Line In Help

ZANO
ZANO Member Posts: 3 Newcomer

Hi All, I am trying to have a hybrid setup with Traktor Pro 4 on my Mac and Line in from my synthesizers / modular equipment. I have a Traktor X1 and Z1 (MK3). I also have a Zoom liveTrak L6 mixer and a Scarlette Audio Interface. In the NI video I saw on YT you accomplished something similar with a large DJ mixer. Is there a way I can take an analog line in or even USB line in from the Scarlette to have a deck C or D that is my other equipment? Thanks so much!

Answers

  • Sunborn
    Sunborn NKS User Library Mod Posts: 3,581 mod

    Hello,

    Yes, you absolutely can route your external synthesizers/modular gear into Traktor Pro as a Live Input Deck (C or D). The principle is the same as in the YT video you saw: Traktor needs an audio interface with inputs that it can access. Your Z1 MK3 does not have external line inputs, but both your Zoom LiveTrak and your Scarlett interface do.

    Traktor Pro can only use one primary audio device at a time for its main input/output routing within its Audio Setup preferences. You need to choose either the Scarlett either the Zoom to handle the audio input from your synths. The Z1 will primarily act as a controller (and potentially handle headphone cue depending on your chosen setup).

  • Sunborn
    Sunborn NKS User Library Mod Posts: 3,581 mod
    edited April 25

    Using the Scarlett as the Main Audio Interface:

    1. Connections:
      • Connect the outputs of your synths/modular gear to the line inputs on your Scarlett interface. Ensure you're using the correct inputs (Line, not Instrument/Mic, unless appropriate) and set gain levels properly on the Scarlett.
      • Connect the Scarlett interface to your Mac via USB. Then, connect the Traktor Kontrol Z1 MK3 and the Traktor Kontrol X1 MK3 to your Mac via USB. Finally, connect your main speakers to the main outputs of the Scarlett interface. I assume that you already have them connected, but… just in case, i mention this step.
    2. Traktor Audio Setup:
      • Go to Traktor Preferences > Audio Setup.
      • Under Audio Device, select your Scarlett interface.
      • Set your desired Sample Rate and Buffer Size (lower values mean less latency but higher CPU load. Start at 256 or 512 and adjust, if needed).
    3. Traktor Output Routing:
      • Go to Preferences > Output Routing.
      • Set Mixing Mode to Internal.
      • Output Master: Assign this to the main stereo outputs of your Scarlett interface (the ones that are connect to your speakers).
      • Output Monitor: Assign this to the headphone output on your Scarlett interface. You will plug your headphones directly into the Scarlett for cue in this setup.
    4. Traktor Input Routing:
      • Go to Preferences > Input Routing.
      • Find Input Deck C (or D). Assign the L/R channels to the specific inputs on your Scarlett (where you connected your synths).
      • Make sure no other Decks (A/B) are accidentally assigned to these inputs.
    5. Deck Configuration:
      • In the main Traktor interface, click the letter (C or D) of the deck you want to use for the live input.
      • Select Live Input from the dropdown menu.
    6. Control:
      • Your Z1 will control Traktor's internal mixer (Decks A/B).
      • Your X1 will control effects, loops, transport, etc., for whichever deck it's focused on.
      • The volume/EQ for the Live Input Deck (C or D) will be controlled within Traktor using your mouse (unless you map some Z1/X1 controls if you want physical control over Deck C/D mixer).

    I think that is all. Try and let us know if works as expected!

  • ZANO
    ZANO Member Posts: 3 Newcomer

    Thank you Sunborn ! I am so close and have been to this point before. For deck C - Live Input I can't see a way to control volume or cross fading, the volume remains constant for Deck C. On the laptop within Traktor pro I do not see a volume control for this deck. Also on the Z1 I can choose deck C/D and see a volume level, but it does not affect the volume. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

  • Sunborn
    Sunborn NKS User Library Mod Posts: 3,581 mod

    For the crossfader just click the letter of the deck you want to enable!

    Clipboard_04-25-2025_01.png

    Then, for having separate volume faders you must active the 4 Decks layout.

    Clipboard_04-25-2025_01.png

    εικόνα.png
  • ZANO
    ZANO Member Posts: 3 Newcomer

    Ok I think I found the issue. On the Scarlett the direct monitor button was enabled. Disabling it seems to give me the control I need. I will experiment today - thanks for the pointers and help.

  • Sunborn
    Sunborn NKS User Library Mod Posts: 3,581 mod
    edited April 25
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