How to create an RMX-1000 style Snare Roll / Build-up in Traktor Pro with AKAI LPD8
https://reddit.com/link/1t9ytzg/video/rq2uplxveh0h1/player
After writing my first guide on how to create an RMX-1000 style Snare Roll / Build-up in Traktor Pro with X1, I created a second setup using an AKAI LPD8.
The idea is the same as in the previous guide: I use a ready-made audio file with different snare rolls, loaded onto a dedicated deck, but instead of controlling it from the X1, I control it from the LPD8.
This guide does not repeat all the steps from the X1 guide. For the audio file, deck preparation, Hotcue Loops and audio routing, please refer to the previous X1 guide:
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1. AUDIO FILE
For this part, refer to the X1 guide.
The concept is the same: I use an audio file with RMX-1000 style snare rolls, loaded onto Deck C or Deck D.
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2. DECK C / D PREPARATION
Again, refer to the X1 guide.
The deck used for the snare is set as a Track Deck.
On the audio file, I save three Hotcue / Loop Cue points:
Hotcue 2 → Snare 1/4
Hotcue 3 → Snare 1/8
Hotcue 4 → Snare 1/16
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3. AUDIO ROUTING
For the routing, refer to the X1 guide.
In short, there are two options.
Option 1: Deck C on a free mixer channel
Option 2: Deck C/D layered over the main decks
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4. FILTER
In this setup, I also added filter control from the AKAI LPD8.
The idea is to control the filter with two knobs:
Filter Knob 1 → Dry/Wet
Filter Knob 2 → Size / Amount
The filter can be used in two ways.
Mode 1: filter on the snare roll
The filter acts on Deck C or Deck D, so it only affects the snare roll.
Example:
FX Unit 1 → filter assigned to Deck C
FX Unit 2 → filter assigned to Deck D
This is the cleanest solution if I only want to filter the snare without touching the main track.
Mode 2: filter on the main track
The filter acts on Deck A or Deck B, so it directly affects the track currently playing.
Example:
FX Unit 1 → filter assigned to Deck A
FX Unit 2 → filter assigned to Deck B
This option is useful if I want to create a more aggressive build-up by filtering the main track as well.
Personally, I recommend using the filter on the snare roll, so on Deck C/D, because it is safer live and does not risk messing up the main track.
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5. AKAI LPD8 MAPPING
To use the LPD8 in Traktor, you need to create a generic MIDI mapping.
In Traktor:
Preferences → Controller Manager
Then:
Add → Generic MIDI
Settings:
Device: Generic MIDI
In-Port: AKAI LPD8
Out-Port: AKAI LPD8, if available
It is important to select AKAI LPD8 as the In-Port, not “All Ports”, to avoid conflicts with other controllers such as X1 or CDJs.
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6. RECOMMENDED MAPPING
Example mapping:
Pad 1 → Play + Sync Deck C
Pad 2 → Hotcue 2 / Snare 1/4 Deck C
Pad 3 → Hotcue 3 / Snare 1/8 Deck C
Pad 4 → Hotcue 4 / Snare 1/16 Deck C
Pad 5 → Play + Sync Deck D
Pad 6 → Hotcue 2 / Snare 1/4 Deck D
Pad 7 → Hotcue 3 / Snare 1/8 Deck D
Pad 8 → Hotcue 4 / Snare 1/16 Deck D
For the knobs:
Knob 1 → Deck C Volume
Knob 2 → Deck C Gain
Knob 3 → Filter Dry/Wet + Filter ON
Knob 4 → Filter Size / Amount
Knob 5 → Deck D Volume
Knob 6 → Deck D Gain
Knob 7 → Filter Dry/Wet + Filter ON
Knob 8 → Filter Size / Amount
This way, I can control separately the snare roll over Deck A and the snare roll over Deck B.
I will not repeat the mapping procedures already covered in the X1 guide, such as Volume, Gain and Hotcue. I will only cover the filter mapping.
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FILTER MAPPING
To control the filter from the LPD8, I use two knobs.
Example:
Knob 3 → Filter Dry/Wet + Filter On
Knob 4 → Filter Size / Amount
The filter must be loaded into a Traktor FX Unit.
Example:
FX Unit 1 → Filter
FX Unit 1 assigned to Deck C
Then I map the FX Unit controls.
For Dry/Wet:
Add In → FX Unit → Dry/Wet Adjust
Settings:
Assignment: FX Unit 1
Type: Fader/Knob
Interaction Mode: Direct
Then use Learn on the chosen knob.
For Filter On:
Add In → FX Unit → Unit On
Settings:
Assignment: FX Unit 1
Type: Fader/Knob
Interaction Mode: Direct
Then use Learn on the same knob.
For the filter parameter:
Add In → FX Unit → Knob 3
or the corresponding parameter of the filter.
Settings:
Assignment: FX Unit 1
Type: Fader/Knob
Interaction Mode: Direct
Then use Learn on the second knob.
If I also use Deck D, I can set it up like this:
FX Unit 1 → filter Deck C
FX Unit 2 → filter Deck D
Or:
FX Unit 1 → filter Deck A
FX Unit 2 → filter Deck B
depending on whether I want to filter the snare roll or the main track.
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7. LIVE USE + MASTER TEMPO
One important parameter I did not cover in the previous guide is the MASTER TEMPO.
To prevent Deck C and Deck D from becoming Master during sets where Sync is not used on the main decks — hopefully always 😂 — you need to change one setting.
Go to:
Preferences → Transport → AutoMaster Mode
Disable: “Remix Decks can be Tempo Master”
Enable: “Only on-air decks can be Tempo Master”
This way, if you are mixing two tracks and the volumes of Deck C and Deck D are at 0, they will not become Tempo Master.
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RESULT
With this setup, the AKAI LPD8 becomes a small controller dedicated to RMX-1000 style effects inside Traktor.
Compared to the X1, it is more convenient because it has free pads and knobs that can be used only for the snare rolls.
