S5 setup vs X1 mk3 with Z1 mk2 setup
Don’t care for jog wheels nor playing in clubs, just at home and posting online my performances.
Have all three devices now and will only keep one of the two setups.
S5: great screen, easy to use, 4 decks/channels. But 10 years old, unsupported/discontinued. Prefer new effects buttons layout of the Z1.
X1mk3 with Z1 mk2: Current gen and supported by NI. Plenty of videos and performances by users to learn from. Intuitive effects layout in the middle of Z1. Includes TP4. Buttons and faders feel spectacular. No easy stems control and only 2 readily accesible channels.
As a beginner it’s tough to know what I don’t know, but I envision stems being integral, but the effects layout on the new Z1 (1,2,3,4 + master filter) is so intuitive, and with close to no online videos on the S5 as a beginner I’m struggling a bit to learn or be inspired by others’ performances. Really struggled to match to grid non techno songs, with both setups, too.
Would love everyone’s take on if they were on my shoes what would they choose and why. Thanks
Posted Nov 5, 2025, 1:40 AM UTC