Updated Traktor Kontrol Z2

A blatant Z2 clone that works like a dream. I sold my Duo MK2, but it went through hell (including a 9 month stretch of 2-3 gigs per week) without every seeing any issues. The guy who bought it off of me is still rocking it to this day.

 

The reloop elite looks like the z2 update everyone is after really. I'd jump on it if i could get my head around mapping the built in effects displays. Not sure if this is even possible without NI getting involved. The rest would be fairly straight forwards to map with trial and error I imagine

 

Yes the Elite looks really great and is somewhat affordable. If it lives up to the hype and NI is not releasing a Z3 in the next year or so the Elite may be my next mixer. Preferably running on Traktor, if not I'll make 'the switch'

 

I would love to see someone work out a hack to utilize the Elite LCD's with Traktor. The Elite will also be my next battle mixer.

 

Hey Everyone,

how would the perfect Z2 (2+1 Ch.) update look like? Which features are a must? What price tag would you put on your perfect Z2?

 

Basically the reloop elite with paddles for activating effects and rotaries for effect wet / dry rather than the faders they went for @ about 899.99 GBP.

My 2 cents

 

Exactly. Similar layout as the S9/72/Elite.
No display (72), it only makes it more expensive.
Not much else to improve from my perspective.

 

Same here, no need to reinvent the wheel, I'm fine with something similar to the S9/Elite, especially more and bigger pads, with at least 1 user mode for custom mappings of course.
No need for a built-in hardware fx module, the software fx are fine.
Bi-directonal "Paddles" for fx is a lot better than just an on-off switch, one direction is a temp fx and the other is a lock/toggle fx, I personally would like to see them close to the crossfader but this might not be a popular opinion.
I would like to see the 3rd (+1) channel have more controls than ussual, maybe with a fader in the middle of the mixer instead of the volume led meters, those could be in the corner instead, perhaps this is asking too much and would make the mixer 3-channel but it for sure would be an advantage vs the competition.
A screen similar to the S8 would be cool only if it doesent inflate the price too much, if it does than smaller screens like the S4 ones are fine, no screens at all is also ok.
Full compatibility with the new mobile traktor 2 software including DVS control would be awesome.
I am fine with zero control for Stems, i dont think that fits the battle mixer market.
I prefer to have rarely used buttons/knobs like mic tone/gain in the front plate where the xfader curve and reverse is on the Z2 to unclutter the main panel. (channel switches could also go there IMO)

As a DJ who works with bands it would be a dream to have the option to enable 2 main stereo outputs and have each mixer channel output thru a different out, without losing crossfader/fader, this is mainly so the sound engineer can have mix control, or, to easyly edit/mix recorded dj sets... this might also be an overly ambitious request but units would be sold for sure just for this feature.

 

The Reloop Elite with the same little screens used on the S4 MK3.

Added level knobs for channels 3 and 4 (for using remix decks, etcetera).

Button to switch pad section from 1/3 and 3/4.

Touch Strip from X1 MK2 below pads with modes that match the pad section (pitch bend on transport mode, needle search on cue point mode, FX wet/dry on touch FX mode, etcetera).

Two user pad modes (can be done with a single button, hit button for User Page 1, Shift+Button for User Page 2)

Separate Channel Fader curve adjust, cut in adjust, and reverse.

Crossfader curve adjust, cut in adjust, and reverse.

Small browser screen in between the faders (display Artist, Track, and User Selectable columns). Under user selectable, give the choice for Key, BPM, Genre, Comment.


A Pricepoint at or below $1,299 USD.



I whole heartedly miss using Traktor for DVS. I am on Serato now, but gosh darn if it isn't limiting compared to the custom mapping capabilities behind Traktor for live performance. Please give us a new battle mixer.

 

just one more thing - split cue!

 

So I’m a huge huge huge fan of the Z2, and would really love to see an updated one. The Z2 got so many things right like the ability to switch to internal mode on the fly, the ability to use real vinyls and time code simultaneously, etc. A few key features for me would be

• Standalone mode (given) that works with the Mixer FX
• Mixer FX control similar to the S4MK3
• 8 RGB Hotcue pads per side plus the ability to trigger 8 samples like the S2/S4MK3
• I actually love the paddles from the S9/72 so for other FX I’d love to see those with some special-selected FX. Way more intuitive than finding a button for the D/W). The way the S9 did it was great so some sort of nice way to select FX and trigger them.
• Potentially two small screens (like the S4mk3) or a larger one for track browsing and other info if the cost could be kept down
• Add an XLR in in the front for the mic (and two mic inputs with separate gain so if a DJ is working with an MC they can both talk)

Keeping from the existing Z2:

• Keep the loop size plus beatjump controls! Z2 did it perfectly
• Keep the 2+2 philosophy if it’s not a 4 channel mixer (there could also be a Z4 that is a modified “middle section” of the S4MK3)
• Crossfader adjustment knob, booth out, standalone mode, all that stuff
• Keep the 1/8” and 1/4” headphone outs

 

Guess NI wants us to switch to serato

 

Good point. We are how many generations of dj mixer since the z2 now?

 

Still Rocking mine I kinda did feel for Q Bert the other day in a interview when asked what does he cut with in 2021 and yes still z2 as Traktor is more responsive and tight when scratching which that statement by Q Bert is massive but NI could of and should of had a updated version and I'm still in hope they do, a lot of people still rock the Z2, DVS is still very much alive and loads of peeps use it with just a x1 and f1

 

Just make it class compliant and no need for screen or stems control since these could be possible with iPhone/DjPlayer for those who like that. ATM Akai AMX, Numark Scratch (not sure about mixars…) are that.

Other option is going the M+ route and release a T+ but not sure about formfactor… S4mk3 shaped will be like Reloop touch or Pioneer standalones. Reloop/Rane/Pioneer battlemixers but standalone… should be their next iteration. Denon shown the path… maybe realtime stems in a box?

Hard times for Traktor and its users IMO…

 

I have been using Traktor with Rane Seventy replacing my Z2. As a bonus I also have a Serato Pro license now which works better with Phase. There are some tradeoffs but I have no regrets.

 

Had a Serato pro license for years and have just started using it with phase which I purchased last year had some mapping for the z2 but purchased a Denon ds1 for cheap brand new I juggle reggae, Rare Grooves and 80s club bangers so z2 does what I need in all fairness but Tidal and phase support is what NI should be giving at least.