By Hannah Daly
This week popular software Traktor released a futuristic new mixer with an equally space age-y name. Native Instruments’ Traktor Kontrol Z2 offers artists a compact and portable controller with a whole new world of customizable options. Beyond integrating seamlessly with the most up to date software itself, the Z2 can shift between CDJs and turntables, with the additions of an easy functioning Remix Deck and Transport control.
Traktor bills the Z2 as the first 2+2 mixer. The mixer functions just as well as a standalone without a computer, but the innovation of the tool truly shines through its integration with the software itself. All physical controls are mapped to Traktor’s internal digital mixer, making manipulation of the most up to date software effortless for those familiar with the set up. As opposed to your typical mixers – equipped with two channels – the Z2 ups the game, adding two additional channels, thus the +2. This makes use of a comprehensive palette of fancy effects virtually seamless, only aided by a the buttery smooth crossfader built with luscious Innofader technology.
The added channels allow for quick movement to the four hot cue buttons on either side of the controller. The hot cue is exactly that: in the fervor of live performance, each button holds a specified moment in the track of where the song would be playing without any manipulation to the playback. When a cue points or loop is released, the song jumps right back to exactly where you left off.
The bonus channels also allow for the Macro FX function, which includes no less that eleven sound bending options contained in only knob. Wormhole sucks all frequencies into a housey vortex, Bass-o-matic aggressively chops up the bassline for an easily achieved hard-punching re-slice, DarkMatter lays on a thick fuzzy comforter, sucking the tune into a glittering blur — the special effects go on, all of which are very fun, and more details on the different effects are on the Native Instruments website.
Z2 allows for the addition of the sexy ‘Ready to Remix’ Kontroller F1, which brings an additional interface for quick and slick sampling. Featuring a rainbow bright four by four grid, each cell can hold a loop or sample either from the Traktor, your personal archive, or off the cuff live sampling. The F1 allows for pre-programming by various groups — drums, bass, leads — that opens up the possibility seamless live performance. In a flurry of color and light, you can throw in an almost overwhelming archive samples on the fly, which can sound great and definitely looks cool (as proven here).
Traktor heavily emphasizes the professional quality of the controller. Highly durable, mobile, and flexible, the Z2 is a tool meant for the international DJ, a reality that is becoming more and more prevalent from the underground up. By eliminating the need for Traktor Scratch cables and simplifying connection to other hardware, the Z2 is sleek. Equipped with a 2-port USB hub, your computer can be reserved for e-cigarette charging only. These details drastically clean up the mixing workspace. Yet, though streamlined, the Z2 is adamantly heavy duty, built of “aircraft-grade aluminum” to function perfectly and last through many nights at any club, anywhere.
Check out a demo video of the Z2 featuring DJ Craze:
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