Native Instruments has launched the Traktor Z1 Mk2 modular DJ mixer controller and audio interface.
This is the second recent modular controller from the company following on from the X1 Mk3, and comes in the same shape, size, and style, with the new-look Traktor logo, and a transparent base which changes colour depending upon how the unit is being used.
The Traktor Z1 Mk2 lets you mix up to four software decks, allows the manipulation of stems for those decks, and offers basic mixer effects, and thus complements the X1 Mk3, the latter taking care of transport, cues, loops, pattern player, and the main Traktor effects.
The Z1 Mk2, like its sister controller, now has OLED displays to feed back essential information to the DJ, and comes with Traktor Pro 4 software in the box. This is especially attractive to newcomers to the Traktor ecosystem because it’s the full-strength version of the software with nothing missing, no extra money to pay, and no subscription necessary.
Because the unit has a sound card built in, you can add a pair of headphones and plug directly into any speakers or a mixer in a club and have a complete DJ mixer, stems, and basic effects set up all in one unit – just add deck control.
First thoughts
Our review of this is coming soon, but off the bat, this unit alone is not enough to DJ from because it doesn’t contain any deck/transport controls at all, and has no control over cues and loops – meaning of course that as a minimum, you should pair it with the X1 Mk3.
Read this next: Why Mapping May Just Be Traktor Pro 4’s Biggest Strength
Taken together though, especially when you consider that the X1 Mk3 has a USB hub to keep everything neat, these two offer deep control over Traktor and will appeal to electronic DJs, techno DJs, tech house DJs, and anyone looking for compact control over four decks with a lot of ability to sculpt and play with the tracks being used.
- The Traktor Z1 Mk2 is available now at $259/€249/£214 from Native Instruments
Phil Morse
