Yesterday, we posted the DJ Craze Traktor Kontrol Z2 video (1 of 3 according to the man himself), which aha-mazingly coincides with their new mixer hitting your favourite DJ retailing establishment. So what follows is the official verbiage from the NI mothership that takes a long-winded route to say that the Kontrol Z2 is in shops now.
Native Instruments TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 now in stores worldwide
Berlin, November 5, 2012 – Native Instruments today announced that the world’s first 2+2 channel control mixer TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 is now available in stores worldwide and at the NI Online Shop. TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 is constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum and provides two stand-alone channels with two full Remix channels, a high-quality soundcard, and a host of new features that offer DJs top-of-the line performance coupled with tour-ready reliability. These hardware and software advancements make TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 the first professional club mixer from Native Instruments.
TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2’s aircraft-grade aluminum chassis forms the foundation of the KONTROL Z2’s state-of-the-art design. Two stand-alone channels are each equipped with premium Innofaders™ and dedicated EQ and filter knobs. The KONTROL Z2’s installation height is optimized for integration into standard club setups for the best possible ergonomics during performance. Club sound systems receive pristine audio thanks to 24-bit Cirrus Logic converters and balanced XLR outputs while a separate booth output and microphone input ensure accurate monitoring inside the DJ booth.
The KONTROL Z2’s 2+2 design unites analog and digital DJing techniques. Rear panel inputs provide connectivity for both turntables and CDJs, offering connectivity for both purely analog as well as timecode-based setups. Multi-colored LED cue point controls placed next to the KONTROL Z2’s intuitive master section and two additional TRAKTOR Remix Deck™ rotary knobs provide side-by-side control of TRAKTOR PRO software and analog sources, and a built-in USB hub allows direct connectivity to controller hardware. With TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2, DJs now have access to all aspects of their workflows with one powerful command center.
Purchase of TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 includes download of TRAKTOR PRO 2.6 – the latest version of NI’s flagship DJ software. The KONTROL Z2 integrates perfectly with the new features in the 2.6 update including the new Flux Mode and Macro FX. 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.
The 11 Macro FX – specifically created for TRAKTOR – have been designed according to classic DJ workflows, and condense complex effect performances onto a single control knob on the hardware. Wormhole, Bass-o-Matic, and Zzzurp give DJs new ways to create exciting buildups and breakdowns. Flight Test, LaserSlicer, and Event Horizon offer DJs extra impact for punch-ins, and mixing effects such as Polar Wind, Dark Matter, and Strrretch give DJs more expressive control over track transitions.
TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 also includes TRAKTOR SCRATCH timecode vinyl and CDs* – rounding out this powerful control mixer with scratch capability. The KONTROL Z2 package is designed to provide options for all popular club workflows, setups, and controller configurations.
A new video, in which 5 x DMC World Champion DJ Craze performs an impressive turntablism routine on the TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2, is available on YouTube at:
TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 is now available at retailers worldwide and at the NI Online Shop.
TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 pricing information:
$899 / 799 € / 83800 ¥Additional information on TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 is available at:
www.native-instruments.com/z2-dj-mixer
Dear NI – I think you’ll find that the Z2 (that’s ZED2) has an “aircraft-grade aluminIum chassis”. I take my native tongue rather seriously (well not all the time), and while I’m done complaining about leaving off the price in pounds sterling (it’s £629), I will not stand for my European brethren bastardising (with an S) English in such a brutal way. See Constantin – I invented a war just for you. :)
I’m sure this small lump of PR comes as not-at-all-news to some who dropped pre-order cash and are currently smashing the mini-Innofaders and beating the living daylights out of the hot cues buttons. But if those of you who currently have a Kontrol Z2 in your bedroom or studio could pull yourselves away for a moment to let the rest of the world know what you think of it, I’d be most grateful.