TRAKTOR 2.11 introduces a Step Sequencer mode for the Remix Decks. The Step Sequencer can be controlled natively with the TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 / D2 / F1 controllers and can be mapped to any third-party MIDI controller.
This article explains the Step Sequencer workflow for the TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 / D2 controllers.
Note: The Step Sequencer mode of the Remix Decks is meant to be used with one-shot samples only (kick, snare, hi-hat, sound FX, etc.) and not with loops.
Switching to Step Sequencer Mode
- Make sure that the Deck which is in the focus of the TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 / D2 controller has been set to Remix Deck by clicking on the Deck letter and selecting Remix Deck.
- Once a Remix Set has been loaded or once you have filled your empty Remix Set with your own samples, press SHIFT+REMIX to switch to the Step Sequencer mode.
Operating the Step Sequencer with the TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 / D2
- Move any of the 4 volume faders to control the volume of each sample (column).
- Press the left / right arrow buttons on the lower left / right area of the display to select and set the focus on a specific sample (columns). The pad area will then switch its color accordingly and you will be able to operate the Step Sequencer in the Pad Area as well as the Performance Controls (see below) for the currently selected sample.
- Press any pad in the pad area to set the sample in the corresponding step of the sequencer. When the playhead reaches that step, the sample will play back. Press the pad again to remove the sample.
- Turn the loop encoder next to the volume faders to shorten / lengthen the size of the step sequencer (1 step is the lowest, 16 steps is the highest possible size).
- If you have set a length greater than 8 steps, use the two buttons on the middle area right of the display to navigate between upper and lower row of steps.
- Press the lower button on the middle area left of the display to access the SWING parameter. Increase / decrease the swing value (in percentage) with the Browse encoder. Press the button again to hide the swing parameter.
- Press SHIFT+EDIT to clear the step sequencer of the currently selected sample (all set samples will be removed).
Performance Controls
The Performance Controls, comprised of 4 encoders and 4 buttons (ON) right below the display, can be used to operate the Step Sequencer in the manner described below:
- Turn the 1st encoder to select another sample stored in the same column of the Remix Set. If no other sample has been stored, turning the encoder will have no effect. Press the ON button to lock the sample in order to prevent accidental switching.
- Turn the 2nd encoder to set the filter cutoff. Press the ON button to engage the filter. The filter will only apply to the currently selected sample (column).
- Turn the 3rd encoder to shift the pitch. Press the ON button to engage the pitch shifter. The pitch shifter will only apply to the currently selected sample (column).
- Turn the 4th encoder to control the amount of FX Send from an FX Unit. Press the ON button to engage the FX Send. The effect will only apply to the currently selected sample (column).
Step Sequencer Display on the TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 / D2
While in Step Sequencer mode, the TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 / D2 will exhibit the following display behavior:
Built-In Display
- A STEP label appears next to the Remix Set's name to indicate that Step Sequencer mode is active.
- Each column displays a grid of squares below the currently selected sample's waveform indicating the amount of steps for each of the 4 sequencers (8 steps by default).
- A white square represents the current position of the playhead of the sequencer. A colored square represents a step where a sample has been set. A greyed out square represents a step where no sample has been set.
- A rectangular frame around a given column (sample waveform + step sequencer display) indicates the sample (column) currently in focus.
Pad Area (LEDs)
- The 8 pads represent each step of the (default) 8-step sequencer.
- A pad will be dimmed in the color corresponding to the currently selected sample to indicate an available step that has not been set.
- A pad will be fully lit in the color corresponding to the currently selected sample to indicate a step that has been set.
- A pad will be greyed out to indicate that the current length of the available steps is below 8 (example: The selected length of the sequencer is 7 steps, thus the 8th pad will be greyed out).
- A pad will be lit in white to indicate the current position of the playhead in the sequencer.