Starting Out
Hi, Hope this is in the right place but I want to get started with DJing, and I wondered what a good place to start would be, I would like it to be controller based, I was thinking maybe the NI Traktor Kontrol Z1, does it come with a copy of traktor? Thanks
Jake
The Z1 does come bundled with Traktor LE (this isn’t the full version of the software). Given that you’re just starting out it might make sense to download the demo of Traktor and get accustomed to the software with that before buying the Z1.
Ok thanks, are there any good tutorials you recommend to get me started?
Yes, pick the software you want to use before getting the controller. Serato and Traktor are the most popular and both have free demo downloads.
Ellaskins on Youtube has some really good tutorials, both for traktor and DJing in general:
The LE version is okay for starting out, but you definitely want to get Pro.
You could wait for a special though. Currently Traktor Pro is free with purchase of an X1 MK2, and IIRC the Z1 also had that offer available a while ago.
I think the deals change on a monthly basis, but they also have weekly specials too.
Thanks for all your responses will look at the videos and hang on for some offers!
I would recommend getting an F1 with DJ Endo’s Traktor 4-deck mapping. I have used Ableton for years and saw his youtube video and was immediately sold on the F1 and Traktor. Best part is you can upgrade to anything and still use your F1. I personally bought a second F1 and use the Tekken effects mapping and am having so much fun I don’t plan to upgrade unless a Z4 or something crazy comes out.
…although you can’t actually DJ with the SSL/SDJ demos. They only allow one deck.
Are you certain? I think my friend uses Serato DJ Intro to DJ (2 decks) and the webpage doesn’t say anything about only one deck being allowed? I might be missing something, though.
DJ Intro requires a compatible Serato controller to work. You can’t use any version of Serato without their hardware connected.
I can speak from personal experience that the Z1 will probably not satiate your needs for long if you decide to go that route. I’d suggest something in the similar price range but with jogs and tempo faders if possible, like a cheap Numark or Denon. The Z1 is nice to throw in your bag and bring to say classes or something if you’re always on the go, but yeah it’s extremely limiting even for a newbie. I basically only use mine to screw around on the train now, the fact that it has no load or browse functions is definitely a huuuge con. A cheap Numark or something would be much better to learn with since there’s more actual functions to control.
Depends on what sort of music you play though too I guess. If you’re just mixing say big room electro straight across all you need is two decks and sync. I got into techno and minimal though where even on 4 decks now I feel limited… so think ahead!
Using just a Z1 is a non-traditional style of DJ’n, and I wouldn’t suggest investing in it with no prior experience. I would definitely agree with others that have said try using a demo for awhile, and then you’ll have a better idea of what controller(s) suit your needs
I know this isn’t what you originally asked but…
Inbox me on here or if you don’t have Facebook just send me a private message on here (I see that you are new to this site - welcome and if you don’t know how to do this just click on my name on the left here and it should come up with it). However, I check Facebook more than I do forums.
Basically, I can help you with almost anything with DJing… The skills, the industry, equipment, gigging and more… I am still classed as a beginner, I’ve only been DJing for over 3 and a half years now however I can teach you the basics and I would be more than happy to.
Hit me up if interested 
Fair enough, thanks for clearing it up.