How to Use Tidal in Traktor DJ Pro 4/Pro 3 [Full Guide]

Part 1. Can You Use Tidal with Traktor?

No, you can't. Traktor DJ, developed by Native Instruments, is a versatile plug-and-play mixing software that lets you to mix up to four tracks simultaneously. Like Serato DJ, it can function as a straightforward two-channel DJ setup or a more advanced multi-channel live performance tool. With a wide array of effects and powerful features, Traktor DJ also allows users to record audio from external sources, making it a popular choice among DJs.

Indeed, many DJ enthusiasts want to stream Tidal to Traktor DJ as Tidal music help them generate a constant stream of inspiration. But to their disappointment, Traktor does not support any streaming music services such as Tidal currently. In other words, Tidal Traktor integration is yet to be realized.

Part 2. How to Get Tidal for Traktor DJ via AudFree Tidal Music Converter

As the native integration between Traktor and Tidal is not yet implemented, you need to find other ways to use Traktor with Tidal. Fortunately, Traktor supports the import of common audio files such as MP3, WAV, FLAC, M4A (AAC), AIFF, and OGG Vorbis. At this point, all you need is a professional Tidal music downloader to download Tidal songs as unprotected files. Here, the AudFree Tidal Music Downloader will suffice. It has expertise in the field of Tidal audio conversion.

This clever tool erases the protection information and converts Tidal tracks to Traktor-supported formats such as MP3, FLAC, AIFF, WAV, and other common audio files. With cutting-edge technology, it preserves 100% Tidal HiFi and Max quality and all the original metadata, like ID3 tags. With it, DJ beginners as well as amateurs can freely mix Tidal in Traktor.

How to Download Tidal Music for Traktor DJ

Now, it's time to download music from Tidal to Traktor-compatible formats with the help of the AudFree Tidal Music Downloader. After that, you can stream Tidal on Traktor Pro 3, Traktor Pro 4 and Traktor DJ 2 without any problems.

Step 1. Import Tidal Music into AudFree Tidal Music Converter

Download, install and launch the AudFree Tidal Music Downloader on your computer. Log in to your Tidal account and select the song you want to mix in Traktor DJ. You need to add them to the 'Converting' list. Simply click the '+🎵' bubble to do so. You can also copy the song link and paste it into the tool's search bar to find the track. Finally, click the 'Add to list' button in the new window to load the target Tidal track.

Step 2. Edit Tidal Audio Output Parameters for Traktor DJ

Find the 'Menu' icon from the top-right corner of this Tidal downloader and click 'Preferences' > 'Conversion'. You can reset the Tidal music output format and other parameters in the settings window that pops up. Please customize the output format of your Tidal music to MP3, AIFF, FLAC, etc. so that the Traktor DJ software can recognize it well. If you want lossless and immersive sound, please choose FLAC or WAV format with 32-bit. After that, touch 'OK' to apply.

Step 3. Download Music from Tidal for Traktor DJ

Go to AudFree's Converting window and press the large 'Convert' button to download Tidal tracks which are compatible with Traktor DJ. Wait until the conversion is complete, click the 'Converted' section with the red number, then tap the 'Open Folder' option to view all converted Tidal tracks. In turn, you have the right to import unprotected Tidal music to Traktor DJ without any restrictions.

Part 3. How to Add Tidal Music to Traktor DJ

With AudFree Tidal Music Converter, now you get local Tidal music files for Traktor DJ. So, here follow the steps below to learn how to connect Tidal to Traktor DJ Pro 4, Pro 3 and Traktor DJ 2 for mixing.

How to Add Tidal Music to Traktor Pro 3/Pro 4

Step 1. First, please open your Traktor Pro 3 or Traktor Pro 4 app on your computer.

Step 2. Click on 'File' > 'Preferences' to open a new window.

Step 3. Choose 'File Management' from the left panel. Then enable the 'Import Music-Folders at Startup' option at the right side.

Step 4. Back to the Traktor Pro 4 main screen and navigate to the Browser section at the left side.

Step 5. Pick up the 'Explorer' option and navigate to the folder on your computer where your Tidal music files are stored. Select the desired Tidal songs and add them to Traktor Pro 4 or Pro 3.

Step 6. Then, please personalize your own DJ music as you like.

How to Add Tidal Music to Traktor DJ 2

Step 1. Open the Traktor DJ 2 software from your computer.

Step 2. Find and tap the 'File' option at the top-left corner on the screen. Then choose 'Import Music Files' or 'Import Folder' based on the location you store the converted Tidal music files.

Step 3. Locate and browse the local Tidal music tracks in the File Explorer on Windows or Finder on Mac. Then pick up the files and choose 'Open / Select Folder'.

Step 4. After that, Tidal music files will be added into Traktor's Browser and you can find them there.

Step 5. Now, you can drag & drop your local Tidal audio to the Traktor DJ 2 app's Decks. You're ready to start mixing and performing with Traktor DJ 2.

Part 4. Tips to Use Tidal in Traktor DJ

After adding Tidal music into Traktor, you can mix those tracks on Traktor basically. You can adjust EQ, crossfade track, etc. But in this part, we will show you some other advanced tips to use Tidal on Traktor DJ.

1. Batch Metadata Cleanup

Step 1. In Traktor program, tap 'Track Collection' at the left-hand sidebar.

Step 2. Right-click the newly added Tidal folder and choose 'Analyze (Async)'.

Step 3. In the pop-up window, check the 'Replace BPM with Estimated Value' and 'Key Text' options under the 'Special' section.

After that, Traktor uses its proprietary precision positioning algorithm to relock the grid map and tone.

2. Leverage Smart Playlists

Step 1. Right-click on the 'Playlists' tree in the Traktor browser and choose 'Create Smart Playlist'.

Step 2. Set the first condition to "File Path" > "contains" > [enter the name of the local folder where you store AudFree Tidal downloads, e.g., "AudFree Tidal"].

Step 3. Click the "+" sign to add a second filter condition, such as "BPM" > "is between" > 120 and 128 (to filter for House music), or "Import Date" > "within the last" > 7 days (to automatically gather new Tidal tracks downloaded this week).

After setting that, whenever you download new songs via AudFree Tidal Music Converter and place them in that folder, these Smart Playlists will update automatically in real-time when you open Traktor, saving you the hassle of manual sorting.

3. Saving HotCues and Loops

After loading the Tidal music track onto Deck A, use the waveform display to precisely locate the end of the intro, the drop, and the outro mix-out point. Next, press the number keys (1 - 8) on the main panel to save these as HotCues.

Since these are your own local files, the CUE points and beatgrid data are permanently written to Traktor's 'collection.nml' database. Whether you switch computers, reinstall your OS, or perform offline at a venue without internet access, your tracks will remain safe and intact.

4. Customizing Mix Scenarios Using "Comment Tags"

Step 1. Select a batch of downloaded Tidal tracks and locate the "Comment" field in the Attribute Editor panel below.

Step 2. Enter a consistent custom tag, such as '[Tidal-WarmUp]', '[Tidal-PeakTime]', or '[Tidal-Deep]'.

When preparing your set on the fly, simply type '[Tidal-PeakTime]', etc. into the Traktor search bar, and all the Tidal offline tracks will instantly appear.

Part 5. FAQs about Traktor Tidal

Part 6. Sum Up

While Traktor does not support Tidal streaming directly, you understand how to get, import, and mix Tidal music in Traktor DJ via tools like AudFree Tidal Music Downloader in this post. With this tool, you can download Tidal songs as local files. Then you can seamlessly add Tidal tracks to Traktor or any other DJ software, ensuring a smooth and creative DJing experience.