2 New Flavors of Traktor
Traktor Pro currently comes in 2 flavors depending on the style of control you prefer, Traktor Scratch Pro and Traktor Pro, which offer DVS functionality or Midi Control respectively. Today NI announced 2 “light” versions of the software which offer the core functionality at a reduced price. The name of the new software, Traktor Duo and Traktor Scratch Duo, highlight the major difference. These new versions only offer 2 decks instead of 4 among other slight limitations. As is usually the case, we got our grimy hands on both months ago, and can give you some good insight on what they have to really have to offer.
This is a lower cost Vinyl control packaged aimed straight at competing with Serato Scratch. At $400, its a pretty good value considering that includes control vinyl, a good sound card and some nice software features. While the software may not do everything the pro version does it is still has a lot of the features you are missing in Serato like 3 independent Fx slots per deck and cover art scrolling.
Duo has the same vinyl control engine as Traktor Scratch and I was pleasantly surprised to find that the stability and responsiveness vastly outperformed my expectations. The overall feel is light years beyond vinyl control in Traktor 3. The Traktor Duo and Pro scratch system is built on a 2khz time code, which should perform better while moving the platter back and forth slowly. If the record is moving slowly, the time code moves lower in pitch and really slow movements can possibly lower the code’s frequency out of range of the software. So the idea is, make the time code 2khz (instead of serato’s 1khz) and it will pick up more movements. Your going to have to ask the real scratch artists if it actually makes a difference. What I can tell you however, is that when spinning house and electro with Duo, the record releases and cue-ups felt nice and tight.
So you have tight record control, a good audio interface (the same converters as the larger audio 8) and Traktor software all for $399. Why buy the pro version? Well, there are a lot of things missing including:
- Customizable Layouts
- 4 decks
- quantized mode
- master clock panel and options
- Choose your own EQ
- Midi Clock
- advanced fx control
- master output audio recording
- hotkey customization
- only 6 FX including Filter, Delay, Reverb, Flanger, Gater, Beatmasher
even with all of that gone, the list of cool features are still pretty long and as long as the audio 4 proves to be a reliable sound card, this package could offer the first real competition to Serato Scratch.
Release date: April 1
Price $399.00
On the midi controller side you have Traktor Duo, which replaces the LE software a step above Traktor LE, which is commonly found in midi controller packages like the vci-100. its essentially the exact same software as Scratch Duo but does not support vinyl control. So no, you cant buy the audio 4 + Traktor Duo and get vinyl control. You need to purchase the Traktor Scratch Duo package. Yes I know, its a little confusing for me too but we can figure this thing out.
The one nice thing about Duo, that LE never had was the ability to import and edit custom midi mappings. This is a major problem if you bought a controller that has LE but want to use one of Dj TechTool’s custom mappings for example. Unless your ready to upgrade to pro, nothing can be done. Hopefully Duo will become a popular option so more people can benefit from the extensive mappings available in our midi forum.
Release date: April 1
Price $119.00
I leave you with a video from DMC champs Craze and Clever rocking out on Traktor Scratch.
March 24th, 2009 at 7:04 pm Quote
When is the release date on DUO? Nevermind, I went to the NI site and it said April 1st…it better not be a April Fools joke!
I do like the scratch duo, finally NI can compete with Serato!
March 24th, 2009 at 7:16 pm Quote
Nice Ean, this is good news to us from Brazil.
Importing stuff is really expensive for us here and everything that we dont use we need to cut off to save some cash for other stuffs.
For me, at the beginning the 2 decks of Traktor Duo is enough.
Thanks and keep with the good work!
Cheers from Brazil!
March 24th, 2009 at 7:33 pm Quote
..what i dont understand.. some time ago ni said: the audio 4 will not offer vinyl-control.. so now i got a normal pro-version with the audio 8, but only using two channels / decks..
okay, i need the full version of traktor because i like to have a master-clock and custom-layouts etc..
but why do i have to carry a 8 channel-soundcard from one club to another?
ahh.. i can see clearly now.. this “will not offer vinyl-control”-thing was just to get time to finish the duo-versions.. right?
March 24th, 2009 at 8:12 pm Quote
Is Virtual DJ related to Trackor.
Which one is more powerful.
I saw a demo where virtual Dj offers video, karaoke, scratching, and instant texting on the screen. I was very impressed.
Who is the manufacture and who is the distributor. Like Serato is to manufacture and Rane is the distributor.
March 24th, 2009 at 8:18 pm Quote
or you could just pirate it… It’s super easy, I used a pirated copy until I had enough bucks to purchase the upgrade because fuck using Traktor 3 LE in the mean time. The sticky wicket is you can’t upgrade it because you have to delete Service Center, which kinda sucks for the 2.0 mapping. If this came with standard with a new VCI, I wouldn’t be mad, I was outraged when I opened up the box to see Traktor 3 LE its like giving someone an iPod without headphones mixing was hopeless on the LE version. If combined with a cheap upgrade to Pro fee, I’d be all over it.
March 24th, 2009 at 9:07 pm Quote
You can upgrade to Pro for $119
March 24th, 2009 at 9:26 pm Quote
Great news, this will open the possibility of TP to more Djs! Although I would like that NI would focus more in improoving their actual product Traktor Pro. But I understand it is good to be able to reach all the market.
But to be honest when I read the name Traktor DUO I though it was a special version designed to play as a duo… I mean a special version designed to be syncronized with another one. and with an interface specially designed for more than 1 dj playing. But nope… I have to still dream with that, this is just a simpler version of TP :(
March 24th, 2009 at 9:53 pm Quote
Way to confuse the market even more NI!
Traktor 3/ Traktor Scratch Pro/ Traktor Pro/ Traktor Duo/ Traktor Scratch Duo/ Audio 8/ Audio Kontrol 1/ Audio 4 DJ
VS
Serato Scratch LIVE
No wonder why Serato is leading the market.
March 24th, 2009 at 10:10 pm Quote
how much is duo i want to get it
March 24th, 2009 at 10:16 pm Quote
just a follow-up question: what if we have Traktor 3? will Traktor Scratch Duo enable the DVS functionality in T3?
March 24th, 2009 at 10:16 pm Quote
I think it will be very hard to convince clubs to make the switch to Traktor Pro. http://club.ministryofsound.com/corporatehire/Tech/Pages/Default.aspx
However, for the consumer it does appear that there is finally a contender to take some of the share. Good job NI, glad I own both though products.
March 25th, 2009 at 12:22 am Quote
Now boys and girls, we all know warez is bad for your teeth.
That talk “A4 won’t support vinyl” is so NI-style.
March 25th, 2009 at 9:25 am Quote
I still wish they’d ship an unbundled version of Traktor Scratch Pro/Duo, just vinyl and the software.. would buy it on the spot. I just don’t need another sound card laying around and collecting dust :/
March 25th, 2009 at 10:41 am Quote
I’m kind of confused right now, becuase the package for 399 doesn’t sound like a real deal to me.
Traktor Pro is 199€ and the Audio 4 Dj 199€ aswell and the Timecode cds and vinyls are not more than 20€. So why should i get the bundle if i can get the full Traktor Pro and the Audio 4 for roughly the same price?
March 25th, 2009 at 11:25 am Quote
Are they using the same multicore cables for the duo scratch (audio 4 DJ) setup or are bringing out new ones. I have the audio 4 DJ and traktor pro 1.1 currently using vci 100 but would quite like the option to use vinyl timecode if the mood takes me and it woul be quite cheap to buy the multicore and the vinyl to expand my options.
March 25th, 2009 at 12:03 pm Quote
What NI said at the time of the Audio 4 release was:
- Traktor Scratch Pro 1.02 didnot have the Audio 4 certified for vinyl control
- You would have to wait till Traktor Scratch Pro 1.1.1 to use it for vinyl control
March 25th, 2009 at 12:55 pm Quote
In regards to this sentence, i’d like to better understand a point, maybe you can help masters.. ;)
I still keep the records that came with Traktor Scratch, but I’m currently using only TSPro with Audio8.
The difference or improvement in regards to the above mentioned 2khz time code, when comparing it with TDJS3, is related to:
1 – The records itself (so if I want to notice the described improvement I should buy new records)
2 – Internals of TSPro software (so I’m already enjoying this improvement’s benefit with the current stuff I have)
3 – Internals or special feature of TS Duo only (i’m f*cked ;)
Thanks for your help.
March 25th, 2009 at 12:57 pm Quote
It’s only confusing for simpletons who have no comprehension of language, reading, and understand.
You should probably post your same comment in more forums! Hooray!
March 25th, 2009 at 1:08 pm Quote
I agree with JJ in the sense of that NI has certainly troubles to choose the right namings.
This reminds me of the 700 ‘different’ versions that were released in the Vista launch.
What’s the benefit of making this market segmentation in this very narrow scenario…?
For example Traktor Scratch Pro and Traktor Pro: Virtually the same software, the first is a bundle between A8, control records/cd’s and Traktor Pro, with a different naming.
Why the software has to be named differently, when it is the same?
Isn’t it better to keep the same naming to avoid confusion?
Maybe it’s they think it’s better to generate this confusion because then you have many people talking about, asking and showing interest to understand something that appears to hide actual differences when there aren’t…
March 25th, 2009 at 1:42 pm Quote
Later’s better than nothing for Traktor!
I just bought my VCI 100 2 weeks ago and was very disappointed to see how poor was the LE version of Traktor… I’m actually thinking aout the upgrade to PRO but but it’s another hundred euros!
Will DUO be included with the vci 100 later?
Anyway, too late for me unfortunately..
March 25th, 2009 at 2:06 pm Quote
Ok, just to clear the air on this, the included Traktor LE software with your VCI-100 is a bonus to get you started if:
a. you are new to digital djing
b. use another dj software
It is limited because it is a bonus. Think of it as trial software.
Now the good thing about Traktor LE is that it allows you purchase Traktor Pro at a discounted price instead of the normal price. Bonus!
March 25th, 2009 at 4:43 pm Quote
Wow, this is all being made way too complicated.
Traktor 3 – The PREVIOUS version of Traktor. It has been upgraded to Traktor Pro. Traktor Scratch was upgraded to Traktor Scratch Pro, and Traktor 3 was upgraded to Traktor Pro. Now I know this looks like rocket science but I think we can all figure it out.
Audio4, Audio8, Audio Kontrol – Three DIFFERENT sound cards. The Audio4 has four outs (2 stereo pair) the Audio8 has 8 outs (4 stereo pair) and the Audio Kontrol is a completely different sound card with a MIDI knob on top. Once again, I think we can all use the glory of Google, and the Native Instruments site to read.
Traktor Duo/Traktor Scratch Duo – They are trimmed down versions of Traktor Pro/Scratch Pro. It’s less expensive, gives you less options, but is still Traktor.
Traktor Pro/Scratch pro with Audio4/8 – The difference here, guys, is that when you have the Audio4 and want to use Timecode you only have TWO CHANNELS in stereo. Whereas, on the Audio8 you have 4 channels in stereo. Why is this difficult?
Also, the bundles aren’t just named something different. The INCLUDED software with the Audio4 is Traktor Pro. This does NOT have timecode support. That’s not the Audio4 that doesn’t support timecode, it’s the software itself. So, if you buy the Audio4 with Traktor Pro you don’t get timecode. If you buy the Audio8 with Traktor Scratch Pro you get full timecode support, as well as the vinyl and the CDs.
That clear it up at all?
March 25th, 2009 at 6:33 pm Quote
Now let’s wait for traktor trio
March 25th, 2009 at 7:46 pm Quote
(mostly) from the download section of ScratchLive.net:
Serato Scratch Live v1.2, v1.3, v1.4, v1.5, v1.6.0, v1.6.1, v1.6.2, v1.6.3, v1.7.0, v1.7.1, v1.7.2, v1.7.4, v1.8.0, v1.8.1, v1.8.2, v1.8.3, v1.9 (beta), Itch, Video SL v1.0.1, v1.0.2, MovieInfoBatch, SL1 box, TTM57sl
Let’s not do any more comparisons, especially between a company that offers different functionality vs. a company that has all their downloads in one place without any explanations.
Geez.
March 25th, 2009 at 8:43 pm Quote
You should probably post your same comment in more forums! Smartass! When did free upgrades mean different versions of the software. Or should Serato charge and make new versions like NI? It’s obvious you’ve never used SSL so you shouldn’t be talking. You know how hard it’s going to be to convince people to look at Traktor now?
Ean should do a comparison. NI is going after Serato’s huge market at this price point.
Think about a club install.
Do you have Serato?
Yup.
Do you have Traktor?
Umm, we have Traktor 3. We might upgrade to Duo… FAIL!
March 25th, 2009 at 9:59 pm Quote
I think its great they did traktor scratch duo.. most dj’s really never use 4 decks…. and if it runs faster without all the extra’s way better.. it just gives u different options guys.. nothing bad in that… u want midi control.. u have it.. u want 2 channels u got it.. u want 4 decks u have it as well.. it just saves u a couple of bucks with the same great sounding sound card…
p.s NI just needs video.. << hopefully we do get it.. cuz I don’t wanna drop 1,300 for a ttm 57…
March 25th, 2009 at 10:41 pm Quote
Video – Virtual DJ – still the best program for it.
March 25th, 2009 at 11:07 pm Quote
Lol you said it all there buddy,
How is an software upgrade,free or not, not a different version to that which is being upgraded?
March 25th, 2009 at 11:31 pm Quote
If that’s the case, then it would be Traktor 3.1, Traktor 3.2, Traktor 3.3/ Traktor Pro 1/ Traktor Pro 1.1.1…..
March 26th, 2009 at 1:46 am Quote
I find the battle between serato users and traktor users sort of funny, reminds me of the fight scene in the movie Anchorman.
really apples to oranges in my small opinion.
Can’t we all just get along.
March 26th, 2009 at 2:40 am Quote
lol guess you havent met Torq users
March 26th, 2009 at 10:34 am Quote
ha! well put, but both are kind of fun to watch. In my opinion its not much of a battle but just one more good option for people to use. This is good for Digital djing in general because DVS always gets people into the more creative things we talk about here on the site. I like to think of Traktor Duo and Serato Scratch as Training wheels into the world of controllerism
March 26th, 2009 at 1:49 pm Quote
if you go this way, you have no vinyl control support, you should keep this in mind
March 26th, 2009 at 1:54 pm Quote
Traktor Pro ha no digital vinyl/cd support, only Traktor SCRATCH Pro (as the name suggests)
March 26th, 2009 at 2:36 pm Quote
March 26th, 2009 at 2:55 pm Quote
From Traktor website:
“There are no upgrades or crossgrades to TRAKTOR DUO”. Seems like Audio Kontrol 1 and Audio 4 DJ won’t be coming with Traktor Duo included anytime soon.
Personally, I’d prefer buy the Audio 4 DJ with Traktor Duo and no other software included, and pay less than buying the Audio 4 DJ with Traktor LE and upgrading to Traktor Pro.
Maybe NI have worked out what most people will do and what works out better for them as a company.
March 26th, 2009 at 4:19 pm Quote
Let me add to the confusion:
Traktor PRO and TraktorScratch PRO are one and same program.
Same exe file, same sourcecode.
It just changes it’s functionality based on how you register it.
So if you have “just PRO” the scratch code is there but you don’t see it.
March 27th, 2009 at 3:48 pm Quote
To further add some confusion (as if we needed any more:) also Traktor Duo and Traktor Scratch Duo are of the same code/executable (this information based on following the discussions at Native Instruments’ forums).
March 27th, 2009 at 10:39 pm Quote
How is that confusing? If you enter a Traktor Pro key, then you have no timecode support, if you enter a Traktor Scartch Pro key, then you do have timecode support.
March 28th, 2009 at 12:22 am Quote
it looks like youve got two kinds of traktabis. A low grade everyday variety and some ultra green medical …
March 29th, 2009 at 1:18 pm Quote
Wow. I quickly compared retail pices, mainly in Europe…. Some big US retailer sites seem to be a little behind with their price listings for Duo. Could find Serato for 539 USD and TSDUO for 349 USD on jrrshop.com, though. That’s 35% less!
For UK, http://www.westenddj.co.uk lists TSPRO at 499, Serato at 449 and TSDUO at 299 pounds…. http://www.thomann.de offers TSPRO for 559, Serato for 566 and TSDUO for 333 Euro! What the ….?!
So Traktor Scratch Duo is between 33% and 40% cheaper with a much better audio interface than Serato, built-in effects and all that?
That’s front page news!
March 30th, 2009 at 6:49 pm Quote
For those people wondering why NI is putting out different versions. This is a standard business tool to more closely get to the price point people are willing to pay. The issue with software that can do everything is that many people do not need everything. That means that the software will have less value to them than others who need all the features. Now if you only have one version to sell, you try to maximize your profit (after support costs), but drawing a simple graph that has the number of customers on one axis and the price on the other. In some cases dropping the price can increase your profit, as you suddenly have more customers.
Another approach is versioning your top of the line product to produce a lower end version that you can sell at a lower price point to get those additional customers, without having to drop the price on the top of the line product.
A smart software development company will of course make sure that for the stripped down version, they do not have to put in too much work. So I am sure that NI developed Traktor PRO with DUO in mind from the get go. As a result most work they put into PRO will benefit DUO and vice versa.
March 30th, 2009 at 11:07 pm Quote
Still, I’m offended(among other things) by the lack of keyboard mapping in DUOs.
April 1st, 2009 at 12:50 pm Quote
@zeeman: I believe it will add to the confusion of those who are asking why there are som many different versions (when there actually is only one version of the software that only has different functionality enabled).
@Lukas: truer words have rarely been spoken. I saw an excellent quote on Singapore MRT just yesterday; “the difference between price and value is that price is what you pay while value is what you get” (can’t remember the exact wording). In my opinion, this suits quite well to this discussion…
April 1st, 2009 at 9:48 pm Quote
Does anyone know how well the VCI-100 will interface with it?
April 2nd, 2009 at 12:07 am Quote
So if i understand all this, you cannot use timecode control from a turntable and midi controller at the same time… AND you have to pick one or the other(pro or scratch)AND you cannot get timecode scratch version/key seperate only sold in a bundle!?????
April 2nd, 2009 at 7:59 am Quote
@Steve: You can use both timecode and MIDI at the same time. Of course, it would be a bit cumbersome to use the MIDI to control the deck transport (play/cue/etc.), but MIDI-controller can be used for so much more; after all, timecode control offers nothing but the transport control.
@Russ: From what has been seen in djtechtools, VCI-100 works very well with Traktor range of software.
April 2nd, 2009 at 8:02 am Quote
Further (for Steve) … The Scratch-versions contain everything the “simple” Pro-versions do. Whether you can only buy a “scratch-license” (in case you already have the interface needed), unfortunately I don’t know.
April 7th, 2009 at 11:05 pm Quote
can anyone tell me the diffrence in traktor scratch pro, and traktor pro ?
thanks
April 7th, 2009 at 11:08 pm Quote
It is simple scratch pro is distributed in hard-shell package so you can sratch stuff with it. And it mixes music. And it is more expensive.
May 2nd, 2009 at 10:20 pm Quote
Quick question, as I’m kind of shaky on the whole DVS mindframe.
It’s my understanding that DUO lacks Quantized mode, so you can’t have your loops/cues be automatically dropped in in time. Is this correct, and does DUO have snap mode?
If not, are there MIDI workarounds? I want DUO, but I won’t get it if I can’t make loops and hit my cues in time.
Thanks
Mrtn
June 15th, 2009 at 8:40 pm Quote
i’ve been thinking, if i were to upgrade to traktor scratch pro, would i still be able to use my vci and the vinyl/cd control..?