Scratching with Traktor

**DJ Malax** · 11-10-2014, 02:54 PM

So I took a long break from mixing to focus on school (didn't really focus too much but it's w/e) and i've been getting back into it cause I just miss it. I use to do a lot of EDM/house mixes, swapping basses into vocal outros and stuff like that, simple transitions. I've always had an interest in hip-hop/rap mixing and I know a lot of the basics, filter in highs swap the basses on the outro etc. But I've been really curious in scratching just to add it to my techniques. I have an older Traktor S2 with Traktor Pro 2 and was wondering if anyone knows if there are certain settings I should alter to aide in learning how to scratch. I know I should adjust the fader sharpness but I feel that the platters and wave forms aren't responsive enough to get that actual scratch sound. Maybe it's just my technique but I was hoping someone on here has some experience with scratching on a digital controller or knows of where I can go to learn how to get better at scratching.

Thanks guys

**MaxOne** · 11-10-2014, 06:35 PM

Google "scratching on a controller digital Dj tips" they got tuts

**dayvue** · 11-11-2014, 10:47 AM

For me, one of the most difficult aspects of scratching on a controller is the lack of a position indicator. While CDJs and control vinyl have this, the only controller with anything like that is the VCI-380. The S2 has very tight software-to-jogwheel integration, so you should be able to do chirps, transforms, and crabs easily enough. Orbits, flares, and tears will be much more difficult, as they require better platter-control, and the jogs on the S2 probably aren't big enough to get good platter resolution.

I learned to DJ (and started scratching) on controllers, but upgraded to a DVS system once I realized that I wanted to scratch (and had earned enough money).

**Scalage** · 11-11-2014, 10:53 AM

You can simply use hocues as visual markers on the screen, but that's about it. If you don't have screens on the jogs like the DDJ-SX has you'll have to look at your laptop screen. But don't get an SX for scratching in Traktor as it doesn't really have the tight jogwheels like the S2/S4 has. This is by the way broken in Traktor and has nothing to do with the SX.

**grabme** · 11-11-2014, 01:44 PM

Using a Denon SC2000 and have no issues. I've just got back into scratching after quitting 20 odd yrs ago when I had Technics but I am very impressed with the Denons as it saves me tearing up my vinyl. In fact its a lot easier using the controllers in a way as there is none of the drag of a real turntable so a much lighter touch.

I am learning some of the newer techniques but haven't had any issues using a controller over a turntable so far and have tried most scratches. The only issue I think you might have is with beat juggling but maybe a sticker would be fine.

I've heard the Traktor controllers are very accurate so maybe they are better that the Denons but I must say, I'm not sure how you could improve on the Denons.