I have an f1 and i use it all the time, i have pages and pages of instant EFX on there! but to use it i need to bring a powered USB hub because the stupid macbooks only have 2 usb ports.
You don’t need a powered hub. I’ve got a 7 port hub with a power adapter and can run two X1s and an F1 in it without power as long as the audio interface is plugged into the MBP.
I sometimes use the Z1 + X1MK2 setup at an indie gig I have.
I love the simplicity. I have no need for anything else playing indie, retro and indie-dance type stuff.
I’ve remapped a few functions on the X1. The yellow knobs act as tempo faders.
I’ve thought about getting one, but I just don’t think I’d have fun using it for the money. That being said, I’ve definitely done parties at a friend’s house with a pair of X1s, an LPD8 (as a mixer), and an Audio 2…which is technically more limited. But, it was also damn-near free because I already had all of the pieces.
There’s certainly something to be said for simplicity.
Karlos, why are you not using sync for those gigs? (honestly curious)
I do and don’t use sync.
The gig is at an Indie/Alternative club. I’m playing stuff like The Kinks, Rolling Stones through New Wave, current Indie (Arctic Monkeys etc), Soul and Motown so sync isn’t that useful, I’m just dropping intros although I beatmatch some of it where it’s possible.
I also play Indie Dance at this gig, LCD Soundsystem, Hot Chip, New Order etc so I use sync when playing that kind of stuff.
To be honest I’ve been taking my S4MK2 recently. Dunno why, genuinely, it’s total overkill.
Sometimes overkill is fun. But, it is really weird to use a 4-deck controller just because there aren’t any 2-deck controllers with those one or two features you need/want. For how I plan on using it, I’d prefer a 2-deck DDJ-SX for that setup…but I’m not aware of a good 2-deck version.
Used my Z1 and an X1mk2 for a number of gigs, and I’ve even done a couple of mappings so that I can use both of my X1mk2 with the Z1 for 4 deck control as I don’t really use many effects so I’ve used the extra X1 knobs for gain, EQ, filter and volume on decks C&D.
I bring the Z1 and X1MK2 to friends’ houses, small parties, vacations… Pretty much everywhere. Love using these two little monsters for simple gigs. So portable and such easy setup… If I don’t have to lug the PA’s and subs around with them.
I use a X1 Mk2 and Z2 mixer at the moment, my CDJ-400s are pretty much just gathering dust except when I take them around to a mates place for back-to-back sessions wtih CDs and USBs. Might grab a Z1 down the track, see how I go.
I wish a Z4 was in the works, but a low-profile Z4, kind of like a mix between the Z1 and the CMD MM-1. I don’t always mix 4 decks, but I love the flexibility. I’m also getting rid of my S4 Mk1 if those mods would approve my Buy/Sell post…
I use a Z1 with a set of dicers and Traktor Pro at home for recording. The Dicers are mapped to the Cue button, Play/Pause Button, Loop controls, and hot cues. I will eventually pick up an X1 to replace the Dicers.
I’ll be honest though, I can’t ever see myself using the Z1 at a gig, even with an X1. It’s just too simple/small; I am far too attached to the DJM-800/900 layout. I am also not ready to go 100% digital for gigs and like having CDJs. When I do use digital live I use Serato Scratch Live and it’s really just a huge digital record crate I do all of the performance stuff on the hardware… EQ and fader tricks, cue drumming, etc.
TL;DR, love the Z1 at home… can’t bring myself to use it outside the house.
Check the power output from your laptops USB ports. Often you get higher power output from one than the other, especially with newer ultrabooks where you get a usb3 port. I’m happily running an x1 and f1 through a tiny unpowered hub from my Aspire S7, and an audio2 in the other USB. I contacted NI direct and they confirmed that I should be fine before I started doing it, so I’d definitely check your laptop
So, I’m seriously considering getting one of these at some point. My wife isn’t a fan of dance music (sad, I know) and my gear is currently in our bedroom. It might be nice to have something to put at my desk in another room.
Ugh…too many toys. I need to sell one of my bikes or something so I won’t feel bad about it all.
