Sweet looking controller, nice work from NI on this one :)

Ehh, not really excited, I’ll keep my VCI-100 and its arcade mod… next big thing I buy is the NS7 (when ever they release a effectors module for it…)

so I wonder, how can i hook up 2 of these to my macbook pro… since i only have 2 USB ports and one has to have my Audio 8 plugged in? I really like how these are layed out… but i don’t want to have to carry around a Powered USB hub and search for an extra power outlet in a booth….

i think this controller is a huge mistake from NI , cause they should have think about a more complete hardware…

It is seems just like a copy/paste of the Xone 1D , and we need new products , not copies …

A big disapointment…

Yeah, I’m sure it is a good product and everything but I have to admit I was expecting to be a bit more excited by this announcement…

I think it is better than Vestax VCI-100!

yea very nice looking

[quote post="3108"]so I wonder, how can i hook up 2 of these to my macbook pro… since i only have 2 USB ports and one has to have my Audio 8 plugged in? I really like how these are layed out… but i don’t want to have to carry around a Powered USB hub and search for an extra power outlet in a booth….[/quote]

OOPS… never mind, I just watched NI’s video… this thing is pretty dope!!!!

cant wait to get my hands on this

Not ground breaking, but it does look like a perfect component to my existing rig.

However I told myself I would build insted of buy any more controllers.

Ships with: Traktor LE but only works with pro. LE is upgradeable to pro for $139

this just seems odd. why not just discount the Pro version via coupon for people that purchase this sort of device, Why push TLE that becomes useless after you upgrade to pro or that does not work with this device.

mea… it cant do anything that I cant do now with my vci 100 se.

[quote comment="23168"]Ships with: Traktor LE but only works with pro. LE is upgradeable to pro for $139

this just seems odd. why not just discount the Pro version via coupon for people that purchase this sort [/quote]

sorry guys- that was incorrect information based on a mis-communication with NI. The article has been corrected. The controller works with LE and PRO.

I love that NI is creating settings and an overlay for Serato Scratch Live. That is classy. We could use more playing well with others among so-called competitors.

Uhh damn they look nice! :D My dream would be A&H 42 and two of them connected to my MB :) lovely

this looks compact and portable plus all the important and most used functions are in the kntrol x1. cant wait to check this one out.

[quote comment="23161"]i think this controller is a huge mistake from NI , cause they should have think about a more complete hardware…

It is seems just like a copy/paste of the Xone 1D , and we need new products , not copies …

A big disapointment…[/quote]
[quote comment="23162"]Yeah, I’m sure it is a good product and everything but I have to admit I was expecting to be a bit more excited by this announcement…[/quote]

+1 on both of these

On the other hand, its pretty basic and therefore probably very useful “in the field” where you want simple easy control over a limited nr of parameters you are actually gonna use.

I guess no one cares about no EQ/Fader Controls? :-)

I like the form factor. Like the Higher resolution.

Don’t like the Shifts. They look like they are in a very inconvienent place. If the “dedicated high resolution protocol” can be custom mapped in traktor, then this controller could be sweet, but if not, it’s nothing special.

Anybody notice that both decks have a browse knob even though there is a global browser in traktor, not browsing per deck? Clarification on that?

No faders, no Djing!

Looks awesome, but i miss the faders and the jogg wheel i guess, it seems more like a traktor controller supplement, then a standalone traktor controller. Sweet though!

Look like its just what I’ve been waiting for! Great job NI!

Things that are lacking / unclear to me in order to make it the ultimate controller:
capability to have two layers for decks (switch a/c – b/d), as well as two layers per fx, but on the other hand it could have messed up the clarity of the controller and the option to buy two is still there.

How do you engage fx 3 and 4 on decks? 4 buttons would have been perfect, I was at least assuming shift+fx1/fx2, but this is already taken by global tempo controls.

The browse/seek feature isn’t perfect, I was expecting one browse encoder (shift would have allowed browsing playlists, enter expand folders) with two buttons to load into decks.

Regarding seeking, I am using beat jumps with length control, but with the beat jump features (in the transport control part) you don’t have this capability.

How do you select the fx to assign to bank ? I am expecting shift + pot 1. Shift + pot 2 / 3 / 4 should automatically switch to chained fx mode.

Plus the hot cue could have been per deck, but I am really nagging there.

For the rest, it seems a pretty damn good controller, with accesses to most important features. Add a decent mixer (like the DJM800 or A&H 9:2) and you have the ultimate setup. I think I’ll buy two as soon as these babies are out.

Looks like a good option for purely digital DJ’s especially at that price point. Anyone know how it might compare to the Stanton SCS3d for example?

Also, there’s no pitch fader. That might be a problem!

i like the concept and i think it would help the work flow but they really needed something with
a platter.

I think this would be a sweet supplemental controller. A vci 100, 1 of these on each side and you can pretty much have dedicated controllers for almost everything.

I think that would be a good setup. 229 for a supplemental controller is a bit high, but if the quality is there then it might be worth it.

This is definitely a good supplemental controller but does not have enough controls to fully replace a VCI-100. We just updated the post with a Q&A with NI that answers more questions about the special communication format and how the controller can be used.

@ Phaidon, no- you cant reconfigure the hi res mode its a plug and play, you get what you get sort of situation.

[quote post="3108"]Also, there’s no pitch fader. [/quote]
This is an FX and cue controller, not a player!
I think it’s a good controller for a DVS set-up.

However i’m still waiting for a single player usb controller from a big player (the form-factor of a DJ Tech Kontrol One, slim like this kontrol X1, custom made for Traktor, and made by vestax)

Not that some DJ’s won’t have fun with this one, but really the X1 is a throw away.

What the hell, it launched the product line though, right?

How long will it take those wily kids in NI Marketing to launch the X3 controller?

Just what I have been waiting for!
I’m happy its not $699…229 is just fine.

@Ean, Thanks for the info and the added Q&A session. Still perks my interest, however

/rant
{what they said}[what would fix it]
“The central advantage is that using our {own, $$}[open source] protocol gives {us, NI}[You] total freedom in how {we, NI}[you] {let}[make] the controller interact with Traktor, without having to work around {any artifical limitations}[us, NI]“

I reckon it looks dope for the right set up. It won’t replace my vci-100 but to be honest if i had a DVS set up i would get it in a new york second

ean my question is since i spin on traktor scratch duo but need midi control over the looping functions and the fx banks offered in that software would there be any way that this would work for me in conjuntction with my analog turntables and mixer

On paper it’s a brilliant idea, you could use it by itself (with a mixer and audio interface) or with decks/vci to control c/d.

This would actually work if they’d printed useful mappings on it. CUP? seriously? who uses that. And why delay/reverb/filter when everybody knows beatmasher = instant win, and there’s already a filter on each deck. And why only two effects control banks when 1.2 has four? Why a tap function when nobody will use it because a) the tap is broke and b) everybody pre-analyzes their tunes anyway. Why the redundant browser knobs?

I’m not convinced. Just get a nanocontrol, make your own mapping, and use masking tape+sharpie to mark your controls if you need it.

I like the all in one design of it. This is the best complement to a DVS setup. The LED feedback, the function of it is really all a DVS DJ is missing with just a mixer and turntable setup. I hate reaching to my computer to set loops and load tracks. Something that’s compact like this that doesn’t have to take up a lot of space is awesome.

well i can do all that was shown in the demo video with my existing Faderfox DJ2 which i can use either by pluggin into my soundcard midi in port or via usb to midi cable..

it looks good though. its smaller than the X1.

on drawback that it works on Midi cable and no Usb port available.

Honestly, I would like to see a controller layed out the same as the traktor software. An all in one solution for four deck control of traktor if necessary. With four effect banks on top and the eq’s and stuff under that etc.. It just makes sence to have the layout of a controller somewhat the same as what the software is layed out. Am I wrong? Vestax needs to make a new VCI with this in mind!
Once a company does this and puts some high resolution platters, they will hit the jackpot.

Looks like a great piece of hardware for the pure digital DJ. The elimination of pitch faders and jog wheels might turn off some people from purchasing. This device looks more like a supplement to an existing digital dj setup, rather than something that you could build your entire setup around. To me, the ideal setup with this would be if you had timecoded vinyl/cdjs, an external mixer, and the NI Kontrol X1 to set loops, FX, and browse through tracks.

For me personally, I still like having the jog wheels (a la VCI) and a dedicated pitch fader (not a knob that I can turn into a pitch fader). Nonetheless, its great to see NI coming out with hardware specifically made for Traktor. I’m very curious to see the next iterations of their products for Traktor.

So looks like we have to buy also the bag..

otherwise there will be no easy working with it in clubs…

so price for each controller 250,-

Looks like a nice supplement to a DVS set up, which I have, but not at that price point, can set up most of those controls on the Korg and Akai mini controllers, just have to map them. I think NI will have to drop the price if they want to sell.

Lame!
Custom protocol gives NI all the flexibility in the world, the user however gets zero flexibility. Instead of realizing that its time to get to work on supporting OSC again, they waste time on reinventing the wheel and in the process basically shut out innovation like what is done at DJTT. We could come up with all sorts of awesome ideas for mapping, but we couldnt provide the same level of interaction as the thing has in non MIDI mode .. so why bother?

Anyways, NI is consistently going the route of shutting off (like encoding the TSI files since 1.2.x). This is the pisition usually taken of self perceived market leaders just before some disruptive competitor rips them a new one. Lets see …

Seems good. Not groundbreaking in any form but looks good.

50 bucks for the case!?

If i wanted to use two control vinyl + 1 or 2 digital decks could i do it just with one kontrol x1??

I love the price, the layout, the fact that its pnp, and already mapped for traktor already. I want 2 right now! The only thing thats kind of ridiculous is the price of the bags, when I think they should come standard with it. Big ups NI!

Hmm… my only worry was the comment that Lance Blaise made: do you need a USB hub if you only have 2 usb ports on your laptop? I looked at the set-up diagram on NI’s webpage if you’re using two Kontrol X1s, and it looked like you plug all the controllers and your Audio 8 into your laptop. This is the only major complaint I have.

The video talks about hot-plugging in a second controller, which is great, but you still need both of these things going into your laptop. Add your Audio 8 and you’re going to need a hub.

Other than that, props to NI. Saves me having to scroll through 2 pages on my Nocturn, as well as having more responsive controls. I can live with midi customization vs. the “pre-packaged” NI template.

[quote comment="23206"]
Anyways, NI is consistently going the route of shutting off (like encoding the TSI files since 1.2.x). This is the position usually taken of self perceived market leaders just before some disruptive competitor rips them a new one. Lets see …[/quote]

I agree 100%. Can’t wait until a competitor does “Traktor right” and leaves NI in the dust.

I’m confused by the February launch date. 4 months really?? It’s clear the thing works, they’ve been using it out in public. I could see a month delay but come on I want one now!

im getting one to compliment my xone 62,1d,2d

for a 12bit solid midi controller, the price is not bad i think.

I would actually love to combine this WITH my VCI-100. I find the lack of dedicated efx knobs for both efx units on the VCI to be totally vexing. The thing just doesn’t have enough knobs. I’ve considered just getting the AKAI knob+pad unit to solve my problem, which is a lot cheaper, but I find this unit to be more appealing, especially the custom protocol based features.

I continue to prefer my Oxygen style custom controller mapping to the VCI, but I love the platters on the VCI so much (they’re essential for mixing funk, disco, and other non-digital musics), I’ve been trying to figure out how to get the best of both worlds. And in a pinch I could just use this unit and a H/W mixer… pretty cool stuff.

What a waste of money. And all that hype leading to this?!? I don’t understand why would anyone buy a crippled controller, when you have a good working VCI-100 or maybe a more complete Xponent which has even more controls able to be mapped in any software (including Traktor and Ableton) + a mixer section and two great plates. And all that with a full version of Torq included and for a new price of around 400 EUR.

DJ SuicideDive, I completly agree with you. Hope someone rips them a new.
The controller is overpriced for a handful of led-buttons, 8knobs and 4 push-encoders. But the bag is even more expensive, is it kevlar padded! It really seems like a (ok, thinner)copy of X-one:1D.

In my opinion very convenient controllers and under the reasonable price! It will be possible to combine VCI 100 se + Kontrol x1 b and there will be to you a happiness))))

Does anyone have any further information about the Serato Scratch live-layout?

[...] news of it here from Ean Golden and his posse at [...]

i bet the X2 would be the vci-100 of NI, but without the effects, loops, etc buttons…leaving all the space for 4 line faders and 2 ‘large’ jog wheels…it seems that its the age of modular design where companies would go for different dedicated modules…cant wait for X2

i do agree that i like their “modular approach” .. i also do not think its a good idea to make monolothic ccontrollers. the usb hub or no hub issue remains though. obviously they can daisychain usb but that is going to be troublesome for latency as well, though i do not know if its really an issue if you use optimized components. maybe if they do come out with their own mixer, they will integrate a highend usb hub as well.

They have been clever to market these as a two deck controllers with no built in mixer, so basically if you want to use eq and faders – which of course you’ll have to – then you’ll have to buy the audio 4 or the audio 8 to connect to an external mixer for eq’ing and crossfade. Not a design oversight by any means but a clever ploy to make you invest in more hardware. Having said that they do look good!

Seems like far too many people are expecting this to do more than it is intended for. From what I gather, it looks like it is intended primarily as a compliment to the full DVS (i.e. Decks and a Mixer). I’m sure the X2, X3, XYZ will address other needs.

Just to clarify- there was some confusion as to the configurability of the X1 while in native communication mode (non midi). NI is now telling us that mode is fully configurable just as you would modify a midi TSI file. We cant verify how well this actually works but its good news for keeping things open.

This looks promising, can’t wait for the next version. Hopefully it will be a complete controller setup. If they get this right, which I’m sure NI will, the future will be promising.

I would not buy. N.I. changes Traktor too much. hell the thing is not even out yet and 3&4 effects controls not included. Come how many versions will this thing last before u have to remap even the basic functions? Again NO THANKS!

Will be interested to see their future solution(s) for all-controller set ups.

[quote comment="23184"]Looks like a good option for purely digital DJ’s especially at that price point. Anyone know how it might compare to the Stanton SCS3d for example?

Also, there’s no pitch fader. That might be a problem![/quote]
As others noted, the pitch fader is not a problem if you use this as intended, to complement a hardware mixer (or throw in a midi mixer like the m-audio x-session pro, or the full on vci-100), in which case it looks like the perfect thing for looping, syncing, and other effects. As for how it compares to the Stanton, that’s an easy one: this device appears to not suck nearly as much ;) The Stanton is a cool gimmick but in the end who really prefers touchpads to knobs and faders?

The X1 looks like a really nice complement to a full DVS system; my guess is the X2 will be a mixer-like unit, possibly with platters, and the X3 will be some kind of combo of the two (possibly with built in soundcard) for a full plug-n-play traktor system. The anon has a good point though – traktor changes too fast for the hardware to keep up; hopefully as the software advances they will upgrade their mappings too rather than trying to make us buy even more hardware….

The voice over in the video makes this sound like the “be all things to all people”, but what I *see* is it used alongside a hardware mixer and 2 turntables and Traktor. Are they trying to market something designed to fill a niche for a subset of digital dj’s (who use timecode and external mixers) to every digital dj? Personally, I am looking for something (or somethings) that fully interface with a software DJ platform, ie a laptop and software and pure controllers. But I am just getting started, so maybe I dunno of what I speak.

[quote]For example, when two tracks in Traktor go out of sync, we are able to make the sync button on the controller flash to communicate this in a very intuitive way.[/quote]
Anyone know if there is any way to do this using MIDI? I’d love to see a VCI-100′s SHIFT light (or some other light) blink when this happens.

Waste of cash if you ask me… Buy a korg kontrol and map your own for a quarter of the price.

To me this seems to be a custom controller for Hawtin, but I simply dont like that layout, too special, not very interchangeable. I <3 Faderfox x)

i’m working with a vcm100 now and for fx, cue control a use a bcr2000.
That new kontrol would be a perfect replacement for the bcr2000.
my setup must be compact al the way.

[...] for a fraction of the price of other controllers out there. Ean Golden over at DJTechtools has written a good piece which should cover almost all you need to know about this new piece of machinery. Here’s more [...]

boo-ish… I like the overall approach to the idea, just not impressed by the layout. I could change my mind after trying it out, but… I dont know.

A dedicated Traktor controller/mixer using this protocol and has a layout setup similar to Traktor’s GUI plus a dedicated 4 channel sound card would be more my cup of tea. Why not?

I was just about to but 2 2D’s, This seems to have all the functionality of the 1 & 2D controllers however its just seems to be plug in & play…. My cue points etc are already done so i cant wait fir this thing… Well done Native.. Great price too

Perfect for my set-up, as I DJ using turntables and couldn’t give a rats-ass about jog wheels and digital faders.

The form factor is brilliant, as most controllers want to sit separately or in-front of a audio mixer.

Definitely pre-ordering this.

Personally, I’m excited about these. They look like the same profile as the Maschine controller (which I use with Traktor), and they provide a good selection of controls that don’t overlap other controllers out there. Plus the price – $229 list means $199 street most likely. That’s really not bad – only other comparable controllers out there (with LED feedback) are the Stantons, but this has tighter integration and better support from NI.

this looks good, who the fuck doesnt use a analog mixer?

I personally am supper exited that NI created the X1. Come February Im getting one for decks A&B and there’s no way I can leave out my decks, C&D earthier….so it looks Im going to have to buy two of the X1′s in February. Though, I really have to agree with some of you…Im really not to excited about having to depend on a usb hub during live sets.

Awesome, just what i need when using the 1210:s. Easy access to effects etc……

yep, looks nice, like the pnp of 2×1′s but wish NI had included USB ports for chaining their devices. Not sure about the price, will wait and see what happens later in the year…

[quote post="3108"]4) For DJs who don’t have an analog mixer, how do you recommend they use this controller?

The X1 is really primarily designed to be used with a hardware mixer, and be part of a typical club setup that many Traktor users play on. But you will also be able to activate an optional layout where the upper section of the X1 controls the EQs and channel faders instead of the effects. You don’t have crossfader control with this, but it is still a nice way to use the X1 as an all-in-one controller in a more casual environment.[/quote]

I will test that…

Got mine day 1 and though it lacks faders (aren’t those on your mixer?) and a jog wheel, big hairy deal. Kontrol X1 kicks ass! Loading & scanning tracks, running and changing effects, looping samples, and just plain gettin’ crazy with Traktor is great with this thing. I love that it emulates the GUI which makes easy reference at a glance between your laptop and the Kontorl X1. The VCI-100 is an awesome controller, especially if you mod it out to Ean’s specs and using both in your set up makes it about as ultimate as you can get. Great work NI & thank you.
Peace,
Dj Buca

If I am already using a controller (omni control..not the best i know) and have control of 2 decks – can I add the Kontrol to control 2 additonal decks?

I apologize if this question has been posted before..

I’m on the fence of splurging for a xone 4d, but before i jump the gun I figured itd be good to get some more 4 deck experience.

any and all help is appreciated!

thanks

how do i add kontol x1 to my existing setup w the modified vestax 100

I personally like the idea of the x1 and am glad they did not include a built in mixer or an eq and channel fader strip simply cause that way u have the ability of using this thing with some awesome dj mixers like the A&H 92 etc.I personally do not own an A&H mixer but from what i’ve heard the eqs ,faders and filters are a bomb… one more thing the x1 truly does work outta the box u do not need to do any mapping u definitely can change the mapping that it comes with but there is no need at all…

Where is this mapping for the #4 question/fact at hand? Would love to have Volume/Fader & Eq’s to bring to a Tiny setup. [quote post="3108"]4) For DJs who don’t have an analog mixer, how do you recommend they use this controller?

The X1 is really primarily designed to be used with a hardware mixer, and be part of a typical club setup that many Traktor users play on. But you will also be able to activate an optional layout where the upper section of the X1 controls the EQs and channel faders instead of the effects. You don’t have crossfader control with this, but it is still a nice way to use the X1 as an all-in-one controller in a more casual environment.[/quote]

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