After years of rumors, NI finally entered the fray and released their own dj controller to match the popular Traktor software. While many had hoped for a all-in one DJ controller like the NS7, NI disappointed some and pleased others by instead addressing a clear need in the compact controller range. Is the Kontrol X1 a smashing success? Lets dive in and take a closer look.
Editor’s Note: The Kontrol X1 was updated in July, 2013. Check out the new controller here and a full review here.
PRODUCT SUMMARY
THE GOOD: This is the best built controller in its class and size range. As a sidecar controller to Serato or Traktor Scratch Pro, its very popular and useful. The plug and play integration with Traktor makes it very easy to use and set up. The high quality encoders, knobs and buttons all have a professional feel.
THE BAD: The screen printed buttons are great for people that like the standard mapping but bad news for those that want to change it. Serato users can take advantage of an included overlay but the printed buttons labels wont match the re-mapped functions. Requires a mixer or turntables to really be useful.
THE BOTTOM LINE: As a stand alone controller, the X1 cant quite offer everything a DJ needs to control traktor pro. If, however, you have access to a mixer and turntables- the X1 makes an excellent companion to most DVS systems. NI has intelligently worked the X1 into the club environment aesthetically, ergonomically and functionally making it an solid option for pro DJs.
SOFTWARE
The X1 comes with Traktor LE, the most basic dj software native instruments offers but in order to really use the controller, you are going to want to jump up to Traktor Pro ($139 upgrade) or purchase Traktor SCratch pro for vinyl control ($500). The X1 is natively supported, which means just plug and… play. The buttons all work as labeled and the 2 way communication between the hardware and software is very tight (this is done over HID, not MIDI). All of the basic functions are going covered including looping, track browsing, 2 FX channels, and some basic transport functions. I was somewhat disappointed in the actual mapping itself, as it left some things to be desired and made a few counter-intuitive decisions on placement and function. One example is the tempo adjustments and pitch bend buttons, which are critical functions to DJing and require easy access. These are buried behind beat jump, and loop in and out, which in my experience are rarely used. To make matters worse, the shift button you need to access those critical functions is tucked away between 4 encoders, making actually using pitch bend or tempo adjustment a slightly awkward task. To be fair, if you’re using turntables (and thats the crowd this controller was designed for) then these 2 functions are less important, so the mapping probably makes sense. For the controller only crowd however, some aspects of the mapping will be less intuitive.
HARDWARE
The X1 is built with a molded plastic chassis and an aluminum top plate, all in a sleek flat black finish. In some cases, plastic can look cheep but in this context they have managed to pull it off in a very professional manner. The potentiometers and encoders have a solid feel and certainly wont fall apart with regular use. The Knob caps are double injected with rubber which provides a soft grippy feeling that is easy on the finger tips. The buttons are a tad small, and not really suitable for serious beat juggling but they are well constructed with excellent back-lighting. The buttons also find the perfect balance between being easy to press, while at the same time having a clear click so you know when the function has been activated.
NI developed a very professional looking carrying case that will protect your controller from the elements. The $40 optional case doubles as a riser, so the X1 will feel right at home next to standard turntables and mixers, which its best used with.
Reviewed Unit: Native Instruments Kontrol X1
Price: $199 (Optional $40 Carrying case)
Specs: Self Powered Midi over USB, Class compliant.
Available: Now
Ships With: Traktor LE
[…] DJ TechTools‘ Ean Golden takes a look at the new Native Instrument Kontrol X1 and offers his thoughts on the DJ MIDI controller. […]
[…] Traktor Kontrol X1 (Review ) […]
SO why but the kontrol X1 when purchasing the S4, Is it just a simple way of getting to decks faster. what should i get if i wanna use other sounds in my sets
I have one X1 and I want another controller or mixer to use together…
Can you advice me.
Thanks in advance, cheers from Argentina
Nice one. I am planning to expand my maschine to trigger the Deck 3 and Deck 4 instead of spending on X1. however if i hadnt bought a S4, i would have bought the X1 instead.
I want to disable this function….
“CUE | REL….In Timecode mode: Switches to Relative mode” AND “CUP | ABS….In Timecode mode: Switches to Absolute mode”
I mean that i want to have the same mapping both in the internal playback and in the scratch control……i will use the x1 with timecoded vinyl
Can anybody help me????
The Kontrol X1 is a great controller for those of us using turntable decks. It can be re-mapped to suit your personal needs. I rarely use the effects sections while mixing/scratching so I re-mapped my X1 to control all 4 decks in Traktor Scratch Pro. It can also be mapped to give you scratch control over all four decks. When it comes to Traktor “Pro”, your imagination is your limit!!!
I love the X1 but I don’t like the position of “browse” and “size” knobs, they are to close to each other. They don’t have LED so in the middle of the set you can press the wrong knob and then everything goes to shit.
Maybe I just need more time to get used to it…
Can you mix with x1,I was reading someone post about using sync mode is consider the pitch control for use old timers…
HEY JULES, YOU SAID: Lately, I have DJed a few house parties for friends and experimented by using my X1 instead of taking lots of kit along with me. I pretty much use the default mapping but have set pots 1-3 on each channel to be the mixer eq controls and then set the d/w pots to control to the channel level sliders. It works really well and it’s cheaper than buying a VCI-100! I’d be willing to share the mapping if anyone wants it?
Jules.[/quote]
I LIKE THE IDEA OF SETTING IT AS A STANDALONE WITH THE LAPTOP AND DOING AWAY WITH THE MIXER. SO ASSIGNING EQ LO,MID,HI IS A GOOD IDEA. THE ONLY THING I DIDNT GET WAS, HOW DO YOU ASSIGN VOLUME? THE BIGGEST LETDOWN FOR ME WITH THE X1 IS NO VOLUME CONTROL. MAKES ME WANT TO GO FOR THE FADERFOX DJ3 OR DX3. cheers to anyone for any tips
Hi rupert,
Can you share the tsi file that has the hi,mid,lows and deck volume mapped? That would be a great help!
Hi, Have you got the Mapping to assign for the eq’s, would save using an external mixer, really want to get this set up:)
Would you mind sharing the link to the tsi file? thanks!
[quote comment=”31041″]”but where is the jog wheels vcm-100 no, scratch control??”
I play house buddy. I don’t need no scratch wheels. Scratch wheels are for Diddy and Justin Bieber.[/quote]
rofl
i have the x1 one too, i like it for the fact that it is made for traktor, i dont like this multi purpose controllers (for djing) where u have to asigne everything ur self. for that kind of task (in the studio) i have an other controller where everything is asigned to my needs.
We don’t need no X1 or VCI….
http://thereifixedit.com/2010/05/26/epic-kludge-photo-closest-he-is-getting
[quote comment=”31079″][quote comment=”31076″][quote comment=”31016″]Ean, is the controller to the right of the Rane mixer the next gen of the Midi Fighter? Any news of Midi Fighter (i.e. new TSIs or expansions)? Thanks![/quote]
Great article Ean. Still, I can’t help feeling more intrigued about the controller next to the mixer. Anything to show about that one?[/quote]
The Controller on the other side of the mixer is actually a one-off midi-fighter that I made for myself. The new batch of Midi-Fighter DIY kits will be back in about 2 weeks. When they are in stock I am considering making one off controllers like that one that people can buy. They will be expensive, but hand made, totally unique and really cool. Thoughts?[/quote]
If you could make one with analog faders, four encoders and a sealed enclosure I’d seriously consider buying one.
[quote comment=”31101″]where did that case in the video come from… my NI case kind blows… its got zippers on it, and crazy velcro flaps inside that i have to fold out and shit…. ;([/quote]
[quote comment=”31101″]where did that case in the video come from… my NI case kind blows… its got zippers on it, and crazy velcro flaps inside that i have to fold out and shit…. ;([/quote]
It is the redesigned case that came out a little while ago. The velcro replaced the zip to make it easier to use. To be honest i prefer the older case. With the lid on it raises the X1 slightly higher and looks neater. Plus i hate velcro, gets full of crap…
But i guess the ease of use of the new case is the main thing for most people.
Whoa, i hope that wasn’t a showcase of talent…
The Controller on the other side of the mixer is actually a one-off midi-fighter that I made for myself. The new batch of Midi-Fighter DIY kits will be back in about 2 weeks. When they are in stock I am considering making one off controllers like that one that people can buy. They will be
expensive, but hand made, totally unique and really cool. Thoughts?[/quote]
Sounds good. Will there be expansions possible for current owners of MFs?
where did that case in the video come from… my NI case kind blows… its got zippers on it, and crazy velcro flaps inside that i have to fold out and shit…. ;(
We don’t need no X1 or VCI….
http://thereifixedit.com/2010/05/26/epic-kludge-photo-closest-he-is-getting
[quote comment=”31082″]Just curious as to what the X1 controller can do that I can’t setup with just a generic midi controller like machine or any number of other controllers.
Thanks for the info[/quote]
Nothing. At least in Midi mode. In native mode it’s HID, which is different than most generic midi controllers.
When looking into controllers, I just think of build quality and button placement, as well as actual controls (i.e. faders, encoders, buttons, etc)
Just curious as to what the X1 controller can do that I can’t setup with just a generic midi controller like machine or any number of other controllers.
Thanks for the info
the picture finally states how to use controllers. not left or right to the tables, but where your controls are – with the mixer. thanx for that!
[quote comment=”31076″][quote comment=”31016″]Ean, is the controller to the right of the Rane mixer the next gen of the Midi Fighter? Any news of Midi Fighter (i.e. new TSIs or expansions)? Thanks![/quote]
Great article Ean. Still, I can’t help feeling more intrigued about the controller next to the mixer. Anything to show about that one?[/quote]
The Controller on the other side of the mixer is actually a one-off midi-fighter that I made for myself. The new batch of Midi-Fighter DIY kits will be back in about 2 weeks. When they are in stock I am considering making one off controllers like that one that people can buy. They will be expensive, but hand made, totally unique and really cool. Thoughts?
I started using a cheap Korg NanoKontrol but now Im using the X1. When i go to some friend’s house i only carrye the nano Kontrol, mapped with Pitch and volume to using like mixer and my X1! But when i played in a Pub or club i use, X1, some mixer, Audio 4DJ.
I like the Vestax for use in a house but not in a club
See ya!
[quote comment=”31016″]Ean, is the controller to the right of the Rane mixer the next gen of the Midi Fighter? Any news of Midi Fighter (i.e. new TSIs or expansions)? Thanks![/quote]
Great article Ean. Still, I can’t help feeling more intrigued about the controller next to the mixer. Anything to show about that one?
[quote comment=”31065″]Does anyone have any experience with using this and a VCI 100 SE together so as to free up some of the functions on the VCI as this maybe something i look into as it does look intuitive?
Or is this just overkill?[/quote]
I also have the same setup as Karlos. I use my x1 as c and d, and while the vci-se already has this, it can get a little crazy to switch back and forth.
–
I also use it for dedicated fx combos, like the above mentioned sweep knobs, loop rolls, and i have it in midi mode to act as a midifighter since it has 16 buttons on the bottom. works great, obviously not as fun as the arcade buttons, but the functions are the same. So it’s almost like getting 2 controllers in one.
–
not to mention the footprint of the kontrol x1 is really small so even if you have both, it’s still smaller than a traditional turntable setup.
[quote comment=”31065″]Does anyone have any experience with using this and a VCI 100 SE together so as to free up some of the functions on the VCI as this maybe something i look into as it does look intuitive?
Or is this just overkill?[/quote]
Its not overkill. Im using a VCI 100 with and X1 at the moment and yeah your right it frees up a bit of space on the VCI . Its great for the individual deck browsing and for me is better at FX control.
Its not necessary, the VCI is enough on its own for me but its just that bit extra and it looks wicked as well 😉
As for the correction about the Encoders being Jog Wheels. Well if semantics is the game then maybe your right so playing the same game the X1 doesnt have Touch Sensitive Jog Wheels which is the whole bloody point of the VCI for many people also try scratching with an X1 or seeking ultra fine position… you cant, its just not the same.
well.. played with both the x1 and xone 1d…
xone 1d is much better if you ask me, your own mappings.. the big jogwheel works great and, 4 faders (especially when you want to control a 4 deck setup these are great!)
Im Glad i Got My Rmx………..dont like the X1 that much….Love Traktor and have used a lot of Natives stuff always quality….but think they could have done better with there first controller
Does anyone have any experience with using this and a VCI 100 SE together so as to free up some of the functions on the VCI as this maybe something i look into as it does look intuitive?
Or is this just overkill?
Seems like a great controller to supplement the turntablist’s setup, but not so great for controllerists.
Before people start correcting my it does have jog wheels comment above.
–
Well technically it does. A jog wheel is just an encoder, so you can midi map this encoder to act just like a jog. It may not be touch sensitive, and it may not be nice and big like you would expect a jog wheel to be, but none the less it is an encoder (jog wheel).
The X1 does have jog wheels. I think it’s a great supplementary controller to any setup.
–
I use mine for grid settings, deck c+d, midi-fighter mode, as well as a quicker browser setting. Not to mention some pre-baked FX combos, like sweep knobs and so forth.
–
I just think most people are too lazy to see it’s potential and prefer to have someone map it for them.
–
And the build is superb
I just dont get the comments “where is the jog wheel and “you cant use it on its own”… it wasnt designed for that duh. Its like saying “you car hasnt got any wings” its cus its a car not a plane.
The X1 was produced to directly compete with the A&H 1D and the Faderfox and was mostly designed to be used in a Turntable setup to give hands on control. It isnt aimed at the VCI market.
If the X1 doesnt fit your needs then look at something else. It doesnt make it a fail just not right for you.
I think its great that SSL users are adopting the X1 in huge numbers. NI even provide SSL overlays for it. Thats right NI are helping SSL users get into controllerism !!!!!!!!!! Pretty Sweet if you ask me.
[quote comment=”31032″]but where is the jog wheels vcm-100 no, scratch control??[/quote]
Umm… Since the X1 doesn’t have things like that either, I fail to see the significance of your comment? And – as has been said… many people have zero use for scratch (though I admit it would be interesting to go to a hawtin-gig and see/hear him go all qbert:)
too bad they didn’t had a usb hub in it…
I have one but I can’t use it, because my hub is crap and the macbook only has 2 usb…
Or they could have added a usb hub in the Audio 8
oh i forgot my name , it was me, phil
[quote comment=”31016″]Ean, is the controller to the right of the Rane mixer the next gen of the Midi Fighter? Any news of Midi Fighter (i.e. new TSIs or expansions)? Thanks![/quote]
🙂 that beast definitely got my attention too. this is professional product eerrm i mean controller placement 😉
[quote comment=”31041″]
I play house buddy. I don’t need no scratch wheels.[/quote]
True, true. That’s why I only use a pair of X1s and a mixer.
And if you look at house CDJ users cueuing, they only use the wheel for pitchbending.
However – there’s something that can be said for scratch control with that style of music : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X79EgX0q0g 😉
I’m curious how long before people start producing overlays for this thing?
Good review Ean.. Just curios about Maschine controller which can be used as DJ controller. Can you please review that also.. A comprehensive midi mapping can be also done with your intuitive skills.. we know what you did with VCI-100… thanks again..
Oh almost forgot … and for DJ Pauly D too.
“but where is the jog wheels vcm-100 no, scratch control??”
I play house buddy. I don’t need no scratch wheels. Scratch wheels are for Diddy and Justin Bieber.
[quote comment=”31019″]Ean, I’d love to see you rock a routine with this thing to get an idea of what you can really do with it. I’ve seen the promo videos with the crazy battle dudes on it, but it’d be interesting to see you break down a performance with one. Prior to the latest DJTT VCI 3.x mappings, I’d been considering getting one of these to have a lot more dedicated knobs for efx knob gobblin’.[/quote]
He did some tutorials using the X1: http://www.djtechtools.com/2010/02/03/traktor-fx-tutorials/
I have this device since it came out and I don’t agree with the bads in this review:
– This controller was specifically designed for an external DVS set-up and NOT as a full function internal midi controller (NI will release such a device later as well). Which is actually a big pro if you use it as intended. This fader-less design makes for a very compact device that fits in nicely between mixer and deck: just the right size and right amount of buttons/knobs complementary to your DVS set-up.
– This also means that the plug & play default mapping is excellent for 90% of the DVS DJ’s out there: No need for a more prominent pitch & bend mapping that Ean is missing. Also, the screen printed buttons work great in this way while you still keep the ability to easily make your own mapping and use the extra overlay for that. Perfect balance between simplicity and flexibility if you ask me.
For most regular DVS dj’s, who probably like me use the loop functions a lot more then Ean does, this is truly a kick-ass controller. Atm there is nothing out there in this specific DVS segment that is so spot on & intuitive, not even Faderfox.
Within moments after plugging it in I was right at home.
If you have serious controllerism/ beat juggling ambitions I suggest you add in a more arcade like device like the Midi-fighter as well.
lol
been using the x1 since january…yes we got it in israel first…. i use it after i made my own mapping for my most important features and guess what? the only time i touch the laptop is to turn it on or off….for me’ the vinyl time code thing is just a hassle – just go digital already or stay true to vinyl.
only thing that could be improved is a something like a pitch fader, but as i use sync mode all the time i can correct it very nicely.
it seems to me that NI kind of failed with the X1, or perhaps they succeeded at what they tried to do, it just wasnt the right concept to begin with. the X1 is a strange piece, at first glance it seems like a perfect all-in-one solution for traktor based DJs. but then you notice things like lack of faders, so while you can cue and launch tracks with it, you still need another piece to fade between them. but then if youve got a controller with faders chances are that it will also have all the other options of the X1 as well, definately with some mapping work.
so i just dont see the niche that NI is trying to fill with this controller, is this to be used with another controller? kind of expensive for that. but at the same time not really useable as an all-in-one piece.
anyway, there are quite a few controllers in that price range that can serve all your needs. yeah they wont have them pretty buttons and the NI/traktor logo, but theyll get you playin while saving a buck or three… id pass on the X1
[quote comment=”31029″]” This is the best built controller in its class and size range. ”
WRONG !
The Vestax VCM-100 is $229 and is solid aluminum all around with ALPS guts.
And with a built-in MAYA 44 soundcard and solid rotary mix level controls it is a better controller overall.
But, add an X1 to it and you are solid on all fronts.[/quote]
but where is the jog wheels vcm-100 no, scratch control??
after amy series of post on this article i’m saying how you should dj with yor kit you wana work as a club DJ get in style kit like ean’s, if at home the vcm because live people need to see that proper Dj vinyl or Dj hand movement not look at ur e mail jog wheels should be on every DJ bases midi controller period…
This controller can do alot more than you think, mine is mapped for 4 decks. I use it in conjuction with a m-audio x session as my mixer so I have no need to completely take apart the setup in the booth I play in. All I have to do is run a set of rca’s to a unused channel. I also have a two deck setup where I use the 2nd blank midi channel as a mixer and rempped the default channel’s pitch bend to work without the shift button and beatjump to be used with shift button. Works really well, here is the mapping if anyone can use them.
x1 all in one mapping midi channel 2 mixer control
http://www.mediafire.com/file/dwmv2zz5m0y/D3_mixer_mapping.tsi
4 deck control
http://www.mediafire.com/file/qzmwu1jzyil/X1_MIDI_MAPPING_DECK_C+D.tsi
” This is the best built controller in its class and size range. ”
WRONG !
The Vestax VCM-100 is $229 and is solid aluminum all around with ALPS guts.
And with a built-in MAYA 44 soundcard and solid rotary mix level controls it is a better controller overall.
But, add an X1 to it and you are solid on all fronts.
[quote comment=”31024″]As always, great review, guys. I bought an X1 to augment my decks + mixer + Traktor Scratch setup – particularly so I could have easy access to the loop sampler and effects functions. The device really works well for that!
I’d like to mention that if you’re not doing anything fancy, you can actually re-map the X1 as a fairly potent controller. Lately, I have DJed a few house parties for friends and experimented by using my X1 instead of taking lots of kit along with me. I pretty much use the default mapping but have set pots 1-3 on each channel to be the mixer eq controls and then set the d/w pots to control to the channel level sliders. It works really well and it’s cheaper than buying a VCI-100! I’d be willing to share the mapping if anyone wants it?
Jules.[/quote]
just a note not an insult, the crowd always need to see the wiki, wiki element the need that element where ever you dj the x1 controller on it’s own (not cool)how can you use it on it own i would add a hercules e2 if money is a prob or a similar controller the reloop as above ^^^ or ean’s vci (they juct need it, looks cooler even on a lap top as to cdj-s…
As always, great review, guys. I bought an X1 to augment my decks + mixer + Traktor Scratch setup – particularly so I could have easy access to the loop sampler and effects functions. The device really works well for that!
I’d like to mention that if you’re not doing anything fancy, you can actually re-map the X1 as a fairly potent controller. Lately, I have DJed a few house parties for friends and experimented by using my X1 instead of taking lots of kit along with me. I pretty much use the default mapping but have set pots 1-3 on each channel to be the mixer eq controls and then set the d/w pots to control to the channel level sliders. It works really well and it’s cheaper than buying a VCI-100! I’d be willing to share the mapping if anyone wants it?
Jules.
I love the controller but I use the VCI-100 and everything that is on the X1 can be or is already on the VCI. Excellent review and correct more for turntable dj’s.
nice one!
well ean worte that the x1 uses a HID for traktor, is this also the way of mapping for serato or uses serato the normal midi mapping.
so is there a chance of using the x1 in other progs via Midi?
great
I have been using this for the last 2 months with ScratchLive and have mapped it out for video and playback on page 1 and effects and misc things on page 2. Excellent controller and I have had zero issues with this.
Now if only Serato can implement internal midi feedback things would be a lot better 🙂
Ean, I’d love to see you rock a routine with this thing to get an idea of what you can really do with it. I’ve seen the promo videos with the crazy battle dudes on it, but it’d be interesting to see you break down a performance with one. Prior to the latest DJTT VCI 3.x mappings, I’d been considering getting one of these to have a lot more dedicated knobs for efx knob gobblin’.
Mega good device…. Wait 5 month. Recommended all Traktor Djs )))
think i go for the Reloop Contour, seems a little bit better
Ean, is the controller to the right of the Rane mixer the next gen of the Midi Fighter? Any news of Midi Fighter (i.e. new TSIs or expansions)? Thanks!
CONT… JUST LIKE A HERCULES OR EAN’S VCI 100 ARCADE EDITION IT ALL USES MIDI (IF YOU DONT KNOW GO DO SOME MUSIC TECH COURSE, AND YOU WILL) ALL i AM IS SAYING IS THAT I HAVE TOP END KIT CDJ’S AND DOWN GRADED FROM DJM 600 TO A DDM 4000 BECAUSE OF THE AMOUT OF FUNCTIONS IT HAS WONT BE THE BEST FEEL BUT WHAT DOYOU WANT YOUR KIT TO DO PERFORM, MIX AT HOME OR IN THE CLUB ALWAY SOMETHING TO THING ABOUT WHEN YOUR DIGITAL.
(ps just relised i was shouting lol)
I LIKE THE X1, GREAT CONTROLLER, BUT IT IS A DEFAULT FOR TRAKTOR NOTHING MORE AS EAN’S VIDEO SAYS TO USE IN COMBINATION WITH…
YOU CAN MAP BUT IT THERE ARE OTHER OPTIONS & OTHER CONTROLLERS I BEEN WORKING ON A DDM 400 MAPPING AND MOD FOR THE LAST 6 MONTHS WHICH IS 70% COMPLETE AND HAVE ALL THAT TYPE OF CONTROL THE X1 FOR ME MEANS NO MORE THAN EXTRA BUTTON & KNOBS BUT IF THEY DID AN ALL IN 1 y??? TRAKTOR SCRTACH COST $500 APPROX, BUT IF U WANT TO PAY ROUND A $1000 ALLEN & HEATH’S CONTROLLER (RATHER X ZONE 4D) BUT THE vms4 aMERICAN AUDIO, HAS GOT MY ATTENTION, OK… HEAR ME OUT FOR WHAT THAT KIT CAN DO AT PRICE GAP THAT IS FILLED WITH A LOT OF GREAT FUNCTIONS AND CAN BE MAPPED…
I love my X1 even though I haven’t spent much time with it yet. The build quality of the control is great for the price and the buttons feel very responsive.
Looks like a solid piece to have if you don’t already have physical buttons/knobs for these functions.
Maybe I read this a little early, a few errors… SUPER SUPER useful, makes me glad I ordered an oxygen 8 instead of this thing for my setup yesterday!!! ^.^