One of these new elements is Macro FX, utilized from the mixer via a single knob. These extra controls are for deep integration with the Traktor software, and open up the new elements that version 2.6 now offers. Right at the bottom are the Flux buttons for the new Flux mode - which is like the slip mode in Pioneer's CDJ decks and follows the audio timeline while you’re scratching, juggling cue points or looping, and drops back in at the exact point of the track as if it hadn’t been touched. To either side of this section are two brushed aluminum strips known as the Kontrol section, which house the external mic controls, master and booth output knobs, the all-new Macro FX controls, two additional knobs labeled deck C and D, which can be used to control the volume on the Remix Decks, knobs for loop controls and below all this, a bank of four numbered, multicoloured push pad buttons assigned to control cue points and Remix Decks. The headphone and cue section are just beneath this. The layout is simplistic and uncluttered - the shiny mid section looks like the S2 with the track browse and deck load buttons taking up the top slot. ![]() The two main fader channels each have a dedicated three-band EQ, and filter knobs. The faders that come with the Z2 are the short throw versions, but DJs wanting to can upgrade/update these to long throw varieties. The buttons and knobs feel like an upgrade from the already decent knobs on the S4, and the faders are class, with Native going for the rather cool-yet-premium Innofader brand. ![]() An aircraft-grade aluminium chassis gives the unit a reassuring sturdy feel, the build quality is excellent and the weight of the mixer is just the right side of heavy to promote the feeling of quality. Minimalist, considering how much this one mixer can do. The Z2 looks like a Native product: shiny, black, slick. Lift up the protective polystyrene covering and there it is, in all its beauty. Open up the box, and sitting on top of the packaging are two MKII Traktor timecode vinyl discs and two timecode CDs, the all-important licensing and download documents for installing the new version of Traktor Scratch Pro 2. Unpacking the Z2 is a pleasing experience. It is the ultimate controller, borrowing its steer from the other controllers in the family, the S2 and the S4. Native are aiming this mixer at the heart of the scene by making it a true hybrid to be used by any DJ, whether they employ conventional turntables and CDJ decks or make use of Native’s Traktor. ![]() ![]() Whilst looking forward into the future but also recognising the essentials of the past, Native have turned their attentions to the humble DJ mixer, with their first foray into this side of the market. Their promotional videos showed the world what could be achieved with digital DJing gear and proved that DJing skills are still essential at any good show. They put performance back into the market place when the scene was on the verge of digital DJing boredom. Their X1 controller was a game changer, followed up by the S4, S2, and F1 controllers - all great products that were intended to make performing and the DJ's life so much easier. Their Traktor software has been one of the industry standards for an age. Native Instruments make cool DJ gear, simple as that.
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