Another day, another radical price drop from Native Instruments. This time, and rather unexpectedly, it’s the Traktor Kontrol Z2. I say unexpectedly, because it’s only been out a matter of months.
Native Instruments launches ‘Happy Hour’ – a TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 Sales Special
Berlin, June 3, 2013 – Native Instruments today launched a new ‘Happy Hour’ sales special for the TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 – the 2+2 channel DJ control mixer. The Z2 will be available exclusively to TRAKTOR DJs for the special price of $599 / 599 € / 59800 ¥ until June 30, 2013. Usually retailing at $899 / 799 € / 83800 ¥, TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 is available both at the NI Online Shop, and at participating retailers worldwide. DJs wishing to take advantage of this special offer at retailers need simply to provide a valid proof of purchase for a TRAKTOR product.
TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 was launched in November 2012 as the world’s first 2+2 channel control mixer. Constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum, the Z2 features two stand-alone channels with controls for two Remix Decks, and a high-quality 24-bit soundcard. The Z2 is also equipped with top-of-the line knobs and buttons, multi-colored cue point controls, and advanced Innofaders™. XLR outputs and a separate booth output ensure club compatibility, and allow monitoring. The hardware provides connectivity for both turntables and CDJs, offering options for both analog and digital setups. Users also get dedicated controls for the ‘one-knob’ Macro FX and Flux Mode – expressive features of the included TRAKTOR PRO 2 software.
TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 ships with the latest version of NI’s flagship TRAKTOR PRO 2 software. TRAKTOR PRO 2 includes over 30 studio-quality effects, powerful Macro FX, plus Flux Mode – a unique feature that tracks the time during advanced effect performances, allowing DJs to drop back in time with the beat after complex performance routines. For DJs who like to combine the flexibility of digital DJing with the feel of analog systems, the Z2 also comes with TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2*. Timecode vinyl and CDs are included in the package. With TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2, DJs now have access to all aspects of their workflow from one powerful command center.
The Happy Hour special runs from June 1st until June 30th until midnight, Central European Time (CET), on June 30, 2013. During this period, TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 is available to TRAKTOR users for $599 / 599 € / 59800 ¥. Customers purchasing from a retailer will need to present a valid proof of purchase for a TRAKTOR product to be eligible.
Additional information on TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 is available at:
www.native-instruments.com/z2-dj-mixer
And once again, for those in the UK, this is coming in at £499 from £620 — a full 20% discount. Apparently you’ll need to prove that you own Traktor, as it’s officially being sold as a crossgrade. I seriously doubt that any retailer is going to run away from your business though. But you’ve been warned.
BUT WHY?
For once I am in the fortunate position of not knowing. Fortunate? Yes, because it means I can indulge in a little speculation instead of having to strictly adhere to NDAs. NI typically slash prices when a new model is coming out. Let’s hypothesise about a Z4 for a moment — quite logical to assume that one will come out at some point, but the 2 channel and 4 channel markets for mixers are quite different, so gouging doesn’t make much sense to me. Perhaps a Z2 Pro could be coming, one that includes more controls that eliminate the need for X1 and F1 add-ons.
Given the success of DJ Tech’s budget DIF-1S scratch mixer, perhaps NI have seen that a cut down Z2, maybe to work with Traktor DJ as well could be a winner. I’m pretty sure it would be, especially if it could be used for basic DJing as well. It’s obvious that a number of Traktor DJ based devices are coming through though.
Perhaps though, it’s a pre-emptive strike against possible competitive mixers coming from other companies in the same market. The grapevine has been twitching for a while now, but rumours have intensified post-NAMM. Perhaps NI are simply defending against a sudden drop in Z2 sales. Yes, I’m being deliberately vague — you can fill in the dots yourself. It’s more fun that way. I’m just chucking around ideas here for shits and giggles.
Whatever the reason, if you’ve fancied a Z2 for a while, or just want a bargain, get thee to your nearest DJ emporium and grab a Z2 for all of June.