WHAT NEXT?: What do you want from Traktor Pro?

We've come to a point where innovation has slowed down a bit in the industry. So in the first of a series of features: What's next for Traktor Pro?

Native Instruments traktor pro what next?

We’re going to start a series of blog posts encouraging discussion around specific topics in the DJ technology world, called “WHAT NEXT?”. Whether talking about specific DJ software, a common paradigm, a manufacturer, or hardware, we want to see your ideas. This partly sprung from the realisation that the industry has had a notable (and understandable) slowdown recently. While the articles have no affiliation with the company in question, they will be aware, and hopefully listen.

First up under the spotlight is Native Instruments’ Traktor Pro 2, which may not have changed much on the surface over the last few years, but has had a steady stream of features added up until late last year, including Stems, Remix Decks, Ableton Link, the D2, S5, and S8.

I see this endless debate about DJ software: “X hasn’t had any new features since Y”, “A is crap, it’s a buggy and unreliable, I had to move to B”. My first thought during these discussions is always: “What the hell are you doing with the software?!” My second thought is usually: “what else do we really need beyond what we already have?”

So here’s the question:

What do you want to see added to Traktor and the Kontrol hardware lineup?

The future of Traktor Pro

Here’s my suggestions:

  • A user interface that actually doesn’t look like a blurry JPEG on retina screens.
  • A search function for the preferences pane. Thanks to DJTT user tranceaddict for coming up with that one!
  • When you click the little X to clear a search string in the browser, the cursor should jump into the search box ready to type. This would be a really small think that could save some valuable time.
  • I think it’s legally required that I complain about the browser in general.
  • Some better integration with Maschine. Being able to run the two together and just clicking a button to bring up Maschine in a deck, Ableton Link style would be very nice (and would probably get me to switch to using the Maschine Jam instead of Ableton Push).
  • Improving the step sequencer workflow to something more akin to how Push does drum racks: scroll through your pages, then hold down a select key and tap the desired sample to use. Even limiting to a sample per deck channel, this would make navigating much easier.
  • Ability to write a step sequencer loop to another remix deck into a sample slot.
  • The option to switch to Xone:92-style 4-band EQ on the S2, S4, S5, S8, Z1, and Z2. Sacrifice the channel filter for the low EQ.
  • Built in store for buying Stems, remix packs and other bolt-ons.

There’s a lot of talk about stuff like parallel waveforms, or other Serato-like features that I personally feel would make the software into something that isn’t Traktor anymore. Adding them as options would work, but the most critical thing, to me, would be that new additions continue to allow Traktor to be a tinkerer’s dream.

The future of KONTROL hardware

While there seems to be a lot of negative sentiment about recent Traktor hardware, I personally love all three. Sure, they aren’t perfect, but they’re great bits of kit, and fun as hell to play on. And Native Instruments industrial design is almost always top notch. But what about the future?

  • A F1 mk2, with the same footprint as the D2, to turbo-charge the step sequencer.
  • I think we need a six channel audio interface, especially now the Audio 10 has been discontinued. You know it makes sense now that we have the MODEL 1 (OK, maybe this one is a dream).
  • USB hubs should be standard on every DJ controller… ever.
  • To combat people moaning about the direction of the hardware, pull the elements apart and sell them as modular:
    • S8 mixer section, as a four channel variant, with the DVS and a five channel audio interface.
    • S5-equivalent mixer, but two channel.
    • Follow up D2/F1 with 4×4 pads
    • Jogwheel deck controller with CDJ-size jogs
    • A system for daisy chaining the hardware so as to avoid USB-cable-nightmare.
    • Everything needs those little feet that the D2 has to bring it up to standard height.
    • Sell hardware bundled at prices competitive with all-in-one controllers. Even at a loss (like the games console model), you could make up money with the built in store.

What about you?

What do you think Traktor needs to add or change? Do you think that we still need more stuff?

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Dan Morse
Dan Morse

Opinionated DJWORX newsie. Loves Traktor, analogue mixers, vinyl and Android. The best Techno bedroom DJ you know.

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196 Comments

  1. New:
    -Build Traktor for the Retina Display!
    -Variable beat scan engine – Example: if the track starts with 80BPM and end with 160BPM
    Fix:
    -As soon as you switch to your 2nd desktop (Mac) the D2 display freeZe …

  3. 1) A standalone CDJ type controller with a jogwheel, something like an S4 but bigger and without the mixer section.
    2) Split cue on the controllers, this is standard with Denon and Numark controllers.
    3) A DJ controller with a rotary mixer section and big analogue VU meters – I can always hope..
    4) Traktor to stop doing that scary screen glitch thing when it is loading a track, I always have a nervous breakdown at gigs.
    5) An update of the Traktor iPad app with pitch control for each deck.
    6) A well paid job as product designer with monthly product launch parties at Tresor in Berlin

  4. +1 for Retina-friendly Traktor UI.

    Furthermore, I wish Traktor’s deck UI was a bit more customizable than the current selection between small/essential/full deck mode. Four full deck leaves very little room for the browser on a typical 13″ screen resolution (1280×800), but small deck lacks too much stuff.

  7. I’m personally not bothered about Stems, & i still don’t know any “real world” DJ’s who uses them. …..so i’d be interested to see some figures on sales, to see if it’s worth continuing development.

    As for my wish list;

    Elastic Beat Grids.
    Proper callibrated metering that actually means something.
    A modular GUI. So i can split the browser off to another screen (like RekordBox)
    An industry agreed open standard for exporting grids / cues /loops etc (one can dream!)

  8. Oh man, where to start

    Obviously the browser needs to be rebuilt and restructured.
    Smart playlists, native tag support, and multi-level sorting
    Point and click MIDI mapping
    An updated controller manager. not just the preferences (which are barely logical), but a way to easily and intuitively update and control both 3rd party and native devices.
    Obviously better resolution support
    An optimized layout and workflow for the remix decks that makes sense both in software and hardware
    An optimized layout, graphical layer and workflow for the step sequencer
    Better integration with Maschine
    Fucking flex grids and multi-BPM support
    This is going to sound weird, but I want something like Flips, but named less stupid and integrated with hardware better
    Multi-monitor support

    For hardware:
    More simplistic devices that do set things, but with the ability to be customized. Meaning, I want a simple 1 deck controller that is optimized for transport, but can be easily modified based on my specific needs.
    Fewer layers, but not replaced with more buttons. I want devices that do less, but do things more efficiently and effectively
    Support for more modern USB interfaces
    More USB hubs, USB hubs in fucking everything
    Stand-alone four channel mixer, maybe like the S8, or even like a Z1.5 or something
    I’m torn on a single jog wheel controller, but that’s because it’s not for me. I recognize the power of having a desk of all well-integrated NI gear, though

    • They still haven’t fixed the screen scaling issue with high-res displays yet? LOL!!! even Serato finally fixed the same problem. It’s only been 3 years. I guess NI thinks that 1920×1080 is the highest res available, That was one of the main reasons why I stopped using the software among several others.

  11. For the software:
    – a version that doesn´t mess up my remix sets. Somehow all my remix sets just load empty after a while even though I didn´t change any settings. From all my remix sets only one is still loading properly…
    – better integration with Maschine. A Maschine deck like it has been suggested already a lot of times that allows to be manipulated by timecode.
    – either improving the loop recorder for scratching purposes (post fader routing of a single deck and a count in) or ditch the loop recorder completely and record loops directly into a slot of a remix deck.
    – flexible beatgrids
    – VST support for FX, even if it was just Komplete FX
    – better browser/search feature

    For the hardware:

    – a Z2 MKII with two (better sounding) audiocards for easier switching between DJ´s, maybe also with analog FX´s and a screen like on the D2 etc. , adjustable linefaders with curve and reverse switches. (will not be cheap but when it´s well done I´d be willing to pay for a mixer built for professionals)
    – generally I´d appreciate it very much when manufacturers would start incorporating the OS directly into the hardware so you´re not depending on 2 major players in the OS game who can easily fuck up your whole business by making everything not compatible anymore (not very likely but still possible). You´d still need to hook it up to a computer to update the library/firmware etc. but besides that they´d be independent and we could leave the laptops at home. The screens on the latest hardware could be seen as a step into that direction.

    • One more thing: the communication from the Maschine department on the NI forums would also be highly appreciated from the Traktor department. Some basic outlines for future development without revealing too much would eliminate a lot of frustration.

  13. 1. Standalone deck with:
    – two layers to control two decks,
    – screen
    – jog, the current size is ok
    – long throw pitch slider, the current one is short
    – dvs input if one wants to use tt instead the jog + thru switch for regular vinyl.

    2. Improving the A6 soundcard with hardware thru switches for regular vinyl and better phono preamps. Maybe make it smaller if possible.

    3. Make us a standalone effects box.

  14. MORE COLORED VINYL!!!!

    I’m tired of Serato making us devoted TRAKTOR users look bad!!!

    Also, change the layout options by adding more colors and layouts

  15. Some 100% admittance that there’ll be no more development for vinyl DJs and the Z2, so I can stop hanging on in vain and move over to serato, as I’ve invested quite a bit with NI.

      • I love traktor much more than serato and I love the Z2, but when I see the 62,64,s9 and more for SDJ and not even a channel curve control upgraded Z2 it just winds me up!

          • Yeah I know about the hacks but sometimes you would like to get stuff out of the box, plug and play and it just works. Instead of diving into your registry and then remapping stuff that’s labelled for other functions

              • Thus re-enforcing my thoughts to change to serato, are you listening NI you are now more a tinkerers software to be cut and shut onto better two channel gear that was not meant for you, I’m done!

    • That was my best move 1,5 yrs ago! Both from performance point of view (my 2010 macbook pro runs serato much better) and love the simple interface of serato. No idea what NI would have to do in order for me to change back

      • I get you it’s looking more and more that way for me, just wish NI would come out and admit they want another direction in DJing/performance. All I’ve got to go on is assumptions made by seeing NIs constant keyboard, maschine and s8 social media posts. If I hadn’t spent so much money I would a gone a long time ago.

  17. As a looooooooooong term Traktor user the chances of me switching to something else are low tbh. Still love the D2’s but now feeling the limitations of my Z2 which I’ve had pretty much since it was launched.

    I want a Z4.

    Or new updated expanded list of scratch certified 4 channel mixers, the list is too short and too old now. C’mon NI, update the hardware or play nice with others.

    • Your last sentence was the Pioneer leaf motiv for developing Rekordbox. I was hoping NI keep pushing forward but I realize they aren’t going to do it. Just bury themselves in time…

  20. I’ve recently switched to Serato DJ. I’ve been using Traktor Since 2006. However, I made the switch because Serato dj eventually surpassed Traktor in features and stability.
    I’d like to see the following with Traktor:
    Software
    1. Beatgrid able to handle multiple tempo variation
    2. Video Capability
    3. Better DVS stability
    4. MIDI mapping similar to Ableton (click on parameter and assign)

    Hardware
    1. Kontrol Z4
    2. Modular Jogwheel Controller

    Support
    1. Better customer service…. Still waiting on a reply from them concerning my S4 Jogwheel crapping out 1 year ago, purchased brand new. I don’t use it anymore. Waist of $900

    I own several Native Instruments products: Kontrol S2, Kontrol S4 mk2, Maschine Mikro mk2, Kontrol Z1, Kontrol Z2, Kontrol X1, Komplete 11 Ultimate, Komplete Kontrol 49, etc. Traktor Pro is the only product that i no longer use. NI get your shit together…lol!!

  21. Much better browser (custom fields and filter folders and rekordbox-like tags).
    Elastic beatgrids for not techno/house music.
    Android/ios app for library management on the road.

    • @danilagurov:disqus

      AMEN on the elastic beatgrids! Preach that!

      Elastic beatgrids would keep me from thinking about switching to some other product (cough, Serato, cough).

      I don’t play music built the way modern dance music is made. I play old school stuff and wandered down the Traktor road by accident. (I had a different package that looked suspiciously like dJay that got smashed in a system upgrade to my Macbook Pro…and ended up buying Traktor Duo over the web at 2 AM the night before a gig…) I really would like to be able to do things with the music that would stay in time…

      An iOS app that could really do the prep work on the road would be genius. The current facility using Traktor DJ is just not what I want… (and if it could handle elastic beatgrids, well, that would be AWESOME…)

      Hey, NI, Get Busy!

  22. Here’s some stuff that I think Traktor is lacking:

    SOFTWARE

    -make “screen hacking” for D2/S5/S8 available to everyone, maybe thru the controller editor. I’d love to change the header and select different stuff (elapsed or remaining time, beats to cue, original and actual bpm, pitch value, and so on), change the waveform color scheme or move the playhead.

    -more filter curves and better sounding filters for the channel filters (and a resonance control!!!)

    -option to set and save all advanced effects parameters (like in single mode) to the group mode effects (e.g. saving my favorite flanger settings SPRD 0 / FEEDBACK 20 / RATE 4 Bars) so the group effects sound like you want vs a fixed setting by NI that often sounds sh*tty – the flanger and the filter 92 are 2 good examples of mis-set parameters

    -updated FX (Brake, Wash out, White noise, a decent echo, to name a few)

    -Release FX like on the RMX-1000

    -frequency selector – one knob – for the FX like on the X1800 or the Xone:PX5 (they called it “focus”)

    -parametric EQs – with user-selectable crossover frequencies

    -multi-colored cue points with the option to label them

    -flux mode for DVS control

    -line- and crossfaders mappable in external mode!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    I have a rotary mixer, but sometimes, especially when drunk, I feel the need to slam some faders. Why not make the D2’s faders mappable to the channel faders?

    -more dim states for the D2 (even if dimmed, it’s too bright in the dark!)

    -redesigned mapping tool (like xtreme mapping)

    -smart playlists

    -more favorites (playlists)

    -key sync

    -prepare folder

    -tighter Maschine integration (Ableton sync works pretty well, though!)

    HARDWARE

    -modular controller with a full sized jog wheel. Don’t forget to implement a hd center display and tension control (like on the SC5000)

    -modular 4 ch mixer with user-replaceable fader board and options for line- and rotary faders.

    • “option to set and save all advanced effects parameters (like in single
      mode) to the group mode effects (e.g. saving my favorite flanger
      settings SPRD 0 / FEEDBACK 20 / RATE 4 Bars) so the group effects sound
      like you want vs a fixed setting by NI that often sounds sh*tty – the
      flanger and the filter 92 are 2 good examples of mis-set parameters”

      Mixxx 2.1 will have you covered on that. :)

  23. I use Traktor solely as a means of playing my digital media using TTs – no effects, no cue points, no loops, no Stems, no Remix decks, no step sequencer. I doubt I’m alone!

    I’d love to see an audio interface with a screen for the browser and very basic browser control (one large encoder?) and the software embedded, ie. No laptop. In fact, let’s have the audio interface as optional for those with Scratch certified mixers. Unoriginal, I know!

  24. I like the Kontrol hardware but Traktor software development seems not only to move really slow but only seems to add niche gimmicks on top rather than reworking core foundation features to be more modern

    NEW HARDWARE – Fully laptop-free standalone performance controller platform with the option to plug into a laptop/desktop for finer grain prep work
    NEW HARDWARE – If you made it modular yet low on excess cables and multiple power supplies, (USB-C hub?) then I would be more likely to update to new components as they were released, mix and match for different situations. Have a central brain module you can swap out with more powerful one as years go by.
    NEW HARDWARE/SOFTWARE- First or third party developer platform to add lighting and/or video to sets in a compact and convenient way
    SOFTWARE – Improve iTunes integration – no more trainspotter nonsense to sync playlists
    SOFTWARE – Beatgrid able to handle multiple tempo variation
    SOFTWARE – A more modern interface for Traktor on Mac OS, Retina. esp. smaller screens. Maybe something more dynamic, have the browser window shrink when not in use and have the sound waves get bigger. When browsing have the browser get bigger and have the sound waves shrink or appear PIP.
    NEW SOFTWARE/ FIRMWARE- On Kontrol S5/S8 when an effect is in use have the ON/OFF button LED flash as it is not always noticeable in all lighting situations and can lead to accidents, especially while browsing on that decks screen. eg. Echo Freeze
    NEW SOFTWARE – Smart playlists, smart suggestions “You often play this track after this one” “this seems like it would mix well”
    NEW HARDWARE/FIRMWARE – Fun tools similar to instant gratification Dj Tech tools for care-free improv built into Kontrol

    COMMUNITY – Better communication about development – I seriously haven’t been confident that a major release of Traktor is even in active development. Despite all the talk of THE FUTURE OF DJING it feels Traktor has just been in low maintenance mode, perhaps put out to pasture like Mixmeister Fusion. People expected a big overhaul soon after the Kontrol S8 was released because the potential of it seemed at odds with how dated the software was. That was 2014. Serato brought all the things and Traktor, for several years now, gave minimal, niche updates and silence.

      • Torq 2.0 was way before it’s time… Considering Chad from M-audio moved to NI and Torq got discontinued I am amazed that so many of the features we had in Torq have not made themselves into Traktor. I still have my Xponent & Conectiv, I still pull them out, dust them off and have a play around sometimes. Everytime I am amazed that the setup still runs and effortlessly I might add on my music tweaked 2007 Dell Inspiron e1705, that’s a 10 yr old DELL laptop, who knew!

        Bought an S4 mk1 3 months before the mk2 came out! Totally gutted as I was travelling. It’s been abused a lot, but the play buttons got knackered in no time at all, the endless rotary gain knobs are the most utter stupid design ever.

        Torq was so easy to map anything, just right click and bam. Why everything has to be so complicated in Traktor I have no idea.

        1 Thing I use a lot in Traktor is saving playlists after shows (so they can be uploaded as Podcasts). Every damn time you save a playlist you HAVE TO un-select everything you don’t want. It’s annoying as all hell. Why can’t it remember what I un-selected?

        Why they decided that you have to buy the Pro version to get Vinyl control I have no idea, it’s not like the S4 was cheap (iirc £680 – 2013)
        Sure I still have it, but I haven’t had any GAS since that last horrible, purchase.

        Not sure where to go next, I loved the Xponent & Conectiv setup, that’s what I was hoping to have with the S4… Guess I was totally wrong.

        I think I was spoiled using Torq, plug in what you want, use it with ease, map anything you like to whatever you want.

  26. for software
    -upgrade to new browsing,mini wave form preview in playlist,x2 browser.
    -new function export music mode to usb for new hardware.
    for hardware
    -new series of traktor standalone hardware (midi controller) cdj size ,with jog and hotcue function
    -new standard club mixer

  27. For Hardware: The S2 needs a Mk3 revision adding a proper dedicated filter under the bass adjustment on the mixer panel, a newer soundcard with improved headphone output, and possibly some revisions that would make the workflow more akin to the newer S5 and S8. For example the headphone cue adjustment being on the top of the controller.

    What Dan said: Just bite the bullet and sell us a modular jog wheel controller with a decent sized jog wheel. I mean how difficult could that really be Native Instruments???

    For Software: Streamline the workflow and configuration to make remix decks easier to configure for more people to be able to incorporate them into their workflow. The more people that use them, the moe F1/D2/S5/S8 units they will sell.

    A proper search function. Every time I have to search my library I have to scroll all the way up the folder tree to hit “All Tracks” to be able to do this. This should be able to be done at any time just as Atomix has done for Virtual DJ. I tend to play more open format gigs using Virtual DJ because of this significant convenience. I am glad I have full licenses for both. This should not be difficult to implement. I have seen many people ask for this kind of feature over the years and nothing has changed.

    Signed,
    Dancin’ Mark and his $.02

  28. – Support for standard keyboard controls in the browser: Home, End, Pg Up/Dn, etc.
    – The ability to use Traktor and Maschine with the same audio interface, at the same time. Using a Midas Venice F24, Traktor crashes whenever I try to do this. Every other app, including Maschine, works fine simultaneously with the Venice, except Traktor.

  32. 1/ advanced HID support for xdj 700
    2/ spotify support
    3/ preview player in browser to be in sync to master so can actually hear the tune rather than a jumbled mess

    I love stem mixing on traktor which is great fun, ive used traktor for 8 years and love my s8, s2 mk2, x1, f1′ etc….but djay pro adding advanced hid to nearly all pioneer players and spotify is fantastic when jamming, Also djay pro have elastic beat grids and video mixing, come on traktor catch up please

  35. Improved iTunes integration (why do I NEED to import everything into Traktror Pro?).
    Or, at least, SMART Playlists in Traktor collection, that would even be able to refer to iTunes playlists.

    Parallel waveforms (allowing to mix visually in bad sound conditions)

    Wave forms previews in browser + easy tagging (à la Rekordbox DJ)

    General interface cleanup. And RETINA, please.

  36. I have used Traktor for years… but they have not made any news lately …is there any hardware coming? Is there any integration with macshine? It’s discouraging to know that I try to find out information of any updates but they are always hush hush…I guess they spend more attention on the production side of things.

  37. Doesn’t matter what we say. NI is going to do whatever they want. Or are they finally realizing that the direction that they were taking is the wrong one? Anyway NI excluded a large part of the DJ population and are now feeling the repercussions of it. NI need to make up its mind. They seem confused AF.

  38. Can you please expand this section or add a new section to add photoshopped desired mixers to help influence the industry such as this as on DJTT. Thanks.

  39. WOW. Tracktor still doesn’t scale with High-Res displays like the Apple’s Retina screen? Your stuck with super tiny unreadable fonts. Does anyone at NI own a recent laptop? Doesn’t seem like it. And if they did own a recent laptop, that means they accepted the fact that the app doesn’t scale on high-res displays for over 3-years. NI Released version after version never addressing the scaling issue.

    • Neither does the latest version of Serato DJ. And I think rekordbox just anti-aliases the jaggies so the edges end up looking blurry on the UI elements instead.

      Basically, none of the top three platforms properly supports HiDPI screens.

      • Not true. The current version of Serato scales fine on my windows machine. I don’t know about the current mac version. And VDJ8 has always scaled fine. And when did VDJ8 not make the top 3? Mentioning that other softwares are also deficient doesn’t make NI’s situation any better.

          • So let me get this straight, your saying that there are more installations of rekordbox worldwide than VDJ? LMOA!!!! Where did you get the numbers from? Did you pick them out of a hat? Your also saying that Traktor has more installations world-wide than VDJ which is also a joke. Traktor is at an all time low. That’s why they have you guys here asking questions on how they can improve it. I’m willing to bet that there are more installations worldwide than Serato, Reckordbox and definitely Tracktor. Go to any foreign country and you will see people with VDJ more than any other software. There probably isn’t a single installation of traktor in my home country. I’ve yet to see it. All I see is VDJ8.

            • LMAO @ LMOA – You are wording this just as carefully as Atomix does LOL. There are absolutely more INSTALLATIONS of VDJ than probably all DJ applications combined…………. this in no way makes it a top application though. It makes it a widely installed one. This is because of piracy and the fact there is a free version. I myself used VDJ as my first step into the digital era…………. I eventually moved on to bigger and (IMO) better things including RB, Traktor & above all else Serato. If one can stomach VDJ’s comparison page https://www.virtualdj.com/products/virtualdj/why.html you may get some insight on the logic of its die hard users as well.

              • yea, and VDJ has moved on too.
                over and over, it does things that other softwares can’t or won’t, and it does those things incredibly well, stably, and easily. if you’re opinion that other software is better is based on a version you used a long time ago, well you’re missing out. I seriously can’t imagine why anyone, who is serious about this as a profession, would bother with anything else.

                over and over, one hears these comments about the “look” of it, and why won’t they update it? they won’t update it because they have a LOT of users are are happy with it in a professional environment, that’s why. it’s aint broken, so they ain’t fixing it.

                now, you ask, do I personally care. nope, I don’t. I have serato systems, and I own tp2 (which I can’t DL because NI doesn’t like me, and the just decided to block my account, although I paid for it…YEA PEOPLE that’s how NI operates) I’ve got Mixvibes, djplayer, djay, you name it, I got it, but when I want something I can trust, I use VDJ pro :)

                • I won’t sit here and say vdj is not effective. It is. I just no longer support their business model and total lack of consideration for other companies. I have vdj8 infinity pro license as it came free with my sz and I have tried all the newest features but everything they do just irks me. I tried it againrecently for the Spotify feature and sure enough it is not genuine support but merely a hack which causes the song to only stream at 1.5x making it useless for cue points, seeking etc. can’t even load two songs at same time. Djay pro suffers from neither of these issues being they are actual partners and worked with Spotify to get everything streamilined.

                  • I do agree on the “does what other softwares won’t part though………….. which for me is part of the problem. There is a reason other softwares won’t do some things. I am not part of cdj’s target audience. they are after those who would have the software cover all areas they are unfamiliar with including song selection if need be. Serato is more of a culture which is what lured me right in those years ago. While it is certainly not like it used to be it is still my preferance.

  40. Dan,

    Can you please add a section or create another that would allow photoshopped DJ mixers or controllers to be submitted and posted for voting to further influence hardware makers? I know this is the software section.

  41. Generally happy with traktor for DVS, mostly due to layout (I like the stripe view with most space taken by the browser) and customizable keyboard shortcuts. I’ve considered switching to the Serato side with DVS Club kit and an interface, but as far as I can tell, not enough shortcuts for my usage, and not enough possibilities of getting a layout I like.
    I like being able to load tracks in either deck 1/2/3 quickly, as well as browsing/typing/resetting the input field, using one key, or one+modifier.
    I reckon Hi Dpi support would be nice… some kind of touch browsing and dragging into decks, if done well, would be sweet combined with one of the newer hybrids like the MS Surface.

    An interface with I/O for at least three decks with proper level direct phono through would help keep my attention. I hear the A10Mk2 almost has the goods and can’t find enough evidence about the Rane SL 3/4’s abilities. Multicore cables are getting a bit unwieldy with my setup ESPECIALLY with the added preamp for a third TT on the A8, let alone at gigs :|

  42. Thanks for this opportunity – have been hanging out for a decent Traktor update.

    1. Full integration with Maschine – either a Maschine deck / plugin or a Link feature that automatically routes Maschine. (Should be able to load, play, scratch and filter Maschine loops on the fly via Traktor internal sound card).

    2. Elastic beatgridding. Traktor doesn’t handle mash ups as well as it should without it.

    3. Related to the above – loops shouldn’t automatically snap to a beat. Some mash ups require a lot more flexibility.

    4. USB hubs on the larger standalone controllers (this would be my only hardware related suggestion).

    5. A decent, native smart playlist feature that doesn’t require iTunes.

    6. Video mixing – absolutely. It’s the 21st century for goodness sake.

    Love my Traktor S4 Mk2 and Maschine Mk2 but the above have been really niggling oversights. Thanks again!

  43. (1). Stand alone hardware.
    A digital pioneer device has latency in a range of microseconds and not milliseconds and doesnt know asio dropouts, crashes, etc.

    (2). Digital outputs for every channel to have a full digital workflow with DVS.

  44. I have to echo the modular mixer controller request. Id love to see/have option to buy an upgraded/pro like version of the Z1. A simple yet appropriately featured 2 AND 4 channel mixers in the same footprint as the D2, with fold out feet and DVS interface. 2 channel aimed at scratch dj’s with curve control for ALL 3 faders and non stiff free flowing lines. If the 4 channel version was just the mixer section of the S8 Im sure that would be enough for people of that persuasion to be happy.

    Software wise I’m fully signed up member of the Traktor fan boy club, features like Remix decks and custom mapping have completely shaped the way I perform routines, I love how pro end users of Traktor all have there own individual workflows that are unique to them.

    “continue to allow Traktor to be a tinkerer’s dream”

    Yup, nailed it!

    The few things that would improve my Traktor experience –

    Mappable individual line fade curve adjust

    More modifier states

    Ability to send flashing LED output message

    Smart playlist

    A key lock that accurately pitches platter movement from the the selected key position as opposed to the current -/+50% platter threshold system. This would give a more realistic output sound for scratching when either doing tone play scratching or simply mixing in key/key lock on and having a scratch. The current -/+50% system for locking the key while scratching diminishes the audio quality and gives an unrealistic sound to scratch’s = makes in key mixing with scratching a vastly poorer experience than what serato offer under the same conditions.

    Also I’ve got particularly niche request….

    With NI being such a prolific maker of soft synths I think they’d be the perfect company to create some form of synth DVS plugin for a Traktor deck, bare with me :)

    Think fretless fader. tone play and midi note turntables….

    IMO all the above have had a great impact on elevating the dj performance further in to the real musician status, but…. in there current format there a bit hacky. I appreciate there’s been tons of amazing routines that have been born out of the mentioned approaches. I jus feel that a well thought out software solution would take these approaches to a whole new level, currently with fretless you have to trigger hot cues to output the attack of the sample. The dream for me is to have a flexible soft synth DVS pluggin with envelope controls where the attack can be activated via xfader or pads depending on status of modifiers. Being able to accurately control synthesis with DVS would IMO be another step in solidifying the turntable as an real instrument or simply take an element of turntabislm in to a whole new direction, NI can even profit from selling patches etc..

  45. Elastic beatgrids in Traktor have been critical for me for a long time. What’s the use of remixing 2-4 channels/remix decks on the fly with different (classic) source material with varying BPMs if the grids can’t be properly adjusted throughout? Sure you can warp the material in Ableton first and export it but that means 1) you need Ableton Standard or better to get the complex warp mode, 2) you have to bounce the track, degrading the source further, and 3) Serato and Rekordbox already do this very well in the box. I would love to rock an S8 or an S5 (I loved my Novation Twitch and Itch setup), but without elastic beatgrids it’s a non-starter.

    Cue the traditionalist DJ rantings… ain’t nothin’ I haven’t heard before…

  48. I know I am not the only one with this problem, I find it difficult to read the font on the search bar ,you cannot increase the font size on that but you can with everything else, Traktor says reduce the resolution but that adds problems elsewhere, surely they can address this issue easily by modifying the software, My friend moved to Serato just for that reason, is is clearer but not much bigger, please Traktor make this a priority

  49. TAGS! Dealing with Playlists for organizing my Library is getting clunky and hard to manage with thousands of songs. The way tags are implemented in Rekordbox is a great example of a music library utility that is very useful and intuitive.

  50. There are plenty of cool tricks I’m confident NI will eventually bust out. However, I’ll be a happy DJ when they update their midi mapping interface and workflow. Even something as simple as a copy-paste functionality would make a huge difference to me in terms of time and tedium in setting up custom mappings. Even better, and I understand this would be difficult/break old mappings, I’d love to see some method of mapping export to an xml doc so mappings can be edited spreadsheet style. I’m aware of third party mapping apps, but having a native (heh) editing solution that doesnt require hours of dropdown menu navigation would be a dream feature.

    • +1 point and click midi mapping should be the order of the day IMHO. similar to Ableton or Torq2 (which had an awesome mapping function)

      Drop downs are fine and dandy for advanced stuff, but when you just want to map the basics to a new controller what should be done in 10 mins can take an age just to get simple stuff working the way you want.

    • When mapping, I want the order of the mapping to be important. For example, I’f I’m mapping a pot to first set the FX type to a specific one, then alter the parameters, I want it in that order. Had to abandon numerous more complex mappings because of bugs in how Traktor read the commands. Sometimes the wrong order, sometimes just missing particular commands. A major mapping overhaul is needed. Maybe as a separate bundled application with a dedicated interface with a debug mode so you can test your maps before importing them.

      • +1 for making the sequence of commands deterministic. With bome i solved this by sending a sequence of midi messages in a row with timers
        For buttons, seperate press and release actions

  52. -Maschine deck
    -3rd party VST/au Plugins for more effects,
    -Add f1 functions missing from the s8.
    -Sequencer updates, nudging would be awesome.
    -reversing on cells in remix decks for s8
    -more audio interface options

  53. Been using traktor for years,for me improvements to the browser would make such a big difference.
    The favorites slots are great but can we about 10 pages of favorites slots,this would make things so much easier.
    How about a back button mapable to laptop keyboard,this would allow you to jump back to the previous playlist at the touch of a button instead of scrolling browser tree yet again.
    Make the tracklistings easier to see,give the user the option of either white text on black or black text on white.
    Simple browser improvements would make the software about 40% better instantly!
    I just think they could make thinks significantly better by improving the basics first!

    • I mapped my 12 favourites lists to keys F1 to F12 on my laptop’s keyboard. Not exactly what you’re asking for but a workaround, perhaps?

  55. The beat jump feature should allow you to navigate the song without actually jumping it. Something simple like shift + move knob. I like to mix by counting precisely where i should enter the next track so specific segments start and finish together. Usually I count this at home and use cue points, but when improvising live I have to mute one channel, load the current playing song, count the beats, mark the cue point, load the next song, unmute the channel and play it. Super simples fix that would help A LOT

  56. Please, please, please bring out a Kontrol Z4 or/and a Kontrol Z2 mk2 Mixer with:
    – 8 Hotcues / Sample Buttons per Deck
    – Linefader Curves
    – all innofaders
    – XLR Mic Input seperat form the aux input
    – two USB inputs / dual sound cards -> to make sharing one mixer / switching between DJs easier!!!!

  57. Allow the use of 4 D2s at one time. I will not switch until this is possible. I cannot stand layer flipping. You wouldn’t expect a CDJ user to have to control two channels with one deck, why expect it from controller users? I’m not ever going to trade my Xone:92 for an S8.

    • Denon just built a CDJ-like device with layers because people use them.

      At first I was sceptical, too, but the D2s just work great and I use the layers a lot.
      Why not give ’em a shot?
      Most shops allow for return & refund if you are not satisfied.

      • I tried with my mate’s S8. I just can’t keep up with it. I find it counter-intuitive to have to keep checking what layer is active before I touch a button. I much prefer each control to have a basic function and a shift-function (requiring the shift button to be held). That way I’m working by muscle memory. Everything does what I’m expecting without having to look

        Don’t get me wrong, it’s good to have as an option, but they should never have forced it to be the only way to work

        • but they should never have forced it to be the only way to work

          Completely agree on this.
          If they didn’t have the limitation, I would have bought a second pair in an instant.

      • I’m not saying the D2s are ‘bad’ per se. The reason I hate layer flipping is because I don’t want to have to check what layer I’m on before doing anything. I like each knob/button/fader to do one thing. I work through muscle memory. I want each play button to only control one thing. I don’t want to be in the middle of layering up multiple tracks, be meaning to get another loop going in Deck C then accidentally kill the bass by stopping Deck A because it was set to the wrong layer. I think it was a glaring omission to the setup (as well as an odd way of preventing them from making more money per user)

        Also, I tried using a friend’s S8. Same problems. Couldn’t get on with it.

  58. On the hardware side as many have mentioned, A Z4 has been in the wish list since the Z2 was released. The Z2 needs an update. Mostly with stuff that has already been mentioned. Can we please get spectrum waveforms on the D2. Without the spectrum I still use the computer mostly, which kind of defeats the purpose of the screens. There is even a hack that was posted on DJ Tech Tools of how to do it. If a random user can figure it out, why can’t NI?

    It would be nice to have a Jog wheel controller and/or more integration with 3rd party products not made by Pioneer. As a rule it would be nice to see them going back to supporting lots of 3rd party stuff so we can have more options.

    On the software side, elastic beat gridding is a key thing missing. Using the S8 and D2 with a live drummer is a nightmare never mind a song with a BPM change. It would be nice to be able to color code and label cues and loops so I know that cue 3 is the break. 1/4 beat quantizing would be nice for drumming out patterns and bringing something similar to Serato’s Fip would be nice. I know there’s the step sequencer, but that means bring in extra sound clips. I just want to tap something out pre-existing in a song and go. Finally, pretty sure video capability is never going to happen.

  59. 1. Browser/Library updates
    2. Browser/Library updates
    3. Browser/Library updates
    4. Browser/Library updates

    In more detail…

    Allow custom metadata field definitions from users (IF my files have custom metadata such as Mood, Energy, MixInTo, MixOutTo, Occasion, etc pp, I should be able to access those in the tool that is meant to be my central hub for DJ-ing…)..

    Multi value tags & separators, eg. allow Genre (and any other field that the data spec allows to be multi value) to be “Hip Hop; Crunk; East Coast; Bass Music” and display/handle each multi-value entry accordingly (i.e. a file with the above should show in genres Hip Hop as well as Crunk etc)…

    Better tools, generally as well as specifically to work with the above new/custom fields & values

    Mass imports/exports of playlists/crates/etc

  61. As a non-DJ with interest in using Traktor to perform original content, I would be totally happy with just these 2 things:
    1. Independent output of stems/remix slots, for per-channel FX manipulation.
    2. Proper saving/general management of remix sets, akin to Maschine group-saving functions.

  63. 1. Some sort of elastic beat grid for those out of time funk & disco tracks. Its really about time that this happens.

    2.itunes Group tag in the browser. Seriously. Tired of smart play listing all my group tags for them to show up.

    3. Make the midi mapping easier. No excuse for this. Its inelegant and borders on nightmarish right now. Traktor especially needs an easy map mode like Algoriddim Djay for just assigning perimeters to a simple controller.

    4. Parallel waveforms like Torq used to have if only to get a larger waveform view.

    5. The current UI looks like a machine from a nazi deathcamp. I like the old traktor scratch decks that had the lighter color border its just easier to navigate visually (at least for me) cause your eye jumps right to the color difference. just call it classic skin or something.

    6. a Mood or energy tag or colors would be nice. its not totally necessary cause of the comments box but it would help.

    7.Marker comments in the browser but not as tabs at that top but below the song maybe in a nested dropdown. click on teh triangle and booom! more info, so I can see the marker colors and what kind of marker it is (is it a mix in or out or a cue point) and all the relevant information i.e. this cue point says Hey! and this one says Ho! whatever. the endless spread sheet shit gets old. its 2017 and a little elegant design work wouldn’t hurt anyone.

  66. REVERSE! We need reverse playback in flux and without flux mode, and some vinyl tricks to be available like on CDJ’s not only by the timecode or FX.
    PLEASE!

  68. Order the playlists of the iTunes Smart Playlist node the way I would like to. Now you can only see them in the order of creation date in iTunes.

  69. What nobody seems to mention:
    ● Touch friendly mode for Windows 10 users on surface etc
    ● Configurable UI so users can move UI items around and hide stuff they don’t need/use.
    ● And the most important: a decent mapping editor like third-party developers have developed, some of them for free, allowing copying, pasting, deleting etc and operations on multiple mappings simultaneously.
    ● Ability to create mappings by writing a script like DeckaDance (rather than by using a clumsy UI-based interface). Third-party mapping creators and DJ controller makers will thank you infinitely for this.
    ● Unlimited modifiers (ideally custom modifiers) and unlimited modifier conditions
    ● A more comprehensive selection of logical conditions.

    At the moment my biggest complaint is how painful it is to create complex mappings in Traktor, and how limited the mapping engine is. While overall Traktor currently offers the most comprehensive and reliable set of features, DeckaDance offers users a scripting engine which is really easy to learn if you know a bit of C (and if you don’t you can learn the basics very quickly). Let’s not forget that it is the ability to map any controller that made Traktor a strong contender in the DJ software market, so let’s continue improving on that front! The current controller manager is a joke, really.

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