How to Master Your Traktor S2 Controller with Virtual DJ Software
Virtual DJ Traktor S2 Mapping: How to Use Your Controller with VirtualDJ Software
If you are a DJ who loves to mix music with your computer, you might have heard of Virtual DJ, one of the most popular and versatile DJ software in the market. Virtual DJ allows you to mix and manipulate audio and video files using a variety of features and effects. You can also use it with a wide range of MIDI controllers, which can enhance your performance and workflow.
Virtual Dj Traktor S2 Mapping
One of the MIDI controllers that you can use with Virtual DJ is the Traktor S2, a compact and powerful 2-channel DJ controller from Native Instruments. The Traktor S2 is designed for use with Traktor Pro software, but it can also work with other DJ software like Virtual DJ. By using your Traktor S2 with Virtual DJ, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the hardware quality and functionality of the Traktor S2, and the software flexibility and compatibility of Virtual DJ.
In this article, we will show you how to set up and use your Traktor S2 controller with Virtual DJ software. We will cover everything from the hardware and software requirements, to the installation and configuration process, to the basic and advanced features of your controller. By the end of this article, you will be able to use your Traktor S2 with Virtual DJ like a pro.
What You Need to Set Up Your Traktor S2 with Virtual DJ
Hardware Requirements
To use your Traktor S2 controller with Virtual DJ software, you will need the following hardware components:
Traktor S2 controller: This is the main device that you will use to control and manipulate the Virtual DJ software. The Traktor S2 has two decks, a mixer section, eight performance pads, two jog wheels, a built-in sound card, and a high-resolution display. It also comes with a power adapter and a USB cable.
Computer: This is the device that will run the Virtual DJ software and process the audio and video files. You can use either a Windows or a Mac computer, as long as it meets the minimum system requirements for Virtual DJ software. You can check the system requirements on the Virtual DJ website.
Speakers: These are the devices that will output the sound of your mix to the audience. You can use any speakers that have an RCA or a 1/4 inch jack input. You will need to connect them to the master output of your Traktor S2 controller using an RCA or a 1/4 inch cable.
Headphones: These are the devices that will allow you to monitor and cue your tracks before mixing them. You can use any headphones that have a 1/8 inch or a 1/4 inch jack plug. You will need to connect them to the headphone output of your Traktor S2 controller using an adapter if necessary.
Software Requirements
To use your Traktor S2 controller with Virtual DJ software, you will need the following software components:
Virtual DJ Pro Full or higher license: This is the software that will allow you to mix and manipulate audio and video files using your Traktor S2 controller. You can purchase a license from the Virtual DJ website. You can also download a free trial version to test it out before buying.
Traktor S2 drivers and firmware: These are the software components that will enable your computer to communicate with your Traktor S2 controller and ensure its optimal performance. You can download them from the Native Instruments website. You will need to create an account and register your product first.
Traktor S2 mapper file: This is the file that will tell Virtual DJ how to map and assign the functions of your Traktor S2 controller. You can download it from the Virtual DJ addons page. You will need to create an account and log in first.
How to Install and Configure Your Traktor S2 with Virtual DJ
Step 1: Update the firmware and drivers of your Traktor S2 controller
The first step is to make sure that your Traktor S2 controller has the latest firmware and drivers installed. This will ensure that your controller works properly and smoothly with Virtual DJ software. To update the firmware and drivers of your Traktor S2 controller, follow these steps:
Go to the Native Instruments website and log in with your account.
Go to the Downloads page and select your product (Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3) from the drop-down menu.
Download and install the latest firmware update for your Traktor S2 controller. Follow the instructions on the screen.
Download and install the latest driver for your Traktor S2 controller. Follow the instructions on the screen.
Restart your computer after installing the firmware and driver updates.
Step 2: Download and install Virtual DJ software from the official website
The next step is to download and install Virtual DJ software from the official website. This will allow you to mix and manipulate audio and video files using your Traktor S2 controller. To download and install Virtual DJ software from the official website, follow these steps:
Go to the Virtual DJ website and log in with your account.
Go to the Download page and select your operating system (Windows or Mac) from the drop-down menu.
Download and install Virtual DJ Pro Full or higher license for your operating system. Follow the instructions on the screen.
Activate your license using your email and password when prompted.
Launch Virtual DJ software and check if it recognizes your Traktor S2 controller. You should see a message saying "Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 detected" on the bottom of the screen.
Step 3: Download and install the Traktor S2 mapper file from the Virtual DJ addons page
The third step is to download and install the Traktor S2 mapper file from the Virtual DJ addons page. This will tell Virtual DJ how to map and assign the functions of your Traktor S2 controller. To download and install the Traktor S2 mapper file from the Virtual DJ addons page, follow these steps:
Go to the Virtual DJ addons page and log in with your account.
Go to the Controllers page and search for "Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3" in the search box.
Download the Traktor S2 mapper file by clicking on the "Download" button.
Extract the zip file and copy the "Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3.xml" file to your Virtual DJ mappers folder. The location of this folder depends on your operating system. For Windows, it is usually "C:\Users\YourName\Documents\VirtualDJ\Mappers". For Mac, it is usually "/Users/YourName/Documents/VirtualDJ/Mappers".
Restart Virtual DJ software and check if it loads the Traktor S2 mapper file. You should see a message saying "Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 ready" on the bottom of the screen.
Step 4: Connect your Traktor S2 controller to your computer and launch Virtual DJ software
The fourth step is to connect your Traktor S2 controller to your computer and launch Virtual DJ software. This will allow you to control and manipulate Virtual DJ software using your Traktor S2 controller. To connect your Traktor S2 controller to your computer and launch Virtual DJ software, follow these steps:
Connect your Traktor S2 controller to your computer using the USB cable that came with it.
Connect your speakers to the master output of your Traktor S2 controller using an RCA or a 1/4 inch cable.
Connect your headphones to the headphone output of your Traktor S2 controller using an adapter if necessary.
Turn on your Traktor S2 controller by pressing the power button on the back of it.
Launch Virtual DJ software on your computer and wait for it to detect your Traktor S2 controller. You should see a message saying "Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 detected" on the bottom of the screen.
Step 5: Configure the audio settings and preferences in Virtual DJ software
The fifth step is to configure the audio settings and preferences in Virtual DJ software. This will ensure that you have the best sound quality and performance when using your Traktor S2 controller with Virtual DJ software. To configure the audio settings and preferences in Virtual DJ software, follow these steps:
Go to the "Settings" menu in Virtual DJ software and click on the "Audio" tab.
Select "Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 ASIO" as your audio device for Windows, or "Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 Core Audio" for Mac.
Select "4-out card" as your audio configuration, and assign "Master: Chan 1&2 / Headphones: Chan 3&4" as your outputs.
Adjust the latency slider to a low value that does not cause any audio glitches or dropouts. The optimal value depends on your computer's performance and specifications.
Click on "Apply" to save your audio settings.
Go to the "Options" menu in Virtual DJ software and click on the "Controllers" tab.
Select "Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3" as your active controller, and click on "Edit" to open the mapper editor.
Check if all the buttons, knobs, faders, pads, and jog wheels are mapped correctly according to your preferences. You can change any mapping by selecting an element, clicking on "Action", and choosing a new VDJ Script action from the list. You can also add or delete any element by right-clicking on it and selecting "Add" or "Delete".
Click on "Save As" to save your custom mapping as a new file, or click on "Save" to overwrite the original mapping file.Close the mapper editor and click on "OK" to exit the settings menu.
How to Use Your Traktor S2 with Virtual DJ
Overview of the Traktor S2 layout and functions
Now that you have installed and configured your Traktor S2 controller with Virtual DJ software, you are ready to use it to mix and manipulate your tracks. Before you start, let's take a look at the layout and functions of your Traktor S2 controller. Here is a diagram of the Traktor S2 controller:
As you can see, the Traktor S2 controller has two main sections: the decks and the mixer. The decks are where you load, play, and mix your tracks. The mixer is where you control the volume, EQ, filters, and crossfader of your tracks. Each deck has a jog wheel, a pitch fader, a play/pause button, a cue button, a sync button, a flux button, a load button, a browse knob, a loop encoder, four performance pads, and four pad mode buttons. The mixer has two channel faders, two gain knobs, two filter knobs, three EQ knobs per channel, a crossfader, a master volume knob, a cue mix knob, a cue volume knob, a headphones button, and a mic button. The Traktor S2 controller also has a high-resolution display that shows track information and waveforms.
How to load, play, and mix tracks using the Traktor S2 decks
To load, play, and mix tracks using the Traktor S2 decks, follow these steps:
Turn the browse knob on either deck to scroll through your music library in Virtual DJ software. You can also use the left and right arrows on your keyboard to navigate through folders and playlists.
Press the load button on either deck to load the selected track to that deck. You can also drag and drop tracks from your computer or browser to the Virtual DJ decks.
Press the play/pause button on either deck to start or stop playing the track. You can also use the spacebar on your keyboard to toggle play/pause.
Press the cue button on either deck to set or jump to a cue point on the track. You can also use the C key on your keyboard to set or jump to a cue point.
Press the sync button on either deck to sync the tempo and phase of that track with the other track. You can also use the S key on your keyboard to sync tracks.
Use the jog wheel on either deck to scratch, pitch bend, or adjust tempo of that track. You can also use the left and right arrows on your keyboard to pitch bend tracks.
Use the pitch fader on either deck to adjust the tempo of that track. You can also use the up and down arrows on your keyboard to adjust tempo.
Use the flux button on either deck to enable or disable flux mode for that track. Flux mode allows you to manipulate the track without losing its original position. You can also use the F key on your keyboard to toggle flux mode.
Use the loop encoder on either deck to set or adjust loops for that track. You can also use the L key on your keyboard to set loops.
Use the crossfader on the mixer section to blend between the two tracks. You can also use the X key on your keyboard to move the crossfader.
How to use the Traktor S2 mixer section to control volume, EQ, filters, and crossfader
To use the Traktor S2 mixer section to control volume, EQ, filters, and crossfader, follow these steps:
Use the channel faders on the mixer section to adjust the volume of each track. You can also use the V key on your keyboard to adjust volume.
Use the gain knobs on the mixer section to adjust the gain of each track. You can also use the G key on your keyboard to adjust gain.
Use the filter knobs on the mixer section to apply a low-pass or a high-pass filter to each track. You can also use the Q and W keys on your keyboard to apply filters.
Use the EQ knobs on the mixer section to adjust the low, mid, and high frequencies of each track. You can also use the Z, X, and C keys on your keyboard to adjust EQ.
Use the master volume knob on the mixer section to adjust the overall volume of your mix. You can also use the M key on your keyboard to adjust master volume.
Use the cue mix knob on the mixer section to adjust the balance between the master output and the cue output in your headphones. You can also use the N key on your keyboard to adjust cue mix.
Use the cue volume knob on the mixer section to adjust the volume of the cue output in your headphones. You can also use the B key on your keyboard to adjust cue volume.
Use the headphones button on the mixer section to enable or disable the cue output in your headphones. You can also use the H key on your keyboard to toggle headphones.
Use the mic button on the mixer section to enable or disable the microphone input in your mix. You can also use the I key on your keyboard to toggle mic.
How to use the Traktor S2 pads to trigger hot cues, loops, samples, and effects
To use the Traktor S2 pads to trigger hot cues, loops, samples, and effects, follow these steps:
Use the pad mode buttons on either deck to select one of the four pad modes: hot cue, loop, sample, or effect. The selected pad mode will be indicated by a color-coded LED on each pad.
In hot cue mode, use the pads on either deck to set or trigger up to eight hot cues per track. You can also use the 1-8 keys on your keyboard to set or trigger hot cues.
In loop mode, use the pads on either deck to set or trigger up to eight loops per track. You can also use the shift button and the loop encoder to adjust loop length and position.
In sample mode, use the pads on either deck to trigger up to eight samples from the Virtual DJ sampler. You can also use the shift button and the browse knob to select different sample banks.
In effect mode, use the pads on either deck to activate or deactivate up to eight effects from the Virtual DJ effects panel. You can also use the shift button and the browse knob to select different effect slots.
How to use the Traktor S2 jog wheels to scratch, pitch bend, and adjust tempo
To use the Traktor S2 jog wheels to scratch, pitch bend, and adjust tempo, follow these steps:
Use the jog FX mode buttons on either deck to select one of the three jog FX modes: scratch, pitch bend, or tempo. The selected jog FX mode will be indicated by a color-coded LED on each jog wheel.
In scratch mode, use the jog wheel on either deck to scratch the track like a vinyl record. You can also use the D key on your keyboard to toggle scratch mode.
In pitch bend mode, use the jog wheel on either deck to temporarily speed up or slow down the track to match the tempo of the other track. You can also use the P key on your keyboard to toggle pitch bend mode.
In tempo mode, use the jog wheel on either deck to permanently adjust the tempo of the track. You can also use the T key on your keyboard to toggle tempo mode.
How to use the Traktor S2 shift button to access secondary functions
To use the Traktor S2 shift button to access secondary functions, follow these steps:
Press and hold the shift button on either deck to access secondary functions of some buttons, knobs, faders, pads, and jog wheels. The secondary functions will be indicated by a white LED on each element.
For example, you can use the shift button and the play/pause button to reverse play the track, or use the shift button and the cue button to delete a cue point.
You can also use the shift button and the pad mode buttons to access four additional pad modes: slicer, beat jump, beat grid, and key cue. The additional pad modes will be indicated by a different color-coded LED on each pad.
You can customize the secondary functions of any element using VDJ Script actions in the mapper editor.
Tips and Tricks for Using Your Traktor S2 with Virtual DJ
How to customize the Traktor S2 mapping using VDJ Script actions
If you want to customize the Traktor S2 mapping according to your preferences and needs, you can use VDJ Script actions in the mapper editor. VDJ Script is a powerful and flexible language that allows you to control and manipulate any aspect of Virtual DJ software using your Traktor S2 controller. To customize the Traktor S2 mapping using VDJ Script actions, follow these steps:
Go to the "Settings" menu in Virtual DJ software and click on the "Controllers" tab.
Select "Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3" as your active controller, and click on "Edit" to open the mapper editor.
Select the element that you want to customize, and click on "Action" to open the action editor.
Type or select a VDJ Script action from the list, and click on "OK" to save it. You can also use variables, modifiers, conditions, and operators to create complex actions.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 for any other element that you want to customize.
Click on "Save As" to save your custom mapping as a new file, or click on "Save" to overwrite the original mapping file.
Close the mapper editor and click on "OK" to exit the settings menu.
For more information and examples of VDJ Script actions, you can check the VDJ Script wiki page.
How to use the jog FX modes to create dynamic transitions and effects
One of the unique features of the Traktor S2 controller is the jog FX modes, which allow you to use the jog wheels to control different parameters of effects in Virtual DJ software. You can use the jog FX modes to create dynamic transitions and effects for your tracks. To use the jog FX modes, follow these steps:
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