The update to the Traktor Kontrol X1 is here, and Ean's taken it on a spin to see just how this DJ controller stands up to its predecessor. Learn more here: bit.ly/KontrolX...
THANKS foryour honest opinion Ean. I Feel comfortable knowing I don't need to upgrade.Which is great coz I've only just purchused the x1 12months ago. ThANks for all your hard and honest reviews Ean.
I've always wondered why NI seem reluctant to build controllers that let you access all 8 cues. 4 or five are usually the minimum I want just to mark out the key passages in a track, and it would be really nice to also have a few odd ones for grabbing off-beat hits or notes. Like always, it's on the user to figure a way to work that in.
Thanks for the review. I'd like a X1 with: - Clean knobs from mk2 - 1 Browse Knob for each Deck like in the mk1 - Loop count display from mk2 - No Touchstrip ( I found myself never using it)
i love how he pointed out the flaws he sees in it, especially considering it's for sale on DJTT website haha. I think ill pick one up and map it, dont have an x1 anyways
Ean Golden: "The browse knob is touch sensitive so it opens the library full-screen when you touch it. That's pretty cool." Mojaxx: "I found this feature incredibly irritating and it's the first thing I switched off."
I know this is super late lol. But i guess by now people have found out that the touch strip could be used to beat match which is probably the most important thing :) Great review!
I still find X1 better, if you are mixing normal sets. Face it you don't want those chessy FX all over the place, but subtle ones that just add a little bit to mix, something crowd wont notice, but will add to transitions.
hey Ean, i just got me a kontrol x1 mk2, and as an oldskool dj , recently (this week!) starting with traktor, the touchstrip for pitch bending is really not intuitive. I was think to buy 2 x1mk2's but i think to go for the x1mk1 i miss those pitch bend buttons like hell. ! By the way coming from vinyl until recently and denon dn-s3500's it's a new strange but exciting world, and stems songs + F1 omg how powerfull !
I think Ian misses the point of the pitch bend on the touchstrip.... the X1MK2 feels more like a CDJ/turntable in that you bend by swiping the platter... on this you swipe the strip in a similar way
I'm getting back into DJing & have had the X1 in my sights for a while. Great review! Which setup should I go for: Kontrol X1, Kontrol X1 MK2, & a 2-channel mixer OR a Kontrol X1, F1, & 2-channel mixer? I don't plan on scratching. I wanna make remixes, podcasts/mixtapes, & create my own library of samples for live sets
The MK2 has some cool features but its noway near a fair tradeoff for older MK1 users whove remapped their controllers. This one seems a bit more suited to beginners which would be all good however it means the discontinuation of the MK1, which is a problem for me as eventually the buttons do fail inside any of these controllers after years of use. You can replace the buttons but there is only a certain number of times you can solder on new ones to the board :(
Dont know where he got his, but i got mine from Riz at usbfirewire Pricey, but I reckon its worth it. Better that a 4 port hub and a pair of zig-zagging cables
I think NI has forgotten about the mapping editor over their past releases, which is very disappointing, because they release great controllers but limit their potential by not updating the mapping editor according to the new developments. I actually have been working on a Midi remapper that will be routed between the controller and traktor, allowing much more features to be used with one controller.
DJTT: hey, I am looking for a straight forward site/document for BASIC mapping for both my X1 Mk2 and Z2 Mixer, as I am a novice to mapping, as I want to do it right. Any other ideas besides the NI Forms Page and what is posted on the DJTT web site ? You folks are awesome !
Hello, I'm planning to buy 2 x Z1 and 1 x X1 for effects on the master though. Is this set-up possible? I know that in general you are able to apply certain effects to more than one deck, so getting the X1 to act on the master should be doable, but I have found different opinion online about this whole set-up. Would be very nice if this was possible and more info on how to implement were provided! Thanks!
nice video, what about the browser knob, can you click it, and if u do, can u sample the track like the one on the S4 quickly before u decide to load? if so, like this they improved the browse load functionality... thanks
I really don't know what he means about the push and pull. I much prefer this to the MK1 and can easily beatmatch with external sources, by using the touchstrips..
I'm looking for a relatively cheap rotary knob MIDI controller to work with Live and Traktor. Would this be appropriate and if not, what is your suggestion?
Maybe you've already made a choice, but if I were you I would go for the Novation Launch Control. It has 16 rotary knobs and 8 pads, with 16 different midi channels, which makes it a 16x16 and 16x8 controller, a lot of control for a small thing! I'm using it too and I really like it. Novation also just released the Launch Control XL. I haven't really looked into it, but maybe it's something for you!
Im really interested in this controller! but just say ive got a song at 126bpm and a song at 129bpm and i dont want to use the sync button and want to beatmatch how would i do that on this controller? thanks guys!
I think it was shift+(L or R) encoder (depending on deck). I saw a review by digitaldjtools and he mentioned it for a quick sec. Only place ive seen it mentioned. let me know if it works!
I know this is late, but for anyone else who had this issue as well - I didn't like how the default mapping's tempo adjustments (sync + either deck's rotary) gives you weird .001 BPM's... So I re-mapped the sync button to Add in > Deck Common > Tempo Sync. This way, it ONLY grabs the exact tempo of the other track (or master, rather) instead of also trying to launch the track in "sync," for those of us that would rather mix with our ears.
You can't. Also, jogwheels are the the turntables you see on DJ turntables. I think you are talking about scratching. You can scratch on mixers, but it is sorta complicated. You move the cross fader from one bank to the other quickly, and although you won't here the scratch noise, it'll make the effect. Watch the white noise video to make a sort of scratch effect.
Lennard Nieuwland In this case your statement is incorrect. A mixer such as the djm 900 has an internal soundcard which makes an external one unnecessary. I still don't know what kind of usb-hub I need to use...
You can use a normal one, then the controllers use power from your laptop. If you use a powered one, they dont use power from the laptop. I use two X1's a Maschine Jam and a Maschine, so 4 devises with a powered USB hub
nice review! I will also stick with the old one. I agree some of the new features are really sexy. but not worth putting the money down. At least not for me. Thx for the review anyways ;) as usual great and entertainig. I can only say....keep em comming! ;) cheers
Hi ! Great Review ! I Need Help please - How Do i Map the X1 MK2 ? i wanna switch btwn the loop size to the beat jump - i mean - i wanna do beat jump without pressing the shift button, and i want when i pres shift and move the encoders that then this will decide the length 4-8-16 .... anyone understand me ? hahah :) please help ! - thank u !!!! :))))))
Yaakob Williams Yes I know how to do that. But I was talking about the ability to do pitch bending with that strip. I'm switching from a Denon MC3000. Do you have one of this? Do you have comments about it? That would be really useful.
They seriously needs a price drop. Native instruments have lost their goddamn mind. High end sound cards, metal chasis and 8 cue point buttons are a start. I have an s2 and I think its time for an upgrade...vci 400 here I come
I would venture to say that was the best intro to a video yet. Great review, very informative!
It was really cool :)
for a 2013 video, the production value is really good!
THANKS foryour honest opinion Ean. I Feel comfortable knowing I don't need to upgrade.Which is great coz I've only just purchused the x1 12months ago. ThANks for all your hard and honest reviews Ean.
MAKE A VIDEO HOW TO SETUP YOUR MIXER AND COMPUTER TO THE X1 PLEASE!
Probably the best review on the X1MKII so far. Looking forward to picking one of these up!!!
I've always wondered why NI seem reluctant to build controllers that let you access all 8 cues. 4 or five are usually the minimum I want just to mark out the key passages in a track, and it would be really nice to also have a few odd ones for grabbing off-beat hits or notes. Like always, it's on the user to figure a way to work that in.
Thanks for the review. I'd like a X1 with:
- Clean knobs from mk2
- 1 Browse Knob for each Deck like in the mk1
- Loop count display from mk2
- No Touchstrip ( I found myself never using it)
And play button in the same place not moved to the right swaping it for cue button. If they ask to the users before make bullshits...
i like cranking the knobs and feeling the movement as it affects the sound
i love how he pointed out the flaws he sees in it, especially considering it's for sale on DJTT website haha. I think ill pick one up and map it, dont have an x1 anyways
As the manual states you can use a MK1 with a MK2 and you can choose the decks for them in the preferences menu.
Ean Golden: "The browse knob is touch sensitive so it opens the library full-screen when you touch it. That's pretty cool."
Mojaxx: "I found this feature incredibly irritating and it's the first thing I switched off."
Now that was a thorough review!
I know this is super late lol. But i guess by now people have found out that the touch strip could be used to beat match which is probably the most important thing :) Great review!
Introducing the new Ean Golden MK2 . Looks really sexy and looks very cool :)
Amazing review - thanks! A comparison with the xone k2 would be very interesting!
@eangolden
How to set this up
How do you hook it up to your laptop?
You can have 8 cue points. Just assign the secondary(shift mode) Flux mode to use cues 5-8.
I still find X1 better, if you are mixing normal sets. Face it you don't want those chessy FX all over the place, but subtle ones that just add a little bit to mix, something crowd wont notice, but will add to transitions.
hey Ean, i just got me a kontrol x1 mk2, and as an oldskool dj , recently (this week!) starting with traktor, the touchstrip for pitch bending is really not intuitive. I was think to buy 2 x1mk2's but i think to go for the x1mk1 i miss those pitch bend buttons like hell. ! By the way coming from vinyl until recently and denon dn-s3500's it's a new strange but exciting world, and stems songs + F1 omg how powerfull !
Hi Ean! I have a question. Which USB Hub are you using? Many thanks!
thank you, your review was very helpful!
dope as ever, thanx Ean
Hey, you forgot to change your sneakers and wear a cardigan. At least have the DJ-ville trolley make an appearance. Nice review.
I think Ian misses the point of the pitch bend on the touchstrip.... the X1MK2 feels more like a CDJ/turntable in that you bend by swiping the platter... on this you swipe the strip in a similar way
the X1's plug to your laptop. Then you need an external soundcard or a mixer that features a built-in soundcard.
Yeah, I wonder if a "Shift" option to get to the other 4 hot cues is available? Could map it, I supposed.
I'm getting back into DJing & have had the X1 in my sights for a while. Great review! Which setup should I go for: Kontrol X1, Kontrol X1 MK2, & a 2-channel mixer OR a Kontrol X1, F1, & 2-channel mixer? I don't plan on scratching. I wanna make remixes, podcasts/mixtapes, & create my own library of samples for live sets
The MK2 has some cool features but its noway near a fair tradeoff for older MK1 users whove remapped their controllers. This one seems a bit more suited to beginners which would be all good however it means the discontinuation of the MK1, which is a problem for me as eventually the buttons do fail inside any of these controllers after years of use. You can replace the buttons but there is only a certain number of times you can solder on new ones to the board :(
Dont know where he got his, but i got mine from Riz at usbfirewire
Pricey, but I reckon its worth it.
Better that a 4 port hub and a pair of zig-zagging cables
I think NI has forgotten about the mapping editor over their past releases, which is very disappointing, because they release great controllers but limit their potential by not updating the mapping editor according to the new developments. I actually have been working on a Midi remapper that will be routed between the controller and traktor, allowing much more features to be used with one controller.
It has 8 cue points if you press shift and flux you get another 4. Or so I have heard
Captain Tobb: There is no evidence or announcements of the discontinuation of the original x1. Where did you get your info?
Is that Chroma Caps on the DJM 900? That mixer isn't it your fitting chart, which fit? An are they a perfect fit?
love all the new cool features :) but only 4 cue points is particular :(
DJTT: hey, I am looking for a straight forward site/document for BASIC mapping for both my X1 Mk2 and Z2 Mixer, as I am a novice to mapping, as I want to do it right. Any other ideas besides the NI Forms Page and what is posted on the DJTT web site ? You folks are awesome !
Hello, I'm planning to buy 2 x Z1 and 1 x X1 for effects on the master though. Is this set-up possible?
I know that in general you are able to apply certain effects to more than one deck, so getting the X1 to act on the master should be doable, but I have found different opinion online about this whole set-up. Would be very nice if this was possible and more info on how to implement were provided!
Thanks!
I have an Allen and heath k1 mapped to all 4 decks and 2 X1 mk2's, I'm not sure of the point of two z1's, two X1's makes way more sense to me.
nice video, what about the browser knob, can you click it, and if u do, can u sample the track like the one on the S4 quickly before u decide to load? if so, like this they improved the browse load functionality... thanks
I just bought the traktor kontrol x1 mk2 and when i registered to download the program, it says that i dont have permission! why??
I really don't know what he means about the push and pull. I much prefer this to the MK1 and can easily beatmatch with external sources, by using the touchstrips..
Moin wie klemmt man das den an ? habe ein Pioneer djm 900 und wollte mir auch ein kontroler holen
i just feel theres room for error with touch strips with maybe your finger getting stuck on the strip,and it being super sensitive
I'm sticking to the MK1
Can you explain how do you connect those X1s to the mixer, or you just connect everything via usb port
How i can beatmach with out pressing SYNC? Can i plug a pair of x1 to a mixer and then to the computer or they just conect to the computer? Thanks
waiting for F1 mkII
i think it's julio bashmore...it's driving me crazy cuz i got the track but can't find it lol
It is possible to use one MK1 and one MK2 in the same setup? or necessarily must be 2 units of the same edition? Cheers!
do I need anything else to run traktor? also can I use any 4 channel mixer?
so can you adjust the pitch on the X1 or is it only pith bend function
I'm looking for a relatively cheap rotary knob MIDI controller to work with Live and Traktor. Would this be appropriate and if not, what is your suggestion?
Maybe you've already made a choice, but if I were you I would go for the Novation Launch Control. It has 16 rotary knobs and 8 pads, with 16 different midi channels, which makes it a 16x16 and 16x8 controller, a lot of control for a small thing! I'm using it too and I really like it.
Novation also just released the Launch Control XL. I haven't really looked into it, but maybe it's something for you!
The midi fighter uno in the background
cheers dude :)
go through your setup
you can map another 4 cue points with one modifier button ;)
does any one know where he got that 2 in 1 usb lead ??
How to switch to remix decks from hot cues please?
which one are the grey knobs on the djm 900
Is there any point getting this if you own a Traktor S4?
You dont connect to a mixer.. it is a controller. no soundcard built in.
how do i move the pitch up and down? in the mk2? in the mk1 just pressed shif and the button, but i dont know how to do it on mk2 :S
not julio bashmore like i had guessed before, but:
drop the headphones - pixelord ... check for free dl on soundcloud
Can i plug it into my iPad and use Traktor ?
Which Pioneer Mixer u use in this video?
Im really interested in this controller! but just say ive got a song at 126bpm and a song at 129bpm and i dont want to use the sync button and want to beatmatch how would i do that on this controller? thanks guys!
I think it was shift+(L or R) encoder (depending on deck). I saw a review by digitaldjtools and he mentioned it for a quick sec. Only place ive seen it mentioned. let me know if it works!
I know this is late, but for anyone else who had this issue as well - I didn't like how the default mapping's tempo adjustments (sync + either deck's rotary) gives you weird .001 BPM's...
So I re-mapped the sync button to Add in > Deck Common > Tempo Sync. This way, it ONLY grabs the exact tempo of the other track (or master, rather) instead of also trying to launch the track in "sync," for those of us that would rather mix with our ears.
Anyone know the name of the song yet?????
Being new on the field, if i have a 4channel mixer and traktor x1 mk2, but I don't have turntables, how do I "jog wheel"?
You can't. Also, jogwheels are the the turntables you see on DJ turntables. I think you are talking about scratching. You can scratch on mixers, but it is sorta complicated. You move the cross fader from one bank to the other quickly, and although you won't here the scratch noise, it'll make the effect. Watch the white noise video to make a sort of scratch effect.
How to switch from Deck A to B?
the x1 would be better with a crossfader at the bottom
Huh....Does this mean I can pick up the original for $99.99..Cuz I will take 2 more please! :)
i just can not get the right feel for controlling anything with a touch strip
Where are those USB cables from?
can you use beatjump? like with the s4?
Yes
how do i map x1 to traktor mixer?
Do I need a simple USB Hub or a powered USB Hub to connect all the hardware to the laptop?
You'll need a soundcard like the Traktor Audio 2 ;)
Lennard Nieuwland In this case your statement is incorrect. A mixer such as the djm 900 has an internal soundcard which makes an external one unnecessary. I still don't know what kind of usb-hub I need to use...
You can use a normal one, then the controllers use power from your laptop. If you use a powered one, they dont use power from the laptop. I use two X1's a Maschine Jam and a Maschine, so 4 devises with a powered USB hub
nice review! I will also stick with the old one. I agree some of the new features are really sexy. but not worth putting the money down. At least not for me. Thx for the review anyways ;) as usual great and entertainig. I can only say....keep em comming! ;)
cheers
does it work with ableton
and how it is setup
Where to buy this USB cables?
I want to know that too
Anybody know the name of the track at 0:51
DJ TechTools what mixer is that
PLEASE RESPOND
Alex Boksovic It's a DJM-900 Nexus with Chroma Caps.
lol @ the intro
The originals are discontinued
anyone know this song title?
i think Ean is a little high...
Hi ! Great Review ! I Need Help please - How Do i Map the X1 MK2 ?
i wanna switch btwn the loop size to the beat jump -
i mean - i wanna do beat jump without pressing the shift button, and i want when i pres shift and move the encoders that then this will decide the length 4-8-16 ....
anyone understand me ? hahah :)
please help ! - thank u !!!! :))))))
Crap, I was thinking to get one of these to have the option to pitch bend. I hate the phase meter concept. It takes the DJ'ing out of the game.
you know you can just turn off the phase meter right?
Yaakob Williams Yes I know how to do that. But I was talking about the ability to do pitch bending with that strip. I'm switching from a Denon MC3000. Do you have one of this? Do you have comments about it? That would be really useful.
I know you're able to pitch ben with that strip. NI has a video with Felix the Housecat and he pitch bends with it.
They seriously needs a price drop. Native instruments have lost their goddamn mind. High end sound cards, metal chasis and 8 cue point buttons are a start. I have an s2 and I think its time for an upgrade...vci 400 here I come
Think i would stick with the original. Dont think the new one looks that great
mr golden .. lolololol
awkward acted
Did not like this videos intro.