Six years later and I'm looking at this vid and can't help thinking that (at the time) this review really did not do this mixer justice. I have one for a little over a year now and think its awesome, so much so that it has prevented me from spending twice what I paid on a Rane or Pioneer unit, DJ software aside. While I personally have no issue with Traktor, I have not tried to midi map it to Serato DJ but I understand that's do-able. But back to the review...while Phil does explain the major features, I don't agree that this should be classed as an "at home" mixer, not capable of being used at large venues. There is absolutely no reason why it can't...the features are rock solid, the build quality (albeit plastic body) is great, the sound quality is on par with mixers two and three times the price, and the faders are awesome. I don't think that because it doesn't carry the name "Pioneer" or "Rane" that it in any way precludes this mixer from being classed as top of the line, especially in its price range. If anything, I blame tame reviews such as these for this mixer not having greater success. If its good enough for DJ's like Craze, Qbert and Rena, then its more than good enough for any of us.

@digitaldjtips

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us on it Ralph :)

@undergroundmixsessions

6 жыл бұрын

I agree. Can t wait to set mine up again. Been lying dormant for a couple years. I play mainly techno and house - there are enough tricks to use this mixer for many styles.

@shanecharley3269

5 жыл бұрын

@@undergroundmixsessions I'm looking at getting a standalone purely for vinyl as that's what I mainly play. Having said that the possibility of going digital if I get an additional laptop. Would you recommend this as a second setup in today's market or are there alternatives around the same price.

i cant believe they didn't put 4 proper channels! really gets me! thanks for the video, well appreciated :)

You're a analog dj I guess (I am ;-) ) - The mixer works with timecoded vinyl/cd to be used with the software (DVS). This is the digital mode. (all is included in the package: mixer, vinyl, cd, audio interface). This is indeed the same as using it as a digital controller with jog wheels. - Further, being a hybrid mixer, the Z2 can play analog signals as well. (eg. a normal vinyl or cd with music on it that plays on every normal turntable). - The 2 modes can be combined and played together...

i'm a beginner dj debating between s4 and z2. really confused. Kindly recomend

The Z2 is probably going to be a precursor to a Z4 that will function very similar to the 900 nexus from pioneer, but caters more towards Traktor Pro for about the same price. Either way that would be an amazing piece of gear!

some people call that plastic thing i guess it's also called a cap that plastic thing you hold and scratch with. That removable thing how is it?

I'm hanging out for the Z4 (hope your reading this NI ?)

Hi! Tell me please… how recording mix tractor z2 my vinyl?

Hi everyone, I have a question for the Z2 owners. I am interested in using it in stand alone with CDJs and I have confirmed that both EQs and filter work without a laptop. However, I would like to know if the pre listening CUE activation and cross fader assignment work in stand alone. Many thanks!

Can I use theses a standalone mixer, with just my cdjs, without needing the laptop/traktor plugged in?

been doing that "flux" in traktor for ages its the beatreapet effects

The pioneer one may be cheaper than the z2 but i don't believe it comes with the traktor software or built in sound card. So you may have to buy the A6 or A10 to supplement it. Which would make it more expensive.

I Suppose, but If you get 2 vinyls and a mixer. (Just random vinyls and mixers) - Then add a pickup, Is it then possible to play a vinyl through your system so it works as if it was a digital controller

Hello! How do I set up TRAKTOR Z2 to record my vinyl sets on my computer? My setup is a macbook pro, 2 technics mk5 players, and the Z2 itself.

@digitaldjtips

2 жыл бұрын

You should be able to select the Z2 as an audio source in your computer's audio settings, assuming you have the USB cable plugged in.

great video again!! is it possible to switch one side of the mixer to a cdj instantly and then back again to traktor?and is it possible to disable the cross fader?

That laserfx makes it sound like Aphex's Windowlicker :D I think it may very well find it's way onto the big clubs. You 'always' see 2 cdj2k, pioneer 4ch mixer and 2 cdj2k. The 1200's are always somewhere else. Adding your setup next to it, those with vinyl could bring their vinyl and play like normal, and those with traktor could bring the x1/f1 and a laptop and play their mp3's. Even though Maschine still has no sidechaining and thus i despise them, i think they did something brilliant here..

Nice, a bit of Perfect Motion :)

Hi i like your video,i am a old school dj and i want to buy z2 mixer and denon sc3900 player.the problem is i dont know how to setup tractor software how to use it can u make a video how to setup properly step by step txn a lot!

Hey Phil i have a question . Is that crossfader knob the same as in f1 faders? Or more like vestax ,rane,pioneer? What's the knob like cause that's a main thing for me when it comes to cutting. Great work .Keep it up wishing u the best!

Can you give me the measurements from turntable 1 to turntable 2 including the mixer to see if they fit on my table please? Please measure the length and also the depth. Thanks.

nice vid just wanted to know if you could use it as a audio interface tnx !! :)

Sunscreem! good old days...

Great review! Stupid question but being a hybrid mixer I suppose the EQ of the software isn't used (you can't see them change on screen I suppose)? How is this compared to the EQ of the software and other decent analog mixers (eg. allen&heath)? What "jog wheel controller" would you suggest if vinyl/cd isn't an option to control the software (eg. for mobile use)? Thanks

I was thinking of getting one but I've heard the storage space isn't spectacular... I have quite a large library and I'm not a huge fan of carrying a hard drive around. Cost is the main thing though as in Australia these are much much cheaper than a Macbook Pro, should I save for the Pro or would the Air be more than enough?

Would it be possible to run another mixer through the AUX inputs and control the master audio with the mic controls? If so how would you go about setting that up?

hey, random question. Can you play the track from the mixer... like if youre using it without decks and dont wanna touch your laptop really? Thanks, this is something im really interested in.

Can You use traktor vinyls on both turntables?

So Quick Reviewing This!

i wanted to know how does the crossfader KNOB feels? is it balanced like rane ,eclers or like vestax and pioneer's.

Can hot cue butttons be used when mixing externally with old cdjs ( without traktor ) ? or is there any device to attach to your analogue dj setup like pioneer djm 750 with cdjs ( without software ) for using hot cues ?

just how much dj stuff do you have mate? great work, keep it up

Is it easy enough to switch between serato and traktor in a small venue? I'm looking for a scratch mixer and this one came up as a good choice but I'm sure my friends use Serato

How easy is it to record a mix using both vinyl and time coded vinyl on traktor could u do a video showing how to do this as ive read a lot of people have struggled with it not recording the normal vinyl thanks

@digitaldjtips

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the suggestion John, we'll have a think :)

In 2020 I am planning to go vinyly in digital, but DJM 250MK2 costs almost the same (little less) but got nothing of the main features which for me a basic which is loops on the mixer and queue points, all this stuff on the pioneer u dont have and you would have to use your mouse, which is a nogo for me... planning on getting this mixer with two nicel mid range decks... :)

@digitaldjtips

4 жыл бұрын

This is still a great option :)

@polvorin15764

4 жыл бұрын

@@digitaldjtips Traktor all the way, I wonder if there is any successor planned for the Z2 as it got a few years on its back already... 😁

@digitaldjtips

4 жыл бұрын

We'd love to see a Z2 MK2 but not sure it'll be any time soon

@polvorin15764

4 жыл бұрын

@@digitaldjtips Well it does what I need it for so maybe I get one used when the opportunity strikes though even new it is not that expensive anymore. But for little more u can find a used s4 mk3 which offers you much more and you still can hook in two decks... so the choice is hard hehe.

can this work as a standalone mixer ? do i lose some features if use it a standalone?

oh sounds good, im likeing the Z2 might buy it

hey Phil i got a question i got a z2 and i try to figure out if i buy the stanton t-52 or the stnaton t-55 usb... what do you suggest?

So if the mixer aint connected to a computer you don't have any effects for the analouge output. Bad.

@digitaldjtips

4 жыл бұрын

I think it's a fine trade off considering the price and the fact it's clearly aimed at those using software

Hi, its possible use the soundcard of the Z2 for Maschine, like a normal external soundcard?

nice vid man keep them comeing!!

Would I be able to connect this to a Pioneer DDJ-SX?? Does anyone know?

Hi, thanks for such a good review. I've still one question please . Is it possible to set an hybrid set where I have two regular audio vinyl records in my turntables (decks 1, and 2) but still keep connected to traktor in order to play samples on decks 3 and 4? Thanks so much in advance :)

maybe do a "kontrol z2 vs pioneer djm t1"

Hi! How can record the set from vinyl and traktor mixing same time?

@digitaldjtips

3 жыл бұрын

All DVS systems give you the option to switch to real vinyl, too

@ZimaBlueLittleRobotDance

3 жыл бұрын

@@digitaldjtips Not switch! If I mixing from vinyl and from the laptop same time, how can I record this set most easily? With external recorder connected the main out?

@digitaldjtips

3 жыл бұрын

Yes that'd be the easiest way

thanks phil , great vid

Great video! Will it work in any country with that power chord?

@digitaldjtips

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Think you still might need a wall adapter for some

@akinkunmicook2977

7 жыл бұрын

Thank you!!!!

hey phil, hows the macbook air for djing? i cant decide on the 13 inch pro or air :\

I bet they'll come out with a Z4 4 channel version ;) :p Certainly an interesting product, thanks for the video Phil :)

@GuitarHII

3 жыл бұрын

8 years and we all still waiting

What's the name of that song? It sounds like a remix of a song from Vanilla Sky. Great track :)

Love my Z2

@digitaldjtips

4 жыл бұрын

Still a great mixer, an update would be nice though!

how would i record a sample from a piece of vinyl into lets say machine? i have a macbook to.

@dubkonnection3420

3 жыл бұрын

Just play Rec botton on traktor

The flux isnt that just loop roll?

hey Phill, how many vinyls come in the box 1 or 2 ?

Wow just seen 2 min of the vid this is the solution!

hey Phil what vinyls are you using?

Can this do an echo effect? I really like that!

@digitaldjtips

3 жыл бұрын

It's not the same as the Pioneer echo which is what most people think of when they're talking DJ echo effects, it has a delay though

Hello, I've had my eye on this for a while, as I can't justify the expense of a Rane or Pioneer. I downloaded the Traktor demo last night to have a look and while it's nice, I think it's a little beyond me at this point to make the switch from Serato DJ. I like the recent news and it looks as though DVS with Serato is becoming more attainable. Would you guess that an analog mixer solution, roughly a Z2 equivalent for Serato, is coming at some point? Next best bet is a controller with standalone mixer and the DVS upgrade, such as the SX2. I like the little Neon and the Akai modular controllers look cool too, but I'd prefer an actual analog type mixer, not just a DVS interface and MIDI mixer. What are your thoughts on the future of Serato DVS and attainability? I have the TM8 right now and can only hope for a standalone mixer, DVS capable, Terminal Mix in the near future. That would be about perfect for me. I went to the scratching course page and it appears it's being worked on at the moment. I'll check back later as that can only mean good things... :) Thanks again, and keep shining folks....

I think it is very expensive to have not effects for the standalone mode

@digitaldjtips

7 жыл бұрын

I agree, I have used this mixer standalone with vinyl and to be honest, there are many better mixers for that and for the price :-) Of course, the story is completely different if you are using the Z2 with Traktor, then there are loads of controls and features you can make the most of and get creative with. - Christian

Hey Phil, I've got a question for you! I've been wondering, can you connect vinyls to a Computer, and then play the music from the computer, on the vinyl?

@dubkonnection3420

3 жыл бұрын

Yes ,that is what trantor is all about

what does snap and quantage actually do?

@digitaldjtips

8 жыл бұрын

+romanvgonzalez The important part is having tracks with accurate beatgrids. Snap helps loop markers latch onto the nearest grid, meaning your loops should be spot on. Quantize is useful for live remixing/cue point juggling because it works alongside beatgrids to keep the track in time.

@davidvillafane1758

7 жыл бұрын

Digital DJ Tips

track?

My turntables keep changing Bpm and speeding the track up randomly do you know why it does this?

@digitaldjtips

7 жыл бұрын

Hi Leon, do you mean inside the software? Are you using timecode or usual vinyl? Do you get the same problem with each type?

Can you loop real vinyl?

@digitaldjtips

2 жыл бұрын

No

does lfp and hpf work with regular vinyl?

@digitaldjtips

8 жыл бұрын

+Sile H If you push "Shift" while selecting the "Traktor" button, it turns Traktor into Live Deck mode, and the effects become available for analogue gear. Check out the full review: www.digitaldjtips.com/2012/11/review-video-traktor-kontrol-z2-mixer/

@SileDevil

8 жыл бұрын

thanks for the reply, ive seen some vids on youtube with djs showing problems with the faders have you ever had any problems in terms of stability or problems regarding faders?

Hi So with normal vinyl and both deck in live input, the filters and effects works?

@digitaldjtips

6 жыл бұрын

Yes, the filters work, the effects don't though. This is assuming you are talking about using the Z2 without a computer? (Christian)

@DaveDomenicano

6 жыл бұрын

Digital DJ Tips Hi and thanks for the reply, no normal vinyl with pc and traktor with both deck in live input. But u answer to another my question, 😄🆒 the filters works without pc? Thanks and congratulations for the channel

@EthanLeo

6 жыл бұрын

Hello Dave. Filter and eq works stand alone, like a regular mixer. For fx of course you need the software and live deck (not direct trough) and you can use fx with real vinyls

seriousley bro even i did not understand you why buy all this stuff take your vinyls at home let them be just buy z2 controler and your ready work with traktor future sounds and you keep yourself uptaded everytime

That's what I am waiting for :)

Can you use this mixer without a lap top just as a normal mixer

@digitaldjtips

3 жыл бұрын

Yes it can

@fuzdnb8943

3 жыл бұрын

Excellent cheers I just had to send one back because it wouldn't power up properly , and the guy at Juno records says it was impossible to use without a laptop n just wanted to send me it back

@digitaldjtips

3 жыл бұрын

Nope, it's a standalone mixer so no laptop needed for basic functionality

@fuzdnb8943

3 жыл бұрын

Good good , I will get my self another one ordered then from somewhere else , thanks for confirming that

@fuzdnb8943

3 жыл бұрын

Any recommendations suppliers in the uk

MacBook

i remember vinyl... i think!

Soon. Traktor Z4. Right after when you bought Z2. This is what they called marketing technique.

wont be long before z4 comes.. they just want you to buy this one first, so some people will buy twice.. Classic marketing technique.

Neither do I anymore, Sorry for bothering you :)

just wait for the Z4. LOL

It’s Z2... how’d you guys invent our language? It seems like ur doin it wrong?

@digitaldjtips

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah Z2? That's what we said right... Z2? 😜

:D