What I have learned about Traktor & S4

[KILLMeDJ]

It's been 2 weeks now since I switched from my NS7 FX with Itch to Traktor S4.
10 gigs later and I have this to say:

Traktor sync only works with machine made music that keeps constant tempo.
There is no magic Ableton type markers that can be employed.
Once you realise this life becomes simpler.
Granted you can grid certain sections of a track that has tempo variances,
but good luck syncing it.

In my opinion Traktor was never designed for Non-Machine based music period.

Has this been a bad thing?
No. and here's why.

When I gigged with Serato scratch or Itch I would often buy tunes on line and barely listen to them before I played them. Because of the side by side wave forms in Serato it was very easy to see (and hear of course) that the tracks were in sync.

But the downside was my track knowledge was pretty lame, especially bad if you had 2 or 3 remixes of a popular tune, and you couldn't remember which one was the most abrasive dubstep mix of all time!!!

Now because Traktor works best when you take the time to set grids and cue points in advance. AND LOCK THEM IN PLACE! (Sorry for yelling but when you forget, it really sux!)

You end up knowing your music better,
And in my opinion I've become a better DJ because of it.
I know instinctively now what to play and what will work because I know exactly what the tracks i have do!

To some extent I'm admitting I had a bad work ethic, and I did!
Until I was forced to grid and prepare anything I need to play in Traktor!
That included making a bunch of disco edits in Ableton so that they would grid properly in Traktor! (BTW if anyone wants these PM me and I'll get them to you)

So in closing:
Was the switch a pain in the ass?
Yes!
Was it worth it?
YES!

Rambling post over and out.

[jezalenko]

Moral of the story? USE YOUR EARS!!!

It can actually be a lot more fun! I spend yesterday spinning on CDJs with some friends, none of the Traktor trickery. And it's awesome fun!

I should turn off the phase meter more often...

[KILLMeDJ]

Yup the "Use your ears" school of Djing still the best and has served me well for more than 15 years.
And back in the day when I could only afford 5 records a week (more like 2 or 3 most weeks) I'd know the tunes inside out before even buying them!
In this internet culture we live in I'll sometimes buy 20-30 tracks a week!!

Any hooo, it's all about your ears as always, and your taste!
The other stuff is just the icing.

Peace

[JonathanBlake]

A nice perspective KMD.

[frijec]

What are the disco edits of?

[Liambo]

Moral of the story? USE YOUR EARS!!!

+1

It can actually be a lot more fun! I spend yesterday spinning on CDJs with some friends, none of the Traktor trickery. And it's awesome fun!

I did similar but back to vinyl the other day and have spent about 4 days on vinyl and haven't touched a CD or Timecode since.. Love it!

I am a vinyl purist but moving on with times also, so it is good to see that you struggled with the switch over but have got it down and its working for you!

[KILLMeDJ]

Yeah It's all good, kinda misinterpreted how the grid worked, but all sorted now.
I have to say I was never really a vinyl purest as I adopted digital right from the begining.
Starting on the first version of Traktor and Stanton Scratch.
Then Serato up until now.
That being said:
Nothing feels as good as playing a real record, and the sound can't be matched! Any Mr Scruff gig will attest to that!
But I'm a digital guy and the S4 is perfect for me!
All the best.

[KILLMeDJ]

What are the disco edits of?

It;s actually a bit of a grab bag of my edits and a few various early evening tunes that are a bit hard to grid.
I made a few 122 BPM disco edits for early evening sets where people are just walking in and I'm just getting into my groove.
Anyhow here's the link:
https://rcpt.yousendit.com/119544621...df925045c4bee7
Hope you find something useful in there
all the best