The Traktor TruTorial series provides you with an insight into specific DJ techniques including live hot cue editing, switching genres, mixing different BPMs, step recording, swapping basslines, and a whole load more. This series is perfect for new and existing users of the S4Mk3 and S2Mk3, in addition to those who have upgraded to Traktor 3.1, allowing you to get a feel for the hardware using techniques that will spice up your mixes. Get an idea of each technique in the videos and then go try them out for yourself.
| Hot Cue Live Edit |
Hot Cue Live Edit
Start your first track and let it play through to the drop. As it drops start your second track on the drop using a hot cue. Using the crossfader you can then juggle between the tracks to create new phrases and patterns. Now you can get creative and rearrange your tracks using the hot cues. This example plays the first tracks intro, and then hits the second tracks drop hot cue, creating a rearranged track that sounds fresh and is perfectly mixed.
| Switching Genres |
Switching Genres
Mixing between genres can be a tricky task, but using this technique allows you to fluidly transition between two tracks that are not from the same genre. Ensure the BPM of both tracks are equal. While your first track is playing, add a low-pass to the second track. When the first track transitions into a breakdown, start your second track and apply a high-pass filter to the first track to ensure everything sounds smooth. As your second track drops, use hot cues on the first track to chop in vocals or synth melodies. You can keep chopping to create new phrases and rhythms, and gives everything a more fluid feel when transitioning between genres.
| Mixing Different BPMs |
Mix Different BPMs
Mixing between different BPMs can be a hard technique to get your head around, especially as you are unable to beat match the tracks together, however, using effects allows you to get around this and create decent transitions. When your first track is heading towards a breakdown, assign a delay/echo effect to it and adjust settings, so you get a nice long delay. As the first track breaks down to activate the effect, stop the first track and start your second track, the delay allows this change between BPMs to sound smooth. Filter out the effect feedback, and you will have a nice transition.
| Harmonic Mixing |
Harmonic Mixing
Harmonic mixing is an important technique that can give your mixes an effortlessly continuous feel, and stops tracks from clashing, especially in the lower frequencies. If you don’t know your music theory very well, then harmonic mixing can be a tad tricky. Traktor offers the ability to sort your playlists by key and choose a track with a matching key; this ensures your tracks will generate a seamlessly harmonical mix, resulting in a fluent sounding mix.
| Instant Acapella |
Instant Acapella
One of the great things about Traktor is the ability to play with Stems, a format that splits a track into its individual parts such as bass, drums, synths, and vocals. To get an instant acapella, play a Stem track with vocals, solo the vocals using the performance pads and dial in some reverb to help create tension. Now quickly cut in the second track. You will have the vocals layered over the new track leaving you with a great sounding mix.
| S4 Step Recorder |
S4 Step Recorder
Using the performance pads, you can take advantage of the sampler to record and trigger your own drum beats. Once you have loaded your drum samples into the sampler, and your first track is playing, hit the record button. Now tap in your drum beat so it is in time with the currently playing track. We suggest starting with a hi-hat, percussion, and snare pattern for a couple of bars, then introduce a kick drum pattern to your beat to give it some impact. Now delete and record new patterns as you see fit to make new phrases and fills.
| One-Knob Breakdowns |
One-Knob Breakdowns
Using the new dedicated mixer channel effects section, you can create breakdowns using a single knob. Simply select a mixer effect, turn it on and open it up towards the end of a musical phrase or pattern. Bring it back to zero when the beat starts again. Repeat this process with other effects during the end of patterns and phrases to create fills and fresh sounds.
| Swapping Basslines |
Swap Basslines
Being able to swap basslines allows you to edit tracks on-the-fly; this can easily be done using Stems tracks. Play two Stems tracks. Solo the bass on deck B while muting the bass on deck A, cut in deck B’s bassline, and you will have yourself a super-smooth transition, so enjoy the new low-end vibes.
| Jump The Beats |
Jump The Beats
Using the rotary encoders and the built-in LED screen, you can beat jump through a track, and easily loop your tracks while adjusting the loop size, which lets you effectively remix a track. Set the size of your beatjump and then jump through your track. Activate, adjust, and move a loop to create new phrases on-the-fly. When performed correctly this will give you a remixed sound.
| Infinite Loops |
Infinite Loops
Using loops, you can ensure your mixes sound as smooth as possible. Using infinite loops allows you to introduce and drop tracks with precision. Loop the start of your second track and towards the end of your first track start a loop, then blend the tracks as you see fit, dropping out the lower frequencies on the first track to ensure a smooth blend is possible. Let the second track drop and blend out the first tracks loop using effects or EQ.
| Hot Cue Juggling |
Hot Cue Juggle
Juggling hot cues allows you to remix tracks and create new patterns and phrases on-the-fly. Firstly, you will want to set your hot cues up, preferably setting the hot cues up on kick, snare, hi-hat, and vocal hits. Make sure quantise is turned off so you can freely trigger hot cues as you please. Now you can start juggling the hot cues to create different patterns. Ensure you are playing in time to get the best sound possible. Fade out your juggling with a delay to transition into the next track.
| Four Play |
Four Play
Using loops, you can use parts of tracks to build something completely new. Get four tracks ready with saved loops, ensure the loops are scarce in melodies and drums so you can layer without any problems. Activate your first saved loop and then mix in a drum loop from the second track. Now switch deck focus so you can control decks 3 and 4. Mix in your 3rd saved loop, activate flux mode and perform a rewind, then throw in your fourth track. You have now got a fresh new track using four various parts of tracks. Ensure your mixing harmonically so nothing will clash.
| Dub Freeze |
Dub Freeze
The Dub Freeze is perfect for dubstep, reggae, breakbeat, and dancehall. Activate the FX insert and turn the delay on with the dry/wet set to 50%, before a breakdown/build freeze the delay and let it play out, this should create a sort of looping/echo effect. Turn the delay off while beat jumping to the drop using a hot cue; this effect is great for building tension and suspense.
| Phat Loops |
Phat Loops
Using all four channels, you can utilise loops to create fresh new patterns and phrases. Punch in an 8 beat kick drum loop on deck A and add a bassline in with deck B. Then switch to deck 3 and 4 and add some looped cymbals and synth sounds. You can then get even more creative by adding effects to the individual loops and adjusting faders to alter the volumes of your loops, and bring various patterns in.
| Washed Out Transitions |
Washed Out Transition
Applying reverb to a breakdown or build up can help create tension and get the crowd hyped up. Simply activate a reverb effect as an insert, turn it on and add in the wet signal. Start preparing to mix your next track in while reducing the low-frequencies on the reverb to prevent any clashing of frequencies. Once your second is ready to be mixed in, or is about to drop/break down, freeze the reverb and stop the first track to create a long washed transition.
| Trippy Chords |
Trippy Chords
This technique allows you to create exciting chords and pitch bends. Set up some hot cues on your second track, each hot cue should be hitting a chord. Dial in some delay, and play your hot cues. Ensure quantise is turned off so you can experiment with timings and offbeat rhythms. Now adjust the tempo fader, this lets you create pitch bends and trippy effects, especially when used alongside a delay effect, and is perfect for breakdowns.
| Stretch It Out |
Stretch It Out
Activate the stretch effect as an insert and set the group effect mix to 100%. Now turn the macro knob to the central position. Turn on the macro effect and turn the knob to stretch your tune up and down, creating a long dragged out effect. This creates a build-up effect that is perfect for grime, dubstep, DnB, and breakbeat. Turn the effect off and jump to drop of a track using a hot cue and then jam out.
Share This Article