They describe it as a “hub.” Other sound cards and mixers would do the same, to be sure, but here you get one that’s fully integrated with Traktor. So, while NI invests in integrated hardware, they don’t force you to use it.īy being both a mixer and a controller, says NI, the Z2 hardware allows you to mix analog and digital DJ techniques. And unlike Serato DJ, Traktor Pro will still work even if you don’t connect special, compatible hardware. Serato/Pioneer give you four channels instead of two, and more deck controls – but that means larger, pricier hardware. You can also compare NI’s offerings with Serato’s own, also announced this week. It’s not the first combined mixer/soundcard/controller, but the 2+2 configuration, and resulting price and size, may be a bit easier for a range of users to accomodate. The Z2 is unique in that it’s a 2+2 mixer. It’s geared primarily for Traktor users, of course, but with pricing under a grand and support for MIDI and audio with any software, it’ll be interesting to see if this sort of all-in-one design appeals to users of other DJ and performance tools. Those knobs and faders control software, as an integrated controller for Traktor, but internally, the Kontrol Z2 is also a mixer and computer soundcard. Native Instruments is continuing their hardware attack with a new device that combines three tools: controller, mixer, audio interface. (MIDI and audio operation is possible with other tools, though – and we have the details on that.) Instead, the Z2 focuses in on 2-channel mixing and controls, and integrates with Traktor. It’s not a monster combining everything in a giant, coffin-sized case.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |