This article explains how to setup TRAKTOR for the use of a third-party MIDI controller.
Note: If you own a TRAKTOR READY controller, the configuration is done automatically via the Setup Wizard and you may skip to this article.
Adding a Mapping for Your Controller
In order for your controller to interact with the TRAKTOR software interface, you need to add a MIDI mapping (Device) to TRAKTOR's Controller Manager. You can either create your own MIDI mapping or you can import an already existing mapping file. Both methods are explained below.
Note: When you launch TRAKTOR for the first time after having installed the software (or a software update), the Setup Wizard for configuring TRAKTOR will be launched automatically. If your controller is not a TRAKTOR READY controller, select No when prompted Are you using an external controller? and continue with Next. This field is reserved for setting up specific TRAKTOR READY controller models only. After finishing the Setup Wizard, proceed with the instructions in this article.
Creating a Generic MIDI Mapping
- Connect your controller and power it up.
- Launch TRAKTOR
- Open the Preferences menu and go to Controller Manager.
- Click on the Add... button underneath the Device field and select Generic MIDI.
- This will create an empty MIDI mapping named Generic MIDI. It's name will appear in the Device field.
- Set the values for In-Port and Out-Port to the corresponding MIDI port name of your controller.
- You are now ready to create your mapping. This article provides an in-depth explanation on creating and editing MIDI mappings in TRAKTOR.
Importing an Existing MIDI Mapping
All MIDI mappings created in the Controller Manager can be exported to a local hard-drive as separate TRAKTOR setting files via the Edit... > Export option. These files can then be freely shared among different users and systems.
These files have the extension ".tsi". Some manufacturers and user communities provide controller mapping files for a variety of third-party MIDI controllers. Many of them are available for download on the Internet. In order to import an existing mapping file, proceed as follows:
- Connect your controller and power it up.
- Launch TRAKTOR
- Click on the Add... button underneath the Device field and select Import.
- In the pop-up window, navigate to the location of your .tsi mapping file, highlight it and confirm with Open.
- This will import the MIDI mapping with all its customized commands shown in the Assignment Table.
- Choose the corresponding ports for the currently selected mapping under In-Port and Out-Port. Now your controller is ready to use.
