Mixers to Buy: DJM T1, Native Instruments Z2, or DJ TECH DIFS-1S
Well mostly I need a new mixer as all my collection has turned from Vinyl To Digital… (so sad)
Right now I have been using an old DJM (I believe 350) for years now, really learning to DJ.
Now i want some big boy toys
Right now im leaning toward the T1 because it is a pioneer, and I just used to the layout, but i kinda like the simplicity of the DJ Tech Mixer (and the price). Convince me to get the Z2, I think it looks unprofessional cause of the colors, but DJ Craze killed it on one.
Patch helped to convince me to purchase the Z2. I’ve had mine for a couple of weeks and love it. Before that I had 1210s and a Xone 22 w/traktor sound card. Wanted to tidy it up and get more functionality so I went with the Z2. Not looking back.
I was on the fence because I feel a newer version could be coming, but I said screw that, and went with the Z2. Very happy with my purchase. Look for a deal and try it out. Z2 is on a price reduction so you can save money and buy new, or look for a deal like I did and save more on ebay.
sorry to necro an old thread, but I got the Dj Tech DIFS-1S, and altho it seemed like a well put together mixer I think i could spend a little more and get something that has more features. (The cuts were great with this and I really thought using effects on the laptop would be easy but…)
Oh and I should say I have a pair of 1200’s that I am using as well.
So I returned the DIFS-1S and am looking at DJM-T1, and NI Z2. Im literally 50-50 on these mixers.
Honestly I like the pioneer brand better (prolly cause I have it now but i always saw pioneers in the club so), but have heard more good things about the Z2.
One thing that is scaring me about the Z2 is I heard it cannot be a standalone mixer? I do have some vinyls so it would be great to play an original vinyl set without connecting to a computer.
I really wanna know what separates the Z2 from the DJM, because it does seem like more commercial DJ’s used the Z2, but that could all be promotional stuff.
Would love to hear from Dr. Easy and Patch first hand experiences with the Z2.
I dont have the budget to get CDJ’s and nor do I really want to, so getting a DJM 800 is kinda outta question, plus I would have to replace a traktor scratch I just sold. So if you do want to suggest another mixer I am open to that, but keep in mind im not trying to go to CDJ, and my budget is a little tight, max 600.
The Z2 can be a standalone mixer, but go with the Pioneer. I finally got to play around on one and OMG smooth as silk. The pad placement and just everything about the mixer felt more like being at home. Coming from prefering my pmc series vestax and ninja mixer, I was surprised to find something make me feel as comfortable. If I had the extra skrill, Id buy one.
Obviously I’m biased but I would also look at Denon X600+NI X1 combo (disadvantage is you don’t get a TSP licence and if you’re on Mac you have to use a Traktor certification hack for DVS) because of build and sound quality, external FX, send/returns and modular approach.
with both Z2 and T1 you can mix real vinyl, but yes - they are designed to be used as a midi controller for Traktor (internal mixing) and not so much as standalone mixer.
First hand experience – the Z2 is great. Disclaimer – i haven’t tried the other two you were looking at. And in fact the only pioneer I have played on in my friends DJM 900 and that is more than what I need.
I have had the Z2 for a month and a half or so and it’s great. No complaints. I play with the Z2, my technics, and a 3d/twister combination. They work seamlessly together. The mixer was definitely well thought out. Build quality is fantastic. And it does everything I need it do to in Traktor and probably more that I haven’t uncovered. I don’t have a need to look elsewhere. And if my thoughts come true that NI drops a new version in a couple of months – it would have to blow my mind away for me to look at upgrading.
But just as everyone else says on the forums, try em both. Good luck man.
Yo thank y’all I’mma just try to look for one of these z2s in the wild? Do they still have them at guitar center?
I think the recent(ish) price drop of the z2 has more people reviewing them now
but pioneers mixers are in every place I have ever seen so I’m just gonna go with that if I see one on eBay.
