Nailed it — I theorised about just why Native Instruments would drop the price of the Z2, and the new Traktor Kontrol Z1 is probably in part why. Following the existing “1” form factor, the all-new Kontrol Z1 offers real physical controls for Trakor DJ, as well as being a true mixer modular add-on for Traktor Pro.
As ever, the beautifully crafted words from NI HQ:
[youtube id=”QXaD3KZ_2T0″]
Native Instruments announces TRAKTOR KONTROL Z1
Native Instruments introduces the world’s most portable professional mixer and audio interface to natively connect to both TRAKTOR DJ and TRAKTOR PRO
Berlin, June 11, 2013 – Native Instruments today announced TRAKTOR KONTROL Z1, the world’s smallest professional mixer and audio interface, to natively connect to both the TRAKTOR DJ App for iPad and iPhone, and TRAKTOR PRO 2. When combined with the critically-acclaimed TRAKTOR DJ App, the Z1 adds headphone cue, and dedicated faders, filter and effects controls, and 3-band EQ for each channel. The integrated audio interface boosts audio output to club-ready levels – an important feature for iPad, iPad mini, iPhone and iPod touch setups – all without interfering with TRAKTOR DJ’s acclaimed touch interface. TRAKTOR KONTROL Z1 also offers established TRAKTOR PRO 2 DJs a highly portable mixing interface when compact size and professional performance features are needed.
Following TRAKTOR DJ’s overwhelming popular success and warm critical reception, TRAKTOR KONTROL Z1 now provides TRAKTOR DJ users with an all-in-one 2-channel mixer, controller, and 24-bit soundcard. Its dedicated faders, filter and effects controls, and 3-band EQ for each channel automatically map to the software, instantly giving DJs added tactile control over their iPad, iPad mini, iPhone and iPod touch setups. The Z1’s cue section delivers headphone pre-listening of the next track for fluid, professional mixing, while the built-in 24-bit soundcard provides club-ready sound without the need for additional hardware. This combined with the Z1’s compact footprint gives users the most portable TRAKTOR DJ setup available today. With iPad, iPad mini, iPhone and iPod touch turned on, TRAKTOR KONTROL Z1 even keeps the device charged, assuring DJs hours of performance fun.
TRAKTOR KONTROL Z1 is also the smallest professional mixer for TRAKTOR PRO 2 users to date – perfect for intimate after-party gigs or any situation that requires both compact size and professional performance features. Thanks to plug-and-play connectivity with TRAKTOR and the included TRAKTOR LE software, DJs can immediately start mixing on their Mac or PC system. When combined with TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 and F1 controllers, TRAKTOR KONTROL Z1 becomes part of a powerful, professional DJ setup including full control of TRAKTOR’s Remix Decks and transport functionality.
TRAKTOR KONTROL Z1 connects to iPad, iPad mini, iPhone or iPod touch with an included 30-pin connector. Using the Z1 with iPad 4th generation, iPad mini, iPhone 5 or iPod touch 5th generation requires an Apple Lightning to 30-pin Adapter, which must be purchased separately from Apple.
Pricing and availability
TRAKTOR KONTROL Z1 is available at retailers worldwide and at the NI Online Shop for $199 / 199 € / 20800 ¥.
A $50 / 50€ e-voucher will also be sent to users upon registration of the included TRAKTOR LE software.
The TRAKTOR DJ App for iPad is available for $19.99 from the App Store on iPad or at www.AppStore.com. The TRAKTOR DJ App for iPhone is available for $4.99 from the App Store iPhone and iPod touch or at www.AppStore.com.
Further product information and press material
A video which shows TRAKTOR KONTROL Z1 in use with Traktor DJ for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch, and TRAKTOR PRO 2 on a laptop, is available at: http://youtu.be/QXaD3KZ_2T0
Additional information on TRAKTOR KONTROL Z1 is available at: www.native-instruments.com/traktorkontrolz1
Finally NI bring forth the missing link in their small format controller range. It’s not the first small format MIDI mixer of course — I could reel off a list of names like M-Audio, A&H, Faderfox etc, all of which worked just fine with Traktor and other MIDI DJ software. But I suspect that the Kontrol Z1 will be the first and possibly only controller to be allowed to work with Traktor DJ. I’m assuming this will work with any MIDI software though, making this likely to fly out the door of retailers everywhere, and see DJ Player and algoriddim djay update their apps to work with it in double quick time.
There’s little point in going through all the features at this point as they’re patently obvious. The Kontrol Z1 is clearly a basic mixer with shift functions to enable effects to be controlled on the EQ knobs. But one shot attracted my attention in the video:
This shows the full compliment of small format Kontrol devices being used with Traktor Pro on a laptop. Wouldn’t it be cool if you could do this with an iPad? I love the idea of iOS devices as a brain, but still prefer physical controls. Is this possible via a USB hub?
2 things worth noting:
- If you have a newer iOS device endowed with the lovely Lightning port, you’re going to have to stump up for an adaptor, so be sure to factor in the additional cost.
- It comes with Traktor LE, but you’ll get a $50/€50 voucher when you register to help you upgrade to the full version.
It is however interesting to note that while this would have been a no-brainer to release ages ago, it has been timed for after Traktor DJ’s release. No matter how far technology marches on, it’s impossible to get away from the simple fact that we DJs like to feel our controls. Moving a slider on screen is OK, but using a rotary control is a bit of a pain, thus the need by a great many people for the Z1. Traktor DJ’s market just climbed a rung on the professional ladder.
From workflow perspective, the Kontrol Z1 will give a more traditional feel when using Traktor DJ, and reduce the need to switch screens quite so much. It is a shame though that there’s not way to hook up an X1 as well to give hardware control to more features like looping and hot cues.
What’s next?
Many of you look to us to dust off the crystal ball and give glimpses of the future. I strongly feel that NI have only just begun to tap the potential of Traktor DJ, as well as the whole mobile platform. I suspect that beyond this, we’ll most likely see an S2 MK2 aimed specifically at taking full control of Traktor DJ. Makes perfect sense really, unless an S1 will arrive that will add the basics in a 2 deck controller format, leaving the S2 and S4 to be updated later down the line to cater for Traktor DJ and Traktor Pro’s more advanced features.
Whether DJs like it or not, DJing is going mainstream and is being pitched at consumers with increasing regularity. I hear rumours of large electrical chains wanting their own branded controllers to chuck out to Joe Public in the high street shops (remember them?), and the assorted app stores are littered with fully featured DJ apps of all qualities for piffling amounts of cash. Thus I sense that NI will be spreading their wings to encompass everyone who wants to be a DJ, from the Traktor DJ level with cheap controllers, but also continuing to service and develop Traktor Pro into crazy new areas.
Having seen the numbers about how many people have download DJ apps, NI would be mad not to get heavily involved in this market, especially being able to trade on its pro roots too. So while you may see continued activity at the lower end of the market right now, you’re still going to get your fix of bells and whistles in due course, and I suspect this year too.
This is however a smart move by NI on so many fronts. I’m looking forward to playing with it in due course.
why wouldnt they make a 4 channel mixer? i personally would never buy a 2 channel though but still it would be sweet if it was 4
Firstly, Traktor DJ is just 2 channels. Secondly, the whole art of DJing has been based around mixing just 2 tracks together and will continue to be thus for a very long time. Not everyone needs 4 channels, but every needs at least 2.
I agree with Tyler. There should be a 4 channel version of the Z1… Or at least a 3 channel version (Z3?) even if only to operate an X1 and F1.
Mark you’re right, but it would be nice at least to have the option to switch between decks (1/2, 3/4) Like the F1, with one controller I can hot switch between Remix Decks.
I think I’m in love. This and an X1 is about all I need for most of my gigs
Same. This, an x1 and an f1 and thats my workflow sorted.
any word on how this will work with Traktor Scratch? It’s obviously got an audio interface built in, so will NI let us use our A6/A10 as the inputs for the turntables and then let us route the outputs through the Z1?
No word. I suspect that you’ll be able to map it for additional functions but not much more. I see it sat beside a Z2 and offering some controls over the other 2 channels, but not scratch control.
Could you use pair it with say a Audio 6 for a hybrid system? Mix internally with the Z1 vinyl control with the A6?
This appears to be the case. Remember that Traktor Scratch Pro has Internal and External Mix options. An Audio DJ4,6,8, or 10 would be the interface for your vinyl. If you’re not using vinyl, you might as well not use Traktor Scratch Pro.
It suddenly makes more sense as to why they didnt open Traktor DJ to allow external mixing with midi mixers
Fending off a question before it gets asked — the fader is fixed to the motherboard so no Mini innofader upgrades I’m afraid. Or fader replacements for that matter it seems.
not sure if i’m in the market for one tbh. But non replaceable fader? If the unit was a bit cheaper i would understand. Stuffing kontrollers in an out of bags this seems (to me) to be the most likely point of failure
i just a further thought – i guess users of traktor dj aren’t likely to be as heavy on the fader as others so maybe the above view is null & void…
I presume it costs as much as it does because there’s an internal sound card in addition to the sliders and knobs.
I like it,I’m trying to work out if it will also work as a standard mixer as well eg could you plug 2 cd players into it? and if so also my trade mark question, does it have split cue?
It has no inputs. You can use it as a mixer to control Traktor or any other software with MIDI learn.
The iRig MIX is a similar size and design. Much cheaper, but it has inputs.
But you can’t use it with Traktor DJ.
Not directly, no – but there’s nothing stopping you feeding the output(s) from Traktor into it.
DAMN. it looks pretty good. this is my dream mixer – but what about quality of crossfader? is it good enough for scratching? i really do not want to carry my mixer for gigs.
What are you going to scratch with? It has no inputs and doesn’t appear to work with Traktor Scratch.
Lolzzzz
wait. i can’t map it to internal traktor mixer? i’m not talking about using it with Traktor Scratch. i can do some scratches with controller (like Reloop Contour)
I’m sure it’ll work with Traktor 3 if you want to put it next to a one deck controller, like the Behringer PL-1 or the Reloop Contour. Hopefully it has a mini-innofader, but I don’t think that’s been announced.
You can scratch with anything that scrubs through a track. If you look, you can find a class from DigitalDJTips: Scratching for DJ Controllers. This controller interface is meant to be part of a modular layout where the track deck controls are managed some other way. Traktor Scratch Pro does not care what you use as an interface.
Smart move by NI. They are paving the road for those 6 to 10 years old kids that are playing around with Traktor Dj in their iPhones and iPads to gradually move into the much more advanced world of hardware Djing. They are providing the building blocks for a smooth transition from a completely touch based system to a more controller based system.
I always thought that a modular dj hardware system was the way to go in this controller infused market. NI is probating the different components to appeal to as many people as possible that want to get into the world of Ding. From an iPhone with Traktor Dj to a full DVS timecode, four decks, remix decks, turntable, CDJs set up. Play the way you want, at any level you want.
I personally still waiting for a full 4 channel mixer from NI. My Korg Zero4 is getting a little old.
Z4 anytime soon?
Anyone’s guess. When I ask, all I get back is a poker face. I feel it’s inevitable, but I think it depends on what Traktor Pro 3 brings.
My main frustration is no mic input, with that I would be sold, I’m hoping that they make the cable from the Z1 available for the Z2 allowing midi and ios charging, if so that’s my mobile setup right there.
Or a sound card that charges my iPad so I can use it with an external mixer
Do you need to use a power adaptor or can you use USB only?
I had a talk with one of the guys of Traktor last week. He told me this Z1 was comming very soon, he also told me that there will be a update of the S4 in august/september.
The unit will most likely be called S4 2.0. The three mayor spec-updates will be:
– better build quality (essecially knobs and faders will be imporved. the topsurface will still be made out of plastic, so that the unit won’t get too heavy).
– effect section will have XY touchpads.
– support for Traktor DJ on iOS.
Also the traktor product specialist told me that the comming update for traktor pro, 2.6.2 will have the same recommended tracks engine like the Traktor DJ iOS app.
Why is this being called a mixer? It’s a mixer-like controller with a sound interface. While I like the Traktor DJ integration, I see this displacing the Mix Track Pro… not the DDJ-SX. Time will tell.
This is where things get confusing from a terminology perspective. On one hand, it has no inputs, so is little more than a controller. But its function is clearly that of a mixer. Must we always say that it’s a controller in this day and age? Perhaps “Kontrol Z1 mix controller” is a good fit?
Just wishfull thinking we have z1,z2,s4,s2,f1 and an x1 do we have a traktor kontrol T1 coming soon and no not terminator a traktor digital turntable controller…?
No USB-Hub and no Browse control, mainly for a device with just 1 USB port? Stupid…
It’s really a shame they didn’t added the possibility for daisy chaining multiple controllers like the X1/F1.
If that could also work with Traktor DJ, a combo of Z1 and X1 will be a compact, but powerfull setup
what version of traktor pro 2 will it runs ? i hope it`s not 2.5 or higher because older versions working better in my opinion.
Knowing NI they’ll release a new version to directly support it. But I see no reason why a simple map shouldn’t enable it.
There are more similarities with the S serie, rather than the Z. I would call it S1. And apart from the led meters and crossfader, I still prefer the F1. With custom mappings you can control 4 decks.
Has anyone seen the leaked “X1 mk 2” images yet?
i’m really looking forward to this but the lack of daisy chaining boggles my mind…
this means you can only use the z1 with Traktor DJ and not attach an x1. Also my MBP has 2 usb drives..
It would of been nice if the Z1 acted as a usb hub for F1 & X1.
The faderfoxs have this and so does the Behringer CMDs (i think).
thats an apple issue, not NI. and there is a very simple way around this.. USB bus extenders.
This looks great. Seems a bit expensive though, no?