Ask me anything: Z1 MK2

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  • Scott Frost
    Scott Frost Member Posts: 73 Advisor

    Any chance on adding a VU mode for the lights on the bottom? This way if you have 2X1MK3s and a Z1 the lights can do something different?

    Also "IF" an F1 MK2 is coming, it would be nice to have the pads turn into a BeatFX mode, so I could setup a let's say stutter pattern, like

    What Is L L L L Love….So on the pad it could be something like

    16 pads would be 16 steps and each step would repeat the start point until finished (and maybe a way to have 4, 8 or 16 steps as an option)

    X L X X
    X L X X
    X X L L
    X L L Love

    It's hard to describe, but the Denon X1700 mixer used tø have this feature and it was great for quick Beat FX type effects…

  • QWER2580
    QWER2580 Member Posts: 20 Member
    edited November 3

    Man, I've been a huge fan of NI hardware (interfaces, DJ gear, keyboards, everything) for 15+ years but this here is just a mind blown "why!?" moment. The only reason I can think for this is that USB A connectors are sturdier than USB C. I suspect the overwhelming majority of users would only be using the X1 and Z1 together here and will now just use two USB cables or a non-powered hub anyway.

    It's been a particular joy for me to get on stage for a lot of sets and not even have to plug into AC as my laptop battery is enough for the Z1, X1 and F1.

    Am I wrong in thinking NI could at least be selling an accessory cable with USB C split to USB B and 15V on the other end?

  • matteodiba
    matteodiba Member Posts: 2 Newcomer

    For sure it only minimally affect functionality, but I join the group of the ones wanting usb-c. We're all shifting to that format and not being up to date you slowly compel your customers to organise and buy solutions (separate cables, usb hubs…) to face an issue that shouldn't exist.
    If you only consider cost and functionality you did it absolutely right, but ease of use might be a factor too.

  • Jeff van Spaendonk
    Jeff van Spaendonk Member Posts: 5 Member

    I would be grateful if you are willing to send me the name and direct e-mail address of the person who is very familiar with the KONTROL S49.

    Best wishes from The Netherlands, Jeff

    jdavis591@hotmail.com

  • wahala
    wahala Member Posts: 21 Member

    my questions reiterate ones already asked so I shan’t repeat. Just to say really like the new aesthetic on the latest products. Look really stylish.

  • wwwolf
    wwwolf Member Posts: 5 Member
    edited November 3

    Re USB-C having worked for a while in IT support, I can only applaud the decision to go for the older USB for resilience. As Michael has already said, it's a more robust connection, and the last thing you want doing anything in real time is even momentary drop-outs. On my own gear, I use USB C for external SSDs but ONLY EVER with seriously good quality (and therefore expensive) cables, while some of my clients had problems with USB C cables they bought online, and which turned out not to be tight enough - either physically (fit) or build quality (spec).

    As with audio, momentary drop-outs on high speed data transfer cause all kinds of problems. So by going with the older more robust standard, NI are looking after us, as well as protecting themselves from at best puzzlement, at worst accusations when people have problems that are actually caused by the cables. (There's a cost element too in an affordable device - again, a high spec, fine tolerance USB C socket is going to cost, and is 'spec-ed' way higher than is needed for the data transfer rates we need.)

    Thanks Michael and everybody for this discussion - learning a lot already, and really looking forward to playing with the mapping when I upgrade to Z1(mk2) and X1(mk3) in the New Year!

  • Cheenis
    Cheenis Member Posts: 14 Member

    A massive +1 to @leesinthemix 's comment, It would be great if the user could decide on the different mapping layers and the number they have… if they want to scroll through 5 different mapping layers, then that should be up to them, likewise if they want to remove the mixer or any other layer they should be able to do that too. Defaults are great, but for advanced users who want to set up a specific and familiar workflow (rather than having to double check which layer they are on) would be super nice. It's a bit like a Garmin watch, I can decide how many screens of data I have for each mode.

    Thanks for answering my question @MichaelK_NI and I very much look forward to the functionality appearing in the near-ish future. Loving all the Traktor product work that is going on right now!

  • Patch
    Patch Member Posts: 317 Pro

    I absolutely LOVE the new screens/displays on the Z1 and the X1.

    Is it too cost prohibitive to have smaller screens, above or below each control? Having labels for each control, that CHANGE based on the mapping you're running, or the modifier you're in, would be an absolute dream come true.

    Possible one day, do you think?

  • Kubrak
    Kubrak Member Posts: 3,067 Expert

    There are USB to USB-c cables, no need for adaptor, just proper cable. And standard USB connector is probably way more durable (prone to damage) to tiny USB-c.

  • Kris66
    Kris66 Member Posts: 7 Member

    And let me guess. NI does not provide that cable. You got to purchase it extra ;). FAIL!!!

  • hardbea7
    hardbea7 Member Posts: 13 Member

    @MichaelK_NI

    I started my dj journey 3 years now, after trying out so many controllers and software, i find Traktor is my most favorite, and I have been patiently waiting 2 years for traktor to release a flagship controller, but then tiny x1mk3 released, i immediately got one to play around i loved it but not enough, then i got s8 same thing again, i loved it but not enough again, then i ordered s4mk3, but canceled because i read the rumors about something new will release, then comes z1mk2, this time i know i dont need this its better to get 11 years old z2… now im thinking shall i go ahead get 6 years old s4mk3? NI why you doing this? it's so tiring … shall i get s4mk3 or better i wait ??? come on!!

  • JamusJae
    JamusJae Member Posts: 5 Member

    I feel NI has missed an opportunity here. There are hundred of Conscious dance DJ's who need a small foot print controller with a mic input, no one makes one. At the moment the best fit is the Reloop Mixtour but it has no mic input so they generally have to go for a larger controller or an external sound card.

    Personally I was really hoping for a Traktor version of the Mixtour for traveling light so I miss the track selection and the play, cue sync section. I feel this would have given this controller some other markets. I am not sure that it is really what a beginner dj needs as they need the track selection and basic transport controls.

    Dont get me wrong it looks great just not what I need, I will stick with the reloop for travel and the Z2 and X1 for bigger gigs.

  • DJ ÖMG
    DJ ÖMG Member Posts: 4 Member

    Hi Michael!

    First things first: Seeing Traktor development in both software and hardware makes me really excited.

    If possible, can we learn about the new Z1's audio interface more? Couldn't find much info regarding that.
    E.g., I wonder how loud was it. What's the dynamic range? etc.
    Thanks in advance!

  • treetop sf
    treetop sf Member Posts: 10 Member

    A few of us windows users are having issues with bugs selecting outputs with wasapi, and driver errors in device manager when using asio drivers.

    here is my original post…
    https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/37926/z1-mk2-driver-error-audio-interface-selection-is-buggy

    Is there any fix for this?
    Can I propose that Ni needs to release a new asio driver?

    And on another topic, I would really like to re-map the two gains and the master volume while in eq mode. Will this ever be possible?

    Im really considering returning the z1 mk2 and just sticking with the original z1. Its more practical for my use unless Ni fixes these issues.

  • Apiary
    Apiary Member Posts: 11 Member

    settle down boys you’re both right. 99% of Apple computers maybe, but you’ll struggle to buy an off the shelf pc with more than one usb-C on it. Having said that he’s right. Computers are one thing, you can buy/add bits on your them but why are usb/midi/audio devices still releasing stuff with usb A and sometimes micro and all this ‘nonesense’ let’s just use the C and get on with it I say. If you want to keep your usb A stuff then you should have to get the adaptor etc. I do like the usb A snug fit though

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