Kontrol Z2+ Denon SC3900 vs Dnon X1600 + SC3900 decks

Here's my first question:

1. Will the SC3900 Hybrid time code be compatible with the Z2 sound card or will we need to use a CD?

2. If you had your choice between the Denon X1600 and the Kontrol Z2 which one would you get and why?

 

As Far as I'm aware, if your player is a already HID it should work tru the z2 hub.

 

That's good to know

It's nice that NI released a new mixer. However, most Djs who would want this already have a high end mixer (Pioneer, Denon, Allen and Heath). Sound quality would be about the same. So, my direct question would be what would be the advantage in performance this mixer would have over it's competitors as it pertains to integration with Traktor? Why should I sell my X1600 and get one of these?

I'm ready to buy one if there's some reason why this will enhance my performance over what I already got.

 

I have 2 Denon 3900's. I believe Denon does not use HID but does map with Midi.

If you want the Platter to spin that you will have to use the unit in hybrid mode with timecode. So the 3900 would basically be setup like a turn table but also with the USB connected to the Z2.

I hope to get a Z2 and will try this setup out. I was going to get a 1600 just prior to the Z2 Coming out.

 

I have the X1600 now, but I'm always in the lookout for a more "elegant setup. I read up on the Z2 and it's more like a 2 channel mixer to me. It might be 4 channels but that may be in a "virtual" way. If it would take the place of my X1600 and a F1, that would have been something!

Here's my wish list for their Z4

1. Make it the size of a 4 channel industry standard (DM 500/600/850)
2. Fit 2 F1s on there with all the button (some of us hate using the shift when we perform)
3. USB hub should be 4 ports ( Many spots in vegas use 4 decks, plus how about hard drives and what not?)
4. Use Apogee or Burl converters (If you really wanna get high end)
4. 4 Sliders please (not just 2) Hell! Make it 6 so we can have two dedicated for remix decks and Maschine.

Sorry for the rant, but I'm excited and disappointed at the same time (Just like I was with the new Iphone).

 

One thing that i was odd in the spec of the z2 11 inch so its really an odd ball size for casing options.

 

Smove do you use your denon 3900s with hybrid mode? If so what is the hybrid time code setting that you use?

I was told 2.5 Khz but can seem to get it to work right.

 

2.5 Khz works for me. What's going on with your setup?

 

Smoove glad your setup is working in hybrid mode...gives me hope.

See the denon thread below.

http://www.denondjforums.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=17978&start=36

 

You can use Maschine with the Z2 as you can plug Maschine into the Aux channel with phono plugs from an Audio2.

 

Troy,

What Mixer are you using?
Did you get the Z2 or X1600?
Do you see your SC3900 decks listed in the audio drop down in Traktor?
Did you look in the "timecode setup" to see if you're getting any signal?
Are you using a USB hub?

I bring up the Hub because I've had issues with calibration when I used a Hub that my MacBook Pro didn't like.

 

I am using a A6 for sound card for a mixer in using a denon 6000 but only as a mixer not controller or sound card.

Denon is now telling not to calibrate ... not sure about this. I have a powered hub

So your saying you calibrate with the timecode CD MK2 than switch to hybrid? what is your hybrid timecode set at 2.5 kz?

For me if i calibrate with the CD than go to hybrid the song play at the wrong speed.

Honestly to me it seems denon uses a "generic" timecode which is different than the CD MK2 timecode due to probably license or proprietary stuff. Because of this you can't calibrate why hybrid and you loose some functionality such as ABS mode.

So in short it seems that CD time code work better with traktor but than you can't midi map the buttons on the 3900. So there some compromise here. Kinda sucks. I thinking i should have got the 2900 or maybe pio CDJ as the spinning platter for the 3900 does come with some sacrifices.

 

Do this test. Connect your SC3900 decks up to your Denon 6000. I've been told it's sound card is identical to the one I have in the X1600. See if your decks will calibrate properly?

If they do, then you have some decisions to make, which brings me to my next set of questions.

1. What's wrong with just using the Denon Sound card instead?
2. Why not use the controller on the MC-6000?
3. If you're dead set on not using the sound card or the control surface on your MC-6000, why not sell it and your A6 and buy a good Mixer with it?

Before you do buy another mixer, make sure it will work with your decks in hybrid mode. I know the denon mixers will. Not sure about the Z2 or the Pioneer decks.

It's probably ironic to you, but using the MC6000 for your sound card sounds like the most logical solution. If you got mixes you need to make, I would go with that until you can figure things out.

About you referencing the SC2900 or Pioneer Decks. I would make sure those decks work with your A6 first....I still don't know why you want to keep your A6.

let me know how it turns out?

Torch