Page 1 Manual...
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Page 4: Table Of Contents
Table of Contents Table of Contents Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8! ............12 Where to Start ..........................12 Manual Conventions ........................14 Using Your S8—Getting Started ................. 18 Overview of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 ..................... 19 Enabling Decks ........................... 20 Browsing with Your S8 ........................
Page 5 Remixing with Remix Decks ......................102 3.6.1 Loading a Remix Set ....................103 3.6.2 Triggering Samples ....................105 3.6.3 Triggering Samples using Different Quantize Sizes ........... 110 3.6.4 Adjusting Levels and using Filters of Remix Slots ............. 112 TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 5...
Page 6 Additional Help Actions ..................... 151 Hardware Reference ....................154 Overview of the Controller ......................154 4.1.1 Top View ........................155 4.1.2 Rear Panel ......................... 156 4.1.3 Front Panel ........................ 156 4.1.4 LED States ......................... 156 TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 6...
Page 7 4.2.7.5 Performance Mode Button .................183 4.2.7.6 BROWSE Encoder ..................183 4.2.7.7 BACK Button ....................184 4.2.8 Performance Controls ....................184 4.2.9 Slot Volume Faders ....................186 4.2.10 Pads .......................... 187 4.2.11 Touch Strip ........................ 189 TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 7...
Page 8 4.4.2.2 CUE VOL Knob ....................217 4.4.2.3 CUE MIX Knob ....................217 4.4.2.4 TEMPO Encoder ..................218 4.4.2.5 BOOTH Knob ....................219 4.4.2.6 GLOBAL Section ..................220 4.4.2.7 MIC 1 and 2 Buttons ..................221 4.4.2.8 MAIN Knob ....................222 TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 8...
Page 9 Crossfader Curve Knob ....................229 Common Setups ......................231 Connecting Turntables ....................... 231 Connecting CD Players ....................... 234 Integrating External Audio Sources in your TRAKTOR Workflow ........... 235 Integrating External Sources as TIMECODE Controls ..............235 5.4.1 Final Preparations with Turntables ................235 5.4.2...
Page 10 TRAKTOR Crashes ...................... 257 8.1.3 TRAKTOR Has Performance Issues ................258 8.1.4 Updates ........................259 Getting Help ..........................259 8.2.1 Knowledge Base ......................259 8.2.2 Technical Support ...................... 260 8.2.3 Registration Support ....................260 TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 10...
Page 11 Table of Contents 8.2.4 User Forum ........................ 261 Technical Specification ..................... 262 TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 11...
Page 12: Welcome To The World Of Traktor Kontrol S8
Whether you intend to perform and remix live with TRAKTOR, use S8 as a stand-alone mixer with turntables or CD decks or a combination of both; S8 has you covered! S8 enables performance in various live situations, combining the power of computer-based DJing with the immediacy and flow you need to focus on your audience.
Page 13 Controller Editor Manual Besides using S8 with the dedicated TRAKTOR software, you can also use it as a powerful and highly versatile MIDI controller with any other MIDI-capable application or device. This is made possible by the Controller Editor software, an application which allows you to assign MIDI controller messages to S8's pads, knobs, faders and encoders.
Page 14: Manual Conventions
Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8! Manual Conventions ▪ Registration Support You will find more information on these in chapter ↑8.1, Troubleshooting ↑8.2, Getting Help. Manual Conventions This section introduces you to the signage and text highlighting used in this manual. This man- ual uses particular formatting to point out special facts and to warn you of potential issues.
Page 15 Results of actions are introduced by this smaller arrow. → Naming Conventions Throughout the documentation, we will refer to the TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 hardware control- ler either as the controller or simply S8. The TRAKTOR 2 software and TRAKTOR SCRATCH will be referred to as TRAKTOR.
Page 16 Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8! Manual Conventions Numbering scheme for FX and Performance controls Display Buttons On each side of a display, there are two buttons marked by a square icon. To differentiate them from each other, we'll refer to them as depicted here:...
Page 17 Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8! Manual Conventions Numbering scheme for Display Buttons Pads Each Deck comes with 4 multi color pads. Where necessary, we'll refer to them in this order: Numbering of the Pads in the PERFORMANCE section...
Page 18: Using Your S8-Getting Started
TRAKTOR software on your computer. By the end of this chapter you will be equipped with the fundamental knowledge to enjoy using your TRAK- TOR KONTROL S8, and begin to uncover the creative opportunities it presents to your DJ ses- sions.
Page 19: Overview Of Traktor Kontrol S8
These give you hardware control over the software Decks in the TRAKTOR PRO software. Active TRAKTOR Decks always work in one of the Deck modes, as either Track Deck, Remix Deck or Live Input. The left hardware Deck section controls TRAKTOR's Decks A and C, the right Deck section controls Decks B and D.
Page 20: Enabling Decks
Enabling Decks Enabling Decks By default, the Decks on your TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 are enabled after you start the TRAK- TOR software for the first time. If, however, the Decks are not enabled (in Direct Thru mode), proceed as follows to enable the Decks.
Page 21 Deck C in Direct Thru mode To enable the Decks: Push the TRAKTOR buttons of each Deck. ► The TRAKTOR buttons light up in orange indicating the Deck is now in TRAKTOR mode. → The displays read No Track Loaded indicating the corresponding Decks are enabled.
Page 22 Using Your S8—Getting Started Enabling Decks The following images show enabled Decks: Deck A enabled as Track Deck Deck C enabled as Remix Deck TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 22...
Page 23: Browsing With Your S8
Using Your S8—Getting Started Browsing with Your S8 Browsing with Your S8 The first tutorial will explain how to browse through TRAKTOR's music library and load tracks into Decks. The following section explains both—browse using regular interactions and browse using touch interactions.
Page 24 View shows your current location in the folder structure at the top of the display, e.g. BROWSER>PLAYLIST>DEMO TRACKS. To open folders and load tracks: Press the BROWSE encoder to open a folder. ► TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 24...
Page 25: Browse Using Touch Interactions
Press the VIEW button. The display will return to Track view. ► 2.3.2 Browse using Touch Interactions In addition to regular interactions with TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 you can perform touch interac- tions. However, to use touch interactions when browsing the touch sensitivity for the BROWSE encoder has to be enabled: Open the TRAKTOR Preferences.
Page 26: Switching Deck Focus
Switching Deck Focus Switching Deck Focus Although you can mix four TRAKTOR Decks with the S8, it is only possible to have the focus on two of the Decks simultaneously. To access the two other Decks, you can quickly switch the...
Page 27 Switching Deck Focus ▪ If the Deck focus is on Deck A or Deck B the DECK buttons, the Mode Select Buttons and the LED ring around the LOOP encoder will be lit in blue. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 27...
Page 28 Switching Deck Focus ▪ If the Deck Focus is on Deck C or Deck D the DECK buttons, the Mode Select Buttons and the LED ring around the LOOP encoder will be lit in white. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 28...
Page 29: Switching Deck View And Zooming
View between Single View and Split View. The display now shows both Decks in Split View. → The focused Deck always acquires the majority of space in the display. Split View with focus on Deck A. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 29...
Page 30 Changing Deck View does not alter the assignment of the Deck Unit's controls in any way. Zooming To get a more precise view of the waveform at the current Playhead position you can zoom in or out of the waveform. To zoom into the waveform: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 30...
Page 31 Using Your S8—Getting Started Switching Deck View and Zooming Press Display button 3 as often until you reach the desired zoom level. ► To zoom out of the waveform: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 31...
Page 32: Playing Your First Track
Before you proceed ensure the following prerequisites are met: Prerequisites We assume you read the tutorials above and your S8 is in the following state: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 32...
Page 33 ▪ On channel A the channel fader is set to minimum, the EQ knobs, the GAIN knob, and the Filter knob are set to center position. ▪ The MAIN knob is set to minimum. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 33...
Page 34: Loading A Track
Let’s load the track “Techno 1” from the included demo tracks on to Deck A. Since Deck A is in the top-left part of the TRAKTOR window, we will use the left Deck on your S8. You can check this by looking at the left Deck’s display: you should see a blue indicator reading A: The Deck Display with DECK A indicator.
Page 35 Using Your S8—Getting Started Playing Your First Track Navigate to the folder FAVORITES > Demo Tracks. Scroll to track Techno Press the BROWSE encoder to load the track into Deck A. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 35...
Page 36: Playing The Track
Using Your S8—Getting Started Playing Your First Track The track is loaded. Its waveform and info appear in the display. → 2.6.2 Playing the Track Once the track is loaded: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 36...
Page 37 Deck. The PLAY button lights up. The waveform starts moving in the display. The track is assigned to MASTER. Gradually raise the channel A fader to maximum position. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 37...
Page 38 The audio playing on each Deck can be further shaped by the controls on the corresponding channel of the Mixer. Since the track is loaded on Deck A, you can control its sound on chan- nel A: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 38...
Page 39: If You Don't Hear The Track
If You Don’t Hear the Track If the track is playing on the Deck but the audio coming through your amplification system is not loud enough, or if there is no sound at all, check the following: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 39...
Page 40 Playing Your First Track ▪ At the bottom of your S8, verify that the Crossfader is moved all the way to the left: ▪ Above, the channel fader should be raised on channel A: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 40...
Page 41 ▪ At the top center of the Mixer, the MAIN knob should be turned at least part of the way to the right. You should see the MAIN meters going up and down: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 41...
Page 42: Mixing In A Second Track
Mixing In a Second Track Now that you have learned how to quickly load and play tracks using the TRAKTOR KON- TROL S8, let’s see how to mix in a second track on Deck B. On the way, you will learn a few basic mixing tasks that every digital DJ needs to know: how to cue tracks, synchronize tracks, start the playback at the right position, and mix the tracks together using the Crossfader.
Page 43 ▪ On channel B the channel fader is set to minimum, the EQ knobs, and the GAIN knob are set to center position. ▪ The CUE VOL knob and the CUE MIX knob are set to minimum. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 43...
Page 44: Loading A Second Track
We will choose the track “Techno 2” and load it on the right Deck B, as we did on left Deck A in the previous tutorial. Track Deck B empty While looking at the right Deck display reading "No Track Loaded, Touch Browse Knob", do the follow- ing: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 44...
Page 45 Deck to open the Browser. The Browser will show up at the position where it was before. Scroll to track Techno Press the BROWSE encoder to load the track on Deck B. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 45...
Page 46: Playing The Second Track
Press the PLAY button on the right Deck to start the playback. ► The track “Techno 2” starts playing. The PLAY button lights up and the waveform in the → display starts moving. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 46...
Page 47: Using Headphones To Prepare The Mix
2.7.3 Using Headphones to Prepare the Mix From now on, let’s get used to preparing the mix with headphones until the next track on Deck B is ready to be mixed in. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 47...
Page 48 At any time, use the Cue controls nearby to adjust the balance between the cued track (in this case Deck B) and the main mix (in this case Deck A) in your headphones: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 48...
Page 49: Synchronizing The Second Track
Synchronizing the Second Track Before mixing in the track playing on Deck B, we will use TRAKTOR’s automatic Sync feature to adjust its tempo to that of Deck A. Since Deck A was started at first it is assigned to MAS- TER.
Page 50 You will hear the second track come into the mix in sync with Deck A. → Note that you should always adjust the tempo of the track that is not audible to the audience! Mixing In the Second Track When your track is ready for mixing: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 50...
Page 51: Interlude: In Case The Left Track Has Finished
Mixing In the Track by Using the Channel EQ and Filter Besides simply using the Crossfader or channel volume faders to mix tracks, you can use TRAKTOR KONTROL S8’s EQs and filters to make the mixes smoother and more interesting. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 51...
Page 52 Prerequisites We assume here that you have already followed the instructions in the previous tutorials and TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 is in the following state: ▪ The track “Techno 1” is loaded on Deck A. The track is playing and audible.
Page 53 Filter knob are set to center position. To prepare the cued track with EQ or Filter: Put on your Headphones. Enable on channel B. Press the Filter button on Deck B. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 53...
Page 54 We will now carry out a first version of the mix “for real.” Thus, turn the CUE MIX knob fully clockwise to hear the main mix in your headphones (or put off your phones and listen to your mix coming through your amplification system). Do the following: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 54...
Page 55 A while simultaneously increasing that of channel Complete the transition by gradually moving the Crossfader all the way to the right. You did your first mix using EQs and filters of your TRAKTOR KONTROL S8. →...
Page 56: Adjusting Levels
To assist you in adjusting levels, the Mixer of your S8 is equipped with various level meters and controls. Each level meter consists of a bar of blue LEDs indicating the signal level, along with an orange LED at the top indicating the clipping. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 56...
Page 57 LEDs, or only rarely. Letting your levels go “in the red” (or orange in this case) and using sig- nal clipping to let your mix sound dirtier is definitely not recommended: to do this, make use of the great FX selection of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 instead! Checking the Level on Each Channel Each channel on the Mixer provides you with a vertical channel meter next to the fader.
Page 58 Checking the Main Level The signals coming from all channels are mixed together according to the relative levels set by the channel faders and by the Crossfader. This mix is then sent from TRAKTOR’s main output to the Main section:...
Page 59: Using Cue Points
LEVEL meters stay in the upper part of the blue areas without reaching the orange clip- ping LEDs. By default, a limiter is enabled on TRAKTOR’s main output. With this limiter enabled, the MAIN LEVEL meters’ clipping LEDs will cease to indicate clipping, but instead indicate when the limiter kicks in.
Page 60: Setting And Deleting Cue Points (Hotcues)
We assume here that you already followed the instructions in the previous tutorials (see ↑2.2, Enabling Decks). TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 is in the following state: ▪ The track “Techno 1” is loaded on Deck A. ▪ The Deck A is set to HOTCUE mode (default state).
Page 61 In the display a CuePoint will be highlighted by a blue indicator and the pad number. You ► can store up to eight CuePoints per track. The highlighted CuePoint in the display. To delete a Cue Point: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 61...
Page 62: Aligning Tracks Using Hotcues
→ Snapping to the Beats You don’t have to worry about dropping a HotCue directly on a beat: by default, TRAKTOR will make sure this happens automatically. This is because the so-called Snap mode is on, as you can see by the lit button located in the top-mid on the S8: The S button on the Mixer.
Page 63: Adjusting Tempo
Prerequisites We assume here that you have already followed the instructions in the previous tutorials and TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 is in the following state: ▪ The track “Techno 1” is loaded on Deck A and stopped. ▪ The track “Techno 2” is loaded on Deck B and stopped.
Page 64 SYNC buttons active. You can adjust the tempo in whole steps or in decimal steps. Adjusting the Global Tempo Press the PLAY button on Deck A. The Deck will be assigned to MASTER. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 64...
Page 65 TRAKTOR's Master Clock in decimal steps. Press any SHIFT button and turn the TEMPO encoder clockwise or counterclockwise to in- crease or decrease the tempo of TRAKTOR's Master Clock in whole steps. Release the Deck's SHIFT button. The global tempo has changed. →...
Page 66: Deck-Specific Tempo Adjustments
Decks and the BROWSE encoders: Adjusting the Deck-specific Tempo On a Deck press the Display Button 2. The BPM mode window will pop up in the display. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 66...
Page 67 Deck's BROWSE encoder counterclockwise to decrease the tempo in whole steps. Press the Display Button 2 again or press the View Button to exit BMP mode. The deck-specific tempo has changed. → TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 67...
Page 68: Using Keylock
To avoid this, TRAKTOR provides the Keylock feature that uncouples the tone and the tempo of a track. With the TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 you can to ap- ply the Keylock to a focused Deck by the following actions:...
Page 69 Using Your S8—Getting Started Using Keylock On a Deck press the Display Button 1. window pops up in the display. Tracks that have been analyzed by TRAKTOR will indicate their key here. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 69...
Page 70 Now adjust the tempo of the track using mode. As the tempo has changed you'll hear that the key of track remains intact when tempo → adjustments are made. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 70...
Page 71 If you want to change the key of a track without changing its tempo, proceed as follows: On a Deck press the Display Button 1. window pops up in the display. If the track has been analyzed by TRAKTOR its key will be displayed here.
Page 72 Press the Display Button 1 again to exit the window in the display. You will hear that the key of track has changed although the tempo is retained. → TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 72...
Page 73: Using Your S8-Getting Advanced
Prerequisites We assume here that you have already followed the instructions in the previous tutorials and the TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 is in the following state: ▪ The track “Techno 1” is loaded on Deck A and is not playing. ▪ The Crossfader is all the way to the left.
Page 74 Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Touch Strip Hold the Deck's SHIFT button. The row of LEDs change into the following appearance. The three orange LEDs represent the current playhead position of the entire track. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 74...
Page 75 Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Touch Strip While holding SHIFT, place your finger on the Touch Strip beneath the orange LEDs and drag your finger to the right to move forwards in the track's waveform. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 75...
Page 76 Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Touch Strip The three orange LEDs will follow your fingers movement to the left and so the Playhead position in the waveform. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 76...
Page 77 Drag your finger to the left to move backwards in the track's waveform. The three orange LEDs will follow your fingers movement to the right and so the playhead position in the waveform. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 77...
Page 78: Using The Touch Strip To Nudge/Pitchbend
If your timing was a little off, some blue LEDs above the Touch Strip will appear. This indicates the phase-alignment of the deck is incorrect. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 78...
Page 79 If blue LEDs are shown above the left side of the Touch Strip on the Deck not assigned to MASTER: Drag your finger toward the left side of the Touch Strip until the blue LEDs disappear and ► a single orange LED is shown. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 79...
Page 80: Using The Touch Strip To Scratch
The Touch Strip area can be used to create a scratch effect on a stopped track in a Track Deck or Remix Deck. A scratch effect can be created only when the track is stopped. Perform Scratching On a Deck's Touch Strip: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 80...
Page 81 Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Touch Strip Drag your finger to the left. This will move the playhead slightly forward in the track's ► waveform, and you will hear the typical scratch effect. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 81...
Page 82 Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Touch Strip Drag your finger to the right. This will move the playhead slightly backward in the track's ► waveform, and you will hear the typical scratch effect. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 82...
Page 83: Playing With Loops In Hotcue Mode
Playing with Loops in HOTCUE Mode Now that you have learned all basic mixing tasks and how to use the Touch Strip, we will focus on TRAKTOR KONTROL S8’s looping facilities in HOTCUE mode. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 83...
Page 84: Engaging And Disengaging A Loop
Prerequisites We assume here that you have already followed the instructions in the previous tutorials and the TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 is in the following state: ▪ The track “Techno 1” is loaded on Deck A and is not playing. ▪ The Crossfader is all the way to the left.
Page 85 This will automatically add a loop at the current playback position in the track. → The example above shows an engaged a loop of four beats. You can change the loop size while the loop is active: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 85...
Page 86 Note that you can adjust the loop size either before or after you’ve set the Loop! If you ad- just the loop size beforehand, the next loop you set will acquire the same loop size value. To deactivate the active Loop: Press the LOOP encoder again. ► TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 86...
Page 87: Moving A Loop
The size of the move also corresponds to the loop size that is currently set as shown in the display. Turning the LOOP encoder when there is no Loop active lets you jump backward/forward through the track by the same loop size. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 87...
Page 88: Storing A Loop
To store the active Loop, press an unlit pad. The pad lights up green. The display will show a green marker indicating the Loop. The marker also shows the number of the corresponding pad. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 88...
Page 89: Playing With Loops In Loop Mode
► Playing with Loops in LOOP Mode Besides using loops in HOTCUE mode the TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 offers a dedicated mode to work with Loops—LOOP mode. LOOP mode offers a different set of control options for using loops on track Decks and Remix Decks you will learn in the following tutorial.
Page 90: Looping With Auto-Loop Sizes
Prerequisites We assume here that you have already followed the instructions in the previous tutorials and the TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 is in the following state: ▪ The track “Techno 1” is loaded on Deck A and is not playing. ▪ The Crossfader is all the way to the left.
Page 91: Beat-Jumping
While a loop is active turn the LOOP encoder to alter the LOOP size for the active loop. ► This will produce some interesting sound variations. Auto-loop sizes can be manually selected in TRAKTOR's software preferences: Preferen- ces>TRAKTOR KONTROL S8>Loop Mode Sizes. 3.3.2...
Page 92: Using Freeze Mode
Press pad 7 to jump forward the playback position by 1 beat. If jumped out of a loop play- back continues as normal. Beat-jump sizes can be manually selected in TRAKTOR's software preferences: Preferen- ces>TRAKTOR KONTROL S8>Loop Mode Sizes. Using the Loop encoder to define beat-jump sizes By default, pad 5 and pad use the beat-jump size defined by the loop-size value shown in the display.
Page 93 Freeze area (see the image above). Deck A in Freeze Mode. Freeze Mode can also be applied to an active loop. This is then called the Slicer Mode. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 93...
Page 94: Engaging Freeze Mode On A Track
Prerequisites We assume here that you have already followed the instructions in the previous tutorials and the TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 is in the following state: ▪ The track “Techno 1” is loaded on Deck A and is not playing. ▪ The Crossfader is all the way to the left.
Page 95 Randomly press the eight pads to get a feel for the slices. Press the HOTCUE button to exit Freeze mode. If no slice is triggered the playhead position will leave the frozen area and playback continues as normal until a slice is triggered. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 95...
Page 96: Adjusting The Freeze Slice Sizes
The SLICE SIZE window pops up in the display. While holding FREEZE button, turn the Loop encoder to increase or decrease slice sizes from a 1/4 of a beat to a range of 4 beats. Release the FREEZE button. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 96...
Page 97: Engaging Freeze Mode On An Active Loop-Slicer Mode
Freeze Mode in regard to behavior is you are still working within a loop. This will give you additional possibilities to perform as explained later in this section. FREEZE Slicer mode enabled. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 97...
Page 98: Slicer Mode
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using FREEZE Mode To enable Slicer Mode on a Deck: Turn the Deck's Loop encoder to define the desired Loop size. Press the Deck's Loop encoder to engage a loop. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 98...
Page 99 Slicer mode to the active loop. The Slices appear in green. While Slicer mode is engaged you can perform the following actions: Press any of the pads to jump between the Slices. ► TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 99...
Page 100 Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using FREEZE Mode Hold a pad to retrigger it's slice. ► Hold two pads simultaneously to continue looping within the area of selected slices. ► TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 100...
Page 101: Using Flux Mode
In other words, it is as if a second, virtual playhead continues forward in your song while TRAKTOR loops or jumps to a cue point. FLUX mode works in any mode selected on Track Decks and Remix Decks.
Page 102: Remixing With Remix Decks
Decks. With the Remix Decks you can play and perform with pre defined Remix Sets as well as create your own Remix Sets by capturing samples of tracks. Prerequisites ▪ Deck C is enabled. ▪ Channel C fader is set to minimum. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 102...
Page 103: Loading A Remix Set
Assign button to switch to Deck C. Remix Deck should be shown in the left display. Press the Deck's BROWSE encoder to open the Browser. Navigate to the folder TRACK COLLECTION > All Remix Sets > Remix Deck Tutorial. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 103...
Page 104 Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Remixing with Remix Decks Select the Remix Set Remix Deck Tutorial and press the BROWSE encoder to load it. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 104...
Page 105: Triggering Samples
The pads now illuminate orange and green according to the corresponding Remix Deck page shown in the display. 3.6.2 Triggering Samples To demonstrate how a Remix Deck works, please perform actions action listed below in the fol- lowing order: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 105...
Page 106 Raise the channel C fader. You should now hear the Sample playing. Press SHIFT + pad 1 to stop playback. Now press pad 1, pad 2, pad 3, and pad 4 to trigger their samples. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 106...
Page 107 The first four pads lit. → The samples are playing. Select another Sample of a Remix Slot While the samples are playing you can switch to other samples within the Remix Slots. For ex- ample: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 107...
Page 108 Select other Pages of a Remix Set A Remix Set can include up to 64 samples. On the S8 controller the Remix Set is split into eight pages where each set of eight samples are stored. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 108...
Page 109 Remixing with Remix Decks To select another Page of a Remix Set: Press Display Button 4 or 3 to scroll a page downwards or upwards. ► Alternatively, you can turn the Deck's LOOP encoder. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 109...
Page 110: Triggering Samples Using Different Quantize Sizes
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Remixing with Remix Decks 3.6.3 Triggering Samples using Different Quantize Sizes Press the Display Button 1. QUANTIZE window opens in the display. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 110...
Page 111 (this depends on the quantize size you just selected). If you selected a quantize size of beats, from triggering a pad the equivalent 8 beats will elapse in the samples internal timeline before Sample playback commences. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 111...
Page 112: Adjusting Levels And Using Filters Of Remix Slots
► ples. Moving toward the right will move the Remix Slot playhead position in the current Remix Deck row backward; moving toward the left will move the Remix Slot playhead po- sition forward. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 112...
Page 113: Capturing Samples From Track Decks (Using Remix Mode)
▪ All Slot Volume Faders are raised to the top. ▪ The EQ knobs are set to center position. Capturing a Sample and Playback To capture a Sample of a track: On the left Deck set the Deck focus on Deck A. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 113...
Page 114 Deck. While holding CAPTURE, turn the Deck's Loop encoder to select the capture Source "DECK A" in the pop-up window "CAPTURE". The pop-up window will close as soon you release the CAPTURE window. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 114...
Page 115 Capturing Samples from Track Decks (Using Remix Mode) Press the REMIX button of the left Deck to enable REMIX Mode. The pads should now be unlit because nothing is loaded into Remix Deck C. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 115...
Page 116 Turn the Deck's Loop encoder to define the Sample size for capturing. On Deck press the PLAY button to start playback. Press one of the unlit pads to capture a Sample from the current playback position. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 116...
Page 117 The pad now illuminates a new color and the captured Sample is shown in the display. Playback of Captured Samples from a Track Deck As soon a Sample is captured you can perform the following actions: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 117...
Page 118 Capturing Samples from Track Decks (Using Remix Mode) Capture further samples from another Capture Source and/or using another Sample size. ► The pads now illuminate with new colors and the first four captured samples are shown in the display. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 118...
Page 119 TOR software and selecting Save Remix Set, rename the set first by clicking on the Deck header where New Remix Set is displayed. Saved Remix Sets will be added to: BROWS- ER>TRACK COLLECTION>ALL REMIXSETS. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 119...
Page 120: Adding Fx
In this tutorial section we will walk you through the basics of using the FX Units. By default, TRAKTOR provides you with control over two FX Units which can be assigned to any of the Decks. You can set up two types of FX: Single FX and Group FX. The following sections will explain both.
Page 121: Setting Up An Fx Unit To Group Fx Mode
Setting up an FX Unit to Group FX Mode To load a Group FX to an FX Unit: Press the FX SELECT button of FX Unit 1. The FX Unit 1 menu opens. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 121...
Page 122 FX Unit menu. Apply the Group FX to the Track As soon you set up your Group FX you can apply it to the track using the FX knobs and FX buttons: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 122...
Page 123 Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Adding FX The FX Knobs and FX buttons. As soon you touch any FX knob the FX panel will drop down in the display. ► TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 123...
Page 124: Changing Fx In The Group Fx
You can activate/deactivate each FX individually by pressing the corresponding FX But- ► tons 2 to 4 below. 3.8.3 Changing FX in the Group FX To change the FX in the Group FX: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 124...
Page 125 In the FX Unit menu press the FX Button you want to change FX on (i.e FX Button 2). The list of available FX will be displayed. Turn the BROWSE encoder to select an FX (i.e. Gater), and press the BROWSE encoder to load it. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 125...
Page 126: Setting Up An Fx Unit To Single Fx Mode
▪ The track "Techno 2" is loaded into Deck B. The track is playing and audible. ▪ All FX knobs of FX Unit 2 are set to center position. To load a Single FX to an FX Unit: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 126...
Page 127 The FX Unit 2 menu opens in the display. Press the FX Button 1 to display the FX Unit 2 options. Ensure the options Single Insert are selected. Press FX Button 2 to display the list with available FX. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 127...
Page 128 FX. The FX Unit 2 menu closes. Press the FX button 1. You will hear that the track has the Delay FX applied to it. With the Single FX Delay enabled you can perform the following actions: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 128...
Page 129 FX drop-down panel in the display. Turn FX Knob 1 counter-clockwise. The amount of the Delay FX decreases audibly, as ► well as visibly in the FX drop-down panel in the display. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 129...
Page 130 Turn the FX knobs 2-4 to create more character via the individual parameters within the ► Delay FX. Press FX button 3 to freeze the Delay FX. Press FX button 3 again to re-engage the Delay ► TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 130...
Page 131: Storing A Snapshot
If you find yourself making the same settings to the FX each time and would like to set a de- fault state for the FX parameters, simply do the following: Adjust the FX Knobs and Buttons to your liking. Press the FX Button 1 to display the FX Unit's options. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 131...
Page 132: Routing Fx
3.8.7 Using Four FX Units TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 provides you with a total of four FX Unit options. By default, the first two FX Units are activated. You can activate the other two FX Units in the TRAKTOR Preferen- ces.
Page 133: Using Performance Modes On Remix Decks
Remix Slot channels to be processed by an effect/s. The Performance Modes are available for Remix Decks only. By default the Performance Mode Filter is applied to the Performance Con- trols below the display. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 133...
Page 134: Selecting And Applying An Performance Mode
Press the DECK button to focus Deck C. Trigger some samples. Press the Performance Mode buttons to select which parameter the knobs affect. Press the buttons to activate/deactivate these parameters per Remix Slot. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 134...
Page 135: Using Performance Mode Pitch
When Performance Mode Pitch is enabled: Touch a Performance knob to enlarge the PITCH parameters overview in the display. Turn a Performance knob clockwise or counterclockwise to change to key pitch of the samples individually. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 135...
Page 136: Using Performance Mode Filter
You will hear the result in the audio and see the parameters change in the PITCH parame- → ters overview. 3.9.3 Using Performance Mode Filter When Performance Mode Filter is enabled: Touch a Performance knob to enlarge the FILTER parameters overview in the display. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 136...
Page 137: Using Performance Mode Fx Send
The Performance Mode FX SEND allows you to send the FX from the assigned FX Unit/s to a Remix Slot. As soon the Buttons are enabled in this Performance Mode the Reverb (or any other FX) from FX Unit 2 should be audible. When Performance Mode FX SEND is enabled: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 137...
Page 138 The FX SEND amount from these parameters is now being affected by FX Unit 2. For ex- → ample, you have Remix Slot 1's FX Send amount at 50% which would mean that the sig- nal is being processed by 50% of FX Units 2's Reverb FX. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 138...
Page 139: Using Performance Mode Fx
Using Your S8—Getting Advanced Using Performance Modes on Remix Decks 3.9.5 Using Performance Mode FX The Performance Mode FX is only available if four FX Units are enabled in TRAKTOR's prefer- ences as described in section ↑3.8.7, Using Four FX Units.
Page 140: Changing Single Fx In Performance Mode
In the following section you will learn how to change the SINGLE FX in the FX Unit 3 or FX Unit 4. The workflow is the same for both. This tutorial will focus on FX Unit 3. To change the SINGLE FX in FX Unit 3: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 140...
Page 141 The FX Unit 1 menu opens. On the left Deck press the Button 1 to switch to FX Unit 3 options. The FX Unit 3 options will open in the display. Ensure the entries Single Insert are selected. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 141...
Page 142 Press the FX Button 2, 3 or 4 to change the FX. This will display the FX Unit 3 menu with available FX. Turn the BROWSE encoder to select any FX and press the BROWSE encoder to assign the The FX Unit 3 menu closes. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 142...
Page 143: Changing Group Fx In Performance Mode
In the following section you will learn how to change the GROUP FX in the FX Unit 3 or FX Unit 4. The workflow is the same for both. This tutorial will focus on FX Unit 3. To change the GROUP FX in FX Unit 3: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 143...
Page 144 FX SELECT button. The FX Unit 1 menu opens. On the left Deck press the Button 1 to switch to FX Unit 3 options The FX Unit 3 options will open in the display. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 144...
Page 145 Press the FX Button 2, 3 or 4 where you want to change the FX. This will display the FX Unit 3 menu with available FX. Turn the BROWSE encoder to select an FX, and press the BROWSE encoder to load it. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 145...
Page 146: Working With Beatgrids
S8 provides you with the controls to do this. 3.10.1 Checking a Beatgrid To guarantee that all Tempo, Loop and Move controls work as expected, you will have to verify the Beatgrid for your tracks: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 146...
Page 147 Load a track into a Track Deck as usual. The Track will be analyzed. Press the Display Button 3 to zoom into the waveform and get a more precise view. Check the Beatmarker at the beginning of the track. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 147...
Page 148: Correcting A Beatgrid Manually
If the track obviously does not sit directly on the beat, use the Beatgrid mode to correct it. The following section will explain the different interactions. Enabling the Beatgrid Mode To enable the Beatgrid mode: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 148...
Page 149 While the track is playing with Beatgrid Mode enabled, you can now perform the following ac- tions: Turn the Performance knob 1 assigned to OFFSET to move the waveform underneath the ► Beatgrid. By this action you can correct the position of the first Beatmarker. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 149...
Page 150 By this action you can stretch/compress the waveform underneath the Beat- markers to make it fit. Press SHIFT and turn the Performance knob 2 assigned to to double or half the cur- ► rent BPM value. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 150...
Page 151: Additional Help Actions
The Tick is essentially a metronome used to obtain audible feedback as to the positioning of the Beatgrid relative to the beats of the track. The tick is only audible on signals cued over the headphones. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 151...
Page 152 Reset your edits If your edits do not produce the desired result, you can undo your edits: Press Display Button 4 (RST). ► This will reset your edits to the auto detected values. → TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 152...
Page 153 The stored tempo (BPM) is locked and cannot be changed until you unlock it by clicking Lock again. All tracks with a locked Beatgrid will show a small Lock Icon within the Browser. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 153...
Page 154: Hardware Reference
This chapter details the interface elements on your TRAKTOR KONTROL S8, and explains how they interact with the TRAKTOR software. This includes an overview of the main areas of the user interface as well as a full reference for every button, knob, fader, and the color displays.
Page 155: Top View
Top View Sections on S8's Top sid The top view of the TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 is divided into five main areas: ▪ Two identical Decks (1) are located to the left and right side of the controller. Section ↑4.2, The Deck gives an overview of a Deck.
Page 156: Rear Panel
▪ Bright LED means that a feature is active. ▪ Dim LED means that a feature is inactive. ▪ LED off means that a button doesn't have a fixed function in the current context. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 156...
Page 157: Identical Decks
S8 features two identically equipped Deck sections at the far left and right sides of the unit. These give you hardware control over the software Decks in the TRAKTOR PRO software. Active TRAKTOR Decks always work in one of the Deck modes, as either Track Deck, Remix Deck or Live Input.
Page 158 The general idea is that in FLUX mode, the playhead continues to run towards the end of a track instead of being reset by looping a section of a track or triggering a cue point. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 158...
Page 159 SYNC the corresponding Deck to the Master. SHIFT+SYNC assigns a Deck the Master function. For a detailed explanation of these control elements, refer to section ↑4.2.12, Transport Controls. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 159...
Page 160: Fx Units
4.1.6 FX Units S8 comes with dedicated controls for TRAKTOR PRO's two FX Units (four, if set in TRAKTOR's Preferences). Just like in the software, FX Unit 1 is located in the top-left corner, FX Unit 2 in the top-right.
Page 161 Deck and its RCA input. buttons: A pair of buttons lets you quickly assign FX 1 or FX2 effects configurations per channel. TRAKTOR provides up to four different FX setups. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 161...
Page 162: Rear Panel
Hardware Reference Overview of the Controller (3) 3-band EQ: S8's 3-band EQ works both when connected to TRAKTOR, as well as in stand- alone mode. FILTER knob: the FILTER knob works in conjunction with the software, as well as stand- alone.
Page 163: Front Panel
▪ Select channel Crossfader assignments via the dedicated (1) A - D switches. ▪ Change the Crossfader's blending curve via the (2) XF CURVE knob. ▪ Connect headphones via the (3) PHONES TRS connectors. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 163...
Page 164: The Deck
S8's primary Decks or B) are focused, and white when the secondary Decks or D) are focused. 4.2.2 FLUX Button Press S8's FLUX button to enable Flux Mode for the focused Deck. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 164...
Page 165: Mode Select Buttons
Below the Slot Volume Faders, S8 features 8 pads per Deck which function either as Remix Pads, as loop marker triggers or as cue marker triggers, depending on which of the four modes you select via the Mode Select buttons: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 165...
Page 166 Deck A's func- ► tions. This shortcut allows you to perform both on the Track Deck, as well as the Remix Deck at the same time, without having to switch focus between the Decks. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 166...
Page 167: Hotcue Button
▪ To delete the corresponding marker, hold SHIFT and then press a pad. 4.2.3.2 LOOP Button Press the LOOP button to activate LOOP mode. LOOP Button When Loop mode is activated, the first row of pads turns green, and the second row turns or- ange. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 167...
Page 168 Preferences>Traktor Kontrol S8>Loop Mode Sizes > Loop For more information, see the TRAKTOR manual. ▪ If Quantize is activated, TRAKTOR will loop from the next beat. ▪ If Quantize is deactivated, looping starts immediately when you press the pad. The behavior of the pads changes when you activate FLUX mode. While FLUX is deactivat- ed, the loop will play back until you press that pad again.
Page 169: Freeze Button
▪ Jump forward 1 loop size (set per Deck) You can change the step sizes in TRAKTOR's S8 Preferences: Preferences:> Traktor Kontrol S8 > Loop Mode Sizes > Beatjump. For more information, see the TRAKTOR manual. ▪ If Quantize is activated, TRAKTOR waits for the next beat before jumping.
Page 170 Adjust the size of the Freeze slices by pressing and holding the FREEZE button and then ► turning the Loop encoder. The waveform in the display adjusts its zoom level accordingly. You can vary slice sizes between 1/4 beat and 4 beats. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 170...
Page 171: Remix Button
→ If the Deck set as capture source is empty, S8's display shows Error while copying in the Deck header. For more detailed information on capturing samples, refer to section ↑4.2.6, CAPTURE Button. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 171...
Page 172: Loop Encoder
4.2.5 EDIT Button EDIT button adjusts a track's Beat Grid. The TRAKTOR software can analyze your music and apply a Beat Grid which allows automatic beat-matching and synchronization. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 172...
Page 173: Capture Button
The capture size is determined by the source Deck's loop size setting. 4.2.7 Display Area On the S8's graphic color displays, some functionality is dynamically shown or hidden by means of the Display buttons adjacent to the display. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 173...
Page 174 (4) Display Buttons: The function of these four buttons depends on context - whether the dis- play is currently showing a Track Deck, Remix Deck or Beat Grid Edit. Refer to section ↑4.2.7.3, Display Buttons for further information. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 174...
Page 175: S8'S Deck View
▪ The right display provides feedback about Decks and D. Every active TRAKTOR Deck is either a Track Deck, Remix Deck or Live Input Deck. If a mixer channel is set to Thru mode on S8, the corresponding TRAKTOR Deck is set to Thru mode, as well.
Page 176 ▪ (1) Artwork, Artist name and Song title. ▪ (2) Loop size: From 1/32 - 32 beats. ▪ (3) Playhead position: time played and time remaining. ▪ (4) Deck tempo in BPM. ▪ (5) Deck Focus: Deck - D. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 176...
Page 177 A Remix Deck view on S8 provides information about: ▪ (1) Artwork graphic, Artist name and Set title. ▪ (2) Loop size: from 1/32 - 32 beats. ▪ (3) Quantize Value. ▪ (4) Deck tempo in BPM. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 177...
Page 178: View Button
S8's rear panel allows you to connect microphones, turntables, or CD players. You can route these audio signals into the TRAKTOR software and mix them with your other Decks by setting a Deck to Live Input mode. In this mode, S8's display reads...
Page 179: Display Buttons
Whenever you open a pop-up from a Deck view (e.g. FX Selection Menu, Browser, BPM, or KEY), the View button starts flashing. Press the View button to close the pop-up. 4.2.7.3 Display Buttons These buttons provide different functionality depending on the view you're working in. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 179...
Page 180 ▪ (4) Display Button 4: Press this button to zoom out of the waveform. Remix Deck View ▪ (1) Display Button 1: Press this button to open the pop-up. Then turn the BROWSE encoder to adjust the BPM. Exit the pop-up by pressing the View button. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 180...
Page 181: Settings Button
Within the settings, you can adjust the screens' color rendition (saturation of RED, GREEN BLUE colors), as well as the screen's BRIGHTNESS. Turn the Performance knobs beneath the display to adjust the parameters. ► TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 181...
Page 182 When in the Settings, press the lower left-hand Display Button twice to switch to the TOUCH settings. Turn the Performance knobs underneath the display to increase or decrease global touch sensitivity for different kinds of controls: ENCODERS, ENDLESS KNOBS, KNOBS, and FADERS. Touch Settings View TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 182...
Page 183: Performance Mode Button
(FILTER, PITCH, SEND), press one of the buttons. If you activate 4 FX Units in TRAKTOR's preferences, the Performance Mode buttons can control FX Units 3 and 4. This shows up as a fourth parameter option. For more informa- tion about using FX units 3 and 4, refer to section ↑4.3.4, Using Four FX...
Page 184: Back Button
FX Unit configuration screen. You can configure the Browse encoder to open the Browser on touch. To do so, activate the Auto Open Browser on Touch option in TRAKTOR's Traktor Kontrol S8 Preferences. 4.2.7.7 BACK Button...
Page 185 Turn the knob to the left for a low-pass filter, turn it to the right for a high-pass filter. You've applied a Filter per Remix slot, modulate it to create build-ups or just leave it stat- → ic as an effect. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 185...
Page 186: Slot Volume Faders
The Performance Controls work even if the Remix Deck isn't focused. If you set up TRAKTOR with 4 FX Units, the Performance knobs and buttons in Deck A control FX Unit 3, those in Deck B control FX Unit 4. By default, they have no function for Track Decks.
Page 187: Pads
During playback, press an inactive pad to set a cue point. The button lights up and the cue point is automatically assigned to this pad. Press that pad again. Playback will jump back to the cue point you just defined. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 187...
Page 188 In Loop mode, pressing a pad instantly loops playback for the number of bars set as Loop Mode Size in Preferences > Traktor Kontrol S8 > Loop Mode Sizes > Loop. These values are by default: ▪ 1/8 Bar ▪ 1/4 Bar ▪...
Page 189: Touch Strip
For Track- and Remix Decks, the LEDs work as a Beat Phase Meter, showing the focused Deck's beat offset from the MASTER Deck. This is the same meter as displayed in TRAKTOR's Deck. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 189...
Page 190: 4.2.11.2 Touch Strip Functions
Just like in TRAKTOR's Decks, if the bar points to the right, the Deck is ahead, if it points to the left, it's behind the MASTER. So if the Deck is ahead of the MASTER, swipe to the left to slow down playback, so the MASTER can 'catch up'.
Page 191 Touch Strip. To simulate the behavior of a turntable, the swiping motion translates to move- ment of the playhead within the track. TRAKTOR plays back what's under the playhead, which is why the speeding up and slowing down of that motion produce similar results to using an LP and turntable.
Page 192 To move the playhead all the way to the end of the track, swipe all the way to the right. ► Note that when you release the SHIFT button, the Touch Strip will revert back to nudging and scratching. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 192...
Page 193: 4.2.11.3 Customization Options
Hardware Reference The Deck 4.2.11.3 Customization Options This chapter details the Touch Strip's options in TRAKTOR's Preferences. Direction of Scratching If you didn't learn scratching with LPs and turntables, you may find inversing the Touch Strip's direction more intuitive. If you select this option, swiping to the right on the Touch Strip will move forward in the track's waveform.
Page 194 The Deck Direction of Tempo Bending In TRAKTOR's default setting, swiping your finger on the Touch Strip has a similar effect to speeding up or slowing down an LP with your hand: ▪ Move to the left to speed up the LP.
Page 195: Transport Controls
Kontrol S8>Touchstrip. 4.2.12 Transport Controls The Transport buttons control playback of S8's Decks. These controls only relate to TRAKTOR mode, they have no function when the S8 is used as a stand-alone device. PLAY Button PLAY button starts/stops the playback of a Deck.
Page 196 Swiping your finger across the corresponding Touch Strip to re-align the beat phase. ► Pressing the SYNC button twice to snap back into SYNC with the Tempo Master. ► For further information about Deck SYNC MASTER Deck assignment, refer to section ↑4.4.2.4, TEMPO Encoder. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 196...
Page 197: The Fx Unit
The FX Unit Above the Decks, the S8 features two FX Units with four knobs and buttons each, which can be assigned to any of the Decks. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 197...
Page 198: Fx Unit Overview
Touch any of them to open the FX drop-down menu that provides an overview of the effect(s) loaded along with control assignments and pa- rameter values. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 198...
Page 199 ▪ Single Mode: select one effect; the FX knobs let you control up to 4 parameters. ▪ Group Mode: select up to three effects as an effects chain; the FX knobs let you control one parameter per effect. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 199...
Page 200: Fx Select Button
FX 2 on the right one. FX SELECT Button This menu stays on the display until the FX SELECT button is pressed again. When disengag- ed, the FX SELECT button is dim. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 200...
Page 201: Fx Unit Assignment
4.3.4 Using Four FX Units By default, TRAKTOR is set up with two FX Units. In order to use all four of TRAKTOR'S FX Units, you need to change the following setting: In TRAKTOR's Preferences, select Effects>FX Unit Routing>4 FX Units.
Page 202 FX Units 1 and 2. Controls for 4 FX Units (1) FX Units 1 and 2 are available in any configuration; they work as described in chapter 1.3.1 TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 202...
Page 203 Overview of FX Unit 3's Controls Once activated in the Preferences, FX Units 3 and 4 work very much like FX Units 1 and 2. Here, S8 offers four knobs and four buttons per FX Unit, too. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 203...
Page 204 FX Settings, press ON Button 1 to access the FX Unit Settings. Here, you can set up the FX Unit to either work in Single mode or Group mode. ▪ Single Mode: select one effect; the Performance knobs let you control up to four parame- ters. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 204...
Page 205: The Mixer
Control the 3rd effect in the FX Unit. The Mixer This is a brief overview of the mixer's layout, its function and operation. After that, the detailed hardware reference explains each and every component found in S8's mixer section. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 205...
Page 206 Decks at the center and close to the Main section and Crossfader. ▪ Each channel receives its input signal from TRAKTOR's corresponding virtual Deck or, al- ternatively, from an external source (e.g. turntables, CD players, or a microphone) via the inputs on S8's rear panel.
Page 207: Mixer Channel
▪ Also in the Mixer's Main section, you can set the global TEMPO and turn on/off Snap and Quantize 4.4.1 Mixer Channel All mixer channels are laid out identically. Let's have a look at one of them. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 207...
Page 208 (1) GAIN knob: controls the level directly after the channel input so you can adjust the relative levels between Decks. (2) TRAKTOR button: switches between TRAKTOR mode and Direct Thru mode per channel. For more details about Direct Thru Mode, refer to ↑4.4.1.2, TRAKTOR...
Page 209: Gain Knob
The Mixer (3) FX Assign buttons: assign a channel to an FX Unit. A channel can only be assigned to an FX Unit when it's in TRAKTOR mode (indicated by the TRAKTOR button lighting up bright or- ange). (4) Input level meter: each channel has a dedicated Input level meter that displays the signal level before the channel fader.
Page 210: Traktor Button
If you're using the S8 without a computer connected, as a stand-alone mixer, the TRAKTOR buttons are off. Since you can still assign microphones to any of the channels, pressing the TRAKTOR button makes it light up bright green to indicate that the channel's audio is now be- ing received from the microphone input.
Page 211: Eq Knobs
If you activate both FX assign buttons, your track will first run through FX1, then FX2. TRAKTOR's FX only work if a channel is set to TRAKTOR mode. If you need to run an exter- nal device through TRAKTOR's FX, set it to TRAKTOR mode and choose the...
Page 212: Channel Fader
At the center position, the knobs have a detent, marking the position where no tonal change occurs. S8's internal EQ sounds identical to the Z ISO which is the default in the TRAKTOR soft- ware. TRAKTOR provides you with various types of EQ, each of them with its own “personality.”...
Page 213: Channel Meter
P.A. even if you don't push the input as hard as you can. 4.4.1.7 FILTER Button and FILTER Knob FILTER button is an on/off switch for the on board dual-mode filter. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 213...
Page 214: Cue Button
TRAKTOR provides you with different types of dual-mode filters. You can choose the filter type in the Preferences > Mixer > Filter Selection. For more info, please refer to the TRAK- TOR 2 Manual.
Page 215: Mixer Main Section
Using Headphones to Prepare the Mix. 4.4.2 Mixer Main Section This chapter gives a brief overview of the Mixer's Main section first and then an explanation of every control element. Mixer Main Section Details TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 215...
Page 216: Crossfader
▪ (5) BOOTH knob: controls overall volume of the signal being sent to the BOOTH OUT. ▪ (6) GLOBAL section: allows you to enable and disable TRAKTOR's Snap and Quantize func- tions. ▪ (7) MIC assignment buttons: allow you to assign microphone inputs to mixer channels.
Page 217: Cue Vol Knob
4.4.2.3 CUE MIX Knob CUE MIX knob determines whether you hear the main mix only, the cue channel only, or a mix of both signals in your headphones. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 217...
Page 218: Tempo Encoder
4.4.2.4 TEMPO Encoder The central TEMPO knob controls TRAKTOR's Tempo Master in BPM. All synced Decks automati- cally follow tempo changes. TEMPO Encoder The TEMPO encoder changes tempo in increments of .01 BPM. Hold SHIFT to change in increments of 1 BPM.
Page 219: Booth Knob
Deck or are synced to MASTER, S8 displays MASTER CLOCK BPM. If the Deck in focus is not in sync with TRAKTOR's Master Clock, the overlay shows the Track Deck's or Remix Deck's individual BPM. The BPM overlay can only be accessed on Track- or Remix Decks.
Page 220: Global Section
(Hotcues, Beatjumps, etc.) are beat-accurate. If you trigger a jump before a beat, TRAKTOR delays the action so that the effect occurs on the beat. This way, your track always stays in sync, allowing a perfect real-time remixing.
Page 221: Mic 1 And 2 Buttons
2) button to activate the connected microphone. In response, the ► button and the assigned channel's TRAKTOR button light up bright green when enabled. If the microphone can't be activated in the assigned channel, the TRAKTOR and MIC ► buttons flash alternately.
Page 222: Main Knob
CD players. Rear Panel Sections (1) MAIN OUT: connects to the main P.A.. (2) BOOTH OUT: connects to a second pair of speakers, typically for use on stage. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 222...
Page 223: Main Out
(Ground post): When using a turntable, attach its ground lead here to avoid hum. (5) MIC inputs: run up to two microphones through TRAKTOR or S8's mixer. (6) Kensington lock slot: Attach your Kensington lock here to protect your device against theft.
Page 224: Booth Out
This section contains: ▪ (1) LINE/PHONO switch: depending on the device you connect, set this switch to or PH. Turntables usually require PH, all line level audio sources LN. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 224...
Page 225: Mic Input Section
(2) MIC 2 input (balanced TRS): connect your microphone to this input via either XLR or bal- anced 6.3mm (or 1/4-inch) connector. For more information on connecting a microphone and setting up your S8 accordingly, refer to section ↑5.6, Connecting Microphones. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 225...
Page 226: Kensington Lock Slot
Use a Kensington-slot compatible lock to lock your S8 to a heavy object like a table to prevent theft. 4.5.6 MIDI Connectors MIDI Connectors Connect external MIDI devices for sync. 4.5.7 USB Connector USB Connector TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 226...
Page 227: Power Section
USB 3 ports and protocol. Due to the large amounts of data transmitted to the TRAKTOR KONTROL S8, it may not work properly when connected to a USB hub. Make sure to connect S8 directly to a USB port on your computer if possible.
Page 228: The Front Panel
(3) PHONES Section. connect headphones here. 4.6.1 Crossfader Assign Switches Crossfader Assign Switches Each channel can be assigned to either the left or right side of the Crossfader. The center posi- tion (THRU) bypasses it altogether. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 228...
Page 229: Phones Section
(2) Large Headphone Jack: Connect 6.3 mm (1/4-inch) stereo headphone plugs. Adjust the Headphone levels with the CUE VOL knob on S8's top panel. 4.6.3 Crossfader Curve Knob XF CURVE Knob This knob changes the crossfader curve. Different scenarios require different curves: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 229...
Page 230 You can also customize the fading curve of the Crossfader in Preferences > Mixer > Cross- fader. Refer to the TRAKTOR 2 Manual for more info. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 230...
Page 231: Common Setups
Connecting Turntables Common Setups In addition to being a fully integrated TRAKTOR controller and audio interface, S8 can work in a mixed setup with turntables or CD players and can even serve as a pure 4-channel DJ mixer without any connection to TRAKTOR.
Page 232 Common Setups Connecting Turntables Connect your turntables to any of the Line/Phono INPUTS of channels – on the rear panel of the S8 using a stereo RCA cable. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 232...
Page 233 If you want to use your turntables with the S8 as stand-alone DJ mixer, refer to section ↑5.5, Using Your S8 as a Stand-alone DJ Mixer. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 233...
Page 234: Connecting Cd Players
Connect your CD players to any of the Line/Phono INPUTS of channels – on the rear panel of the S8 using a stereo RCA cable. Set the respective channel's LINE/PHONO switch to LN. The CD players are ready for use. → TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 234...
Page 235: Integrating External Audio Sources In Your Traktor Workflow
Integrating External Audio Sources in your TRAKTOR Workflow With turntables or CD players connected to a channel, you can either route them through TRAKTOR in order to add FX via a Live Input Deck, or mix them directly in S8's mixer in Direct Thru mode.
Page 236 Common Setups Integrating External Sources as TIMECODE Controls For the designated SCRATCH Decks, press the TRAKTOR buttons on the S8 to enable TRAKTOR mode. This is essential to engage SCRATCH Control. In the TRAKTOR software, click on the downwards pointing arrow below the deck letter.
Page 237: Final Preparations With Cd Players
Switch on your amplification system or active speakers. Start TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2 on your computer. For the designated SCRATCH Decks, press the TRAKTOR buttons on the S8 to enable TRAKTOR mode. This is essential to engage SCRATCH Control. In the TRAKTOR software, click on the downwards pointing arrow below the deck letter.
Page 238: Successful Calibration
5.4.3 Successful Calibration TRAKTOR detects which Timecode medium you are using, verifies the signal quality, and if the signal quality is adequate completes the calibration phase. From then on, the software platters will rotate at the speed of the turntables; and the motion of the record will be followed exactly.
Page 239 (4) The status information at the bottom in the center. In addition, the CALIBRATE button resets Timecode calibration. This is executed automatically when starting TRAKTOR. Successful calibration using a Control MK2 CD TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 239...
Page 240: Using Your S8 As A Stand-Alone Dj Mixer
If you wish to use a mixed setup of one turntable and one CD player, simply connect them as explained above. Remember to ensure that the LINE/PHONO switches are set according- ly, and your chosen mixer channels have their TRAKTOR buttons illuminated bright orange —to indicate they are set to TRAKTOR mode.
Page 241: Connecting Microphones
TRAKTOR's internal FX. For connecting microphones to the S8 and assigning them to channels, read the following section.
Page 242: Checking Microphone Assignments
1 by the following action: Hold the MIC 1 button. ► Channel A and B's TRAKTOR buttons light up dim green, indicating that the MIC is as- → signable to them. Channel D's button is off, indicating the channel which MIC Input 2 is already assigned to.
Page 243: Switching Between Live Input And Direct Thru
Common Setups Connecting Microphones Hold the MIC 1 button. Channel A and B's TRAKTOR buttons light up dim green, indicating that the MIC is as- signable to them. Press channel A's TRAKTOR button. Let go the MIC 1 button. You have now assigned the MIC 1 input to channel A.
Page 244: Activating A Mic Input
S8's mixer, solving any latency issues you might have at the expense of not being able to add FX. In Direct Thru mode, TRAKTOR's FX Units don't have any effect on the signal, but the 3- band EQ and the Filter are still available.
Page 245: S8 Preferences
S8 Preferences S8 Preferences Once configured via the Setup Wizard, a dedicated pane for S8 is added to TRAKTOR's Prefer- ences window, which lets you configure the behavior of the touch controls, as well as overall LED brightness for the back-lit buttons and the Loop and Beatjump Sizes assigned to each Deck's pads.
Page 246: Restore Default
Setup Wizard. Touch Controls Due to a number of controls being sensitive to touch, TRAKTOR lets you decide if you prefer to activate their respective functions at the press of a button or at the touch of the corresponding control.
Page 247: Touchstrip
Faders: for recalibrating the Slot Volume Faders. ▪ Mixer Knobs: for recalibrating EQ (HI, MID, LOW) and FILTER knobs. ▪ Mixer Fader: for recalibrating the channel faders. ▪ ▪ Crossfader: for recalibrating the Crossfader. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 247...
Page 248: Leds
▪ Beatjump: For each of the four lower pads you can select a Beatjump size of: - LOOP, - 32, - 16, - 8, - 4, - 2, - 1, -/2, -/4, -/8, -/16, +/16, +/8, +/4, +/2, +1, +2, +4, +8, + 16, + 32, +LOOP. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 248...
Page 249: The S8 Audio Interface And Control Panel
Now increase the value again until the crackling disappears. Settings on Windows: The Control Panel With Windows, access the settings for the TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 audio interface via the TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 Control Panel application. The Control Panel was installed along with the S8 drivers during the TRAKTOR installation procedure.
Page 250: Opening The Control Panel
TROL S8 > TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 Control Panel. If you cannot find the Control Panel, the driver is most likely not installed at all. In this case, please re-install the latest version of TRAKTOR and make sure the S8 driver is selected for in- stallation.
Page 251 CPU and may lead to audio drop-outs. Find the best bal- ance by setting Latency high, starting playback and lowering it until you encounter the first audible crackles and pops. Now increase the value again until the crackling disappears. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 251...
Page 252: Diagnostics Pane
This information can be helpful to see the results of Process Buffer value adjustments and may help troubleshooting in case you need to contact our technical support. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 252...
Page 253 Maximum Latency. ▪ Information: displays information on Driver and Firmware Version. There is also a button to open the Troubleshooting Guide here. Drop-Out Detection Section This section provides data for troubleshooting: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 253...
Page 254 ▪ Stop: pauses the measurement process. Click again to continue measurement. Information Section Information provides information about whether or not your driver and firmware are up to date. Driver Version: See the currently installed driver version here. ▪ TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 254...
Page 255: Using The S8 Audio Interface With Other Music Applications
Using the S8 Audio Interface with Other Music Applications The use of the S8’s on-board audio interface is not limited to TRAKTOR, you can use it with any other music application installed on your computer. To do this, you need to configure your music applications accordingly.
Page 256 TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 in the Play alerts and sound effects through menu. Click the Output tab, and select TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 from the Select a device for sound output list. Click the Input tab, and select TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 from the...
Page 257: Troubleshooting - Getting Help
▪ Try to rename the file collection.nml in the TRAKTOR 2 Root folder and restart TRAKTOR. This way, TRAKTOR will create a blank Collection. Re-import the renamed .nml file to re- store your Collection.
Page 258: Traktor Has Performance Issues
▪ Increase the Process Buffer value in TRAKTOR'S Preferences > Audio Setup > Settings. ▪ If possible, don't run the laptop on battery power, as the computer's power management will dynamically adjust the clock rate of the CPU in order to conserve battery.
Page 259: Updates
You can reach the Knowl- edge Base via: http://www.native-instruments.com/knowledge You can also access the Knowledge Base directly from TRAKTOR by selecting Visit Online Knowledge Base from the Help menu in the Application Menu Bar or from the Help submenu in the TRAKTOR menu.
Page 260: Technical Support
The version number of your software is displayed in the TRAKTOR splash screen you see when the application launches. Since this may close too quickly, the same splash screen can be opened by clicking the TRAKTOR logo in the upper right corner of the user inter- face.
Page 261 If you’re encountering an issue that can’t be solved by other users, contact Native Instruments’ Technical Support team via the online support as de- scribed above. You can reach the User Forum via: http://www.native-instruments.com/forum TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 261...
Page 262: Technical Specification
▪ K: One Kensington lock slot ▪ USB: One USB 2.0 Type B connector ▪ POWER: One power supply connector Audio Specifications Audio Inputs (A/D) Channels 4 Stereo Sample Rate 48 kHz Bit Resolution 24-bit Converter Cirrus Logic TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 262...
Page 263 DNR (a-weighted) @ 1 kHz 84 dB THD+N @ 1 kHz 0.002% Crosstalk @ 1kHz -105 dB Audio Outputs (D/A) Channels 2 Stereo Sample Rate 48 kHz Bit Resolution 24-bit Converter Cirrus Logic TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 263...
Page 264 109 dB THD+N @ 1kHz 0.07 % Frequency response ±1 dB 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.2 dB) Crosstalk @ 1kHz -63 dB Power Supply ▪ Input: 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz, 1.5A ▪ Output: 15VDC, 2660mA TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 264...
Page 265 ▪ Operating temperature: +5 to +35 °C (41 to 95 °F), max 85% non-condensing humidity ▪ Storage temperature: 0 to 40 °C (32 to 104 °F), max 85% non-condensing humidity Do not install this unit in locations exposed to high humidity or direct sunlight. TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 - Manual - 265...

Traktor Kontrol S8 Manual

1 Welcome to the World of TRAKTOR KONTROL S8

2 Using Your S8-Getting Started

3 Using Your S8-Getting Advanced

4 Hardware Reference

5 Common Setups

6 S8 Preferences

7 The S8 Audio Interface and Control Panel

8 Troubleshooting - Getting Help

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Summary of Contents for Traktor Kontrol S8