Traktor Z1 MK2 can be quickly customized to suit your DJing style and personal preferences. Customizing this portable controller is easier than ever using Traktor’s Preferences. In just a few minutes, you’ll be able to change the functions of the buttons on the controller to meet your specific needs.
Each of the buttons on the Z1 MK2 can be customized to a variety of Traktor Pro 4 functions. The Z1 MK2 features unique LEDs on the bottom that can be customized, and you can color code each button or button group on the controller to identify different functions.
The customization options on the Z1 MK2 make this controller a perfect choice for DJs who are looking for a personalized, portable controller that includes a 24 bit, 96 kHZ audio interface. In this blog, you’ll learn how to customize the main features of the Traktor Z1 MK2, and how to customize the colours of the Z1 MK2.
Jump to these sections:
- Customizing the main features
- Filter button
- EQ Mode buttons
- Stem Mode buttons
- Mixer FX On buttons
- Prelisten buttons
- Traktor Z1 MK2 colors
- Global color scheme
- Customizing the Mixer FX
Follow along with this tutorial using Traktor Z1 MK2.
How to customize the Z1 MK2
Customizing the Z1 MK2 allows you to use the controller in a truly personal way, and map each button on the controller to the Traktor features that you’ll use the most. By customizing the Z1 you can create a workflow that’s completely natural for you, and map the Traktor functions you need to access for performances on the buttons you want them on. The Z1 allows you to add secondary Traktor functions to the controller buttons, increasing the number of Traktor features that can be accessed.
In addition, the Z1 MK2’s colours can be customized to create a unique look and to add helpful visual cues.
Customizing the Z1 creates a natural workflow that allows you to perform your best, and create mixes in a way that’s uniquely yours. Customizing the Z1 MK2 is easier than ever using Traktor Pro 4.
In Traktor’s Preferences, there are two sections that are dedicated to customizing the main features of the Z1 MK2, and the Z1 MK2’s colours. Within a few minutes, you can easily customize the Z1 MK2 so it suits your personal style and preferences for DJing. Before you start customizing the Z1 MK2, it’s a good idea to get acquainted with the controller’s functions, so you know what the Z1 MK2 offers.
Becoming familiar with the button functions and alternative functions will allow you to think about features that will be most helpful for you to add or change. To read more about how to DJ with the Z1 MK2, check out our guide.
Customizing the main features
Each of the buttons on the Z1 MK2 can be changed to control another feature. To customize the buttons, open Traktor’s Preferences, and navigate to the Z1 MK2 Main page.
Filter Button
The first customization option available is the Filter button, which is located underneath the Mixer FX buttons. The Filter button can either Select the Channel Filter or change to Shift. If you wish to map other buttons on the controller to perform secondary functions, it may be a good idea to change the Filter Button to Shift.
Z1 MK2 customization tip: Try mapping the Filter Button to Shift. Mapping the Filter button to Shift allows you to use Shift to add secondary functions for each button, increasing the number of features that can be mapped to the Z1. If you still want to have Filter accessible as an effect, you can assign it to one of the Mixer FX buttons. Jump ahead to this section on how to customize Mixer FX.
EQ Mode buttons
The EQ Mode Buttons are located at the top of the Z1 MK2, to the left of the stem button. The EQ mode buttons can be customized and set to a variety of Traktor functions, including Play, Sync, Cue, Skip to Start, <Nudge and >Nudge. Pressing SHIFT and the EQ Mode Button can be customized to the same selection of functions.
Z1 MK2 customization tip: Try mapping SHIFT + Push on the EQ Mode Buttons to Play. This customization allows you to press SHIFT and the EQ Mode Buttons to begin playing a track in Traktor on the corresponding Deck to the EQ Mode Button.
Stem Mode buttons
The two Stem Mode Buttons are located at the top of the Z1 MK2, to the right of the EQ mode Buttons. The Stem Mode Buttons can be changed to the same Traktor functions as the EQ Buttons.
Z1 MK2 customization tip: Try mapping SHIFT + Push on the Stem Mode Buttons to Cue. This customization allows you to press the SHIFT and Stem Mode Buttons to bring the corresponding Deck in Traktor to the first Cue point marked on a track.
Mixer FX On buttons
The round Mixer FX On buttons are located below the three EQ knobs. They can be changed to control any of these functions: Toggle FX ON/OFF, Temporary On/Off, Play, Sync, Cue and Skip to Start.
Z1 MK2 customization tips: A few ideas are to map the Mixer FX On button to Play, or Cue or Sync button, or Temporary On/Off. The Shift and Push Mixer FX On Button can be mapped to the same features as well.
The functions of each of the buttons are:
Play – starts a Deck playing in Traktor
Cue – brings the track to the first Cue point marked on a track
Sync – syncs the track to the tempo of the Master track
Temporary On/On – keeps the effect active while the button is pressed
Prelisten buttons
The Prelisten buttons are the Headphone cue buttons. These can be changed from Prelisten to Play, Sync, Cue and Skip to Start. It may make the most sense to leave these as Cue buttons, as you will need a way to cue (pre-listen) listen to your tracks. For added flexibility, consider this Z1 MK2 customization tip – map the Prelisten buttons Shift + Push layer to Sync. Using this secondary button function allows you to quickly sync the track’s tempo to the tempo of the Master track.
Traktor Z1 MK2 colors
One of the best features of the Z1 MK2 controller are the customization options for the colours of the buttons, and LED lights on the bottom of the controller. Changing the colour of the controller lights give the Z1 MK2 a personalized feel to suit your preferences and mood, and make the controller easier to navigate and use.
Global color scheme
Changing the colours on the Z1 personalizes the controller to your own taste, and helps you to better see and identify the different functions of the Z1. The ability to change both the colours of buttons on the top of the controller and the bottom LED’s make Z1 fun to use and perform with. To change the Z1 MK2 colours, in Traktor Preferences, open the Traktor Z1 MK2 Colors section. There are sixteen different colors, and the Default color available on the Z1 MK2 available for you to use. In the Device Setup section, the Global Color Scheme changes all the buttons on the controller to the same colour.
Mixer Mode Buttons and Stem Mode Buttons
Change these buttons to one of the sixteen colours.
Mixer FX Buttons
By default, the Mixer FX Buttons are red, green, blue and orange respectively. Each of the buttons can be customized. Prelisten Buttons
Customize these two buttons with one of the sixteen colours.
Bottom LED’s
The bottom LED colour can be customized by selecting a colour. This gives the controller a cutting edge, customized look that looks great in the club or dark environments. If you don’t want the Bottom LED’s on, you can turn them off in the Bottom LED’s/Color drop down menu.
The bottom LED’s change color to give visual cues about helpful track information, including a track End Warning, Sync Warning and Active Loop. Each of these light signals can be turned on or off.
The bottom lighting is intelligently designed. For the End Warning signal, (when a track is about to end) the bottom LED’s on the corresponding side of the Z1 flash Red. When there’s a loop playing, the bottom lights on the corresponding side of the Z1 turn green. There’s a Sync Warning as well.
Customizing the Mixer FX
Each Mixer FX slot can be customized with one of Traktor’s eight Mixer effects. These include Reverb, Dual Delay, Noise, Time Gater, Flanger, Barber Pole, Dotted Delay, Crush and Filter. To customize the Mixer FX, open Traktor’s Preferences and navigate to the Mixer section. In the Mixer FX section, select your desired effect for each Mixer FX Slot.
If you assigned the Filter button on the Z1 to Shift, simply assign the Filter to one of the Mixer FX slots. A quick tip is to change all of the effects to the ones that you’ll use the most.
Start customizing today
The Z1 MK2 is a flexible and portable controller that can be easily customized using Traktor Pro 4’s Preferences. Now that you’ve learned all of the features that can be customized, it’s time to get busy and set aside some time to customize your Z1.
If you don’t own this controller already, pick up a Z1 and start customizing the Main Features and Traktor Z1 MK2 Colors. There’s no better feeling than having a controller that’s set up exactly the way you’d like it, with all of the features and colours optimized just for you! In a short time, the Z1 will be fully customized, and you’ll have an ultra-compact DJ controller that’s ready for performances in any location.