words: HEATH HOLMES TECH Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z2
IT TAKES TWO…
Native Instruments’ new Z2 mixer is a head turner. But will it go on to be the mixer of choice?
N
ative Instruments make cool DJ gear, simple as that. Their Traktor software has been one of the industry standards for an age. Their X1 controller was a
game changer, followed up by the S4, S2, and F1 controllers — all great products that were intended to make performing and the DJ’s life so much easier. They put performance back into the marketplace when the scene was on the verge of digital DJing boredom. Their promotional videos showed the world what could be achieved with digital DJing gear and
062
djmag.com
proved that DJing skills are still essential at any good show. But it doesn’t end here. Whilst looking forward into the future but also recognizing the essentials of the past, Native have turned their attentions to the humble DJ mixer, with their first foray into this side of the market. Step forward, the Z2 mixer. Native are aiming this mixer at the heart of the scene by making it a true hybrid to be used by any DJ, whether they employ conventional turntables and CDJ decks or make use of Native’s Traktor. It is the ultimate controller, borrowing its steer from
the other controllers in the family, the S2 and the S4. Unpacking the Z2 is a pleasing experience. Open up the box, and sitting on top of the packaging are two MKII Traktor timecode vinyl discs and two timecode CDs, the all-important licensing and download documents for installing the new version of Traktor Scratch Pro 2. Lift up the protective polystyrene covering and there it is, in all its beauty.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70