Ensure the computer is powered off and connect the Total Control via the supplied USB cable. The Total Control is powered over the USB cable, so it requires no additional power supply. Turn on the computer, which feeds power to the Total Control and switches it on.
The Total Control is supplied a copy of Native Instrument's Traktor LE. This is a stripped-down, basic version of the popular Traktor DJ software. Traktor consists of two independent music players, referred to as "Decks," which can play back two songs at once and be mixed with a built-in collection of audio controls. There is also a beat-matching engine, various effects units, and the option to route the different audio channels to separate outputs on a sound-card.
The Total Control has several dedicated controls already assigned to effects popular with DJs. The upper portion of the front panel contains buttons and dials for Fine Pitch Control, Pitch Bend, Filter Amount and Filter On / Off. These devices are not housed in the Total Control, but are automatically mapped to control those functions within Traktor LE. There are also two generic "FX" knobs that can be mapped to anything the user wishes. All of the knobs and buttons on the Total Control can be remapped to alter any settings in any piece of software.
Assign the Total Control's effects controls to any software variable desired by adjusting the MIDI-mapping assignments, also referred to as "MIDI Learn." In Traktor, enable the MIDI Learn mode by opening the preferences menu and selecting "Hotkey & MIDI setup > MIDI Setup." Select the parameter you wish to edit from the list at the top of the screen, then click the large "MIDI Learn" button. Move the relevant control on the Total Control surface. That dial or button will now control the selected parameter.