Anyone who buys and registers a Traktor Kontrol X1 in August or September will get a free upgrade of the supplied software to Traktor Pro 2, a saving of US$139 / €129, Native Instruments announced today.
What’s more, the unit now comes with an additional physical overlay in the box that details all the features of its also-supplied brand new mapping, designed to give control over “all four decks, sample decks and loop recorder, comprehensive loop and cue functions, and selection of over 30 effects” from Traktor Pro 2.
The Kontrol X1 has proved a hit with DJs apart from just digital vinyl jocks for whom it was originally intended, due to its diminutive size and the fact that for many DJs (especially electronic DJs), jogwheels or turntable aren’t felt to be necessary.
For many DJs (especially electronic DJs), jogwheels or turntable aren’t felt to be necessary.
Packing two X1s for four deck control is a solution we’ve seen used by DJs in the past (including Domas, interviewed here).
But this offer raises the possibility of sampled deck-based four-deck DJing from one tiny unit, and pitches the Kontrol X1 against the likes of the micro controller range from Faderfox. It’s available until September 30, 2011.
Does this offer make you want to go out and grab a Kontrol X1? Can you see this as the new heart of your minimal DJ set-up? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Now go to:
Review & Video: Faderfox Micromodul DJ3 – World’s Smallest Traktor Controller
Review: Numark DJ2GO Portable DJ Controller
Review: Traktor Pro 2 – Is It Evolution, Or Revolution?
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Tags: Native Instruments, traktor kontrol x1
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Nice video, x1 is probably the best compact controllers on the market for Serato & Traktor.
[ link ]wow…thats incredible, for the power and performance capability of the software and hardware combo its really affordable …… must be some new hardware on the way to replace it…. cant wait to see what they have come up with this time…
Any inside info on that Mr Morse?
[ link ]I was wondering what about if u got your x1 like 3 weeks ago that’s when I got mine now will I be able to get the upgrade if I have not registerd mine yet?!
[ link ]I think if you REGISTER it you’ll get the software but obviously not the overlay – but tbh I’m not sure… NI forum will know.
[ link ]a good look of how it will be when traktor supports video
[ link ]hope that happnes soon
I was wondering what about if u got Ur x1 like 3 weeks ago that’s what when I got mine now will I be able to get the upgrade if I have not registerd mine yet?!
[ link ]I got engaged in May and I swear if manufacturers don’t stop coming out w super cool shizzle like this I’m never gonna save up for the wedding! This is awesome with a capital SOME!
[ link ]Are you planning to include a link to the new X1 4 deck mapping info? I am looking on the Native Instruments site and don’t see it …
[ link ]I get it now … C and D are referred to as the “sample decks” and you get the updated mappings when you register the X1 hardware via the NI update software, sound about right? Sorry I’m not terribly familiar with Traktor.
[ link ]I’m a total noob when it comes to traktor. Would I need anything else out side of these two items to DJ with Traktor?
[ link ]a soundcard with at least two outputs, like audio2dj, audio4dj, etc
[ link ]so if you have it for longer time… no upgrade??????’
[ link ]if you buy a new car today and tomorrow a new model comes out do you get the new model ??
[ link ]Dammit I bought my X1 two weeks ago. Picking up a new dj mixer tomorrow… Might get a second X1 while I’m at the store.
[ link ]I think your write up is somewhat misleading. You say “But this offer raises the possibility of full four-deck DJing from one tiny unit…”
This is not the case at all. I have my single X1 set u[ to control 4 track decks but this mapping from NI is only for 2 sample decks. It is intended that you would use 2 X1′s; the first to control 2 track decks, the second to control 2 sample decks.
This is clearly illustrated in the “Use Cases” on the mapping page of the NI site.http://www.native-instruments.com/#/en/products/dj/traktor-kontrol-x1/?page=2576
I am going to download the mapping and try to implement it using 1 X1 by making modifications and combining with my current mapping but that is not how their mapping works.
[ link ]Thanks – you’re right it’s unclear. Will clarify that point in the article.
[ link ]I personally don’t understand the hype around Traktors sample decks.
For me, they are simply not useable, until there’s no key lock.
NI forums are full of posts concerning this issue.
Is there anyone who can at least try to explain me, why NI did this?
[ link ]There is keylock now with the samples in 2.1
[ link ]I’m also a little confused. For simplicity tell me if this is correct:
Decks: AC – BD
Sample Loop banks: 1234 – 1234
Using 2 X1 controllers left hand and right hand
Left controls AC & 1234
Right controls BD & 1234
Referring to C and D as sample decks is confusing me.
[ link ]Don’t understand the hype about this really. NI are trying to convince us that we need to buy tons of gear for something that could be done with only on Faderfox DJ3 unit. It is smaller than X1 and gives you complete control over all functions in Traktor (including internal mixing).
[ link ]In concept the faferfox and its faders have a few theoretical advantages but are not even remotely comparable…… x1 although not perfect is much more solid in design,construction, usability and responsiveness, and feels much more creative to use….. in the few situations like that there is no available mixer yes the faderfox works better but for fun…….. x1 me up baby;)
[ link ]I think many loyal Faderfox users would disagree with you there. Have you used one? They’re brilliantly made, very cleverly mapped and so definitely comparable .
[ link ]@ phils comment below, Actually I’ve only had a brief go on one a mate brought over from germany, not owned one so cant truly comment on all its features, but I did think it was a little too small, would have preferred a bit more room for a few more controls. The x1 is very fun and has a nice tactile feel, whereas the dj 3 felt lacking and looks wise reminded me too much of early hercules units and bad experiences… Maybe I’m just shallow and like the prettier lights NI use… If faderfox would like to send me one to try for more than half an hour, I might change my mind, I hated my vestax decks for the first week until I got to know the intricacies and got over my initial “I miss my technics” phase 10 years ago….never looked back since…
[ link ]Great post! Great peice of gear! I use mine daily and love it!
[ link ]Hmmm… trying to decide between going the X1 plus mixer route or simply buying an S4. This adds another dimension to my dilemma. Any suggestions out there?
[ link ]Yeah!!!!!!!
[ link ]Just took delivery of mine this morning, 5 mins before i left for work ….. cant wait to get home, early night for the kids …..late night for me
I read a Forum reply from one person saying the auth code to download Pro takes 5 days to get. Is this correct? I have a Guitar Center coupon for $30 off purchase of $199 so this is my plan for Sunday.
Please see my earlier question above. Will the second X1 control Deck C &D?
[ link ]I bought a second X1 Saturday and got the download code Monday. I have a gig Friday so I’m gonna hold off making any changes this week. Lord knows what could go wrong. But uber excited to upgrade!
[ link ]