NI Z1 + X1 MKII or CMD setup? What would you choose and why?
Just looking for some input. Really having a tough time deciding as I don’t really know the pros and cons to the CMD series. I have read the CMD thread but have not seen any input comparing it to the CMD series.
Who has what, and why do you like it. Even if it is based off of the X1 MKII video floating around.
Which CMD controllers would you get? Need to know that to make a comparison.
Here in the UK you can get 3 CMD controllers for the same price as 2 NI ones… would you get 2 or 3?
For Traktor?
If you can afford it, I would personally go for two X1 MK2’s and a real mixer with integrated sound card.
The X1 MK2’s are great (I just upgraded from MK1’s a week ago), and are purpose built for Traktor by the manufacturer of the software… the integration is flawless.
Why no Z1? It’s neat looking, but nothing beats the feel of a “real” DJ mixer. It’s also more versatile, if you ever want to play with others they can plug in their gear and play with you. Something like the DJM-900 is expensive, but so so nice.
I have also heard reports of some people being unhappy with the sound quality out of Traktors software mixer versus using an outboard mixer.
I like the X1 mk2 a lot. It’s all the deck control you would need for two decks for mixing (but not for scratching / beat juggling). I agree with Ryan that a proper mixer is better than either the Z1 or a comparable controller. However, I disagree that you need two to start off with - you can grab one and then decide if you would like a second one.
You can certainly make do with just one.
It’s nice to have the physicality of “left-right” though 
I think the Z1 has had some very unfair criticism since it launched. No, it doesn’t feel like a hardware mixer; but it doesn’t really need to. For me, it just emphasizes the whole “modular” feel. If you’re using modular controllers with a “real” mixer it feels - to me - like the modular controllers are second class citizens compared to the mixer; with the Z1, it feels like your entire setup is on the same level.
'tis awesome.
Is there any reason to get a Z1 over an MM1 though? Unless you plan on using it with TDJ of course. The MM1 is cheaper, 4 channel, powered USB hub, dedicated filter and transport controls. If I was just starting out and wanted a budget modular set up, the CMD line is hard to beat.
The MM1 + Audio 2 is only £20 more than the Z1, and gives you full Traktor Pro as well as the extra channels and hub.
Build quality and audio interface. The Z1’s AI is pretty awesome; got mine down to around 5ms at my residency last Saturday; plus the oversized filter knobs (with the toggle buttons) are great for me as I primarily use HPF/LPF for transitions.
Don’t get me wrong; the CMD line are still good products, but the Z1 has the edge as a mixer.
Yeah, the audio interface is a huge reason. I’d actually have to play with it to believe the build quality is better going off NI’s other hardware.
i cant find anywhere in the the uk selling the MM1 yet???
The MM-1 has a better faceplate than the Z1 (brushed aluminium vs scratch-friendly glossy plastic). Having a separate interface like the Audio 2 also means you’re not tied down to a specific mixer/controller.
Thomann in Germany has them and ships to the uk cheap/fast.
One thing the Z1 does have is the level meters show each channel individually, which means you can level better at cue stage.
Well it will most likely be traktor based but I am confused as which would be a better setup. When it comes to the CMD line, it doesn’t matter, I will buy one of each if I have too.
Personally I would get the CMD MM-1 and an X1 Mk2 and an F1 to go with it.
That would be pretty much my perfect setup for midi/internal mixing.
I like that the MM-1 gives you 4 deck control which the Z1 does not.
Other than that though I would go with the NI controllers since they have tighter integration with Traktor. Only reason to get the CMDs instead of these in my opinion is if the budget is tight.
My “compact” setup is a A&H Xone K2 and NI Kontol X1/F1.
As a small MIDI mixer with built in sound cards for Traktor the Xone K2 is great 
I have two Behringer CMD Pl-1’s in my regular setup but after trying out the new X1 Mk2 I think the Behringers have to go.
The MM-1 also has dual VU which can be mapped separately to any two deck at a time.