Z2 vs S4
I’ve been watching a few videos on the Z2 lately, and with me using my Technics all the time these days I have to say I’m tempted to swap my S4 for one. Has anyone else swapped their S4 for the Z2, if you have.Was you glad you did or did you regret it? I dont really play out doing giggs no more so that shouldn’t be a problem not having the controller
I’ve only used one VERY briefly, but in my opinion its one of the best pieces of kit out there, and THE best for vinyl DVS. It’s no secret I’m a big fan of Traktor’s internal mixing, and the Z2 (and the Z1 for that matter) is an ALMOST perfect control surface for it. The only way it could be improved, imo, is with a 4 channel version.
The one thing I will say, however, is that if you DO get a Z2, I’d add an X1 MK2 as well. That’ll give you access to all 3 FX knobs (not just the 1 macro FX knob on the Z2), 8 cuepoints per deck without switching pages (4 on the Z2, 4 on the X1), separate loop/move encoders, and a toggle button for the filter (much more accurate than re-centering the knob with a flick - it’s VERY easy to over or undershoot and leave the filter on.
The S4 is okay, but the jogwheels are superfluous with TTs and it’s basically a giant slab of (ridiculously light) plastic. The Z2 is chunkier and feels more robust, plus even with an addition Z2 its still more compact than an S4.
…but the S4 is also the best of both worlds. You can use it with turntables with no need for an extra X1/F1 and you can use it as an all in one for gigs where decks are not available.
If you buy an X1 too you may as well get a decent mixer made to last, rather than the plastic (just like the S4) Z2. The faceplate will get scratched up, markings will last maybe a few months, and the plastic pots will start to wear out soon after that.
Lots of pro dj equipment uses plastic pots and if you’re putting that much strain on your knobs with normal use you need to tone it down. The only downside I see is traveling which is a non-issue if you carry it in an appropriate case. NI also replaces the faceplate with a less shiny/scratch prone faceplate for free. Additionally you can adjust the filters and eq knobs without affecting the output signal if you hold shift. Once you let it go the filter/eqs will instantly jump to the new position. This works in internal and external mode. - sincerely a Z2 owner
This is it, if I was too swap and I got a gig I’d have nothing to play on unless I could take the z2 and my turntables.. Easy throwing the s4 and laptop into my magma back packams beoimg good to go, altho I’ve turned 2 gigs down this week for different reasons
If you get an x1 mk1 or 2 in addition to the z2 you could do a whole set without anything else. I plan on getting an x1 and a pelican case for my z2 for gigs where I can’t use tt’s or cdj’s. Eventually I want to get a audio 6 too so I have a completely modular setup and can choose I how want to play my set in any given situation.
I’ve been down the x1 route before, can’t DJ just like that, need jog wheels or turn tables, thats why I got the s4
I use a Z2 paired with 2 midi fighters. Never looked back to any other set up, Ill be using these for a long while.
You could always look at a small modular platter controller like the Behringer CMD PL-1 or Denon SC2000. It seems like it comes down to you whether you want the feel of a real mixer vs a midi contoller. Personal preference really. If you at least want the option of being able to play out in the most convenient form factor with jogs, sticking with the s4 is probably your best bet.
The original X1 is very different to the MK2; the touchstrip is FAR more useful than a rotary encoder for skipping through tracks, but unless you’re playing hip-hop you REALLY don’t need jogwheels or platters. Just remember to set yourself 8 cuepoints and you’re golden.
I’m up in Warrington later this week mate so if you want a few quick pointers to jog-less sets pop down for a drink before my gig 
I think it’s at Chevy’s but I’ll let you know closer to the time.
I prefer the Z2 with 1200s but that’s the way I scratch and beat juggle - its a better fader and the tables are closer together that way. I like choosing whether to each of the other Kontrollers.
However, that said, the new S4 works with iOS, so if one were in my current, computer-less situation it could potentially be useful.
I like having jog wheels or turntables myself, don’t like just knobs and buttons. I went from cdjs to 2 X1’s, then added a vci-300 into the mix, then realised what I needed was the s4, rather than have 3 controllers I couldjust have the 1, iI’m more than happy with the s4 must always use my technics with it now and liked the idea of the Z2.
I sold the S4 to get the Z2 and never looked back. As a mixer imho it’s a better workflow and as a digital device to control DVS the Z2 is far superior. No messing about with mic channels, no fuss between real vinyl and time code and I’ve never had the time code signal coming through the output channel which seemed to be a common hazard with the S4 which nearly ruined 2 gigs.
The S4 is a good controller; but its not a good hybrid mixer for DVS or real vinyl, the Z2 (for me) bridges the gap between controllerism and turntablism. I don’t find “2+2” gives me a problem mixing, if anything now I’ve got to grips with the F1 it’s made my life simpler, I don’t feel I need to try and run 4 decks at once anymore which is a good thing, nobody dancing notices your doing 4 decks anyway.
I’ve changed my set up and workflow quite a lot recently, the Z2 and 1210’s are the foundations the whole lot is built on, if the MBP goes tits up halfway through the night (can happen… as plenty of threads on here demonstrate) I’ll always have enough vinyl ready to finish a set, cant do that with an S4 and a bust laptop.
The new Z2 replacement face plate is metal, and clicks on as a direct replacement for the gloss plastic version, this solves the markings rubbing out issue, I’ve got the new one, just haven’t got round to fitting it yet. I’m fairly hard on my Z2 and so far, have not had a problem with the pots, but I have had the cross fader knob fly off when scratching (trying to scratch is a probably more accurate description) :0
Ideal scenario would be too keep the s4and buy a z2 haha, or sell s4 and buy s2 and z2 lol…can’t see that happening thjo somehow haha
Could you post a picture of the new faceplate sometime? I had no idea they were replacing the gloss with metal.
Here you go, new one sat on top of the original, the gloss finish looks nice when clean but the metal finish will last and wont show grubby fingerprints.
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Thanks. It’s a little strange that they went ahead with gloss again for the Z1 and S2/4 Mk2s.
Cost..?
Also the S4 and Z1 both have the screen printing underneath the cover so they wont rub off which was the issue with the Z2.
Lol at giving Paul lessons.
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Doesn’t matter how many cue points you have, some people just like having jog wheels.
Its a massive misnomer that if you don’t play hip hop you don’t need jog wheels. It’s personal choice. It’s not that we ‘NEED’ them it’s more like we ‘WANT’ them and enjoy them.
I could not do with out them at my open format gigs. They aren’t just for cuing up.
And if you are using turntables is another story again. A lot of people like to DJ without sync when using decks.
I have a little attic gig and I was using a Z1 an X1 on their own and yeah it was fun and great little setup but now that I have an S2MK2 i have been using that as its not that much bigger than the Z1&X1 setup and now I have jog wheels.
