Traktor LE 2: How to Start DJing with Free Software and Your Own Music
Traktor LE 2 Download: A Beginner's Guide to DJing with Traktor
If you are new to DJing and want to start mixing your favorite tracks, you might be wondering how to get started. One of the easiest and most affordable ways to learn the basics of DJing is to use a DJ software like Traktor LE 2. In this article, we will show you what Traktor LE 2 is, how to get it for free or with qualifying products, how to install and activate it, how to use it for DJing, and how to expand your DJ setup with it. By the end of this article, you will have everything you need to jump into the mix with Traktor LE 2.
traktor le 2 download
What is Traktor LE 2?
A brief introduction to Traktor LE 2 and its features
Traktor LE 2 is a light version of Traktor Pro 3, the flagship DJ software from Native Instruments. It is designed for beginners who want to learn the fundamentals of DJing with a simple and intuitive interface. With Traktor LE 2, you can mix across two decks, sync your tracks automatically, set cue points and loops, adjust the sound with EQ, filter, and effects, and record your mix. You can also use Traktor LE 2 with a range of compatible MIDI controllers and audio interfaces for hands-on control and better sound quality.
How to get Traktor LE 2 for free or with qualifying products
Traktor LE 2 is available exclusively as a bundle with certain products from Native Instruments or other manufacturers. For example, you can get Traktor LE 2 for free when you buy a Traktor Kontrol Z1, a Traktor Audio 2, or a Komplete Audio 6. You can also get Traktor LE 2 when you buy certain products from brands like Numark, Reloop, Behringer, Denon, Hercules, Pioneer, Vestax, and more. You can check the full list of qualifying products here.
How to install and activate Traktor LE 2
System requirements for Traktor LE 2
Before you install and activate Traktor LE 2, you need to make sure that your computer or iPad meets the minimum system requirements. Here are the system requirements for Traktor LE 2 according to <a href="(^ Download links and authorization codes for Traktor LE 2
Once you have verified that your system meets the requirements, you need to download the Traktor LE 2 installer and get your authorization code. The download link and the authorization code are usually provided by the manufacturer of the product that you bought with Traktor LE 2. For example, if you bought a Traktor Kontrol Z1, you will find the download link and the authorization code in the box or in an email from Native Instruments. If you bought a product from another brand, you will find the download link and the authorization code on their website or in an email from them. You can also contact their customer support if you have any issues.
Steps to install and activate Traktor LE 2 on Windows or Mac
After you have downloaded the installer and obtained your authorization code, you can follow these steps to install and activate Traktor LE 2 on your Windows or Mac computer:
Run the installer and follow the instructions on the screen.
When prompted, enter your authorization code to unlock Traktor LE 2.
If you don't have a Native Instruments account, create one for free.
Log in to your Native Instruments account and register your product.
Launch Traktor LE 2 and enjoy your DJ software.
If you want to install and activate Traktor LE 2 on your iPad, you can follow these steps:
Download the Traktor DJ 2 app from the App Store for free.
Connect your compatible audio interface or controller to your iPad.
Launch the app and tap on the gear icon to open the settings menu.
Tap on "Unlock Traktor LE 2" and enter your authorization code.
Restart the app and enjoy your DJ software.
How to use Traktor LE 2 for DJing
Importing music and analyzing tracks in Traktor LE 2
The first thing you need to do before you start DJing with Traktor LE 2 is to import your music and analyze your tracks. Importing music means adding your songs to the Traktor library, where you can browse, search, and organize them. Analyzing tracks means letting Traktor scan your songs for tempo, key, beatgrid, and waveform information, which will help you mix them more easily. Here is how to import music and analyze tracks in Traktor LE 2:
To import music from your computer, go to the File menu and select "Import Music Folders" or "Import iTunes Library". You can also drag and drop folders or files from your computer to the Traktor browser.
To import music from your iPad, connect your iPad to your computer or audio interface and launch iTunes. Go to the File Sharing section and select "Traktor DJ 2". Drag and drop folders or files from your computer to the Documents folder in iTunes. You can also use iCloud Drive or Dropbox to sync your music between devices.
To analyze tracks, go to the Preferences menu and select "File Management". Under "Analyze Options", check the boxes for "Enable Auto Analysis" and "Set Beatgrid". You can also adjust the BPM range and key detection settings if you want. Then, go back to the browser and select the tracks that you want to analyze. Right-click on them and select "Analyze (Async)" or "Analyze (Sync)". The analysis will start automatically in the background or in real time, depending on your choice.
Using track decks, cue points, and loops in Traktor LE 2
After you have imported and analyzed your tracks, you can start playing them on the track decks. Track decks are where you load, play, pause, stop, cue, sync, pitch, scratch, and crossfade your tracks. You can also set cue points and loops on your tracks to mark specific positions or sections that you want to jump to or repeat. Here is how to use track decks, cue points, and loops in Traktor LE 2:
To load a track on a deck, drag and drop it from the browser to the deck's waveform display or track title. You can also use the Load buttons on your controller or keyboard shortcuts.
To play a track on a deck, press the Play button on the deck's transport section or on your controller. You can also use the spacebar on your keyboard or tap on the waveform display on your iPad.To pause or stop a track on a deck, press the Pause or Stop button on the deck's transport section or on your controller. You can also use the spacebar on your keyboard or tap on the waveform display on your iPad.
To cue a track on a deck, press the Cue button on the deck's transport section or on your controller. This will set a temporary cue point at the current position and jump back to it when you release the button. You can also use the C key on your keyboard or double-tap on the waveform display on your iPad.
To sync a track on a deck, press the Sync button on the deck's transport section or on your controller. This will match the tempo and phase of the track to the master deck, which is usually the one that is playing. You can also use the S key on your keyboard or tap on the BPM display on your iPad.
To pitch a track on a deck, use the Pitch fader on the deck's transport section or on your controller. This will change the speed and pitch of the track relative to its original tempo. You can also use the up and down arrow keys on your keyboard or swipe up and down on the waveform display on your iPad.
To scratch a track on a deck, use the Jog wheel on your controller or click and drag on the waveform display with your mouse. This will simulate the movement of a vinyl record and allow you to manipulate the sound of the track. You can also use the left and right arrow keys on your keyboard or swipe left and right on the waveform display on your iPad.
To crossfade between tracks, use the Crossfader at the bottom of the mixer section or on your controller. This will blend the volume of the two decks from left to right. You can also use the X key on your keyboard or swipe left and right on the crossfader display on your iPad.
To set a cue point on a track, press one of the Hotcue buttons (1-4) on your controller or keyboard while the track is playing or paused. This will store a permanent cue point at the current position that you can jump to later. You can also tap and hold one of the hotcue slots (1-4) on your iPad.
To jump to a cue point on a track, press one of the Hotcue buttons (1-4) on your controller or keyboard while holding down the Shift key. This will jump to the cue point that you have set earlier. You can also tap one of the hotcue slots (1-4) on your iPad.
To delete a cue point on a track, press one of the Hotcue buttons (1-4) on your controller or keyboard while holding down the Delete key. This will erase the cue point that you have set earlier. You can also tap and hold one of the hotcue slots (1-4) on your iPad and drag it to the trash icon.
To set a loop on a track, press one of the Loop buttons (1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16) on your controller or keyboard while the track is playing. This will create a loop of that length at the current position and repeat it until you exit. You can also tap one of the loop buttons (1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16) on your iPad.
To exit a loop on a track, press the Exit Loop button (X) on your controller or keyboard while in a loop. This will exit the loop and resume playing the track from where the loop ended. You can also tap the exit loop button (X) on your iPad.
To adjust the loop length on a track, use the Loop Size knob on your controller or keyboard while in a loop. This will change the length of the loop from 1/32 to 32 bars. You can also swipe up and down on the loop size display on your iPad.
To move the loop position on a track, use the Loop Move knob on your controller or keyboard while in a loop. This will shift the loop forward or backward by one beat. You can also swipe left and right on the loop move display on your iPad.
Adjusting the sound with EQ, filter, and effects in Traktor LE 2
Besides playing and manipulating your tracks, you can also adjust the sound with EQ, filter, and effects in Traktor LE 2. EQ stands for equalizer, which allows you to boost or cut the low, mid, and high frequencies of your tracks. Filter stands for low-pass or high-pass filter, which allows you to sweep out the low or high frequencies of your tracks. Effects stand for various sound processors that can add color, depth, and movement to your tracks. Here is how to adjust the sound with EQ, filter, and effects in Traktor LE 2:
To use EQ on a track, use the EQ knobs (Low, Mid, High) on the mixer section or on your controller. This will increase or decrease the volume of the low, mid, and high frequencies of the track. You can also use the Q, W, E keys on your keyboard or swipe up and down on the EQ displays on your iPad.
To use filter on a track, use the Filter knob on the mixer section or on your controller. This will apply a low-pass or high-pass filter to the track, depending on which direction you turn the knob. You can also use the F key on your keyboard or swipe left and right on the filter display on your iPad.
To use effects on a track, press the FX button on your controller or keyboard to activate the effects unit. Then, use the FX knobs (1-3) on your controller or keyboard to adjust the parameters of the effects. You can also tap on the FX button on your iPad to open the effects panel and swipe up and down on the FX displays to adjust the parameters.
To change the effects type on a track, press and hold the FX button on your controller or keyboard to open the effects selector. Then, use the FX knobs (1-3) or buttons (1-3) to select one of the 12 available effects for each slot. You can also tap and hold on the FX button on your iPad to open the effects selector and tap on one of the 12 available effects for each slot.
How to expand your DJ setup with Traktor LE 2
Compatible MIDI controllers and audio interfaces for Traktor LE 2
One of the best ways to enhance your DJ experience with Traktor LE 2 is to use it with a compatible MIDI controller and audio interface. A MIDI controller is a device that allows you to control the software with physical knobs, buttons, faders, and jog wheels. An audio interface is a device that allows you to connect your laptop or iPad to external speakers or headphones for better sound quality and monitoring. Here are some of the compatible MIDI controllers and audio interfaces for Traktor LE 2:
MIDI Controller
Audio Interface
Traktor Kontrol Z1
Built-in
Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3
Built-in
Traktor Kontrol X1 MK2
None (requires external audio interface)
Traktor Audio 2
Built-in
Komplete Audio 6
Built-in
Other third-party controllers
Varies (check manufacturer's website)
How to connect your laptop or iPad to speakers or headphones
To connect your laptop or iPad to speakers or headphones, you need to use an audio interface that has the appropriate outputs. For example, if you use a Traktor Kontrol Z1, you can connect your speakers to the Main Out (RCA) and your headphones to the Headphone Out (1/4"). If you use a Traktor Audio 2, you can connect your speakers to the Output A (1/8") and your headphones to the Output B (1/8"). If you use a Komplete Audio 6, you can connect your speakers to the Main Out L/R (1/4") and your headphones to the Headphone Out (1/4"). Here are the steps to connect your laptop or iPad to speakers or headphones:
Connect your audio interface to your laptop or iPad via USB cable or Lightning cable.
Connect your speakers to the appropriate output of your audio interface via RCA cable or 1/4" cable.
Connect your headphones to the appropriate output of your audio interface via 1/4" cable or 1/8" cable.
Launch Traktor LE 2 and go to the Preferences menu.
Select "Audio Setup" and choose your audio interface as the Audio Device.
Select "Output Routing" and assign the Main Output and Monitor Output to the corresponding channels of your audio interface.
Adjust the volume of your speakers and headphones using the knobs on your audio interface or controller.
Enjoy the sound of your DJ mix.
How to upgrade to Traktor Pro 3 for more features and flexibility
If you want to take your DJing skills to the next level, you might want to upgrade to Traktor Pro 3, the full version of Traktor. Traktor Pro 3 offers more features and flexibility than Traktor LE 2, such as four decks, remix decks, stems decks, over 40 effects, advanced looping and cueing functions, harmonic mixing, key detection, beat gridding, MIDI mapping, DVS support, and more. Here is how to upgrade to Traktor Pro 3 from Traktor LE 2:
Go to the Native Instruments website and log in to your account.
Go to the Traktor Pro 3 product page and click on "Buy Now".
Select "Upgrade from LE version" as the pricing option and add it to your cart.
Proceed to checkout and complete your payment.
Download the Traktor Pro 3 installer from your account page or from the email confirmation.
Run the installer and follow the instructions on the screen.
Launch Traktor Pro 3 and log in to your account.
Enjoy the full potential of Traktor.
Conclusion and FAQs
A summary of the main points and benefits of Traktor LE 2
In conclusion, Traktor LE 2 is a great DJ software for beginners who want to learn the basics of DJing with a simple and intuitive interface. It allows you to mix across two decks, sync your tracks automatically, set cue points and loops, adjust the sound with EQ, filter, and effects, and record your mix. You can also use it with a range of compatible MIDI controllers and audio interfaces for hands-on control and better sound quality. And if you want to upgrade to Traktor Pro 3, you can do so at a discounted price and access more features and flexibility. Traktor LE 2 is a perfect way to start your DJ journey and have fun with your music.
Five unique FAQs about Traktor LE 2
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Traktor LE 2 that you might find helpful:
Q: Can I use Traktor LE 2 without a controller or audio interface?
A: Yes, you can use Traktor LE 2 without a controller or audio interface, but you will have limited control and sound quality. You can use your mouse, keyboard, or touchscreen to control the software, but you will miss the tactile feedback and convenience of a controller. You can also use your computer's built-in sound card or headphone jack to connect to speakers or headphones, but you will not be able to monitor your mix properly or adjust the volume independently. Therefore, we recommend using a controller or audio interface with Traktor LE 2 for the best experience.
Q: Can I use Traktor LE 2 with Spotify or other streaming services?
A: No, you cannot use Traktor LE 2 with Spotify or other streaming services. You can only use Traktor LE 2 with music files that are stored on your computer or iPad, such as MP3, WAV, AIFF, FLAC, OGG, or ALAC. You can also use iTunes or iCloud Drive to sync your music between devices. If you want to use streaming services with Traktor, you need to upgrade to Traktor Pro 3 and use Traktor DJ 2, which supports SoundCloud Go+ and Beatport Link.
Q: Can I use Traktor LE 2 with vinyl records or CDs?
A: No, you cannot use Traktor LE 2 with vinyl records or CDs. You can only use Traktor LE 2 with digital files that are played on track decks. If you want to use vinyl records or CDs with Traktor, you need to upgrade to Traktor Pro 3 and use Traktor Scratch, which supports timecode vinyls and CDs that allow you to control the software with turntables or CD players.
Q: Can I customize the layout or appearance of Traktor LE 2?
A: No, you cannot customize the layout or appearance of Traktor LE 2. You can only use the default layout and appearance that are provided by the software. If you want to customize the layout or appearance of Traktor, you need to upgrade to Traktor Pro 3 and use Traktor Preferences, which allow you to change the deck size, mixer size, browser size, color scheme, font size, waveform type, and more.
Q: Can I share my mix or performance with others using Traktor LE 2?
A: Yes, you can share your mix or performance with others using Traktor LE 2. You can use the Record button on the mixer section or on your controller to record your mix as a WAV file. You can also use the Share button on your iPad to export your mix as an M4A file. Then, you can upload your mix to online platforms like SoundCloud, Mixcloud, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or email it to your friends.
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