Traktor z2 or pioneer djm@@@ or s4?

DJ Life & Community General Discussion
1

Traktor z2 or pioneer djm@@@ or s4?

Hi all,

I’m looking to improve my home setup. Currently I just use a midi controller (x1 and vcm100) and mix inside traktor but I’m looking to get something that feels a little bit better quality and maybe more like a traditional turntable and mixer set up. That said, I’m not really interested in having a dvs system as this is only something I do for fun at home, although in the future I might like to add a single turntable (for sampling and playback only). I have been considering the following:

  • traktor z2 (especially now it’s on sale)
    I would use my x1 for transport etc. and I believe it can be used a standalone hardware mixer.

  • pioneer djm@@@ (or similar quality mixer)
    Not sure which but something with a built in sound card and midi mapping capabilities. The appeal here is just how solid these mixers feel (I had a traditional set up back in the day) and I guess the flexibility in the future.

  • s4
    These look great but I get a slight feeling that they’re a bit ‘toy’ like and obviously it can’t act as a standalone mixer for just turntable playback.

I’d be interested in hearing everyone’s opinions.

Peace

2

What is your budget?

3

You won’t get much of an upgrade in build quality from your VCM with any of NI’s hardware.

4

Juntao: Budget is pretty flexible - $500-1000

Makar1: That’s what I’m worried about and why I’m considering the mixer route

5

I have a Z2 and its absolutely bombproof. I couldn’t support this mixer any more than I already do. If you like a modular type setup buy a Z2 and a second X1 and you have a very proven setup.

6

And now it’s $200 off.

7

This. I was actually lucky enough to find it for $599 CAD about a year ago. Right place at the right time I guess.

Also there really isn’t a better feeling than using a stand alone mixer. They just rock. For the price of a Traktor certified DJM mixer you could buy a Z2 and like $1100 worth of beer. (That’s real math).

8

I like your math. I’d take that any day.

9

The DJM T1 is at most $100 more than the Z2. If you want a proper standalone mixer and go for an 850 at $1300, that’s still only $700 more.

10

Even with a Z2 all the mixing is done inside Traktor, Its effectivly a controller with DVS capability. The DJM T1 mixes externally and has traktor certification along with very similar functionality to the Z2.

11

How about an Allen&Heath Xone mixer and soundcard? Absolutly love my 42!

12

Since you own the X1 and won’t go the DVS route consider the Denon X600 :wink:
It’s like/or better than DJM-T1 in terms of build quality, has even some standard FX integrated (thank god for delay with 1/2 beat) and a proper send/return loop.

13

Not according to Pio’s website. But yes I understand it could be found for cheaper, and $700 is a LOT of green. (Or brown if you’re Canadian :wink: )

14

The 850 is a lot more mixer than a Z2. The T1 gives you many more controls at around the same price - even after the Z2 price drop.

15

What about a denon DN-X1600? Seems like a good mixer also

16

How do the fx on the Djm and Denon mixers compare to those in traktor? What do people prefer?

17

Traktor wins vs. the DJMs in my opinion and pretty easily. There are more effects and a lot more parameters to control, but I’m not really a big effect head.

18

Agree. I’m a newly owner of a z2 and it’s a dream. Especially if you use Traktor. I combine it with an x1 mk1 for grid prep and track prep(mapped) F1 for fx(mapped) and a x1mk2 for playback(just mapped the preview player, aside from that it’s the regular x1mk2 mapping.

This works miracles. Full controll along with my 2 sl1210s.

19

DJM T1. Fuck the Z2. Full effects control with the T1, only limited control on the Z2.

20

Ross
I couldn’t agree more.
I love my DJM T1.