Native Instruments TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 User manual

Table of Contents
1. Disclaimer .................................................................................................................. 4
2. Welcome to TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 ......................................................................... 5
2.1. Document Conventions ..................................................................................... 5
2.2. Documentation Resources ................................................................................ 6
2.3. In this Document .............................................................................................. 6
3. Concepts ................................................................................................................... 7
3.1. About Automatic Synchronization of Decks ........................................................ 7
3.1.1. Tempo Master and Master Clock ............................................................. 8
3.1.2. Beatgrid ................................................................................................. 8
3.1.3. Automatic Syncing .................................................................................. 8
3.1.4. Automatic Tempo Master Mode ............................................................... 8
3.2. About the Track Collection ................................................................................ 8
3.3. STEM File Playback ......................................................................................... 8
4. Setting up TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 ............................................................................ 9
4.1. Connecting to the Computer .............................................................................. 9
4.2. Connecting Active Speakers ............................................................................ 10
4.3. Connecting Headphones .................................................................................. 11
4.4. Final Preparation ............................................................................................. 11
4.5. Importing Music to the Track Collection ............................................................ 13
5. TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 Overview ........................................................................... 14
5.1. Decks ............................................................................................................ 14
5.2. Mixer ............................................................................................................. 16
5.3. Mixer Channel ................................................................................................ 18
5.4. Front View ...................................................................................................... 19
5.5. Rear View ...................................................................................................... 19
6. Mixing Your First Tracks using SYNC ......................................................................... 20
6.1. Prerequisites .................................................................................................. 20
6.2. Loading the First Track into Deck A ................................................................. 20
6.3. Starting Playback of Deck A ............................................................................ 21
6.4. Loading the Second Track into Deck B ............................................................. 22
6.5. Syncing the Track Tempos .............................................................................. 22
6.6. Starting Playback of the Second Track ............................................................. 23
6.7. Mixing in the Audio Signal ............................................................................... 23
7. Tutorials ................................................................................................................... 25
7.1. Browsing and Loading Tracks .......................................................................... 26
7.2. Controlling Track Playback .............................................................................. 26
7.3. Adjusting Volume Levels ................................................................................. 27
7.4. Using the Equalizer to Tweak Your Sound ........................................................ 28
7.5. Adjusting Track Tempo .................................................................................... 29
7.6. Locking Key of Tracks ..................................................................................... 29
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7.7. Working with Mixer FX .................................................................................... 29
7.8. Playing with Cue Points .................................................................................. 30
7.9. Playing with Loops .......................................................................................... 31
7.10. Snap Mode and Quantize Mode .................................................................... 32
7.11. Using Flux and Reverse Modes ..................................................................... 33
7.12. Previewing Tracks using the CUE Channel ..................................................... 33
7.13. Working with the Preparation List ................................................................... 34
7.14. Adding Samples to Your Mix .......................................................................... 34
7.15. Correcting Beatgrids of Tracks ....................................................................... 35
7.16. Mixing Tracks Using Jog Wheels ................................................................... 36
7.16.1. Prerequisites ...................................................................................... 36
7.16.2. Loading the First Track into Deck A ...................................................... 36
7.16.3. Starting Playback of Deck A ................................................................ 37
7.16.4. Loading the Second Track into Deck B ................................................. 38
7.16.5. Syncing Track Tempos using the Jog Wheels ....................................... 39
7.16.6. Cuing the Next Track using the Jog Wheels ......................................... 42
7.16.7. Mixing in the Audio Signal ................................................................... 43
8. Preferences .............................................................................................................. 44
9. Adding a Microphone ................................................................................................ 46
10. S2 as Default Audio Interface .................................................................................. 47
11. Specification ........................................................................................................... 48
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1. DISCLAIMER
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Native Instruments GmbH. The software described by this document is
subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media. No part of this publication
may be copied, reproduced or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose, without prior
written permission by Native Instruments GmbH, hereinafter referred to as Native Instruments.
“Native Instruments”, “NI” and associated logos are (registered) trademarks of Native Instruments
GmbH.
Mac, macOS, GarageBand, Logic and iTunes are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., registered
in the U.S. and other countries.
Windows and DirectSound are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and use of them does not imply
any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
Document authored by: Christian Schulz
Software version: 3.0 (10/2018)
Hardware version: TRAKTOR KONTROL MK3
Special thanks to the Beta Test Team, who were invaluable not just in tracking down bugs, but in
making this a better product.
Disclaimer
4

2. WELCOME TO TRAKTOR KONTROL S2
Thank you for choosing TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 — it is because of customers like you that we
can continue developing groundbreaking music software and hardware. TRAKTOR KONTROL S2
is a fully integrated hardware and software DJ performance system. The all-in-one TRAK-
TOR KONTROL S2 controller offers you an ergonomic DJ mixer, a built-in 24-bit/48 kHz audio in-
terface, and a high-resolution control surface, perfectly tailored for TRAKTOR PRO 3.
This documentation provides you with all the information you need to get started mixing, syncing
and looping. If you are already familiar with TRAKTOR, this guide will also help you use the more
advanced features of TRAKTOR KONTROL S2.
2.1. Document Conventions
This document uses particular formatting to point out special facts and to warn you of potential is-
sues. The icons introducing the following notes let you see what kind of information can be expec-
ted:
The speech bubble icon indicates a useful tip that may help you to solve a task more
efficiently.
The exclamation mark icon highlights important information that is essential for the
given context.
The warning icon warns you of serious issues and potential risks that require your
full attention.
Furthermore, the following formatting is used:
• Paths to locations on your hard disk or other storage devices are printed in italics.
• Important names and concepts are printed in bold.
• Square brackets are used to reference keys on a computer’s keyboard, e.g., Press [Shift] +
[Enter].
Pet Names for Software and Hardware
Throughout the documentation, we will refer to the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 hardware controller
as TRAKTOR KONTROL S2, S2 controller, or simply S2.
Likewise, the TRAKTOR software may be referred to as TRAKTOR.
Welcome to TRAKTOR KONTROL S2
5

2.2. Documentation Resources
Native Instruments provides many information sources regarding TRAKTOR KONTROL S2. The
main resources to get you started are:
•TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 Manual: This manual guides you through the hardware and soft-
ware setup process to get the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 system up and running. Additionally,
it gives you a practical approach for using your TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 by providing task-
based tutorials.
•TRAKTOR PRO 3 Manual: For in-depth information on all features provided by the TRAKTOR
software, refer to the TRAKTOR PRO 3 manual.
2.3. In this Document
What you are reading now is the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 Manual. This manual is structured as
follows:
•Concepts quickly introduces you to the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 user interface and its main
areas, both on the hardware side and software side.
•Setting up TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 guides you through the process of setting up your TRAK-
TOR KONTROL S2 system and importing your music into TRAKTOR.
•TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 Overview is an extensive reference of all hardware control elements
to be found on your TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 hardware controller. Whenever you are unsure
about the functionality of a particular control element, you will find all the necessary information
here.
•Mixing Your First Tracks using SYNC is a quickstart tutorial introducing you the main steps of
mixing your first tracks using the SYNC function.
•Tutorials contains a collection of short tutorials, showing you how to work with the individual
areas of the controller. This also includes the tutorial of manually aligning tracks using the Jog
Wheels. For more information, refer to Mixing Tracks Using Jog Wheels
•Preferences explains how to open the Preferences in TRAKTOR and introduces the options to
customize the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 for particular needs.
•Adding a Microphone shows you how to integrate TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 with your studio or
live setup, in various configurations.
•S2 as Default Audio Interface describes how to use the audio interface of the TRAKTOR KON-
TROL S2 as the default audio device of your computer.
•Specification gives you the technical specifications of the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 controller.
Welcome to TRAKTOR KONTROL S2
6

3. CONCEPTS
This section quickly introduces you to TRAKTOR KONTROL S2’s main areas and concepts both
on your TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 hardware controller and in the TRAKTOR PRO software.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2.
(1) Decks: The Decks are where tracks (and Samples) are controlled, similar to DJ turntables or
CD players but with additional features. TRAKTOR controls four virtual Decks and each of them
can be operated in several Deck Types: Track Deck, Remix Deck, STEM, Deck, and Live Input.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 provides you with two physical Decks. The left Deck on your S2 controls
Deck A in the software and the right Deck controls Deck B in the software. Additionally, you can
gain control over TRAKTOR's Decks C and D using the S2's SAMPLE mode.
In combination with the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 controller, the software's upper Decks should al-
ways be Track Decks or STEM Decks, whereas the software's lower Decks should always be Re-
mix Decks.
(2) Mixer: Sitting in the middle of the TRAKTOR software as well as on your TRAKTOR KON-
TROL S2 controller, the Mixer receives the audio signals coming from the TRAKTOR Decks. The
Mixer’s purpose is to adjust the relative level of each channel, to control the channels’ frequency
content and possibly modulate them with Mixer FX, before it sends the overall result l to the MAS-
TER output. On the S2 there is one channel for each Deck A and B, and one combined channel,
controlling both Remix Decks C and D.
3.1. About Automatic Synchronization of Decks
This section introduces you the principles of the automatic synchronization features offered by
TRAKTOR.
Concepts
7

3.1.1. Tempo Master and Master Clock
The Tempo Master represents the reference tempo to which all other elements can synchronize.
The Tempo Master can either be TRAKTOR's internal Master Clock, or one of the Decks. The
Tempo Master does not have to be the same throughout your mix, but there can only be one Tem-
po Master. When activating the Sync function on a Deck, TRAKTOR synchronizes the Deck to the
Tempo Master.
3.1.2. Beatgrid
For a Deck to provide reliable tempo and beats as a Tempo Master or for syncing, the loaded track
must first be analyzed by TRAKTOR. This analysis will determine the tempo (BPM) as well as the
position of the beats; the result is the so-called Beatgrid. There is a specific Beatgrid for each of
your tracks.
3.1.3. Automatic Syncing
Samples playing in Looped mode and time-evolving FX are always automatically synced to the
current tempo master.
For Track Decks, you can decide whether to use the automatic Sync function or not — for example
if you want to beat match tracks manually, or if you don’t want any beat matching at all.
3.1.4. Automatic Tempo Master Mode
With AUTO mode activated in the Master Control panel, TRAKTOR can automatically switch the
Tempo Master between Track Decks. This happens when the Track Deck currently set as Tempo
Master is stopped or when you load a new track onto it. This way, you don’t have to worry about
setting the Tempo Master yourself. If there is no other Track Deck playing, the Master Clock would
automatically become the Tempo Master indicated by the MASTER button in the Master Control
panel.
The AUTO mode is activated by default.
3.2. About the Track Collection
The Track Collection represents all the music you use in TRAKTOR. With the Track Collection you
can organize, tag, and prepare your tracks for being played as part of your mix.
A benefit of the Track Collection is that reads the metadata of the tracks, like track title, artist
name, tempo, genre, key etc. It also stores TRAKTOR-specific information about your tracks.
3.3. STEM File Playback
Generally, the S2 is designed to control tracks using Track Decks. However, you can also load
STEM Files into the Decks. In this case the Decks in TRAKTOR switches to Deck Type STEM
Deck showing the individual STEM Part waveforms and additional controls. The S2 does let you
playback the STEM Files like a normal track but does not allow you to further control the STEM
Files.
Concepts
8

4. SETTING UP TRAKTOR KONTROL S2
By this section, you should have already installed TRAKTOR PRO 3 software using NATIVE AC-
CESS, in order to configure S2 for its first use. If this is not the case, follow the instructions under
this link Registering and Installing a Native Instruments Product using NATIVE ACCESS.
This section describes how to set up the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2. When all devices are connec-
ted your setup will look like the following illustration:
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 setup.
4.1. Connecting to the Computer
To connect the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 to your computer:
1. Connect the device end (square plug) of the included USB cable to the USB socket on the
rear panel of your S2.
2. Connect the computer end (flat rectangle plug) of the USB cable to an available USB 2.0 port
(or later) on your computer.
Setting up TRAKTOR KONTROL S2
9

4.2. Connecting Active Speakers
To connect your power amplifier or active speakers to the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2:
• Connect the MAIN OUT RCA (or 3.5 mm) outputs on the rear panel of the TRAKTOR KON-
TROL S2 to the inputs of your amplification system using the appropriate cables.
Setting up TRAKTOR KONTROL S2
10

4.3. Connecting Headphones
To connect headphones to the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2:
• Connect your headphones to the PHONES OUT socket on the front panel of the TRAKTOR
KONTROL S2, using the 3.5 mm connector.
4.4. Final Preparation
After successfully setting up the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 system, you can switch on the devices.
We recommended that you follow the order in the instructions below:
Switching on Devices and Starting TRAKTOR
1. On your S2, turn down the volumes to minimum position by using the MASTER knob, and
the VOL knob for the headphones volume.
2. Switch on the amplification system (active speakers or power amplifier with passive speak-
ers).
3. Switch on your computer.
4. Start TRAKTOR by double-clicking the Traktor 3 application icon on your desktop.
The TRAKTOR software opens.
Importing Data from Your Previous TRAKTOR Version
When you start TRAKTOR for the first time, TRAKTOR will ask if you want to import your previous
data by copying the existing user content to a new folder in your user folder. Your previous data
will not be altered if you copy it to the new default folder.
If you want to import data from your previous TRAKTOR installation:
• Click Yes to confirm.
Setting up TRAKTOR KONTROL S2
11

The data is imported.
Switching Mixer FX to Default Pre-Selection
TRAKTOR recognizes the S2 is connected to the computer, and asks you to switch Mixer FX se-
lection to default values:
TRAKTOR alert for switching Mixer FX pre-selection to default.
• Click Yes.
The pre-selection of the Mixer FX is set to default.
Configuring TRAKTOR using the Setup Wizard
1. The WELCOME page asks you to connect any controllers and devices to your comput-
er. Click Next to proceed.
2. On the DECK LAYOUT page select the Deck setup to control with your S2, i.e. 2 Track
Decks + 2 Remix Decks.
3. Click Next to proceed.
The SUMMARY Page shows you the configuration of TRAKTOR.
4. Click Finish to confirm your configuration.
The TRAKTOR window now appears in the Essential Layout.
Setting up TRAKTOR KONTROL S2
12

4.5. Importing Music to the Track Collection
The most convenient way to get your tracks into TRAKTOR's Track Collection is using drag and
drop:
• Drag the music files from the location on your computer and drop them on the Track Collec-
tion folder in TRAKTOR's Browser Tree.
TRAKTOR now analyzes the metadata of the music files and stores the files in the Track
Collection.
Setting up TRAKTOR KONTROL S2
13

5. TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 OVERVIEW
This section introduces you the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 and all its control elements and connec-
tors.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2.
(1) Decks: TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 provides you with two physical Decks. The Decks are the
place where tracks and Samples are controlled. The left Deck on your S2 controls Track Deck A in
the software and the right Deck on your S2 controls Track Deck B in the software. Additionally, you
can gain control over TRAKTOR's Remix Decks C and D. For more information on the control ele-
ments, refer to Decks.
(2) Mixer: The Mixer receives the audio signals coming from TRAKTOR software Decks A and B;
there is one channel for each Track Deck A and B, and one combined channel that controls both
Remix Decks C and D. The Mixer adjusts the relative level of each channel, controls the channels’
frequency content, adds Mixer FX, and sends the overall result to the audience via the Master out-
put. For more information on the control elements, refer to Mixer, and Mixer Channel.
5.1. Decks
This section introduces you all Deck elements of the S2.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 Overview
14

S2 Deck.
(1) BROWSE encoder: Navigates through the Track Collection for selecting and loading music
content.
(2) Preparation button: Assigns a track to the Preparation List.
(3) BROWSE View button: Maximizes the Browser view in the TRAKTOR software.
(4) Jog Wheel: The Jog Wheel gives you advanced control on track transport. As with a conven-
tional CD player or turntable, you can manually hold playback, nudge and bend, and start scratch-
ing by touching and turning the Jog Wheel and the outer rim. Furthermore, you can manually cor-
rect tracks' Beatgrids.
(5) KEYLOCK : Locks the Key for the track on the Deck.
(6) SYNC: Syncs the Deck to the Tempo Master.
(7) TEMPO Fader: Manually adjusts the tempo for the track.
(8) Play/Pause: Starts/stops the playback of the Deck.
(9) CUE: Starts playback from the Floating Cue Point and moves the playback position back to the
Cue Point during playback.
(10) SHIFT: The SHIFT button is a modifier. Holding SHIFT depressed gives you access to secon-
dary functions of other control elements.
(11) GRID: Enables the Beatgrid Adjust mode. In this mode the Jog Wheel can be used to correct
the Beatgrid for the current track.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 Overview
15

(12) REV button: When in Flux mode, the REV button lets the track play reversely.
(13) FLX button: Enables Flux Mode for the focused Deck.
(14) MOVE encoder: Allows you to jump within the track, and enables Looping. When Looping is
enabled, the MOVE encoder allows you to move the Loop forwards and backwards in the track.
(15) HOTCUES button: Enables HOTCUES Mode. When enabled, the eight Pads are used for
storing and triggering Cue Points and Loops.
(16) SAMPLES button: Enables SAMPLES Mode. When enabled, the eight Pads are used for
controlling the first four Sample Cells of Sample Slots in Remix Decks C or D, respectively.
(17) LOOP encoder: Allows you to enable/disable Looping as well as change the Loop size.
(18) PADS: The functions depend on the current Pad Mode:
• When in HOTCUES Mode, the Pads store and trigger Cue Points and Loops for tracks and
STEM Files.
• When in SAMPLES Mode, the Pads control the first four SAMPLE Cells of Sample Slots in Re-
mix Decks C and D.
5.2. Mixer
The Mixer is sitting in the middle of your TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 controller and contains the fol-
lowing control elements:
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 Overview
16

Mixer.
(1) Mixer channel A and B: Receives the incoming audio signals from the Decks, modulates the
audio signal, and adjusts the output level with its control elements. For more information, refer to
Mixer Channel.
(2) QNT: Allows you to enable or disable Quantize mode and Snap mode. More Information, refer
to Snap Mode and Quantize Mode.
(3) MASTER knob: Adjusts the Master volume level.
(4) MIC button: Inserts the microphone channel to the Master signal.
(5) SAMPLE knob: Adjusts the channel volume for Remix Deck C or D added to the Master output
signal.
(6) Headphone Cue Mix control: Adjusts the signal mix between Master output signal and the
Cue Channel signal in the headphones.
(7) Headphone Cue Volume control: Adjusts the Headphone CUE level.
(8) Mixer FX SELECT buttons: Select the individual Mixer FX to be controlled with the Mixer FX
Amount knob in the Mixer channels.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 Overview
17

(9) Headphone CUE button: Sends the Mixer channel’s audio signal to the CUE channel for pre-
paring the next transition and previewing tracks.
(10) Channel Level Meter: Gives you visual feedback of the GAIN level on that Mixer channel.
The blue LEDs indicate the signal below clipping and the red LED indicates the signal is clipping.
For more information, refer to Adjusting Volume Levels.
(11) Crossfader: Lets you transition between the loaded tracks. It controls the mix between the
Mixer channels’ audio signals assigned to its left and right side. At each crossfader end, the oppo-
site signals are totally cut. Moving the crossfader gradually fades in and fades out the relevant au-
dio signal in the Master output. At the center position, both audio signals are fully audible.
5.3. Mixer Channel
The left and right Mixer channels provide you with the following control elements:
Mixer Channel.
(1) GAIN knob: Adjusts the input level of the signal coming from the corresponding Deck.
(2) HI knob: Emphasizes, attenuates, or removes the high frequency band of the audio signal.
(3) MID knob: Emphasizes, attenuates, or removes the middle frequency band of the audio signal.
(4) LOW knob: Emphasizes, or attenuates, or removes the low frequency band of the audio sig-
nal.
(5) Mixer FX Amount knob: The Mixer FX Amount knob controls the amount/ratio of the Mixer FX
to be applied to the audio signal. In the center position the Mixer FX is disabled.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 Overview
18

(6) Channel Fader: Adjusts the volume level for the Mixer channel before the audio signal is sent
to the crossfader.
5.4. Front View
The front panel of your S2 hosts the Heaphones socket (PHONES OUT) for the CUE channel, us-
ing a stereo 1/4" jack.
Front view.
5.5. Rear View
This section describes all the sockets and controls available on the rear panel of your TRAK-
TOR KONTROL S2.
Rear view.
(1) Kensington Lock slot: Attaches a Kensington Lock to protect your S2 against theft.
(2) MIC GAIN: Adjusts the level for the incoming microphone signal.
(3) MIC 1/4" socket: Connects a microphone using a 1/4" jack.
(4) MAIN OUT 1/8" socket: Connects the S2 to active speakers.
(5) MAIN OUT RCA R / L: Connects the S2 to a power amplifier.
(6) iOS: Connects an iOS device for future iOS compatibility.
(7) USB: Connects your S2 with your computer using the included USB cable.
(8) Power Supply socket: Connects the optional Native Instruments Power Supply to be pur-
chased separately on the Native Instruments online shop.
TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 Overview
19

6. MIXING YOUR FIRST TRACKS USING SYNC
In this section you will learn to mix your first two tracks, using Deck A and Deck B, and the SYNC
function. For this method, you will not need to use Jog Wheels or your headphones. If you want to
try a more advanced method of mixing, using the Jog Wheels and headphones, refer to section
Mixing Tracks Using Jog Wheels.
At first you will prepare the Mixer by adjusting the control elements for mixing, from Deck A to B.
Then you will load the first track into Deck A, and begin to perform step by step.
6.1. Prerequisites
1. Set the crossfader to the left-most position.
2. Set Channel fader A and Channel fader B to maximum position.
3. Set the MASTER knob to center position at 0.0 dB.
4. Set the volume of your audio system or active speakers to minimum level.
6.2. Loading the First Track into Deck A
1. Press the Browser View button to open the Browser view in the software.
2. Turn the BROWSE encoder to select one of your tracks, or a demo track i.e. Berlin Haupt-
bahnhof by Native Instruments.
Mixing Your First Tracks using SYNC
20