Back in March, we brought you news on Traktor DJ, noting that it’s an iPad DJ app you’ll actually want to use.
The app represented the latest in a long line of Traktor-branded products, which includes software, mixers and other accessories. Costing $20, it was no gimmick either, and we noted that Traktor DJ is very much in keeping with other Traktor products, except it’s tailored for the iPad’s touchscreen.
“It is, in fact, a fully-capable app that you can feel just as at home using on your couch as in the club,” wrote TNW’s Brad McCarty at the time. Now, Native Instruments has downsized even more, by releasing Traktor DJ for iPhone.
Traktor DJ for iPhone & iPod touch
Traktor DJ for iPhone essentially mimics its iPad counterpart, and when you launch the app, you’ll note it only works in landscape, which kind of makes sense given the existing screen real estate at your disposal.
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There’s 2 tracks, for each you hit the little ‘+’ button and you can peruse the music on your device to select the tunes you’d like to mix.
Users can view both decks simultaneously, or tap the slider to adjust the size of each waveform in relation to the other. This allows users to set loops, scratch, mark cue points for live re-editing, and scrub, browse or navigate tracks.
But at the most basic level, e.g. for novices, Traktor DJ has a built-in automatic tempo detection feature and sync engine, which is a massive help for budding beat-mixers. A bit of a cheat for sure, but it does help engage beginners from the get-go as they don’t have to play around with tempos.
The app also contains an engine that uses tempo, key, and timbre detection algorithms to recommend compatible tracks, with similar tempo and harmonic structures.
Other features includes Freeze Mode, which lets users slice a waveform into individual playable parts for remixing on the fly. To active this, click the snowflake on the bottom left, and you can chop the track up while still playing it.
Each track has an effects, equalizer and filter section that is easily accessed by tapping the appropriate buttons.
You can also pull out from the left to gain access to the ‘decks’, which lets you physically turn the disc to slow it down or speed it up.
Interestingly, there’s a record mode too which lets you save your handiwork and share with your buddies.
Traktor DJ for iPhone lets users bi-directionally sync track settings and properties with Traktor PRO, the company’s flagship software. DJs can transfer their stored work in PRO directly to the mobile app – this includes beat grids, cue points, loops and BPM counts, enabled via the built-in Dropbox integration.
Native Instruments says that the release of Traktor DJ for iPhone is the realization of one of its longer-term visions – to use touch-controlled waveform displays to create a direct way to interact with music. And it really is quite a stunning, feature-packed app.
While it may naturally lend itself better to the iPad purely due to screen-size, the guys at Native Instruments have done a stellar job of reimagining it for the smaller-screened iPhone form factor. And for $4.99, it’s a bargain.
➤ Traktor DJ: iPhone/iPod touch
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Feature Image Credit – Thinkstock
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