DJ’ing with the Allen & Heath Xone K2 and Traktor Kontrol X1

I know some of you are going to say, “What, the Kontrol X1? That’s so old?”

And yes, you will be correct. It was the 1st edition of the Kontrol X1 and I still have it many years later and I still love how it works.

For this DJ set I recorded a Controller view camera angle too, so you folks can see what I’m doing, or at least maybe try to figure out what I’m doing.

Why am I using 2 controllers?

For those that don’t know, the Allen & Heath Xone K2 has a build in audio card, similar to that of Native INstrument’s Kontrol Z1, however, in my opinion I feel the Allen & Heath sound quality might be superior. That’s open for debate in the comments. There’s certainly a lot more you can do with the Xone K2 though, and so when I downsized my set up I thought this would be a great option to tackle everything I needed in a controller.

I created my own mapping for the K2, which I will get into in way more detail in a future post. But for now, I’ll just say that the Xone K2, acts as my mixer, effects and for browsing through the record collection. I also use it for controlling cue points and basic deck control functions. You can pack quite a lot into this small controller.

For those that are long time readers of Traktortips you’ll know how I am a huge fan of the tactile feeling of a real turntable and this is why I brought in my Kontrol X1.

I have basically created a small mapping that allows me to use the large encoder knobs as turntables. I can turn that forward or backwards similarly to a CDJ platter to speed up or slow down the track. I much prefer DJ’ing by ear than using the Sync button for my style of DJ’ing. Mixing tracks together is where I find my joy. If I sync things up, I get bored pretty quickly.

Sync is great when you mash up your own loops and have numerous things going at once, but for 2 decks and playing the way I do, it’s not necessary. You can learn more about that set up in a previous post.

Watch How I DJ

Not only is this about the setup – it’s obviously about providing you all with some awesome music! I hope you enjoy the set, feel free to give it a thumbs up and share it around. Hope you’re all doing well and staying safe. See you soon.