Traktor Pro 2.8: Rane MP2015 Officially Scratch Certified

Some exciting news popped up on the Native Instruments Traktor forum over the weekend. Traktor Pro 2.8 is now available to coincide with the upcoming launch of the Traktor Kontrol D2, but there’s more. Traktor Pro 2.8 adds support for the Pioneer CDJ-900 Nexus, XDJ-1000, and for the first time ever, a Rane mixer, the MP2015, will be Traktor Scratch certified. Keep reading for full details.

Rane MP2015 Traktor Scratch Certified

Probably the biggest surprise from the upcoming Traktor Pro 2.8 update is that the Rane MP2015 rotary mixer (check out Ean’s review) will gain Traktor Scratch certification. This means that DJs can connect CDJs or turntables to the MP2015 and use timecode cds/vinyl to control Traktor Scratch Pro 2.

Rane and Serato have always had an exclusive relationship and while it’s been possible in the past to use the built in soundcards of Rane mixers with Traktor, DVS functionality has always been reserved for Serato Scratch Live and Serato DJ. Does this mean we’ll see more Rane mixers gain Traktor Scratch support? A Rane TTm57 MKII that supports both Serato DJ and Traktor Scratch Pro would be a dream come true.

Pioneer CDJ-900 Nexus and XDJ-1000 HID Support

Traktor Pro 2.8 will add HID support for the Pioneer CDJ-900 Nexus and their latest player, the XDJ-1000 (read the full review here). Full details on controls haven’t been released yet but it’s likely the HID controls will be similar to the CDJ-2000 and CDJ-2000 Nexus players. It is noted that HID support for the XDJ-1000 will take advantage of the touch screen. Hopefully this means DJs will get beat jump control, hot cue control, and that the touch QWERTY keyboard can be used to search Traktor’s collection directly from the XDJ-1000.

64 Bit Architecture = Better Performance

Alongside new hardware support Native Instruments is rolling out significant updates to the software and audio engine. The first major improvement is Traktor is now a 64 bit application. What does this mean? As a 32 bit application Traktor was only able to access 2GB of RAM (even if the computer is loaded with 16GB of RAM). As a 64 bit application, Traktor will have access to more RAM. This will increase performance of the software by allowing management of more items (larger Track Collections, more Remix Deck samples, better playback caching, etc.).

Multi Processor Improvement Addresses Audio Performance

Traktor Pro’s old audio threading model has been completely updated and optimised. For users of multi-processor computers who were experiencing degraded audio performance since the release of Traktor Pro 2.7, the new threading model should fix these issues automatically.

Parallel Audio Analysis – 3x Faster Track Analysis

Native Instruments has added a special analysis mode called “Parallel Processing”. This option can be found at the bottom of the Analysis window which appears when you right-click on tracks and choose “Analyze (Async)” from the context menu. With Parallel Processing, Traktor Pro will use multiple threads to process many tracks simultaneously. Tests have shown that processing a large collection of files can now be done three times faster with this option enabled.

However Parallel Processing will use lots of the computer’s resources to do this and it may affect playback of tracks. Native Instruments only recommends using this option for preparation before a gig and not during live performance.

Traktor Kontrol D2 Support – Adds Midi Controls and Touchstrip Behaviour

The new update will include plug and play support for the new Traktor Kontrol D2. Additionally there will be new touch strip behaviour and midi mappable controls for the Kontrol D2 and the Kontrol S8. The touch strip can now be used to spin, scratch & hold a playing deck with the Kontrol S8 or D2 while holding shift. Native Instruments notes that DJs can hold shift, “spin back” the track with the touch strip and then release shift in time to immediately continue playback.

Finally the performance knobs, buttons, and faders of the Kontrol S8 and Kontrol D2 can be used for midi output/mapping to other software or external gear. It sounds like DJs will be able to midi map these controls inside of Traktor as well.

Traktor Kontrol D2 will ship May 4th

Preorder Yours in the DJTT Store! 

 

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Comments (58)
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  • David Lane

    anybody know where I can get hold of those black & silver knobs on the x1 in the picture to match the mp2015? They’d look sweet match with this http://temporecords-dj.com/x1trim.html

  • What is the Best Pioneer CDJ for You? | DJ TechTools

    […] Mixvibes and VirtualDJ will play nicely with the whole range, as will Serato DJ, which includes compatibility with the 900 Nexus in the latest version. Native Instruments recently added support for the CDJ 900 Nexus and the new XDJ-1000 in Traktor Pro 2.8. […]

  • Eddy Endres

    Hi, recently purchased a traktor kontrol s8 and got a lot of drop outs and crackling, I’m wondering if the 64 bit setup will help me in that case? also what do I have to do to enable 64 bit use? is it automatic upon updating? thank you.

  • Oddie O'Phyle

    Just wondering, does the MP2015 have 64 bit application support?

  • Marcel Mono

    Anyone got the high CPU-Load when loading a track mentioned in the release note under OS X 10.8? So far everything works for me with my old Macbook on 10.8 🙂

  • Maxwell James Mansfield Burgoy

    Question: Do I have to reboot my mac in 64 bit to take advantage extra firepower in this update? I updated to 2.8 last night and still get clipping glitches when I flick to Chrome or even just a finder window in the background. V frustrating. I’m running a Macbook Pro Retina Late 2013 w 16g ram.

    • Maxwell James Mansfield Burgoy

      Worked it out – I had all 4 effects on across 3 decks. Dropped Effects 3 and 4 on all decks and the CPU meter went down to about a quarter. No clipping! Loving 2.8!

  • migueladobe

    This is great progress, the game changer would be universal song cue point tagging between serato and ni. As a Rane 68 owner who prefers traktor, I will likely be buying an XDJ.

  • Jamie West

    Are cdj850s supported in HID yet?

  • Sandor Vennink

    The Pioneer HID is really unexpected! Good job NI

  • CUSP

    I just loaded the new version (2.8.0 R1081), and noticed that the Library Browser, Menu Tree/List, toggle operation (in my case, pressing down on the Tree/List button) kills all functionality of scrolling and toggling the Browser menu tree functions after the toggle is pressed. This can be reset by restarting the application, but it will not scroll or toggle once the toggle option is exercised. I like using my Menu Tree knob, so this is a pretty big bug for me.

    Anyone else have this problem?

    On the positive side, I did notice that Traktor is a LOT faster now for not only loading tracks, but for processing them as well.

    • CUSP

      I resolved this problem by setting my own modifier toggle state (really simple) using the modular method (make a new MIDI Device), then create only the commands you want add there (this means if you mess things up, you won’t have to reload your existing, functioning map… I think Dejaeger first used this method, but I can’t recall for sure). Anyway, it’s four lines of “script”… here we go:

      Line 1:

      Add in > Browser > List > Select Up/Down
      Under Mapping Details:
      * Make sure to set the Modifier Conditions to something unused (I chose M8).
      * Set the State to 0, 1, 2 etc, as long as that’s the same state you set the toggle to.
      * Set the type of controller to “Encoder” and the Interaction mode to “Relative” (otherwise it’s single directional which is not what you want).
      Under Rotary Encoder:
      Set Rotary Sensitivity to 100% (or whatever feels right to you) and Rotary Acceleration to 0% (otherwise it skips a lot of lines when you turn the knob).

      Line 2:

      Add in > Modifier > Modifier 8
      Under Mapping Details:
      * Set Modifier conditions to: M8 and value to 1 (or whatever you have the Browser List condition set to).
      Under Button Options:
      * Set Value to “0” (or whatever your other conditions are).

      Line 3:

      Add in > Modifier > Modifier 8
      Under Mapping Details:
      * Set Modifier conditions to: M8 and value to 0 (or whatever you have the Browser Tree condition set to).
      Under Button Options:
      * Set Value to “1” (or whatever your other conditions are).

      Line 4:

      Add in > Browser > Tree > Select Up/Down
      Under Mapping Details:
      * Make sure to set the Modifier Conditions is set to the same Modifier.
      * Set the State to 0, 1, 2 etc, as long as that’s the same state you set the next condition to and it’s not already used.
      * Set the type of controller to “Encoder” and the Interaction mode to “Relative” (otherwise it’s single directional which is not what you want).
      Under Rotary Encoder:
      Set Rotary Sensitivity to 100% (or whatever feels right to you) and Rotary Acceleration to 0% (otherwise it skips a lot of lines when you turn the knob).

      It’s a simple work-round, but it works for me. Thanks to Push More Buttons (on Youtube) for the refresher on Modifier states.

  • Joe

    64bit support means more than just expanding the amount of addressable memory. x86_64 also doubles the amount of available general registers to app code meaning potential performance bump even under the same memory load 32bit. There’s also a down side that app code is now twice as large and therefor occupies more CPU cache, so whether a performance gain or decreased is realized is dependent on the efficiency or lack there of to take enough advantage of those additional registers to offset the deficiency of reduce CPU cache available.

  • Darrien

    This is nice. Nice to have. But nothing more. But all pointless, as long as we have to stick with that crappy collection management. We totally need something state of the art here. Check Beatport Pro for example. Naive Instrument’s Collection Management hasn’t been revamped since it has been initially released and therefore feels like Windows 95 compared to what would actually be possible.

    All those controllers, gimmicks, effects and other stuff are quite pointless if you don’t have something at hand to manage and find the music you want to play in a particular moment. At least, if you’re not one of those DJs who’re just playing either the same stuff again and again or just the actual top 100.

    • Jay Walker

      i totally agree. The “Browser” is total rubbish. too many clicks for a start! NI should take a leaf out of Virtual DJ’s book when it comes to the Browser. A great combination of simple but powerful when used with the My Library plugin, and a full screen browser at the click of a button is much better.

  • Ezmyrelda

    So glad traktor can finally utilise my 16gbs of ram.

  • djcrossfade1979

    nice im about to get my s2 soon …i wonder if i can just add a 2ed sound card to plug in turntables later . i wonder when vdj will do this . MIvibes is 64 bit right now . lolz im going to own a lot of dj software’s . MIvibes vdj and now traktor

    good times 🙂

  • Oddie O'Phyle

    The new 64 bit application is awesome in theory, access to more RAM is always a good thing.

    Now if only we can get 64 bit application support from major OEM companies… I’m looking at you Pioneer!!! Then I’ll be happy.

  • EddyV

    I’m still using 2.6.8 since everything in 2.7 was awful hopefully 2.8 will you know..work without a spinning wheel.

    • Oddie O'Phyle

      I agree, 2.7-2.7.3 were really disappointing.The last couple of open Betas have been pretty decent. I’m finding Traktor to be more responsive and feels a bit tighter than it used to. The access to an extra gig of RAM, even when running in 32 bit mode seems to help quite a bit, once Pio releases 64 bit application drivers I’ll get to enjoy the full experience.

  • Mark Smith

    Certification of other mixers is key. NI lets see you make friendly with Rane more and certify the other mixers in their line like the 57 MkII, 62, and 68. Also I hope we see support for the Allen & Heath Xone 43C as this is on my shopping list.

  • Andrea HighBreed Lomba

    I suppose ALAC playback is still broken since i don’t read anything about the biggest issue traktor ever had since its existence…. 2.6.8 forever?? Come on…. at least they could try to be professional…..

  • playfool

    i want that Allen & Heath xone 63 to work wih scratch, or better all of the a&h line… who the hell is able to drop 3000$ on a dj mixer?

  • here_comes_the_sheik

    As soon as Tekkens D2 mapping is released I will buy one in a second. You hear that NI?

  • Chaser720

    Mighty big bite your taking there NI. I think baby steps are typically a better approach for you guys. I’ll be waiting to hear how this goes for others before upgrading.

    • Ezmyrelda

      Initial thoughts after about 6 hours of messing with it.. effing amazing.. No more dropouts when initialising an effects deck for the first time, load meter.. tiny.. super tiny.. with all four decks going..

      • Chaser720

        Good to hear. I know NI has some brains in that company somewhere. About time they showed up. ha

  • KoenraadVDS

    Sold my cdj 900 nexus 6 months ago, never thought support was coming

  • ROOS

    (timecode vinyls for digitals) was what I meant for the turntables as well

  • ROOS

    Ha….I initially learned about this over in the Serato forum topic about this mixer after a post tipped us off about the release notes for 2.8. I then posted this general information in the previous DJTT article, an NI forum topic and a day later Bam!! right up to the front with a DJTT update.

    Anyway, this is really good for those who play vinyls and also have digital tracks. It is even better if you like to use turntables for your vinyls with this mixer and won’t need to use HID-capable CDJs or controllers. You will now have the option of using both so Nay Sayers don’t think of this as confused. The MP-2015 is awesome for those who need the best of both worlds.

  • Onno Kaell

    Please Oh Please let this mean that there will be Rane/Traktor Hardware in the future!!
    I’d love for there to be (a) Rane 62 / 64 mk2 mixer(s) which is/are fully mapped for Traktor as well as Scratch Certified!! That would make me one ckufin’ happy camper!

  • Stas Gusev

    aha-ha, LOL
    Rotary Mixer and Scratch

    • here_comes_the_sheik

      aha-ha, LOL
      Your brain and Intelligence

      • Stas Gusev

        Maybe you can show us some cool scratch on rotary mixer, witty tongue?

        • PerP

          Because you have to be a hip hop scratch DJ to use Traktor Scratch? Sorry but we are a lot of people playing all kind of genres with it.

          Rotary is the choice for a lot of people spinning vinyl so why not do that with a DVS also?

          • Stas Gusev

            Nowadays playing flat beat with vinyl is called posturing.
            Next time please leave your message by pigeons post

          • here_comes_the_sheik

            I think this is by far the most stupid comment I have ever read on DJTT.
            Congratulations!

        • here_comes_the_sheik

          You realize that the Scratch in Traktor Scratch is a brand name it doesn’t mean you can only scratch with it.

          DVS, vinyl and rotary mixers have been used by house and techno DJs for ages!

          • Stas Gusev

            okay, Mr. nerd, could you show me any TOP dj who uses Traktor Scratch with DVS and playing techno or house?

          • Matty

            Was gonna mention Loco Dice

          • Mitch

            Man you’re denser than a diamond. Even the Traktor S8 COMES WITH SCRATCH PRO…

          • Stas Gusev

            Yes, he have the DVS setup… but I’ve checked his facebook & youtube channel and I can’t find that he is doing smth. with the turntables. He is a poser and these photos are proof of it.
            He makes more photos with the plates, instead of manipulate them on stage. And look on the open Finder in the left corner of the screen. I had never seen the PRO using this, maybe only wedding djs)
            It seems that he think, that the spinning vinyl looks cool… that’s all)

          • robjac

            ^ HAHAHA holy shit. i’ve never read anything so useless and dumb and so ignorant.

  • Jerr1233

    This all big news…not quite huge but pretty big. The fact that NI is finally Scratch certifying another mixer after years of being closed off is very promising. Hopefully it will be the first in a new wave of certified mixers. I can’t wait for the benefits of the new 64bit system. Having access to all that RAM should smooth out performance quite a bit.

  • killmedj

    And yet the browser and library remains unchanged =/

    • Adam Seckel

      This is the news I’m waiting for. They need to bring the UI into this decade.

    • CUSP

      Well, yes and no… there’s a bug/removed feature that doesn’t allow you to toggle into your Library Tree / List and scroll when you get there. I wrote a quick script to address this, but it’s really REALLY easy to do if you follow my instructions (below). It uses one modifier state (toggle) and two different encoder behaviors.

  • Michael K

    So it begins this could be awesome for the future if all goes well 🙂