by Native Instruments

Introducing Traktor Z1 MK2 – here’s what’s new

Traktor Z1 MK2 is the next generation of the fan favorite DJ mixer and sound card. It’s got all the fundamentals you need to DJ with Traktor Pro 4 software in a totally portable unit. There’s plenty of benefits for DJs old and new, including lots of fresh features, so let’s dive in.

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What’s Traktor Z1 all about?

Whether you’re just getting going as a DJ or switching to the Traktor platform for the powerful creative tools, Z1 has all you need to hit the ground running.

Fundamental controls

One of the key advantages of Z1 is that it has all the DJ basics you need in one versatile unit. Tweak your sound with 3-band EQ and adjust individual stem volume for drums, bass, instruments, and vocals. Listen to tracks before you mix them and adjust the cue/master balance. Mix with channel faders and a crossfader with easy-to-read level meters for visual feedback. Then transform your sets with effects, including filter, reverb, delay, gater, and more.

Flexible and portable

Z1’s small form factor and on-board audio interface (sound card) means that you can take it with you wherever you go, without the need for lots of extra gear. It’s ideal for travel, spontaneous club sets, house parties, mixing practice, beaches, parks, boats, and beyond.

A modular system

Traktor’s modular design gives DJs of all levels a lot more control over their setup. Established users can use Z1 to build a setup that suits their specific needs. And for newer DJs, dipping their toes in the water, there’s way less commitment to buy a large set up outright. When it’s time to grow you can simply add more controllers alongside Z1, like X1 or F1, for full control of loops, cue points, effects, and Remix Decks.

What’s new with Z1 MK2?

There’s lots of fresh features to discover in Z1 MK2, that build on the established favorites of this Traktor DJ staple. In the words of Lead Traktor Product Manager Michael Koczynski at NI: “While I appreciate all the new Z1 MK2’s improvements, like the displays, the new design, better access to mixer effects, I’m particularly a fan of the access to decks C and D whenever I need it. This can be very handy when paired with the new stem control feature so I can add in some drums or vocals from other tracks on top of my regular mix.”

Individual stem control

Traktor Pro 4 transforms the way you mix and remix with stem separation powered by iZotope’s legendary RX technology. This means you can precisely isolate and manipulate drums, bass, instruments, and vocals. And with each waveform right in front of you, Z1 lets you mute or precisely adjust the volume of each stem.

Visual feedback

Z1’s light system keeps you notified with key information, like when a track is about to run out or if it’s running in a loop. Spend less time looking at your laptop with OLED displays that show essential mixing information, EQ and stem parameters, Mixer FX selection, and master output meter. Plus, you can make it yours with customizable ambient lighting.

Great quality audio interface

Z1 lets you control Traktor Pro 4 without the need for any extra gear, thanks to the integrated 24-bit/96 kHz audio interface. Connect a huge range of speakers with a mini-jack connector and a USB-B port to hook up your laptop.

Back of Traktor Z1 MK2
Back of Traktor Z1 MK2

Why Traktor?

If you’re totally new to DJing with Traktor, Traktor Pro is the only major DJ software designed for maximum flexibility and creativity. Traktor DJs love that you can remix on the fly, re-edit tracks, sculpt your sound, and layer effects, across four decks. Plus there’s so many customization options and the freedom to use whatever hardware works for you. Plug and play on a club setup, build hybrid live setups with external gear via MIDI or Ableton Link, or mix at an after party with just one portable controller.

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