Traktor Kontrol Z1 Mk2 Review: Modular FTW? | Beatsource Tech

[@jpmca89]

I absolutely love Traktor and while traktor might seem dead to many, there's still a core group of traktor users out there. It's great to see them bringing out more new gear

[@justinhoffman1111]

dead? hardly lol if your not playing cdjs your using traktor, i don't see people using anything else.... nobodys bringing their serato controller to a legit club to play lol

[@DeejayPrawn]

@@justinhoffman1111 i disagree, most people have moved on to serato. I will be doing the same soon seeing as @nativeinstruments seem to have given up om turntablism.

[@stewarty28]

Still using Traktor to this day,

[@mrkeeny]

Don’t know what people expect from Traktor, limited scope for improvements. Just use it and have fun.

[@jpmca89]

@mrkeeny 100% agree

[@andreasgaschka]

Now Native, let's go for a Z2 mark2! Mid-range price point, great UX, lovely design, and it's the perfect replacement mixer for us vinyl guys.

[@DJShortCut187]

Nice! I hope they will also release a Z2 MK2.

[@RandyRosadj]

We need a upgrade of the F1

[@kadooks]

Traktor should go for an standalone D2..... this is the real dream!

[@UONeal]

Traktor will always have a special place in my heart and their beat gridding was some of the best and the Z2 integrated with Traktor better than any mixer/software I've ever used... Including the S11/S9... Sadly without new hardware I had to move on

[@sebotagesa]

Same

[@JadeEyeland]

The gridding is always spot on for me for quantized music still better than rekordbox sadly

[@mariogudelj9584]

Same story for me... What are you using now and which software? Im 2 years on Seraro after 13 years of using Traktor :)

[@chrisbaynham-hughes9282]

I’m glad I stuck with traktor. It works for the music I play and I still love my z2

[@tromboneplayerMIA]

Glad to have stuck with TRAKTOR as it is still better than serato and the hardware last much longer.

[@andrewturns3781]

F1 has to be the best kit! Remix Deck /Stems / Pattern Player / Step Sequencer. The more you play with the more fun it becomes

[@georgechivu4226]

Remember Serato kids, Traktor is and always be The King.

[@eespecialeventsdj]

Bro... F1 MK2! I would buy it the moment it came out. I use my F1 at every gig for stems going on 5 years

[@esmwakavi]

I think we're all waiting for Native Instruments to release the Traktor Z2 MK II

[@RetemVictor]

I would love to see this even if it was a collaboration with Allen & Heath at this point.

[@fouskalini]

Forget the F1, they should make a D2 mk2 with jog wheels next!

[@BitKing_Ross]

100% agree, new deck controllers with screens please so we can start equalizing the CDJ monopoly

[@NoobRideseMTB]

@@BitKing_Rossyes mate!

[@sebzomaar5289]

J1... Yes that we are asking for; well for about only 10 years.

[@MrFullyCharged]

Something like a cdj/Sc6000… native instruments style. Yeah… that!

[@stewarty28]

Agreed. Traitor need to merge the S8 and S4 giving the benefit of the D2’s alongside bigger platters with the haptic feedback

[@licosan-z2v]

Finally! Was about to pull the trigger on a similar and overpriced compact controller.. Now my search has completed. Kudos to NI for refreshing all the modular controllers! Love this!

[@djgreigza]

Nice ! Still have my original Z1 and an X1 from 2012 . Great travel/backup setup. Next on the wishlist - D2 Mk2 (with jogs) and Z2 Mk2 , but with 4 physical faders, so a 4 channel mixer, accommodating up to 4x D2s . One can only hope. Alpha Theta who, never need to hear that name uttered again ;-)

[@chrisbaynham-hughes9282]

Agreed, I’d love a 4 fader z2. Love my z2 :)

[@DEANGUEST]

I will definitely take an F1 MK2. Remix decks are such an amazing creative tool that also makes Traktor stand out from the rest of their competitors. Thats what I love about Traktor. They are in a league of their own!

[@MrJustjuiced]

Loving pro 4 And yes a new F1 would be amazing

[@Lectrosoul]

what features would an update have that the F1 doesnt already have - lcd screens? these refreshes are really just window dressing tbh..

[@MrJustjuiced]

@ partly the rubber pads Mine have worn away with use So maybe a more robust build Dedicated stems control ( although its kind of there already Screen even the little OLED would be amazing…. Especially for keeping track between remix decks and stems or just naming the one shots off Longer length faders also ( like the k2) And a master fader And a ability to play the pattern player Just a few little things …aesthetically would be nice to match the new z1 and X1

[@BriantDavis78]

The f1 was great to turn your z1 & x1 into a 3 way deck. Do all your samples, beat loops, & stems with the f1 and everything else with the z1 & x1. I still have my originals. If they come out with a new f1...I might upgrade!

[@djmistax]

Traktor forever! I'd like to see a new F1, Z2 MK2 and stand alone decks with jogs. If a new F1 was released, I would definitely upgrade my current X1 MK2s, Z1 and F1s.

[@scottnelle]

This is the first I've seen of the Z1 MK2. Cool that you got to revisit your first video! Edit: regarding your question at the end. My pair of F1 controllers got new life when Traktor Pro got stem separation built in. The default stem mapping is awesome. I could see an updated version doing well if they focus on that in the marketing. Aside from matching the larger form factor, I'd like to see a hypothetical F1 MK2 include play and cue buttons buttons plus a toggle to switch between hotcue mode and stem mode (sample mode if a remix deck is loaded). That would make a pair of F1 MK2s and a Z1 MK2 an incredibly fun setup, IMO.

[@bboymac84]

They need a Z2 mk2 mixer!! 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@Drrolfski]

What you really should have mentioned is that it comes with full Traktor Pro 4 software priced at €150,-, which makes this package deal an absolute steal. Especially because Traktor, unlike most DJ software nowadays, is subscription-free, which is a godsend. I also would have liked to see you demonstrating its viability as a single Traktor controller, which seems to me questionable at best, even if you're a house/techno DJ. As a day one Traktor user myself, who got mobile with the Kontrol S2 MK3 but also still owns a Kontrol X1 MK1, I'm a bit up in the air about investing into this one. I'm already quite mobile with the Kontrol S2 MK3, which is perfect for no-frills DJing. But with the Z1 MK2, I can go out DJing with only a laptop bag. Maybe I can convince NI support to return my €75 Traktor 4 upgrade license to get the Z2 MK2 instead. It would also be nice to see in a future video a comparison between the Kontrol Z1 MK2 plus Kontrol X1 MK3 vs the recent Reloop Mixtour Pro from a Traktor user perspective.

[@JadeEyeland]

I played on just an F1 for dozens of smaller gigs, you just need to not be afraid to use keyboard macros on the laptop and you are golden

[@Drrolfski]

@@JadeEyeland Sure, you're right. Using laptop keys the Z1 is perfectly useable. Without it though you're running into severe limitations.

[@JadeEyeland]

@@Drrolfski i just read the second half of the comment its definitely no mixtour pro but that thing is darned pricey

[@Drrolfski]

@@JadeEyeland The Z1 MK2 is no Mixtour Pro because IMO you should compare the Mixtour Pro against the Z1 MK2 PLUS the X1 MK3. And then the Mixtour Pro is the cheaper and slightly more mobile option for a Traktor user. Does the Mixtour Pro work good enough though despite it not being a dedicated Traktor controller and having more button combos that you need to muscle memorize?

[@JadeEyeland]

@@Drrolfski is it though? I was seeing them over 1000 cad

[@cloony1]

Give us a Z2mk2 already 😅

[@bboymac84]

Exactly!!

[@roussiathierry2myears271]

They have to do a Z2!🎉❤ I ❤ traktor for the sound 🎉❤

[@djbis]

Prime and skeletor are permanent guests of your show. As an 80`s kid, I dig it.

[@chuckmakesit]

Nice to see NI actively support the Traktor platform. Love my Z1+X1mk2 combo for casual mixing. I like how they integrated stems control here. Wonder if I could map the Z1 mk1 similarly 🤔 Been debating adding a F1 to the setup, but with them releasing these new versions I'm inclined to wait as it seems like a new version of that would make a lot of sense in the lineup.

[@allstarz631]

We need the Z2 mk2. Hope this is coming soon

[@benji.B-side]

Not only do they look like they do a great job with their functionality and ease of workflow, those two bits of kit also look quite aesthetically pleasing.

[@JohnUssher-jk2qo]

X1 and Z1 is easily my favourite portable controller option out of any controllers I've used and owned. So good for small pop up gigs etc. Can set up pretty much anywhere, and so user friendly. Pleased they're still committed to the hardware.

[@BitKing_Ross]

they really need to make a dedicated stem controller, the F1 does the job perfectly and a mk2 version would be awesome im sure.

[@Ron-e82]

I still have a pair of D2's.. 🎉

[@BitKing_Ross]

@@Ron-e82 i actually just got 2 to add to my beloved s8 so im right there with ya 🔥🔥

[@MrFullyCharged]

If they implemented stems on the X1, you could access kills for each layer. This would be (IMHO) more elegant use of the available controls. Leave the mixer as mixer, use the other guy as stems/effects.

[@officiallystuk]

Hey, if you’re able to put a word in at NI, let them know that the entire traktor community is waiting for a modular jog wheel similar to the D2 with 4 faders and a screen. But add the haptic jog wheel from the s4 MK3. We don’t mind if it’s a bit bigger to match the size of CDJs. All traktor users would appreciate it and I could see the sales doing really well. If they added some type of standalone support that would also be much appreciated. Imagine being able to export a Traktor USB to play in their media player.

[@nicholassabai7284]

Will there be a Z2 Mk2? That's the most important question.

[@bboymac84]

Right!?

[@dtwistrewind7361]

Be nice to have a z4 4channel version.

[@bboymac84]

@ yea!!

[@DjBahrain]

Dear Mojaxx, we’ve been waiting for years and would love to see a compact mixer with the same size and portability as the Z1, but with both analog and digital capabilities, including RCA inputs for turntables. This would be ideal for DJs and portablists who value portability and also want flexibility with vinyl decks. It’d be fantastic to have a go to compact mixer that offers seamless integration with turntables! The AKAI AMX was a great design, but unfortunately, it’s discontinued and limited to Serato only, which limits its flexibility. Mojaxx, could you please try to pass this message on to manufacturers? This would fill a huge gap in modular DJ setups!

[@sipage2240]

Portability but with vinyl decks?. Those two things don't fit in the way you wanted them to. Vinyl decks are as portable as CDJ3000. Portable, but not portable in the way the Z1 and an X1 are portable.

[@DjBahrain]

Thanks for the feedback, but I think there was a misunderstanding. I’m talking about a modular, compact mixer that bridges analog and digital something like the AKAI AMX, which has RCA inputs and a grounding post for vinyl. However, the AMX’s inputs can only be used with Serato, which is limiting. The goal is a mixer that’s versatile and portable enough to work with portablism turntables (like the PT01, Omni, or Stanton STX,etc..) while still letting me connect full-sized vinyl decks at home. It’s not about making the vinyl decks themselves portable, but rather creating a mixer that’s both compact and adaptable for different setups.

[@Engineeer]

Looks very good. Though, I am hoping for the industry to use more endless encoders with LED position indicators around them. So, we wouldn't need to care about the knob positions when switching modes. Then imagine those position indicator LEDs would be white when in EQ mode and show the assigned colors when in STEM mode. Yes, USB-C is the new standard, but these thin plugs tend to bend more easily than USB-B. Though it's possible to design a way around this problem either by putting the connector in an indention under the unit or by making slot-in pieces similar to the USB-C modules we know from Framework laptops.

[@Sequenceserenade]

The F1 might be perfect lol

[@MrCalebgrayson]

F1 Mk2 becuse that’s what the STEMS and ReMix and and everything that makes Traktor unique needs to be operated. Traktor is DJ/Production hybrid that integrates the rest of NI ecosystem.

[@DavidPeck]

I use the original Z1 as my main mixer controller remapped to Ableton Live alongside an Ableton Push and have for years and years! I'm wondering how midi mappable this new one is in comparison and if the various layers would be something that would work in other software. I wonder if they just bank over to another set of MIDI CCs or is something more proprietary to Traktor happening.

[@alextheawesome5275]

I would love an F1 mk2 to compliment my S4 mk3 with advanced stems deck controls.

[@cassiusjb]

I’d rather see stems control on the new X1 MK3 since I have two of those and the PX5.

[@ivicacoskic8987]

Amazing controller !!! The mk1 also still greate , but they need to upgrade compability to use 2 Z1 like 4 chanell mixer is much better than change from a-b to c-d on 1 Z1, and is not to expenssive to buy 2 of them , and connect 2x1 for 4 chanell mixing . Big respec for the video

[@christopherdiesel1244]

i would love a f1 MK2 but most of all I would love to see a Traktor D2 MK2 . in my opinion its the best controller of all time . ive been a club dj for 30 years .

[@VinylMan718]

Yes I will love an upgrade to the F1. As well as a new Traktor Kontrol S4 MK4.

[@alextheawesome5275]

I think the S4 MK3 is still quite new and up-to-date.

[@VinylMan718]

@ I totally agree. However, it would be nice to have a new one to match the X1.

[@amosluyk]

I hope is sounds better than the last one. If it does, I'm buying. And a yes to F1 mk2 if it provides an effective way to dynamically mangle stems, ideally on 2 decks at once...

[@djdv8inthemix]

Z2 MK2 and F1 MK2

[@thisisian62]

Is the dual function of the EQ knobs to also control stems levels going to be available on other hardware? That would be very nice on my S4.

[@FSwiftDJ]

They need a new mixer for Turntables mate , where is it lol

[@bboymac84]

Z2 mk2 is needed so bad!!🤦🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️🙏🏽

[@luxlikuidmc]

NI should have just made the Z1 and X1 in one controller it look like this Z1 and 2-X1s

[@Bigger-Circuitry-Bigger-SOUND]

#NativeInstruments please bring traktor 4 to IPAD

[@MyAlteredSoul]

Where’s the Z2 MK2?

[@bboymac84]

Right!?

[@bignev22]

Would love to see a video comparing your thoughts between this modular setup vs. mixtour pro

[@hilkomenke8340]

If I would consider this as a Modular Mixer Controller, the first thing I'd try to do is to map Button FilterFX1 to act as a modulator instead -> FFX1(Hold) + Knob(Touch) = Mute that Stem. Additionally FFX2(Hold) as a modulator if FFX1 is pressed, so that FFX1(Hold)+FFX2(Hold) + Knob(Touch) = Stem Volume 100%. However I feel like the Reloop Mixtour Pro is probably a better investment. With Traktor Pro software featuring Stems, Remix Decks, Capture, Duplicate Track and all I really feel like a (Modular) 4 Deck Mixer/Controller with 4 dedicated Channel Faders makes more sense, so hoping there will be a 4 channel Z2 Mk2 or Z4, a Reloop Mix4 Pro or something else modular and portable with 4 Channel Faders and some way to control the Stem Channels (Mute On/Off+Volume). Regarding Soft Takeover, what about a Traktor StemJam, a device with the X1/Z1 Mk2 form factor and 2x4 Touch Faders as in the Maschine Jam, stacked horizontally. The bottom 4 Touch Faders for Stem Deck X Volume, the top 4 Touch Faders for alternatively Filter, FX Send, EQ + Gain, ánd Deck Y Volume. Display(s) to be informed what you're Top Touch Faders are set to, Buttons for Stem Filter and Stem FX Send On/Off. Possibly 4 Knobs + 4 Buttons up top for FX Control like on D2 and next to that just like on the D2: 4 Deck Buttons A B C D. Click on the Deck Button to select the Deck the StemJam is Controlling, Shift + Click on the Deck Button selects what the top 4 Touch Faders are controlling: Shift + Same Deck Button toggles between Filter, FX Send, Deck EQ+Gain; Shift + Different Deck Button sets top 4 Touch Faders to control Stem Volume of other Deck to allow for Stem Swap in a very neat Modular Form Factor. That would be a wicked Stem Controller with NI/Traktor DNA, and one that would also definitely be a nice addition to the S4 Mk3 (And if you say S4 Mk3 doesn't need the EQ+Gain options, that would of course be something that you could (de)select in Traktor Preferences/StemJam)

[@mikeblades]

would love to see a 4 channel Z style mixer...no not this with a push button, i mean something SMALL but with 4 up faders and EQ's

[@juicewon]

F1!!!!!!1

[@dxb_cf]

Select / load tracks and stop/start like in z1? (Mk1)

[@Maurizio_909]

What about a play button or choosing the next track? Also, is there a way to enable the loop function?

[@DJPeterLo]

Does the mixtour pro work with Traktor? Could see that as a better alternative paired with the X1.

[@TheOneMonk]

Thx for thr review. Which of the NI devices controls the Traktor Pattern Player?

[@klein-concept]

The X1 MK3 can do that in its effect section or actually any Traktor controller with full FX unit controls

[@djpooyen]

I wonder if I can use 2 Z1 to control four decks

[@MrJustjuiced]

Answer is yes by the looks of it

[@bosanac-f8n]

F1 mk2 go, go, gooo

[@TEMICXOCH909]

Do you have to use it with traktor? What about iPhone dj apps? Surely the midi implementation would allow it?

[@spaceiswater6539]

USB-C would be the worst thing you could put on this unit as its to easy to break and the socket they have chosen to use is more robust and heavy duty.

[@djgreigza]

Good point !

[@MrNaoboy]

We need a comparison whti Z1 +X1 vs Reloop Mixtour pro !

[@raymondfranklynDJ]

F1 Mk2 please...........

[@NueNueKiro]

I've been using traktor 4 almost since it came out. Apart from the cuepoints not showing up properly on the overview waveform on the laptop (on the screens of the s4 mk3 show up fine and from what i heard also on the screens of stuff like S5/S8/D2) it was pretty flawless. The stem analysis is pretty heavy and shame it doesn't leverage the GPU or have it selectable at least, an Apple Silicon laptop would definitely be up for the task, but the overall quality is decent Also shame that you can't do batch analysis but that's a limitation on Izotope RX full-fledged plugin as well. Was thinking on getting a Novation Launch XL and map it for stem control as it seems to be the best bang for buck for this specific role and have a semi modular setup (S4 MK3 and X1 MK2 with a custom midi map). I may be tempted to get an Z1 for times when i want to be extremely portable like house parties and I can't be bothered to be carrying my full setup. One question tho: are the mixer FX assignable per channel like the S4? It wasn't demoed or even mentioned and it would be a real bummer if it weren't like this...

[@everydayjumblist]

Looking at the 2 controllers together I’m kinda baffled that there’s no default mapping for stems control on the x1. Looks like the more natural place for them to sit, rather than constantly swapping back and forth with EQs and faffing about with soft takeover.

[@bryanfontez]

I love small controllers especially for bar gigs. Just curious because you mentioned it but didn't really elaborate. Could I feasibly do an entire set on this thing? I get there are limitations but can you beat match or Tempo adjust?

[@JadeEyeland]

you wouldnt be able to beatmatch other than nudging probbaly and sync would probabaly make it alot easier

[@MrJustjuiced]

Not on this thing alone Easily It is designed to be used with the X1

[@djscorpionrmx]

Does it going to be compartible with virtual Dj

[@djdontgetcooked]

Is it possible to connect 2 of them to control 2 channels

[@thisisJNR]

is it class compliant? 🧐 NI may have forgotten about iPad users but I know someone who hasn't 😆

[@bernardtrewin9865]

Jeez been that long

[@manliodidimi]

Can the console work with iPad?

[@djdub63]

Pitch control?

[@XanderEwald]

The new controllers are awesome, but Traktor desperately needs Tidal and Apple Music streaming support.

[@bboymac84]

Yea they need a lot!!

[@pk3776]

Traktor…still No 1 to those that know…🤔…. Just sayin’😉

[@DJILKSF2TV]

im skeptical with the concept.. controlling eq and stems volume back and forth with same knobs, and switching between a&b and c&d decks are not intuitive at all… would have been way better if this was rather a compact, real 4 channel mixer controller so to replace my xone k2

[@2YLITE22]

Do these units have that rubberized coating?

[@DINU_R]

Is it compatible with rekordbox

[@jamuswood7619]

This new Z1 MK2 looks much more usable the new reloop mixtour which feels really cramped.

[@raymonsoto5684]

They need to optimize the iOS version of Traktor

[@DanoSuits]

BUT its no longer compat w iOS.. sigh.😢

[@DjSETTES]

Nice review buddy , however Kontrol Z1 Mk2 is a

[@manny_f]

At some point they someone will realise endless encoders are the way. Soft takeover is utter crap next to properly implemented encoders. Anyone who's tried them knows.

[@samsvideos2484]

Just design wise alone, the new Traktor products look great. I’d love an f1 mk2 to match. I’d also love a new high end controller. S10? TP4 going well. Looks nice. I like the solution to stems separation. Prefer it to real time. Hope the library management gets some attention in future updates.

[@diuslucrii2171]

Must be honest i prefer the older versions by far

[@Ramos18]

they should seriously make everything USB C

[@d-zone]

zed not zee, you say you're in the UK 🤣, puzzled by full size usb-a but small headphone jacks.....support for Serato out of the box would shift more hardware imo

[@XanderEwald]

It’s zay, mate.

[@jhonwav]

I love traktor but this kinda lame, with new products like Reloop Mixtour Pro, kinda make them outdated by lauch, and many other controles for full mixing board this is just a part of it, it needs the x1 mk2 to be a complete setup, I hope they step up their game

[@sipage2240]

Then you don't understand the point of the Z1.

[@ryantheliving]

The OG was weak af. You’re saying that this has a better signal coming out ?

[@overthrow3640]

How do you play from tractor z1 mk2?

[@DeejayPrawn]

The reloop mixtour looks more useful than this , I don't believe that people want modular DJ gear, it's just more things that can fail !

[@clanoue1167]

No USB C was a mistake IMO. In 2022 sure today, it should be all USB C everything. Unless someone can prove to me that the USBa and USBb Ports are more durable long term. Even if that is the case the power supply should be a type c cable. Not a barrel jack. It's not 2004.

[@arthurvino]

Battfles me why someone would still use USB-B in 2024.. USB-C has been a standard for a long time, even Apple caved in..

[@JadeEyeland]

I cant tell if i appreciate or am sick of the same songs every video lol.Are they favorite tunes of yours or is it for reference purposes

[@alextheawesome5275]

I think they are using them for legal purposes. KZbin is quite strict about the music used in monetized videos.

[@JadeEyeland]

@alextheawesome5275 ahh that makes sense I just figure they must have a larger stock music catalogue and both songs are remixes

[@djstuc]

@@JadeEyelandit also keeps reviews consistent when talking about sound.

[@JadeEyeland]

@@djstuc yeah thats what I mean by reference theres probably so much audio editing behind the scenes as well though not like you are going to be able to differentiate the noise loors between gear w em

[@kaj1992]

No eq kill swiches. Not for me then.

[@SteveAldous]

First

[@djcal623]

Doesn't really feel like djaying to me

[@andersistbesser]

I dont know what this thing is good for. You wont use that in the club thats for sure

[@larkin_doc]

USB Type A and B is absolutely cringe in 2024.

[@CarlosMunoz1980]

No iOS compliant. Epic fail

[@Kmosleymusic]

Native instruments is falling off .This is not worth buying . They need to make a mixer that you can hook decks up to .

[@tiredman6484]

original Z1 is awesome, 1.5 and 2 are useless pieces of shit