Many of the columns in Traktor Pro 2’s track collection have a small magnifying glass icon to the right of the column’s value. This icon is not just for show. It is actually a button that makes searching for tracks from the same artist, in the same key, or at the same BPM, very fast. Choose All (recommended) to let TRAKTOR analyze your track(s), applying the default parameters 78-155 BPM, Set Beagrid. As you can see, All will analyze the track using the default BPM range 78-155 BPM which will render the correct tempo in most cases. The Beatgrid will be set here by default as well.
Native Instruments’ Traktor Pro has released a new version of their software that makes it easier than ever for DJs to begin to incorporate Stems into their performances and sets. This could mean it’s the right time to advance your mixing techniques if you haven’t already begun using Stems.
What’s new in Traktor Pro 2.10.2
The latest version of Traktor Pro 2.10.2 is a free update that offers a 4-track view of the Stem Decks in the main Traktor view. What you’ll see in Traktor is similar to the Stem Deck screens that were previously only available to owners of the Kontrol S8, D2 and S5. The Stem decks use pre-defined colours for all of the Stems, so DJs will become accustomed to seeing red for the drums, yellow for the bass, and blue and purple for the remaining two channels.
To support the launch of the new version of Traktor, Native Instruments is giving away 65 Stem tracks for free. The Stems are based on NI’s Maschine expansion packs, and include a wide range of tempos and genres ranging from techno, house, funk, trap, drum n bass and dubstep. Download the Stems here: https://www.native-instruments.com/en/specials/stems-for-all
Upgraded Beat & Downbeat Detection Algorithm
Traktor’s Beat Detection algorithm has been updated, and this algorithm will improve accuracy when analyzing files of different genres and tempos. The new “Automatic” setting (which replaces the old “60–200” setting) uses new techniques to improve the tempo and downbeat results (for example, Drum & Bass tracks will have tempos in the 170 BPM range instead of 85 BPM). It’s recommended to use the “Automatic” setting if your collection contains a wide variety of genres. This improvement only affects newly-analyzed tracks, not the ones that have been previously analyzed in your collection.
Good News for S4 Owners
The latest version of Traktor will be particularly useful to DJs who already own an S4. Kontrol S4 owners now have automatic control of Stem Decks; all four decks can be used as Stem Decks and controlled independently. This a smart move on NI’s part, as it gives new life to an older controller and allows DJs who may not want or be able to afford to update to a new controller mix with Stems. Using the Kontrol S4 with Stems may appeal more to turntablists and DJs who prefer using the round jog wheels, rather than the square button style layout of the D2 and S8.
Using Stems with the S4
Make sure you’ve got a few Stems in your collection and start up the latest version of Traktor. Click on the letter of a Deck and change it into a Stem deck by selecting 'Stem Deck'. Stems need to be analyzed before they can be played; right-click on a Stem and then click Analyze. Once analysis is finished, load up the Stem onto a Stem Deck the way you would normally load up tracks; by clicking Load or dragging the Stem onto the Deck. Press play on the corresponding channel and the Stem deck will begin to play.
S4 Guide
The Controls for the S4 are as follows:
Samples Section
The four buttons in the Samples section represent Mute buttons for each track in the Stem. The Sample button on the far left mutes the top track of the Stem (typically the drums), the second Sample button mutes the second track of the Stem (usually the bass) and so on.
Cue
Cue buttons 1–4 can still be used as cue buttons to mark your cue points in the Stem.
Volume and Filter Control
The volume and filter on each track can be controlled individually if the track is selected by pressing Shift then pressing the corresponding Sample button of the destination Stem track. More than one track of the Stem can be selected by pressing Shift and selecting a Sample button. The selected track(s) will blink in the Samples section and then the two loop rotary knobs can be used to control the volume and filter.
The loop active rotary knob on the left can be used to control the volume of the Stem track, while the loop rotary knob on the right can be used to control the filter. When the rotary knobs are pressed down, the volume or filter is reset. These two features give you accurate control over each track in the Stem deck, and offer advanced mixing capabilities on an S4.
Mixing Tips
If you’re new to mixing with Stems, the best way to get started is by using one Stem Deck, and one to three traditional Decks. I recommend using the Stem format to mix music that’s more minimal in nature; techno, tech house, future bass and drum n bass would all be good choices. The philosophy here is there’s more space in these productions, which gives the DJ more room to mix in and carve away elements of sound. Before doing any mixing, it’s a good idea to analyze both traditional tracks and Stems using Mixed in Key. This way your mixes will always harmonious. Start off by playing a track or looping a section of a track on a traditional Deck, and mixing in the bass line in from a Stem deck. Next add in the drums from the Stem deck, and maybe a lead line. Before you know it, you’ll hear a different 'song' playing; one that you’ve created on the fly. If you’ve done a perfect mix, you’ve created a new song or groove that’s never been heard before.
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Once you’re comfortable using one Stem Deck, try incorporating a second Stem deck into your session. Mix and match the bass lines, melody lines and vocals from the Stem tracks to create something entirely new. You can try processing one Stem Deck through an FX chain to add extra character and originality to your sound. Just make sure that the result is always musical—and always in key!
The latest version of Traktor makes it easier than ever for DJs to start using Stems and gives DJs one more good reason to brush the dust off that trusty S4. Traktor Pro 2.10.2 gives the S4 a makeover that’ll have you loving this controller all over again. Now go find your controller and mix some Stems!