Native Instruments TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 MK2 User manual

Manual

The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
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ply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
Document authored by: Christian Schulz
Software version: 2.6.5 (10/2013)
Hardware version: TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 MK2
Special thanks to the Beta Test Team, who were invaluable not just in tracking down bugs, but
in making this a better product.
Disclaimer

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© Native Instruments GmbH, 2013. All rights reserved.
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Table of Contents
1 Welcome to TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 ...................................................................................7
1.1 About this Manual ...................................................................................................................... 7
1.2 Setup Overview ........................................................................................................................... 8
1.3 What is included in the Box? ...................................................................................................... 9
1.4 Document Conventions ............................................................................................................... 9
2 System and Power Requirements ................................................................................11
2.1 Power Requirements ................................................................................................................... 11
2.2 Software System Requirements .................................................................................................. 11
3 TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 at a Glance ...................................................................................12
3.1 Hardware Overview ..................................................................................................................... 12
3.2 Using the TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 (Setup Scenarios) .......................................................................... 15
3.2.1 Overview of Internal Mixer Mode ................................................................................ 15
3.2.2 Overview of External Mixer Mode ................................................................................ 17
4 Using TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 with Your Computer ..............................................................20
4.1 Setting up Your System for Internal Mixer Mode ......................................................................... 20
4.1.1 Connecting TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 to Your Computer ....................................................... 21
4.1.2 Connecting Headphones to Your TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 ................................................... 22
4.1.3 Connecting an Amplification System to Your TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 ................................ 22
4.1.4 Final Preparations in TRAKTOR .................................................................................. 23
4.2 Setting up Your System for External Mixer Mode ......................................................................... 25
4.2.1 Connecting TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 to Your Computer ....................................................... 25
4.2.2 Connecting TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 to Your DJ Mixer ......................................................... 26
4.2.3 Connecting Headphones to Your DJ Mixer .................................................................. 28
4.2.4 Connecting an Amplification System to Your DJ Mixer ............................................... 28
4.2.5 Final Preparations in TRAKTOR .................................................................................. 29
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TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 - Manual - 4

5 Using TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 with Your iOS Device ...........................................................31
5.1 Setting up Your System for Internal Mixer Mode ......................................................................... 32
5.1.1 Connecting TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 to Your iOS Device ...................................................... 32
5.1.2 Connecting Headphones to Your TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 ................................................... 34
5.1.3 Connecting an Amplification System to Your TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 ................................ 35
5.1.4 Final Preparations in TRAKTOR DJ ............................................................................. 35
5.2 Setting up Your System for External Mixer Mode ......................................................................... 36
5.2.1 Connecting TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 to Your iOS Device ...................................................... 36
5.2.2 Connecting TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 to Your DJ Mixer ......................................................... 38
5.2.3 Connecting Headphones to Your DJ Mixer .................................................................. 40
5.2.4 Connecting an Amplification System to Your DJ Mixer ............................................... 40
5.2.5 Final Preparations in TRAKTOR DJ ............................................................................. 41
6 Using TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 as Your Computer's Default Audio Output Device .................... 44
6.1 Driver Software Installation on Windows .................................................................................... 45
6.2 Connecting TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 to Your Computer ........................................................................ 46
6.3 Connecting Headphones to Your TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 .................................................................... 47
6.4 Connecting an Amplification System to Your TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 ................................................. 48
6.5 Final Steps on Mac OS X ............................................................................................................. 49
6.6 Final Steps on Windows .............................................................................................................. 50
6.7 Using TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 as Audio Output Device with Your Music Software ............................... 50
7 Advanced Configuration of Your TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 ..................................................... 52
7.1 Advanced Configuration on Windows (Control Panel) ................................................................. 52
7.1.1 Audio Settings Page .................................................................................................. 53
7.1.2 Diagnostics Page ....................................................................................................... 56
7.2 Advanced Configuration on Mac OS X ......................................................................................... 59
8 Troubleshooting and FAQ ........................................................................................... 61
8.1 Solving Hardware-related Problems ........................................................................................... 61
8.2 How to Check Whether the TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 Drivers are Installed on Windows Correctly .......... 62
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TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 - Manual - 5

8.3 USB Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................. 63
8.4 Physically Re-configuring the TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 ........................................................................ 63
8.5 Check your IRQs (Windows only) ................................................................................................. 64
8.6 Installation Folder Not Found by an Update Installer .................................................................. 64
8.7 Audio Clicks and Drop-outs When Playing Tracks ....................................................................... 64
8.8 More Troubleshooting Resources ................................................................................................ 64
9 Additional Documentation Resources ..........................................................................65
9.1 Further Documentation Resources .............................................................................................. 65
9.2 Knowledge Base / Readme / Online Support ............................................................................... 65
9.3 Forum ......................................................................................................................................... 66
9.4 Updates ...................................................................................................................................... 66
10 Technical Specifications ........................................................................................... 67
11 Hardware Returns ......................................................................................................69
Table of Contents
TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 - Manual - 6

1 Welcome to TRAKTOR AUDIO 2
Thank you for purchasing the TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 audio interface. It is the ultimate hardware
complement for a variety of home studio and DJ applications. The TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 pro-
vides the following features:
▪Ultra-portable audio interface for your computer or iOS device
▪24-bit/48 kHz pro sound quality
▪Cue and monitor – pre-listen to the next track
▪Send two stereo tracks to separate mixer channels
▪Two high-quality balanced audio output ⅛" (3.5mm)-sockets
▪ASIO, Core Audio, DirectSound and WASAPI driver support
▪Increase TA2 volume output and charge your iOS devices with optional power supply
1.1 About this Manual
This manual will guide you through the basic steps you need to take to set up your TRAKTOR
AUDIO 2 audio interface. After reading it, you should be able to start using TRAKTOR AU-
DIO 2 with the TRAKTOR software, the TRAKTOR DJ app, or as your computer's default audio
output device. We recommend that you take the time to read this guide in its entirety.
With TRAKTOR or TRAKTOR DJ already installed, you will simply need to update to the latest
software version. You can find detailed information on how to update TRAKTOR on your com-
puter in TRAKTOR's Setup Guide. To update TRAKTOR DJ on your iOS device, download the
latest version from the Apple App Store.
It is also suggested that you read the subsequent sections to understand how to configure the
TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 audio interface with your computer or iOS device, whilst acknowledging
potential Setup options, and further information available to you.
Welcome to TRAKTOR AUDIO 2
About this Manual
TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 - Manual - 7

1.2 Setup Overview
This section provides a quick overview of the various steps required to get your TRAKTOR AU-
DIO 2 up and running, all of which will be described in greater detail in further sections of this
manual.
▪Using TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 with Your Computer: For Internal Mixer Mode, connect the TRAK-
TOR AUDIO 2 audio interface to your computer, and connect headphones and an amplifi-
cation system to it. For External Mixer Mode, connect the TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 audio inter-
face to your computer and a DJ mixer.
For more information on Internal and External mixer modes see section ↑3.2, Using the
TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 (Setup Scenarios).
For detailed instructions on setting up TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 with your computer, please
proceed to section ↑4, Using TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 with Your Computer.
▪Using TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 with Your iOS device: For Internal Mixer Mode, connect the TRAK-
TOR AUDIO 2 audio interface to your iOS device, and connect headphones and an ampli-
fication system to it. For External Mixer Mode, connect the TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 audio in-
terface to your iOS device and a DJ mixer.
For detailed instructions on setting up TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 with your iOS device, please
proceed to section ↑5, Using TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 with Your iOS Device .
▪Using TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 as Your Computer's Default Audio Output Device: Connect the TRAK-
TOR AUDIO 2 audio interface to your computer, connect headphones and an amplifica-
tion system to it. Then adjust the settings in your computer's system preferences.
For detailed instructions on using TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 as your computer's default audio
output device, please proceed to section ↑6, Using TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 as Your Comput-
er's Default Audio Output Device.
▪Advanced Configuration of Your TRAKTOR AUDIO 2: The advanced configuration settings of
the TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 can be accessed in the Control Panel software of Windows, or in
the Audio MIDI Setup menu on OS X. For detailed instructions on how to access the ad-
vanced configuration settings, please proceed to section ↑7, Advanced Configuration of
Your TRAKTOR AUDIO 2.
Welcome to TRAKTOR AUDIO 2
Setup Overview
TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 - Manual - 8

1.3 What is included in the Box?
The TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 box contains the following items:
▪The TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 audio interface
▪The Mini USB cable
▪The Native Instruments iOS device connection cable
▪The registration flyer with your TRAKTOR LE 2 software serial number, your TRAKTOR
AUDIO 2 hardware serial number, and a link to the hardware registration page, where you
can register your hardware and download the TRAKTOR LE 2 software
▪The Safety Instructions Flyer
1.4 Document Conventions
This document uses particular formatting to point out special facts and to warn you of poten-
tial issues. The icons introducing the following notes let you see what kind of information can
be expected:
Whenever this exclamation mark icon appears, you should read the corresponding note
carefully and follow the instructions and hints given there if applicable.
This light bulb icon indicates that a note contains useful extra information. This informa-
tion may often help you to solve a task more efficiently, but does not necessarily apply to
the setup or operating systems you are using; however, it's always worth a look.
Furthermore, the following formatting is used:
▪Text appearing in (drop-down) menus (such as Open…, Save as…) and paths to locations
on your hard drive or other storage devices is printed in italics.
▪Text referring to elements appearing on the screen (labels of buttons, controls, text next
to checkboxes, etc.) is printed in light blue. Whenever you see this formatting applied,
you will find the same text appearing on your computer screen.
Welcome to TRAKTOR AUDIO 2
What is included in the Box?
TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 - Manual - 9

▪Text referring to elements printed on hardware is formatted orange. Whenever you see this
formatting applied, you will find the same text appearing on the hardware.
▪Important names and concepts are printed in bold.
►Single instructions are introduced by this play button type arrow.
→Results of actions are introduced by this smaller arrow.
Naming Convention
Throughout the documentation, we will refer to the TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 hardware whether as
“TRAKTOR AUDIO 2" or abbreviate “TA2.”
Welcome to TRAKTOR AUDIO 2
Document Conventions
TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 - Manual - 10

2 System and Power Requirements
2.1 Power Requirements
When using the TA2 with your computer, the device will be powered by the standard USB con-
nection.
When using the TA2 with TRAKTOR DJ on your iOS device, it will receive power from the
iOS device in order to function. Running the iOS device off battery power with the TA2 con-
nected will considerably reduce battery life. In order to allow longer mixing sessions, it is rec-
ommended to use the optional power supply (which can be purchased separately in the Native
Instruments Online Shop) to power the audio interface. This power supply will also charge the
battery of the connected iOS device.
2.2 Software System Requirements
For the minimum system requirements your computer needs to meet, see the TRAKTOR speci-
fications section of the Native Instruments website:
http://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/traktor/dj-software/traktor-pro-2/specifications/.
To check the compatibility with several operating systems, please have a look at: http://
www.native-instruments.com/compatibility.
System and Power Requirements
Power Requirements
TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 - Manual - 11

3 TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 at a Glance
This section will provide you with an overview of the hardware components on the TA2. It also
explains both setup scenarios, Internal Mixer Mode and External Mixer Mode when used either
with computer or iOS device.
3.1 Hardware Overview
Top Panel
The image below shows a view of the top panel of the TA2.
TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 at a Glance
Hardware Overview
TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 - Manual - 12

Top view of the TA2.
(1) Headphones Volume Encoder: This encoder controls the volume of the Headphones output.
When the software is set to External Mixing Mode, this encoder will be ignored by the software.
(2) Headphones Signal Indicator: This LED will light in relation to the Headphones' output level.
When the output level is higher the LED will be brighter.
(3) MAIN Signal Indicator: This LED will light in relation to the output level of the MAIN output.
When the output level is higher the LED will be brighter.
TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 at a Glance
Hardware Overview
TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 - Manual - 13

(4) Cue Mix Encoder: This encoder is used to control the mix heard in headphones. When mov-
ing the encoder towards the rear of the TA2, you will hear more of the headphone/cue signal in
the headphones. Moving the encoder towards the front of the unit results in hearing more of
the Main output in the headphones. When TRAKTOR or TRAKTOR DJ is used in External Mixer
Mode, the encoder will have no function.
Front Panel
The image below shows a view of the front panel of the TA2.
Front panel of the TA2.
(1) MAIN Output socket: This stereo ⅛" socket is for connecting speakers or an amplification
system when using in Internal Mixing Mode, or for connecting to a DJ mixer channel when us-
ing in External Mixer Mode. This output is always running at full volume.
(2) Headphones Output socket: This stereo ⅛" socket is for connecting a set of stereo head-
phones when using in Internal Mixing Mode, or for connecting to a DJ mixer channel when us-
ing in External Mixer Mode.
Rear Panel
The image below shows a view of the rear panel of the TA2.
Rear panel of the TA2.
TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 at a Glance
Hardware Overview
TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 - Manual - 14

(1) Mini USB Socket: This socket connects the TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 to your computer or iOS de-
vice. The computer's USB connection handles data transmission and provides bus power to
your TRAKTOR AUDIO 2. No external power supply is required.
The Mini USB socket is a special socket designed for use with the included USB cables. It
is recommended to only use the included cables to connect TA 2.
(2) DC Power Socket: When using the TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 with an iOS device, it is recommend-
ed to use the optional power supply to provide power to the iOS device.
3.2 Using the TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 (Setup Scenarios)
The TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 addresses two specific use-cases when used with TRAKTOR or TRAK-
TOR DJ: Internal Mixer Mode and External Mixer Mode.
Both use-cases employ two stereo outputs, but the signals assigned to those outputs differ. Ad-
ditionally, the purposes of the encoders change depending on the use-case. You can find more
information in the following section ↑3.2.1, Overview of Internal Mixer Mode and ↑3.2.2, Over-
view of External Mixer Mode.
Furthermore, the TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 works as a class-compliant audio interface for Windows
and Mac OS X.
A driver is required for Windows and needs to be downloaded from the Native Instruments
website if TRAKTOR software is not installed.
3.2.1 Overview of Internal Mixer Mode
When TRAKTOR or TRAKTOR DJ is used in Internal Mixer Mode, the MAIN output will be
dedicated to the Main Mix and the Headphones output is used for headphones.
The two encoders will affect the Headphones output – one encoder will control the volume of
the headphones while the other encoder controls the Cue Mix (whether the DJ hears the Cued
track, the Main Mix, or a blend of both).
TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 at a Glance
Using the TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 (Setup Scenarios)
TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 - Manual - 15

The headphones are plugged directly into the Headphones output in order to monitor while us-
ing another cable in the MAIN output to attach the TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 to a set of speakers or
amplifier. The following image shows the TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 connected to a computer used in
Internal Mixer Mode:
Setup overview of using TA2 in Internal Mixer Mode with a computer.
The following image shows the TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 connected to an iOS device used in Inter-
nal Mixer Mode:
TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 at a Glance
Using the TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 (Setup Scenarios)
TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 - Manual - 16

Setup overview of using TA2 in Internal Mixer Mode with an iOS device.
3.2.2 Overview of External Mixer Mode
This use-case for the TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 is to interface TRAKTOR or TRAKTOR DJ with a tra-
ditional (external) DJ mixer. In this scenario, the MAIN and the Headphones output carries the
signal from one of TRAKTOR's or TRAKTOR DJ's Decks. These signals are then fed to separate
channels to the DJ mixer allowing the DJ to mix using familiar hardware.
TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 at a Glance
Using the TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 (Setup Scenarios)
TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 - Manual - 17

The encoders on the TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 will be disabled in this mode to ensure the correct
signals are sent to the DJ mixer channels. The following image shows the TRAKTOR AUDIO 2
connected to a computer used in External Mixer Mode:
Setup overview of using TA2 in External Mixer Mode with a computer.
The following image shows the TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 connected to an iOS device used in Exter-
nal Mixer Mode.
TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 at a Glance
Using the TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 (Setup Scenarios)
TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 - Manual - 18

Setup overview of using TA2 in External Mixer Mode with an iOS device.
TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 at a Glance
Using the TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 (Setup Scenarios)
TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 - Manual - 19

4 Using TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 with Your Computer
This section provides you with information on how to set up your TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 audio in-
terface with your computer, both for Internal Mixer Mode and External Mixer Mode. Before
connecting the devices and setting up your TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 here are some points to be
aware of:
▪When using TRAKTOR on a Windows system, make sure that you have updated TRAKTOR
to the latest software version. For this, please follow the instructions in the TRAKTOR Set-
up Guide.
▪The TA2 may not work properly when connected to a USB hub. Connect it directly to a
USB port on your computer.
The TA2—in combination with a power amplifier, speakers, or headphones—can produce
sounds in decibel ranges that may cause hearing damage. Make sure the volume on your
amplifier is turned down before you begin playing music. Then, gradually increase the vol-
ume to the desired level. Similarly, keep your headphones off until the volume is set cor-
rectly.
4.1 Setting up Your System for Internal Mixer Mode
This section will guide you to set up your TA2 for using in Internal Mixer Mode with your com-
puter. If you want to set up your TA2 for using in External Mixer Mode, proceed with section
↑4.2, Setting up Your System for External Mixer Mode.
Using TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 with Your Computer
Setting up Your System for Internal Mixer Mode
TRAKTOR AUDIO 2 - Manual - 20