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Akai AMX vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1

Product Comparison: Akai AMX vs Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1

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Best Pick

Akai AMX 2-channel Mixing Surface

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Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1 DJ Mixing Interface

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General Specifications

Brand

Akai

Native Instruments

Origin

China

Germany

About the Product

Put hands-on control at the center of your Serato DJ setup with AMX, a versatile 2-channel mixing surface from Akai Professional. A powerful controller for any performer, AMX controls 2 decks of Serato DJ with an intuitive array of faders, touch-activated knobs, and buttons. Featuring a curve-adjustable mini innoFADER™ crossfader, dedicated line faders, and control signal inputs, AMX can interface Serato DJ with turntables using Serato NoiseMap™ (DVS) or HID players over a single USB cable. Built-in headphone and master outputs integrate into any booth or tabletop setup, bringing the trusted Akai Professional hardware experience to stages and studios all over the world. Read on to see what it can bring to your next live performance using Serato DJ.

An elegant solution for DJs who want a full mixer without the fluff. The Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1 DJ Mixer is the most portable two-channel mixer and audio interface for Traktor DJ and Traktor Pro 2! The Z1 mixer’s separate headphone cue lets you pre-listen to tracks for ultra-smooth mixes. Native Instruments gives the Z1 pro-quality 24-bit 96 kHz converters so your sound hits the crowd with sparkle and punch. Chunky, high-end buttons, knobs, and encoders give you solid control over your digital DJ setup. With the NI Z1’s plug-and-play connectivity, set up is ultra-fast.

Model

AMX

Traktor Kontrol Z1

Key Specs

Jog Wheels

Number Of Channels

Effect Type(s)

3-band EQ, Filter

Software Compatibility

Serato DJ Pro

TRAKTOR DJ, TRAKTOR PRO 2

Jog Wheels
Number Of Channels

What customers say about "Key Specs"

Akai AMX 2-channel Mixing Surface

Akai AMX & AFX is a super win! Brilliant, intuitive layout. So much control right at your fingertips. I feel bad for Rane, but this setup is destroying Ranes offerings and for less than 1/2 the price.... Can't be beat.
The EQ's do cut frequencies out completely. Just like the beloved Rane with all EQ's turned completely down there is no sound.
Its the best and i can do all my scratches with it. Works great. Sound card and inofader is worth 4-500$ alone.
I love this little thing, go to home depot, buy one brick to set it on, perfect height and wont move lol, so awesome with DJ PLAYER (ipad app) but best with Serato Dj
This has got to be the coolest bare-bones way to mix ever. Like a lot of DJ's, I started on vinyl and still scratch my head at these Star Trek flight deck controllers that are all the rage.

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1 DJ Mixing Interface

Fully compatible with the Traktor Gig Bag. 0 issues. The Z1 fits inside of it perfectly.
The form factor is amazing. The app is powerful. This setup is perfect for dj's who don't feel like dragging around equipment for small parties, backyard bbq's, or tailgating.
Been testing this out with Traktor DJ for iPad Pro, and I must say, it's been easy to figure out and a boon to my ability to mix across the two interface points.
I am old school DJ (Two turntables and mic) and I only due private parties. I am slowly adjusting to the digital world. This with a couple of other controllers is all I need.
This is a great console for a novice dj like me. Love the ipad traktor, now even more with controls at my hands.

Size & Weight

Height

1.9 in.

2 in.

Width

5.2 in.

4.7 in.

Depth

10.8 in.

11.5 in.

Weight

1.76 lbs.

1.43 lbs.

What customers say about "Size & Weight"

Akai AMX 2-channel Mixing Surface

Lastly the AMX and AFX are TINY and light weight. Currently there is no hard case available.
I highly recommend as it's got everything you need in a nice portable package. No issues after a few months of use. Solid!
Quality product. Portable. Not the hottest output in the world but it does the trick!
It's only 3 pounds which is great but when scratching and doing beat juggling, it tends to moves. My hands aren't that light. I built a case for it.
Size!!!! Incredibly light as well. Very limited options for cases out there. Wish AKAI actually sold the Case it advertised it with originally.

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1 DJ Mixing Interface

Nice equipment, well made, excellent quality.
I was expecting crap and it to be smaller but I was wrong.
Its a mobile gig setup and easy to connect as it does have a sound card so you can't beat the price.
The best part about digital DJing is the devices keep getting smaller and I stay the same size.

Features

Decks Control

Cue, Play, Sync, Gain, Faders, Crossfader

Faders, Crossfader, Gain

LED Metering

Yes

Additional Controls

Crossfader Curve, Cue level, Cue mix, 2x Line/Phono switch, Master Volume, Browse knob, Desk's load buttons, Panel / View, Crossfader Reverse

Master Volume, Cue level, Cue mix

Looping Capability

MIDI

Yes

Input(s)

USB, 2x PHONO/LINE (RCA)

USB

Output(s)

RCA stereo, 1/8” (3.5 mm) stereo output (headphones)

1/8” (3.5 mm) stereo output (headphones), RCA stereo

Extras

Provides extensive hands-on mixing, transport, and Serato NoiseMap capbility for Serato DJ, Plug and play with Serato DJ (included) - no upgrade purchase required, Pro-grade, adjustable mini innoFADER™ crossfader with reverse switch, 9 touch-activated knobs for groundbreaking EQ kills and Filter sweeps

iOS Ready, Ultra-portable setup for TRAKTOR DJ and TRAKTOR PRO 2, Pro-quality knobs, faders, and backlit buttons, Mixing interface with 3-band EQ, built-in 24-bit soundcard

Power Source

USB Bus power

AC adapter / USB

What customers say about "Features"

Akai AMX 2-channel Mixing Surface

If you're a dance music/house DJ who doesn't scratch then you will love the AMX. The fader looks easily replaceable so hopefully Akai will make a sharp fader that I can put in here so I can actually use it.
Inputs and output seem solid, no buzzing or reduction in quality here.
Awesome product but it has a 0.4% pitch defficiency soo changing tracks of different velocities is not a good idea.. You need to sync them :/
The fader on this thing is so completely terrible. There's this huge gap from the fader edge to where the sound cuts in, making quick finger work (flares) impossible.
Also, there are no auxiliary ins and outs. 2 RCA deck ins, 1 RCA master out... that's it. I recommend chaining the mixer to a Master Mixer for improved Master volume out. I used my old Rane TTM 57 which allows me to add more channels as well.

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z1 DJ Mixing Interface

The knobs are all rubberized. They're soft to the touch.
The Line faders have a very nice glide to them. They're not completely loose and offer a bit of resistance.
The deck plate matches an iPad's bezel, but is very prone to smudging and surface scratches. Do NOT wipe this with a dry cloth.
Synced RIGHT up to Traktor. NO lag on the crossfader either. Has so many other functions you may miss, like start/stop and selecting loops.
I highly recommend the Z1 to longtime DJs who want the best inexpensive mobile solution and to any person stepping up their DJ set up.
Thick guage USB to 30pin Apple cable (for iOS device connections)

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

2 year(s)

Certifications

Other Information

Manufacturer

Link

Manual

Download

MSRP

199.00 $