Ask me anything: Z1 MK2

Kaiwan_NI · 2024-10-30T14:20:56+00:00

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Z1 MK2 is Here

The rumors are true: Z1 MK2 is dropping today. You might have already seen some buzz online after our secret reveal at ADE, and now it’s officially here for everyone to check out. The new Z1 MK2 seamlessly integrates with Traktor Pro 4, making it perfect for basic mixing on the go or adding to a modular DJ setup alongside the X1 and F1.

https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/traktor/dj-controllers/traktor-z1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjuIxWV846U

So, what’s new?

OLED displays – High-res OLED screens give you all the essential mixing info at a glance, so you can stay focused on your set without constantly checking your laptop.
Stem control layer – A new dedicated control section lets you adjust individual stem volumes for more dynamic, layered mixes.
Mixer FX section – Choose from nine effects like filter, reverb, delay, and gate, and apply them with intuitive, one-knob control.
Four-deck control – Z1 MK2 now manages up to four decks in Traktor Pro 4.
Sleek new look – The Z1 MK2 features a transparent undershell with customizable LED lighting, so you can style it to suit your vibe.

Meet the product manager

As always, we’re giving you direct access to the mind behind the design. Michael, the product manager for the Z1 MK2, will be on the forum from Thursday, October 31, 2024, until Wednesday, November 6, 2024 to answer your questions.

Michael has been deeply involved in shaping the Z1 from the start and just showcased it live at ADE, so he's ready to dive into the details with you.

Drop your questions below.

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Comments

Scott Frost

Hello, love the upgrade!

Can you tell me what's with the design choices for this and the X1MK3, with the dimly lit text on black buttons?, the older styles are brighter and easier to see? As someone who is visually impaired, I find the text on the X1Mk3 a challenge at times…. (even the screens are a tad small for me, but I make due…)

Also, can you use 2 Z1's to get 4 separate channels.

I know you can't discuss future products, but is there more hardware in the works (F1mk2, Z2?) seems to be a lot of interest….

mediK

Hello,
First of all, thank you for the updated hardware.
I have two questions, so I'll start with the easy one first.

My question is why hasn't the new Z1 received physical 4 deck controls? Most DJs that use the X1 with the Z1 are mixing electronic music and would much prefer having separate controls when blending or doing transitions and tricks.

My second question ties in to the previous question. Since we're looking at NI reviving the modular hardware line first, so I guess the F1 is next. Does that mean we are getting refresh of the NI product line or has the Ni product team ever discussed the possibility of creating a new deck variant for people that want to use Traktors modular range, but without sacrificing Jog wheels?

EDIT: Grammar

David Lane

Is it usb class compliant? Can you use the controls with other software via midi on iOS?

Thales de Paula

Content creators should have received it before and not given some feedback, the fact that it is not a DVS made me want to have it.
What do you mean it doesn't have a hub?
What do you mean it doesn't have a power supply?
Isn't it the main part of the setup?
I would test it but I don't see myself replacing my current setup with it.

Stevan

Can more than one unit be detected?
Midi Mode?
Controller Editor Template?

Patch

It is a lovely thing, for sure, but, please stop drip feeding us this stuff! 😉 What's the big picture/strategy for Traktor hardware wise?

bonedaddy_p7

firstly, I'm glad to see more NI modular hardware. I'm hoping for a revival of the D2 so that I can remain on traktor longer (touring with an S8 is a non-starter, but I really don't enjoy the RB ecosystem). This product feels very evolutionary to bring a product up to current design language (and possibly components) while also implementing some features that are more economical now.

I'm curious about the secondary audio out on the back; can this be used as a booth out or similar with hardware volume control? While I appreciate having more IO, it honestly seems like going RCA only is a bit limiting. a booth out can be used as a zone for wedding DJs, etc, a mic in would be handy as well, and no balanced connections can be somewhat limiting. For me, these aren't large limitations as I'll be connecting to a DJ mixer, but I can see having broader market appeal with these.

I'm also curious about the FX knob and EQ section - my workflow is heavily reliant on the filter knob on the S8, can this knob operate this way, or is it intended for only dry/wet? I'm also curious what the thought was on not including small EQ kill buttons for each band as microswitches and LEDs are fairly inexpensive these days.

Sûlherokhh

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/187014#Comment_187014

FX knob is Filter/MixerFX. In the center you can see the MixerFX selection buttons (S4/S3 style).

leesinthemix

Ordered from Thomann

Looking forward to using for stems alone in my setup!

I really hope we can hardware overmap so I can reverse the stem lane controls. Always makes more sense to have drums and bass at the bottom.

Ondy86

First of all good job with your latest updates and developments!...

but we want more...🤣...bigger…stronger…

The question which is in my mind since long time and which still keeps me trusting in traktor and your great software is if you never thought on a standalone 4 decks controler with touchscreen?…in my opinion nowdays standalone gear is the way to go...djs are tired to look on a pc during the intire set...i know it hard to compete against the lates gear launced by pioneer and denon...but your software is better!

Please🙏 let me know if there is any chance we gonna see someday any kind of traktor standalone gear?thx

Kris66

Why on earth did NI chose to use outdated USB when 99% of all new computers use USB-C? It's a major "turn off" for me as I don't want to use adaptors to be able to use it. FAIL NI!

Sûlherokhh

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/187031#Comment_187031

Many still use USB-A.

Easy fix:

Of course one could have it the other way around. As long as there are adapters, who cares? The most important thing is that it doesn't just drop out of the slot in the middle of the action.

Kris66

Thats nonsense! Most computers now use USB-C and yes its an easy fix and an extra unessesary cost if only NI would stop living in the past and enter 2024/25.

leesinthemix

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/187040#Comment_187040

You don't need an adapter

USB B to USB C cables exist in the world.
"Each Chroma cable has two ferrite core throttles and paired with the braided cable eliminates annoying interference along the signal path."
https://www.juno.co.uk/products/dj-tech-tools-usb-c-to-usb-b/838548-01/

Why would you use a poor cable to send audio from your laptop to the mixer?

If you're using it with an X1 MK3, you'll be using a standard USB B to A cable anyway so no need to throw your toys out the pram.

Sûlherokhh

What is nonsense? That many Traktor users still use USB-A capable computers?

And i find adapters are pretty cheap compared to the latest generation of whatever brand computers. Form-fitting bags for those hi-tech 'gadgets' are lot more expensive. And it's worth having those adapters (and others) in your pocket just-in-case anyway.

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