After a lengthy build-up extending back to the 2011 BPM convention, Allen & Heath’s new contribution to the growing slim-line compact controller field, the Xone:K2, will hit the shelves at the end of this month. Part update to the discontinued Xone:1D, and part open-ended answer to Native Instrument’s Kontrol X1 and F1, the Xone:K2 combines deep programmability with a 4-channel audio interface and proprietary X:LINK connection, making it suitable for a wide swath of digital DJing proclivities.
Manufacturer: Allen & Heath
Price: $499 (MSRP) / $299 (common retail price)
Availability: End of May, 2012
Communication: MIDI over USB (USB powered)
Ships with: Padded carrying case/DJ booth stand, USB cable, X:LINK (RJ45) cable, CD (Windows drivers, PDF guide, mappings)
Weight: 2.2 pounds (1 kg), 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg) with the carrying case
Dimensions: 5.3 x 14 x 1.2 inches (13.5 x 35.8 x 3 cm)
System Requirements: Class-compliant MIDI/4-channel audio device for Mac OSX. Class-compliant MIDI/2-channel audio device for Windows. Full 4-channel operation requires included ASIO driver for Windows 2000/XP/Vista/Windows 7.
The Good: Tons of pro-grade controls packed into a small surface. Flexible layering options lets you shift between three control layers on some or all of the controls, while leaving other sections locked. Acceptable sound quality with adequately high output levels in both the headphone and main outputs.
The Bad: No hard level settings for the headphone or main outputs. No booth outputs. Maximum utility requires the patience for custom MIDI mapping.
The Bottom Line: You get fully MIDI-programmable channel strips and a button grid with three possible layers of functionality in a professionally constructed controller with a 16-bit/48kHz 4-channel soundcard. Serious working DJs will appreciate the powerful custom workflows they can construct after putting the time in to program their own mappings.
DESIGN NOTES
While larger than the Kontrol X1, the Xone:K2 incorporates more controls and is still built specifically to fit in the DJ booth alongside a pro DJ mixer. It’s roughly the same depth as Allen & Heath’s flagship DB2 and DB4 mixers. The K2 comes with a durably-padded, zippered black carrying case that doubles as a stand. Zip off the top and set the K2 on the back of the case bottom. There are indents on the bottom of the case for the K2’s four plastic feet, so the height of the K2 on the stand matches the height of the DB2, DB4, and many other pro DJ mixers.
A soft plastic outer shell encases a coated metal faceplate on the K2. All of the nutted pots and rotary encoders represent professional build quality, and the nutted construction of the knobs means the the inner circuit board is protected more against outer trauma to the knobs. The four 60mm-throw faders possess the signature Allen & Heath smoothness, and their tops are indented generously, making them a pleasure to use.
In addition, the 30 rubberized buttons feel fantastic. They are soft-touch LED rubber buttons with a click, yet they are firmer and feel more robust than the looser buttons on the Kontrol X1. In short, despite the plastic casing, Allen & Heath maintains its usual high standard of build quality on the Xone:K2.
CONTROL SECTIONS
The K2 serves up 52 hardware controllers. When you factor in push-button encoders and three possible layers of functionality (more on that later), that’s 171 possible MIDI commands.
From the top down, the control segments break out like this:
• 4 push-button rotary encoders. Turning the encoders sends MIDI CC (continuous controller) messages, while pressing/releasing the encoder button send MIDI Note On/Off messages. Tri-color LEDs beneath the encoders reveal the controls layer status if applicable but are not MIDI controls.
• 3 rows of potentiometer knobs with tri-color LED switch buttons.
• 4 linear 60mm-throw faders.
• “Switch matrix,” consisting of a 4 x 4 grid of tri-color LED switch buttons.
• Layer and setup controls. The bottom row of two LED buttons and two push-button rotary encoders deals with layer switching, setup mode for selecting the MIDI channel and layer mode, or can be assignable if layering is turned off.
LATCHING LAYERS
There are three possible layers to the K2 control surface that you can assign to MIDI, and the LEDs will glow red, amber, or green depending on what layer they represent. There are also four Latching Layer modes that determine which sections of the K2 will respond to layers and which sections will stay locked to one layer. Let your mind run wild with customization possibilities here. That’s what the K2 is all about.
To set a Latching Layer mode, you must enter setup mode by holding down the Power On/Setup encoder down on an unplugged K2, and then plugging in the USB cable to a computer to power it up. That enters you into setup mode, and using the Setup encoder with the Shift button to enter Layers mode, you can scroll these five Latching Layers states:
1) Latching Layers is turned off. This is the default mode.
2) Only the four rows of 16 Switch Matrix buttons respond to layers, while the rest of the K2 is locked.
3) The 16 pot switches on the top half of the K2 respond to layers. That’s the four encoder buttons across the top (represented by the top row of LEDs) and the three rows of four LED button switches under the knobs.
4) “All Switches” mode: the 32 total switches from modes 2 and 3 respond to layers in this mode.
5) All of the K2 controls respond to layers in this mode. The faders and pots support “soft takeover” when switching between layers to prevent sudden parameter jumps. For software that supports soft takeover, such as Ableton Live, the control value for a different layer won’t change until the pot or fader moves to the current parameter’s position.
MAPPINGS
While the Xone:K2 was made expressly for you to customize it to your own workflow with your own mapping, you may well find a preset mapping that works to your liking. As of this writing, there were several Traktor Pro 2 mappings and an Ableton Live Project setting available at Allen & Heath’s K2 product page, and no doubt many more will soon be popping up on forum sites after the product launch.
Allen and Heath have also confirmed that official mappings for Virtual DJ, Serato Scratch Live, MixVibes and Mixxx are currently under construction.
Although the Xone:K2 is probably best for those not intimidated by making their own mappings, the ones that are out there right now serve well enough to get you started using the unit quickly, especially in Traktor, where creating a mapping feels more laborious than in Ableton Live or other DAW software. Just import the TSI file into Traktor, check your Audio and Output Routing settings, and you’re good to go.
Allen & Heath currently include Traktor mappings for sample deck control, an X1 emulator, a loop/FX controller, and an all-purpose setting for using the K2 as a lone Traktor controller. However, when you’re ready to take the leap into custom mapping, there are some handy Traktor mapping videos at Allen & Heath’s site as well as some other useful setup/use case videos.
(Editor’s Note: On the Maps section of the DJTT site, we’ve already got 10+ custom mappings for the K2. Check them out!)
AUDIO INTERFACE AND SOUND QUALITY
One of my biggest gripes about the K2 would be the lack of any hardwired audio controls for the audio outputs. The 4-channel configuration sends channels 1 and 2 out of the front-panel 1/8″ headphone jack, and channels 3 and 4 out of the back-panel RCA stereo outputs, but there are no level controls for either output unless you program software level controls for them into your K2 mappings. That makes using the K2 for audio less convenient for sure.
As it stands, several of Allen & Heath’s suggested use cases for the K2 involve not using it for audio at all or routing one or both of the audio outputs into an external mixer.
USB / X:LINK
The Xone:K2 sends MIDI, audio, and derives power over USB. The unit can also be powered by the X:LINK (RJ45/ethernet) port, which is a proprietary connection for linking two K2s together or for linking one or two K2s to an X:LINK-supporting Allen & Heath mixer, such as the DB2 or DB4. However, only the USB port shuttles audio, so if you use X:LINK to connect two K2s, only the one connected by USB will transmit audio. There’s no doubt that X:LINK serves a worthy purpose of letting you conveniently sync up K2 units to each other or to a mixer while only using one USB port on a computer, I only wish that it was an open standard that other gear could adopt as well.
THE NO-SPIN XONE
Judging from the extensive conversations on DJ Tech Tools’ forums and other venues, people seem to have a pretty good idea of whether the jogwheel-less Xone:K2 will fit into their setups or not. Generally, although you could track down a pre-made mapping that works for you, the K2 was not really created for the newest of the newbies. It’s a highly customizable MIDI controller for those who want to customize it highly for their own particular purposes. In that way, it’s can be incredibly liberating once you take the time to program it.
One or two of them together could easily suffice for many digital DJ’s needs, or the K2 is also a hell of a supplementary controller. You could add it to a Kontrol X1 to incorporate audio and many additional controls for a super compact DJ rig, or drop it into a busy remixing/production studio as an Ableton Live clip grid and channel strip controller.
The audio interface differentiates the Xone:K2 in an important way, but it also necessarily jacks up the price a bit, which may be a concern for those who would only use it as a controller. At $299, it’s about $100 more than a Kontrol X1, for which you receive a 4-channel audio interface, more controls, and most importantly, full MIDI customization for any MIDI-supporting software, be it for DJing, VJing, music production, or lighting.
However you may use it, the Xone:K2 provides a ton of flexibility and possibility. It brings the pro-grade construction and playable feel; you bring the creativity and vision.
Would i need an Audio interface if i bought this controller, if i used this and the club mixer for my gigs?
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can you hook up a turntable to the k2 with a sound card ?
hi ,have you got the K2 mapping to control with virtual dj pro please,and if you have a link to DL the mapping?MANY THANKS
Can I setup with my Z2 native instruments Xone K2?somebody help please?
Wow, It looks like you can do so much these days. Awesome and exciting! Another item for my wishlist……
FYI…I bought a K2 & have been working on a lot of custom mapping w/ it. Most recently I noticed a slight noisefloor generated by the LEDs depending on the layer you’re in. I reached out to support and they confirmed that it occurs, w/ the loudest being in the amber layer. The noisefloor is not audible during playback. I guess it is caused by the proximity of the LED circuits to the audio circuits and can not be fixed in future firmware updates.
Got this, one of the best built controllers i’ve owned, it is certainly pro grade.
The soundcard goes very loud, plenty of headphone volume for club work. Yeah, an encoder for volume would of been nice but its no biggy. I use mine going into an Ecler nuo 2, very nice slim setup. So i have those 2 and a midi fighter 3D Ableton live, Sugarbytes Turnado doing channel fx. K2 is without doubt a good purchase.
You need a 8th inch jack to phono to make the second channel, obviously.
My only wish would be that the gate faders weren,t so long as it isn,t great for my style of mixing (breaks) either if they were shorter of they squeezed in an Xfader, then I wouldnt need the ecler at all.
You can rock Live or Traktor with just this, the buttons are really nice too, soft, not really great for cue juggling etc, but thats why you buy a Fighter.
Madeon uses it! 🙂
Xone k2 + 2 x midi fighter 3d / Ableton Live = My perfect dj setup.
I haven’t felt this excited since I bought my djm500 and 1200s all those years ago lol
wish list DJTT staff…a midimaping with the lower section button configured to the instant gratification button a la midifighter…please
i got this when it first came out…loved it ever since
Oh shit.. I love my APC40 but this little monster might make me sell it.. 🙁
The Xone K2 is a beast. All knobs and faders feel great. Sounds good enough for a club. Headphone outputs are loud, tested the master outputs – output to Xone 4D – came in at 0db on the mixer, 0db Master gain from Traktor Pro.
Most importantly the latching layer system is amazing, this thing is powerful as hell. It does take some time getting used to the mapping due to the fact there are no labels. But once you’re used to it, it is a true performance machine. Cheers.
Although it looks pretty complete, this controller proves rather difficult to use without the DB2 mixer, which I believe is the product the company intends to sell. The ideal configuration will be 2 x K2 + DB2. One K2 can be used for track control, and another for FX control because the DB2 in midi mode deactivates all built-in mixer effects.
Is that true, that DB2 effects can’t be used with only one K2?
I got the DB2 and about to get this K2.
If so, it would be better to get novation pad or midi fighter just to control cells.
I dont have a db2 and im using it fine
I’m putting together some more sophisticated Ableton support for this little beast.
“Red box” support, proper automapping channel faders and a full internal-mixer DJ template 🙂
Dude – excellent. Custom Python all the way. Let us know when you get this set up!
have you done this yet?? sounds great just what im looking for!!¬???
He has… and it is great 😀
anyone think this would go well with two deckalized midi fighters? it seems like this would be a pretty good combo. easy setup and super sleek look using the midi fighters to control decks and the k2 for mixer and sample deck controls. any thoughts on this? possible setbacks? would i have to use the deckalized mapping and then revise it to make this possible.
Yep , I dj with ableton and two midi fighters and this is my ideal setup! It was this or a faderfox and additional soundcard, but i opted for this.
Haven’t recieved it but my midi fighter 3d is on it way too!
Gonna have serious fun mapping a layer to Sugarbites Effectrixs!
When the Kontrol F1 comes out will you do a comparison? it seems that this would be similarly useful for launching clips in the new remix decks (at least when NI) allows alternative controllers for that function and at the very least the F1 could be likely custom mapped to similar functions to this .
I got two of these a couple weeks ago and I am absolutely loving them. Great for Ableton! Well built but light, all the controls are great. I’m in the process of mapping it and then getting a custom skim made.
i might get 2 of these in the summer! when i’ll get them they are going to be stricktly for ableton! later on, when i actually start playing out, i might use this for other stuff aswell! but right now for my productiongs, i mainly use maschine inside ableton, but since i do most stuff in maschine i only touch the mouse to change something in ableton, but no more!!!!! (after the summer that is lol)
nice piece of gear, they should make a version without the soundcard, ive looking for something like this for a very long time buy i’ve allready have a soundcard
i dont buy it, a audio2 + mixer for me thanks
it ould be GREAT if you could change layers individualy for the 3 section, for example map layer 1 for deck a-b and fx unit 1-2, layer b for decks c-d and effects unit 3-4. if u want to use fx 3-4 but still want to controll deck a-b, you switch the layer of the upper part, leaving the lower one in the deck a-b layer, and vice versa. that would be awesome
How does the K2 stack up against the F1?
It looks like it has more knobs, it has a sound card (which may be AWESOME for feeding back into the mixer in a third or fourth channel), but won’t go full color on the buttons (which are smaller than the F1) and of course, it won’t be able to do all the things the F1 will be able to do inside Traktor until Native Instruments releases the patch that will allow full functionality of the Sample Decks without needing the F1. Not much is known about the button’s velocity sensitivity in either product so the assumption is that both controllers aren’t.
…and most importantly, full MIDI customization for any MIDI-supporting software, be it for DJing, VJing,… Please tell us what the NI Controller Editor can’t do, what the Xone K2 can? Don’t get this statement… I mean the X1 doesnt have multiple layers (only shift) but besides that every aspect of it is fully midi compatible….
When using with ableton, do you get the ‘red square’?
No.
However, I have a K2 in the mail and I will be releasing a Remote Script for the K2 that enables Ableton’s red square in a few days 🙂
No.
However, I have a K2 in the mail and I will be releasing a Remote Script for the K2 that enables Ableton’s red square in a few days 🙂
Best $300 ive ever spent, I love my K2… 🙂
Im probably gonna get shit for this, but I think I love this thing more than the Kontrol S2 I bought (sold it after a week or 2)….
please tell me:why no good feelings with s2?
I’m going to purchase it so I need to know as many comments as possible.
Thanks and sorry for my little OT
Don’t know why Armanb89 disliked the s2, but what I can say is that the S4 is great! I own one and love every knob and fader. Only two things that could make it the perfect unit:
-no magnets in the jogwheels so that real backspins would be possible
-there is a bit too much resistance in the pitchfaders everywhen you start riding it.
But: I don’t know any unit out there topping the S4. It definitely is state-of-the-art.
yeah no master out was the 1st thing i noticed. I also dislike the fact that the regular pots only change layers in one mode. that def made me a little mad cause thats what I wanted most.
It’s a great pity for me that there’s no centre detent on the pots.
This is the biggest problem.
I was worried about that, too. But it turned out to be fine, anyway 🙂
I think my Maschine is going to love it ;]