Skip to main content
  • Traktor Z1 MK2 Manual
  • Using the Z1 with Traktor

Using the Z1 with Traktor

Abstract

The Z1 MK2 is designed to be used with the Traktor Pro software. It enables direct control of key Traktor functions.

In this chapter, we will describe how the Z1's key functions operate when using Traktor.

Note

Refer to the Traktor Manual in case you are uncertain about specific Traktor functionality.

Note

The Z1 is a two-channel mixer controller. Therefore, some of the control possibilities are limited to only Decks A and B and are not available for Decks C and D.

A Word about Traktor…

If you are not already a proficient Traktor user, you might want to refer to the Traktor Manual as you read this chapter.

We assume that you have a basic understanding of many Traktor concepts such as Decks, Deck Flavors and configurations, looping, cue points, and so on. In addition, you should understand how Traktor's mixer and effects (FX) work.

Of course, you can operate the Z1 without using Traktor's rich feature set. But you will certainly be rewarded for taking a little time to learn more about the Traktor software so that you can get the most out of the Z1 as well.

Key Z1 Functions Using Traktor

Although you are no doubt eager to get straight into mixing with the Z1, we recommend taking a few minutes to familiarize yourself with how the Z1's key functions operate when you are using Traktor.

Deck Volume Controls and Crossfader

The Z1 is essentially a two-channel mixer controller. The two channel faders control the volume of Decks A and B in the TRAKTOR software while when using the ☰ button gives you access to Decks C and D as well . The crossfader allows you switch between the output of the left and right Deck. Therefore, If the crossfader is all the way to the left, you will only hear the left Deck (if the volume fader is turned up). If it is all the way to the right, you will hear the right Deck (if its volume control is turned up).

Adjusting Channel Gain

The channel GAIN knob is located at the top of the Z1's channel filter and EQ sections.

The channel GAIN knob can be operated in two viewing modes: User-Gain level and Auto-Gain level. In User-Gain level viewing mode, turning the GAIN knob on the controller simultaneously moves the GAIN knob in the Traktor software.

Here's what the two modes display:

  • User-Gain level: This is the default mode within Traktor. A blue indicator ring around the knob indicates that you are in this viewing mode. Turning the GAIN knob on the Z1 will change the mixer channel gain, which has a range of −inf to +12dB.

    Note

    User-Gain level is not stored in your song file.

  • Auto-Gain level: Clicking the button next to the label activates Auto-Gain level viewing mode, the label then displays AUTO. When on, the knob shows the Auto-Gain level stored with your song file during track analysis (upon importing the track to the Library). Changing the Auto-Gain level on the software will also write this new Auto-Gain setting to the song file.However, turning the GAIN knob on the Z1, will still alter the User-Gain level, not the Auto-Gain level.

Note

Auto-Gain can be activated in the preferences via Mixer > Level > Set Autogain When Loading Track. Refer to the Traktor manual for further information on Auto-Gain.

EQ and Stems Mode

The Z1 MK2 offers you direct control over 3 EQ bands when the channel is set to EQ mode EQ_Icon.png. If a Stem track is loaded the Stem Mode becomes available via its dedicated button Stems_Icon.png. In this mode the Gain as well as the 3 EQ bands become your controls of the 4 available Stems in Traktor.

EQ Mode

This is the default mode for each channel. Turning any of the knobs counter clockwise will attenuate the corresponding frequency (High, Mid, Low). Turning any of the knobs clockwise will boost the corresponding frequency. Keeping a knob at 12 o clock position results in the corresponding frequency band to remain neutral.

Stems Mode

In this mode the Gain Knob will control the Drums Stem, the Hi Knob will control the Bass Stem, the Mid Knob will control the Other Stem and the Low Knob will control the Vocal Stem. Turning any of the knobs fully counterclockwise will result in lowering the corresponding stem to 0% volume. Turning any of the knobs fully counterclockwise will result in setting the corresponding stem to 100% volume.

Headphone Cueing

The Headphone_Icon.png VOL knob located on the top panel of the Z1 adjusts the volume levels of the headphone output. The Headphone_Icon.png MIX knob determines whether you hear the main mix only, the cue channel only, or both signals in your headphones.

Cueing a track in your headphones works in the following way:

  1. Load Decks A and B each with a track.

  2. Click the play button on both Decks to begin playback.

  3. Turn the Headphone_Icon.png MIX knob to the center position.

  4. Set the headphone volume to a comfortable level by adjusting the Headphone_Icon.png VOL knob.

  5. With the channel faders up, move the crossfader back and forth to hear one track, then the other.

  6. Move the crossfader all the way to channel A so that you are only hearing the track on Deck A. At the same time bring the channel volume fader all the way down for channel B.

  7. Press the Channel B Cue button Headphone_Icon.png below the Headphone_Icon.png MIX knob.

The button lights up, indicating that Deck B is now sent to the Cue channel, which you now hear in the headphones. Note that now, no matter where you move the crossfader, you will still hear Deck B, because its cue is on.

  • Press the Channel B Cue button again to toggle it off and press Channel A Cue button.

You will now hear the track playing on Deck A, no matter what position the crossfader is in. This is due to the fact that Deck A's Cue button is on, and the Headphone_Icon.png MIX knob is still in the center position.

  1. Press both Cue buttons so that they are both active (illuminated).

  2. Turn the Headphone_Icon.png MIX knob all the way to the left.

  3. Now toggle the two Cue buttons on and off. Notice that when both Cue buttons are off (unilluminated), there is no signal at all coming through the headphones.

  4. Press both Cue buttons so that they are off.

  5. Turn the Headphone_Icon.png MIX knob all the way to the right. If the channel faders are up you will be able to hear the main mix coming through your headphones.

    Note

    Notice that when both channel faders are down, there is no signal at all coming through the headphones.

  6. Move the crossfader from one side to the other to hear the main mix in the headphone cue.

Note

Remember that no matter what mix you are hearing in your headphones, the main mix is still controlled by the crossfader and channel faders.

Mixer Effects

The Z1 contains a FX knob above each of its channel faders, and a corresponding ON button. Additionally to these controls the Z1 offers 4 Mixer FX shortcut buttons as well as a Filter only button in between the FX Knobs.

  • To activate the FX function, press the ON button so it illuminates blue.

Note

Press the ON button again to turn the EFFECT function off. The button will become dimmed when in the off state.

Using Traktor's Mixer FX with the Z1 MK2

  1. Press the 1 button to change the Mixer FX control to control the first Mixer Effect stored in Mixer FX Slot 1 (Reverb by default).

  2. Press the FX ON button to turn on the Reverb Effect.

The ON button will become backlit to indicate the Reverb Effect is active.

  • Turn the FX Knob clockwise to dial in the Reverb paired with a Highpass Filter or turn the FX Knob counterclockwise to dial in a Reverb paired with a Lowpass Filter.

Tip

The Effects linked to the 1-4 buttons can be customized in the Traktor Preferences on the Mixer Page under Mixer FX.

Controlling Decks C and D

While per default the Z1 MK2 channels give you access to Traktor Channels A and B, the controls can be switched to control Channels C and D as well.

  1. Press the ☰ button to switch from Channels A and B to C and D.

  2. The center display at the top reflects your current assignment.

  3. Press the ☰ button again to switch back to Channels A and B.

Using the Traktor Z1 MK2 as a MIDI Controller

The Z1 also functions as an efficient MIDI controller with third-party software. To switch the Z1 into MIDI mode:

  1. Press the --- button together with the ☰ to switch to MIDI mode (the center display will display MIDI MODE).

  2. Press the --- button together with the ☰ again to switch back to Traktor mode.

For more information on this usage, refer to the Native Instruments Knowledge Base.

Using Additional Controllers

The Z1 is designed specifically as a portable and professional mixer solution. When using the Z1 with your computer you can easily connect additional controllers such as the Traktor X1 MK3 for even more hands-on control of the Traktor software.