]
In 2005, Native Instruments added vinyl emulation features to version 2.6 of Traktor DJ Studio, alongside live input, internet broadcasting, support for more file formats, and expanded MIDI capabilities.[3]
Version 3 of Traktor DJ Studio, announced in November 2005, added two more playback decks (for a total of four), built-in EQ & effects, Beatport online store integration, a four-channel mixer.[4] It was re-branded to Traktor 3 on October 11, 2006, when the partnership between Native Instruments and Stanton Magnetics ended. At this point, Native Instruments began manufacturing their own DJ hardware components.[5][2]
On October 16, 2008, Native Instruments announced Traktor Pro, to replace Traktor 3. It included an updated GUI, revamped effects interface, and updated cueing and looping features.[6][7]
The subsequent software, Traktor Pro 2 was announced on February 10, 2011, and released on April 1, 2011. New features included multi-channel support and support for a larger number of concurrent loops.[8]
Native Instruments announced in early 2018 that an entirely new version of Traktor (both hardware & software) had been under development.[9] The new version, entitled Traktor Pro 3, was released on October 18, 2018.[10]
Core functionality supported by Traktor includes the following:
Native Instruments also offers lower-priced version of the Traktor software, known as Traktor Duo. Duo features only 2 virtual decks (compared to the 4 available in the regular version), a single 3-band EQ for each channel, and six effects.[25]
The company have also released Traktor Scratch Pro and Traktor Scratch Duo, which contain the same respective features as their standalone counterparts, along with additional Digital Vinyl System (DVS) functionality, allowing control for timecoded CDs & vinyl.[26][27]
The entry-level version of the software is known as Traktor LE. It is sometimes bundled with third-party DJ controllers.[26]
A version of Traktor is also available for iOSsmartphone & tablet devices. It is known as Traktor DJ.[28]
In August 17, 2010, Native Instruments also released Traktor Pro S4, a new version of the software specialized for their new Traktor Kontrol S4 hardware.[29]
Traktor software can be controlled via hardware MIDI controllers. Native Instruments offers several controllers and mixers designed specifically for control of Traktor software:
Take complete control of your music, mixing and creativity, with this professional mixing and DJ-ing tool.
If you spin tracks for a living or on the side, then you need to listen up. I've looked at some mixing software over the past few months, but none have really 'sent' me. Traktor however, is a completely different story. It’s a DJ-ing and track mixing application and its available for both Windows and Mac, and quite frankly, it floored me.
TRAKTOR is a hardware and software mixing solution that offers DJs a wide range of solutions for spinning at the club, at home or any other venue. Each TRAKTOR product contains T2 Technology providing power and simplicity in both their software and associated hardware.
TRAKTOR’s intelligent features allow for easy remixing of tracks on the fly; and you can switch any deck to a Sample Deck and load up to four loops or one-shot samples each, or 16 in total. Its new Loop Recorder can record loops from mixer channels, master out or audio interface inputs, while you mix in more than 30 performance effects, including Tape Delay and Bouncer.
Pros: Complete music mixing solution, incorporates both hardware and software.
Cons: Expensive.
Conclusion: Traktor is truly amazing. Its tight integration of both hardware accessories and components with its software give serious track and music spinners total control over their tracks and mixes. As such, the interface is a bit complicated for the noobie or those uninitiated in track mixing. The software and related accessories are also quite expensive. This isn't something that the average user is going to purchase, as knowledge of music mixing is required to obtain the value-add from the program.
However, if you’re a professional or amateur DJ and mix music at parties or other for-pay gatherings, then you need to take a look at Traktor and its hardware and components. They're expensive, and definitely an investment; but I think you're going to find that they are an investment that will definitely pay off.