DJ Equipment Reviews

 

Native Instruments Kontrol X1 Product Review

The first OFFICIAL Traktor controller for any DJ software!

It’s a new year so it’s time to get some new toys! That’s always been my motto, and with brand new DJ equipment like Native Instrument’s Kontrol X1, that’s a motto I’m sticking by until Kingdom come. Native Instruments has been a DJ supplier working DJs (by the millions) have turned to for the very best in software. If you’ve been using your trackpad or "dot" as a navigation device, thanks to Kontrol X1, you don’t have to anymore. No huge loss; I’ll bet it didn’t feel like you had much control with that trackpad (or dot) anyway.

The Traktor Kontrol X1 does exactly what the name states: controls. It gives working Djs the control they want and the control they sure as hell need–and DJs don’t have to set up much to get said control. Plug and play, that’s all. Connect the Traktor Kontrol X1 into any laptop that’s running Traktor or another performance software, and you have all the control of your decks and effect parameters as you need.

NI Traktor Kontrol X1

When has any Native Instrument product come flimsy? Can’t think of any? Neither can I. They keep durability in the family with the build of their Kontrol X1, which they say has robust rotary knobs sporting a heavy-duty feel. It also has backlit buttons that provide precise visual and tactile status feedback, says NI (not to mention a cool "light show" when it’s dark, says Ria). This allows the working DJ to deepen his/her knowledge of Traktor without so much as touching his/her laptop.

There’s so much more to love about NI’s latest controller. Apparently,  Traktor Kontrol X1 isn’t like most MIDI controllers on the market. According to NI, its individuality  stems from its bi-directional communication with Traktor through a high resolution protocol from Native Instruments. Essentially, this gives it a much better feel than you’ll find with most MIDI controllers. If you want, you can change every knob and button you see displayed on the controller so that it fits your style. But you don’t have to. All the knobs and buttons have been pre-mapped for professional use.

If you’re not drooling yet, you may start once you realize that all eight knobs and buttons were designed to control three effects on each deck. What’s more, the loop control section will allow working DJs to remix music without interruption. And if that’s not enough to make you drool worse than Lassie, here is a video overview of the Traktor Kontrol X1. This clip is just one of three. I highly recommend viewing two and three, as well.

It doesn’t matter what style or genre you prefer; if you’re a working DJ, it’s safe to say NI’s Traktor Kontrol X1 was designed just for you and your system.

Press Ctrl+D to Bookmark Your Favorite Posts - DJ product review, DJ equipment, durability

Related Posts

• Pioneer SEP-C1 DJ Product Review (0)
• Vestax VCM-100: PROduct Review (0)