2 Questions about Traktor to Ableton with Timecode

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2 Questions about Traktor to Ableton with Timecode
Posted on: 20.11.2011 by Stephine Mcswain
Hi everybody, I was googling around to answer these 2 questions.
Normally im pretty good with using keywords but I ran out on these two questions. I can't find anything simular to this.
First of all, let me introduce myself and my setup so you can believe with me.
Im Matt from the Netherlands.
Been djing with traktor for almost 2 years now.
Started as fun at private party's and got allot of good feedback so it grew further. Nowadays I play at local clubs.
But something got me bothering during my (live) sets... latency!??

My setup:
- Macbook (late2008) 2.4 dual core with 2gb virtual. Running Leopard 10.5.8
- NI Audio4DJ
- Traktor Scratch Pro 2.0.1
- Ableton Live 8 with Audio Damage Dubstation & Soundtoys Echoboy used as live effects.
- UC-33a in midi channel 1 used as effect rack with 4 faders + knobs in ableton and 4 as effects in traktor.
- Akai MPD24 in midi channel 2 used for trigger effects cue/play etc only in traktor.
Reloop RMX40 4 channel mixer.

With a few mods I followed this tutorial about setting traktor to ableton up.
http://www.djranking s.com/2008/05/1...ableton-4-mac/
Im routing my 1/2 out and 3/4 out from traktor using Soundflower as my audio out device to ableton.
1/2 (Deck A) comes in over Audio track 1, sends only to Return A and then 1/2 out on my Audio4DJ to line-in 1 on my mixer.
The same story for the B deck on 3/4 out ofc.
Also I got my Traktor and Ableton synced using a MIDICLOCK as described in the tuto.
Check this printscreen.

As you see im using 2 effects each audio rack. Audio3 is offtopic because I messed that up
Now my problem comes here I believe. When I play a set for like 20minutes or so my master out is starting to stutter.
Like the clock is out of sync passing the effects when the effects are completely dry..
It starts to ramble the audio. But when I switch to my ableton screen I can't see what happened because the audio is playing good again.
I also watched my cpu in both programs but it gives no sign of stressing. Time/audio bombs in the effects are not the case. (legal)
On windows laptops sometimes the wireless card causes latency and gives a simular effect of what im having. But I closed my airport down.
Does not seem to fix it.
Im getting sick and tired of this problem and I ran out of possible solutions. Hope one of you can help me out on this one.

The second question I have is that if im using this setup traktor over ableton.
Is it possible then to use timecode?
Because the audio4dj is assigned to ableton for A/B out and not used as audio in or out device in Traktor.
Would love to try timecode but I love my vst's!

Your help is much apreciated on this one so thnx in advance

P'z!
Monomatic
Vicenta Alberti
18.12.2012
Originally Posted by maddiz
well, it took a while but I made a tutorial for you all hope you all like it and keep on experimenting!

http://community .djranking s.com/showthr...301#post564301
Thank you Maddiz!
Vicenta Alberti
26.09.2012
Originally Posted by maddiz
sorry I letted you guys down about this subject (also sorry for the bumb about this)
I got it pretty much smoothed out right now and I now know how it all exactly works!
I wonder how many people would like to have a Tuto about this written?
Takes some time to write a good one..
I'd love to read a tutorial on how you got this working. I've been searching for years on how to properly set this up. If you make the tutorial please let me know. Thanks!
Vicenta Alberti
15.05.2012
Originally Posted by Patch
Okay - NOW I'm listening...
I've been at this for a while and it's maybe my lack of knowledge of Soundflower/JackOSX but I just can't make it work. Here is what the Stompy developer I spoke to said about it:

"Yes, it should work with a Timecode setup, either CDs or vinyl. Just ensure that
Vicenta Alberti
14.05.2012
Originally Posted by maddiz
Think I will write a tutorial soon for setting this up! Now I do not have time to do so..
Mayb end of the week!
Hey Maddiz, will you be coming around to doing that tutorial? I tried to find out for myself but I can't get it working. I've been trying to use standalone VSTs and timecode in Traktor for many years now, but no luck. I've tried Soundflower, Jackosx but nothing. So far I've been able to get Traktor to receive the timecode signal using Jackrouter and also have Ableton receive the signal but I can't get any sound out of Ableton, so I can't be sure if VSTs through Ableton are working. I feel like I'm really close but I'm missing something. You didn't use an aggregate device in your setup did you?

Also I've been looking into this software by Digital DJ Tools called Stompy. It looks very promising. It is designed to be a host for VSTs, so you don't need to have Ableton open. They use Traktor to send the audio through Stompy and then use VSTs (hosted by Stompy) and apply effects like Sugar Bytes' Turnado or Stutter Edit and finally back to Traktor and to the master output. It syncs to Traktor's master clock so the effects are in time. Problem is, no timecode. I've actually asked one of the developers if it would be possible to use that same setup but include time code and he said it's definitely possible. They use Stompy with Soundflower but I believe JackOSX is the way to go because of it's ability to pair physical inputs with virtual ones. Anyway I hope you're able to share a tutorial with us, it would be greatly appreciated. Also anyone that might have some insight with this or with the Stompy setup would be awesome too. Here's the link to Stompy:

http://digitaldjtools.net/tools/stompy/

PS. Sorry for the long post.
Kasi Marget
07.12.2011
Originally Posted by oneapemob

And i believe it would actually be better for performance if you use everything internal.
You are totally right. And as the OP i'm using an external mixer, but i would like to have a Traktor + Ableton setup one day.

I was like "it must be a mess to set this up with an exernal mixer". You guys just proved it. But you can't give a solution to someone's problem like "change your gear" you know what i mean

Anyway, interesting thread that i'll closely follow, I do believe that Traktor + Ableton is just the ultimate thing when you have your own tracks.
Maisie Gwen
07.12.2011
Originally Posted by maddiz
woah thats even more complex. so you control 2 virtual decks with 1 cdj/turntable with a timecode cd/vinyl?

(how did you compile the installer of JACKOSX for windows? and what Windows do you use?)
Yeah, I've only messed with a physical turntable and timecode vinyl once or twice (I'm too broke to afford an audio interface.) Mostly what I do is used the audio ripped from my friends Serato vinyl as a long clip in FL Studio which I thne apply effects to (multiple stutter effects layered in different rhythms produces really interesting results) and then route that to VDJ. I've also been trying to use the boosted audio from my guitar to control the play back of a 2 minute long sine wave. I'm able to get it to play when I pluck the strings, but the speed is always the same (with a semitone or two difference in either direction.) Same with using a mic instead of timecode.

And Jack has a Windows version on their website. I'm using Windows 7 and it couldn't be easier.
Vicenta Alberti
18.12.2012
Originally Posted by maddiz
well, it took a while but I made a tutorial for you all hope you all like it and keep on experimenting!

http://community .djranking s.com/showthr...301#post564301
Thank you Maddiz!
Stephine Mcswain
17.12.2012
well, it took a while but I made a tutorial for you all hope you all like it and keep on experimenting!

http://community .djranking s.com/showthr...301#post564301
Brunilda Kora
01.10.2012
Groovy. I like simple.
Stephine Mcswain
27.09.2012
+2
I already made a small start. trying to keep it simple
Brunilda Kora
26.09.2012
I'd love to see a tute.
Vicenta Alberti
26.09.2012
Originally Posted by maddiz
sorry I letted you guys down about this subject (also sorry for the bumb about this)
I got it pretty much smoothed out right now and I now know how it all exactly works!
I wonder how many people would like to have a Tuto about this written?
Takes some time to write a good one..
I'd love to read a tutorial on how you got this working. I've been searching for years on how to properly set this up. If you make the tutorial please let me know. Thanks!
Kasi Marget
26.09.2012
Well, I changed my mind since last post, i'm and i'll probably stay 100% CDJ now. Thanks for the offer, but don't count me in.
Stephine Mcswain
25.09.2012
sorry I letted you guys down about this subject (also sorry for the bumb about this)
I got it pretty much smoothed out right now and I now know how it all exactly works!
I wonder how many people would like to have a Tuto about this written?
Takes some time to write a good one..
Vicenta Alberti
15.05.2012
Originally Posted by Patch
Okay - NOW I'm listening...
I've been at this for a while and it's maybe my lack of knowledge of Soundflower/JackOSX but I just can't make it work. Here is what the Stompy developer I spoke to said about it:

"Yes, it should work with a Timecode setup, either CDs or vinyl. Just ensure that
Brunilda Kora
15.05.2012
Originally Posted by lupzdut
I've actually asked one of the developers if it would be possible to use that same setup but include time code and he said it's definitely possible.
Okay - NOW I'm listening...
Vicenta Alberti
14.05.2012
Originally Posted by maddiz
Think I will write a tutorial soon for setting this up! Now I do not have time to do so..
Mayb end of the week!
Hey Maddiz, will you be coming around to doing that tutorial? I tried to find out for myself but I can't get it working. I've been trying to use standalone VSTs and timecode in Traktor for many years now, but no luck. I've tried Soundflower, Jackosx but nothing. So far I've been able to get Traktor to receive the timecode signal using Jackrouter and also have Ableton receive the signal but I can't get any sound out of Ableton, so I can't be sure if VSTs through Ableton are working. I feel like I'm really close but I'm missing something. You didn't use an aggregate device in your setup did you?

Also I've been looking into this software by Digital DJ Tools called Stompy. It looks very promising. It is designed to be a host for VSTs, so you don't need to have Ableton open. They use Traktor to send the audio through Stompy and then use VSTs (hosted by Stompy) and apply effects like Sugar Bytes' Turnado or Stutter Edit and finally back to Traktor and to the master output. It syncs to Traktor's master clock so the effects are in time. Problem is, no timecode. I've actually asked one of the developers if it would be possible to use that same setup but include time code and he said it's definitely possible. They use Stompy with Soundflower but I believe JackOSX is the way to go because of it's ability to pair physical inputs with virtual ones. Anyway I hope you're able to share a tutorial with us, it would be greatly appreciated. Also anyone that might have some insight with this or with the Stompy setup would be awesome too. Here's the link to Stompy:

http://digitaldjtools.net/tools/stompy/

PS. Sorry for the long post.
Kasi Marget
07.12.2011
Originally Posted by oneapemob

And i believe it would actually be better for performance if you use everything internal.
You are totally right. And as the OP i'm using an external mixer, but i would like to have a Traktor + Ableton setup one day.

I was like "it must be a mess to set this up with an exernal mixer". You guys just proved it. But you can't give a solution to someone's problem like "change your gear" you know what i mean

Anyway, interesting thread that i'll closely follow, I do believe that Traktor + Ableton is just the ultimate thing when you have your own tracks.
Stephine Mcswain
07.12.2011
Think I will write a tutorial soon for setting this up! Now I do not have time to do so..
Mayb end of the week!
Lauretta Ehrhorn
07.12.2011
Could you explain in more detail what mistake you made in order to trigger timecode. I have everything routed from Traktor to Ableton currently and 4 sends set to 4 stereo outs on the audio 8 whuch feed into 4 seperate channels on my mixer. Happy to tamper with this for timecode but having read this i'm still not clear what you have done.
Maisie Gwen
07.12.2011
Originally Posted by maddiz
woah thats even more complex. so you control 2 virtual decks with 1 cdj/turntable with a timecode cd/vinyl?

(how did you compile the installer of JACKOSX for windows? and what Windows do you use?)
Yeah, I've only messed with a physical turntable and timecode vinyl once or twice (I'm too broke to afford an audio interface.) Mostly what I do is used the audio ripped from my friends Serato vinyl as a long clip in FL Studio which I thne apply effects to (multiple stutter effects layered in different rhythms produces really interesting results) and then route that to VDJ. I've also been trying to use the boosted audio from my guitar to control the play back of a 2 minute long sine wave. I'm able to get it to play when I pluck the strings, but the speed is always the same (with a semitone or two difference in either direction.) Same with using a mic instead of timecode.

And Jack has a Windows version on their website. I'm using Windows 7 and it couldn't be easier.
Stephine Mcswain
07.12.2011
Originally Posted by WEEDNIRVANA
I love Jack, I use it on Windows to do some over the top experimental routings of timecode source audio before routing it into VDJ as a control. Jack lets me send the timecode audio to multiple different programs at once before merging them back down to send as the control source for VDJ. This way I can control 2 virtual decks with one movement on one deck (scratching boths decks exactly in sync with each other) as well as apply a heap of effects to the timecode audio. Jack is an incredibly versatile program.
woah thats even more complex. so you control 2 virtual decks with 1 cdj/turntable with a timecode cd/vinyl?

(how did you compile the installer of JACKOSX for windows? and what Windows do you use?)
Maisie Gwen
07.12.2011
I love Jack, I use it on Windows to do some over the top experimental routings of timecode source audio before routing it into VDJ as a control. Jack lets me send the timecode audio to multiple different programs at once before merging them back down to send as the control source for VDJ. This way I can control 2 virtual decks with one movement on one deck (scratching boths decks exactly in sync with each other) as well as apply a heap of effects to the timecode audio. Jack is an incredibly versatile program.
Stephine Mcswain
07.12.2011
Originally Posted by mostapha
Interesting
Brunilda Kora
07.12.2011
Originally Posted by Maddiz
Im so happy with this because it will make me use timecode!!
Whoa, there!!!

Are you saying you can use timecode vinyl, with the audio from Traktor being sync'd to Lives master tempo? (Or Live's master tempo being sync'd to Traktors audio, more like...)

I hope to GOD that's what you're saying... :eek:
Dorie Scelzo
07.12.2011
Interesting
Stephine Mcswain
07.12.2011
Originally Posted by oneapemob
Well with a physical input to jack, jack is then exactly like a "normal" soundcard, really like a centralized audio hub, so for example :
jack audio in 1-2 = audio8 1-2
jack audio in 3-4 = audio8 3-4
jack audio out 1-2 = audio8 1-2
etc...
Plus the ability to route one program's audio to another (virtually), just like soundflower.
But the thing is that a certain number of audio drivers ( i can only speak for mac ) can only be active for one program, and/or you cannot (usually) route virtual audio between 2 programs that are using the same soundcard.
Lol, I didnt even read this. I should have because this is what I did to get the timecode working.
You are also right about that you can only use 1 program each soundcard.
I tried this too for recording in Audicity with the audio4dj selected as input from my master2out but all I got is a really strange noise trough the audio that is playing.
Stephine Mcswain
07.12.2011
http://youtu.be/yZmMiGLt82k

here is the short movie! ignore the audio because it's not from my macbook but from the computer my friends were using messing around with some vst's

You can see that my audio from Traktors deck A is going in Abletons Audio1 and sends it to Return A. Return A is set at external 1/2 out on the Audio4dj to the Xone.
I can make a turorial about this if people want to, but only when enough people requests it. Or a djranking s admin will :P

Im so happy with this because it will make me use timecode!!
Stephine Mcswain
07.12.2011
Thank you guys for all your responses. Made me understand things allot better.

Well I have found my latency problem!
It was Soundflower that created the sound. Still really dont know why exactly.
I was about to upgrade to Snow Leopard and would have bought my macbook some 4gb to work with.
Will buy it anyways later on but it has been fixed using JACKOSX again!!
Took me over a week to reconfigure my setup but it works flawless now.
So F... soundflower xD

Oh and I discovered a way to still use timecode vinyl when routing audio from Traktor to Ableton to external mixer! (smart mixing)
I was fooling around with JACKOSX connections and I tried to use the audio4dj inputs 1/2 for recording my master2out but I did something (wrong?!) and suddenly Traktors timecode vinyl calibrators responded to the audio that I was about to send back in to Ableton for recording my sets.
I was like wtf? So this is how Stephan Bodzin does his live sets!!
I saw him a month ago at the Sugarfactory in Amsterdam during ADE and his "live set" was also routed from traktor to ableton. He used his famous lightsaber midicontroller that has to be connected to Ableton. I saw his screen and he was running Traktor and 2 cdj's for timecode control!

Anyways it is possible! Don't believe it?
I tested it last evening at my friends house with his turntables.
Im trying to upload a vid on youtube now that shows it works.
Bertie Metro
21.11.2011
Well with a physical input to jack, jack is then exactly like a "normal" soundcard, really like a centralized audio hub, so for example :
jack audio in 1-2 = audio8 1-2
jack audio in 3-4 = audio8 3-4
jack audio out 1-2 = audio8 1-2
etc...
Plus the ability to route one program's audio to another (virtually), just like soundflower.
But the thing is that a certain number of audio drivers ( i can only speak for mac ) can only be active for one program, and/or you cannot (usually) route virtual audio between 2 programs that are using the same soundcard.
Dorie Scelzo
21.11.2011
Handles both? Meaning you can attach a physical input to Jack?

I'm not sure why you'd do that
Bertie Metro
21.11.2011
Because soundflower can only have software inputs, unlike jack that handle both. If not for that soundflower wins by its minimalistic and uncluttered design ( plus ease of setup of course ).
Dorie Scelzo
21.11.2011
Why do you prefer Jack to Soundflower? Jack on Linux was a evening mare.
Bertie Metro
21.11.2011
What mostapha said.

And i believe it would actually be better for performance if you use everything internal. Think about it, if you use the same audio device (without scratch functionality) then the clock (internal clock for your audio device/drivers/audio software) is the same, and you have the same latency set in each programs (the way you can do it with jack audio for osx). Were you to go the hardware route, you'd end up with : input latency for traktor + processing latency + output latency + input latency in Live + processing + output
And that is without taking into account that you have to have 2 audio interfaces + cables, what a mess...
Jack audio is the best bet (once you found thru testing the best latency for your set up), because everything is centralized. The only downside is no scratch functionality, but this is native instruments imposed, because in reality it can work, even with really low latency.
I'm now a proud owner of traktor scratch pro 2 myself, but it really sucks that you cannot use jack for example and get the scratch.
Dorie Scelzo
21.11.2011
The virtual stuff works just fine
Lisa Lochotzki
21.11.2011
You can use Virtual Audio cables to route Audio From Traktor to Ableton. But for safety sake, I would prefer real hardware over any virtual patch for live performances.
Dorie Scelzo
22.11.2011
Originally Posted by J5k
I believe you need to have the audio 4 selected as the inputs in traktor for timecode to work.
Yep.

AFAIK, there's no way to route Traktor's audio into Ableton if you're using time code without using a second audio interface for Abeleton and actually using cables.

I want to use Maschine, not Ableton
Leah Shawkey
21.11.2011
I believe you need to have the audio 4 selected as the inputs in traktor for timecode to work.
Stephine Mcswain
21.11.2011
Thank you for your fast response!

I will try to update everything and see what happens. Hope it will fix the issue because it sucks when you have to play somewhere :S

Another one: what happens if I put my buffer size to a higher value?
its now 512, I tried 1024 but I dont know if it has something to do with it.

It also happens when I load an analyzed track into a deck while the other deck is playing. Looks like my mac is freezing for half a sec. So mayb lack of virtual memory will solve it..

And does somebody know that timecode will work when you use the audio4dj as audio out device in Ableton? I dont have the resources to test it..
Bertie Metro
20.11.2011
I'll give you the usual suspects :
First update your drivers for audio 4
Then update your traktor to 2.0.3 since 2.1.1 seems to be a bit of a botched update.
Also update your mac to at least snow leopard 10.6.8

Maybe the thing that will do the most change in your case is the osx update, also, because you are trying to use two programs at the same time (audio related) maybe believe about getting 4 gigs of ram for your computer. It shouldn't be that expensive, and will really boost your computer, for a definite boost in your system, grab yourself a faster hard drive.

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