Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z2 vs Rane Sixty-Two Performance Mixer
Picking a mixer is one of the most important things you can do as a DJ, it will have a huge impact on how well or poorly your mixes sound. Keeping that in mind, a lot of research should be done before purchasing a mixer.
For anybody who is considering purchasing a top DJ mixer we have compared two popular mixers for you to consider.
An in depth comparison of Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z2 vs Rane Sixty-Two Performance Mixer
Table of Contents
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z2
- 2-channels plus two remix channels
- Traktor Scratch Pro 2 software
- Timecode vinyl and CDs for Traktor.
- Sturdy aluminum composition.
- 48kHz/24-bit
- 7 inputs / 6 outputs
- Size (W x L x H) = 272 x 388 x 109 mm
- 1 GB Disc Space / USB 2.0 input
- 4 Stars.
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Rane Sixty-Two Performance Mixer
- 2-channels plus 2 program channels
- Serato Scratch Live software.
- Loops and samples included.
- Filter, Flanger, Phaser, Echo, and more FX.
- Over 40 assignable MIDI buttons.
- 48kHz/32-bit
- 5Hz – 35kHz frequency response.
- 5 Stars.
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For more information about each of these mixers, here are full reviews of each product:
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z2 Review
If you are a fan of Traktor software, then you are lucky to find the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z2. Complete with a nice balance of durability, quality, and price, this mixer is ideal for any DJ who uses vinyl or CDJs.
Using the 2 remix channels is a little tricky in that you have to use the Traktor computer software to fully unlock the power of the mixer. Without Traktor software this would be just an average 2 channel mixer.
The quality of the soundcard for this mixer is pretty standard, and comes alone with aluminum casing and 1GB disc space. Another added bonus for any CDJ and vinyl timecode users is that they receive the vinyl and CDs they need to communicate properly with Traktor software.
All-in-all the Traktor Kontrol Z2 offers a great option for any DJ to consider who is familiar with Traktor software.
| Pros | Cons |
| Aluminum composition | Built solely for Traktor software |
| Traktor Scratch Pro 2 software | 2 remix channels have knob faders |
| Offers a nice bridge to any DJ wanting to go vinyl | Not a whole lot of extra MIDI buttons |
Rane Sixty-Two Performance Mixer Review
The Rane Sixty-Two Performance Mixer offers the features any DJ would need, and then perhaps even a little more. This mixer is one of the best DJ mixers for a reason, and it is simply because it offers more features than most other mixers, and it really has 4 channels, despite the 2-channel appearance.
If you wanted to hook up something besides two CDJs or a vinyl turntables to this mixer, you could easily do so, assuming that you are okay with using knob switches instead of slide faders. Add in the ability to use loops on each channel, built in sound FX, and Serato Scratch Live software, and it’s no wonder why this mixer is so popular among its users.
Since Rane decided to partner with Serato for this product, you can expect complete and flawless functionality with the included full version of Serato. With this mixer you also complete flawless sound quality at 48kHz/32-bit, which is above and beyond what most DJs use.
| Pros | Cons |
| Flawless 48kHz/32-bit soundcard | Number of buttons requires familiarization |
| 4-channels, two with knob faders | 2 extra channels do not have slide faders |
| Includes full version of Serato | Buttons are small and can be easily pressed by accident. |
The Verdict
If you are a fan of the Traktor software and you are a DJ mostly to just make money now, then the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z2 is probably best for you. However, the choice as to which one is better is absolutely clear.
With specs above and beyond what most professional DJs use, you absolutely want to make sure you pick up a Rane Sixty-Two Performance Mixer. However, if you are still wanting to explore more options we have included three more alternatives for you to consider below.
Rane Sixty-Two Performance Mixer Alternatives
If you are looking for a mixer which is durable, 4-channels, and decent quality, you might consider the Numark M6 USB. It packs 4 dedicated channels with an adjustable crossfader. It also has its own microphone channel.
This mixer can be used by flawlessly with any timecode or CDJ setup and can also be recorded with the included USB drive. For the price, this mixer is hard to pass up on.
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| Pros | Cons |
| Cost-effective. | Doesn’t have any extra FX. |
| 4-channels with slide faders | No MIDI capability – May need Timecode |
| Metal frame | Soundcard quality is below average |
A slight step above the Numark M6 and we are left with this mixer, which is an undeniably good alternative. With 4-channels, BPM counting technology, built in sound FX, and MIDI compatibility this mixer is a great deal.
The only drawback with this product is that even though Behringer products tend to have lots of cool features and buttons, they also are not as quality as many other mixers with the same features. This is the real reason in the end why they are so much cheaper than other brands.
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| Pros | Cons |
| 4-channels with slide faders. | Soundcard quality is average |
| BPM Counting and Sound FX | Quality of sound FX and sound output |
| Sturdy construction | BPM counter is often off |
If you want a top DJ mixer that will be able to compete with essentially any other in the professional circuit, then the Allen & Heath Xone:DB4 is a great option to consider. With 4 channels of faders with intuitive lighting, you will easily monitor your levels.
Each channel also has a dedicated FX output, allowing you to use multiple FX at once. The Crossfader also includes several options for DJs who like scratching with different styles.
Another really great thing about this mixer is that is has low and high pass filters, for DJs who want to make their speakers sound a little better. If you want to see this mixer in action, check this out to see how it works live.
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| Pros | Cons |
| 4-channels with sliders and lights | A little expensive |
| Dedicated sound FX channels | No included software. |
| 24-bit / 96kHz soundcard | Number of buttons may be intimidating to a beginner |
Before You Purchase a New mixer:
Remember that you are investing in perhaps the most important part of your setup, and you should make sure you consider looking at the top DJ mixers we prepared to help you. However, if you choose to purchase the Rane Sixty-Two, you will never look back on your purchase as it is a great mixer.
If you want to invest in something a little cheaper than the Rane, you have some pretty good options from Numark and Behringer. Or if you want a similar mixer, than consider the Allen & Heath Xone:DB4