Traktor Version 1.2 in Public Beta

Written by Ean Golden on July 24th, 2009 52 Comments

Traktor Pro and Traktor Scratch Pro have graduated to version 1.2 and gained a bunch of great new features in the process. While the update does not have all the wrinkles ironed out yet, it is available to everyone as a public beta so you can go check it out for yourself. In the mean time, read on to get a list of major changes you need to know about.

4 FX engines

While this may be generically used as 1 fx slot per deck (ala traktor 3) the modular aspect of these FX makes them much more powerful. Those additional 2 FX units open the doors wide open to some very creative stuff including one thing Traktor desperately needs: a dedicated sampler.

CDJ-400 Support

Loads of people have the CDj-400 and it would make a great controller if the platters worked well with midi. Traktor now supports the hi-res HID messages coming off the platters which means tight, Itch-like scratching may now be possible inside Traktor. Tests will be forthcoming.

Pitch Bend Progressive Sensitivity

One change to rule them all, one fader to make my day! Imagine for a moment if the turntable only slowed down or sped up at one speed no mater how hard you touched it. That’s basically how the pitch bend function in Traktor has worked since the begining and its been a real problem if you mix by ear. The traktor team has now introduced a much more intelligent pitch bend which gets progressively stronger the longer you touch it. While is not touch sensitive (probably not that far off) its light years ahead of the previous version.

Multible TSI files

I was expecting merging of TSI files in this version but instead we got something even better. You can now import and edit several TSI files at once AND direct which midi controllers should control which TSI files. This now means you easilly work with several midi controllers at once without any conflicting data! Better get a USB hub pronto kids :)

Rad New FX

my samples are starting to get more and more out there thanks to some increasingly creative effects coming out of the NI department. One of the best sounding out of the box effects in the new slicer, which rhythmically re-arranges any source into cool patterns. Wondering what that sounds like? Check out my video on cue point chords in which I am using a very early alpha version of the slicer the Traktor folks kindly made me a while back. 1.2 also added a very cool sounding formant and peak filter.

Here’s to wishing..

With Serato coming out with a very robust sampler some thought that Traktor might introduce one of their own. Well, that didn’t exactly happen and probably wont happen for a little while yet either. However, as I mentioned above- you can easily dedicate one of the FX slots to a sampler and achieve basically the same results with a beat masher.

The new Controller window mixes hotkey and controller assignments and adds complexity that may confuse a lot of people. NI might consider making this window a little less confusing, although we are in no way complaining about the great new functionality. Its likely that people who may be scared away from this window may never even do any midi programing to begin with.

VCI-100 Owners

Your probably wondering, ohh geez- how do I control those new FX? Don’t worry I have a few ideas on how we can get the most out of the new FX units. For one- how about a dedicated sampler in the upper right hand corner of the unit where the performance functions sit? I would look out for a new TSI that tries out a few different concepts in 3-4 weeks.

Should you Upgrade?

With each update a company releases, we all go through the same struggle; do I mess with a system that works and risk instability for the new features? Well, assuming that 1.2 is performance solid (which remains to be seen)- we think its a solid ugrade with a lot to gain and very little to lose.That being said, don’t delete your old installation just yet! Did I mention this beta is open to all Traktor users including LE, DUO, and 3?

To sign up on the beta follow this link:

http://www.native-instruments.com/forum/showthread.php?t=90223

Here is a list of feature improvements:

* New “Elastique Pro” timestretching algorithm for best keylock quality with timecode
* Number of separate effect units increased from two to four (Pro version only)
* Adjustable “minimum playtime” for play count and history functions
* Internal EQs enabled for external mixer mode
* New track caching technology with reduced memory footprint
* Improved Tap Tempo function
* Additional effect algorithms: Beat Slicer, Formant Filter, Peak Filter (Pro version only)
* Native HID support for Pioneer CDJ-400
* Drag & Drop from decks to playlist
* New “Progressive Sensitivity” option for Pitch Bend
* Pitch Bend controller assignable to jog wheels
* Customizable Cue Play button behaviour (Instant/On Release)

Filed under: DJ Software, News, Traktor Tips, and tagged 1.2, beta, News, NI, Traktor Pro, Traktor Tips, update.

cccombe

I have a gig tonight but soo tempted to download it, just don’t trust it enough to use without some testing of my own boo.
still will download it tonight and then install after the gig, what awesome news indeed.
DJ Scuba

Advanced pitch bend! Music to my ears! I cannot explain how frustrated I get when I am limited to keeping my pitch bend at a low % for sensitivity but I then need a faster pitch bend for mixing.

I am excited to check out the new effects, and especially the increased number of FX units.

1.2 sounds like a promising update!
XeroX

To me, the multiple TSI files seems to be the biggest change here, as it will allow for some crazy combos of controllers to be implemented. Can’t wait to try it out :)
http://www.2nine.netuje.cz/ 2NiNe

any remarks about fixing the tap function? (or better BPM scanning) i rly don’t need any of these if such a basic thing is wrong, no matter how great they are… first things first, then the others!
http://www.2nine.netuje.cz/ 2NiNe

[quote comment=""]any remarks about fixing the tap function? (or better BPM scanning) i rly don’t need any of these if such a basic thing is wrong, no matter how great they are… first things first, then the others![/quote]
huh, sorry for that redundand post, i overlooked “improved tap function” in the summary :)
http://tos.network.in.rs ToS

Great news. Glad they ARE actually doing major updates. And finally they made instant play, I hated that old hack.
http://www.flashfonic.de Carsten

Any news on the key correction? This feature has been completely unusable so far. On my MPB, I had to set the latency to such high values to get rid of dropouts when the key correction was on that it was not possible to work with control vinyl any more.
The Syndrome

[quote comment=""]Any news on the key correction? This feature has been completely unusable so far. On my MPB, I had to set the latency to such high values to get rid of dropouts when the key correction was on that it was not possible to work with control vinyl any more.[/quote]

The new HiQ with keylock is sooo much better but one or two things to bear in mind. If you use HiQ with keylock, you will probably have to adjust your latency to get rid of some clicks and pops, also, change your keylock settings to +50/-30, do not use always.
I run a centrino duo T2700 proc @2ghz with 3GB ram and audio 8 DJ. I have to custom set my latency to 7.5 ms to get seemless audio, but it is good!
jannick

Someone tried Deck Copy so far? Is it working now? If yes it would be huge with the new 4FX. When I am back from work I’m gonna try the new version already downloaded.
yeaha
djsko

I just wanted to add, that obviously the beta is NOT open to current Traktor 3 users (as I am one). I cannot download it by logging in with my (Traktor 3 activated) NI account. What a pity…
Mr. Softee

Hi

where Ean talks about improved MIDI control for CDJ400, I see there is also a DENON slot/menu. Does anybody know which DENON cd players are fully supported?

Thanks

Luca from Italy
http://www.myspace.com/belchofficial Belch

I’m about to install it now :) very exciting! My controller’s buggered at the minute so got no gigs atm – plenty of time to tent this baby!

Just wondering though, can I revert to the 1.1.2.004 version just by keeping the installer on my desktop and running that if I need to?

:)
n3lly

I was hoping they would change the way the Sync feature worked back to the way it work it T3. (Being able to pitch bend a track while keeping it’s new pitch in sync)

I’m not big into my FX so for me the most exciting part is the new “Elastique Pro” timestretching algorithm as I use Vinyl timecode.
Bitchnmoan

You guys must ave a different idea of “everyone” to me. When I read “public beta” and “everyone” I assume “public demo” – i.e. “anyone” can use it.

“Those who own Traktor” is not “everyone”.
http://mateomurphy.com mateo

Thumbs up for 4 effects; that was one of my big complaints when moving from traktor 3. Now to find out if they added support for more than one send at a time…
Simcon

Sweet been waiting for this.

Hope they fixed the vci midi input problem aswell.
http://mateomurphy.com mateo

Nope… still only 1 send.. unfortunate
http://www.myspace.com/belchofficial Belch

[quote comment="20360"]You guys must ave a different idea of “everyone” to me. When I read “public beta” and “everyone” I assume “public demo” – i.e. “anyone” can use it.

“Those who own Traktor” is not “everyone”.[/quote]

Interesting theory.. I humbly apologise on behalf of Traktor owners.
http://ifnotwhynot.me djsdive

Did any one manage to reimport Ean’s TSI again?
Whenever I try the checkbox next MIDI mapping is greyed out and cannot be selected.

Aside from this, I really dont understand why they added more FX slots, its nice but a sampler would have been so much more important to add. Having to use a beatmasher to tediously set up samples is a kludge, though mad props for having come up with the idea. But I guess it was probably fairly easy for them to add the FX slots. Mostly just working out a new UI (which still needs tweaking) and relying on faster CPU’s to do the rest I guess.
http://ifnotwhynot.me djsdive

Hmm wierd. It worked when I imported from the mapping panels, but not when I tried using the global import button.
http://ifnotwhynot.me djsdive

Hmm .. not really sure whats going on. I went back to Ean’s original mapping hoping that things would work more reliably then, but aside from the very basic stuff the mapping is totally broken. EQ FX mode doesnt work, the deck D select doesnt work, dropping a loop only toggle the active button back and forth (leaving it not enabled) etc.

I am also noticing issues with my keyboard mapping. Like I had cmd+a mapped to list select all, which doesnt seem to be working either.

Anyone else seeing such extreme issues?
I guess for now I will just go back to the stable version of Traktor.
http://pullup.it NZ

Ean, could you sak NI ?? implement Mono switch for deck C/D?

I work with MC and was trying to use built-in FX, but mic goes to 1 channel only, not 2, as it soppose to.

I think it is very simple adjustment.
deeco

Hey,

Is it true, is there really a twitter option now in the broadcast section? I’m not at home these days so I can’t test the beta myself…Would love to hear if it was indeed implemented and how it’s working for anyone…

Cheers!

deex
http://www.myspace.com/belchofficial Belch

[quote comment=""]Is it true, is there really a twitter option now in the broadcast section? [/quote]

Fraid not yet I don’t think… According to Richie H (who pioneered the Twitter thing) It’s still pretty rudimentary, and not fit for public release yet.

I’m looking forward to it though :)
rvltion909

I wish you could basically have a check mark system with these updates so you could choose all the updates you wanted and not install the ones you did not or try them each and choose.

Im still bitter about the filter change from the last update (well…the fact that it’s not there anymore. the new filter has its uses)
Anonymous

wow i’d given up all hope!
4fx will be sick for dual vci setups :D
http://www.eangolden.com Ean Golden

[quote comment="20372"]Hmm .. not really sure whats going on. I went back to Ean’s original mapping hoping that things would work more reliably then, but aside from the very basic stuff the mapping is totally broken. EQ FX mode doesnt work, the deck D select doesnt work, dropping a loop only toggle the active button back and forth (leaving it not enabled) etc.

I am also noticing issues with my keyboard mapping. Like I had cmd+a mapped to list select all, which doesnt seem to be working either.

Anyone else seeing such extreme issues?
I guess for now I will just go back to the stable version of Traktor.[/quote]

I have tested not yet tested the VCI-100SE TSI’s in the latest version of the beta yet. If there are problems- please post a thread in the SE forum and we will address them before the public version is released.
http://pullup.it NZ

Ean, ask them about Deck MONO PLZ!
http://ifnotwhynot.me djsdive

@Ean: So far I cannot pin point whats going on. It seems random but consistently broken in a serious way. I have created a thread on the forum where I am hoping to get some feedback from other VCI-100SE users:
http://www.djtechtools.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6399

Others are also seeing serious issues:
http://www.native-instruments.com/forum/showthread.phpt=90287

Mean while I have begun exploring how the new features in terms of MIDI mapping should best be used, hichjacking Rainer’s thread on the 1.2 update pdf for the Traktor Bible:
http://www.native-instruments.com/forum/showthread.php?t=90327
http://ifnotwhynot.me djsdive

I tried collecting my thoughts on the advances in MIDI mapping management on my blog:
http://ifnotwhynot.me/traktor-pro-12-beta-opens-a-world-of-fun

I will probably keep updating that post as I go.
marco

traktor keeps crashin when i try to use two omni controllers , ?!? ne ideas ?
http://www.daveblue.com Dave

Do you know if 1.2 supports F13-19 for hotkeys on an Apple aluminum keyboard? Thanks.
frank bash

oh my god wtf, the new version sucks. better midi mapping??? ha ha very funny, try to learn from ableton, they got a good and easy mapping method.
some of my old mapping in the new pro version do not work like before, so i wanted to change them, but some functions don´t exist at the new one or work on an other wise.

so please change komplett the method for midi-mapping, n.i. your assignment table sucks so much, i hate to scroll thru the midi functions and don´t see what i have selected is so much better in ableton live

thanx
STFU

Frank. You are a tool.

BTW, this isn’t the NI website.
http://www.myspace.com/belchofficial Belch

[quote comment=""]Frank. You are a tool.

BTW, this isn’t the NI website.[/quote]

aww darn it ST, you beat me to it :)
frank bash

i know this, but i think here is a powerful community, we are able to change things because we are the user of thier software and when more than one person hate this f….. midi mapping they have to change it or they lose consumer and this mean alot of money.
http://ifnotwhynot.me djsdive

well as you can see in my above linked blog post, I think the changes they have done point in the right direction .. they just need to do a few tweaks.
frank bash

have you ever see the midi mapping of other software?????????

http://resolume.com/download/

http://www.ableton.com/downloads

these are only 2 of many others outhere
wich got a simple and easy to handle midimapping

assignment table is like 1992 on window vers. 3.11
http://www.myspace.com/belchofficial Belch

well frank, I’m sure if you write them a horrible letter and offer your suggestions, they’ll respond by changing it. I’m not too fussed to be honest – I think there are more serious issues that could be dealt with..
http://www.myspace.com/belchofficial Belch

[quote comment="20423"]have you ever see the midi mapping of other software?????????
[/quote]

yeah.. i use ableton – but the thing with Traktor is that its not a DAW, and you don’t reeally need to keep changing your mapping; unlike live, where there’s a need to keep changing your mappings if you’re using it for production.

Also, the way they do it on TPro allows pretty customised modifying options and the like – which would be difficult to build around a really simple, straightforward system like the one ableton etc usees.

I can see your point in a sense, but it’s not the end of the world really…
http://ifnotwhynot.me djsdive

yes i have. i am not sure if you realize it, but your post contained very little tangible information or criticism. it was mostly flame bait. please detail your exact issues and the exact improvements you are suggesting. there are a fair number of people that for example feel that for all traktor’s short comings, it well surpasses ableton in terms of flexibility and power.

however i will not dispute that in general polish in terms of allowing the user to optimally use real estate that ableton is better than traktor. also because their interface is more flexible, they have the ability to provide this very useful help window that assists in understanding what the feature i am currently focusing on.
http://tos.network.in.rs ToS

Gentlemen, this is not forum nor irc channel, this is blog comments. Please transfer your discussion to some more adequate place.
http://www.myspace.com/belchofficial Belch

[quote comment=""]Gentlemen, this is not forum nor irc channel, this is blog comments. Please transfer your discussion to some more adequate place.[/quote]

i’m done :)
http://www.disconova.com/utu/ Markku Uttula

[quote comment="20383"]@Ean: So far I cannot pin point whats going on. It seems random but consistently broken in a serious way.

…

Others are also seeing serious issues:
http://www.native-instruments.com/forum/showthread.phpt=90287/quote

I’m the original poster of the thread you linked to, and here’s what I strongly believe has happened; I think they’ve managed to swap the toggle/hold interaction modes in the beta. Most of the problems people are facing with MIDI mappings sound like they would be caused by this.

I’ve filed a bug for this, it has been confirmed, and I’ve been asked for some further details. Unfortunately though, I’m unable to provide them, because I’m unable to access the bugtracker entry and thus I don’t know what information they require (the original entry had, on my opinion, a pretty easy to follow “steps to reproduce”, so I don’t know what the problem is).
http://www.eangolden.com Ean Golden

Gentlemen,

I have reviewed our VCI-100SE mapping and everything appears to be working perfectly with one small problem.

Relative commands have been set to direct which results in a few things being broken. I have fixed them and will release a new TSI shortly. For more information and to post your own findings please go to this post in the thread.

http://www.djtechtools.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6428
http://www.djquartz.ca DJ Quartz

Here is preliminary NS7 demo video on Traktor Scratch Pro 1.2,

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=61225339

I’m hoping platter support will be implemented in the near future so the project will be completed.

Here is the forum post, http://www.native-instruments.com/forum/showpost.php?p=556986&postcount=279
Roro

CDJ 400
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aBi72SNQ-g

Bug 1 ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQb5LaFJWAE

Bug 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpyOXkUGrh4
http://www.djtechtools.com/2009/09/11/traktor-1-2-public-release/ Traktor 1.2 Public Release at djtechtools.com

[...] finally let this exciting free update out to play. We have already covered many of the key features in our initial beta report, but there is a video after the jump that will walk you through them and demonstrate how to use the [...]
http://link Miss41

Costa Rica is a country with a extremely sense of freedom. ,
ManDingo

I’ve installed traktor 1.2. Can anyone tell me how to fix issues with the Filter nob. Does not syn on VCI with Traktor?
http://www.myspace.com/eloyfl Narconoise

Help!

Somebody know if does exist some way to upgrade my versión of traktor? I have the version 1.1.1.001
chris

I completely agree with you!!!
MIDI MAPPING IN TRACKTOR SUCKS BIG TIME!!!
once you import a tsi file and you want to change things around its very difficult if not impossible to re assign.

why cant they just do it like ableton= just click “learn midi ” > click the button on iterface > move knob/button on controller > save = hey presto !!! funtion re assigned!!!!!
just the way you like it!!!!

come on NI , make our life better