Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol X1 USB DJ Controller

No longer available at zZounds
Control loops, effects, transport play/sync, and more in Traktor -- or any other performance software -- with the Traktor Kontrol X1 DJ controller from NI.

From the makers of Traktor comes Traktor Kontrol X1 - the first official Traktor controller for use with any DJ software. Whether you are a DVS timecode or software DJ, simply connect the Traktor Kontrol X1 to a computer running Traktor (or other performance software) and gain instant control of your decks and effect parameters. Robust rotary knobs with a heavy-duty feel and backlit buttons provide precise visual and tactile status feedback- letting you delve deep inside Traktor without having to touch your computer.

Everything Under Kontrol
Bi-directional communication with Traktor via Native Instruments' high resolution protocol gives the hardware a smoother and more precise feel compared to regular MIDI controllers. All buttons and knobs have been pre-mapped for optimum Traktor use but can be re-configured in any way you like. Traktor Kontrol X1 can also be used as a MIDI controller for any software as well as expanded with a second unit to control four decks and four FX units.

Access All Areas
Traktor Kontrol X1's high-quality, back-lit LED buttons and push encoders are clearly arranged in distinct transport, browse, loop and effects sections. With enough room for convenient control of selecting, cueing, synching and pitching tracks, you always have the right music on hand. Eight knobs and eight buttons simultaneously control up to three effects on each deck, while the intuitive loop control section together with direct access to eight hotcues per track will have you read more remixing your music without interrupting the flow.

***Some product boxes may include TRAKTOR LE 2 software. A free upgrade to TRAKTOR PRO 2 will be available to all users buying after April 2nd, 2012 once they register their TRAKTOR LE 2.
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For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 866-556-6487 or 323-467-2693

Submitted February 18, 2010

"Read my review!"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Manufacturer Support
Customer support is almost non-existent. I have emailed NI three times concerning Traktor problems and they have not responded. If you need support, call a nerdy friend!

The Wow Factor
This truly is a great product. The first thing you will notice is the build quality of the controller itself. The chassis and faceplate are metal, and the buttons and knobs are firm, but responsive. Surprisingly, the unit is lightweight with reasonable portability in a laptop bag. I will say I had some trouble with installing the included Traktor LE, and since I have been using another version of Traktor using the program itself can be confusing. I had originally started with Traktor Scratch Pro with an Akai LPD8 controller. If you don't know a lot about MIDI, programming a controller, or Traktor itself, be prepared for a headache. That's why I felt I needed the Kontrol X1. It's already programmed and ready to go with the MIDI designations (CC#'s) already mapped out in the downloadable update on the Traktor Support Center. I can now trigger loops and effects quickly and smoothly with greater pricision. Trying to operate a virtual knob on a laptop touchpad can be difficult and erratic. The only weak point I have found with this unit is the hotcue buttons. I much prefer triggering the 8 hotcues via my Akai LPD8. When it comes to drumming, velocity sensitive pads are king, and nothing beats and akai read more pad. Verdict: Buy it. Being able to scroll and load tracks without touching the computer is worth the 200 bones itself.

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