Do you remember the kerfuffle when Native Instruments announced the Remix Decks idea? And that unlike everything else, it was very firmly off the mapping table? Well apparently with Traktor Pro 2.6.2, mapping Remix Decks is, amongst other things, very firmly ON the mapping table now.
Alongside the long awaited Remix Deck mapping, this release also makes Traktor compatible with the forthcoming Kontrol Z1 controller/mixer. Here’s the full rundown, painstaking copied from the info button in the NI Service Centre, because NI don’t seem to want to let people know that it’s actually out for some reason:
KEY FEATURES:
- Integration of TRAKTOR KONTROL Z1
- Overall performance and stability improvements
BROWSER:
- Fixed text input for Japanese characters (Windows)
CONTROLLER MANAGER:
- Added controls for direct mapping of Remix Deck cells
- Added controls for advanced Remix Deck features: Reverse, Quantize, Cell Load, Cell Delete and Cell Capture
- “Invert” option now properly available for all control types
DECKS:
- Timecode and deck related warning messages are now prominently displayed in the Deck Header
- Added Flux Mode button to the Transport Section
MIXER:
- Removed Mixer Headroom setting for External Mixer mode
- Headroom setting of TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 no longer affects other devices
TIMECODE:
- Improved timecode reliability when using Hot Cues (all media)
- Improved resistance against record damage (Vinyl MK2)
- Improved tracking alert warning (Vinyl MK2)
- High Input warning (CD all)
- Scroll-Zone unresponsiveness fixed (CD MK2)
About the Remix Decks
I don’t get to spend anywhere near enough time inside the belly of Traktor to know if the Remix Decks are any good or not. It does seem to be a feature that NI are pushing hard with a slew of Remix Deck packs, but doesn’t really feel like it’s getting any traction outside of controllerist communities like DJ Techtools. But it’s great that you can now map your favourite controller to use the full Remix Deck feature set, although you’re still going to need an RGB button enabled controller to get the fullest experience.
Having kicked this update around the inner circle of DJWORX however, mapping the Remix Decks is no walk in the park though. I’m certainly not about to try, but I’m sure one of us will report on our findings in detail. Personally, I’m more excited for the next full version of Traktor that hopefully will have more new and cool stuff for the wider Traktor user base.
Want Traktor Pro 2.6.2? Get to the Service Centre and it’s right there waiting. In the mean time, tell us your experiences of Remix Decks. Do you use them all the time? Or are they simply the province of more button based performers?
Thanks for this, I am surprised that I had to find it here, as opposed to from NI, but as always, great to know DJWorx are on the case! Looking forward to trying out the mapping!
thing i like about this is the remix decks themself are over kill. but the new mapping can make basically a super sampler
That’s pretty much what I’m looking forward to now that they’ve done this.
You need windows 7 apparently :#(
Well, I play techno so Remix decks are very handy for adding extra layers and sounds to more minimal tracks. Thumbs up for sure!!
Awesome! Just what I was waiting for. This adds the mpc like playability with an outstanding number of “banks” that I can control with my akai pads finally. Wasn’t looking forward to having to fork out money for another controller, especially one that wouldn’t have the feel I’m used to. That + cuttin an skratchin all in one = win.
You aren’t kidding about this info being hard to find. I couldn’t find anything about the update outside of the service centre.
Well, remix decks are the next big thing. They are a big deal in that they enable more granular mixing (a LA Ableton Live), but most will simply use them as a sampler.. or not at all. All these things are missing is a rudimentary sequencer. Add that (and flexible beat grids) and there’s no need for Ableton Live.
Traktor is definitely fusing DJing with production, and it’s neat to.experiment with. I hope that they keep pushing the bounds.
In the meantime, bring out the S4mk2 and Z4, NI!
Finally :)
No need to update my program then ( the hack for the remix decks).
I’ve had an F1 since it’s release and I’ve build my own “teensy” based clone, and I still really only use the first 8 slots, mainly with alternative basslines, drum patterns and the occasional accapella …. however since buying the Pioneer RMX 1000, my “sample” requirements are basically taken care for by it’s twitch style loop machine. I even bought a couple of TRAKTOR REMIX packs from Beatport for a recent gig, but only used two samples from one pack in a two hour show ….. I’ve really tried to include this technology into my sets, but I keep moving further away from it each time something new is launched. I can see Albleton users being happy with the unlocking of the decks, but personally I don’t have a need for them …I am more interested in the upcoming TSP 3…and what it includes/rejects ….
It’s nice to see this as the first news after waking up this morning! The reason I bought Traktor in the first place was to try out the Remix Decks. Now that it’ll be possible to map them to a Launchpad (and somebody’s bound to do it) I can get started on grouping sets of loops and samples together into packs.
S4Mk2 and TSP3 on the horizon then…
umm.. 2.6.2 is not available for mac yet? Using TSP 2.6 and Service Center’s not showing any updates..
I’ve been waiting for this update for ages. I’ve been wanting to take full advantage of the remix decks but $250 is a little too much for a dedicated controller, and with the Behringer CMD DC-1 being a little over $100 I’m ecstatic. I have a massive amount of samples that I’ve been wanting to make into sound packs to set myself apart in a way.
If anyone’s interested in using their iPad / Android tablet to control the Remix Decks, I’ve just mapped a fully functional Remix Deck controller for TouchOSC. The mapping was actually pretty straightforward and you can get almost all the functionality of an F1. There’s no MIDI Out control for coloured (RGB) LEDs unfortunately but you can directly map all 64 Sample Cells now and there are a few other neat features like dedicated Capture, Delete, Load and Reverse Modifiers (meaning you can hold down just one button, press a Sample Cell and you can capture audio into it, load from your browser list, delete it or play it in reverse).
You can download the TSI and TouchOSC layout for free here: http://digitaldjtools.net/mappings/traktor-remix-decks-touchosc/
TouchOSC for iOS: http://goo.gl/xL714
TouchOSC for Android: http://goo.gl/dWIPP
ok so how do you map maschine to use for remix decks? any beginner tutorial will be gladly appreciated