Traktor

Traktor (previously known as Traktor DJ Studio) is a DJ software package developed by Native Instruments. The most recent version, Traktor Pro, offers looping, effects, automatic beat-gridding of tracks, beat detection and Sync Lock for automatic synchronization of tracks, key detection, a 4-channel mixer, emulating the Xone:92 4-band EQ and filters by Allen & Heath and five other equalizer models, real-time track management with incremental search, artwork browsing, iPod and iTunes compatibility, automatic gain control, integrated recorder supporting internal and external audio input, support for multiple MIDI controllers and advanced MIDI assignments, as well as the syncing of external gear through MIDI clock functionality. Traktor is also used as a "sub-brand" for several of Native Instrument's associated hardware products.

Traktor was first released in 2000 and has gone through several major application changes. The initial versions of Traktor were Traktor Studio and Traktor DJ, with Traktor Studio being more full featured (and expensive). In 2002, Traktor DJ Studio 2 was released, which offered several new features including scratch macros. It also expanded its looping, MIDI, and cue point functionality. In 2003, Traktor DJ Studio 2.5 was released. This new version expanded the time stretching functionality, added Open Sound Control (OSC) support, and gave the user limited ability to customize the look of the interface.

In 2003, Native Instruments partnered with Stanton Magnetics to develop the software for their "Final Scratch" digital vinyl system. This partnership gave Stanton a Win/Mac version of the Final Scratch software (which previously ran in a version of Debian Linux) and allowed Native Instruments to use the Final Scratch timecode engine in their own Traktor line.

In 2005, Native Instruments added vinyl emulation capability to version 2.6 of Traktor DJ Studio. Version 2.6 included live input, streaming internet broadcasting, support for more file formats, and greatly expanded MIDI capability. Soon afterward, Traktor DJ Studio 3 added two more playback decks (for a total of four), built-in effects, Beatport online store integration, a four-channel mixer, a Universal Binary version, deck caching, and minor improvements to existing features.