Transition from Analog to Digital

I want to make the transition from an analog vinyl (Technics 1200’s/Ecler NUO5) setup to starting to use Traktor/other digital DJ setup. During the transition I want to continue using vinyl but introduce additional 2-channels via digital source via my laptop (4 channels).

What is the best option?
Buy Z2 mixer/controller?
Buy an NI Audio-6 or 10 soundcard + X1 controller?
Buy a hybrid controller/mixer to combine both analog/digital worlds? Also, to digitize my vinyl collection, which is the better option?

thx!

 

if you want to use your turntables with timecode control, you either will need to buy a traktor scratch package (audio 6 or 10 with TSP2 license in it) or you wait for the Z2, which will be scratch certified and include a TSP2 license.

 

cheers - thx for the reply

If I don't want to use timecode (use traktor as a music source channels only) is the Z2 still an option or can the Z2 only be used with timecode?

 

I would not get another mixer.. Either get an F1 (wouldn't get the X1 any more) and an Audio 6 (Audio 2 would work as well.. but I'd get the 6 so you can use Traktor Scratch at a later point in time) or buy a controller with AI (like the Xone K2). You can then feed the audio from the controller into two channels of your mixer.

However, I like Freshflukes idea of introducing timecode.. You'll have 90% of the setup there.. It's worth investing anotger 10% - then you can control the software with timecode (and still play traditional vinyl of course).

 

You'll have 90% of the setup there.. It's worth investing anotger 10% - then you can control the software with timecode (and still play traditional vinyl of course).

hi kallekenkel, thanks for the info - that is clearer; buying the A6 means I can record/digitise my vinyl via a software program (e.g. Logic Pro/directly via Traktor?)?

 

in order to digitize vinyl, you need an audio interface or soundcard with a line input. the A6 meets that requirement and will work. the Z2 has an audio interface with multiple input channels integrated so it will work, too.

on the software side of things, you can indeed use traktor as the recorder. however, traktor is in no way designed for that purpose so i would advise against it. use an audio editor instead. the free-as-in-beer audio editor audacity is a great option. if you happen to have a license of wavelab, sound forge, or audition, that would be even better.

 

cheers mate; I have audacity installed but was thinking about wavelab for future use.

So, to cut a long story short, the Z2 allows me to play one "traditional" vinyl track via phono connection and maximum one traktor track via DVS (+2 remix decks). Or 2 x traditional + remix decks or 2xtraktor + 2 remix decks?

 

the Z2 allows you to:

a)
- play traditional vinyl with turntables OR
- play traditional CDs with CD players OR
- hook up any other line device (mp3 player)

b)
- play 2 timecode decks via traktor AND
- play additional 2 internal decks via traktor OR
- play 4 internal traktor decks

 

Dont buy a mixer that is dedicated to a certain software even though you can do own midi-maps and plug-in other equipment. Problems when changing your setup or software will be the result.

One of the most ridiculous things ever is that NI praises the Z2 as becoming Scratch Certified. Who had thought it wouldn`t be...

 

dj freshfluke already answered the question (and she should know best as she's one of the select few who got actual hands-on experience with the Z2).

let me try to add a few comments which hopefully shed additional light on things. channels 1 and 2 of the Z2 are "full" channels. on these channels, you can play (i) timecode vinyl (or CD), (ii) real vinyl (or CD), (iii) a traktor deck that is controlled internally (i.e., not controlled via timecode), or (iv) any other analog source you hook up to the back of the Z2.

on channel 1 and 2, any combination of the above is possible. you can play real vinyl on channel 1 and a traktor deck controlled via timecode on deck 2. or vice-versa. or you can play real vinyl on both channels 1 and 2. or timecode on both channels 1 and 2. or real vinyl on deck 1 and a traktor deck that's controlled internally (i.e., not via timecode, but say, via MIDI) on deck 2.

for channels 1 and 2, you can switch sources on-the-fly. it takes no more than a click of a button to switch.

now, for channels 3 and 4, you have to rely on what DJ freshfluke told you. I haven't had my hands on a Z2 myself so I'm not quite sure what restrictions apply. having said that, it is my understanding that channels 3 and 4 are designed with internal playback in mind. so you would either use those for remix decks (that are controlled via things such as MIDI controllers) or for tracks decks in internal mode (i.e., track decks that are controlled via things such as MIDI controllers as opposed to being controlled by timecode media).

 

thx malzfreund - clear. One last question, honest....

I currently use the onboard effects of my NUO5 + a KP3; I guess if I want to continue to have access to effects whilst playing traditional vinyl then I should keep my mixer and go for Traktor A6 + controller (F1/X1) option rather than buy the Z2? I intend to sell the KP3 asap.

PS - life would be easier if I could magically reproduce my vinyl collection in a digital format over-night (+25 years of serious collecting)

 

Z2 is a great setup for your needs.

What sort of music do you play?

 

Please explain why you consider the Z2 a great option if one already has a mixer?

 

even with the Z2, you can use traktor's built-in effects when playing traditional vinyl.

however, the TA6 + controller setup has a lot going for it as well (e.g., portability). i mean, it depends how much you love your NUO5. if you are ready for a change, the Z2 promises to be a good option for you. on the other hand, TA6 + X1 is a very popular combo and I think it meets your requirements, too. you could even consider a TA10 + X1 if you require 4 channels.

it's a process... i spent 3-4 years to get the more important parts of my vinyl collection digital. digitizing costs a s**tload of time if you do it right. whenever possible, i opted for purchasing used CDs over digitizing the vinyl version...

 

ah, ok, didn't realise could use the traktor effects for the traditional vinyl also.
I do love my NUO5 - it sounds fab, is easy to use; but I'd also prefer a smaller footprint (selling my current soundcard + KP3), as I need to move to a smaller room (impending arrival of small person ). I like your idea of the CD transfer too.

thx for your patience in answering my digital-dumbass questions! there may be more...
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depends on my mood, the location, audience etc. Have pretty much stopped playing clubs and doing more "curated" events, often where I can't attend in person so need to provide a digital mix. Let's say, anything from Bach to Orbital to Chez Damier to the Clash to Jeff Mills to Burt Bacharach, etc...

 

since he already has turntables, traktor scratch is a good idea for him - and if he plans to use traktor anyways, the Z2 does absolutely make sense for him.
i'm deffoe not talking him into buying equipment he wouldnt need...?

you would be surprised how often the question has been put in here (although i find it very obvious too).

 

there are phono/line switches on the mixer, as you can tell from the pictures.

dont forget that you can assign timecode to any deck in traktor. this way you can (theoretically) control all 4 decks with only one turntable... doable, but that needs a lot of practise.

personally i use the 3rd deck internally (as remix deck).

 

if you found a way, let me know! my vinyl collection is still not by the farest bit mirrored by my digital collection... :-S

 

because he doesnt have software so far. buying a Z2 package instead of a traktor scratch package is deffoe an option to begin with - the Z2 also offers midi controls good enough for the digital starter, so he wouldnt need to buy another midi controller along with the TSP package.

 

Hmm ok.. I just find it weird to have two mixers.. With some functionality doubled.