Traktor Kontrol Z2 - Finally a real Dj mixer
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- Опубликовано: 24 июл 2024
- So I finally got a hold of a real, nice, high quality Dj Mixer!!!
This is my first review/ overview/ whatever on the Traktor Kontrol Z2 from Native Instruments. A 2 channel dj mixer with both digital DVS and normal analog functionality. I really needed this upgrade, both for sampling and scratching!
The video is an overview of the hardware, my thoughts about it and a little demo of the DVS vs analog scratching.
Buy the mixer here:
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Join the Facebook page:
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The scratch records I show in the video are:
DJ RITCHIE RUFTONE Practice Yo! Cuts vol. 4
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Scratch Roulette
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Super Seal Breaks
amzn.to/2JZmMnP
Cop Porn Breaks
amzn.to/2K2ohSh
1000 Cutz
www.discogs.com/DJ-Crates-100...
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Find me:
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PATREON: / accurate
Facebook: / accuratebeats
Email: accuratemcc@gmail.com
Website: www.accuratebeats.com
Movecutclone.com
Facebook page: / accuratebeats
Instagram: @accuratebeats
Accurate_beats
www.souncloud.com/accuratebeats
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My Setup:
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MPC Live
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Arturia Keystep
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Adam Audio X5S Powered Studio Monitor
amzn.to/2DUYPeF
Yamaha mixer:
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Maschine MK3
amzn.to/2G22HuO
Teenage Engineering OP-1
amzn.to/2u9NyGa
Arturia Drum Brute
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Arturia MicroBrute
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Turntable: Technics 1210
amzn.to/2px4XmR
Stands for Maschine MK3 and MiniBrute 2S: cremacaffedesign.com/kosmo/
cremacaffedesign.com/spikexl/
Dj mixer: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z2
amzn.to/2Jac4tG
Needle: Shure M44-7
amzn.to/2DLQPv8
Macbook pro late 2013 i5 8Gb RAM
GET OUR CASSETTES:
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SPOTIFY
Accurate - Escape from the zoo // Ferm - Jaadu
open.spotify.com/album/4HOsTF...
Move Cut Clone - Sampler Science vol. 1:
open.spotify.com/album/60LMfo...
Move Cut Clone - Sampler Science vol.2:
open.spotify.com/album/6wNQhS...
Move Cut Clone - Sampler Science Vol.3:
open.spotify.com/album/37zd8D... Видеоклипы
I've own 2 in the last 5 years and I'm watching this video. That shows how much I like the mixer.
Same here. New Z2 just arrived three days ago. Running with two Gemini CDJ 700's and a Traktor F1. 5 minute setup
I’m just about to get one too! Can’t wait! Do either of you struggle to find many videos on RUclips for it though? I know it’s not a new piece of gear but I thought there would be more reviews/walk throughs. I know enough about it, just wanted to drool over videos while I waited for it to arrive haha!
This mixer still going hard. Only thing I would like to see is native instruments make a Z3 with bigger cue buttons but other than that it’s about perfect for me.
What is it like for phono use???
Thanks man. Really enjoy your style and knowledge. You have helped me get back into music after taking like 10 year break. Thanks for answering a lot of questions.
Oh, I’m happy to hear that! Stay creative dude!
Great review! I play House and this baby is just awesome. Paired with X1 and F1 controllers from Traktor the possibilities are infinite. I left the vinyl and cdj platforms with no regrets. The Z2 is a tank. Nice build and most of all nice workflow. For me the main reasons why I chose Z2 were portability, my Z2 (Ziggy) and the controllers fit snug in a carry on ( when flying or gigs), all knobs are mappable ( you can personalise for your unique workflow and sound), easy to clean (just take off knobs and the magnetic face plates come off). Z2 has 2 USB ports so I plug my X1 and F1 controllers directly to it. Someone asked why Traktor and not Serato...Cost vs quality. Overall Traktor is a better product, it can do all that Serato does and much more, the remix sets and FX are pure bliss as are the loops, loop recorder and loop knobs. They allow you to produce, remix on the fly while you are playing. You can use any MIDI controller u need just the right mapping or you can do it yourself. Traktor Pro software costs 99$ for life or included with any controller ( S2, S4, and S8) and Traktor Scratch Pro included with the Z2. It can be used as is with advanced Pioneer CDJ's 900 and up and several Pioneer mixers. I used to have CDJ's 800Mk2 and used timecode cd's in combination with Z2, no sound card needed. I could write a whole book so better stop here. Cheers!
NI need to get the Z4 released already.
The Z2 is a workhorse when it comes to cutting! I've owned mine since it was released and it's been solid since day 1.
Glad to hear it. I’m really happy with mine :)
Does the fader need upgrading out of the box?
@@sndrcve nah its got 3 custom mini innofaders as standard
This is the best mixer NI brought out. Great for scratching!
Your setup is getting bigger and better every time , i wish i could trade with you 😂😂
Yeah, it grows on me a little :p
To be honest, wouldn’t trade it for the world :)
I have never looked at your sub count... How can you have "only" 20k subs? You are awesome. Greetings from Germany
Thanks!
Well... Subscribers is a hard thing to get I guess. I’m just happy some people find the channel helpful or fun.
Accurate Beats I'm a producer myself, and I just love your beats and your cuts. Just keep doing what you do and I'm sure you'll hit the 100k mark in the next couple of months to a year. If you're ever in the Stuttgart area in Germany swing by our studio. We'd be honored to have you there.
Best of luck for your future projects and I can't wait for your new beats.
NizVania I use Traktor because 8 years ago I made a random choice. Don’t confuse superiority with familiarity.
Congrats !
Getting this next month quality mixer 👍
I absolutely love this mixer.
I've been on a TTM 56 for years, considering going digital. This is the most cost-effective option (the Rane 72 would be nice but that pricetag....ouch). How would the crossfader compare? Thanks.
Good purchase
im about to go from digital/analog set up to dvs. if u slow it right down you will hear difference. I rather analog vinyl set up personally for scratching. but i like the idea of dvs in general and think technics should bring out their own system.
i want to know why in the led display for the left side it says lay???????
I'm looking at either a Z2 a Djm450 or mixars duo.
Mainly standalone but with the option to use software.
Z2 is 460gbp 450 600gbp
This is a second home setup and I'm lost with what offers what through anologue playing standard vinyl. Any help appreciated
nice scratching dude
I love my Z2 going strong for 5 years now.
do you know how I can transpose with the cuepads like on other mixers or won't it work on this z2?
Can you use this if you don't have a lap top just as a normal mixer
Can you just use the tracktor s4 mk3 as the mixer in a dvs set up?
You should try to use the B side of your timecode vynil (so turn it around). This scratches way nicer then the A side. Also the record spins way nicer.
BO, MY MAN, I AM SETTING UP MY EFFECTS MIXER, I CAN NOT WAIT. MPC1 HAS BEEN WARMING UP, TIME FOR THE FRESH TO GET FRESH...
whats good,, Accurate.
Just a little trick I use with my Z2..
The thing I like about the Z2 is that the cuepoints are vertical, unlike many Rane mixers..
what I do, have my turntable on the left, like you have here.. but plug it into the right channel.
then I switch 'on' the reverse crossfader switch.
that way its easier to trigger the cuepoints with the pads on the right hand side, without taking my hand of the crossfader..
try it out ;)
-locrates
Oh, that’s a really clever trick! I’ll try that! Thanks
alll good.. thanks man.. its all in the journey of finding ways to be more musical with the turntable. Its the best alternative I could think of until I can get my hands on the fretless fader ;)
Hi. So I use this for drum and bass mixing. With my 2 Numark CDJ’s. I don’t really use the loop features. Have an issue though. When I set cue points within a track when I to choose that cue point the blue loop line appears on the wave file and then eventually skips to it ruining my mix. It thought I’d solved it by pressing the REL/INTL button but that then just disables my cdj functions. Any Advice would be great full
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
Is the Z2 a better mixer than the Numark scratch
Nice 👍
Does everything you need to use DVS come in the box when you buy the z2? Thanks
Dope bro!
Thanks
I've been looking at this for years. The only reason why I never bought it because of friends using serato. Since I'm never going to DJ professionally again I might buy it.
Yeah, Im in the same position. I'll never do any proper DJ gigs but I do play beats live sometimes. This mixer is just perfect for what I need it for.
Dope!
Can you do a video of the z2 with machine
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.
Thank you)
Everything you do... or Everything 'I' do is backwards from you. I'm right handed with reversed fader; it just felt natural that way when I started (21 years ago now).
hi accurate beats,got this coming in the post and was wondering what laptop you use,i checked n.i. for minimum spec requirements to run traktor pro 3,but have also read that some models of lappy with i5 processors dont always work,i dont want to go buy a laptop that wont be up to the job when i recieve that sexy z2!peace.
Great review, i know this is a bit of a necro but couple things you most likely already figured out, one the video during the scratching comparison at the end was not completely sync'd perfect...(as a DJ i know if any of us look close we can actually tell looking at the cuts) so i think the latency i felt like you were having on the Control Vinyl i saw the same type of lag in the clips of you cutting your actual wax...
so in the end i think the comparison was good but the editing makes it hard to make an honest comparison. the other thing (this in namely for anyone who experiences lag on any DVS) was if somehow there was that much latency on the Control Vinyl then getting into the audio settings and changing the buffer can make the response time sharper, in SSL serato scratch live you could make the buffer 0ms in SeratoDJ it goes as low as 1, in Traktor i believe its 3 but i would have to double check.
Final Analysis: im finding that Traktor when the buffer is set correctly, outperforms SSL and SDJ...but not pressed vinyl as you most certainly already know:)...Necro Rant Over:)
what buffersize do you use ?
What mic are you using for your video (clipped on your shirt). Thanks
Hi! And thanks for the great review. Curious to know if this mixer can work standalone without the laptop/software running in the background?
Hello sir,
What daw you use when making your beats and are able to do your live scratches in the daw?
nice :) saludos desde Santiago Chile
Hello, I ask for help
I bought the Z2 (I connected two turntables + Timecode Vinyl via Chinch) everything works perfectly, but the two Rel/Intl buttons don't turn orange when I press them 😢
And
I read that you have to set it to Chinch to scratch
Have I connected something wrong or do I need to change something in the settings in Traktor? Thanks
Ay bro, when will be the next time you are at Thomann?
¿Traktor z1 is good for scratching?
Great
Question for you. I’m putting together a setup in my house using two audio Technica AT-LP120X turntables and two passive speakers, along with my laptop. Will I need to put an amplifier online from the Z2 to the speakers, or does the Z2 amplify the signal?
My speakers are small towers, 150w each at 8ohms.
Thanks for your input.
Depends on speakers more than mixer, if they are active you won't need and amp if they are passive you will need one.
I would imagine you will need one
Hey Man, keep going like your fan incentive!
Cool
Get DJ Craze vinyl has real vinyl on one side with timecode on the other side. Also is Traktor softwar is great for syncing drum/synth machines because it send MIDI Clock!! Plus it has Ableton Link!!
oh! I need to check out that ableton link functionality :)
Thanks for watching!
You can do a lot of handy stuff with the shit button too 👌🏼
Hi everyone!
So I'm holding this mixer in my hands and I just can't figure out if I can use the build-in audio interface to plug my electric guitar and record something in Reaper.
Thank you for reading this!
Have a good one!
Can you add effects on analog normal vinyl records or are the effects just for DVS?
Hi, you can add effects on normal records too. However, to do that you need to put the deck in a different mode by using the shift button. I don’t think the mixer has a beat sensor though so the effects like echo arent as synchronised as when using traktor vinyl
The thing with Tractor is, you need computer's, to utilize the entire set up, when you can use a regular mixer, with a decent fader, & simply your turntables, with absolutely no computer. Definitely a nice looking mixer my friend, not for myself tho, happy mixing my ninja...... 👍💪🙏😎👊
You don't need to use the computer with the Z2 if you're going to use turntables or CDJs.
Maybe you didn’t watch the video lol
Hi
I want to buy two denon sc3900 to connect to z2
Will it be possible to male that setup for scraching?
make*
I am looking to buy a new mixer. Might be sold because like you I use analogue and recently started experimenting with DVS ( A10 and X1 alongside my old turntables and analogue mixer ).
One question about the Z2 - If I already have traktor scratch pro 2 running and buy a Z2, do I need to reset all my cue points etc that I normally use on my X1?
Thanks
Oh, that's a really good question... To be honest, I'm not sure how it works when you switch it out like that. I'd be really surprised if NI hadn't thought about that and at least created some way for your to transfer you cue points and such to the new mixer.
I'm sorry I can't give you a better answer right now. My gut just tells me it should work but I really don't know.
Accurate Beats
Thank you for your answer. You're probably right. If not then it will be fun going through tunes and re-setting everything all over again. The trials and tribulations of an aging dj lol :)
Peace
Keppler Keppler jo you dont Need to! But you Need to know that you can der 8 different cue points Wit x1 whilez2 got only 4 Buttons !
Can I use this on it’s own to mix edm and house?
Yes
Is the Z2 a better mixer than the numark scratch
I own both. The z2 beats the Numark scratch in functionality, flexibility (can be mapped more than the Scratch) and the build quality is way beyond that of the Scratch. There is absolutely no comparison between these two mixers. The Z2 is a lot superior.
the effects are not standalone?
My question is: can you mix a set with 1 turntable and the z2 or do you need 2 controllers ( like turntable/x1/z2)? I'm more into playing records opposed to scratching all the time.
I am almost positive that you can.
You could mix with only the z2. With shift + A/B you can play/pause, and thats all the turntable is needed for (except from scratching and navigating through Songs, bit you could use a mouse)
Can you mix between Traktor decks and real vinyl or is the entire mixer either in analogue or Traktor mode rather than setting this option per channel?
Per channel
You can easily mix real vinyl on one channel into traktor on the other side . Just press the traktor button for that channel and it plays through.
The mixer is kind of old in 2018. Dont know if id buy it. I really hope native instruments will be releasing an mk2 version anytime soon.
I know... I just had to make a video on it anyways. I think this is great! Even in 2018
I thought you would like the clear one ;-)
Yeah, that one is right up my alley!
I love the red one as well.
Brou at this 2020, is a good idea buy a z2? I read a lot of traktor and i only read some like " NI forgot traktor" "updates are poor" etc etc, ,
Should i wait for a new version? Or z2 still grate at this 2020...
Hope you answer me,,
I'm at this point as well. I think I wait a few more weeks until after the holidays.. An updated Z2 model would be great.
@@konmoe121 i have now a z2 on my hands 😆, i couldnt wait ,
Its amazing, now i can see this mixer still fresh and it will remain as my mixer for a long time.....
🤙🏻
@@MrFabikman Haha, nice one! Enjoy your new mixer!! 🔥
I have to ask: is the "Accurate Beats" voice in the jingle the same man who reviews synthesizers under the name "Sonic State"?
Yup. Nick Batt mentioned me once and I made the most of it :)
I knew it!!!!! That guy taught me a lot about synthesizers!
Yeah, he’s a legend
Would you say this or the S4 mk3 is the better option in 2020?
This is a dvs system. If you plan on utilizing turntables or csj's as controllers, this is rad. If you just want to spin mp3's, go with a midi controller (like s4 etc).
IVE been using this mixer for 1 year, but desappointed cause the Volumen faders stop working after 5 months of use. anyway, i can do my mixes with the crossfader but obviously is not the same.
Oh, that sounds bad.
I hope mine hold up better.
Nice review.
Does it works with android system ?
Not 100% sure actually but I seriously doubt it.
Can you use this with mpc live
Sure you can but the Traktor software needs a computer to run
whats the quality of the faders and are they replaceable.
P Roh Dusah the cross fader is an innofader mini and easily replaceable
Yes, replaceable by Innofader PNP, Pro, Pro 2. The mini innofader is really a good fader but, because the software can't calibrate less than 1,5 - 2 mm, some cuts will be lost sometimes and you risk a several hand cramp after all. But It's enough for the PGM 1 and 2, very durable crossfader
anyzuka nice
Great answers above. Thanks for watching :)
Think u need some HWare man!! (lol)
The loop function works with real vinyl?
Unfortunately not
So I don't know if anyone will see this but I need help. I have a Z2 and unfortunately I have changed me email that was registered to this equipment. I no longer have that email and when I log in it says my equipment is already registered which I know this already. I have been trying to talk to someone from native instruments and get no help. Now I just have a mixer I can't use. I have been a fan of native instruments but this is becoming frustrating. I can't even sell it to get another mixer.. Somebody please freaking help.. Thanks.
I want my z2 back. Had to go to the pawn shop.
maddcheddah fuck sad bro i woulda gave you more for it then the pawnshop homie
Same here. I needed some fast cash and I’ve regretted it ever since. Looking to get it back
Is z2 still good to buy 2020
I just got a (like new) used z2.....
90's Feels/looks
..getting back to turntables but with traktor (current) functionality is badass
Absolutely.. Its still a great buy.
Alot of heavys use traktor Qbert Craze Rafik
Can u explain why yout went with Traktor Pro instead of Serato DJ? For the same price you can get the Mixars Duo which is basically the same all in one solution but with Serato. The line faders of the Mixars Duo have adjustable curves, which is not the case with the ones one the Z2. Plus the faceplate had a quality problem on the Z2, it wears off very fast. Maybe NI have fixed that in the meantime, I don' t know. Just my 2 cents 😎
MetaphorHipHop I've owned a Z2 since it was first released and I totally agree with you. I'm 2018, I would have gone with the Mixars instead.
PDotTV Same here if I had to invest in a new DJ Mixer. Plus, I find Serato way more easy to use and stripped down in a very pleasent way. Traktor just seems so cluttered although you can adjust the layout. I don' t know, Serato just felt better to me and I have used both.
Because Mixar will have fader problems after one year of use, all the faders will be "pass-through" mode even though it is off position that's how cheaply Mixar made. Which is even more, worse than Z2's Cross Faders paint wears off which happened to the 1st production models, new Z2's don't wear off the paint quickly anymore. and Z2 has the Innofader on all channels, Mixar has the Galileo Fader.
First of all, good review and good videos in général (I watched some ;)
So..I had this mixer. The reasons to prefer Serato or Traktor are subjectives, it depend of the different things we want each other. In my case I had Serato before, and I lost a lot of time to editing my library on (cue, loop, etc...), even I thing Serato is easily, more stable, less latency but I grown accustomed with Traktor after years. But, It's an another debate...
I tought "naively" that the cue point will be add on booth DVS, even using "Mixed in key" software (Like they said that it works on their website), but I made a mistake and I didn't want to make the job 2 times... This is why I sold the table.
Except this, the table is very dope, reactive, easilly to use and less latency than when I tested it with my old native soundcard A10! Interesting, especially if you've invested on native gear or you planned to use Traktor.
But I wasn't convinced by the mini innofader crossfader because the cut in lag is huge to cut well (1,5 - 2 mm) and I quicly changed for an innofader PNP and the mixer become perfect!
Yes...you can also setup the curve for the L and R fader on the software and the cut in of the fader sharp, like an old Vestax transform switch, some tuto exist on youtube ;)
I also tested the mixar DUO, it's exactly the same mixer but with Serato in (design, using, etc...) but in fact, the galileo is just a Pro-x "updated" and I didn't like them because you can't setup it like an inno, there is too much of grip and the fader wear more faster because of the friction of this fader type...
But my humble advice to have the perfect mixer on it is "Put an inno"!
If you are using mashine software and hardware than Traktor is the way to go. I use both serato and Traktor, serato gets bugy when running maschine where as Traktor runs great with it. I also prefer Traktor over serato mainly because of the remix decks. The Z2 is a beast I replaced the cross fader with an innofader pro2 and love it
can the Z2 be used as a standalone analog mixer for vinyl? i'm considering upgrading to using DVS but i don't want to compromise on the analog setup fidelity. what i like about this is that it has the controls for traktor built in so i dont have to have another controller to control the virtual decks, but wondering about the phono & analog mixing quality
I think the Z2 is a digital mixer (don't remember, you can search that on Native Instruments page), you can use it as a standalone mixer with turntables for vinyl and DVS, there's a channel in RUclips named "John L", where he uses just a pair of turntables and the Z2 for DVS, you still can use vinyl because the mixer have phono inputs, there's a video from "Mojaxx" talking about this mixer (old video), the DJs that use the Z2 always said that sound amazing in the club (the mixer is old compared to other mixers so I don't know if the sound is as good as when it was launch).
Yes it is a standalone mixer . Take the control vinyl off, put your vinyl on and hit the traktor button and it plays through . The main filters still work but other functions won't.
))))super .Peace Friend.
Battman!
Do you still use it in 2024?
I've hd nothing but issues since I got this god damn Traktor z2 mixer in 2013... it only worked with the time code when it felt like it, god damn that would piss me off, after a while I just gave up on it since I ended up not liking the Traktor DJ software anyways, the mixer is very dope as a regular vinyl mixer but the timecode had issues and I thought the Traktor software sucked, too damn cluttered & complicated.... so in 2014 I got a Pioneer DDJ-SR Serato controller and gave up on Traktor and this damn mixer.
I'm finally about to put this mixer for sale in 2019 but I have to make sure it works...well today I bought the new version of the software Traktor 3 because it was on sale for $25 and I was hoping maybe it would fix the problem so I could sell it and I was also curious what improvements were done to the software... well the software does look better but I still can't get the timecode to work, what the fuck, this shit is pissing me off again!!!!
I've had nothing but bad experiences with this wack Traktor dj setup, I never had any issues with my Serato setup, once in a great while serato or my controller might glitch but it's rare, meanwhile Tracktor used to glitch on me like 50% of the time I used it before I got Serato and since then when I miss my turntables and try to get on it usually doesn't work, last time it worked was once in the summer of 2018 but it hardly worked before that and I can't get it to work since then, fkn piece of crap, no wonder it was only $600 brand new, compared to the expensive Serato mixers for about $1500!
One thought I barely had today was did they maybe switch to different timecode vinyl than the original one I got in 2013, could that be the problem but why would they change them so I doubt it.
Hopefully someone here has the answer but I'm ready to trow this thing in the fkn trash since I can't sell it if it doesn't work with timecode vinyl, basically what it's made for.... unless I sell it as an analog mixer, because that part works perfect.... fuck Traktor X( .... I can't wait to get a Serato DVS system, I heard that's plug & play with no damn complications!
I don't think I like Native Instruments and probably won't ever buy anything from them again, even to uninstall the Traktor DJ software they made it all fkn complicated, I had to watch a youtube video and had to look for all kinds of files on my apple computer just to fully delete that shit, instead of them just offering an uninstaller app!!!
Oh and by the way, today I started checking the internet and it looks like this is a common issue, so it looks like Native Instruments sold us a piece of crap!
I just bought it and after fiddling (next I'm gonna calibrate it) for a bit, it works well.
Yes, they have "new" mk2 control vinyl.
But,
I think your problem is your Mac. I see online that mac user have issues with traktor in general, and not just operator error.
Native Instruments send me some stuff
damn i didnt know mc serch had a youtube channel wtf
Haha! I hear that ALL the time :)
A beautiful guy!
I see that🤩
I need something to connect my D2s to. My S4 works but it's big. As soon as I buy this the price is gonna drop.
It is worth to buy this mixer in 2019?
if you scratch yes, if your an edm and stem dj only than no. I scratch and mix house and hip hop so this mixer is amazing for me.
Certainly is, using it for 3 years and don't actually have the feeling I'm missing out on recent technology. However NI still hasn't release an update yet to be compatible with MacOs Catalina. But this will soon be fixed (I hope).
FFS why now after I bought my mixer the youtube recommend this..smh..
It sounds like you’re running out of breath every moment you speak
I have buy 3 times this mixer, and i can proof it to everyone, is the only mixer i broken 3 times, i have been a possessor of stanton / vestax/ rane.. but native instrument mixers are made of shit. I prefer a pmc 05 than this shit. The build quality is ILLEGAL. Never again. im buying a ttm57
Obviously you're just unlucky or really rough with it. I have had mine 5 years and it's still like new and working perfectly.
Hello homie,let me ask,how can i record my scrratch from z2 to reaper through scarlet 2i2 ? (i donw want to rec the beat,just the scratch phrases) (i mean routing ) also the cables from z2 to 2i2