TUTORIAL: Mapping freeze mode in Traktor 2.7 [VIDEO]

The Remix Decks were the last all-new feature to appear in traktor, but they were locked off from the tampering hands of MIDI mappers everywhere. This time, Freeze mode has migrated from iOS but is fully available for mapping. In this tutorial, Jared Helfer starts with the basics through to the detail of mapping the assorted elements of Freeze Mode to the controller of your choice.

traktor midi mapping freeze mode

We Traktor users get very excited about new features since we don’t get them very often.  We got the Remix Decks two years ago, and since then we’ve gotten… combo effects?  While the Kontrol S8 has completely dominated the news cycle, the other thing we should all be caring about is the Freeze function, added in Traktor 2.7.  If you are a user of Traktor DJ then you are used to how it works, but if you have never used the mobile app it can definitely come off a little weird.  And since there are no pre-made mappings available for the plethora of DJ controllers out there you may have to learn to do it yourself.  And we all know how exciting it is to load up that Controller Manager and start working.

So I decided to try to demystify the process a little and create a walkthrough.  This video does a little more than show you how to map it, it also walks you through why things might work and why they might not.  I didn’t dig into the really advanced features of the Controller Manager, like using modifiers to have different interactions based on what you want, but this should get you through.  Hopefully it also makes using the Controller Manager in general a little less intimidating.

traktor midi mapping freeze mode

I can provide the .TSI file I created for the Behringer DC-1, but you’ll still need to remap the entire thing to your grid controller.  Are there other videos like this you’d want to see?  I can also show how to map this to a basic all-in-one controller like the Twitch or VCI-380, since it’s pretty much the same idea, just with 8 slices instead of 16.

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Jared Helfer
Jared Helfer

Jared spends too much time staring at MIDI to have time to cut his hair or shave. He is also a DJ. He currently holds the record as the "Most Fired" at DJWorx, and is willing to challenge anyone to the title. He spends his time DJing in his office and releasing mixes on his website and mixcloud, as well as playing violent video games, reading books, and beginning to get involved in production.

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23 Comments

  1. Already made the Freeze Mode Wizard for my Midifighter 3D. One functionality that mapping has is Flux+Slice button that makes whole process easier. If you already have a 3D and check the mapping, you can see how my Flux Mode becomes active when you hit the slice and keeps Flux engaged but only for a time the button is being held down. Proved to work solid at my end so I decided to keep this functionality for public version of the mapping.

    • Just a thought, but you could try to map decks C & D to this (as Serato DJ maps the SP-6 to the Twitch and VCI-380… and presumably more as well, these are the only two I’ve tried this with).

      I’m getting stoopit-crazy mapping my alternate decks (again) for what I need now including toggling the live Decks (for my Mic and Maschine in) and Remix Decks as the loop recorder (on both C and D).

      I just completed a mapping of Beat Tap, and EQ-Kills in my Twitch in the unused buttons for the “FX panel” for decks A and B, and I’ve fallen in love with my Twitch again… so much functionality in such a small space for such a low price. :)

      • Yeah, I’d like an article on voice modulators/vocoders/vocal model let’s for use as an MC. I currently use Maschine’s effects, but I have a hankering for the TC Helicon VoicePrism 2 Plus. Man, the vocal modeling in Mind.in.a.Box is astounding.

        • First, fuck yeah for liking Mind.In.A.Box. I rarely find a single person ever who knows AND likes them.

          I’m not sure I understand the question regarding tempo, though. If Sync is toggled off the fader will sometimes act really strange, and exhibit the issues you’re running into. Generally, I have Reset Deck Controls when loading a new track, which usually removes this problem instantly.

          • Clarification: I’ve observed (and been a little annoyed by) the tempo fader remaining where the sync moved it. I’m ok with this behavior most of the time, but reloading the deck (or double clicking the tempo fader to reset the tempo adjustment to 0) is something I think can be streamlined and certainly should have an alternate (modifier on) behavior toggle, as I seek to control mostly everything from my controller now.

            It’s not a problem, just a hassle. I keep thinking I’m overthinking a solution to this problem as part of an elaborate mapping, and that is why I’m asking how others are solving this issue.

            On the topic of Mind.in.a.box, Stefan Poiss is on his own in a new band called THYX and he carries a lot of the old M.i.a.b. feel over.

            • If I am mapping a controller I usually use an encoder for pitch, so press and hold for reset gets the job done quick.

              Unfortunately it’s that small kind of frustration that just keeps annoying us.

              Thanks for the heads up. I’ll give them a listen :)

      • I need 8 slices as I’m using a midi fighter classic to freeze mode and juggle but if I hold button down it doesn’t repeat? If I add set loop and freeze it messes up everything.. Help great video. Just feel like it isn’t complete I wanna see it work like traktor dj

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