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
Len Lukawski
05.10.2012
Originally Posted by oneapemob
Yep Mofli has it right, it is indeed mini innofaders inside, not full blown innofaders, not that they aren't quality ( i have never touched a mini inno), but they are short bodied faders, putting three inno inside would have raised the price above the 1000 euros mark i'm sure. Buying a Z2 and an innofader Pnp will make it 930 euros, maybe we could ask Elliot Marx for a discount on an inno pnp if you own a Z2 D
I spent several weeks with the mini Innofader prior to release and its ROCK SOLID. The only real difference between the mini and the Innofader/bender is that the mini's tension and cut in etc is preset per the specification of the manufacturer. The sample I got was way better configured for scratching than my Innodender was out of the box.

I have not been as plugged in to the scene of late so when I saw the Z2 and its price I was disappointed. Now I know the faders are Innofaders, I am well impressed. This might be one of the few battle-oriented mixers where not having a quick-swap crossfader is ok.

Now's the time to f*** the warranty on your s4 and get that innofader in there
Leeanna Ayla
05.10.2012
It's not going to matter much on which EQ's your using since the hardware EQ's are emulating the software EQ's.
Rochel Gleese
05.10.2012
I'm getting conflicting reports:

When using Traktor (control vinyl or controllers) is the software always in Internal mode or can you select between using it in external mode (thus using the EQs of the actual mixer) and internal (or both I Guess)
Ciara Cuttill
05.10.2012
Originally Posted by ekwipt
A Z4 or Z5 would have to be a perfect solution for me to switch
i agree! if they could do the whole 4 eq bit id be all over it like a fat kid on cake.
Rochel Gleese
05.10.2012
Originally Posted by Eliot Han
your perfect solution ...

This is my setup now.

2x X1
1x F1
1x Maschine
Audio 10
Xone 92

A Z4 or Z5 would have to be a perfect solution for me to switch

Quite happy with my setup as it is now
Leota Dolney
06.10.2012
Originally Posted by photojojo
I'm curious to know if I can route both remix decks to decks C for main volume control and then use Deck D for Maschine? Or maybe use the Aux channel for Maschine.
I don't see why not. I have DN-X1700 with 4channel sound card and I currently route Deck A to Ch2, Deck B to Ch3, Decks C & D (both remix decks) to Ch1, and the preview player to Ch4...so since the Z2 is 2+2, I would assume you could do the same thing...

Originally Posted by Eliot Han
Depends on the style you play ... techno has a lot of layers that you can play and many performers use up to 6 channels. It is quite the norm for the techno, minimal scene.
Totally agreed. My issue was not that there werem't uses for more than 2 channels...but more that a lot of people that want more channels don't actually use them...we have been convinced by various marketing departments that we NEED 4 channels when in fact most of us don't actually use them.

As far as techno etc., that is definitely within my styles and I do use multiple channels...they are just spread across my mixer and my F1 :-) I don't always play to much of it though...maybe early in a set or later in a set as a sort of improv/live remix component...I don't really do much in the way of full on techno sets...but your point is well taken as I am considering a 2nd F1 so I can control both remix decks at the same time...right now I need to switch control over using a single F1...having the 4 channels on the F1 is nice...having 4 more would be nicer...so...I guess you are right... ;-)
Mila Garan
05.10.2012
Anyone know how the VU meters for the decks work on this? One thing I like about running 2 channels out of traktor into a hardware mixer is that the vu meters are much more accurate and you can actually see that you have the 2 tracks at an even volume (I like being able to see that my tracks are peaking with only 1 of the yellows lighting up). Traktor's internal meters seem to hit max no matter what so it's hard to tell what your track is actually peaking at.. Anyone know if the z2 works this way or if the meters work more like the s4/ traktor internal meters.
Nedra Fresneda
05.10.2012
Assuming the HID map isn't closed as the S4, sacrificing the displays in the process (don't make the same mistake twice NI).
Basil Forshee
05.10.2012
Originally Posted by photojojo
I'm curious to know if I can route both remix decks to decks C for main volume control and then use Deck D for Maschine? Or maybe use the Aux channel for Maschine.
I believe you can, just map the HID mode a little bit different and use Deck D as a Live Input .
Leeanna Ayla
05.10.2012
Black is prettier
Ciara Cuttill
05.10.2012
Originally Posted by DirtyNerd
I believe you may be in the minority overall...I don't believe most of the rest of us have enough skills to mix with more than 2 decks/channels let alone 4 or 5 and be any good at it. I know I am not. I love the remix decks...but I don't use them extensively. They get sprinkled in throughout a set for a little improvisation and live remixing...I might prepare a couple of remix sets for songs I will play or based on my own loops/beats. I guess I just suspect that most of us, if we are really honest with ourselves (I include myself here) don't really need all the features of modern mixers/cdjs etc...I believe a lot of us want to believe that we will be good enough someday and/or just like shiny new knobs and buttons...again, I include myself here as welll :-)
Depends on the style you play ... techno has a lot of layers that you can play and many performers use up to 6 channels. It is quite the norm for the techno, minimal scene.
Ciara Cuttill
05.10.2012
Originally Posted by ekwipt
I'm 3decks easily and have started mucking around with the F1 on the 4th, and sometimes use Maschine on the 5th

So personally looking for 5 channels with faders and EQ
your perfect solution ...

Ashanti Andreacchio
05.10.2012
It comes with scratch pro and is focused 90% for timecode users as it looks to me. I want to be just controller DJ so no thanks.
Leeanna Ayla
05.10.2012
I'm curious to know if I can route both remix decks to decks C for main volume control and then use Deck D for Maschine? Or maybe use the Aux channel for Maschine.
Dung Domingus
05.10.2012
I feel like the djm has a better crossfader for my needs and has more knobs and buttons to be midi mapped offering more flexibility. I don't need actual remix deck control as I'm going to pick up an f1. The only thing that has me torn from just picking up a djm-t1 (which I can get from guitar center for about $750 with they're Columbus day sale) is whether or not the post fader effects will work for it. Anyone know?
Leota Dolney
05.10.2012
Originally Posted by bmo
I suppose the 2 other full faders and EQ would allow people to really adjust and modify the EQ sounds for their remix decks, as opposed to just the volume.
That is true...but I see the believeing that NI had with this...it is intended to be used alongside 1 or 2 F1s and they have filter knobs and faders already for each slot...I know that I personally don't use any EQs on the remix deck channel on my 4-channel mixer. I keep all the EQs at 12 0'clock, and the volume fader all the way up and just mix using the F1 filter knob and the slot faders.

Originally Posted by ekwipt
I'm 3decks easily and have started mucking around with the F1 on the 4th, and sometimes use Maschine on the 5th

So personally looking for 5 channels with faders and EQ
I believe you may be in the minority overall...I don't believe most of the rest of us have enough skills to mix with more than 2 decks/channels let alone 4 or 5 and be any good at it. I know I am not. I love the remix decks...but I don't use them extensively. They get sprinkled in throughout a set for a little improvisation and live remixing...I might prepare a couple of remix sets for songs I will play or based on my own loops/beats. I guess I just suspect that most of us, if we are really honest with ourselves (I include myself here) don't really need all the features of modern mixers/cdjs etc...I believe a lot of us want to believe that we will be good enough someday and/or just like shiny new knobs and buttons...again, I include myself here as welll :-)
Rochel Gleese
05.10.2012
I'm 3decks easily and have started mucking around with the F1 on the 4th, and sometimes use Maschine on the 5th

So personally looking for 5 channels with faders and EQ
Virgie Igler
05.10.2012
Originally Posted by DirtyNerd
I agree. How many people actually use 4 real decks for mixing? Most of us use 2 decks, or maybe 2 decks + remix decks which (with an F1) have their own line faders for each slot.
I suppose the 2 other full faders and EQ would allow people to really adjust and modify the EQ sounds for their remix decks, as opposed to just the volume.
Leota Dolney
05.10.2012
Originally Posted by Mofli
Don't understand why it is important with 4 faders, the mixer has volume controls for each channel (2 faders, 2 knobs)...
I agree. How many people actually use 4 real decks for mixing? Most of us use 2 decks, or maybe 2 decks + remix decks which (with an F1) have their own line faders for each slot.
Leota Dolney
05.10.2012
Originally Posted by Nicky H
I still believe the Pio is better - much better in fact..
It might be...I am more interested in the 2.6 release of Traktor. I am not convinced yet whether the Z2 will be all that useful...time will tell for me.
Janyce Henningson
05.10.2012
Originally Posted by rdej47
Anyone interested in my DJM T1 now? haha
I still believe the Pio is better - much better in fact..
Nancey Inderlied
05.10.2012
Originally Posted by djproben
I don't believe so; I believe if the mixer has hardware EQ you will be able to use it with timecode. But it will probably have the same limitations (and sound the same) as Traktor's internal EQ; though you could be right that they will finally address that issue. But I don't see why you would have to use internal eq with control vinyl when external exists since you can use external with any other mixer.
It would make sense, considering the pricepoint. Not having to route it back through the mixer would essentially allow NI to skimp on an entire layer of soundcard bussing/channels, cutting costs and latency down, while not making any meaningful difference in a DVS setup. Think about the extra number of I/O channels a mixer has to have to integrate timecodes, the Sixty-Two/One have 20 channel soundcards. This thing could cut it down to 6 without external mixing.
Danae Dumler
05.10.2012
Originally Posted by oneapemob
As for the internal external eq and stuff, i do believe that NI's jargon is telling us that, when using control vinyl, it's using Traktor's internal eq, only when using line or phone does the mixer use the mixer's hardware eq.
I don't believe so; I believe if the mixer has hardware EQ you will be able to use it with timecode. But it will probably have the same limitations (and sound the same) as Traktor's internal EQ; though you could be right that they will finally address that issue. But I don't see why you would have to use internal eq with control vinyl when external exists since you can use external with any other mixer.
Nancey Inderlied
05.10.2012
Originally Posted by Rukks
Thanks chief, for the history lesson, external is what i was referring to and the what glaringly obvious reasons are you referring to?

I watched the video....
Why would NI spend a tremendous amount of resources developing a new DSP, when they can just emulate the EQ structures they have in Traktor? This is why Im a little confused why everyone flipping out about having external mixing, there isn't going to be any serious differences, unless NI have diverted a significant amount of time creating a new system, just for this mixer.
Johnsie Kingrea
05.10.2012
The features included in 2.6 make me wonder what we're going to get when Traktor Pro 3 releases. I thought for sure things like custom macro FX and post fader fx would be held off until then, so this comes as a surprise to see this.
Johnsie Kingrea
05.10.2012
Anyone interested in my DJM T1 now? haha
Bertie Metro
05.10.2012
Originally Posted by Mofli
Don't understand why it is important with 4 faders, the mixer has volume controls for each channel (2 faders, 2 knobs). Btw people it is the mini innofaders, not normal innofader.

As for the external or internal eq. I guess that if you want to use the mixer with timecode you have to put it in trakor mode (as ean shows in the video) and then the eq will be internally.

Really like the look of this mixer, it kinda brings together turntableism with controllerism.
Yep Mofli has it right, it is indeed mini innofaders inside, not full blown innofaders, not that they aren't quality ( i have never touched a mini inno), but they are short bodied faders, putting three inno inside would have raised the price above the 1000 euros mark i'm sure. Buying a Z2 and an innofader Pnp will make it 930 euros, maybe we could ask Elliot Marx for a discount on an inno pnp if you own a Z2

As for the internal external eq and stuff, i do believe that NI's jargon is telling us that, when using control vinyl, it's using Traktor's internal eq, only when using line or phone does the mixer use the mixer's hardware eq.

But rejoice, with the upcoming 2.6 they started adding some of the stuff that has been requested for a long time. Such as post fader fx (praise god(s), any of the one you praise ), and NI's own slip mode, etc... And the thing is with a mixer like that in the pipeline, they will have to improve on the quality of the eq.
Just wait for it, i'm sure this will be in some future update, as soon as reviews of the Z2 start mentioning that it could sound better, because it's actually being hold back by the quality of traktor's own internal eq. Then they will improve, they'll have to in order to sell this mixer
Lang Abriel
05.10.2012
Originally Posted by Shishdisma
Roughly 90% of mixers haven't been analogue since the DB series upstaged the 92. The word you're looking for is "discrete," "hardware," or "external." Most mixers are digital. To answer your question, as information suggests as of now, the Z2's discrete mixer is an emulation of Traktor's internal mixer, because of glaringly obvious reasons.
Thanks chief, for the history lesson, external is what i was referring to and the what glaringly obvious reasons are you referring to?

I watched the video....
Thomasine Henzi
05.10.2012
Originally Posted by deckard26354
4 channels, as
in 4 physical faders.
Don't understand why it is important with 4 faders, the mixer has volume controls for each channel (2 faders, 2 knobs). Btw people it is the mini innofaders, not normal innofader.

As for the external or internal eq. I guess that if you want to use the mixer with timecode you have to put it in trakor mode (as ean shows in the video) and then the eq will be internally.

Really like the look of this mixer, it kinda brings together turntableism with controllerism.
Leota Dolney
04.10.2012
I'm not sure if I am interested in this yet or not....part of me says "oooh...shiny new thing...I want it...", but the other part of me looks at it and things...well, what does it have that my DN-X1700 doesn't have...FX knob, dedicated filter on each of the 2 main channels, onboard buttons for hotcues/remix decks, USB hub.

The fx knob is no big deal...I have an X1 and/or a Xone:K2 that I can repurpose for that. The DN-X1700 doesn't have a dedicated per-channel, but it does have 2 FX engines each with its own filter and I can just route my 2 main channels to the 2 FX units and get the same thing. I have an F1 and an X1, so I don't need dedicated buttons for hotcues...the DN-X1700 is also Traktor scratch certified so I can use timecode vinyl/cds...the FX engine on the DN-X1700 also does Post-Fader FX (e.g., Echo)... The only thing that the Z2 has that my 1700 doesn't is a built-in USB hub...

But then again, it may be just the right thing to complement a modular setup like what I prefer...but then again, I already have a mixer that can do a lot...ughhhh.

Forget it...I just want the new Traktor 2.6 to come out...once that is out and I have a chance to map my controllers for it..I will see how much I really need the Z2.
Wallace Lawmaster
04.10.2012
Anybody know what the three buttons above the Load/Browse functions are for?
Danae Dumler
04.10.2012
This is interesting alongside the new Pioneer monster because NI is squarely aiming for the turntablist market with this a lot more than ever before; with innofaders this is a straight up battle mixer, something Ean doesn't really demonstrate here. This is their answer to the Rane 62 and it's a damn good answer. I'm sure the Rane sounds a lot nicer -- I would bet this sounds exactly like all of NI's soundcards or the S2/4, and that the EQs sound exactly like the ones in Traktor internal. Would love to be wrong about that but I don't believe I am. But otherwise this is bad ass - with innofaders and a nice clear space around the xfader you can scratch and juggle without accidentally triggering any of the insane effects combos you'll have at your fingertips. And it can do four channels but will work great with just two and not feel like "too much" at all.

I was talking smack about the next Traktor update in another thread, but I'm pretty pumped about a couple of things here -- so glad they didn't add yet another overly complicated sampler to the thing. Slip mode (can't remember NI's little jargon for it at the moment but that's what it is) is something they've been missing for a LONG time that is quite welcome here, and the macro effect tool is excellent - if it works how I imagine it does, it will alleviate a lot of mapping issues that take hours/days... All this makes the software easier for people to do cool things with even though they don't necessarily like to read manuals, mess with settings, screw around with their computer for hours ... folks who otherwise would probably use Serato.

Meanwhile, Pioneer's new toy takes Serato in the direction previously dominated by Traktor -- all-in-one controllers with redonkulous effects possibilities, looping craziness, cue point juggling, four deck-control, ultra-fine pitch control, filters, etc.
Ming Devis
04.10.2012
^ I really hope so.. A bigger version of this would be exactly what I'm after.
Rochel Gleese
04.10.2012
Interested in the sound quality of the mixer, and will wait it out for the 5 channel (Traktor and Maschine) Surely they'll have to go this way since most of their sponsored techno DJs use this setup (Leibing, Hawtin, Speedy J, Dubfire etc)
Johnetta Olewine
04.10.2012
Packing 3 innofaders, a soundcard and standalone mixer together for under a grand is pretty impressive.
Lina Rawie
04.10.2012
Originally Posted by elliot1106
They are on the front.
Only for the crossfader though.
Nancey Inderlied
04.10.2012
Originally Posted by Rukks
I'm still confused on the whole internal mixing mode with this mixer....is it going to perform the same as the s4 or are the faders/eq actually performing like an analog mixer while using traktor timecode?
Roughly 90% of mixers haven't been analogue since the DB series upstaged the 92. The word you're looking for is "discrete," "hardware," or "external." Most mixers are digital. To answer your question, as information suggests as of now, the Z2's discrete mixer is an emulation of Traktor's internal mixer, because of glaringly obvious reasons.
Lang Abriel
04.10.2012
I'm still confused on the whole internal mixing mode with this mixer....is it going to perform the same as the s4 or are the faders/eq actually performing like an analog mixer while using traktor timecode?
Nancey Inderlied
04.10.2012
Originally Posted by nestaselect
This!

You won't be forced to use the software faders/eqs with timecode.
Uhh, well, you'll be forced to use a hardware emulation of the software's hardware emulation. So everyone who's expecting this to be a relief from Internal Mode are going to be rather disappointed...
Linda Chavda
04.10.2012
They are on the front.

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