Traktor Pro 4 Beta Tester Spotlight: Zephry

Meet Zephry, the most active beta tester for Traktor Pro 4.

A familiar face in our community, @zephry has played a crucial role by providing invaluable feedback and helping us fine-tune the latest updates to our software. In this interview, we explore Zephry's journey with Traktor and dive deep into his experiences during the beta testing phase.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself? 

I am 52 years old and currently live in the Seattle area of Washington State, USA. I originally started DJing with a software called Torq and the Exponent controller in 2009. I switched to Traktor in 2010 with the intent of making remixes of rock and pop songs, which led me to Ableton to learn to Warp (Beatgrid) tracks for DJ use. In the years since I have enjoyed learning production and becoming a better DJ.

My girlfriend and my neighbor also DJ. Most performances are for YouTube and Twitch, but we have also done parties, weddings, and events.

How did you get involved with our community? What motivated you to participate in the beta testing for our Traktor Pro 4? 

I started participating in the community in February 2011 when I purchased the very first Traktor hardware: The S4 MK1. The forum helped me learn a lot quickly and provided links to other sites with useful hardware and Traktor-related information.

I was mainly motivated to participate in beta testing out of excitement. I simply wanted to contribute and be involved in any way I could.  Also, Being on the forum for many years has given me insight into what others may want or not want in terms of changes and features.

Which new features in Traktor Pro 4 are you most excited about and why? 

I am most excited about the Flexible Beatgrid, this will be used on rock and pop songs for quick remixes. I also hope to help others understand when and why to use this.

When testing this in Beta, I was able to test gridding rock and pop tracks with techno and tech house music, which gave me a real time experience and instant ideas for use when DJing.

How did you find collaborating with other testers and our development team? 

I enjoyed seeing the feedback from other testers, especially from those who are more advanced than I am, particularly in mapping and software development. I think there’s a good mix of skills and expertise in the beta team. 

The responsiveness to testing feedback between beta versions was impressive. Everyone on the team showed a strong passion for helping and staying focused on the goals.

How do you think the new features will impact the overall user experience?

Traktor is one of the most advanced DJ software, even without the new features. I think the latest updates will not only retain existing users, but also bring new customers onboard.

The main advantage I hope everyone discovers is enhanced creativity. These updates enable DJs to craft new and exciting mixes while utilizing hardware in more unique ways for DJing.

Do you have any advice for new users or potential beta testers? 

For new users, starting simple with mixing just two tracks and gradually exploring more advanced features is key. There's so much Traktor can do, but you only have two hands. As you delve into mapping and customization, you unlock more possibilities. Finding your own style and taking the time to learn how to use the software in a personal way is essential. 

Potential beta testers should enjoy the experience of contributing to software improvement. Some advanced knowledge of your computer's operating system can also be helpful for troubleshooting

Any final words for our community and development team?

Thanks for the years of Traktor and all the help. My interaction here has helped me more than anything. It's important for everyone to stay committed and ensure Traktor remains at the forefront.

Catch zephry on YouTube!