Just when you thought the world had gone controller crazy, out comes a classic 2 channel mixer. But Native Instruments have gone a few steps beyond what you might call the norm and added a few useful extras into their all new and very shiny Traktor Kontrol Z2.
There’s a performance video from Ean Golden:
Some lovely pictures:
…and the official word from the NI HQ in Berlin:
Native Instruments announces TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2
First 2+2 channel DJ control mixer offers comprehensive connectivity and new creative features, all housed inside an installation-height, aircraft-grade aluminum chassis – the ultimate TRAKTOR hub
Berlin, October 4, 2012 – Native Instruments today announced TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2, the world’s first 2+2 control mixer combining the industry’s leading DJ controller design with a high-quality soundcard and a host of new features, all housed inside an aircraft-grade aluminum chassis. New creative features inside the acclaimed TRAKTOR PRO software expand creative possibilities while industry-standard InnofadersTM assure rock-solid dependability when DJing, making KONTROL Z2 the first professional club mixer from Native Instruments.
The Z2’s 2+2 design unites analog and digital DJing techniques. Two standalone channels provide connectivity for turntables or CDJs while two additional channels offer control over TRAKTOR Remix Decks, cue points and effects. DJs now have access to all aspects of their setups from one intuitive control hub. This combination of hardware and software accommodates a host of workflow preferences from vinyl and CDJ setups to elaborate controller configurations.
TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 was designed to deliver the reliability and pro sound quality essential for professional club DJing. Its installation height delivers the comfort required during performance while the aircraft-grade construction provides necessary stability when on stage and reliability when on the road. The Z2’s 24-bit soundcard and professional XLR outputs deliver high-quality audio to club sound systems while a separate booth output and microphone input allow KONTROL Z2 to integrate into any DJ booth. Advanced HID technology delivers seamless integration with CDJs including enhanced visual and tactile control of key features. A built-in USB hub adds connectivity for additional controllers without having to use the host computer’s USB ports, making it easy to integrate add-on controllers such as KONTROL F1 and X1.
The KONTROL Z2’s spacious layout ensures straightforward access to the high-quality knobs and premium-quality InnofadersTM. The two primary channels each feature a dedicated three-band EQ, filter and fader section, while two separate, chunky rotary volume knobs offer control over the TRAKTOR channels. Four additional multi-colored LED buttons for each TRAKTOR channel assigned to control cue points and Remix Decks are placed in their own section on the Z2 and an intuitive master section lets DJs comfortably browse files inside TRAKTOR and access advanced controls such as Sync and Quantize.
New Macro FX specifically designed for TRAKTOR combine multiple TRAKTOR effects on a single control on the hardware. Customised to classic DJ workflows such as breakdowns, punch-in or blends, Macro FX condense complex effect performances to a single action increasing the possibilities available to creative DJs. All new Flux Mode tracks the time during complicated scratch and effect performances, allowing for creative loop rolls or effects while returning the song accurately to the beat.
TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 also includes the latest version of NI’s flagship TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2 software and TRAKTOR SCRATCH timecode vinyl and CDs rounding out this powerful hardware control mixer with software options for all popular club workflows.
A new video, in which controller guru Ean Golden showcases the new TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2, is available at YouTube under: http://youtu.be/RFumWO3sCMQ
Pricing and availability
TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 will be available at retailers worldwide and at the NI Online Shop from November 1, 2012. Pre-orders are currently being taken.
TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 pricing information: $899 / 799 € / 83800 ¥
Further product information and press material
Additional information on TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 is available at: www.native-instruments.com/z2-dj-mixer
Dear NI – looking at my stats, the US, then UK , then Germany are my biggest readerships, so do be jolly good chaps and start adding GBP prices to your releases. Thanks Mr Parker for confirming the UK retail price as £645, but most probably £629 street.
So breaking this down, what you’re getting is a premium quality Traktor certified mixer – not just a controller as some would insist. This is a full on 2 channel analogue with filters (It’s a “hardware emulation of the software filter which in itself is a hardware emulation” according to NI) and 2+2 channel digital Traktor mixer. When plugged into Traktor, it’s instantly mapped – indeed it can be handed over entirely to Traktor to become a full control surface. But you can also use the Kontrol Z2 as an independent analogue mixer. So yes, you can use it with Scratch Live and an SL interface and map the buttons to cue points.
Some bullet points:
Faders
AN IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION – yes there are 3 Innofaders in the Z2, but they are the new mini Innofaders and not the long body ones. It won’t be first to market with them as that honour goes to the new DJ Tech DIF-1S. But it’s a whole world better than regular Alphas.And should you mercilessly hammer them, they’ll be easily replaceable. I asked about if full sized Innofaders could be swapped out, but nobody was available to confirm. Still, mini Innofaders do feel amazing so this is a big plus.
Now there are crossfader controls, but none for the line faders. I’ll be finding out if controls can be added into Traktor to offer curves/reverse but you certainly won’t have them in analogue mode.
USB Hub
I do love the idea of the USB hub, which means direct HID support for Pioneer CDJs right inside of Traktor. The hub also allows you to hook up other devices like Kontrol X1 and Kontrol F1, but the more interesting prospect is for other NI devices. Digital decks somewhere in the future? I asked and the response was as vague as ever. NI have learned to neither be positive or negative about future developments – times change and shit happens.
Macro FX
Imagine stringing together a heap of cool effects into a single workflow and putting it on one knob. Now imagine being able to apply that with wet/dry and control over an overall parameter and be able to decide on pre or post fader – that’s macro FX. This is just NI preset macro FX, but I don’t think anyone can complain about the quality of those. For those of you who read my iDJ Pro review, these are like the instant FX in djay.
Flux Mode
From the original video, it did look like some randomised slicer, but is in fact a sort of slip mode. Basically you can engage flux mode and go mad on cues and loops, while all the time the original track is playing underneath, ready to be reengaged when you’re done.
What do we think?
A long time ago, I asserted that there were battle mixers and 2 channel mixers. People seemed to think that you needed 4 channels to mix 2 tracks together, and that you could only scratch on anything less than 4 channels. But 2 channel mixers needn’t be turntablist specific, and the Kontrol Z2 is a solid example of this thinking.
When I was told Ean Golden would be doing the video, I was surprised. Their first so called scratch mixer being demoed by a controllerist? Given their propensity for scratch DJs, it seemed like an odd choice. But then NI explained that they wanted cross market appeal. So it makes perfect sense then to show that 2 channel mixer is absolutely fine for demos like the one in the video. I really enjoyed Ean’s mellow and laid back performance – a lot less frenetic than normal, but if I’m honest, it didn’t really show the mixer off at all. But this is a means to an end – you still need some sort of mixer controls for those boxes of buttons, and NI want it to be the Z2. I wouldn’t worry – DJ Craze and Shiftee have Z2s as well – a rather more punishing and complex display is almost certainly coming your way soon.
So you have a new version of Traktor (2.6) on the way with some cool new features for free. And those in the market for a mixer have the most Traktor-centric box of stuff hitting the shelves in a month. It’s not a balls out scratch mixer – for that, you’re probably still looking at Rane or Vestax. But what the Z2 does offer is a core hybrid world bridging turntablism and controllerism with a huge amount of flexibility in between. Will you see it in a booth? How often do you see a 2 channel mixer in a booth is my answer. The Z2 isn’t going to change that, but it will at least start to make Traktor users look at the Z2 more favourably than having to carry an interface everywhere, especially with the greater control over Traktor that the Z2 offers.
NI have gathered together an extensive wodge of material, so head over there for the full rundown. We’ll be seeing the Z2 upclose and personal at the BPM show this weekend.
First I admit, I’m not really finding myself in the market for a mixer like this …but that’s not to say I’m not really happy to see NI take this direction. However, the pricetage makes me wince ..hard. $900 for a 2 channel mixer is a tough pill to swallow, I was really hoping it would be about $200 less ..but NI understands the market (and their costs) better than i.
still, kudos to NI …bold move in a direction i can get with. i like choices, and i like turntables. win, win.
i do rather hope they don’t go to Shiftee for the ‘tablist vid.. nothing against the guy, he’s funny and charming and whatnot, but he’s already all over most of the Traktor vids… so here’s my vote for Craze, or ?? …just something fresh and new.
It costs LESS THAN HALF of a Rane Sixty-Two, it’s obvious target. Maybe it is just the last few year’s gear prices being batshit crazy (and me getting used to it) but for $899 this seems like a bargain.
the 62 is a different product. quick changeover between djs without any cable rewiring? not possible on this kit. seriously the 62 plays in a whole different league.
That is a nice feature but it doesn’t put it in a whole different league. With the money one would save between this and a 62 you could buy a TA6 and SL2 box and no one would ever have to worry about a switchover.
We could talk about hardware quality and who has proven to be what… Let’s look at the customer support… Ranes support is top notch. If ever happens something with your Traktor mixer good luck with getting proper support from NI ;)
They play in Verzug different leagues. You’ll see :)
I’m sorry you needed support on your $2,000 mixer. That must have sucked.
Not that that has anything to do with what we are talking about.
sorry I thought you were comparing this thing with the 62 mixer and were comparing the prices and value. looks like i was wrong.
the z2 comes from a company how are totally new in the mixer market. no reputation yet. we’ll see how the quality will be. just saying.. in case anything goes wrong (1st generation!) you will have to deal with native instruments support, which is known to suck. even traktor fanboys will acknowledge this!
comparing specs? oh yeah, this is an “analog” mixer. effects? i dont see any analog effects on this mixer. buying another sl2 or traktor box for the z2? dood, this doesn’t turn the z2 into a dual port mixer – none of the integrated controls and function will work with your second traktor box you just hooked up. on the 62 you have full control on and from both usb ports and laptops.
so please stop comparing apple and oranges.
I suspect the price of this new mixer is about where it should be, as is the price of the Rane.
Rane is in a league of its own in support and professionalism, regardless. Plus, all their stuff is built by them in Washington, USA: http://www.rane.com/whyusa.html
Their history in DJ equipment goes back to when they started mass-producing crossovers for Richard Long (designs that were the precursor to modern isolators), way back in the disco days before most of us were born.
I’ve never needed support on Rane DJ equipment but they’ve been almost unbelievably helpful with pro audio equipment problems. I’ve called Customer Service maybe 50 times (at an old job), and not once dealt with a phone tree or answering machine. I always get somebody in the Rane building in Washington, and in some cases they helped design or specify parts for the item I’m asking about.
My understanding about NI is that they farm their manufacturing out to subcontractors in China that almost certainly build mixers for other companies on different assembly lines.
Sorry to be long winded. But there’s really no comparison in terms of what your money is paying for.
rs
He used everything but the mixier? Eon Gold thank you for making me feel good about serato
I’d vote for A-Trak,
How about A-Trak and Dummy recreating the scratches of Common’s joint “The City”?
I was hoping for a Rafik vid
The mixer comes with TSP2 so it’s more like getting a 57SL plus controller functionality for $900, isn’t it? Personally I think it’s completely worth it but I won’t be buying it since I haven’t even mastered using Scratch Live just yet.
I don’t know about how I feel about this on sample pad on the fly live music production thing… to me it’s like the guy in the movie Fame (the original 80’s version) who had 17 keyboards. It’s neat and all, but at the same time kinda lame. It’s not really DJing, but it’s not playing an instrument either, it’s just kinda hitting pads and triggering effects. Am I the only one who doesn’t get overly excited over this type of controllerism?
I was digging this mixer until the DDJ-SX =)
Would be great for TT and CDJ guys
The advance of technology has a sort of downside, as a midi
map junk myself, I keep changing my mapping every time a new functionally is
introduced to the software but sometime the gear we have don’t have any more available
physical control to be configured so that make us (or maybe just me) want to buy
more and more gear.
I think your a gear whore like me =)
It’s good to see NI step up the quality on this product.
“It’s a ‘hardware emulation of the software which in itself is a hardware emulation'” Uh oh… that tells me that that the discrete mixer is going to be extremely redundant. This seems like a really… awkward offering from NI, from the top down. I mean, it seems reasonably solid, but it strikes me as rather… inefficient. On top of a “to high to be cheap” price, I’m not sure really how this is going to play out.
One thing that bugs me is that hardware manufacturers do not take into account people that are colourblind – to various degrees – even from the promo photos im finding it quite difficult to differentiate between the button colours???
Given the different types of colour blindness, I wonder if NI could program the LEDs in line with the known chromatic differences?
some sort of colour template you can select to suit would be ideal I had problems with various gear over the years but its frustrating like APC40, the Launchpad and even on the xone62 I didn’t realise the VU meters had different colours!! luckily I can just about make out the layers on the xone K2 but I think it’s a much overlooked issue, its not a HUGE issue but its a pain. I was excited about the remix decks and the F1 but the colours are quite vague to me. Being able to toggle default colour pallets would help immensely!! The LEDs are RGB anyway so my guess would be that tweaks are not too much work to implement? I suppose the only issue is that if there isn’t a software control for it forcing a colourblind suitable pallet on non colourblind people may look a bit Christmas tree disco like… but then again it may even look quite slick I don’t know; my art teachers thought I was very expressive with my colours but honestly I was just trying to paint what I saw!
TRAKTOR 2.6!! PUMPED!!
Mixer looks like a nice layout, video really didn’t show the mixer at all.
Wow, what a waste of good video time to showcase your new 2 chnl mixer. I’m speechless … You would think NI would know the type of DJs will have the most interest in a 2 chnl mixer.
Insightful read as always, cheers mark. Personally, i think NI have done a really good job with this mixer. Packs in plenty of features, but still manages to keep the layout simple. Great looking mixer too. I’m sure it’s not easy to create an original design in an industry where DJ’s expect their gear to look a certain way.
Well it is nothing new IMO as Pio already did this kind of mixer??
http://pioneerdj.com/english/products/mixer/djm-t1.html
It has great plus feature with respect to pioneer djm-t1 no proprietary faders, and it comes in three! Possibility to use it like a controller. . . So is fully midi mappable. . . . Or u can use it like a regular quality analog mixer. It has usb hubs!
The product doesn’t look bad in features/layout, unfortunately the demo doesn’t do it justice at all.
For the price, I’m not agree with most of you :
– integrated soundcard with Traktor certification
– 3 innofaders
– 2 line faders but 4 tracks
– filters
– midi (or whatever NI protocol)
The price is not bad at all, I remember some mixer not low when they have reached the market : DJM707 / Rane 56 / Rane Empath / Stanton SA12 to name a few…
All that said, wouldn’t buy it… :P
mixer looks great price looks high demo looks shit!
Big Fail!
“Digital decks somewhere in the future? I asked and the response was as vague as ever. NI have learned to neither be positive or negative about future developments – times change and shit happens.”
Best lines in the article. Thanks for asking, Mark.
-KLH
Little more informations….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbPIP3YEK_c&feature=g-u-u
Post fader effects!!!!!!
Crap video, show the mixer at least, a run round.
Denon x1600 seems like a better choice at this price. 2 more analog channels, higher spec sound card.
Do we really need more buttons and flashing lights?…I really miss the good ol’ days. It’s 1990, my two 1200’s, Numark PPD mixer, Sony MDR headphones and crates and crates of house, new wave, latin freestyle and old school hip-hop records. The music, people actually dancing (not having sex in the dancefloor), the club scene…It will NEVER be the same.
looks ideal for me, (vinyl dj looking at going digital). seems to have everything i need as I’ve never been a fan of modular setups – for me it has to be simple and focussed on the music not pressing a billion buttons. would be good to see a video of craze killing it though considering there was that pic of him with one!
NI makes cheaply built controllers, this thing will suck