Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $232
Standard/Professional
$175
$701+
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Description
Unleash your DJ prowess with the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol X1 Performance DJ Controller, your ultimate sidekick for an immersive Traktor experience. This compact yet powerful USB DJ controller offers full integration with Traktor decks, effects, loops, and other DJ functions, equipping you with tactile control whether you're using turntables, CDJs, or going completely digital.
The Traktor Kontrol X1 is more than just a DJ controller; it's a bridge that connects you to your music, taking you away from your computer and closer to your performance. With its intuitive layout featuring eight knobs and buttons, you get hands-on control of two track decks and two freely assignable Traktor FX units. For visual feedback, professional RGB back-lit buttons and displays allow for instant communication with Traktor Pro or Traktor Scratch software.
Feel the rhythm under your fingertips with the X1's multipurpose touch strip, which gives you complete control over track position, pitch bend, and effects. The touch strip is incredibly adaptable, enabling you to customize its default settings to match your unique DJing style. Plus, the highly touch-sensitive Browse and Loop encoders provide instant access to Traktor's different views or functions.
Key Features:
- Compact, powerful USB DJ controller for use with Traktor software
- Full integration with Traktor decks, effects, and loops
- Hands-on control of 2 track decks and 2 freely assignable Traktor FX units
- Instant recognition by Traktor for plug-and-play performance with no setup required
- 8 Pre-mapped buttons and knobs plus touch-sensitive encoders
- Multipurpose touch strip for control over track position, pitchbend, and effects
- RGB cue point buttons, 7-segment displays, and LED touch strip indicators for visual feedback.
Product specs
| Brand | Native Instruments |
| Model | Traktor Kontrol X1 |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2010s |
| Categories | DJ Controllers |
FAQs
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What are the main features of the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol X1?
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The Traktor Kontrol X1 is designed for seamless integration with Traktor DJ software, offering control over effects, loops, and track browsing. It features touch-sensitive knobs and buttons for intuitive control and is compact for easy transport and setup.
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Is the Traktor Kontrol X1 compatible with other DJ software besides Traktor?
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While the Traktor Kontrol X1 is optimized for Traktor software, it can be mapped to work with other DJ software that supports MIDI mapping, allowing flexibility for DJs using different platforms.
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Does the Traktor Kontrol X1 require an external power supply?
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The Traktor Kontrol X1 is USB-powered, meaning it draws power directly from your computer, eliminating the need for an external power supply.
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Can the Traktor Kontrol X1 be used for live performances?
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Yes, the Traktor Kontrol X1 is designed for live performance, providing DJs with tactile control over effects, loops, and track navigation, making it ideal for dynamic DJ sets.
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How portable is the Traktor Kontrol X1 for traveling DJs?
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The Traktor Kontrol X1 is highly portable, featuring a slim and lightweight design that fits easily into a backpack, making it perfect for DJs on the go.
Videos
Native Instruments
Felix da Housecat on TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 | Native Instruments
Reviews
PROS
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Solid upgrade with touch strip for track navigation
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Seamless integration with Traktor software and hardware
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Facilitates fast browsing through tracks and adding effects
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Eliminates need for mouse and keyboard during sets
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Compact, light, and easy to carry
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Plug and play, easy to use
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Durable, heavy-duty construction
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Ideal for live DJ performances and recording sessions
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Enhances control over cue points, looping, and FX
CONS
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May not respond well for very fast controllerists
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Limited utility without modern USB-enabled CDJs for some DJs
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol X1 Performance DJ Controller.
Use cases and applications
Setup and maintenance
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The Z1's built-in sound card facilitates quick setup, but it's limited to unbalanced RCA output, necessitating additional equipment for balanced connections.
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Value and pricing
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Users express hesitancy over the high cost of accessories like the Magma backpack, which is valued for function but criticized for its price relative to cases.
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Comparisons
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The Allen & Heath K2 is considered as an alternative to the X1 for those who need more flexible control, but concerns about unlabeled controls in dim environments are noted.
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The Mixars Quattro, despite being designed for Serato, is noted for its compatibility with Traktor, offering a similar alternative to the NI Z2.
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The X1 MK3 is often compared unfavorably to the XONE K2, with users noting the K2’s MIDI mapping flexibility and overall design as superior.
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User experience
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Combining the X1 with a Z1 is praised for portability, but users note challenges when working with diverse BPM ranges without jog wheels or a tempo fader.
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Some users find the menu diving required to access certain functions during performances to be cumbersome and not intuitive, affecting the flow of live sets.
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Features and functionality
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The lack of a tempo fader in the X1 can be a significant limitation for DJs who frequently adjust BPMs across genres during performances.
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The new Traktor Kontrol X1 MK3 includes nudge buttons instead of the touch strips found on previous versions, which some users find crucial for syncing corrections.
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The X1 MK3 lacks an output, as it functions primarily as a transport controller, requiring an external mixer or sound card for audio output.
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The MK3 model has reverted to a dual browse knob system, which some users find unnecessary and a step back from the center encoder used in the MK2.
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Software and compatibility
Build quality
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The X1 MK3 includes a built-in USB hub, allowing up to three additional devices to be connected directly.
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Concerns have been raised about the build quality of the X1 MK3, with some users describing it as cheaper and less robust compared to the MK2, potentially affecting its durability during events.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 18 Reviews and 77 Ratings
119
Must-have for Traktor users
If you're a Traktor user you should have the X1. This controller makes it so much easier to access your FX decks, looping & cueing, and track selection from your library. Adding this to your setup will ensure that you no longer need to even touch your mouse and keyboard during a set. It functions off of a single USB port, is very light, compact and easy to carry.
1956
**Great Tool**
Deck control for live DJ performances. The X1 is perfect for you if you need to move fast through Traktors browser & add FX to your mix
109
great but the mk2 is much better
nice but sometimes doesn't response if you are a fast controllerist
118
Reliable backup for venues without modern gear
My old controller I used to use if I played at venues that had no modern USB-enabled CDJs. Still have it as a backup, although I've stopped carrying it in my bag now.
56
Good choice
The X1 is perfect for you if you need to move fast through Traktors browser & add FX to your mix
Artist usage
Add artist
In this video (at 0:21) the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol X1 controller can be seen next to Skrillex's DJ mixer.
A more recent Deadmau5 live gear setup includes two of these Native Instruments X1 controllers.
Krewella use the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol X1 controller during their live shows.
Richie Hawtin uses two Traktor Kontrol X1s in his set at the Migliori Party & Festival.
For playing his live sets, Seven Lions relies on NI's X1 controller, which plugs into his laptop.
Tritonal has a picture of their new gifts from NI one of which is a Traktor Kontrol X1
In this YouTube video, Ean Golden includes the X1 to the right of his Maschine, as he opens the video with a brief performance.
What's particularly interesting is that, when observed closely, one can see that the lower buttons on the X1 have been mapped to function as VU meters.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol X1 Performance DJ Controller, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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