Roland DJ-808 Traktor mapping - Questions (before I start mapping)

DJ Software & Apps Controller Mappings
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Roland DJ-808 Traktor mapping - Questions (before I start mapping)

The DDJ-SZ Traktor mapping here https://maps.djtechtools.com/mappings/2629 is working great (on the newer DDJ-SZ2 as well).
Cons:

  • The price of this unit is 2000 euro.
  • I do have it at home to test, and the above mapping working smooth, but the size of the controller itself is way too big.

I went to the music-store today and felt in love with the Roland DJ-808.
It’s around €1000, has practically the same layout as the DDJ-SZ2 + it has a native drum-computer/sequencer onboard.
With all the 909,808,707,606 (basic)sounds built-in :thumbsup:

Since there’s no Traktor-mapping out-there for this DJ-808, I probably want to create it myself.
Based on the mapping showed above.

See also attachments for comparison:
Deck-section

Mixer-section

EDIT: The DDJ-RX looks even more like the DJ-808 layout-wise, so perhaps this mapping of Paddy is a better starting-point: DJ TechTools - Paddy's DDJ-RX Traktor Mapping

I mean,
How difficult could this be?
All the stuff is in the mapping already.
It’s just a matter of changing the midi-notes to the corresponding buttons/knobs/switches of the Roland DJ-808… right?

Any advice is more than welcome!

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My own advice/to-do list so far:

  • Contacted the creator of the DDJ-SZ mapping: check.

  • Contacted the creator of Xtrememapping.com: check.

  • Bought the DDJ-SZ2 (with 60 days return policy) to test out the DDJ-SZ mapping: check.

  • Ordered the DJ-808 (with 60 days return policy) to ‘convert’ mapping to right buttons/midinotes: check.

  • Look more indepth to Xtrememapping’s opponent for PC, cmdr.codeplex.com
    (since I have both OS’s running here)

  • How many unique modifiers are been used in the DDJ-SZ mapping (consists out of 3 mappings):
    mapping 1 = 8 modifiers, mapping 2 = 8 modifiers, mapping 3 = 5 modifiers

  • Ask creator of the DDJ-RX Traktor mapping to take a look at this topic: check!

  • Ask midimapping-guru Stewe to take a look at this topic… check!

  • Ask creator of the Roland DJ-808 Rekordbox mapping to take a look at this topic… check!

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That is correct. Plug in both of units and start comparing the button notes - once you figure out entire layout go in the Controller manager and sort all mappings by “assignment” to remap them group by group.

Wish you success with that!

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@Stewe
Thanks :smiley:
I expect the DJ-808 to be delivered tonite, I’ll keep u posted how it works out!

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Reply from The creator of Xtreme mapping:
"Thanks for being interested in the app. What you have described can easily be done with Xtreme Mapping by opening multiple documents
(e.g. the two mappings you want to borrow parts of and a third empty document) and using copy/paste or even simpler drag’n’drop feature.
The way you presented your problem with the attached images and the detailed description remembered me of the enthusiasm of the early “controllerism” days and that’s why you just turned from “a potential client” to “an actual user” of Xtreme Mapping. Here is a promo code to download the app for free: CENSO*RED - Please use it as soon as possible as it will expire in 28 days from now.
Let me know if you have any further question about the app.
Best, Enzo"

Sweeeeet! :thumbsup:

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My approach/result so far:

Like Stewe said, figure out the entire layout 1st.
So I connected the DDJ-SZ2 controller, opened up Traktor, made sure the DDJ-SZ Mapping is loaded in Controller Manager, Added-in a Global > Tooltips on (as dummy) and started to push buttons 1-by-1 to see their corresponding Midi-note + if it’s assigned to something within the 1st Mapping (out of 3).

The result is shown below:

For bigger picture, download here: MEGA

Questions:
1) I do see alot of other stuff mapped, on different channels for example, within this 1st mapping.
What am I missing here?

2) How can i get the midi-out value/midi-note?
Sure, prolly also shown in the midimapping, but when I switch over to the DJ-808, how do I know which LED is what midi-note?

3) The LEDs on the Master-output of the DDJ-SZ, how do I know where it’s assigned to?
See pic / question mark (blue background/mixer-section).

4) Once I’ve figured out the other 2 mappings, I have an overview of which buttons are assigned to which midi-note on the DDJ-SZ2.
This way, I look to these pics and push a button on the DJ-808 and change all midi-notes in the DDJ-SZ2 mapping to that value, based on that specific button (using Xtreme Mapping).
Is this the right approach?

I feel like I’m missing alot of values this way, somehow.
Something to do with these modifiers?

5) The shift-button is not represented/assigned in the 1st mapping. Isn’t that strange?
When I push it, I do get a midi-note value, but its simply not assigned, atleast not in Jaja#1-mapping.

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  1. I believe that you read notes for deck A and B only. Switch to your other two decks and check if they work of different MIDI channels.

  2. Input and Output note should be the same.

  3. Sort mapping by command names and search for “Master Out Level” and “Deck Post/Pre-Fader Level” commands. Once you locate them check what is corresponding midi assignment and channel.
    Or you can search that info in the user manual.

  4. Use the Learn button in Traktor since you can instantly test the result that way.

  5. Shift button seems to be switching MIDI channel/button note for entire layout.

Hope this helps :slight_smile:

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[quote=“Stewe, post:7, topic:76483, username:Stewe”]

  1. I believe that you read notes for deck A and B only. Switch to your other two decks and check if they work of different MIDI channels.
    [/quote] Correct! When switching to Deck C (or 3) and pushing same buttons, the Ch. changes 01 to 03. The Notes remain the same :sunglasses:

[QUOTE]
2) Input and Output note should be the same.
[/QUOTE] Correct! I just notice the In and Out show the same midi-note, phew :slight_smile:

[QUOTE]
3) Sort mapping by command names and search for “Master Out Level” and “Deck Post/Pre-Fader Level” commands. Once you locate them check what is corresponding midi assignment and channel.
Or you can search that info in the user manual. [/QUOTE] The Out is indeed showing here in the pic, for the LEDs.
The In-value corresponds with the same value as shown in the pic showed in my previous post.

What is that other In-value for?
How did this got mapped? (since when I use it by turning, only the other In-value shows up):

[QUOTE]
4) Use the Learn button in Traktor since you can instantly test the result that way.
[/QUOTE] Yep! Connect the DJ-808, open Traktor, Controller Manager and make sure the DDJ-SZ mapping is there, In/Out-port to DJ-808, create a dummy-value, hit Learn, and see which Midi-note shows up when pushing.

Then with Xtreme mapping change the original midinote-value to this new one.
Because I bet you can select several in one instance and set the new value.
When using Traktor, u have to alter them 1-by-1, I assume.

[QUOTE]
5) Shift button seems to be switching MIDI channel/button note for entire layout.
[/QUOTE] Ehmz, not sure I follow you here… Could you explain this?
This is the value showing midinote-wise, when pushing/holding SHIFT when Deck C is active:


This same midi-note is not showing anywhere else, and doesn’t have other stuff assigned to it.

Btw… you rock for helping me out! :thumbsup:
Once I’m done I’ll create a how-to video of the whole project, so I can help future-mappers out, like:
‘How to convert an existing map to a different controller’

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That input command does what it says, adjust the master volume :slight_smile:

[QUOTE]Yep! Connect the DJ-808, open Traktor, Controller Manager and make sure the DDJ-SZ mapping is there, In/Out-port to DJ-808, create a dummy-value, hit Learn, and see which Midi-note shows up when pushing.

Then with Xtreme mapping change the original midinote-value to this new one.
Because I bet you can select several in one instance and set the new value.
When using Traktor, u have to alter them 1-by-1, I assume.[/QUOTE]

Excuse my old shcoolness, you can go with what ever feels easier to you mate.

[QUOTE]Ehmz, not sure I follow you here… Could you explain this?
This is the value showing midinote-wise, when pushing/holding SHIFT when Deck C is active:


This same midi-note is not showing anywhere else, and doesn’t have other stuff assigned to it.[/QUOTE]

Compare note generated when you pres PLAY with the note generated when you press SHIFT+PLAY. See where I’m going with this?

[QUOTE]Btw… you rock for helping me out! :thumbsup:
Once I’m done I’ll create a how-to video of the whole project, so I can help future-mappers out, like:
‘How to convert an existing map to a different controller’[/QUOTE]
You’ve come to the right place :slight_smile:
Glad to help!

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Luckily for you both of these are basically based on the SX/RX platform since Pioneer teamed up to help design the 808. A lot of it’s workflow and messages are shared like the each deck having it’s own channel and the shift button moving everything again like Stewe pointed out. That bit basically makes all the internal modifiers you’d need and helps streamline the mapping process a LOT.

Should be a relatively easy port using Xtrememapping.

Feel free to borrow RX mapping bits if you enjoyed that.

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@padi_04
Great stuff! Do you have a link to confirm they worked together? I can’t find it.
Or do you know from inside-source they did?

I’ve made diagrams for Deck A+B & Deck C+D on DDJ-SZ2 (regarding Mapping JaJa#1):
DDJ-SZ2 Deck A+B:

Bigger pic for download here: MEGA

DDJ-SZ2 Deck C+D:

Bigger pic for download here: MEGA

Still have to do Mapping JaJa#2 & 3.

I’ve also made diagrams for Deck A+B & Deck C+D on DJ-808:
DJ-808 Deck A+B:

Bigger pic for download here: MEGA

DJ-808 Deck C+D:

Bigger pic for download here: MEGA

Now I’m trying to make a diagram for both while holding SHIFT.
When pressing the LEARN-button in Traktor, and pushing the SHIFT + other button/knob, it only shows the Midi-value of the 1st button pressed (SHIFT therefor).
I can workaround this by pressing SHIFT 1st, then activate the LEARN-button after, and then press the other button/knob.
But that’s a bit of a hassle.

I’ve tried to make a toggle-function, either SHIFT is on or off:

(whereas Ch16.Note.C-1 = midinote of Shift-button) But it doesn’t work.

How can I make sure SHIFT is already on (without holding SHIFT the whole time)?

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Use one of these :smiley:

300×400 11.2 KB

But seriously, you need to hold down the shift for the time mapping commands as it is still easier than creating the entire layout by using a MIDI translator software.

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@Stewe
Thanks for the rigoreous method :expressionless:
Therefor, I sticked to manually holding down the SHIFT-button.

I’ve finished the diagrams WHILE HOLDING SHIFT for Deck A+B & Deck C+D on DDJ-SZ2
(regarding Mapping JaJa#1):

DDJ-SZ2 SHIFT Deck A+B:

Bigger pic for download here: MEGA

DDJ-SZ2 SHIFT Deck C+D:

Bigger pic for download here: MEGA

Still have to do Mapping JaJa#2 & 3.

I’ve also made diagrams WHILE HOLDING SHIFT for Deck A+B & Deck C+D on DJ-808:

DJ-808 SHIFT Deck A+B:

Bigger pic for download here: MEGA

DJ-808 SHIFT Deck C+D:

Bigger pic for download here: MEGA

To-do:

  • DDJ-SZ#2 JaJa.Mapping (incl. Deck A+B, Deck C+D, SHIFT Deck A+B, SHIFT Deck C+D)
  • DDJ-SZ#3 JaJa.Mapping (incl. Deck A+B, Deck C+D, SHIFT Deck A+B, SHIFT Deck C+D)
    So 8 more mappings to decode… sighs.

No pain no gain :sunglasses:

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Project stalled… Sorry guys.
For whoever wants to continue this project, here are my Photoshop PDF-files: MEGA 999I
Photoshop you can download for free here: https://www.techspot.com/downloads/3689-adobe-photoshop-cs2.html

I recently realised the Sequencer-addon/Traktor 2.11 update, will make any drumcomputer possible (in the form of remix decks) using my Traktor S8. And… I’ll keep the screens, which I love on the S8 :sunglasses:

The only things that I will miss, are the direct pitch-fader and jog-wheels.
…Which I’ve solved by buying myself the Denon DN SC-2000’s (2nd hand):

They work great with my mapping here: https://maps.djtechtools.com/mappings/7688

I’ve ultimately ordered a CMD PL-1 to compare with the SC-2000’s.
I expect the jog-wheels to be less precise since its Behringer and the pitch-faders are shorter, but…
Stewe (once again :slight_smile:) created an awesome mapping for it here: DJ TechTools - Behringer CMD PL-1 performance mapping

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Map the SC2000’s hotcues and loop buttons to be dimmed when not active :wink:

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Ohwow, this is weird…
After your advice, I unplugged all 3 devices, plugged them back in.
The hotcues are then dimmed on both Denons.
Then I opened up Traktor, without loading any track in a deck.
Check this out:

As you can see, after opening Traktor, Hotcues remain dimmed but on @ Left controller (from 2010), Hotcues go off @ Right controller (from 2011).
So I expected this to be a mapping issue…
Therefor changed the settings by switching Device for Deck A/C to SC2000#2 (and Deck B/D to SC2000).
After that, the hotcue lights are off on both Denons.

Closed Traktor, opened up again, and the hotcues stay off.
Then loaded a track into Deck A and Deck B; hotcues light up, as they should (since I have set cuepoints on these tracks).

Closed Traktor, hotcues remain on.
Opened Traktor, Hotcues remain on @ Left controller (from 2010), Hotcues go off @ Right controller (from 2011).

When I switch the mappings once again, I can still mimick the same ‘issue’.
Note: I’ve updated the Firmware to v.1.25 on both units.

Any idea why this is happening?

EDIT 1:
For the sake of it, I’ve switched the USB-cables from one unit to the other.
Now I have this ‘issue’ on the Right controller (from 2011) instead of the Left one :open_mouth:
I’m using a powered USB-HUB from Logitech: Amazon.com: Logitech Premium 4-Port USB Hub : Electronics

EDIT 2:
I’ve disconnected the USB-HUB, used different USB-cables for both units, plugged them into previously-not-connected-before USB-ports on the back of my PC, and issue still remains.
When I switch these different USB-cables, the issues switches from 1 deck to the other.

The only thing I can think of… Is that the 2 mappings are MAINLY different in Deck Assignment;
Midi-Note & Channel-wise they are practically the same. They devices only know the difference due setting the IN/OUT-port to either SC2000 or SC2000#2.
I might have to change the Channel/Midi of 1 unit and remap 1 mapping to these…

Stewe, have u seen such strange behavior before?

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Can you please upload both mappings mate?
My guess is that MIDI Range values are different.

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As mentioned before, this is the mapping I’m using: https://maps.djtechtools.com/mappings/7688
…Which includes both mappings.

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OK - I thought you might had change some things ever since you uploaded it. I’ll take a look :slight_smile:

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Why are there two dedicated hotcue output commands for each cue?
And check the controller range: min value should be set to -1