button to switch decks and reverses the crossfader

dgino
dgino Member Posts: 5 Member
edited October 2024 in Mapping Traktor

Hi,

I've got a Kontrol Z2 and traktor pro 2, with 2 turntables and timecodes.

I would like to use only one turntable to control the 2 virtual decks alternately, because I realize that I never operate both decks at the same time, so it could save me space.

Also I enjoy scratching a little, but I'm only comfortable scratching on one side at the moment, and I have to admit that I'm lazy to learn the other side. So I think to myself that I could possibly scratch on the same side for both virtual decks without it bothering me, since, theorycally, I never touch both decks at the same time. I really do believe it could be a good idea, and the only thing that could be annoying but which I don't see how to do without: using a button to switch from one deck to another. This button should also reverse the crossfader: when I actually scratch and use one hand to manipulate the cross fader, the crossfader must be placed to cut on the same side as the hand for a question of practical: for example I use my right hand to manipulate the crossfader, and therefore I would like the crossfader to mute the deck on his right position, whathever deck A or deck B is controlled.

Could you please explain me how to program this button? I would like it to be one of the Kontrol Z2 mixer buttons, but they all already have a function and I have difficulty choosing. Which button would you recommend to use for this purpose on my mixer? Otherwise, at worst, I could use a keyboard key or another USB device, but the best thing would be to be able to do it from the mixer. There is already a button to switch the crossfader on my Z2 : it is not very big and practical, but I wonder if it might be a good idea to use that one just by adding the decks switching function. What do you think ? Thank you for your advice.

Let talk about beat juggling technique now :

When using 2 turntables this is how it happends :

  • rewind left deck, when crossfader is on the right position to mute this left deck
  • release it and push to crossfader from right to left at the same time (to mute right deck and unmute left deck)
  • rewind right deck
  • release it and push to crossfader from left to righ at the same time

If I could use the "one turntable trick" to control both decks alternatively, this is actually how it's going to happend :

  • rewind the turntable controlling left deck, when crossfader is on the right position to mute this left deck
  • release it, and push the switching decks/reverse crossfader button at the same time
  • rewind the turntable controlling right deck
  • release it, and push the switching decks/reverse crossfader button at the same time
  • crossfader will finally always remain at the same position (right). So : instead of pushing the crossfader from one side to another everytime I need deck switching, I only have to push one button. That let me think it could not be annoying to do beat juggling using only one turntable, and I event wonder if it could be more practical...




Best Answer

  • dgino
    dgino Member Posts: 5 Member
    edited February 2024 Answer ✓

    It's ok : i did it by myself finaly !

    I mapped a button using a modifier set to 0 when the focus is on one deck and set to 1 when focus is one the other deck. Then I managed with deck focus, deck mode and x-fader side decks assign mapping functions to perform the trick.

    Now it works perfectly, the button does exactly whant I wished so I very satisfied.

    Finaly beat juggling was a bit more tricky than I thought, but actually with only one turntable now it becomes kind of useless to do oldschool beatjuggling as it's also easy to do with cues and loops buttons.

    Nevermind, I can easily use a single turntable to mix and to scratch on the same side, so it frees up space on my deck now as I removed the right side turntable :-)

    Capture d'écran 2024-02-05 203230.png


Answers

  • dgino
    dgino Member Posts: 5 Member
    edited January 2024

    I got an idea : put an audio switcher between both A and B RCA timecode signals. But it would't be ok because first of all the crossfader reverse function will miss, and second : I fear it might be "click" when switching audio signals that might disturb the signal, could'nt it ?

    What I wish is un single push button placed right next to the turntable and that could switch decks control and reverse the crossfader at the same time. It could be nice to use one of the Kontrol Z2 buttons, but I could also add a small usb device with a button that will be programmed for that.

    I use Phase : no needle position problem. Also I use synch function to synch the decks so I never move the physical turntables pitches. So I will always stay in relative mode to control a deck.

  • dgino
    dgino Member Posts: 5 Member

    Nobody knows ?

  • Sunborn
    Sunborn NKS User Library Mod Posts: 3,629 mod

    Such function does not exist, and i don't think will ever be possible since it will require a complete re-engineering of the software.

    However, it is an idea! So, i suggest to post your idea here:

    If it gets many votes, developers might consider it for a future update.

  • Stevan
    Stevan Traktor Mapping Mod Posts: 2,274 mod

    You can remap everything except the Loop Size Display.

    It requires work but you could map a modifier to say CONFIG button on the Z2 to swap decks and invert the crossfader.

  • dgino
    dgino Member Posts: 5 Member
    Yes I know I should map a button, I don't know if this is technicaLly feasible And I would be happy if somebody can tell me how to do please
    
  • dgino
    dgino Member Posts: 5 Member
    edited February 2024 Answer ✓

    It's ok : i did it by myself finaly !

    I mapped a button using a modifier set to 0 when the focus is on one deck and set to 1 when focus is one the other deck. Then I managed with deck focus, deck mode and x-fader side decks assign mapping functions to perform the trick.

    Now it works perfectly, the button does exactly whant I wished so I very satisfied.

    Finaly beat juggling was a bit more tricky than I thought, but actually with only one turntable now it becomes kind of useless to do oldschool beatjuggling as it's also easy to do with cues and loops buttons.

    Nevermind, I can easily use a single turntable to mix and to scratch on the same side, so it frees up space on my deck now as I removed the right side turntable :-)

    Capture d'écran 2024-02-05 203230.png


  • Sunborn
    Sunborn NKS User Library Mod Posts: 3,629 mod

    Well done. I like creative people!

    Personally i will never use it, because i don't need such function, but I'm sure others would find it very useful. Thanks for sharing it with the community! 🙏

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