Native Instruments Kontrol X1

Forget the fuss, just Kontrol it!!!

What is it?

Kontrol X1 is the hugely popular and in-demand midi controller designed specifically for Native Instruments’ Traktor LE, Scratch and Pro suite of DJ software. Opting to take a different approach to most by not introducing the traditional all-in-one DJ midi controller with jog wheels, mixer and transport section, these smart folk over at NI have given us an extremely desirable and portable looking controller that pretty much covers everything you may want to do when controlling DJ software. Firstly if you are using Traktor Scratch – as in using Timecode vinyl or CD – the X1 is going to appeal to you for two main reasons: 1 – it just looks so damn cool and is Traktor branded and 2 – it is perfectly mapped and labelled for use with the software. Yes you can use other controllers (I’ve been using a Korg Nano Kontrol to control my effects) but hey, nothing beats having the real deal, setup and ready for use. Plus its design is ergonomically right for the software and the overall build and quality of the rotary knobs and buttons are top notch. So as a Timecode user (like me) the X1 performs three primary functions for you. It’s your FX controller, your loop station and your library browser. That simple but that effective!

Now these boytjies at NI are smart ‘cos they’ve also thought of the LE user and the Pro users who don’t use Timecode and for this they offer you the key transport functions to cue tracks, adjust the tempo, nudge the beats, play the tracks and off course the one all you DJ’s who use controllers to play with love – the good old beat sync, removing any need to really match your beats the real DJ way!!! (Just kiddin’ – you’re also real DJs!!!) What X1 does not have is a soundcard so the ideal basic solution (for non-Timecode users) would be to buy an Audio 2 DJ card (lekka portable) and one of these. Kontrol X1 comes with Traktor LE, so these 2 gadgets plus a laptop and you’re styling my bru! Now if you can get your hands on the optional bag this acts as the perfect platform to place the X1 on alongside the mixer. So your transport, FX, library browsing etc are nice and easy to reach while mixing. An important thing to note though, is that unlike the all-in-one DJ midi controllers that have double CDJ functionality plus mixer (and usually soundcard built in too,) with the X1 you will need to have a standard DJ mixer into which you will plug the soundcard into two of its channels. This device is not designed for internal mixer mode.

Who should own one?

Gnarly bag is optional extra and hard to come by....

Existing Traktor Scratch and Pro users who really do want to start using the FX and looping functions, instead of pretending they do should get this now! It encourages one to use the full functionality of Traktor as the looping is dead easy and one can actually remember what you’re doing without staring blankly at a generic controller trying to figure out what you mapped where. Beginner DJ’s should probably look at the all-in-one units as this gives one a better overall feel for Dj’ing, however if you’ve been spinning old-skool for a while and now want to go digital, this + DJ soundcard + laptop will enable you to still mix through a conventional DJ mixer but allow you a hands-on approach to the software.

The Verdict:

I’ve bought one so what more can I say than that? It’s a little beaut, this X1. Portable, cool looking, remarkably functional for its size and now gives me two options when playing out. Either use it as FX/Loop Station when doing a Pro gig (Timecode CD), or just use it with beat sync when I’m jolling at home or with friends.

PROS :

It’s a looker!
Portable and robust
Knobs and buttons feel very good
Almost all buttons and knobs have dual functionality
Easy to use and remember what is where

CONS :

Manual caters only for LE and Pro and is typically cryptic for advanced use
If Traktor does not calculate the correct IDM on your track, you’re screwed without a jog-wheel (non-Timecode users)!

Price: R 2,595-00 incl. VAT