Native Instruments’ Latest – Traktor Kontrol Z2 and upgrade to Traktor Pro 2.6
Will Native Instruments steal the crown from Pioneer or Allen & Heath as the DJ industry standard in mixers?
Available now for an MSRP or $799, the recently-launched Traktor Kontrol Z2 is the latest DJ hardware mixer from Native Instruments. Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, this is the first standalone professional mixer from Native Instruments to feature mixer, MIDI controller and audio interface that has the power to pump high-quality audio to a professional club speaker sound system.
The Traktor Kontrol Z2 sets up an intense DJ mixer competition.
So, about that mixer melee…
Native Instruments has an edge because their software integrates smoothly with their hardware. Windows and Mac compatible, built with a 24-bit soundcard with Cirrus Logic converters, USB hub ports, innofaders, and new FX features for Traktor Pro 2.6, the Kontrol Traktor Z2 combines analog mixer and digital surface controller for the complete dance floor arsenal.
The Z2 stands up on its own in equal height to vinyl turntables and CDJ decks and is ideal for the club or home studio. It functions as a 2×2 channel mixer with 2 stereo input and 2 stereo output channels. The layout design is a standard streamlined two channel mixer with three sections: mixer, effects and Kontrol section.
Each channel has a three-band EQ, filter, innofaders and rotary volume knob. Additional rotary knob encoders for remix decks alongside new macro FX, post fader and flux mode buttons run along both sides. The four cue and sample trigger buttons have multi-colored backlit LEDs for vibrant visual feedback. The Z2 can also go into MIDI mode and audio operation for compatibility with other software.
Connect externally through the analog inputs for HID integration with CDJs or turntables for timecode control via vinyl or CPS. For more mix and play options switch to the two additional Traktor remix channels that pull audio via the sound card for control of the remix decks, cue points and effects from your computer. Additional connections such as an aux input for an iPad and USB ports for additional hardware controllers like the Kontrol X1 or F1 are built in, as well as balanced XLR outputs, a separate booth output and a microphone input.
New additions for Traktor Pro 2.6 include:
— Post Fader FX- apply FX pre or post fader
— Macro FX- combine multiple Traktor effects on a single control knob
— Flux Mode- similar to (slip mode) keeps time between effects lets you go back to the exact moment while you are looping or switching between cue points.
Included with the hardware mixer are a USB cable and two software programs: Traktor Pro 2.6 and Traktor Scratch Pro 2. Also included are a set of two Traktor scratch timecode vinyl and two Traktor Scratch timecode CDs, which allows users to switch between playing their favorite music — whether it’s digital files, CDs or records.
Features:
— 2 Stereo Input / 2 Stereo Output Mixer
— Cirrus Logic 24-Bit Converters
— 3-Band EQ and Filter per Channel
— Rotary Encoders for Macro FX
— Remix Deck Loop Control Rotary Knob
— 4 Flux Mode Buttons per Channel
— Cross fader Curve Control and Reverse
— USB Hub Connects Additional Controllers
— Aluminum Chassis with Innofaders
— RCA (phono) connection
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