NI’s Traktor controller updates continue with the introduction of the upgraded Z1 mixer. Greg Scarth discovers why it should appeal to experienced DJs as well as beginners.
NI’s range of modular Traktor controllers has evolved steadily over the years, and the new Native Instruments Traktor Z1 MK2 follows on from last year’s release of the Traktor X1 MK3, representing the latest generation of models in the series. Compact, portable and surprisingly affordable, the Traktor X1, Z1 and F1 offer an alternative to bulkier all-in-one controllers. With the Z1 MK2, NI have created something design to appeal just as much to experienced DJs as newcomers.
The overall concept of the Z1 is very simple, and remains broadly the same as the original model released way back in 2013: this is a mixer-style controller with built-in audio interface. The MK2 is capable of controlling all four decks in NI’s Traktor software, which is included as part of the package. For newcomers to DJing, the Z1 helps overcome a few of the hurdles which make it tricky to get started: it provides hands-on control of Traktor’s mixer functions like EQ, effects/filters, levels and crossfading (the bread and butter of DJ mixing), but its hardware also provides a way of hooking your laptop up to speakers and headphones for high quality sound.
The look of the MK2 model makes the MK1 seem old-fashioned, upgrading the Z1 to the same sleek look found on the X1 MK3. NI build quality has always been excellent, and the Z1 is no exception. The smooth, satin black finish of the case is complemented by slightly rubberised buttons with a very positive click when pushed, smooth faders (with a pleasingly lighter feel to the crossfader compared to slightly more resistive line faders) and firmly mounted rotary knobs.
In terms of connections, the MK2 is incredibly simple: there’s a USB socket to hook up to your computer, stereo line out via RCA or 3.5 mm socket on the back panel, then a 3.5 mm socket on the front panel for your headphones. That’s it, nothing more to worry about, and with the inclusion of Traktor Pro 4 as part of the bundle it’s quick and easy to get set up, especially compared to more complex DJ controllers and third party devices which might require a bit more work to get started.
The Z1 MK2 upgrade mirrors many of the improvements found in the X1 MK3. In terms of physical knobs and faders, the MK2 is surprisingly similar to the Z1 MK1, with a pretty much identical layout of gain, EQ and FX controls for each channel, master volume and cueing controls in the centre, then a standard pair of line faders and crossfader down at the bottom. What’s changed, however, is just about everything around those main controls. The MK2 introduces much more advanced control of Traktor, with new OLED displays providing superb visual feedback to help you focus on the controls rather than referring back and forth to your computer screen. Clear, intuitive buttons give you instant access to the third and fourth decks, while the buttons in the central FX section give you excellent control of effects. The Z1 MK2 also introduces the excellent lighting system found on the X1 MK3, with the translucent lower half of the case allowing the internal LEDs to illuminate the area around the mixer, indicating things like tracks which are about to run our, or tracks which are set in a loop.
NI’s Traktor controller approach blurs the boundaries between software and hardware, but it’s important to understand that the Z1 isn’t an all-in-one controller like, say, the Kontrol S2 MK3. There are no jog wheels here, no performance pads, not even basic track controls like play and cue buttons. That’s not the point of the Z1. This is a controller aimed specifically at giving hands-on control of mix functionality exclusively, but you can add other controllers to achieve different results. A combination of a Z1 MK2 and X1 MK3 would give you excellent hands-on control of track launching, loops and so on. Add another X1 and you could even control all four decks simultaneously without the need to switch settings.
One of the biggest developments in DJ software since the release of the original Z1 is the introduction of real-time stem separation, allowing you to control the levels of different parts of a track independently. Real-time stem generation was introduced in Traktor Pro 4, released in July this year, and the Z1 MK2 takes full advantage of that functionality in stems mode, allowing you to switch instantly and control your stems using the three EQ knobs. It’s also worth reiterating here that a full licence for Traktor Pro is included with the purchase of the Z1; given that NI charge £129 for that licence when bought separately, that’s not insignificant. If you’re just getting started and have a suitable computer, headphones and powered speakers, the Z1 MK2 package and Traktor software completes everything that you need to learn how to DJ.
Does the MK2 justify upgrading if you already own the original Z1? In a word, yes. The original Z1 did the job perfectly well for older versions of Traktor, but Traktor 4 introduced significant new features which reflect broader trends in DJ software, such as real-time stem generation and visual feedback. One of the most interesting things about the Z1 is how it can be used in so many different ways. If you’re just getting started learning to DJ, its undoubtedly one of the cheapest options around, but we can see it appealing to more advanced DJs who no longer use jog wheels and prefer to rely on sync and extensive track preparation. The combination of Traktor Pro 4 and Z1 MK2 might just be one of the best value DJ setups available, offering a nice balance between hands-on control and software versatility. A bargain at just over £200.
Greg Scarth
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