NI’s Traktor Kontrol Z1 “DJ mixing interface” (that’s what the box says) is finally making it out into the wild. And by the wild I mean the worxlab. And when new and highly desirable shiny comes into my world, the first thing I think is UNBOX. So I asked the DJWORX masses via the usual social media channels if said unboxing was needed, and back came a resounding yes. So here it is, as well as a large dollop of first impressions as well.
Before I start, I got a few requests for an unboxing video. Sorry people, but that’s not my bag at all. I can’t watch them myself, and certainly can’t imagine a format for such a thing that I’d be happy filming, or that is interesting. A few pictures is a much better way to get to what you really want to see in my book.
Given what I’ve done with the Z1 today, the final review isn’t likely to be much longer than this quick piece. It’s an incredibly simple device that like Cuprinol, does exactly what it says on the tin. It’s another small format device that looks and feels much the same as its Kontrol X1 and Kontrol F1 siblings. The big visual difference is that the faceplate is now shiny clear plastic to match its bigger Z2 stable mate, but thankfully has the markings underneath the faceplate. Personally I prefer the brushed metal of the F1 and X1, but this seems to be NI’s new finger print magnet ID for the future. If ever there was a product to trigger OCD cleaning frenzies, it’s the Z1.
Feel wise, it’s just like the others in the range. Making a casual mixer based observation, the crossfader is smoother than the line faders, which is a good thing. To clarify for those that care, the crossfader is fixed to the motherboard, so no Pro X Fade or Innofader transplants for the Kontrol Z1 I’m afraid.
In use, they’re complete plug and play. Last night’s release of Traktor Pro 2.6.2 recognises the Kontrol Z1 right away and has it working perfectly. I’ll try it paired up with a Z2 when I review it fully to see how it interacts though. And it’s the same with Traktor DJ on iOS. The setup is slightly awkward because there’s no natural way for the Z1 to sit with the iPad, or at least not one that I’m used to just yet. One thing with iOS — the Z1 needs power which thankfully is supplied. There’s a certain irony in having to take an extra power supply in a real small setup I guess.
So in a nutshell, it’s like the other Kontrol modules, is shinier, and is proper plug and play with Traktor and Traktor DJ. I’ll offload the unit to one of the team to go into a little more detail, but essentially is does exactly what you think it does, exactly as you think it should. The Kontrol Z1 is a no-nonsense frills-free mixer controller, and that’s all you need to know. For now.
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WTF does it not come with a lightning connector?
There are more 30 pins out there than Lightning right now. And to add an adaptor in there would be a wasted cost for the majority.
I think x1 get obsolete with this, better with two F1. Lighning cable would be a suicide. And from iOS 7 any unofficial lightnning cable would be detected and you will get notified.
That’s probably why the rumor of an X1 MK2 release is going around the internet. I for one believe that rumor and hope it lives up to my expectations. Cheers!
Any way this can be used with Traktor Scratch DVS?
Also, does it have the mini innofader like the z2?
No. And as I said in the article, the crossfader is fixed to the motherboard so you can’t change it.
is it buttery smooth at least?
I’ll give it a try in the studio tomorrow.
Much appreciated. If there is a way to use DVS ill be buying one. Unless the fader is crap then forget about it
Pretty sure it will “work” with DVS…. but its just going to be as a normal midi controller – you’re going to need another NI audio interface – at least an A6. Cost wise then, you’re probably better off with a Z2 which gives more functionality anyway, but you’re losing the transportability aspect somewhat. As you’re talking about the fader, assume you’re going to be scratching which brings up my concern that this thing is going to move around a bit unless its wedged in somewhere…. if you are talking about “working” with DVS and iPad though, think you’re out of luck anyway, unless they add another update to the app.
So I am switching from Serato (SL3) DVS to a Traktor X1Mk2 and Traktor Z1…. I have to buy Traktor Pro but since I still have turntable and for now the CDJ900 I thought it would make sense to buy Traktor Pro Scratch for scalability… It appears the Z1 won’t be able to accept the timecode from those devices possibly. But if I want that functionality in the future (e.g. new DJM 900 or Traktor Audio 6+ is purchased in the future) it seems TP2 scratch will be required.. Any input as to what I should do to be able to use DVS with my CDJ/1200 while incorporating the X1, Z1??? I don’t want to buy the wrong product.
So I am switching from Serato (SL3) DVS to a Traktor X1Mk2 and Traktor Z1…. I have to buy Traktor Pro but since I still have turntable and for now the CDJ900 I thought it would make sense to buy Traktor Pro Scratch for scalability… It appears the Z1 won’t be able to accept the timecode from those devices possibly. But if I want that functionality in the future (e.g. new DJM 900 or Traktor Audio 6+ is purchased in the future) it seems TP2 scratch will be required.. Any input as to what I should do to be able to use DVS with my CDJ/1200 while incorporating the X1, Z1??? I don’t want to buy the wrong product.
DJ Player has portrait mode, which looks better with this form factor. :-)
Is it working with DJ Player?
Theoretically yes, as the Z1 must be USB Audio and MIDI Class Compliant to work with iOS devices.
Hopefully! By next wednesday at the latest we will know for sure … :-)
You’re getting your Cuprinol confused with your Ronseal…
How about recording? I mean, will you have an extra channel for recording as well? Or should you use the internal laptop soundcard? I’m gonna get this next tuesday.
Did I say YESSSSS? ;-)
It should also be on my desk today.. let’s see what this baby is capable of!
“For now”… aww come on.. spill the beans.
I was wondering if you can use 2 of them like the X1 or the F1 to control 4 channels. In that case it would be also interesting to know how the crossfader will behaves :)
I meant 4 decks, sorry.
That 30 pin to USB midi works to connect other midi controllers to, say, an iPod? That would be huge since the cck hack only works on iPad.
SO, with a computer it doesn’t need a power supply? Only with an iOS device? And, at the same time it can provide power to the iOS device?
It seems like the Z1 is not a MIDI controller, but uses a custom (NI-only) protocol.
I just helped one of my users to figure out what’s happening, and on iOS it seems like it uses the External Accessory Framework, which is an API for custom communications. No MIDI interface was visible even via a powered USB hub and CCK.
Only the audio part works for 3rd party apps so far, no controls.
As for the other NI Controllers, they use native communication that guarantees highest precision (up to 512 values) than standard midi (128 values).
There are MIDI controllers sending 14-bit values (that’s 16384) for all faders and knobs. Custom communication is good for business.
If I’m right, there is an option in the settings of Traktor Pro for the Z1 to enable MIDI-modus with the Mode + HP-A/B buttons. Have tried this, but no reaction on the Z1. Didn’t check for MIDI codes being send or something like that.
The Z1 has no MIDI protocol implemented, it’s confirmed. There is no “trick” to turn it on, because it doesn’t exist.
Most NI devices with custom protocols have no MIDI, but you can install a driver to your computer, which can translate the messages and appear as a virtual MIDI device. You can’t install drivers on iOS.
Seems the Z1 DOES have MIDI after all. See here
No. As i wrote, the driver on your computer translates the messages from the Z1 and appears as a virtual MIDI device. This is a confirmed information from NI.
Ehy Mark, can you try if it works with a camera connection kit and a standard usb cable, rather than using the included one?
But why? If it comes with a USB to 30 pin, why would you need the CCK?
Sorry i wasn’t clear enough. I was thinking about getting a Lightning adapter for my iPhone 5 and iPad. But I would probably prefer to buy the camera connection kit, rather than a Lightning to 30 pin adaper.
It’s not a MIDI controller, so it doesn’t work with the CCK. You need the Lightning to 30 pin adapter.
Thanks for clarification!
I’m wondering if the Z1 can work on a mobile batterypack together with the iPhone.
Also a question on the NI forums.
The iPhone gets power through the Z1, so an iPad will probably drain the battery. You’ll need an Y-cable with a 30-pin connector, USB-B and USB-A cable. Or something like that with an USB adapter. Got a 5000mAh batterypack at home and the Z1 goes on when connected. But I don’t have an Y-cable. So no connection with the iPhone yet.
Could be fun on the beach with a battery powered Boombox ;-)
X1 MK2 with RGB Buttons coming soon (rumors)
Actually the Z1 will work as main output for the iphone with any application. Probably not useful but sound wuality is way better that iphone jack output.
Can you disable the crossfader on this like you can with the s4?
Hello everyone, maybe I’ll ask a stupid question.
When adding an F1 with the Z1, you can play decks A / B with Z1 and decks remix with F1, because I understand that the Z1 has a sound card but there are only two outputs hoping for a response from you.
Alex the novice