This article explains how to set up TRAKTOR PRO 3 to control playback via Timecode from an external turntable or CD player.
TRAKTOR PRO 3 introduces the Scratch for All feature - it now supports any audio device for Timecode control, provided the required audio inputs (PHONO for Timecode vinyl / LINE for Timecode CD) are offered.
Note: This still requires the use of TRAKTOR SCRATCH Timecode media and will not work with any Timecodes from 3rd-party manufacturers.
The article explains a basic setup with two Timecode-controlled Decks. In this example, we are using a Rane SL 4 audio interface.
- Make sure TRAKTOR PRO 3 is installed and activated on your computer
- Make sure that the correct driver for your audio interface is properly installed and the device is being recognized by your computer.
- Make sure that your audio interface is connected to the computer and receives enough power (use a power supply if necessary).
- Connect your turntables or CD players to the IN connectors of the audio interface.
- Run the Setup Wizard by clicking on the Setup Wizard button in the lower left corner of the TRAKTOR Preferences.
- In the DECK LAYOUT SELECTION, choose 2 Track Decks (Scratch).
- When the Setup Wizard is finished, open the TRAKTOR Preferences and go to Audio Setup. Make sure your audio interface is selected in the Audio Device menu.
Input Configuration
As next step, TRAKTOR's Input Routing needs to be configured: the inputs which your external hardware has been connected to must be assigned to Decks A AND B - this is how it looks:
Deck A will be controlled by the Timecode signal coming in on Channel A left/right (SL 4 In 0-1), Deck B by the Timecode signal coming in on Channel B left/right (SL 4 In 2-3).
Note: Ensure to choose the right input mode depending on your audio device whether you use turntables or CDs. Please refer to the documentation of your specific audio device in order to find the procedure explained.
Output Configuration
External Mixing Mode
If you are using an external mixer, connect the outputs of your audio interface to the LINE inputs (not PHONO!) of your external mixer.
- Go to Output Routing in the TRAKTOR Preferences.
- Set the Mixing Mode to External. The outputs will automatically be set in the correct order, which looks like this:
The signal from Deck A will go to the Output Channel A (SL4 Out 0-1) on the audio interface, Deck B will go to Output Channel B (SL4 Out 2-3) and so on.
Internal Mixing Mode
If your setup does not include an external mixer, you can also use the Internal Mixing Mode.
Note: This setup requires a sound card which offers a headphone connector.
- Go to the Output Routing in the TRAKTOR Preferences.
- Set the Mixing Mode to Internal.
In order to configure this setup, connect one output channel of your sound card to the line input of your speaker system and assign this channel to Output Master. Connect your headphones to the dedicated connector on your sound card and assign the corresponding channel to Output Monitor.
Deck Configuration
In order to monitor the incoming Timecode signal, activate the Scope Panels for both decks. The Scope Panels are a graphical representation of the Timecode signal and allow you to trigger its calibration.
- Go to the Decks Layout section in the TRAKTOR Preferences.
- In the section Platter / Scope, choose Scope for the Decks you want to control with Timecode.
Now you can close the Preferences and start the playback on your Timecode Deck by dropping the needle on your running Timecode record or pressing play on your CD Player to run the Timecode CD. During playback, either the Relative or Absolute Mode button will light up. You may click on any of the Mode buttons to change the Mode.
During playback, the Calibration Scope should display a stable Timecode signal, as pictured below for Timecode vinyl and Timecode CD.
For more information on Relative and Absolute Mode, please refer to chapter 'Tracking Modes' in the TRAKTOR 3 user manual.