Manual
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Table of Contents Table of Contents 1 Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8! ........................................................ 11 1.1 1.2 1.3 2 What's new for TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 Users? ............................................................................ 11 Where to Start ............................................................................................................................. 12 Manual Conventions ....................................................................
Table of Contents 2.7 2.8 2.9 2.10 2.11 3 2.6.2 In Practice ................................................................................................................. 51 Switching Deck Focus ................................................................................................................. 54 Switching Deck View and Zooming ............................................................................................. 58 Using Cue Points ...............................................
Table of Contents 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.6.1 Loading a Remix Set .................................................................................................. 109 3.6.2 Triggering Samples ................................................................................................... 110 3.6.3 Triggering Samples using Different Quantize Sizes ................................................... 115 3.6.4 Adjusting Levels and using Filters of Remix Slots ...............................................
Table of Contents 3.11 4 Working with Beatgrids .............................................................................................................. 157 3.11.1 Checking a Beatgrid .................................................................................................. 157 3.11.2 Correcting a Beatgrid Manually ................................................................................. 159 3.11.3 Additional Help Actions .............................................................
Table of Contents 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.2.11 Touch Strip ................................................................................................................ 191 4.2.12 Transport Controls ..................................................................................................... 194 The FX Unit ................................................................................................................................. 196 4.3.1 FX SELECT Button .........................................
Table of Contents 4.6 5 Common Setups ........................................................................................................ 227 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 6 4.5.3 External INPUTs ......................................................................................................... 220 4.5.4 MIC Input Section ...................................................................................................... 221 4.5.5 Kensington Lock Slot ...........................................
Table of Contents 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 7 The S8 Audio Interface and Control Panel ................................................................... 251 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 8 Settings on Mac OS X ................................................................................................................. 251 Settings on Windows: The Control Panel ..................................................................................... 251 7.2.1 Opening the Control Panel ........................................
Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8! What's new for TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 Users? 1 Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8! Thank you for choosing TRAKTOR KONTROL S8. What is TRAKTOR KONTROL S8? TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 provides a direct tactile interface to TRAKTOR PRO's features and allows you to achieve more with the controller hardware so you have to do less on your computer screen.
Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8! Where to Start Stem Support for TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 The TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 controller now natively supports Stem Decks. The S8 provide full 4-stem visualization of the Stems on the in-built displays, and the Performance Knobs, Buttons, and Faders control the sub-mix of the stems (such as Slot Volumes, Slot Filters, and Slot FX Sends). For more information on how to use Stem Decks, refer to section ↑3.10, Mixing Stem Files using Stem Decks.
Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8! Where to Start • TRAKTOR Manual • TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 Manual (this document) Your First Stop: Getting Started This document guides you through configuration of TRAKTOR to work with a hardware controller by means of the Setup Wizard, as well as importing music into your Track Collection. Afterwards, it introduces you to TRAKTOR's basic concepts and workflows and helps you set up your system correctly.
Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8! Manual Conventions mation on this, please refer to the CONTROLLER EDITOR Manual available as a PDF file in the Documentation subfolder of the CONTROLLER EDITOR installation folder on your hard disk.
Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8! Manual Conventions • Text appearing on displays of the S8 controller is printed in light grey. Whenever you see this formatting applied, you will find the same text on a controller display. • Text appearing on labels of the hardware controller is printed in orange. Whenever you see this formatting applied, you will find the same text on the controller. • Important names and concepts are printed in bold.
Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8! Manual Conventions Numbering scheme for FX and Performance controls Display Buttons On each side of a display, there are two buttons marked by a square icon.
Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8! Manual Conventions Numbering scheme for Display Buttons Pads Each Deck comes with eight multi color pads.
Using Your S8—Getting Started 2 Using Your S8—Getting Started This section will guide you through the most common tasks you will encounter during your work with TRAKTOR KONTROL S8. Most of the tutorials included are workflow-oriented. They start with the simplest tasks and progressively lead you to more complex operation, helping you to become familiar with TRAKTOR KONTROL S8.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Quick Overview of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 2.1 Quick Overview of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 This section briefly introduces S8’s main areas. The image below illustrates which areas of the S8 control the respective areas in the TRAKTOR software. Hardware Controller and Software side by side. (1) Decks: S8 features two identically equipped Deck sections at the far left and right of the unit. These give you hardware control over the software Decks in the TRAKTOR PRO software.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Enabling Decks 2.2 Enabling Decks By default, the Decks on your S8 are enabled after you start the TRAKTOR software for the first time. If, however, the Decks are not enabled (in Direct Thru mode), proceed as follows to enable the Decks.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Enabling Decks Deck C in Direct Thru mode To enable the Decks: ► Push the TRAKTOR buttons of each Deck. → The TRAKTOR buttons light up in orange indicating the Deck is now in TRAKTOR mode. The displays read No Track Loaded indicating the corresponding Decks are enabled.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Using the Browser The following images show enabled Decks: Deck A enabled as Track Deck Deck C enabled as Remix Deck 2.3 Using the Browser This tutorial explains how to use the Browser to access your music library. You will learn how to sort and preview your tracks in the Browser, and how to load tracks into Decks.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Using the Browser It is not possible to open the Browser on S8's left and right Decks simultaneously. BROWSE Encoder, BACK Button, and Display section 2.3.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Using the Browser ► Push the BROWSE encoder. The Browser will be displayed in the display. 2.3.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Using the Browser ► Rotate the BROWSE encoder. The selected entry will be highlighted in blue. The Browser View shows your current location in the folder structure at the top of the display, e.g. BROWSER>PLAYLIST>DEMO TRACKS. To open folders and load tracks: ► Press the BROWSE encoder to open a folder. ► Press the BROWSE encoder to load a track. To return to the previous folder: ► Press the BACK button. To exit the Browser: ► Press the VIEW button.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Using the Browser 2.3.3 Browsing using Touch Interactions In addition to regular interactions with S8, you can perform touch interactions. However, to use touch interactions when browsing, the touch sensitivity for the BROWSE encoder has to be enabled: 1. 2. 3. Open the TRAKTOR Preferences. Select the tab TRAKTOR KONTROL S8. Enable the Touch Control Auto Open Browser on Touch. → The touch sensitivity is now enabled on the BROWSE encoder.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Using the Browser 1. Press the ON button 4 to start preview. The preview is now audible in the headphones. 2. Rotate Performance knob 4 to seek within the track in preview. 2.3.5 Sorting Tracks To speed up scrolling through folders including a very large number of tracks, you can sort the tracks by categories TITLE, ARTIST, BPM, IMPORT DATE, #, and KEY. The selected category is displayed at the bottom-left in the Browser.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Using the Browser ► Rotate Performance knob 1 until the desired category is selected in the SORT BY pop-up window. The tracks will then be resorted. Additionally, you can display the tracks in ascending or descending order: ► Press the ON button 1 to switch between ascending and descending order. The Browser displaying tracks in descending order.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Playing Your First Track The Browser displaying tracks in ascending order. 2.4 Playing Your First Track In this tutorial, you will learn how to load and play back a track, how to check the audio outputs and how to quickly troubleshoot your system if no music can be heard. Before you proceed, ensure the following prerequisites are met: Prerequisites We assume your S8 is in the following state: • The left Deck is focused on Track Deck A.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Playing Your First Track • The Crossfader is set all the way to the left. • On channel A, the channel fader is set to minimum, the EQ knobs, the GAIN knob, and the Filter knob are set to center position. • The MAIN knob is set to minimum. 2.4.1 Loading a Track Let’s load the track “Techno 1” from the included demo tracks on to Deck A. Since Deck A is in the top-left part of the TRAKTOR window, we will use the left Deck on your S8.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Playing Your First Track The Deck Display with DECK A indicator. While looking at the left Deck's display reading No Track Loaded. Push Browse Knob, do the following: 1. 2. Press the BROWSE encoder of the left Deck to open the Browser. Navigate to the folder FAVORITES > Demo Tracks.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Playing Your First Track 3. Scroll to track Techno 1. 4. Press the BROWSE encoder to load the track into Deck A. → The track is loaded. Its waveform and info appear in the display. 2.4.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Playing Your First Track 1. Press the PLAY button at the bottom of the left Deck. The PLAY button lights up. The waveform starts moving in the display. The track is assigned to MASTER. 2. Gradually raise the channel A fader to maximum position.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Playing Your First Track 3. Gradually turn the MAIN knob clockwise. → You will hear the track Techno 1 playing back through your speakers. If not, please check ↑2.4.3, If You Don’t Hear the Track. Each Deck Has Its Own Channel The audio playing on each Deck can be further shaped by the controls on the corresponding channel of the Mixer.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Playing Your First Track The Channel A. 2.4.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Playing Your First Track • At the bottom of your S8, verify that the Crossfader is moved all the way to the left: • Above, the channel fader should be raised in channel A: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 36
Using Your S8—Getting Started Playing Your First Track • The channel meter should show some activity. If not, check that the HI, MID, and LOW knobs in channel A are set to the center position. • At the top of the channel, adjust the input level by turning the GAIN knob. • At the top center of the Mixer, the MAIN knob should be turned at least part of the way to the right.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Mixing In a Second Track 2.5 Mixing In a Second Track Now that you have learned how to load and play a track from the S8, let’s mix in a second track on Deck B. By doing so, you will learn a few mixing basics which are essential for every DJ: how to cue tracks, synchronize tracks, start the playback at the right position, and mix the tracks together using the Crossfader.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Mixing In a Second Track • On channel B, the channel fader is set to minimum, the EQ knobs and the GAIN knob are set to the center position. • The CUE VOL knob and the CUE MIX knob are set to minimum. 2.5.1 Loading a Second Track We will choose the track “Techno 2” and load it into the right Deck B, as we did for Deck A in the previous tutorial.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Mixing In a Second Track Track Deck B in its empty state. While looking at the right Deck display reading "No Track Loaded, Touch Browse Knob", do the following: 1. Press the BROWSE encoder of the right Deck to open the Browser. The Browser resumes at the last selected item.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Mixing In a Second Track 2. Scroll to the track Techno 2. 3. Press the BROWSE encoder to load the track into Deck B. → The track is loaded. Its waveform and info appear in the display. 2.5.2 ► Playing the Second Track Press the PLAY button on the right Deck to start the playback.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Mixing In a Second Track → The track “Techno 2” starts playing. The PLAY button lights up and the waveform in the display starts moving. You don’t hear anything from Deck B through the speakers yet because the Crossfader on the S8 is all the way to the left. To mix in the track “Techno 2” on Deck B: ► Slowly move the Crossfader from left to right.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Mixing In a Second Track ► Pull the Crossfader all the way back to the left. If you still don’t hear any sound coming from Deck B even with the Crossfader all the way to the right, check the troubleshooting guidelines in section ↑2.4.3, If You Don’t Hear the Track. 2.5.3 Using Headphones to Prepare the Mix Typically, a DJ needs to be able to prepare a mix on the headphone cue before committing to it and sending it to the main out.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Mixing In a Second Track Adjusting the balance between the cued track and main mix For a great mix, you need to sync the affected Decks, match their levels and make sure that the result sounds good.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Mixing In a Second Track → The SYNC button lights up and the display of Deck B displays SYNC. Now the two tracks are in perfect sync. Cue the Track ► Slowly turn the CUE MIX knob clockwise. → You will hear the second track fade into the mix with both tracks in sync.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Mixing In a Second Track ► Slowly move the Crossfader from the left to the right. → You just did your first mix with S8. 2.5.5 Interlude: In case the Left Track has finished The track “Techno 1” on Deck A has been playing since we started with the tutorials, and it might happen that the playback reaches the end of the track. In this case, just do the following: ► On the left Deck, press Pad 1 to skip back to the beginning of the track.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Mixing In a Second Track The EQ and FILTER knobs on channel B. Prerequisites We assume here that you have already followed the instructions in the previous tutorials and the S8 is in the following state: • The track “Techno 1” is loaded on Deck A. The track is playing and audible. • The track “Techno 2” is loaded on Deck B. The track is playing and audible. • Both tracks are synched. • The Crossfader is all the way to the left.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Mixing In a Second Track To prepare the cued track with EQ or Filter: 1. 2. Put on your Headphones. Enable CUE on channel B. 3. Press the FILTER button on Deck B.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Mixing In a Second Track 4. Turn any of the EQ or FILTER knobs on channel B to hear the effect on the cued track. The EQs and filters are excellent tools for making adjustments to tracks before mixing them in so that you get the smoothest transition possible. The most common technique is to filter the bass line out of the incoming track—having 2 bass lines running simultaneously rarely sounds good. We will now carry out a first version of the mix “for real.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Mixing In a Second Track 1. With the Crossfader still on the left, turn down the LOW knob on channel B to take the bass out of the track on Deck B. 2. Progressively mix in channel B by gradually moving the Crossfader from the left to the center position. 3. When both tracks are running together and you want to bring the bass back in, gradually decrease the bass amount of channel A while simultaneously increasing that of channel B. 4.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Adjusting Levels 2.6 Adjusting Levels Before we continue with the tutorials, let's talk about the importance of setting your mix levels correctly. We will provide a few simple hints which help you achieve the best sound with your mix. Even if this section looks a bit technical at first, please take the time to read these few pages, as this knowledge will help you later on, especially in a live situation! 2.6.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Adjusting Levels A channel meter clipping In each channel, ensure that its channel meter shows a level in the upper range of the blue LEDs when playing the loudest section of a track, only occasionally reaching the orange LEDs.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Adjusting Levels Note that the channel’s EQ and filter settings also affect the signal level, as well as the possible FX Unit(s) it is assigned to. Hence, when modifying any of these, you might need to readjust the GAIN knob accordingly. To get a good idea of the right levels to choose, we recommend you get to know the songs in your set - for tracks with a variable level over time (e.g.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Switching Deck Focus In this section, the MAIN LEVEL meters show you the (left and right) overall level of your mix after adjustment by the MAIN knob. Here, again, make sure not to exceed the safe range indicated by blue LEDs too often. For checking the level at the output of the TRAKTOR software, please refer to the meter in TRAKTOR's header. Set the channel levels so that the mix mostly stays in the blue safe range on the MAIN meter.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Switching Deck Focus ► Press the left DECK button to toggle between Deck A and Deck C.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Switching Deck Focus • If Deck A is focused, the DECK button, the Mode Select Button and the LED ring around the LOOP encoder will be lit in blue.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Switching Deck Focus • If Deck C is focused, the DECK button, the Mode Select Button and the LED ring around the LOOP encoder will be lit in white.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Switching Deck View and Zooming 2.8 Switching Deck View and Zooming By default, the display shows only the focused Deck. This is called Single View. Additionally, you can switch to Spilt View to show both Decks together in the display - Decks A and C on the left side, Decks B and D on the right side.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Switching Deck View and Zooming Split View with focus on Deck A. Split View with focus on Deck C. Changing Deck View does not change the Deck's focus. Zooming To get a more precise view of the waveform at the current Playhead position, you can zoom in or out of the waveform.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Switching Deck View and Zooming To zoom into the waveform: ► Press Display button 3 repeatedly until you reach the desired zoom level.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Using Cue Points ► 2.9 Press Display button 4 several times until you reach the desired zoom level. Using Cue Points This tutorial will explain how to work with HotCues for jumping directly to certain points within a track. HotCues can be assigned to the pads when the Track Deck is in HOTCUE mode. On a Track Deck in HOTCUE mode, pad 1 always represents the Start Cue Point that will be assigned automatically as soon as a track is loaded.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Using Cue Points Pad 1 as Start Cue Point. Prerequisites We assume here that you already followed the instructions in the previous tutorials (see ↑2.2, Enabling Decks). TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 is in the following state: • The track “Techno 1” is loaded on Deck A. • The Deck A is set to HOTCUE mode (default state). 2.9.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Using Cue Points ► On the left Deck, whether or not the track is playing, press one of the unlit pads on a downbeat—let’s say pad 2. The pad lights up blue. → You have just stored a Cue Point that you can return to by pressing the same pad again. ► In the display, a CuePoint will be highlighted by a blue indicator and the pad number. You can store up to eight CuePoints per track, including the first which is automatically set to the track start.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Using Cue Points ► Press SHIFT + the pad assigned with a Cue Point. → The Cue point is deleted and the pad is unlit. Snapping to the Beats You don’t have to worry about being precise enough to set a HotCue directly on a beat; by default, TRAKTOR will make sure this happens automatically. This is because the Snap mode is on, indicated by the lit S button located in the top-mid on the S8: The S button on the Mixer.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Adjusting Tempo Prerequisites We assume here that S8 is in the following state: • The track “Techno 1” is loaded on Deck A and stopped. • The track “Techno 2” is loaded on Deck B and stopped. • The tracks are not in sync. 2.10.1 Global Tempo Adjustments Global tempo adjustments are made using the TEMPO encoder located in the center of the S8.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Adjusting Tempo Adjusting the Global Tempo 1. Press the PLAY button on Deck A. The Deck will be assigned to MASTER. 2. Turn the TEMPO encoder clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the tempo of TRAKTOR's Master Clock in decimal steps.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Adjusting Tempo 3. Press any SHIFT button and turn the TEMPO encoder clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the tempo of TRAKTOR's Master Clock in whole steps. 4. Release the Deck's SHIFT button. → The global tempo has changed. 2.10.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Adjusting Tempo Adjusting the Deck-specific Tempo 1. On a Deck press the Display Button 1. The BPM pop-up becomes visible on the display.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Adjusting Tempo 2. Turn the Deck's BROWSE encoder clockwise to increase the tempo; turn the Deck's BROWSE encoder counterclockwise to decrease the tempo. 3. Hold the Deck's SHIFT button + turn the Deck's BROWSE encoder clockwise to increase the tempo in whole steps; turn the Deck's BROWSE encoder counterclockwise to decrease the tempo in whole steps. 4. Press the Display Button 1 again or press the View Button to close the BMP pop-up.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Using Keylock In this scenario, the BROWSE encoder has the same effect as the TEMPO encoder when making tempo adjustments. If the Deck is assigned as the MASTER, tempo adjustments made with the BROWSE encoder will also be applied to any other Deck with their SYNC button activated. In scenarios where automatic Deck synchronization isn't possible, e.g. syncing a TRAKTOR Deck with an external audio source, you can use this method to manually dial in a Deck's BPM. 2.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Using Keylock 1. On a Deck, press the Display Button 2. The KEY pop-up opens on the display. For tracks which have been analyzed by TRAKTOR, their key is displayed here.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Using Keylock 2. Press the Deck's BROWSE encoder to enable Keylock on the track. LOCK is now lit in white. 3. 4. Press the Display Button 2 again to exit the KEY pop-up in the display. Now press Display Button 1 to open the BPM pop-up and adjust the track's tempo by turning the BROWSE encoder. → You can hear the tempo change, but the track's key remains intact.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Using Keylock Adjusting the Key without changing Original Tempo If you want to change just the key of a track without affecting its tempo, proceed as follows: 1. On a Deck, press the Display Button 2. The KEY pop-up opens on the display. If the track has been analyzed by TRAKTOR, its key will be displayed here.
Using Your S8—Getting Started Using Keylock 2. Press the Deck's BROWSE encoder to enable Keylock on the track. LOCK is now lit in white. 3. Now turn the Deck's BROWSE encoder to adjust the key of the track. 4. Press the Display Button 2 again to exit the KEY window in the display. → You will hear that the track's key has changed, while the tempo is preserved.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Touch Strip 3 Using Your S8—Getting Advanced 3.1 Using Touch Strip S8 doesn't feature the conventional Jog Wheels of a regular DJ controller. Functions usually associated with Jog Wheels are instead controlled by the intuitive Touch Strips.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Touch Strip 2. While holding the Deck's SHIFT button, the LED strip above the recessed touch-sensitive area will display this: The LED segments represent the entire length of the track. The three orange segments represent the current playhead position within the track.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Touch Strip 1. While holding SHIFT, place your finger on the Touch Strip beneath the orange LEDs and swipe to the right to move forwards in the track's waveform.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Touch Strip The three orange LEDs will follow your finger movement to the right, as does the playhead in the waveform.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Touch Strip 2. Swipe your finger to the left to move backwards in the track's waveform. The three orange LEDs will follow your finger movement to the left, just as the playhead in the waveform.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Touch Strip Alternatively, you can jump directly to an absolute position in the track by pressing SHIFT + placing your finger on the desired position on the Touch Strip. 3.1.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Touch Strip → If your timing was perfect, a single orange LED at the center of the LED strip lights up, indicating the phase-alignment of both tracks is correct. If your timing was a little off, a few blue LEDs above the Touch Strip light up, indicating the amount of phase-misalignment.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Touch Strip ► Swipe your finger toward the right side of the Touch Strip until the blue LEDs disappear and a single orange LED is shown. → The phase-alignment is corrected and both tracks are perfectly synched.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Touch Strip 3.1.3 Using the Touch Strip to Scratch and Backspin Similar to manually turning a vinyl on a turntable, swiping a finger over the recessed Touch Strip area allows you to create a scratch effect on a Track Deck or Remix Deck. This feature is not enabled by default and requires some configuration as follows: To enable the preference Touch to Scratch for the S8: 1. In the TRAKTOR window click File, then Preferences to open the preferences window.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Touch Strip 2. Navigate to the Traktor Kontrol S8 page, check the Shift + Touch to Scratch preference in the Touchstrip section.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Touch Strip 3. Click Close to exit the Preferences window. Performing Scratching On the Deck: 1. 2. Hold the SHIFT button. On the Touch Strip swipe to the left. This will move the playhead slightly forwards in the track's waveform, and you will hear the typical scratch effect.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Touch Strip 3. On the Touch Strip swipe to the right. This will move the playhead slightly backwards in the track's waveform and you will hear the typical scratch effect.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Touch Strip 4. Try moving your finger across the Touch Strip (back and forth) to scratch the corresponding playhead over a beat. → As soon as you cease moving your finger on the Touch Strip, the playhead remains at that position. A scratch effect can only be created when the track is stopped. Performing a Backspin On the Deck: 1. Hold the SHIFT button.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Playing with Loops in HOTCUE Mode 2. On the Touch Strip swipe quickly from the very right to the very left. This will move the playhead backward in the track's waveform, and you will hear the backspin effect. → As soon as you lift your finger from the Touch Strip, the playhead remains at that position. Backspins are enhanced by the fact that TRAKTOR will stop the spin as soon as you release the SHIFT button. 3.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Playing with Loops in HOTCUE Mode Besides using the dedicated LOOP mode which will be explained in the next tutorial, you can work with loops in default HOTCUE mode. This allows you to perform with HOTCUES and loops at the same time. Prerequisites We assume here that the S8 is in the following state: • The track “Techno 1” is loaded on Deck A and stopped. • The Crossfader is all the way to the left. • The channel fader A is raised to the top.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Playing with Loops in HOTCUE Mode → This will automatically add a loop at the current playback position in the track. The example above shows an engaged loop of four beats.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Playing with Loops in HOTCUE Mode ► Turn the Deck's Loop encoder to change the loop size. You can choose a loop size of 32 beats down to a loop size of 1/32 of a beat. Note that you can adjust the loop size either before or after you’ve set the Loop! If you adjust the loop size beforehand, the next loop you set will acquire the set loop size value. To deactivate the active Loop: ► Press the Loop encoder again.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Playing with Loops in HOTCUE Mode → Playback continues as normal. By pushing the Loop encoder when there is no Loop active, you activate looping: the next Loop in the track will be activated. 3.2.2 Moving a Loop With a loop size selected, you can move the Loop selection to another position within your track. To move the Loop: ► Press the Deck's SHIFT button and turn the Loop encoder.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Playing with Loops in HOTCUE Mode 3.2.3 Storing a Loop In a previous tutorial, you learned how to store Cue Points, which is as simple as pressing an unlit pad. Storing Loops works in a similar way. Let's say you have stored two HotCues in the track currently playing: 1. 2. Press the Loop encoder to engage a Loop. To store the active Loop, press an unlit pad. The pad lights up green.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Playing with Loops in LOOP Mode The display will show a green marker indicating the Loop. The marker also shows the number of the corresponding pad. → You have just stored a Loop that you can return to by pressing the same pad again. Deleting a Loop To delete a Loop: ► 3.3 Press the Deck's SHIFT button and the pad assigned to the Loop you want to delete.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Playing with Loops in LOOP Mode Pads illuminated in LOOP mode. Prerequisites We assume here that the S8 is in the following state: • The track “Techno 1” is loaded on Deck A and is not playing. • The Crossfader is all the way to the left. • The channel fader A is raised to the top. • The MAIN knob has an adequate level. 3.3.1 Looping with Pre-defined Sizes In LOOP mode, with the first row of pads you can engage loops with pre-defined values.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Playing with Loops in LOOP Mode With a track playing and Loop mode enabled, you can perform the following actions: ► Press one of the green pads to engage a Loop of 1/8 beat, 1/4 beat, 1/2 beat, or 1 beat. The LED ring around the Loop encoder starts to rotate indicating a loop is engaged. ► Press the same green pad again or press the Loop encoder to disengage the Loop. ► While a loop is engaged, rotate the Loop encoder to alter the Loop's size.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using FREEZE Mode 2. 3. 4. Press the Deck's LOOP button to enable LOOP mode. The LOOP button lights up brightly and the pads also illuminate. Press pad 6 to jump back by 1 beat. If doing so causes the Playhead to cross the boundaries of an active Loop area, it continues to loop again. Press pad 7 to jump forward by 1 beat. If jumped out of a loop, playback continues as normal.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using FREEZE Mode FREEZE overlay in the display. The pads are now lit blue, and the Freeze slices are shown on the track's waveform. The pad that is currently illuminated brightest represents the current playback position in the Freeze area (see the image above). Deck A in Freeze Mode.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using FREEZE Mode • The track “Techno 1” is loaded on Deck A and stopped. • The Crossfader is all the way to the left. • The channel fader A is raised to the top. • The MAIN knob has an adequate level. 3.4.1 Engaging Freeze mode on a track On Deck A: 1. Press PLAY to trigger playback.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using FREEZE Mode 2. Press the FREEZE button. The current playback position is "frozen" and a section defined by the loop size on the display is automatically split into eight slices. 3. Press any of the eight pads to trigger playback and get a feel for the slices. 4. Press the HOTCUE button to exit Freeze mode. If no further slice is triggered, the Playhead position will leave the frozen area and playback continues towards the end of the track.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using FREEZE Mode 3.4.2 Adjusting the Freeze Slice Size 1. Hold the FREEZE button. 2. The SLICE SIZE window pops up in the display. While holding the FREEZE button, turn the Loop encoder to increase or decrease the slice size from a 1/4 of a beat to a range of 4 beats. 3. Release the FREEZE button.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using FREEZE Mode → The Slice size and zoom will change accordingly. 3.4.3 Slicer Mode There's an extension of Freeze mode's functionality, called Slicer Mode. Press the Loop encoder while in Freeze mode and the playback behavior of the pads changes. Instead of playing from the slice start to the end of the entire track, pressing and holding a pad in Slicer Mode will play back just the corresponding slice repeatedly. Slicer mode enabled.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using FREEZE Mode To enable Slicer Mode on a Deck: 1. Turn the Loop encoder to define the desired Loop size. 2. Press the Loop encoder to engage a loop.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using FREEZE Mode 3. Press the FREEZE button to engage Slicer mode to the active loop. The Slices appear in green. While Slicer mode is engaged you can perform the following actions: ► Press any of the pads to jump between the Slices.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using FREEZE Mode ► Hold a pad to retrigger its slice. ► Hold two pads simultaneously to loop the entire area between the first and last selected slice.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using FLUX Mode ► Turn the Loop encoder to change the Loop size. The slice size will be changed on the fly and the waveform in the display adjusts its zoom accordingly. ► Press the Loop encoder or the HOTCUE button to exit Slicer mode. Playback continues as normal. 3.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using FLUX Mode Prerequisites We assume here that the S8 is in the following state: • The track “Techno 1” is loaded on Deck A and stopped. • The Crossfader is all the way to the left. • The channel fader A is raised to the top. • The MAIN knob has an adequate level. Enabling Flux Mode To enable Flux mode within HOTCUE mode, LOOP mode, or FREEZE mode on Deck A: 1. 2. Press the PLAY button to start playback. Press the FLUX button to enable FLUX mode.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Remixing with Remix Decks 3.6 Remixing with Remix Decks In the previous tutorials you learned how to mix using the Track Decks and how to work with some advanced functionalities of the S8. In this tutorial, you will learn how to use the Remix Decks. With the Remix Decks you can play and perform with pre-defined Remix Sets as well as create your own Remix Sets by capturing samples of tracks. Prerequisites • Deck C is enabled. • Channel C fader is set to minimum.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Remixing with Remix Decks 3.6.1 Loading a Remix Set 1. On the left Deck, press the DECK button to switch to Deck C. Remix Deck C should be shown in the left display. 1. 2. 3. Press the BROWSE encoder to open the Browser. Navigate to the folder TRACK COLLECTION > All Remix Sets > Remix Deck Tutorial. Select the Remix Set Remix Deck Tutorial and press the BROWSE encoder to load it.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Remixing with Remix Decks → The Remix set is loaded to Deck C. The display has the following appearance: The pads now illuminate orange and green, corresponding to the Remix Deck page shown in the display. 3.6.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Remixing with Remix Decks 1. Press pad 1 to trigger its Sample Intro Beat. Playback of the Deck will start accordingly. The Sample is highlighted, the Playhead of its waveform moves, and the Sample will loop. 2. 3. 4. Raise the channel C fader. You should now hear the Sample playing. Press SHIFT + pad 1 to stop playback. Now press pad 1, pad 2, pad 3, and pad 4 to trigger their samples.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Remixing with Remix Decks → The first four pads light up. The Samples play back. Select another Sample of a Remix Slot While the Samples are playing, you can switch to other Samples within the Remix Slots.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Remixing with Remix Decks ► Press pad 5. The Sample of pad 1 Intro Beat will stop and instead the Sample of pad 5 808 Deep will start without interruption. The Sample of pad 5 808 Deep is highlighted in the display. Note that only one Sample per Remix Slot (column in the display) can play at a time. Select other Pages of a Remix Set A Remix Set can include up to 64 samples.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Remixing with Remix Decks To select another page of a Remix Set: ► Press Display Button 4 or 3 to scroll a page downwards or upwards. Alternatively, hold the REMIX button while turning the Deck's LOOP encoder.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Remixing with Remix Decks 3.6.3 1. Triggering Samples using Different Quantize Sizes Press Display Button 2. The QUANTIZE window opens in the display.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Remixing with Remix Decks 2. Turn the Decks's BROWSE encoder to select a quantize value of 16 beats. 3. Press Display Button 2 again to close the QUANTIZE window. The quantize value is visible in the display. 4. Now press the pads to trigger samples. → After you press a pad, TRAKTOR will play out the currently playing sample to the end of the 16 beats segment and then start playing back the sample assigned to the pad you pressed.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Remixing with Remix Decks It's a good idea to experiment with Quantize Values. Depending on the scenario, you will often want to keep the values long (four beats, eight beats, or even longer) to keep your musical phrases synced up. But for rapid changes between sounds, and a more "active" remixing, try for values of one beat or less. 3.6.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Capturing Samples from Track Decks (Using Remix Mode) You cannot use the Touch Strip for seeking functions on a Remix Deck. On a Remix Deck which isn't playing a track: ► Swipe along the Touch Strip to tempo bend. ► Hold the SHIFT button, and swipe from right to left to backspin the Samples. ► Hold the SHIFT button, and hold your finger on the Touch Strip to hold the Samples.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Capturing Samples from Track Decks (Using Remix Mode) Capturing a Sample and Playback To capture a Sample of a track on Deck A: 1. 2. Set the focus on Deck A. Hold the CAPTURE button. The LED ring around the Loop encoder starts to lit alternating in white and blue. 3. While holding CAPTURE, touch the Loop encoder to let the CAPTURE window pop-up and turn the Loop encoder to select the capture Source DECK A. 4.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Capturing Samples from Track Decks (Using Remix Mode) 5. Press the REMIX button to enable REMIX Mode. The pads should now be unlit because nothing is loaded into Remix Deck C.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Capturing Samples from Track Decks (Using Remix Mode) 6. Press the View button to switch to Split View. Both Decks A and C are shown in the display. 7. Turn the Loop encoder to define the capture size. 8. 9. On Deck A press the PLAY button to start playback. Press one of the unlit pads to capture a Sample from the current playback position.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Capturing Samples from Track Decks (Using Remix Mode) → You have captured a Sample of the track. The pad now illuminates a new color and the captured Sample is shown in the display.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Capturing Samples from Track Decks (Using Remix Mode) ► Capture further Samples from another Capture Source and/or using another Capture size. The pads now illuminate with new colors and the first four captured samples are shown in the display.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Capturing Samples from Track Decks (Using Remix Mode) ► Press the illuminated pads to trigger playback. The Samples are now being mixed with the track playing in deck A. The Samples will continue to loop within their Remix Slot. Move the Slot Volume Faders above the pads to smoothly fade the Samples out or in. ► Hold the SHIFT button and press the illuminated pad to stop playing.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Adding FX 3.8 Adding FX In this tutorial section, we will walk you through the basics of using the FX Units. By default, TRAKTOR provides you with control over two FX Units, which can be assigned to any of the Decks. You can set up two types of FX: Single FX and Group FX. The following sections will explain both. 3.8.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Adding FX 3.8.2 Setting up an FX Unit to Group FX Mode When an FX Unit is set to Group FX mode, it allows up to three different audio effects to be used simultaneously within an FX Unit. The following section explains how to set up your own Group FX, and how to control its three effects via the FX knobs and FX buttons. Prerequisites • The track "Techno 1" is loaded on Deck A. The track is playing and audible. • All FX knobs of FX Unit 1 are set to center position.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Adding FX 1. Press the FX SELECT button of FX Unit 1 at the top left of the S8. The FX Unit 1 menu opens. 2. Press the FX Button 1 to display the FX Unit 1 options.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Adding FX 3. Turn the BROWSE encoder to select Group, and press the BROWSE encoder to enable Group FX mode. Three default effects are loaded into the Group FX and the FX Unit is set up as Insert. 4. Press the FX SELECT button again to exit the FX Unit menu. Apply the Group FX to the Track As soon you set up your Group FX, activate the effects slots with the FX buttons and control one parameter of each effect with the FX knobs: The FX Knobs and FX buttons.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Adding FX ► As soon you touch any FX knob, the FX panel will drop down in the display. ► Experiment with the FX Knobs 1 to 4 and listen to the resulting changes. The parameter adjustments are also visible in the FX panel.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Adding FX ► You can activate/deactivate each effect slot individually by pressing the corresponding FX buttons 2 to 4 below. 3.8.3 Exchanging effects in the Group FX To exchange any of the effects slots in a Group FX setup: 1. Press the FX SELECT button of FX Unit 1 at the top left corner of the S8 to open the FX Unit menu.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Adding FX 2. In the FX Unit menu, press FX Button 3 to exchange the effect in effects slot 2. An overview of available FX will be displayed. 3. Turn the BROWSE encoder to select the Gater effect and press the BROWSE encoder to load it.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Adding FX → You have exchanged effects slot 2 in the Group FX. Repeat this process for any of the remaining effects in the Group FX. 3.8.4 Storing a Snapshot You can save a default state for any of the effects by doing the following: 1. 2. Adjust the FX knobs and buttons to your liking. Press the FX button 1 to display the FX Unit's options.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Adding FX 3. Turn the BROWSE encoder to select Snapshot. 4. Press the BROWSE encoder to save the Snapshot. → The next time you press FX Button 1 with this effect loaded, its parameters will assume the values you stored. 3.8.5 Routing FX TRAKTOR’s effects are insert effects by default, but you can also use them as post fader effects or as send effects. ► To change FX Routing, either select Insert, Post Fader, or Send in the FX Unit's options. 3.8.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Performance Modes on Remix Decks 2. In the FX Unit Routing section, enable 4 FX Units. 3. Close the Preferences dialog. Assigning FX Units 3 and 4 To route a channel to FX Unit 3 or 4: ► Press the SHIFT button + the left FX assign to assign FX Unit 3 to the focused channel. ► Press the SHIFT button + the right FX assign to assign FX Unit 4 to the focused channel. 3.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Performance Modes on Remix Decks Prerequisites • The Remix Set "Remix Set Tutorial" is loaded to Remix Deck C. • FX Unit 2 is set to Single Mode and has the Reverb FX loaded. • FX Unit 2 is assigned to Deck C. 3.9.1 Selecting and applying a Performance Mode To select the FX SEND Performance Mode on Deck C: 1. 2. 3. Set the Deck focus to Deck C. Press pads 2, 3 and 4 to trigger samples.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Performance Modes on Remix Decks You can have all Performance Modes enabled simultaneously. Skip through the Performance Modes to check which modes are active. 3.9.2 Using Performance Mode Pitch When Performance Mode Pitch is enabled: 1. Touch a Performance knob to expand the PITCH parameters overview in the display. 2. Turn a Performance knob clockwise to pitch up or counterclockwise to pitch down the samples individually.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Performance Modes on Remix Decks → You will hear the result in the audio and see the values change in the PITCH parameters overview. 3.9.3 Using Performance Mode Filter When Performance Mode Filter is enabled: 1. Touch a Performance knob to enlarge the FILTER parameters overview in the display.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Performance Modes on Remix Decks 2. Turn a Performance knob clockwise to apply hi-pass filtering to the playing Sample. Turn a Performance knob counterclockwise to apply the low-pass filter to the playing Samples individually. → You will hear the result in the audio and see the values change in the FILTER parameters overview. 3.9.4 Using Performance Mode FX SEND The Performance Mode FX SEND allows you to send signal from each Remix slot to the assigned FX Unit/s.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Performance Modes on Remix Decks 1. Touch a Performance knob to expand the FX SEND parameters overview in the display. 2. Turn the Performance knobs clockwise to increase or counterclockwise to decrease the FX SEND amount. → You can hear a Reverb effect being added to the Remix Slots. Slot 1's value of 25% means that you're listening to a mix of 75% unprocessed signal and 25% Reverb.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Performance Modes on Remix Decks 3.9.5 Using Performance Mode FX The Performance Mode FX is only available if four FX Units are enabled in TRAKTOR's preferences as described in section ↑3.8.6, Using Four FX Units. With the Performance Mode FX enabled: 1. Touch a Performance knob to enlarge the FX parameters overview in the display. 2. Press the ON Buttons to enable the respective FX parameters.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Performance Modes on Remix Decks 3. Turn the Performance knobs to change the parameter values. → You will hear the result in the audio as well as see the changed values in the FX parameters overview. 3.9.5.1 Changing SINGLE FX in Performance Mode In the following section you will learn how to change the SINGLE FX in the FX Unit 3 or FX Unit 4. The workflow is the same for both. This tutorial will focus on FX Unit 3.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Performance Modes on Remix Decks 1. On FX Unit 1 press the FX SELECT button. The FX Unit 1 menu opens. 2. On the left Deck press the ON Button 1 to switch to FX Unit 3 options. The FX Unit 3 options will open in the display. 3. Ensure the entries Single and Insert are selected.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Performance Modes on Remix Decks 4. Press the FX Button 2, 3 or 4 to change the FX. This will display the FX Unit 3 menu with available FX. 5. Turn the BROWSE encoder to select any FX and press the BROWSE encoder to assign the FX. The FX Unit 3 menu closes.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Performance Modes on Remix Decks 6. Touch a Performance knob to enlarge the FX parameters overview in the display. → You can now see the newly assigned FX. 3.9.5.2 Changing GROUP FX in Performance Mode In the following section you will learn how to change the GROUP FX in the FX Unit 3 or FX Unit 4. The workflow is the same for both. This tutorial will focus on FX Unit 3.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Performance Modes on Remix Decks 1. On FX Unit 1 press the FX SELECT button. The FX Unit 1 menu opens. 2. On the left Deck press the ON Button 1 to switch to FX Unit 3 options. The FX Unit 3 options will open in the display.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Performance Modes on Remix Decks 3. Select the entries Group and Insert. 4. Press the FX Button 2, 3 or 4 where you want to change the FX. This will display the FX Unit 3 menu with available FX. Turn the BROWSE encoder to select an FX, and press the BROWSE encoder to load it. 5.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Mixing Stem Files using Stem Decks → You have changed the FX in the Group FX. 3.10 Mixing Stem Files using Stem Decks In this tutorial you will learn how to load and play back a Stem File, and how to perform on Stem Decks. Stem Files allow you to interact with four different musical elements of a track independently while DJing. The four stems of a track can be modified individually to create spontaneous instrumentals, remixes, or mashups.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Mixing Stem Files using Stem Decks Due to the large amount of data that must be read from a Stem File, it is currently necessary that Stem Files are analyzed before loading into a Stem Deck. It is not possible to load and play a Stem File before it has been analyzed. For more information on how to analyze tracks or Stem Files, refer to the TRAKTOR Manual.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Mixing Stem Files using Stem Decks • On the right Deck all Slot Volume faders are set to the minimum level. Loading a Stem File To load a Stem File into the left Deck A: 1. 2. Press the BROWSE encoder to open the Browser. Turn the BROWSE encoder to navigate to TRACK COLLECTION > All Stems >. 3. Select a Stem File.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Mixing Stem Files using Stem Decks 1. Press the BROWSE encoder again to load the Stem File. The Deck Flavor automatically switches to Stem Deck. ► Press the PLAY button to start playback. → The Stem File is playing back and the waveform is moving in the display. 3.10.2 Switching between Track View and Stem View To have an individual view of the Stem Parts waveforms switch the view in the display from Track View to Stem View.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Mixing Stem Files using Stem Decks Stem Deck in Track View. In Stem View the display shows the four colored waveforms of the Stem Parts. Stem Deck in Stem View. To switch the view: 1. Hold the SHIFT button. Depending on current view either Display Button 3 or 4 will light up.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Mixing Stem Files using Stem Decks 2. Press the unlit Display button to switch the view in the display. 3.10.3 Performing with Stem Decks While the Stem File is playing back you can perform the following actions on the Stem Deck: Adjusting or Cutting Volumes of Stem Parts To adjust the volumes of key elements from the music or to take them out completely: ► Move the four Slot Volume Faders downwards or upwards.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Mixing Stem Files using Stem Decks 1. Press the Performance Mode buttons until the FILTER page is selected in the Performance Mode pane. 2. 3. Press the ON buttons to activate the filter. Turn the respective Performance knob to change the parameters for applying a high-pass or a low-pass filter. Applying FX SEND to Stem Parts You can also apply FX SEND to any of the Stem Parts.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Mixing Stem Files using Stem Decks 1. 2. On channel A press the right FX Assign button to assign the Stem Deck to FX Unit 2. Press the Performance Mode buttons until the FX SEND page is selected in the Performance Mode pane. 3. 4. Press the ON buttons to apply the FX of the FX Unit 2 to the Stem Parts. Turn the Performance knobs clockwise to increase or counterclockwise to decrease the FX SEND amount.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Mixing Stem Files using Stem Decks Additional Information about Performing with Stem Decks Besides the aforementioned actions for performing on Stem Decks you can also make use of setting Hotcues, applying Loops, using FREEZE mode, using FLUX mode, and using the Touch Strip as you learned in previous tutorials. It is not possible to capture Samples from Stem Files. 3.10.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Mixing Stem Files using Stem Decks 3. Select a Stem File. 4. Press the BROWSE encoder to load the Stem File. The Deck Flavor automatically switches to Stem Deck and is set to SYNC. 5. Press the PLAY button to start playback. → The Stem File is playing back on Deck B and in sync with the Stem File on Deck A. After all Slot Volume Faders are set to minimum position, you should not hear any audio from the Stem File of Deck B.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Mixing Stem Files using Stem Decks 3.10.4.2 Combining Sounds of different Stem Decks While the Stem Files are playing back on Deck A and Deck B, you can now perform the following actions for mixing both Stem Files. We assume here that the Stem Parts of both of your chosen Stem Files are using the same naming and coloring scheme e.g. Stem Part 1 for drums, Stem Part 2 for bass, Stem Part 3 for melody, and Stem Part 4 for vocals.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Working with Beatgrids 1. Load a track into a Track Deck. The Track will be analyzed. 2. Press Display Button 3 to zoom into the waveform and get a more precise view. 3. Check the Beatmarker at the beginning of the track.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Working with Beatgrids → In this example, you can see the Beatmarker isn't aligned with the very beginning of the waveform. As a result, the track will not sync with others. In the following section you will learn how to fix a misaligned Beatgrid manually. 3.11.2 Correcting a Beatgrid Manually If it a track is not correctly aligned to the beat, use Beatgrid mode to fix it. The following section will explain the required steps.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Working with Beatgrids 1. Press the EDIT button. The Beatgrid mode opens in the display. A four beat loop at the current playback position is displayed. 2. Press the Deck's PLAY button to trigger playback of the track. On the display, you'll see a four beat loop, based on the detected BPM value, which serves as a reference for manual Beatgrid adjustments.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Working with Beatgrids ► Rotate Performance knob 2 (BPM) to correct the detected BPM value in coarse steps. Try to align the second, third and fourth beat (in most cases indicated by the biggest peaks in the waveform) with the second, third and fourth Beatmarker. ► Rotate Performance knob 3 (FINE) to fine-adjust the BPM value. ► Press SHIFT and turn Performance knob 2 (BPM) to double or halve the current BPM value.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Working with Beatgrids ► Rotate Performance knob 4 (SCAN) to scroll through the track. Check if the Beatgrid stays aligned over the course of the track. Position-aware Beatgrid Tempo Adjustment Performance knobs 3 and 4 (BPM) are scaled based on the viewing position of Beatgrid mode so that adjustments made far away from the Beatmarker don’t result in abrupt changes to the waveform position.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Working with Beatgrids 3.11.3 Additional Help Actions Tap the Tempo Tap allows you to manually set the tempo by tapping along the playing track: ► Press Display Button 3 (TAP) four times in sync with the playback. → The tempo is calculated and the Beatgrid adapts to the tempo. Tick (Audible Beatgrid) The Tick works like a metronome, giving you an audible pulse for every beat. Align the Tick and the beats in your track for perfect sync.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Working with Beatgrids ► Press Display Button 2 to enable Tick. → The beat tick will then be audible in your headphones when cued. Reset your edits If your edits do not produce the desired result, you can undo your edits: ► Press Display Button 4 (RST). → This will reset your edits to the auto-detected values.
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Working with Beatgrids Lock the Beatgrid Once the Beatgrid is correctly aligned with the beat throughout the whole track: ► Press Display Button 1 (LOCK). → All buttons in the Beatgrid panel are deactivated. The stored tempo (BPM) is locked and cannot be changed until you unlock it by clicking LOCK again. All tracks with a locked Beatgrid will show a small Lock Icon within the Browser.
Hardware Reference Overview of the Controller 4 Hardware Reference This chapter details the interface elements on your S8 and explains how they interact with the TRAKTOR software. This includes an overview of the main areas of the user interface, as well as a full reference for every button, knob, fader, and the color displays. 4.1 Overview of the Controller This section provides you with an overview of the different areas of the controller's interface.
Hardware Reference The Deck The top panel of the TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 is divided into three main areas listed in the table below: The table also provides the links referring to the section with more information. Callout Description Link to section providing further information (1) Decks ↑4.2, The Deck (2) FX Units ↑4.3, The FX Unit (3) Mixer ↑4.4, The Mixer 4.
Hardware Reference The Deck Interface elements on the Left Deck Callout Description Link to section providing further information (1) DECK button ↑4.2.1, DECK Button (2) FLUX button ↑4.2.2, FLUX Button (3) Mode Select buttons ↑4.2.3, Mode Select Buttons (4) Loop Encoder ↑4.2.4, Loop Encoder (5) EDIT button ↑4.2.
Hardware Reference The Deck Callout Description Link to section providing further information (6) CAPTURE button ↑4.2.6, CAPTURE Button (7) Display and BROWSE controls ↑4.2.7, Display Area and Controls (8) Performance controls ↑4.2.8, Performance Controls (9) Slot Volume faders ↑4.2.9, Slot Volume Faders (10) Pads ↑4.2.10, Pads (11) Touch Strip ↑4.2.11, Touch Strip (12) TRANSPORT controls ↑4.2.12, Transport Controls 4.2.
Hardware Reference The Deck In Flux mode, for every Deck, a second playhead continues playing the track, even if you loop a section, temporarily jump back to a cue point, skip forward or backward, etc. That way, the track keeps progressing, no matter what you do. 4.2.
Hardware Reference The Deck HOTCUE Button 4.2.3.2 LOOP Button The LOOP button activates LOOP mode. LOOP Button When Loop mode is activated, the first row of pads turns green, and the second row turns orange. Pads in Loop Mode Looping • The first row of pads (green) allow you to loop a part of a track. By default the pads are assigned common loop sizes1/8 of a beat, 1/4 of a beat, 1/2 of a beat, 1 beat.
Hardware Reference The Deck • If Quantize is activated, TRAKTOR will loop from the next beat. • If Quantize is deactivated, looping starts immediately when you press the pad. The behavior of the pads changes when you activate FLUX mode. While FLUX is deactivated, the loop will play back until you press that pad again. With FLUX activated, looping stops as soon as you release the pad.
Hardware Reference The Deck In Freeze mode, the numbers 1 - 8 are overlaid on the waveform to indicate the location of the slices. The first row triggers slices 1 - 4, the second row triggers slices 5 - 8. Freeze Mode Overlay ► Adjust the size of the Freeze slices by pressing and holding the FREEZE button and then turning the Loop encoder. The waveform in the display adjusts its zoom level accordingly. You can vary slice sizes between 1/4 beat and 4 beats.
Hardware Reference The Deck Slicer Mode The Slicer Mode extends the Freeze mode's functionality. Press the LOOP button while in Freeze mode and the playback behavior of the pads changes: Instead of playing from the slice start to the end of the entire track, pressing and holding a pad in Slicer Mode will play back just the corresponding slice in a loop. In Slicer Mode, the pads turn green and while playing back the selected loop, pads flash bright green while the assigned slice is played back.
Hardware Reference The Deck Loop Encoder You cannot permanently engage a loop when the FLUX button is active. The loop only remains active for as long as you hold the Loop encoder and turns off again when released. Adjustments to loop size can be made whether a loop is active or not. Moving the Playhead When a loop is inactive, the Loop encoder can also be used for moving the playhead in increments of the Loop size by holding SHIFT and then turning the loop encoder. 4.2.
Hardware Reference The Deck 4.2.6 CAPTURE Button Pressing the CAPTURE button allows you to quickly select the capture source for a Remix Deck. CAPTURE Button The capture Source can be selected by holding the CAPTURE button and turning the BROWSE encoder. Pressing a pad will then sample content from the Deck set as Capture source to the corresponding Remix Cell. The capture size is determined by the source Deck's loop size setting. 4.2.
Hardware Reference The Deck Display Area and Controls Callout Description Links leading to section with further information (1) BACK Button ↑4.2.7.1, BACK Button (2) BROWSE Encoder ↑4.2.7.2, BROWSE Encoder (3) Settings Button ↑4.2.7.3, Settings Button (4) Display Buttons ↑4.2.7.4, Display Buttons (5) Display ↑4.2.7.5, Display (6) View Button ↑4.2.7.6, View Button (7) Performance Mode Buttons ↑4.2.7.
Hardware Reference The Deck 4.2.7.1 BACK Button When the Browser is opened, pressing the BACK button lets you navigate a level up in the folder structure, up to the Browser's top level. Pressing the BACK button for longer than a second lets you exit the Browser. BACK Button 4.2.7.2 BROWSE Encoder The BROWSE encoder lets you access the Browser and navigate through your track collection and playlists.
Hardware Reference The Deck Settings Button ► Press this button to open S8's device settings. Display Settings (RGB) Within the settings, you can adjust the screens' color rendition (saturation of RED, GREEN and BLUE colors), as well as the screen's BRIGHTNESS. ► Turn the Performance knobs beneath the display to adjust the parameters. Display Settings View Touch Sensitivity Settings (TOUCH) 1. When in the Settings, press Display Button 2 twice to switch to the TOUCH settings.
Hardware Reference The Deck 2. Turn the Performance knobs underneath the display to increase or decrease global touch sensitivity for different kinds of controls: ENCODERS, ENDLESS KNOBS, KNOBS, and FADERS. Touch Settings View 4.2.7.4 Display Buttons These buttons provide different functionality depending on the view you're working in.
Hardware Reference The Deck Display Buttons Press any of these buttons to open the pop-up and see each button's functionality This is an overview of what these buttons do depending on what you see on the display. Track Deck View (1) Display Button 1: Opens the BPM pop-up. (2) Display Button 2: Opens the KEY window. (3) Display Button 3: Zooms into the waveform. (4) Display Button 4: Zooms out of the waveform. Remix Deck View (1) Display Button 1: Opens the BPM pop-up.
Hardware Reference The Deck Please note that you can leave any pop-up by pressing the same button again or, alternatively, the View button. 4.2.7.5 Display TRAKTOR PRO's default layout is 2 Track + 2 Remix Decks (Scratch). This means that S8's two upper Decks (A and B) are Track Decks, and the lower Decks (C and D) Remix Decks. • The left display provides feedback about Decks A and C. • The right display provides feedback about Decks B and D.
Hardware Reference The Deck Track Deck Track Deck View TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 183
Hardware Reference The Deck Track Deck View A Track Deck view on S8 provides information about: (1) Artwork, Song title and Artist name. (2) Loop size: From 1/32 - 32 beats. (3) Playhead position: time played and time remaining. (4) Deck tempo in BPM. (5) Deck Focus: Deck A - D. (6) Sync state: If a Deck is assigned Tempo Master, MASTER is displayed underneath the BPM value. SYNC indicates that the Deck is synchronized to a Tempo Master.
Hardware Reference The Deck Remix Deck Remix Deck View TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 185
Hardware Reference The Deck Remix Deck View A Remix Deck view on S8 provides information about: (1) Artwork graphic, Set title and Artist name. (2) Loop size: from 1/32 - 32 beats. (3) Quantize Value. (4) Deck tempo in BPM. (5) Deck Focus: Deck A - D. (6) Sync state: If a Deck is assigned Tempo Master, MASTER is displayed underneath the BPM value. SYNC indicates that the Deck is synchronized to a Tempo Master.
Hardware Reference The Deck (7) The absolute position on TRAKTOR's timeline measured in Bars.Beats.Phrases. Live Input Deck S8's rear panel allows you to connect microphones, turntables, or CD players. You can route these audio signals into the TRAKTOR software and mix them with your other Decks by setting a Deck to Live Input mode. In this mode, S8's display reads Live Input - Traktor Audio Passthru. S8's Transport Controls are disabled while a Deck runs as Live Input.
Hardware Reference The Deck Left Performance Mode Button ► To cycle through the parameters you can control with the Performance Controls (FILTER, PITCH, FX SEND), press one of the buttons repeatedly. If you activate 4 FX Units in TRAKTOR's preferences, the Performance Mode buttons allow you to select FX Units 3 and 4 as a fourth option. 4.2.
Hardware Reference The Deck FX SEND When FX SEND is selected, the knobs control the amount of signal being sent to the assigned FX Unit(s), per Slot. The FX SEND amount is displayed right above the corresponding knob. In case you increase FX SEND and still don't hear any effect, please make sure the Remix Deck is actually assigned to an FX Unit in the corresponding Mixer channel. For information on using the Performance Controls to operate FX Units (3 and 4), refer to section ↑4.3.
Hardware Reference The Deck 4.2.10 Pads Each of S8's Decks comes with a set of 8 pads. Depending on the mode selected via the Mode Select buttons, these pads are assigned different functions. Pads Here's an overview of what the pads do in each mode: HOTCUE mode During playback, pressing in an inactive pad sets a cue point. The pad lights up and the cue point is automatically assigned to this pad. Pressing that pad again let jump back the playhead to the cue point just defined.
Hardware Reference The Deck The Loop functionality considers the global Quantize setting: • If Quantize is active, TRAKTOR delays starting the loop until the next down-beat, making sure looping keeps the track in sync. • If Quantize is deactivated, looping starts precisely when you press the pad. FREEZE and Slicer Mode In Freeze mode, TRAKTOR takes the playhead position, adds the number of bars set as loop size and splits this section of a track into eight equally sized slices.
Hardware Reference The Deck Utilizing the Touch Strip, you can: • Seek/navigate within the track. • Tempo bend (nudge) for aligning beats. • Create a scratch effect • Holding the track or Samples. • Backspinning the track or the Samples. Above the Touch Strip, a number of LEDs provide visual feedback for the actions taken on the touch strip. Phase Meter For Track- and Remix Decks, the LEDs work as a Beat Phase Meter, showing the focused Deck's beat phase offset from the MASTER Deck.
Hardware Reference The Deck If you didn't learn aligning Decks on turntables, this behavior may not make sense to you. Instead, looking at the waveform, you think in terms of moving the playhead position within the track. Also, you want Tempo Bending to be consistent with Seeking: • Swipe to the right to move the playhead ahead • Swipe to the left to move the playhead back.
Hardware Reference The Deck 4.2.12 Transport Controls The Transport buttons control playback of S8's Decks. These controls only relate to TRAKTOR mode, they have no function when the S8 is used as a stand-alone device. PLAY Button The PLAY button starts/stops the playback of a Deck. PLAY Button CUE Button The CUE button is tied to the Cue Points workflow in TRAKTOR. CUE Button The CUE button functions as follows: • If a Deck is playing, press CUE to jump to the Floating Cue Point and stop playback.
Hardware Reference The Deck SYNC Button when in Sync ► While playing, press SHIFT + SYNC to set a Deck as the Tempo Master. → The Deck's tempo becomes the tempo reference for all other synced Decks and FX. S8's display shows MASTER in the Deck header of the Master Deck. The SYNC button takes on different states to provide visual feedback: • If the Deck is BPM-synced and in phase with the Tempo Master, the button is bright green.
Hardware Reference The FX Unit • For the control elements in S8's Deck section, SHIFT operates locally i.e. you cannot use the left SHIFT to access the secondary functions of a Deck or FX Unit on the right side of the controller. • For S8's Mixer section, either SHIFT button can be used to access the secondary functions. You will find examples of using the SHIFT button to access secondary functions throughout this document. 4.
Hardware Reference The FX Unit The Left FX Unit By default, FX Units 1 and 2 are always active. Assign effects to any mixer channel via the respective channel's FX Assign buttons. Left assigns to FX1, right to FX 2. This is an overview of the naming and function of the FX Unit's key control elements. The knobs in this section are sensitive to touch. Touch any of them to open the FX drop-down menu that provides an overview of the effect(s) loaded along with control assignments and parameter values.
Hardware Reference The FX Unit Name Function in Single Mode Function in Group mode FX Knob 3 Controls FX parameter 2. Control the 2nd effect in the FX Unit. FX Knob 4 Controls FX parameter 3. Control the 3rd effect in the FX Unit. FX Unit 2 has the same layout as FX Unit 1, apart from the FX SECTION button being located in the top-right corner of the device. 4.3.1 FX SELECT Button Pressing the FX SELECT button let open the FX Settings in the display.
Hardware Reference The FX Unit 4.3.2 FX Unit Assignment In order to route a Deck's signal to an FX Unit, press the corresponding FX Assign button in the mixer channel. FX Assign Buttons ► In TRAKTOR's default setup with 2 FX Units, press the left FX button to assign the mixer channel to FX Unit 1. Press the right FX button to assign the channel to FX Unit 2. The FX assign buttons light up bright orange when assigned. 4.3.3 Additional FX Unit 3 and 4 By default, TRAKTOR is set up with two FX Units.
Hardware Reference The FX Unit Controls for 4 FX Units (1) FX Units 1 and 2 are available in any configuration. (2) FX Units 3 and 4 are available once the 4 FX Units option is activated. They offer the same features as units 1 and 2 by means of the Performance controls. Assigning FX Units 3 and 4 To route a channel to FX Unit 3 or 4: ► Press SHIFT button + an FX assign button. The left FX assign button assigns to FX Unit 3, the right button to FX Unit 4.
Hardware Reference The Mixer 4.4 The Mixer This is a brief overview of the mixer's layout, its function and operation. After that, the detailed hardware reference explains each and every component found in S8's mixer section. The 4channel mixer sits at the center of both, S8, as well as TRAKTOR's software interface. When connected to TRAKTOR, the knobs in S8's mixer section control the corresponding knobs on the software mixer.
Hardware Reference The Mixer S8's Mixer Callout Description Link to section providing further information (1) Mixer Channels A, B, C, D ↑4.4.1, Mixer Channel (2) Mixer Main Section ↑4.4.
Hardware Reference The Mixer S8's mixer comes with its own audio processor, which allows it to be used as a stand-alone mixer with 3-band EQ and HP/LP Filter per Channel. The Decks and FX Units, on the other hand, are tied to TRAKTOR software features and don't work in stand-alone operation. Let's take a quick look at the mixer's key hardware controls and their software equivalents. 4.4.1 Mixer Channel All mixer channels are laid out identically. Let's have a look at one of them.
Hardware Reference The Mixer Mixer Channel Details From top to bottom, a mixer channel consists of the following controls: Number Description Links leading to section with further information (1) GAIN knob ↑4.4.1.1, GAIN Knob (2) TRAKTOR button ↑4.4.1.2, TRAKTOR Button (3) FX Assign buttons ↑4.4.1.
Hardware Reference The Mixer Number Description Links leading to section with further information (4) Input level meter ↑4.4.1.6, Channel Meter (5) EQ (HI, MID, LOW) knobs ↑4.4.1.4, EQ Knobs (6) FILTER button and FILTER knob ↑4.4.1.7, FILTER Button and FILTER Knob (7) CUE button ↑4.4.1.8, CUE Button (8) Channel fader ↑4.4.1.5, Channel Fader 4.4.1.1 GAIN Knob The GAIN knob controls the level a channel receives from the corresponding Deck or audio input.
Hardware Reference The Mixer Direct Thru mode allows you to use S8 as a stand-alone 4 channel mixer to mix turntables, CDPlayers and other sources, apply EQ and Filter to each channel and route them to the outputs.
Hardware Reference The Mixer Assigning FX Units 3 and 4 TRAKTOR supports up to 4 FX Units. Activate the two additional FX Units in TRAKTOR's preferences: Preferences > Effects > FX Unit Routing > 4 FX Units. To assign a channel to FX Unit 3 or 4: ► Press SHIFT + FX assign button. The left button assigns to FX Unit 3, the right one to FX Unit 4. ► Control FX Units 3 and 4 via S8's Performance knobs and buttons. 4.4.1.
Hardware Reference The Mixer S8's internal EQ sounds identical to the Z ISO which is the default in the TRAKTOR software. TRAKTOR PROvides you with various types of EQ, each of them with its own “personality.” You can choose the EQ type in Preferences > Mixer > EQ Selection. 4.4.1.5 Channel Fader The channel fader controls the channel’s level being sent to the Crossfader and MAIN OUT. Channel Fader Use the fader to smoothly fade a channel into your mix.
Hardware Reference The Mixer Increase level so that you get a steady movement of the blue segments and so that the loudest passages of your track just barely push the level meter into the orange range. Don't worry, the MAIN output has massive reserves to drive the P.A. even if you don't push the input as hard as you can. 4.4.1.7 FILTER Button and FILTER Knob The FILTER button is an on/off switch for the on-board dual-mode filter. FILTER Section To activate it, press the FILTER button.
Hardware Reference The Mixer CUE Button The channel fader doesn't affect the channel volume in the CUE. So please keep it down until you're ready to fade the channel into your MAIN mix. For a practical tutorial on using headphone controls in the mix, please refer to section ↑2.5.3, Using Headphones to Prepare the Mix. 4.4.2 Mixer Main Section This chapter gives a brief overview of the Mixer's Main section first and then an explanation of every control element.
Hardware Reference The Mixer Mixer Main Section Elements Number Description Links leading to section with further information (1) Crossfader ↑4.4.2.1, Crossfader (2) CUE VOL knob ↑4.4.2.2, CUE VOL Knob (3) CUE MIX knob ↑4.4.2.3, CUE MIX Knob (4) TEMPO encoder ↑4.4.2.
Hardware Reference The Mixer Number Description Links leading to section with further information (5) BOOTH knob ↑4.4.2.5, BOOTH Knob (6) GLOBAL section ↑4.4.2.6, GLOBAL Section (7) MIC assignment buttons ↑4.4.2.7, MIC 1 and 2 Buttons (8) MAIN knob ↑4.4.2.8, MAIN Knob 4.4.2.1 Crossfader The Crossfader controls the mix between the channel(s) assigned to its left and right side via the Crossfader Assign Switches on S8's front panel.
Hardware Reference The Mixer 4.4.2.2 CUE VOL Knob The CUE VOL knob adjusts the volume of the headphone output. The CUE VOL Knob S8's high power headphone amps deliver enough volume even in loud environments. Please be careful and start with a low setting. 4.4.2.3 CUE MIX Knob The CUE MIX knob determines whether you hear the MAIN mix only, the CUE channel only, or a mix of both signals in your headphones.
Hardware Reference The Mixer TEMPO Encoder The TEMPO encoder changes tempo in increments of .01 BPM. Hold SHIFT to change in increments of 1 BPM. A shortcut provides tempo control functionality via the Deck's display. Please note: you can only set an individual tempo for un-synced Decks. If you adjust a synced Deck's tempo, the Tempo Master's BPM change along with it. So for behavior similar to using a dedicated Tempo slider, make sure the Deck isn't synced. 1.
Hardware Reference The Mixer 2. Turn the BROWSE knob to adjust MASTER tempo in .01 BPM increments. To adjust in full BPM steps, hold SHIFT while turning the knob. → The Track/Remix content playback speed is adjusted. If you need to manually sync a Deck to an external source like a turntable, use the tempo adjustment in combination with the Deck's touch strip as described in section ↑3.1, Using Touch Strip.
Hardware Reference The Mixer GLOBAL Section These S8 controls only affect TRAKTOR's Decks. Snap Button The Snap button, labeled S, allows you to activate/deactivate Snap mode. With Snap mode active, every Cue Point or Loop Point you set will snap to the closest beat. Quantize Button The Quantize Button, labeled Q, allows you to activate/deactivate Quantize mode. With Quantize active, all skip actions within a track (Hotcues, Beatjumps, etc.) are beat-accurate.
Hardware Reference The Mixer ► Press a MIC (1 or 2) button to activate the connected microphone. The MIC button and the assigned channel's TRAKTOR button light up bright green when enabled. ► If the microphone can't be assigned to the channel you select, the TRAKTOR and MIC buttons flash alternately. Changing the channel assignment 1. 2. 3. → Check the assignment by holding the MIC 1/2 button. The assigned channel's TRAKTOR button lights up bright green.
Hardware Reference The Rear Panel 4.5 The Rear Panel The rear panel holds numerous connectors you can use to connect additional equipment such as active speakers, microphones, turntables, or CD players. Rear Panel Sections Callout Description Link to section providing further information (1) MAIN OUT ↑4.5.1, MAIN OUT (2) BOOTH OUT ↑4.5.2, BOOTH OUT (3) INPUT CHANNELS A-D ↑4.5.3, External INPUTs (4) Ground post ↑4.5.3, External INPUTs (5) MIC inputs ↑4.5.
Hardware Reference The Rear Panel 4.5.1 MAIN OUT MAIN OUT Section The MAIN OUT section offers two sets of output sockets: (1) Unbalanced RCA: connect the RCA outputs to practice with your home stereo or to another DJ mixer or recording device. (2) Balanced XLR: the balanced XLR outputs allow you to connect professional-grade cables which are much more resistant to electrical interferences than unbalanced cables, especially over longer distances.
Hardware Reference The Rear Panel 4.5.3 External INPUTs RCA INPUT Section The INPUT Channel A-D connectors allow you to integrate your turntables, CD players, or any external audio source you want to use during your performance. This section contains: (1) LINE/PHONO switch: depending on the device you connect, set this switch to LN or PH. Turntables usually require PH, all line level audio sources LN.
Hardware Reference The Rear Panel 4.5.4 MIC Input Section MIC Input Section The MIC section provides two microphone inputs: (1) MIC 1 input (unbalanced): connect your microphone here via a standard 6.3mm (or 1/4-inch) connector. (2) MIC 2 input (balanced TRS): connect your microphone to this input via either XLR or balanced 6.3mm (or 1/4-inch) connector. For more information on connecting a microphone and setting up your S8 accordingly, refer to section ↑5.6, Connecting Microphones. 4.5.
Hardware Reference The Rear Panel Use a Kensington-slot compatible lock to lock your S8 to a heavy object like a table to prevent theft. 4.5.6 MIDI Connectors MIDI Connectors Connect external MIDI devices you want to integrate into your TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 setup. 4.5.7 USB Connector USB Connector Connect S8 to your computer here, using the included USB cable. The connection is USB 2, but is compatible to USB 3-equipped computers.
Hardware Reference The Rear Panel 4.5.8 POWER Section POWER Section In the POWER section, you make the connection to the power supply and to your computer: (1) Power Supply connector (15V - 2.66 A): connect the included power supply. (2) ON/OFF switch: press this switch to turn your device on or off. Do not use the TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 with a power supply other than the one included in delivery.
Hardware Reference The Front Panel S8's Front Panel Callout Description Link to section providing further information (1) Crossfader Assign switches ↑4.6.1, Crossfader Assign Switches (2) Crossfader Curve Knob ↑4.6.2, Crossfader Curve Knob (3) PHONES Section ↑4.6.3, PHONES Section 4.6.1 Crossfader Assign Switches Crossfader Assign Switches Each channel can be assigned to either the left or right side of the Crossfader.
Hardware Reference The Front Panel 4.6.2 Crossfader Curve Knob XF CURVE Knob This knob changes the crossfader curve. Different scenarios require different curves: Smooth transitions and mixing tracks: Turn XF CURVE all the way to the left. The cross-fading works gradually, which means that with the Crossfader in its center position, the left and right sides are mixed equally. Scratching and Effects: Turn XF CURVE all the way to the right.
Hardware Reference The Front Panel The PHONES section offers two headphones connectors. You can audition tracks via the CUE, as well as listen to the MAIN mix. (1) Small Headphone Jack: Connect 3.5 mm (1/8-inch) stereo headphone plugs. (2) Large Headphone Jack: Connect 6.3 mm (1/4-inch) stereo headphone plugs. Adjust the Headphone levels with the CUE VOL knob on S8's top panel.
Common Setups Connecting Turntables 5 Common Setups In addition to being a fully integrated TRAKTOR controller and audio interface, S8 can work in a mixed setup with turntables or CD players and can even serve as a pure 4-channel DJ mixer without any connection to TRAKTOR. This chapter provides setup information for these different scenarios as well as how to connect microphones.
Common Setups Connecting Turntables 1. Connect your turntables to any of the Line/Phono INPUTS A – D on the rear panel of the S8 using a stereo RCA cable.
Common Setups Connecting Turntables 2. Attach the ground wires of your turntables to the ground post GND on the rear panel of the S8. 3. Set the respective channel's LINE/PHONO switch to PH. → The turntables are ready for use. The channel meter displays the input level independently of the channel fader setting. Ideally, always set input level with the channel fader all the way down. If you want to use S8 as stand-alone DJ mixer, refer to section ↑5.5, Using Your S8 as a Stand-alone DJ Mixer.
Common Setups Connecting CD Players If you want to use your turntables as Timecode control, refer to section ↑5.4, Integrating External Sources as TIMECODE Controls. 5.2 Connecting CD Players To include CD players in your TRAKTOR set: 1. Connect your CD players to any of the Line/Phono INPUTS A – D on the rear panel of the S8 using a stereo RCA cable. 2. Set the respective channel's LINE/PHONO switch to LN. → The CD players are ready for use.
Common Setups Integrating External Audio Sources in your TRAKTOR Workflow The channel meter displays the input level independently of the channel fader setting. Ideally, always set input level with the channel fader all the way down. If you want to use S8 as a stand-alone DJ mixer, refer to section ↑5.5, Using Your S8 as a Stand-alone DJ Mixer. If you want to use your CD players as Timecode control, refer to section ↑5.4, Integrating External Sources as TIMECODE Controls. 5.
Common Setups Integrating External Sources as TIMECODE Controls 5. For the designated SCRATCH Decks, press the TRAKTOR buttons on the S8 to enable TRAKTOR mode. This is essential to engaging SCRATCH Control. 6. In the TRAKTOR software, click on the down arrow below the Deck letter to open the drop-down menu. 7. Select Scratch Control. On TRAKTOR's Decks, the CUE and CUP buttons are replaced with Absolute mode and Relative Mode buttons. 8. 9. Put the TIMECODE Control Vinyls on your turntables.
Common Setups Integrating External Sources as TIMECODE Controls 10. Start the turntables, and drop the needles on the TIMECODE Control Vinyl. → The calibration process is performed automatically. 5.4.2 Final Preparations with CD Players To complete your TRAKTOR SCRATCH setup with the S8: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Connect the S8's Power Supply to the Power socket. Switch on the S8. Switch on your amplification system or active speakers. Start TRAKTOR on your computer.
Common Setups Integrating External Sources as TIMECODE Controls 7. Select Scratch Control. On TRAKTOR's Decks the CUE and CUP buttons are replaced with Absolute mode and Relative Mode buttons. 8. Insert the Control CDs in your CD players. 9. Use the S8 to load tracks into the Decks you have just assigned to Scratch Control. 10. Trigger playback of the tracks using the CD players. → The calibration process is performed automatically when you trigger playback for the first time. 5.4.
Common Setups Integrating External Sources as TIMECODE Controls The four indicators on the Scope panel. (1) The Scope offers a circular representation of the incoming Timecode signal. If the calibration is successful, there is a blue outer circle and an orange diagonal line. (2) The quality meter is on the right side. After a successful calibration, this is completely orange. (3) The stereo input level meter is on the bottom right. After a successful calibration, these two channels are about halfway up.
Common Setups Using Your S8 as a Stand-alone DJ Mixer In a mixed setup with one turntable and one CD player, simply connect them as explained above. Remember to ensure that the LINE/PHONO switches are set accordingly, and mixer channels' TRAKTOR buttons are bright orange—to indicate they are set to TRAKTOR mode.
Common Setups Connecting Microphones • The FILTER and EQ band knobs (HI, MID, LOW) are in center position. Although you can change TRAKTOR's internal EQ and filter characteristics, it is not possible to change the EQs and filters in stand-alone operation. 5.6 Connecting Microphones Connecting a microphone allows you to expand the scope of your performance.
Common Setups Connecting Microphones 5.6.1 Checking Microphone Assignments By default, the S8 assigns MIC 1 to mixer channel C, and MIC 2 to channel D. To check the assignment of microphone 1: ► Hold the MIC 1 button. → Channel A and B's TRAKTOR buttons light up dim green, indicating that the MIC is assignable to them. Channel D's button is off, indicating the channel which MIC 2 input is already assigned to. Channel C's TRAKTOR button lights up bright green, indicating the current assignment. 5.6.
Common Setups Connecting Microphones 1. Hold the MIC 1 button. 2. Channel A and B's TRAKTOR buttons light up dim green, indicating that the MIC can be assigned to them. Press channel A's TRAKTOR button. This button becomes bright green now. 3. Release the MIC 1 button. → You have now assigned the MIC 1 input to channel A. You cannot assign two MIC ins to the same channel.
Common Setups Connecting Microphones In Direct Thru mode, the microphone signal is not sent to the computer. Instead, it is mixed directly in S8's mixer, solving any latency issues you might have at the expense of not being able to add FX. In Direct Thru mode, TRAKTOR's FX Units don't have any effect on the signal, but the 3band EQ and the Filter are still available. 5.6.
Preferences Pane in TRAKTOR 6 Preferences Pane in TRAKTOR Once configured via the Setup Wizard, a dedicated pane for S8 is added to TRAKTOR's Preferences window, which lets you configure the behavior of the touch controls, as well as overall LED brightness for the back-lit buttons and the Loop and Beatjump Sizes assigned to each Deck's pads.
Preferences Pane in TRAKTOR Restore Default 6.1 Restore Default This button recalls all factory default settings for the TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 and lets you choose its basic deck configuration via the Setup Wizard. 6.2 Touch Controls A number of controls are sensitive to touch. TRAKTOR lets you activate touch functions, which will save you the dedicated press of a button for a few features.
Preferences Pane in TRAKTOR Touchstrip 6.3 Touchstrip Touch technology relies on the electrical properties of your skin, which differ from one person to another. The default value will work for most people under most conditions. However, if you feel the touch strips should react more sensitively, or start registering too soon, you can adjust the behavior here. • Bend Sensitivity: by default set to 50%; adjust the Tempo bend sensitivity and check in real time if the change accommodates you better.
Preferences Pane in TRAKTOR LEDs • Mixer Fader: for recalibrating the channel faders. • Crossfader: for recalibrating the Crossfader. 6.5 LEDs The pad and button backlights on the S8 offer two distinct brightness levels to indicate On and Off states. Depending on your light conditions during a performance, it can be necessary to adjust these. On State Brightness: sets the brightness level for engaged buttons and pads. Dim State Percentage: sets the brightness level for inactive buttons and pads. 6.
Preferences Pane in TRAKTOR Enable MIDI Controls 2. Navigate to the Traktor Kontrol S8 page. There, check the Enable MIDI controls preference in the MIDI Controls section. Preferences with MIDI Controls enabled. To assign the MIDI message and MIDI channel to the various MIDI controls: 1. Select Controller Manager tab in the Preferences.
Preferences Pane in TRAKTOR Enable MIDI Controls 2. Click the Add... button and select Generic MIDI from the list to create a new Generic MIDI Device. 3. In the upper-right corner, select the MIDI port to use as the output for this Generic MIDI device.
Preferences Pane in TRAKTOR Enable MIDI Controls 4. Click the Add Out... button. 5. Navigate to Global > MIDI Controls >…. Here you can assign the MIDI message and MIDI channel to the various MIDI controls. You will find a list of Knobs, Faders, and Buttons. The first four entries in each category correspond to the left Deck side (assigned to Decks A and C), while the last 4 knobs, faders, and buttons correspond to the right Deck side (assigned to Decks B and D).
Preferences Pane in TRAKTOR Enable MIDI Controls 6. Select an entry to add it to the mapping. 7. Click the Device Mapping drop-down menu to show a list of 16 MIDI Channels. Hover your mouse over the desired MIDI output channel’s entry. A sub-menu holding message types CC, Note, and Pitch Bend will open. You can select Pitch Bend to map the MIDI Pitch Bend message to this control, or you can hover your mouse over one of the other two menus to show a list of specific CC and Note numbers and names.
Preferences Pane in TRAKTOR Enable MIDI Controls 8. Repeat the above two steps for each of the MIDI controls you want to map. 9. Close the Preferences by clicking Close. To switch the Performance Controls into MIDI Mode on the S8: ► Press the Performance Mode buttons next to the display until the MIDI page appears. ► Touch a Performance knob to enlarge the MIDI pane displaying current parameters of the selected MIDI controls.
Preferences Pane in TRAKTOR Enable MIDI Controls The MIDI page will not appear if the above Enable MIDI controls preference is not turned on. When the MIDI mode is enabled on the S8, the Performance Knobs and Buttons will output the MIDI messages that you assigned in the Controller Manager. If you intend to assign the Slot Volume Faders to output MIDI messages, make sure neither of the Decks controlled by the S8 is a REMIX Deck.
The S8 Audio Interface and Control Panel Settings on Mac OS X 7 The S8 Audio Interface and Control Panel Your TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 comes with an integrated high-end 24-bit/48 kHz audio interface. You can adjust the audio interface settings to your needs and computer performance. This section covers the setup on Windows and Mac OS X. 7.1 Settings on Mac OS X On Mac OS X, you can adjust the settings for the S8 audio interface from within each music application.
The S8 Audio Interface and Control Panel Settings on Windows: The Control Panel 7.2.1 Opening the Control Panel You can open the Control Panel in various ways: ► From within TRAKTOR: Go to Preferences > Audio Setup and click the Settings button, located at the right of the Latency slider and display: Opening the Control Panel from inside TRAKTOR's Preferences ► From your desktop: Go to Start > Programs > Native Instruments > TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 > TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 Control Panel.
The S8 Audio Interface and Control Panel Settings on Windows: The Control Panel Audio Settings pane in S8's Control Panel application Audio Processing Section This section provides settings for the analog-to-digital/digital-to-analog conversion done by your audio interface. Process Buffer : Lower this value for a quicker response to hardware interactions like playing a Remix Cell by pressing one of S8's pads.
The S8 Audio Interface and Control Panel Settings on Windows: The Control Panel Device Monitor Section This section displays information about the audio interface's processing status and your system's output latency. Processing State : The processing state monitor provides feedback on the current status of the device. There are three possible status messages: • Idle: controller is connected, but no audio data is being streamed. • Streaming: driver is working and processing audio data.
The S8 Audio Interface and Control Panel Settings on Windows: The Control Panel Diagnostics panel in S8's Control Panel application Drop-Out Detection Section This section provides data for troubleshooting: USB I/O Errors: Counts USB data transfer interruptions between your computer and S8. Buffer Underruns: Buffer underruns occur when your computer isn’t able to process an audio stream in time.
The S8 Audio Interface and Control Panel Settings on Windows: The Control Panel Connection Monitor Section This section provides USB connection information: Number of Clients: Displays the number of clients connected to the interface. Multiple ASIO applications are counted separately, WDM and WASAPI increase the number by one, no matter how many WDM/WASAPI applications play audio. USB Data Errors: Counts USB data errors.
The S8 Audio Interface and Control Panel Using the S8 Audio Interface with Other Music Applications 7.3 Using the S8 Audio Interface with Other Music Applications S8’s on-board audio interface can be used in any other music application installed on your computer. To do this, you need to configure your music applications accordingly. Most music applications offer a setting in their options or preferences allowing you to select the TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 as the audio interface.
The S8 Audio Interface and Control Panel Setting up S8 as your Default Audio Interface 3. 4. 5. 6. On the Sound Effects tab, select TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 in the Play alerts and sound effects through menu. Click the Output tab, and select TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 from the Select a device for sound output list. Click the Input tab, and select TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 from the Select a device for sound input list. Close the window to confirm your changes.
Troubleshooting - Getting Help Troubleshooting 8 Troubleshooting - Getting Help This chapter covers the most common issues. Most of what can go wrong when setting up and using TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 should be listed here along with some tried-and-tested ways to solve these issues. 8.1 Troubleshooting There are a few things you should check in case S8 doesn't work with your system. 8.1.1 TRAKTOR Won’t Start • Check the system requirements for TRAKTOR KONTROL S8.
Troubleshooting - Getting Help Troubleshooting • Windows: \My Documents\Native Instruments\Traktor 2\Crashlogs\ • Mac OS X: YourUserFolder/Library/Logs/CrashReporter/ 8.1.3 TRAKTOR Has Performance Issues Please check if your computer is suited for handling real-time audio processing without dropouts. The TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 Control Panel application offers a tool for measuring System Performance and for monitoring the number of audio dropouts, which cause audible clicking noises.
Troubleshooting - Getting Help Troubleshooting 8.1.4 Updates Whenever you encounter problems, it is recommended that you first download and install any available software updates in Service Center or on our website: http://www.native-instruments.com/updates Updates are released regularly to fix known problems, maintain compatibility with operating system updates, and to continuously improve the software. 8.
Troubleshooting - Getting Help Getting Help When communicating with the Native Instruments support team, keep in mind that the more details you can provide about your hardware, your operating system, the version of the software you are running, and the problem you are experiencing, the better they will be able to help you.
Technical Specification 9 Technical Specification Input/output connectors A-D: Four pairs of RCA input connectors MIC 1: One 6.3 mm (1/4") TRS (balanced) microphone input connector MIC 2: One combo XLR jack or 6.3 mm (1/4") TRS (balanced) microphone connector BOOTH OUT: Two balanced 6.3 mm (1/4") TRS line out connectors MAIN OUT: Two balanced XLR outputs MAIN OUT: Two RCA outputs PHONES: One stereo 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output PHONES: One stereo 3.
Technical Specification Line Inputs Full Scale Level +13 dBu DNR (a-weighted) 113 dBu THD+N 0.001% Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.1 dB) Cross talk @ 1kHz -116 dB Microphone Inputs Full Scale Level @ 1 kHz -7.2 dBu DNR (a-weighted) @ 1 kHz 104 dB THD+N @ 1 kHz 0.006% Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz (±0.6 dB) Phono Inputs Input impedance 47 kΩ Full Scale Level @ 1 kHz -23.8 dBu DNR (a-weighted) @ 1 kHz 84 dB THD+N @ 1 kHz 0.
Technical Specification Line Outputs (XLR & 1/4'' Booth) Max Output Level +20 dBu DNR (a-weighted) 108 dB THD+N @ 1kHz 0.001% Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.2 dB) Crosstalk @ 1kHz -115 dB Line Outputs (RCA) Max Output Level +14 dBu DNR (a-weighted) 108 dBu THD+N @ 1kHz 0.001% Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.1 dB) Crosstalk @ 1kHz -117 dB Headphones Outputs Load Impedance 16 Ω – 600 Ω Max Output Level (32 Ω load) +7.2 dBu DNR (a-weighted) 109 dB THD+N @ 1kHz 0.
Technical Specification Dimensions and Weight • Depth: 38.7 cm • Height: 6.6 cm • Width: 58.5 cm • Weight: 5 kg Environmental Specifications • Operating temperature: +5 to +35 °C (41 to 95 °F), max 85% non-condensing humidity • Storage temperature: 0 to 40 °C (32 to 104 °F), max 85% non-condensing humidity Do not install this unit in locations exposed to high humidity or direct sunlight.
