Novation controller with Traktor problems setting up.
Good day everyone.
I hope someone will be willing to try helping me with this issue:
I’ve just gotten a Novation 25SL MK2 and would like to control my Traktor Scratch Pro with it, versus buying a separate controller. I’ve downloaded a midi mapping, from another site, link is here: http://www.traktorbible.com/freaks/mappingone.aspx?id=124
And I read that my Windows 8 laptop may not have built in midi capability, so I downloaded LoopBe1 thinking that would help.
Here is the issue:
I expected to be able to install the mapping, load it in Traktor, and have it all work nice and tidy. In the controller set up part or Traktor’s preferences I chose the TSI file but wasn’t sure what midi in and out ports to choose, so I’ve gone thru a bunch of combinations. None of which allowed me to turn a knob and have it turn on the screen.
Also, upon exiting the set up in Traktor the midi mapping selection to the novation reverts back to “generic keyboard”, like there is no way to save the mapping in Traktor.
I am new to midi and not very patient with figuring things like this out, plus my lunch break is over, so I’m on my way out to have a grit and hope someone will chime in with a something more than a “send all your gear to me instead, you f%^&ing hack”
Stewe,
Thank you for your reply.
No, I have not done so, but that said, I wouldn’t know how to check anyhow. Frankly, it’s the only premade mapping I found for my Novation unit. I don’t need to use it; I am more than happy to make my own. But then of course, the main problem is that I don’t know how to get Traktor to accept the set up of the novation.
Kurt
Always love to see when someone is looking for the help with controller mapping that doesn’t exist on the Web. Would be great if we can get your controller working with Traktor and then make a mapping to upload for everybody.
Try this steps:
Install Windows drivers and plug the unit via USB.
Open Traktor and navigate to the Controller Manager.
Under “Device Menu” delete all existing mappings (if any).
Under “Device Menu” choose to ADD a new Generic Device (empty mapping template)
Check MIDI PORTS they are located at upper right corner of your Controller Manager. Set both In-Port and Out-Port to your Novation controller. This is how Traktor knows which individual mapping device it talking to him. You can import different mappings and then switch them on and off by selecting “None”.
Play some keys to see if MIDI is going - in Traktor’s header should be little blue dot blinking showing you signals for both Note ON and Note OFF message.
If you can get this all set then it’s all good for mapping.
Stewe,
Thank you…ok, I will do these things after work.
For now, let me ask, do I need that LoopBe1 midi “interface” or whatever on my laptop? If not, then I will get rid of it to eliminate another possible roadblock to this working.
As for that virtual midi cable, I don’t think that’s necessary if you’re sending MIDI via USB connection. Windows should recognize your controller’s MIDI interface when you install a driver. Then you would be able to see your controller recognized in Traktor.
That’s cool!
Next thing you want to determine is how many Decks do you wish to control with this mapping. Some words on the concept? all-in-one? deck+mixer? full mixer(with EQ) and deck with no FX? Shift buttons and layers? - I’d use those encoders in the left for as many controls as possible via basic modifier settings.
This is important part: Since I don’t have this controller to test on my own I need you to check how many MIDI mappable controls do we have to work with.
Add a first command to the mapping by using “Add In” button. (this group of commands will take care of all necessary signals that we need to send from the controller in to the Traktor - we will use “Add Out” option later on to try get LED’s to work)
This can be any command from the menu, we need it only to test all keys, buttons and knobs. You can delete it afterwards.
Enable “LEARN” button to activate the mapping mode and write down the MIDI Note or CC information for each individual control available for mapping. Traktor will read all those inputs and translate them for you. You can see the result for each individual button/knob displayed in the little slot right next to your Learn button in the Controller Manager.
With this bit of information added, there should be all set.
Stewe,
Ok, i will start with my intentions. I still use timecode vinyl and an analogue mixer (vestax pmc-25) so i play digital tracks along with records. I have only been using Traktor as a way of playing digital since i am not buying records anymore. Not having a controller, i have not used the effects etc.
What i would like to do is control two decks, the loading of tracks, effects for each deck, the gain, pan, key and filter. I’ve not used looping functions at all, but would love to, though it is a secondary priority to what i’ve already listed.
I would bet you know a lot of functionality i don’t even realize is available. I really have no interest in NOT using timecode vinyl…stuck in my old ways i guess.
I did get one function mapped. i am able to load a track into deck A using one of the buttons…but it is a dual-function one so to load a track i need to hit it twice. Still, i did get one item to do something, and for that i thank you…
I intend on taking a photo of the novation and writing a CC map of everything. I tried looking for one online but couldn’t find anything. I would expect the unit to come with something like that that is printable.
Anyhow, if you have the time, do respond to let me know your thoughts so far.
Kurt
Hi Kurt,
My biggest concern was a place for mixer controls. This controller has a lot of potential for only two decks and two FX Units. Of course, if all controls are built in MIDI. I marked three sections on the controller that I think are the most interesting parts of the mapping:
(probably just start out with encoders since they have LED rings. Also need to figure out what encoder mode they accept.)
Feature Suggests:
Browser + Load Deck
Basic transport functions (Cue, Play, Sync - if you want to sync beat effects up to deck’s or master tempo, Keylock)
Looping: Set Loop; Loop Size
Beatjumps
Remix deck sample cell triggers
Two FX Units
Instant Effect Superfaders (if you don’t plan on using faders for any specific control, I can help you out and build these for you after the main part of the mapping is finalized)
Please do provide a MIDI control diagram. With that bit of info I can also send some of my ideas for testing or hunt any bugs.
As for the Load button, Did you use the “Load Selected” command?
Also does your Novation unit have some sort of midi editor app where you can configure different button types for MIDI messages??
If you have set Load command correctly you shouldn’t have and extra push to load a deck. Unless the midi controller is outputting the “toggle” type message (press once send MIDI Note ON, another press send MIDI Note OFF) since Traktor is associating the Load commands with the Note ON that could be a reason why you’re seeing that sort of behavior. If there is an Utility than try changing the button type output to “Hold” or “Gate”. Also try map different buttons and see if there will be a better results.
Stewe,
I hope this helps…see attached. Also, I hope you can read the cc #s.
First, you were right. it was an on/off toggle. i tired mapping the wet/dry to the first infinite encoder, to no avail.
I screwed around, for the first time ever, with the looping functions and really dig it…was a lot of fun when playing breaks.
so what’s next? A decent control for loading and cueing would be first, and using the effects and looping.
I should also ask: does the midi channel number matter? I want to also control Reason with this device and the instructions ive read so far say that needs to be done with channel 1 (controls), channel 2 (keyboard) and channel 3 (mixer)…so does that mean I need to use channel 4 for Traktor?
Looks great. Can you also grab the values for keys in a same way?
Cool. That makes sense. If you can’t change the button type to hold then try set a hold type command in Traktor and map it to any toggle type button on your controller. That should work as well.
See attachment. I mapped encoders based on CC’s you provided. It would be great if we can figure out encoders first because they are most complex controls.
Stewe,
I did an import with the tsi file you sent. After screwing around for a while and getting frustrated (as in, i could not get any of the three items imported to work…that isn’t blame, that’s me not understanding this stuff) i decided to delete every midi device shown and now am trying to start from scratch by deleting all of the ports as well…see attached, circled, both in and out. how is that done?
I am going to spend the rest of this evening reading the rest of the novation sl manual.
You can not delete those ports but you also don’t need to think about them as long as your mapping is properly ported to 3-SL MK2.
I see that Traktor is reading MIDI IN. Can you also see the MIDI OUT port?
Version 1.2.7
I tried the import, using that button, and got no results.
i’ve attached a photo of the controller manager as is…yes i believe the midi out is set up too.
i thank you for your efforts…i feel like a moron not being able to get this to work.
Oh, I had exported that TSI from 2.10 - you’ll need at least 2.5 to get it to work.
Is there some specific reason you’re still at 1.2.7? CPU usage? Can you eventually update to Traktor Pro 2?
I don’t really remember how all the mappings commands were assigned back then. There was a mayor regrouping in the Controller Manager that happened in 2.5.
there is no reason i haven’t upgraded. i have a new laptop as of a few months ago and it’ll run anything, i am just behind the times. so one question then: it seems there are different versions of traktor - LE 2, Pro 2, Scratch Pro 2…really, what’s the difference?
