Traktor Pro Anouncement

[Fatlimey]

From the Native Instruments mailshot:

Dear Traktor user,

On behalf of the Traktor team, I am happy to introduce the
next generation of our DJ technology to you today - called
TRAKTOR PRO. The "Pro" stands for "professional", and in
fact the new Traktor makes some important steps forward
that I would like to explain to you.

After many years of development history, starting with the
release of the very first Traktor version in 2001, we have
come a long way in the technological evolution of DJ gear.
Specifically, DJ software has developed from a "geek tool"
to a standard platform for DJs of all styles and
experience levels. Something that we were especially proud
of is that around one fourth of all DJs in the current "DJ
Mag Top 100" are now using Traktor Scratch and/or Traktor
3 as their main DJ tool.

The new Traktor generation that we are announcing today
was designed to take this paradigm shift into account, and
to push DJ technology forward even further. On November
1st, Traktor 3 and Traktor Scratch will be succeeded by
Traktor Pro and Traktor Scratch Pro, with both product
versions now based on the same new Traktor Pro software.

Traktor Pro was designed with a strong focus on a
professional DJ approach - for playing out live in a
performance environment. The new version brings many
additions, refinements and changes to the software you
know. Our central aim was to improve Traktor in a way that
supports and inspires you on the actual creative act of
DJing in the best possible way, and that reduces all the
associated maintenance and preparation effort as much as
possible.

For Traktor Pro, we have strongly optimized the user
interface and given it a much clearer look and a very
logical, intuitive layout. We have also "supercharged" the
effect capabilities of Traktor, an area that we know is
very important for many users. Other major areas of
improvement include looping and cueing, beatgridding, sync
features, browser and database handling, and MIDI control
- please check our website for detailed info.

Redesigning the interface for the new Traktor generation
also allowed us to integrate the timecode functionality in
a more efficient way. You will find that the related
functions in Traktor Scratch Pro are integrated
seamlessly, from the improved timecode scopes within the
decks to the convenient handling of the timecode signal
calibration.

The workflow improvements in Traktor Pro are based on many
months of conceptual research and usability tests, and of
course on the huge amount of constructive feedback that we
have received from the user community. Some changes might
require you to adapt and even relearn certain ways of
handling loops, cue points and effect controls.
Ultimately, we are confident that you will find the new
way of doing things in Traktor Pro very inspiring and
convenient.

To make Traktor Pro as efficient and reliable as possible,
we have also removed some aspects of the previous Traktor
version that are less relevant within the focus on a
performance application.

In favor of a more compact application, there is no longer
an integrated music store in the Traktor software.
Instead, Beatport will start to include Traktor metadata
with all their new releases in 2009. Beatport also now
offers a special download application that comes with the
same convenient download features that we first
established in Traktor.

There is also no "Native Mix recording" in Traktor Pro
because we gave priority to other aspects of the new
version. You can of course still record your set as an
audio file straight to hard disk. We plan to add mix data
recording functionality to Traktor Pro at some point in
the future.

We will release Traktor Pro and Traktor Scratch Pro on
November 1st. Of course, the development does not stop at
this point. We have many further improvements planned, and
you can expect them to be introduced via free feature
updates in the future.

You can find all details of the new Traktor generation,
including tutorial videos and info on the update pricing,
on
-> http://www.listentopro.com

Thanks for using Traktor!

Friedemann Becker Senior Product Designer / DJ Division

P.S. We always appreciate hearing your feedback on
Traktor! Because this email goes to thousands of Traktor
users, we cannot individually respond to every single
reply that we receive. However, all messages will be read
carefully.

[kidfromkibbly]

Interesting.

The new/improved auto beat grid functionality mentioned in the blog piece - will this mean a new, more accurate algorithm for detecting beats?

[DvlsAdvct]

I just saw Ean's post so mine is kinda redundant...

BUT IT'S FREE! well, for me anyways

[Flaekiface]

Looking really good! Am very pleased with the changes revealed so far. This suddenly made me look very much forward to November

[Krilikz]

Gah! another 120$.... Im a little hesitant , especially now that my firmware is updated and we got some sick Midi mappings.

Though i probably will eventually get it, cause it looks sick, and iv always wanted multiple effects. Maybe now ill never make the move into ableton?

[Chilly]

Ean (and anyone else who may have the product),

Will you field any questions from us in regards to this new version?

Thanks.

[Flaekiface]

I actually think that people should stop crying about the money. No one is forcing you to by it. You can just stay with Traktor 3.4 if you dont want to pay the price. And ofcause a huge upgrade like this is not for free considering the many many work hours that went into the development.

[DvlsAdvct]

I don't think anyone's saying they will download a crack or anything. Just saying they don't want to pay it.

I don't think it's worth being chided :-)

Anyways, free for me!

[subVert]

This is perfect timing for me. I have owned Traktor for a few years, but I have never done a gig with it because I'm just too comfortable with my PCDJ+DAC2 controller.

I was planning to switch in the next two months and I've already got a VCI-100 and a new laptop, so I'll be jumping right on board and if I get enough practice in (and don't hit any glitches) then I'll make the switch in January.

[B33SON]

Oh thank god they came out with the "Pro" version. Now we can all upgrade from Traktor Amateur.


Anyhow, the new effects unit looks promising. I hope they finally added a better Midi mapping interface. How about: click on the GUI and touch your controller = Mapped. Ever heard of Ableton?