![]() ![]() While not the most reliable thing in my bag, it had a wonderfully simple and intuitive layout. I would buy old controllers off eBay until they inevitably broke from hard use. I personally found the original X1 to be the best version and never upgraded to MK2. Dimensions = Height: 129 mm / Width: 323 mm /Depth: 56 mm.Two months of Beatsource or Beatport streaming included.Customizable button colors and backlighting.I am more interested in what this release says about Native Instruments and the future of Traktor. A solid update on the original classic – most people will want to upgrade to this if they are still have use for a X1 style controller. Yes, the new controller from Native Instruments is very good-looking – dare I say, sexy? It’s also super functional, effortlessly doubling as both a mixer controller and an FX controller. 20-year cycles? Is Traktor coming back? Don’t count it out. It feels like the beginning of something new, reminiscent of the classic days of old. You all know this story, so why am I sharing this now? Because the new Traktor X1 controller from Native Instruments feels like more than just a sexy new update of a classic product. As the years went by, DJ hardware became just as good as software and took over everything. Then MIDI controllers became standardized, and sadly, no custom mapped them anymore. The modularity they offered was exciting and very innovative. It's far and away our favourite iOS-related DJ device we've seen so far, and has the added bonus of acting as either a simple introductory controller or neat portable back-up device for laptop DJs.In 2001, I switched to DJing with Traktor because it allowed me to use MIDI controllers and customize them to create new ways of playing. On first impressions, the Kontrol Z1 seems like an impressively flexible entry point into the world of Traktor. Adding either an X1, F1 or some other MIDI controller into the mix immediately offers a simple way to throw together a more comprehensive setup with the Z1 at its centre. The fact that it's so easy to use the Z1 as a base to build a fuller setup is a major bonus though. ![]() In reality, the amount of control that the Z1 offers over Traktor Pro is pretty limited compared to the capabilities of the full software - i.e only two channels and no remix decks or loop triggering - but it does work as a nice entry point. While it's not quite 'plug and play' in the way use with an iOS device is, as a driver download is required, it's still intuitively mapped and fairly hassle free. Of course, the Kontrol Z1 is also compatible with Traktor Pro 2, and ships with an LE version of the software and USB connector for plugging into a Mac or PC. Meaning that owners of newer iPhone, iPads and iPad Minis will need to pick up an adapter in order to connect it. One slight issue that's likely to irk some users, however, is the fact that the Z1 ships as standard with just a USB to 30-pin connector. The volume level and sound quality that comes out of the 24-bit soundcard is a pleasant surprise too, going beyond what we'd usually expect from a mobile setup. It allows EQs and filters to be tweaked on the mixer with one hand, while the other hand goes to town with the effects using the XY pads within the app. Although the amount of controls on the unit itself are slightly limited (i.e one rotary shared between the filter and effect sections) combined with the touchscreen of an iOS device, it lends itself to fun and intuitive two handed mixing. We're big fans of the Traktor DJ app ( check out our review to find out why) and connecting the Z1 really brings out the best in it. As long as the app is updated to the latest version, the device is pretty much 100% plug and play. The Z1 is definitely at its best when used in conjunction with Traktor DJ for iPad or iPhone. ![]()
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