DB4/K2's vs Z2/F1/X1

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DB4/K2's vs Z2/F1/X1
Posted on: 05.10.2012 by bhavesh wadia
So what does everyone believe? It seems you don't really need a four channel mixer anymore and I honestly can't see NI releasing a Z4. I love the DB4 concept but NI really have me drooling over the two deck/eight remix decks configuration. Hot Topic!
Leeanna Ayla
06.10.2012
Originally Posted by Scaper7
2 track decks + 2 remix decks needs 4 channels of mixer. X1 + F1 work great together.
Originally Posted by kenty
Just to clarify, the F1 has the volume faders for the remix decks but do you also need to allocate a channel on your external mixer for them too?
You need at least one channel for the two remix decks. I've always routed sample decks/remix decks to one channel when using an external mixer and just leaving the volume all the way up on that channel all the time. I like the way the Z2 has it with a rotary for the C & D channels.
Augustina Zulu
05.10.2012
Originally Posted by Deejaesnafu
i can use effects with vinyl....internal or external mixing... why wouldnt anyone?
Was my impression that effects only worked with internal mode. Still not really sure how they have set up the internal/external mixing yet so I may be off
Augustina Zulu
05.10.2012
Originally Posted by kenty
... I honestly can't see NI releasing a Z4.
What makes you say that? I would bet on it being their next big product if the Z2 does well.

As a DB2 owner I'd have a hard time going to 2 faders. Also the Z2 effects are just the Traktor effects which I already have with the X1 and I'd really miss the ability to use effects with vinyl. Not to mention the A&H effects are just butter compared to Traktor.

The 2 product lines are directed at very different audiences though. A&H are much more general use. NI are all about tight integration with Traktor and if you ever leave that software, you probably won't be taking much of their gear with you.

I do like the Z2 though. I hope it succeeds and that they do a 4 channel version.
bhavesh wadia
05.10.2012
So what does everyone believe? It seems you don't really need a four channel mixer anymore and I honestly can't see NI releasing a Z4. I love the DB4 concept but NI really have me drooling over the two deck/eight remix decks configuration. Hot Topic!
Leeanna Ayla
06.10.2012
Originally Posted by Scaper7
2 track decks + 2 remix decks needs 4 channels of mixer. X1 + F1 work great together.
Originally Posted by kenty
Just to clarify, the F1 has the volume faders for the remix decks but do you also need to allocate a channel on your external mixer for them too?
You need at least one channel for the two remix decks. I've always routed sample decks/remix decks to one channel when using an external mixer and just leaving the volume all the way up on that channel all the time. I like the way the Z2 has it with a rotary for the C & D channels.
bhavesh wadia
06.10.2012
Just to clarify, the F1 has the volume faders for the remix decks but do you also need to allocate a channel on your external mixer for them too?
Emanuel Kepics
06.10.2012
My pick would be DB4/2 with X1s and F1s. 2 track decks + 2 remix decks needs 4 channels of mixer. X1 + F1 work great together.
Romelia Stankard
05.10.2012
I don't really seem them as comparable really, then again I'm not into the remix decks and the z2 doesn't offer anything exciting to me.
Danae Dumler
05.10.2012
Vinyl works fine external but the vinyl goes internal so it's kind of a misnomer; you have to play the vinyl through Traktor's Live input or whatever it's called, so your vinyl sound is routed through one of the Traktor decks just like you would a mic or whatever. This wreaks havoc on volume balance of course since the live input volume is really low.

Not to mention the A&H effects are just butter compared to Traktor.
True but Traktor has chained effects; that is one significant limitation of the DB4. (Not the DB2 anymore though)....
Augustina Zulu
05.10.2012
Originally Posted by Deejaesnafu
i can use effects with vinyl....internal or external mixing... why wouldnt anyone?
Was my impression that effects only worked with internal mode. Still not really sure how they have set up the internal/external mixing yet so I may be off
Ada Matzkin
05.10.2012
"I'd really miss the ability to use effects with vinyl"


i can use effects with vinyl....internal or external mixing... why wouldnt anyone?
bhavesh wadia
05.10.2012
[QUOTE=Nick V;536285]What makes you say that?

Most people generally seem to use just two decks and remix decks these days.
Augustina Zulu
05.10.2012
Originally Posted by kenty
... I honestly can't see NI releasing a Z4.
What makes you say that? I would bet on it being their next big product if the Z2 does well.

As a DB2 owner I'd have a hard time going to 2 faders. Also the Z2 effects are just the Traktor effects which I already have with the X1 and I'd really miss the ability to use effects with vinyl. Not to mention the A&H effects are just butter compared to Traktor.

The 2 product lines are directed at very different audiences though. A&H are much more general use. NI are all about tight integration with Traktor and if you ever leave that software, you probably won't be taking much of their gear with you.

I do like the Z2 though. I hope it succeeds and that they do a 4 channel version.
Rochel Gleese
05.10.2012
Of course they'll release a Z4, they're probably just waiting for all the DJs to get back from Ibiza to test the new gear , I'm guessing it won't come out till next year.

They're both good setups, depends if you need the remix decks really

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