What was losely mentioned but couldn't be stated enough is that the inclusion of full Traktor Pro 4 software priced at €150,- makes this package an absolute steal. Especially because Traktor, unlike most DJ software nowadays, is subscription-free, which is a godsend.
I had the old X1, Z1 and F1 and loved using them. Traktor was my first DJ software, though these controllers found new life when used with Virtual DJ. VDJ has been my go-to because of their implementation of STEMS, their out of the box support for Video and the customizability and versatility to be able to route sound through any audio device or a number of devices and support virtually every controller under the sun. I bought the X1 Mk3 and just got the Z1 Mk2 due to relatively low price of entry and apparent quality to see if I should try to dabble back in Traktor. My reasoning was that even if I still didn't like Traktor, I could use the controllers with VDJ at smaller gigs. While VDJ did not initially have Z1 Mk2 support, they have since added it and it works fine similar to how it would work in Traktor. I've been wanting to go back to Traktor to see the improved features including the variable beat grid and their implementation of STEMS (it's ironic that they were the first to integrate STEMS into their software almost 10 years ago yet fell behind in the past 6+ years). I can't say that I am using it yet for live gigs. I stream with Virtual DJ, Serato and Rekordbox since they all support my XDJ-XZ and all pretty seamlessly support the Pioneer CDJs and Mixers at the clubs, but I plan to do a stream with the Z1/X1 combo using Traktor. We'll see how that goes, though it would make sense to also use it with my S8 that's collecting dust.
I used the mk2 for over 3 years for my mixed music nights in clubs. Loved the ease of plugging into any mixer and just getting started. best introduction to DJing for its low price
Quality is bang on, amazing starting point for anyone looking to start on their journey. Add a Z1 Mk.2 and it all fits in a very small bag too. Just need a new F1 Mk.3 and I'll be very happy. I started out with Traktor 2, tried all the others but came back to Traktor with the S4 Mk.3. Traktor is just so logical for me and the fact that it's not subscription is brilliant. The X1 and Z1 make fine ultra portable tools on their own but can also double as a backup to my S4. Hats off to Native Instruments for their latest offerings. Good review Jamie, covered all the features in a well paced video 😀
I bought one at the beginning of the month, they told me that they don't have stock, I contacted support they told me they take 2 weeks, I asked for the cancellation and they don't give me an answer. The official support of native instruments is terrible. The review is good. But I wanted to share my bad experience with Native Instruments so that it doesn't happen to someone else.
X1 has no build in soundcard and native instruments does not even produce dj soundcards anymore.. the dont care about working pro djs anymore. This unit is overprices for what it is as well
Are you sure these are not Australian dollars you're referring to? Because in Europe they sell for €245 as do they do in dollars in the US. Which would roughly translate to the price you mentioned in Australian currency.
I don’t understand the point of it. It doesn’t have a specialist use that it does better than a conventional DJ setup, and the normal DJ functions it has are more difficult and counterintuitive than a normal setup. I can’t preview my tracks in my headphones? I have to scroll through tiny screens and menus to select my effects? Why reinvent the wheel?
Compre uno a principio de mes, me contestaron que no tienen stock, contacte el soporte me dijeron demoran 2 semanas, pedi la cancelacion y no me dan respuesta. El soporte oficial de native instruments es malisimo. Esta bueno el review. Pero queria compartir mi mala experiencia con Native Instruments para que no le pase a otra persona.
It's a great modular platform for mobile DJ's who travel (via airplanes). But when you think about how you would connect to a PA system, that's when it starts to get complicated. For me, I just carry the Traktor Kontrol S5, or a Komplete Audio 6 interface and the F1 controller. Either way, I still really enjoy this little controller.
What was losely mentioned but couldn't be stated enough is that the inclusion of full Traktor Pro 4 software priced at €150,- makes this package an absolute steal. Especially because Traktor, unlike most DJ software nowadays, is subscription-free, which is a godsend.
I had the old X1, Z1 and F1 and loved using them. Traktor was my first DJ software, though these controllers found new life when used with Virtual DJ. VDJ has been my go-to because of their implementation of STEMS, their out of the box support for Video and the customizability and versatility to be able to route sound through any audio device or a number of devices and support virtually every controller under the sun. I bought the X1 Mk3 and just got the Z1 Mk2 due to relatively low price of entry and apparent quality to see if I should try to dabble back in Traktor. My reasoning was that even if I still didn't like Traktor, I could use the controllers with VDJ at smaller gigs.
While VDJ did not initially have Z1 Mk2 support, they have since added it and it works fine similar to how it would work in Traktor. I've been wanting to go back to Traktor to see the improved features including the variable beat grid and their implementation of STEMS (it's ironic that they were the first to integrate STEMS into their software almost 10 years ago yet fell behind in the past 6+ years). I can't say that I am using it yet for live gigs. I stream with Virtual DJ, Serato and Rekordbox since they all support my XDJ-XZ and all pretty seamlessly support the Pioneer CDJs and Mixers at the clubs, but I plan to do a stream with the Z1/X1 combo using Traktor. We'll see how that goes, though it would make sense to also use it with my S8 that's collecting dust.
I used the mk2 for over 3 years for my mixed music nights in clubs. Loved the ease of plugging into any mixer and just getting started. best introduction to DJing for its low price
This is rad. I’ve been a user of the X1 and the Z1 for years now. So happy to see a hardware refresh.
Got one (and an F1) as my first foray into djing for 30 years. Loving the tech and ease of use.
Quality is bang on, amazing starting point for anyone looking to start on their journey. Add a Z1 Mk.2 and it all fits in a very small bag too. Just need a new F1 Mk.3 and I'll be very happy. I started out with Traktor 2, tried all the others but came back to Traktor with the S4 Mk.3. Traktor is just so logical for me and the fact that it's not subscription is brilliant. The X1 and Z1 make fine ultra portable tools on their own but can also double as a backup to my S4. Hats off to Native Instruments for their latest offerings.
Good review Jamie, covered all the features in a well paced video 😀
We need a Z2 mk2
I just care if it can stem properly and stream multiple streaming platforms. They should have beatgrids down by now… it’s about to be 2025 c’mon
wdym they should have beatgrids? It's always been there
@ it wasn’t flexible.
@@bboymac84it is now 😊
compared to Djay pro they are still behind. Djay has a phone app ready to go
Could you also do one about the f1? or do you already have one?
I bought one at the beginning of the month, they told me that they don't have stock, I contacted support they told me they take 2 weeks, I asked for the cancellation and they don't give me an answer. The official support of native instruments is terrible. The review is good. But I wanted to share my bad experience with Native Instruments so that it doesn't happen to someone else.
i think mixtour pro beats it. but that's just ma opinion. but the mixtour pro a lil too expensive though
Anyone using this for Serato? I’m looking for something compact to use at my desk/couch that isn’t my ddj-1000srt and is also at a compact price point
If I could use this with RB then I would buy 2 tomorrow.
cdn.rekordbox.com/files/20200312170611/rekordbox5.3.0_midi_learn_operation_guide_EN.pdf
X1 has no build in soundcard and native instruments does not even produce dj soundcards anymore.. the dont care about working pro djs anymore. This unit is overprices for what it is as well
Under $300- my arse.....it's $429 - @DJ City & $475- @ Dick Smith (Both are based in Melbourne, Australia)
Are you sure these are not Australian dollars you're referring to? Because in Europe they sell for €245 as do they do in dollars in the US. Which would roughly translate to the price you mentioned in Australian currency.
I don’t understand the point of it. It doesn’t have a specialist use that it does better than a conventional DJ setup, and the normal DJ functions it has are more difficult and counterintuitive than a normal setup. I can’t preview my tracks in my headphones? I have to scroll through tiny screens and menus to select my effects? Why reinvent the wheel?
Compre uno a principio de mes, me contestaron que no tienen stock, contacte el soporte me dijeron demoran 2 semanas, pedi la cancelacion y no me dan respuesta. El soporte oficial de native instruments es malisimo. Esta bueno el review. Pero queria compartir mi mala experiencia con Native Instruments para que no le pase a otra persona.
If only it works with Serato
Serato does support midi mapping afaik so you should get it to work.
@ what I want is to use this to tweak the volume of stems. Not sure it is possible
@@djsmallz7 If that's a parameter used on official Serato hardware, chances are it is midi mappable.
@ it is not on Serato. It is a feature on my controller but heard it is on the hardware itself
Too much prep involved. I just want to press play and go
It's a great modular platform for mobile DJ's who travel (via airplanes). But when you think about how you would connect to a PA system, that's when it starts to get complicated. For me, I just carry the Traktor Kontrol S5, or a Komplete Audio 6 interface and the F1 controller. Either way, I still really enjoy this little controller.
Second
Here first