S8 augmentation via Launchpad MK2
Description and Instructions
The idea:
The S8 has only two rows of buttons for the remix decks and the step-sequencer
is also very hard to control. The launchpad has a ton of buttons...
What can it do:
- dedicated layer system for normal remix-deck, step-sequencer and "other stuff", i. e. effects & loop recorder
- trigger eight samples in a column in a remix-deck instead of only two (with the S8)
- show two remix-decks at the same time
- key-manipulation, if the deck is a track-deck
- step-sequencer for ALL FOUR decks (each step-sequencer fills the whole launchpad)
- all sixteen steps of each sample visible at the same time for the step-sequencer
- instant gratification-like effects for each deck using effect 4 in group mode(on a dedicated layer)
- effect set is switchable via hot-buttons, map your own sets ( they are located at the end of the mapping in the normal order)
- layer with overview of effect assignment of each deck
- loop recorder controls on that layer
How it works:
- each deck has a dedicated color: A: light blue, B: green, C: yellow, D:
orange
- three layers: 1(starting): (remix-)deck control, 2: individual step sequencer, 3: effects; change this with the right button-row (|>)
- if you change into a higher layer, press current button again to go back to where you came from (example: you are in 1, press fourth right button so you see the step-sequencer of deck B, press again and you are in 1 again; another: from 1, press fifth so you see the step-sequencer of deck C, here press fourth and you see the step-sequqncer of deck B, now press fourth again and you are back in layer 1)
deck control:
- first and second topmost of right buttons cycle between A&C and B&D
- remix-deck: press button to play sample, top button stops column
- track deck: manipulate key of track on the left side, tone play cue points
(4&5) on the right as columns
individual step sequencer:
- number 3 to 6 of right buttons switch to step-sequencer of corresponding deck
- double row corresponds to the 16 steps, press button to make sound play on
that step
- top buttons pairwise control sequencer length of each sample correspondingly
- topmost button of right buttons switches to step sequencer mode
- second topmost button of right buttons can be held to enable a quick change 8
of samples, press where top buttons turn pink
effects:
number 7 of right buttons switches to instant effects:
- 4x4 blocks correspond to A, B, C, D
- press one of first three rows of block to assign, switch on and set value of
corresponding sub-effect (in group-mode) of effect four
- last row 1 to 3 does increasing knob-value for corresponding sub-effect with
start at zero
- last one (white one) does decreasing knob-value without start at 100% (use it
ot end combo)
- right buttons control de-assigning effect 4 from decks and dry/wet of effect 4 (this is also reset when this layer is left)
number 8 of right buttons switches to effect-assignment-overview and loop recorder:
- 4x4 blocks correspond to A, B, C, D
- block shows the four effects' assignment
- shows effect status at centre: white - single/off, yellow - group/off, orange - on
- loop recorder at right, from top: record, play, undo, delete
- loop recorder at top, from right: dry, wet, directly dry, directly middle,
directly wet, -, decrease loop size, increase loop size
known issues:
- color-coding of individual samples not shown for remix-deck: traktor does not output the data as midi (see lengthy posts on DJtechtools), also the color-distribution with the midi-value of the launchpad is "idiotic"
- sometimes color/color-gradients choosen look strange: the color-distribution with the midi-value of the launchpad is "totally stupid (as in - seriously what where you thinking - stupid)"
- in the effect-assignment-overview: if several effects (in group-mode) are switched on and an effect is switched off, the corresponding light will turn yellow and not stay orange, this an issue related to how midi works and cannot be circumvented because inputs to this cause other than through the launchpad are possible
Have fun!
PS: I am planning to do a tutorial video soon.
---> I finally did it!!!:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_p389r9aeMU&feature=youtu.be
(should clear some things up)
Arash Farasat over 3 years ago
Charles Matzner about 4 years ago
zieg frey almost 7 years ago
VENETIAN almost 7 years ago
Arne almost 7 years ago
with output I meant visual feedback of the current position of the volume-fader. You would have to look on your laptop for that.
Arne almost 7 years ago
Hi Venetian, thanks for the feedback! It should work somewhat with the kontrol S4, but if I remember correctly, the S4 does not have dedicated faders for the volume-control of each remix-slot (which the S8 has). This is missing in the mapping and you would need to use another (small) controller for that, or, add it to the mapping, as there is some free space left: in the mode where it says: "second topmost button of right buttons can be held to enable a quick change 8 of samples, press where top buttons turn pink", there is a column left out with no function (the ones where the top buttons do not turn pink), these could be used to set the slot-volume to a fixed value ranging from 0 to full. The modifiers would be M1 to 2-5 (depending on deck) and to M5 to 1. Due to the nature of the Traktor-Midimapping it should not be possible to generate an output which has no conflict with the step-sequencer-output =(. (If you have questions on how to midi-map, feel free to ask.) Unfortunately I have not much time at the moment because I am moving, thus the tutorial video will be a bit delayed, but if something is unclear, just ask.