So this is my first post other than my introduction. I’ve been lurking for a while but as I get more into Traktor I find myself struggling to find the answers to my questions.
I’m using Traktor Scratch Pro 2.7. The folder that I keep all of my DJ music in is named Beatport Music and I have the pathway set up in Traktor Music Folders to see that folder. When I add new tracks to that folder, how do I get Traktor to add those new tracks to my track collection?
NI’s website says to tell Traktor to load all of my tracks on startup, but all that did was double all my tracks that were already added. I did several searches here, on google, and youtube as well but can’t find the answer.
You have to manually import tracks to the collection, as traktor does not scan folders for new tracks. You can either drag/drop from the folder or use the tree in traktor.
That is actually the correct method if you want Traktor to update the collection from one folder. It should not re-add tracks it should only add tracks that are not previously in the collection.
The problem is that when your collection becomes large it can take Traktor ages to start due to checking the your main folder.
Better to do it manually. This where iTunes becomes a good option because you can easily cross reference import dates. In fact it’s even easier in 2.7.0 as tracks not in the collection have grey text rather than white.
Are there step by step instructions where to drag is from/to? Or how to do it in the Traktor tree? I just made the switch from Serato and the Traktor file system isn’t very intuitive.
That’s just your personal preference though and I would venture a highly personal one at that. I doubt that many users would find that helpful. My prep list changes from one gig to the next (each night). The preparation list is just that, it’s not the collection. Tracks have to be added to the collection first. You can always select those tracks and add to your preparation list.
I think you may have slightly misunderstood me. I am saying I would like new additions found during the start up scan to automatically go to the Prep list, not the entire library.
The reason I would like it is similar to how I like the new iTunes feature of displaying recent additions. I can go to the preparation list and then make sure tags are correct, analyze, add comments and ratings on all new tracks. Otherwise I have to search manually for the tracks, then send them to the prep list.
Once tracks are “prepped,” I can then send them to more organized playlists and delete them from the preparation list.
That’s how I do it, I’m certainly not suggesting it’s the best way for everybody.
But all tracks ‘have’ to go into the collection first (library).
I see what you mean but I think the ‘Preparation List’ is the wrong place. I use the Prep list at every gigs as my main working playlist.
I agree that a ‘Recent Additions’ playlist would be useful but I guess that will only come with Smart Playlists (if they ever come).
right click on track collection and select import music folders. dont erase you files just move your files into a new folder then right click on track collection and select check consistency. when complete select missing tracks then select relocate an enter the name of your new folder. the click relocate.
Doing a Consistency Check on a large collection every time you add new tracks is a complete waste of time. It can take an hour or more.
Traktor should be able to Import Music Folders on startup without duplicating. The OP must be doing something wrong or has a corrupt collection.nml.
Just add the tracks to the collection. Navigate to the collection and sort them on the ‘Analysed’ field and simply analyse the ones that aren’t analysed.
I may just start over and add everything through iTunes. It seems like that’s the easier way to go and how most people do it. Might need to order the Traktor Bible too. Things were so much easier when I was just lugging around crates of wax.
Honestly, despite what some may say about iTunes, it does make things easier especially when you use Smart Playlists and it adds another level of back up for playlists if you chose to use it like that.
I spent the best part of 10 years doing that and I’d never go back now. My arms and back wouldn’t take plus my memory is shot at. My laptop has replaced that part of my brain I used to use to remember tracks etc - but that’s down to age more than anything else
Karlos, does the Traktor Bible go in depth about how to set up Traktor and iTunes to work together and give explicit step by step instructions on what to do?
You just set the path to your iTunes library in Traktor Preferences > File Management.
Then Traktor can see your library.xml so you can then open the iTunes Node and see your iTunes collection and playlists.
Then sort the iTunes library by date and import the tunes you have just added to iTunes into the Traktor collection.
You can set Traktor to analyse the tracks on import.
In iTunes you have choice of either leaving the tunes in your existing music folders or copying them to the iTunes Media folder (when you add new tracks to iTunes). As you already have an existing music folder you maybe better leaving the tunes where they are.
Depends on how many tunes you have. If you don’t have that many you maybe better off starting a fresh and letting iTunes import them to the Media folder.
Some people will advise against letting iTunes even touch your music or at least not letting it copy music to its media folder but I’ve never had an issue. When I first started with Traktor I was already a casual iTunes user so it made sense for me to pair iTunes and Traktor.
Let me know if you need anymore help.
Did I just talk myself out of a Traktor Bible sale
Nah man, I’ll probably still pick it up. It’s either that or spend hours scouring the net for answers. Anybody who ever tells me that modern DJing is just pushing buttons is going to get an education from me. The amount of prep time that goes into setting up and properly grinding, tagging and sorting digital music is a lot more than just planning a vinyl set. I suppose it will get easier once I’m up to speed.
Really quick question Karlos. I was thinking about setting up two instances of iTunes. One with all my DJ music in it and another with music for loading on my iPhone and such. If I do that, will I be able to just choose the DJ instance of iTunes for Traktor?
