![]() But a lot of Traktor users will do a “DJ” gig with Traktor on Saturday, then a “live” gig with Ableton Sunday. MIDI and Audio Operation with Other SoftwareĬlearly, the target market here is Traktor users. In fact, you can use those same dedicated outs with other software, like Ableton Live. The audio business here: connect analog gear (including aux) and get dedicated cue/booth and main outs. When you’re controlling channel operations on the audio interface side of things, you’re actually manipulating the software only. Outputs from your computer are fed in stereo only. This is probably out of the realm of the Z2’s target audience, however, so take that criticism with a grain of salt.Īlso, it’s worth saying that the audio interface “channels” on the Z2 aren’t actually independent channels. You can run those out of the main output, but then, inserts can be a good reason to use a mixer in the first place. Unfortunately, what is missing that I would have liked to see is easy insert points for external hardware effects. I’ll defend the two-channel, rather than four-channel / four-deck configuration: it’s still what most DJs use, and even fairly advanced DJ setups can get by with two decks and two associated channels (or even four decks and two channels, if you must). The channel layout is set up with dedicated three-band EQ, filter, and fader section, plus rotary volume knobs. And dust off a CDJ – or new CDJ2000 – for hybrid DJing. Add your own USB hardware (NI shown here, but a hub and the software each support anything you like). Here’s where the Z2 fits in, in NI’s view. NI of course hopes you’ll plug in more of their hardware (F1, X1), but that could include other gear, too (FaderFox? Launchpad? Ohm64?). ![]() There are USB ports on the controller so you don’t have to use up your laptop’s precious ports or lug a separate hub. USB hub – now, this is interesting (and means the “hub” moniker is literal).Additional aux input, atop the turntable connections.Separate booth output, separate mic input.24-bit internal soundcard with – at last – XLR balanced outputs.Yes, you can also do classic breakdowns.) Macro FX, so that you can combine multiple effects on one control.Dedicated Remix Deck section, and Master section for Traktor file browsing, Sync and Quantize.Two channels from the soundcard for independent control of the Traktor Remix Decks, cue points, and effects (and, for audio signal, anything you want to route from your computer).Two standalone mixer channels for external analog inputs – think Pioneer CDJs or turntables.(For those of you who hate the color disco-fication of NI’s hardware, sorry, there’s more.) Multi-colored LED buttons, assigned to Remix Decks and cue points.Innofader-brand faders, “high-quality” knobs.Traktor Pro software bundled (and integrated with the controller features).Aircraft-grade aluminum – which, by the way, is what we just saw in the DIY Apollo 13 controller yesterday.And that means it could be time to clear the dust off some old decks or CDJs, with Traktor and the integrated controller handling the fancier computer DJ capabilities. They describe it as a “hub.” Other sound cards and mixers would do the same, to be sure, but here you get one that’s fully integrated with Traktor. So, while NI invests in integrated hardware, they don’t force you to use it.īy being both a mixer and a controller, says NI, the Z2 hardware allows you to mix analog and digital DJ techniques. And unlike Serato DJ, Traktor Pro will still work even if you don’t connect special, compatible hardware. Serato/Pioneer give you four channels instead of two, and more deck controls – but that means larger, pricier hardware. ![]() You can also compare NI’s offerings with Serato’s own, also announced this week. It’s not the first combined mixer/soundcard/controller, but the 2+2 configuration, and resulting price and size, may be a bit easier for a range of users to accomodate. The Z2 is unique in that it’s a 2+2 mixer. ![]() It’s geared primarily for Traktor users, of course, but with pricing under a grand and support for MIDI and audio with any software, it’ll be interesting to see if this sort of all-in-one design appeals to users of other DJ and performance tools. Those knobs and faders control software, as an integrated controller for Traktor, but internally, the Kontrol Z2 is also a mixer and computer soundcard. Native Instruments is continuing their hardware attack with a new device that combines three tools: controller, mixer, audio interface. (MIDI and audio operation is possible with other tools, though – and we have the details on that.) Instead, the Z2 focuses in on 2-channel mixing and controls, and integrates with Traktor. It’s not a monster combining everything in a giant, coffin-sized case. ![]()
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