NI Traktor Pro 3.6 Update Adds New Subscription Features

Native Instruments recently indicated a change to the way they add new features to their Traktor DJ software. Subscription users will unlock new pro features to the program on a regular basis, providing new creative possibilities for your DJ sets. If you’re not part of the subscription program, NI says there will still be regular service updates, periodically over the year. If you’re interested in some of the upcoming developments, click here to see what NI have to say.

Traktor Pro 3.6 adds the first round of updates for the subscription users, adding a new Traktor pattern player, Integrated IZOTOPE Maximiser plus three months of Beatport and Beatsource streaming.

Pattern Player

Many Traktor die-hards already know how this works as it appears to be a simplified version of what Traktor’s remix decks have been able to do for many years. The new pattern player is a step sequencer style tool that will layer percussion patterns layers in sync with your tunes. The patterns are pre-programmed grooves using 808 samples, for now with more planned, that are useful for creating dynamic layers, drum fills and drum patterns. It works via an integrated step sequencer with parameter controls for pattern intensity, decay and pitch so it’s possible to create interesting sequencers and fills by simply adjusting a few knobs. This feature is pre-mapped to the Traktor S4 Mk3 and X1 or any Traktor controller with an FX section, so it integrates with existing hardware giving you control of the sequence. Patterns are pre-programmed so it’s easy to add step sequenced sounds in the middle of your set without faffing about, making it a simple creative tool. The Pattern Player can come through on an independent channel on the S4 MK3 and set to pre-fader which means you can process it through the filters and FX for extra fun times. Note, I haven’t actually tried this yet however I think the Pattern Player will serve as a simple alternative to remix decks which can be clunky to use and they take up an entire deck. Having said that though, combined use of the remix decks and the Pattern Player may prove to be a powerful combo. Nonetheless, the Pattern Player appears to be straightforward allowing you to quickly layer grooves over your tracks in a DJ set.

Ozone Maximiser

iZotopes popular Ozone Maximiser limiter is now added to the master buss of Traktor output, designed to protect audio from unwanted clipping or distortion. It’s also designed to make your overall mix louder and punchier, by preserving the dynamics and transients whilst boosting the overall loudness of your mix. The Ozone Maximiser is no doubt a popular plug-in and we all know that DJs love to push their mix louder and louder into the red-zone on their mixers despite being told not to do it, so they may as well push their sound into a compressor/limiter that can handle it and keep their overall sound tight and punchy.

Beatport and Beatsource Streaming

This update allows 3 months of free streaming through Beatsource’s basic tier and Beatport’s Advanced streaming tier, which are in my opinion a nice amount of time to really become accustomed to the platform and create playlists and experiment with tunes that you can play in your sets. Streaming can be a bit clunky when it comes to playing these tracks into your lives sets,

but it serves as a great resource for experimenting with tracks whilst practising sets at home, but you also get the option to save 1000 tracks offline if you have the pro-subscription.

For a full feature walk-through, check out DJ Endo’s run down here