Official info on the Kontrol Z2!

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Official info on the Kontrol Z2!
Posted on: 29.09.2012 by Dung Domingus
***MOD EDIT Go to page 6 for the official announcement***

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Idk if this is real or not. It's in spanish (I used google translate to read the article), but supposedly this article bears all of the info you could ever want about the z2 and has an unreleased picture of it. I apologize if this has been posted already. I did some searching and didn't see it anywhere. http://grupoadagio.es/informaticamus...e-instruments/
kontrol z2.jpg


Article as translated by google translate. Maybe our bilingual djtt members can give us a better breakdown of the features?

"I recently had the opportunity to be in Berlin at the official presentation of the Z2 KONTROL European distributors. From the first moment is a product that has raised great expectations while many doubts. Leo in certain community s many dubious statements about what is going to be exactly the Z2 KONTROL Native Instruments ... Let's try to clear up some ideas.

One of the "slogans" that Native Insturments used in new designs is INTEGRATION. That means that each and every one of them his power will always come from an integration of the advantages of a powerful and efficient software and ergonomic hardware. Thus we have the best of both worlds combined, or rather multiplied.

*

The KONTROL Z2 is a controller for DJ, sound card, integrated 4-channel capability to handle external signals from dishes or CDJ's in a session. It even works in "stand alone", ie not connected to the computer, but who wants to buy the Z2 with this functionality as stomping staple is suitable territory.

*

The main idea that is developed with the design and release of TRAKTOR KONTROL Z2, is that there is a huge community of DJ's worldwide using TRAKTOR and go on tour with your computer as a key. Upon arrival at the club the DJ's are a multitude of solutions mixture that does not integrate with TRAKTOR at all, you must face connections and disconnections of cables and make room in the cabin for dedicated controllers as X1 and F1 are those who really are solve your session with TRAKTOR. The mixer as the centerpiece of the cabin is relegated then to control the volume, EQ and little else, and if it is an old and battered interpose noises mass or some faders and EQ's rascantes between your brand new computer and gear is sound.

With Z2 as a controller / mixer core of a club can have the conventional material (plates and / or CDJ's) playing, but start dreaming of your TRAKTOR just connect a USB cable. In addition two integrated USB hubs allow you to connect F1 or X1 in any combination at the same mixer and sound ... The changes between DJ's are now possible in less than two seconds.

Z2 can control 4 channel sound, to select between channels A, B, C and D easily. Its 4 side buttons are prepared to control 4 CUES or the shot of the first 4 samples of REMIX decks. The TRAKTOR effects control is also integrated although in a less extensive than using an F1. Switching to receive the analog signal from an external source is instantaneous and is performed with a simple pressing of a button, in this case only functions EQ, filter and volume can be performed on the signal.

The mixture remains engine when no ringing TRAKTOR an external source, so that the absolute cleanliness of the signal path is ensured.

The analog electronics around digital motor has been designed and chosen to provide audio quality up to the level that will require this new contender to win the heart of the cabins worldwide. In that sense I've tested both as EQ and filters are excellent. It also includes a license for TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2 with their corresponding vinyl and CD's in the pack.

With this new family member TRAKTOR, the digital DJ system more advanced than we could have in the universe or not an S4, is a two KONTROL Z2 + F1 and an F1 or X1 or two dishes plus two CDJ's. And a computer, of course!

Other details like effects PRE / POST fader selectable, adjustable crossfader curve from the front panel, as well as X-fader reverse, two headphone outputs
Rochel Gleese
12.10.2012
So it's the second controller to open up the remix decks functionality? I wonder if that means they'll open up the remix decks to other controllers now or still locked to NI F1 and Z2?
Leeanna Ayla
12.10.2012
@ 1:33 HUGE!!!

Lang Abriel
12.10.2012
Originally Posted by rdej47
I wonder if there's anything that's cant be done with my DJM T1, my RGAS tells me I need this when really the T1 is the exact same thing. The one thing I'm curious about is how this mixer routes the remix decks. As of now if I want to play remix decks I have to route them through the a/b decks which can make for some difficulty when trying to sort levels
You can't just route them internally? Turn the internal volume of C/D all the way up with the mouse? and then use a midi mapping to control sample volumes? Or just buy an F1 to control individual sample levels.
Johnsie Kingrea
13.10.2012
I wonder if there's anything that's cant be done with my DJM T1, my RGAS tells me I need this when really the T1 is the exact same thing. The one thing I'm curious about is how this mixer routes the remix decks. As of now if I want to play remix decks I have to route them through the a/b decks which can make for some difficulty when trying to sort levels
Dung Domingus
13.10.2012

There's an article to go with the video up on djworx.
Virgie Igler
11.10.2012
Originally Posted by 0.0
I doubt that'd help you understand Hebrew.
for Reaaaaaal I thought it sounded closer to Farsi than Deutsch. But I just assumed it would be German because NI is from Germany so I made an ignorant assumption LOL
Rochel Gleese
11.10.2012
Lol
Dierdre Stillabower
11.10.2012
Originally Posted by bmo
If only I could spracken Deutsch
I doubt that'd help you understand Hebrew.
Virgie Igler
11.10.2012
Originally Posted by marcosvls

In this video seems to be an interesting mixer.
If only I could spracken Deutsch
Coral Bonta
11.10.2012

In this video seems to be an interesting mixer.
Len Lukawski
10.10.2012
So, we have everything you need to know about the Z2 Innofaders

All I will say is that now I need a z2 way more than I thought I did a week ago

.... Keep watching the blog
Danae Dumler
10.10.2012
hehehe touche! .... erm, no pun inten...forget it
Ervin Calvery
10.10.2012
Originally Posted by djproben
How the heck can you scratch without touching the faders?
aha!

Erich Vallabhaneni
10.10.2012
Craze using the new Z2 in his new live UStream, check it outttt

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/crazearoni
Johnsie Kingrea
10.10.2012
Originally Posted by djproben
How the heck can you scratch without touching the faders?
I see what you did there...
Danae Dumler
10.10.2012
Originally Posted by rdej47
I still dream of my sold Rane TTM-56s those faders were untouchable.
How the heck can you scratch without touching the faders?
Lina Rawie
10.10.2012
Originally Posted by rdej47
Can anyone confirm if the line faders are scratch worthy (nice and loose)? I still dream of my sold Rane TTM-56s those faders were untouchable.
Someone on my community posted their impressions after playing around with one at BPM: -

The good: -

I'm shocked at how amazing the xfade feels, you seriously couldn't tell that it wasn't a full on innofade pro.
The bad: -

Stiff line fades, seriously can some one tell me which main stream gear had stiff line fades 5 - 6 years back? Why in recent times do more and more manufacturers keep nursing mixing dj's in to believeing they can't control a free flowing line fader? As Chriss points out the Z2 line fades aren't the worst/stiffest but its a total waste of innofaders. Basically it's a two channel mixer you can scratch on rather than an actual scratch mixer.
And outside of the faders, here's the rest of what he said: -

The good: -

The work flow and traktor features are minimal but heavily performance orientated. I love the clutter free layout. IMO this is where NI shine on all there hardware, despite some heavy weight features the learning curve on NI hardware is pretty minimal compared to other similar gear.

The single super fx knob and new macro fx do plenty in terms of replacing the need for a dedicated fx controller like the X1. They've basically hijacked the midi fighter super knob theory.

Post fade fx option was a serious must, this isn't just a biggie for those who mix internally, it also means you can still have post fade fx while also being able to assign fx to individual sample slots rather than the whole remix deck.
The bad: -

PLASTIC POTS! What a huge let down but no real surprise,
Kori Shatz
09.10.2012
and so dear smitten...
Len Lukawski
09.10.2012
We have all the answers
Johnsie Kingrea
09.10.2012
Can anyone confirm if the line faders are scratch worthy (nice and loose)? I still dream of my sold Rane TTM-56s those faders were untouchable.
Kori Shatz
09.10.2012
I want a real "Innofader" in the Z2!!!!!!!!!
Lang Abriel
09.10.2012
So the center plate is removeable....and i never thought of mapping an x1 to decks c/d eqs but its not a bad idea...even if its on a shift layer. I believe x1 with this would be nice because you could have the old school effects on fx3/4 and have the new macro effects on 1/2...if that is an available option in the software.
Dung Domingus
09.10.2012
Leota Dolney
09.10.2012
Originally Posted by Rukks
So you want ableton? haha
:-)
Not quite though. I have Ableton and it has a specific use for me...I simply want the internal monitor audio bus to be routed to the same audio bus as the preview player for BOTH internal and external mixing modes...regardless of whether a deck is a remix or regular deck. They already do it for internal mixing...i just want them to do it for external mixing mode as well.
Lang Abriel
09.10.2012
So you want ableton? haha
Leeanna Ayla
09.10.2012
I thought that might be the case.
Leota Dolney
09.10.2012
Originally Posted by photojojo
I could monitor sample decks with my 1600 in external mode, not sure why you couldn't on the 1700. Maybe I'm just not understanding what you're saying.
I have Deck C routed to Channel 1 on my 1700. I can monitor that deck/channel through the 1700's cue button all I want...basically keep the channel fader down on the X1700, press cue and put the slot fader up on the X1...BUT if I have any one of the slots is playing live (the slot fader is up and the channel fader on the 1700 is up), and I want to monitor another slot, then I can't do it because as soon as I put the slot fader up on the f1 for the slot I want to monitor, it begin playing live through the 1700. I want to be able to hit the F1 monitor button for the slot and have the monitor audio routed to a separate audio bus (e.g., like the preview player in external mixing). Does that make sense?
Leeanna Ayla
09.10.2012
Originally Posted by DirtyNerd
When mixing in external mode, I lose the ability to monitor the remix decks. but in internal mode, I can monitor them just fine...this is because of how traktor does audio routing.
I could monitor sample decks with my 1600 in external mode, not sure why you couldn't on the 1700. Maybe I'm just not understanding what you're saying.
Leota Dolney
09.10.2012
Originally Posted by 0.0
The question is whether or not you need four full decks. I don't. If you can live with that, and need a soundcard and mixer anyway, this is a pretty sweet deal for an all-in-one package.
To answer your question, I am a "Traktor guy"...and I probably would recommend the Z2 based on how I play. I don't actually need 4 full channels. I actually only use 3 real channels: 2 full channels for decks A & B, and then deck C & D (both remix decks) get routed to a 3rd channel. My setup is this: F1, X1, and a Denon DN-X1700 4channel mixer with built-in 4 channel sound-card. Since I use the F1's channel faders to control the remix slot volume and the F1's filter knob for mixing purposes, I don't use either the EQs or the fader on my mixer for the remix deck channel for mixing, they stay put the entire time...effectively, I could very easily function with just having a volume "knob" to control the remix decks overall volume.

Incidentally, the 4th channel on my mixer is routed to the preview player. And actually, that is a usability issue that I have with Traktor's audio routing. When mixing in external mode, I lose the ability to monitor the remix decks. but in internal mode, I can monitor them just fine...this is because of how traktor does audio routing...I would prefer that traktor had an preview/monitor audio bus that was available in both internal and external mixing mode...I can already route the preview player for external mixing to a channel, and in internal mixing, the preview player and deck monitors are on the same bus...so why not do it all the way...That is something I would really like to see addressed in upcoming Traktor versions...ok...end rant....
Len Lukawski
08.10.2012
I can confirm that the Golden Gate Mafia are indeed breaking all kinds of shiny as we speak.
Nathanial Belenkaya
08.10.2012
Quick update - apparently DJTechTools is checking a Z2 with the Innofader Pro and there is space for fitting. More info to come soon!

Elliot
Dierdre Stillabower
08.10.2012
Originally Posted by The Pancaker
There will be available magnetic panels which will stick on the Z2 surface. Or at least that's what I read somewhere.. can't find the source now, but I doubt I had such a vivid/gearwhore dream. If they actually come out, I do hope they release them for the S2 and S4.
Yeah, for the trim on the edges, but apparently not for the glossy center section.
Loyce Mekonen
08.10.2012
There will be available magnetic panels which will stick on the Z2 surface. Or at least that's what I read somewhere.. can't find the source now, but I doubt I had such a vivid/gearwhore dream. If they actually come out, I do hope they release them for the S2 and S4.
Dierdre Stillabower
08.10.2012
A picture Ean posted last week of his KNTRL setup showed a Z2 with that brushed metal center plate. Haven't heard any additional info on that though, so I'd have to guess NI did it custom for him.
Julissa Serrone
08.10.2012
Originally Posted by DJSigma
How come?
Because clubs usually have their own mixer. Normally you just bring your soundcard and plug into the house system. It would make thing very difficult if more than one one DJ was playing that evening , and one of them wanted to swap out the mixer mid-set.
Johnsie Kingrea
08.10.2012
Originally Posted by Rukks
You can get SL1 for $200-250 all day so add that to a ttm56 for 500 and your still looking at 700 to 750 bucks. (which will last for 5 years)

I haven't seen a ttm56 go for over $500 on ebay in the last 6 months.

This thing will be harder and more akward to set up in a club than the s4, now you have to fit this in between tables and hook into the house mixer.

Eliminating a portable soundcard is not always a good idea...

The z2 wins in alot of aspects but everyone just has to step back and take a look at the bigger picture, if your like me who needs a second warranty on an s4, then this thing will not survive as a battle mixer and most ppl that already have a battle mixer understand that concept. That is why their are so many concerns about the quality.

My advice for NI, focus on quality before you get into this market because if this mixer is not built like a tank it will kill your future product line for professionals that are looking for reliability over price.
I'll agree with you on the build quality. I wish Ean would've gone deeper into that in his video walkthrough. I feel like for the price i'm unfortunately not expecting amazing build quality from this mixer. I'm not saying it will be horrible but bear in mind you do get what you pay for. I really wish they would've done away with the stupid reflective plate, that thing just screams budget. Stick with the brushed metal looks of the F1/X1 it can take a beating and isn't a fingerprint magnet like the shiny plastic (those things are a forensics experts dream for collecting finger prints)
Lang Abriel
08.10.2012
Originally Posted by Shishdisma
And the $500 SL2 you need because the 56 doesnt have an SSL card.

You can get SL1 for $200-250 all day so add that to a ttm56 for 500 and your still looking at 700 to 750 bucks. (which will last for 5 years)

I haven't seen a ttm56 go for over $500 on ebay in the last 6 months.

This thing will be harder and more akward to set up in a club than the s4, now you have to fit this in between tables and hook into the house mixer.

Eliminating a portable soundcard is not always a good idea...

The z2 wins in alot of aspects but everyone just has to step back and take a look at the bigger picture, if your like me who needs a second warranty on an s4, then this thing will not survive as a battle mixer and most ppl that already have a battle mixer understand that concept. That is why their are so many concerns about the quality.

My advice for NI, focus on quality before you get into this market because if this mixer is not built like a tank it will kill your future product line for professionals that are looking for reliability over price.
Beverlee Bedrin
09.10.2012
Two questions about the build quality I'm hoping someone can answer:

1. Are the knob stems metal like other high end mixers, or are they plastic like the ones on the S4?

2. How durable do the small buttons on it feel? I hope they're not of the same quality as the S4s. I have a S4 and a couple of the buttons that I use frequently don't work properly. I have to press them really hard in order for them to engage.
Dierdre Stillabower
09.10.2012
Originally Posted by botstein

What would really be helpful for me to know: Would you guys who are "Traktor all-the way" (I know you're on here) recommend the Z2 as the way to go then? Is the two-(physical)-deck limitation and not-there-yet Maschine integration that big of a deal? Again, I don't currently have a Traktor audio interface (Audio 10 or similar) or a DJ mixer.

The question is whether or not you need four full decks. I don't. If you can live with that, and need a soundcard and mixer anyway, this is a pretty sweet deal for an all-in-one package.
Ervin Calvery
08.10.2012
Thanks to everyone who answered my question. I've wanted to add DVS to my studio for a while now and this seems like a nice deal compared to Traktor options I had only a few weeks ago. I definitely didn't mean to derail the thread or turn it in to a Serato vs Traktor debate - The Bridge would really be my only attraction to Serato over Traktor. I really just wanted advise on the Z2.

What would really be helpful for me to know: Would you guys who are "Traktor all-the way" (I know you're on here) recommend the Z2 as the way to go then? Is the two-(physical)-deck limitation and not-there-yet Maschine integration that big of a deal? Again, I don't currently have a Traktor audio interface (Audio 10 or similar) or a DJ mixer.

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