Product Review – TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 From Native Instruments

Traktor Kontrol Z2 DJ Mixer, a new product from Native Instruments, is their most advanced DJ controller and resides in the body of a professional 2+2 channel mixer. This controller gives you the ability to launch clips in a DJ-centric way, controlling your Remix Decks as you would other track decks.

TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 is the world’s first 2+2 DJ control mixer. Built tough for pro club use, the Z2 excels both as a state-of-the-art club mixer alongside turntables and CDJs, and as the hub of an advanced setup of remix racks and controllers. It can work as both a fully integrated TRAKTOR controller and a standalone digital mixer and audio interface, giving you the full flexibility of DJing with or without your computer.

With it you can run as a fully functional DJ mixer, as the TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 lets you plug in turntables and CDs and use the built-in EQs and filter. You can plug in a microphone and auxiliary audio device (such as an MP3 player). But its power is maximized when you use both the internal mixing capabilities along with its function as a fully-integrated TRAKTOR controller, integrating perfectly with the TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO software.

The TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 is a deck unit that is 10.7" (272 mm) x 15.3" (388 mm) x 4.3" (109 mm) and weighs 11.2 lb. (5.1 kg). It is powered by a USB 2.0 interface and internal power supply with 3-pin IEC power cable included. TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2 is designed for tight, club-ready sound. From low noise audio power supplies to premium 24-bit soundcard, Cirrus Logic converters, and pro XLR outputs, every component has been chosen so your sets hit with maximum impact.

The basic case is black in color and can be separated into three main areas. The center is the main mixer area and along the right and left sides are two strips that handle the different decks (A&C on the left and B&D on the right). The case itself is made of aircraft-grade aluminum chassis and has precision knobs, buttons, push encoders and Innofaders that will give you very accurate control of your sets.

The Z2 has backlit buttons provide visual feedback in even the darkest clubs, and the built-in, powered USB hub adds connectivity for two add-on controllers such as TRAKTOR KONTROL F1 or X1, freeing up laptop ports. Additional TRAKTOR rotary encoders for Macro FX and Remix Decks are placed in the KONTROL Section alongside Flux Mode buttons for easy access, and multi-colored cue point trigger buttons allow you to jump through and re-edit your tracks in style.

Article Author: T. Michael Testi

T. Michael Testi is a writer and a photographer out of Edmond Oklahoma. You can see his photographic and art work at T Michael Imaging.

Visit T. Michael Testi's author page — T. Michael Testi's Blog