In this tutorial i'll show you how to map the Novation Nocturn to control Native instruments Traktor DJ software using midi. It's quite an easy process and really opens up the usability and fun side of Traktor.

Step 1- Open Traktor & automap

Open automap and traktor software.

Step 2 - Reset and CC# knobs and buttons

Once you have reset the CC#'s for the Nocturn assign them new ones. In the image above i've just gone from 0-16 with the crossfader being CC#16.

Step 3 - Open Traktor's midi mapping window

Now you need to open the midi mapping window in Traktor, see the screen shot below. To do so click on the file menu in the top left corner, then preferences. Scroll right to the bottom and midi mapping is the last selection. Click reset all to clear the pre mapped parameters and create you own. If you want to back up the previous settings then click export in the bottom left hand corner, deselect everything apart from the midi mapping box and click save.

Step 4 - Midi mapping the Nocturn

Now the fun starts. There are two ways to midi map in Traktor, using learn or selecting the CC# from a list. First i'll explain the learn function as it's quicker.

In the midi mapping window of Traktor you'll be presented with a list of parameters that can be midi mapped. Select the parameter you want to midi map. If it isn't shown in the list click on the ADD button below and select it. This should add it to the list.

Step 4 - Midi mapping the Nocturn

Now the fun starts. There are two ways to midi map in Traktor, using learn or selecting the CC# from a list. First i'll explain the learn function as it's quicker.

In the midi mapping window of Traktor you'll be presented with a list of parameters that can be midi mapped. Select the parameter you want to midi map. If it isn't shown in the list click on the ADD button below and select it. This should add it to the list.

Next we move on to the learn function. Press the learn button to start learning mode for the selected parameter.

Once pressed the learn button will light up, turn, move or press the knob, button or crossfader you want assign to this parameter on the Nocturn.

Deselect the Learn button to stop learning and save the midi map. That parameter is now midi mapped to the corresponding controller on the Nocturn. It doesn't stop there, you have to select the target for the parameter.

Step 5 - Parameter target

Once you've midi mapped a parameter, lets say volume for example, you need to select the target for that parameter. Deck A or Deck B.

Below the midi learn box you'll see the control config box (above), this is where you assign the parameter target. You can also assign the type of controller and interaction mode but I find it works fine just left alone, more on these in the advanced midi mapping of Traktor tutorial. Don't forget you'll have to double up each parameter you assign, one for each deck.

Step 6 - Nocturn parameter naming

Not an essential step but helps in the long run. Go to automap and for each knob, button and crossfader name what it controls in Traktor. Helps if you forget. Last but not least save the Nocturn control map so you can load it anytime.

Conclusion

So there you have it now your Nocturn is fully midi mapped to Traktor. Makes using Traktor a lot more fun. If you come up with any interesting control maps please don't hesitate to send them to me.

Keep your eyes open for a download of my control map for Traktor and a more advanced midi mapping tutorial where I'll show you some crazy things the Nocturn and Traktor can do.

Zander