

Native Instruments Traktor Z1 Mk2: Review
Native Instruments Traktor Z1 MK2, a portable DJ controller with a new layout, display and impressive features.
Native Instruments has introduced the Traktor Z1 MK2, the latest version of its Traktor DJ controller series. The Traktor Z1 MK2 allows you to mix up to four software decks, manipulate stems for those decks, and use basic mixer effects. It perfectly complements the X1 MK3, which handles transport, cues, loops, the pattern player, and the main Traktor effects. Like its counterpart, the Z1 MK2 features OLED displays that provide essential information to the DJ.
It comes bundled with Traktor Pro 4 software, making it particularly appealing to beginners as well as pro DJs. With a built-in sound card, the unit allows you to connect headphones and plug directly into speakers or a mixer in a club, offering a complete DJ setup that includes mixing, stem manipulation, and basic effects in one compact unit. Native instruments added a lot of new features on this latest Traktor Z1 MK2, So lets discuss some of the highlighting features in this article below.
Package Content:
Before delving into the controller’s features and new additions, let’s take a look at what comes in the package.
The package includes the controller, a soft cover for added protection, a USB B to USB A cable, and NI-branded stickers. Additionally, the controller comes bundled with the Traktor Pro 4 software, which is valued at $149. It is a portable controller that can be powered via USB, eliminating the need for a power brick. The compact design of this controller mirrors the shape, size, and style of the X1 mk3, featuring the new Traktor logo and a transparent base that changes colour based on the unit’s usage.
Look & Feel:
The Controller comes with new OLED displays and a Light Guide system that provides enhanced visual feedback on key information such as parameter names and values, as well as track time and loop status. The build quality is very minimal with 3 faders, 13 knobs including eq and filter controls, effects such as reverb and delays, and headphone cue buttons. Despite being a compact unit, the Traktor Z1 MK2 is a great choice for use cases ranging from home setups and casual events to more advanced modular setups — for those looking to expand beyond the traditional two-deck setup, it can take control of up to four decks in Traktor Pro 4.
Features:
1. Deck Volume Controls and Crossfader:
The Z1 MK2 is essentially a two-channel mixer controller. Two-channel faders control the volume of Decks A and B in the TRAKTOR software while using the button gives you access to Decks C and D. The crossfader allows you to switch between the output of the left and right Deck. This versatility makes this a go-to gear for DJs and music producers
2. Channel Gain Adjustments:
The GAIN knob for the channel is found at the top of the Z1’s channel filter and EQ sections. This knob has two operational modes: User-Gain level and Auto-Gain level. In User-Gain level mode, adjusting the GAIN knob on the controller also adjusts the corresponding knob in the Traktor software. You can activate Auto-Gain level mode by clicking the button next to the label, which then changes to AUTO. When this mode is active, the knob displays the Auto-Gain level that was saved with your song file during track analysis. This feature makes everything easy for Djs as they don’t have to match the gain level every time for a track.
3. EQ and Stems Mode:
The Z1 MK2 offers direct control over 3 EQ bands when the channel is set to EQ mode. You can control a track’s lows and mid-highs, but if a Stem track is loaded, the Stem Mode becomes available via its dedicated button. In this mode, the Gain and the 3 EQ bands become your controls for the 4 available Stems in Traktor.
4. Headphone Cueing:
Headphone cueing is a crucial step in DJing, as it ensures that the beats are matched correctly with the help of controls such as volume knobs. The volume knob located on the top middle panel of the Z1 adjusts the headphone output volume. The MIX knob allows you to control what you hear in your headphones: the main mix, the cue channel, or a combination of both signals.
5. Mixer Effects:
The Z1 features an FX knob above each channel fader, accompanied by a corresponding ON button. In addition to these controls, the Z1 includes four Mixer FX shortcut buttons and a Filter-only button located between the FX knobs. In the center of both filter knobs, there are effect controls for various effects such as reverb, delay, noise, and gate. When selected, these effects are displayed on the screen above, enhancing the visual appeal of the device.
In addition to the features mentioned, there are controls for decks C and D, and you can also use this as a MIDI controller with any DAW. The Native Instruments Traktor Z1 MK2 is a great value controller for any DJ starting out or upgrading their skills. While you can use this controller alongside the X1 MK3 to access all its features, it can handle all essential functions independently without lacking any important features.
Comparison Between the Tractor Z1 MK1 and MK2:
NI Traktor Z1 MK1 | NI Traktor Z1 MK1 |
1. It includes straightforward features such as EQ, and FX knobs, along with faders for mixing | 1. It also contains the same features as the old version but with a new OLED display and other features such as EQ and stem parameters, Mixer FX selection, and master output levels. |
2. The Old version of Traktor Z1 Lacks individual stem control capabilities. | 2. This latest version includes stem control allowing DJs to isolate and adjust elements like drums, bass, instruments, and vocals within a track, |
3. It has Limited visual feedback, primarily through basic LEDs | 3. The MK2 features a Light Guide system that enhances visual feedback on parameter names, values, track time, and loop status. |
4. Designed primarily for integration with Traktor Pro 3 software, with limited compatibility with other DJ software. | 4. It provides USB class compliance, MIDI mapping, and potential use with iOS devices. |
Price:
The Z1 MK2 allows plug-and-play connectivity and pairs easily with other Traktor gear, like the X1 MK3 or F1, for an even more versatile setup. The Traktor Z1 MK2 is available at $249 / €249. More info is here.
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