Color Mapping the Kontrol F1Color Mapping the Kontrol F1
The TRAKTOR KONTROL F1 User Manual states,
“A Remix Deck consists of 4 Sample Slots, each holding 16 Sample Cells to be loaded with Samples from the Browser, or for capturing Samples live from Track Decks and the Loop Recorder… Samples are color-coded: The colors for each Sample Cell are selectable, and they are reflected on the pads of the F1. The color on the F1 will always be the same as the color on the Remix Decks.”
The TRAKTOR 2 User Manual states,
“The Waveform Display and Stripe View share the same Color Mode (color scheme). There are four Color Modes available: Ultraviolet, Infrared, X-Ray and Spectrum. Select a Color Mode in Preferences > Decks > Miscellaneous > Color Mode.”
When “Spectrum” view is engaged, the waveforms assume a range of colors depending on what sounds they are referring to. Solid bass notes or kick drums are Red in color. Heavier beats flooded with snares and synths are often pink or Magenta. Vocals and mid-range sounds like trumpets or saxophones are often displayed as a pale blue or Green. The FX, sweeps and intro/outro samples were assigned cool colors, inspired by white noise house music sweeps that are often Blue‘ish.
Slot 1: Red – Song
Slot 2: Magenta – Intense Song
Slot 3: Blue – Extras
Slot 4: Green – Vocal Loops and Samples
The waveforms will either directly reflect the graded color arrangement below or fall in a logical place between the sample/color types in the hierarchy.
Standard Layout and Pad Order
The pads are in their standard color orientation and are labeled 1-16 consecutively from left to right.
I broke down the available 16 colors into 4 primary groups each with 4 different colors in their respective groups. Each group is not only labeled, but color coded to broadly reflect the sound type or quality based on the color of the waveforms they collectively create. Each group’s main color is chosen for each theme because that color corresponds with Traktor’s waveform display in “spectrum view”. [1]
Song Component Breakdown for Layout
The 4 groups of 4 are listed below in their L-R arrangement, sorted by slot assignment, color, theme and component explanation. Organize your samples accordingly and you will be able to match those categories to the mood and sound it represents. Once familiar, try freestyling and composing using the F1. Keep in mind that not all of the sample spaces need to be filled in order to arrange a fantastic piece. Balance your mix and try not to have too many things going on at once as it can muddy and over complicate the sound. Use the FX, experiment with Punch-Mode, 1-shot’s, Loops, Up-faders, Filters, all of that! Have fun and enjoy!
Slot 1: Red – Song
(Loops in Punch Mode)
n01☗ Beat
n02☗ Beat w/ Variations
n03☗ Beat Lead In or Out, Transitions, Buildups & Breakdowns
n04☗ Chorus and/or Chorus Parts
Slot 2: Magenta – Intense Song
(Loops in Punch Mode)
n16☗ Intense Beat
n15☗ Intense Beat w/ Variations
n14☗ Intense Beat Lead In or Out, Transitions, Buildups & Breakdowns
n13☗ Intense Chorus and/or Chorus Parts
Slot 3: Blue - Extras
n12☗ Main Intro/Outro Sample Quantized (1-Shot)
n11☗ Beat Components (ie. synths, interesting drum tracks, anything unique that loops) (Loop)
n10☗ FX & Samples (Loop)
n09☗ FX & Samples (1-Shot)
Slot 4: Green – Vocal Loops and Samples
(Loops in Punch Mode)
n07☗ Heavy Rhythmic Vocals (surrounded by heavy snares and/or sweeps)
n08☗ Light Rhythmic Vocals (may have high-freq FX or Drums, ie. snare, high hats, etc.)
n06☗ Vocal Sample (Loop)
n05☗ Vocal Sample (1-Shot)
[1] These color choices can also work for Ableton Live and Bridge users as Scratch Live natively uses its own “spectrum view” that displays color/sound types identically to Traktor. Back
