Xone: K2 Thread

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Xone: K2 Thread
Posted on: 30.09.2011 by Romelia Stankard
Wow this looks promissing

http://www.allen-heath.com/uk/Produc...neK2&SubCatId=



So if you link two together with the ethernet cable through USB, will it 'merge' the soundcard so you have a 4 channel soundcard?

If it does then you could bring two to a gig, hook them together with ethernet and not need another audio interface and have a 4 channel soundcard. It kind of sucks they put one 1/8" on the front instead of having both outputs in the back. It makes it a little awkward if you wanted to run both outputs to separate channels on the mixer, now you have to run a cable to the front. Also remember you have the option to run each channel in traktor mono so you could use one of them as a 4 channel soundcard with a few adapters (like you would with an audio 2 or 4). Plus a lot of systems are mono anyway.

I really like the idea of having one or two of these with a DB2 or DB4 for a home setup then just take them to your gig with a laptop and you have an audio interface to use already in your controller with the house mixer.

I love the X1s but I might have to give them up for these, i would love to get my hands on one.
Cliff Lohman
31.03.2012
Originally Posted by zco14
is this released already? ive heard so many release dates i have lost track, but they're already being sold? mindfuckkkk
Yep, most us dj stores now have them in stock and ready to ship. I got mine local in ny from a guy who works at a dj store same day. So ya.. They r def out.

@midifidler - surprising to hear u believe it puts x1 to shame.. I believe im brainwashed from spending so many hours pawing at the x1 that i feel naked without it..

@padi - ouch at 720.. So s4s are like 1500 over there? Crazy.. Is it because of import taxes? I guess its best to buy stuff used off ebay? Or do they just catch it in mail and make u pay import tax anyways?
Virgina Nihan
30.03.2012
is this released already? ive heard so many release dates i have lost track, but they're already being sold? mindfuckkkk
Basil Forshee
30.03.2012
Originally Posted by neilmcm
Do u just select the k2 as your soundcard in maschine preferences , would all the Traktor functions work fine although you are running sound from maschine through the k2
But is this actually possible? From what I know, you need a USB connection to transmit audio...
Lynetta Stanislav
30.03.2012
Originally Posted by Xonetacular
You should get 24 out. I just realized another use for the K2/DB4- a few people right now run Maschine on the 5th channel from a separate soundcard and with a K2 you could just run an short RCA out of the back to the top of the mixer instead of having a separate soundcard.
Do u just select the k2 as your soundcard in maschine preferences , would all the Traktor functions work fine although you are running sound from maschine through the k2
Adolf Hit
31.03.2012
We have a review unit here in the office. I haven't had a good play with them along side the DB2 yet but first impressions are that it is very well built, feels super solid and very well engineered. Def puts the X1 to shame
Nedra Fresneda
30.03.2012
Best part is since S4 are gonna be scarse for around 4 months (dunno why) he wanted me to trade it in for a pair of K2... I do want a pair but i'm not that stupid.
Romelia Stankard
30.03.2012
Originally Posted by padi_04
Fun fact: local price per unit is $720
the fuck?

damn sometimes I take electronics prices in the US for granted
Nedra Fresneda
30.03.2012
Fun fact: local price per unit is $720
Cliff Lohman
30.03.2012
Thnx... Didnt know that..

I set using usb so that latch layers button should be lit.. Unfortuntely, xlink cable doesnt seem to get steady power to it..
Shala Busso
30.03.2012
The latch button by default is in an OFF state, unless you went through the setup and set it to have layers, no LEDs will be on when plugged in.

Also don't forget to change your MIDI channel to 14 if you try out the traktor TSI included.

I messed around with the traktor mapping last evening and i actually liked it for what it was. I'm still trying to figure out what i want to use it with, also debating sending it back as it may just be surplus for me lol.
Cliff Lohman
30.03.2012
Picked one up yesterday and my initial thoughts are:
1. Ive realized how used to the x1 ive become.. Anything else feels foreign lol
2. K2 can def make a nice allinone portable controller

Ill probly try to use k2 instead of x1 for few days to see if it grows on me..

Is everybody elses case crudely cut to fit the rca outs? Lol not a big deal but it looks like they had some issues with the cases to say the least.

Im not crazy about the feel of the buttons but they seem ok and def seem more durable than the x1. Whatsup with that top led that kinda seems like a small button but doesnt do anything tho?

Faders feel VERY nice.

Knobs feel fine if ur accustomed to xone mixers at all. The encoders are a lil weird tho - not sure if its the placement or just x1 withdrawal..

Lastly, i cant get the xlink working.. Anybody out there with a db4 or db2 - can you tell me whats supposed to happen when you plug the ethernet in? If i wiggle cable, i do get the start flash of buttons from top to bottom but then everything goes dark (id expect the latch button to be red on startup). I may have busted my db4 xlink by sticking usb cable in it one too many times by mistake. In any event, im fine with using usb.

my overall impression is that folks who have used x1 for a while wont be thrilled with the feel. But the functionality is on par and above imo. And the fact that u can use this as a all in one portable controller is nuts - i havent done it yet but it seems more than adequate and comfortable to mix with.

Karlos - do u believe ull share ur mixing map at any point?

Ill probly start mapping for mixing this weekend.. If anybody wants to work on a mix mapping, lemme know.
Lynetta Stanislav
30.03.2012
Originally Posted by Xonetacular
Hmm debating buying a pair of K2s.

I've already realized I'm not going to go the CDJ route any time soon. I don't need K2s and my X1s work fine but I like the idea of xlink with the DB4. I also probably have little use for the knobs and faders. I don't know it is probably excessive with the db4 but it would look pretty sweet with two of them on either side and the soundcards are nice for a portable setup and if aggregating is reliable would prevent needing to bring another soundcard.
How would you set this up , I am getting a K2 and and trying to get maschine into my setup as well .
Larae Knifong
29.03.2012
Originally Posted by JDFS
When I saw the nummer 24 my eyes went wide open. Yes, for Maschine this is perfect! But then the K2 is quite useless with the X-link because K2's audio needs an USB input. Or am I wrong?
That's exactly what I wanted to hear! Thanks.

Is anyone working on a video of the k2's in use? I'd really like to see it working with the DB4/2. I can't find any vids anywhere... just people explaining what the k2 is and does. It weird to me not to seeing this in action.

Does A&H ever put out vids of their gear in use?.... before they put out on the market?
Romelia Stankard
29.03.2012
Hmm debating buying a pair of K2s.

I've already realized I'm not going to go the CDJ route any time soon. I don't need K2s and my X1s work fine but I like the idea of xlink with the DB4. I also probably have little use for the knobs and faders. I don't know it is probably excessive with the db4 but it would look pretty sweet with two of them on either side and the soundcards are nice for a portable setup and if aggregating is reliable would prevent needing to bring another soundcard.
Ming Toffoli
29.03.2012
I'm pretty sure those buttons hes talking about are just led's at the top to indicate if the encoders at the top are on, I'll check when I'm home. The rest of the buttons feel soft like a launchpad but have a definite click thats responsive but i kinda miss the squishiness ive grown fond of on my launcpad. the endless encoders click as they turn which i believe is LAME if you want to use it for effects in ableton. the normal pots and faders are BUTTER. Layers concept is sweet, but i havent put it to use yet.

I'm still having trouble mapping those endless encoders, I'm hoping its just a folly on my part
nayit ruiz jaramillo
29.03.2012
Originally Posted by kevz718
Karlos, how have u been liking it as far as a standalone super portable setup? Soundcard good enough? Size doesnt bother u too much? I may get one in future as a standalone for travel etc.. It def can handle all the basics by itself but im just worried it wont wuite feel right.. In any event, its crazy that u can theoretically dj pretty proper with something this size and a laptop..

It can do 2 decks + cue pfl with its soundcard, right?
Yeah for my purposes as a stand-alone setup it rocks. I know most people wil use the K2 with other controllers or a mixer but I have other gear for that. The K2 was always gonna be my solution as a small footprint setup

Im just using 2 decks but the layers mean you can do way more than I'm doing. Cue PFL is not a problem.

Originally Posted by KryticalH!T
Yeah, can you upload your mapping Karlos? I'm intrested in how you have cue, master level, gains, filters, FX and everything else setup.
Yeah certainly but I need to pad it out a bit yet. I have barely touched the FX section.
Also, there are some functions that I've mapped that will have no use for others such as placing Load and Grid markers on the fly.
I've mapped it to work with my work-flow.


Originally Posted by Xonetacular
So the texture is kind of like X1 buttons? That would be good, they looked like vestax hard buttons from the pics
Kinda like the X1 but way less wobbly which is good and bad. They are certainly not as accesible as the X1 buttons in the way that you can hover over them and feel them or bash away at them. They are much more flush like Vestax buttons as you say but they are not hard, nothing like as hard.

The headphone output is the loudest i have ever heard on any soundcard. Its even louder that the Presonus FireBox which is insanely loud.
Basil Forshee
29.03.2012
Originally Posted by Xonetacular
You should get 24 out. I just realized another use for the K2/DB4- a few people right now run Maschine on the 5th channel from a separate soundcard and with a K2 you could just run an short RCA out of the back to the top of the mixer instead of having a separate soundcard.
When I saw the nummer 24 my eyes went wide open. Yes, for Maschine this is perfect! But then the K2 is quite useless with the X-link because K2's audio needs an USB input. Or am I wrong?
Romelia Stankard
29.03.2012
You should get 24 out. I just realized another use for the K2/DB4- a few people right now run Maschine on the 5th channel from a separate soundcard and with a K2 you could just run an short RCA out of the back to the top of the mixer instead of having a separate soundcard.
Larae Knifong
29.03.2012
When you aggregate the soundcards with 2 K2's and a DB4 how many channels do you get? 24?
Shala Busso
29.03.2012
Originally Posted by zestoi
herlsy said this:
Also i meant to go back and edit, i mistakenly thought that the top row were buttons but they are just rubber LEDs for the encoders
Romelia Stankard
29.03.2012
So the texture is kind of like X1 buttons? That would be good, they looked like vestax hard buttons from the pics
Chasidy Heckenbach
29.03.2012
herlsy said this:
-Buttons are very short press with slight click, rubber feel, dont stick up as high as X1.
-Top row of buttons are extremely tight between the top encoders and pots, they don't click like the other buttons and are flush with top casing.
Romelia Stankard
29.03.2012
How are the buttons? Are they kind of like X1 buttons or are they harder plastic?
Ming Toffoli
29.03.2012
got it yesterday, loving it so far. Had some midi issues at first, but often can be solved doing the midi setup mode and then returning to normal use.
Current issue: I'm trying to map the endless encoders in ableton but they dont increase or decrease in value properly. I've fiddled with the settings in ableton, but they either jump up fast and descend slow or the inverse. Sometimes i can get it to move up and down evenly but then have to turn the knob a million times to move it just a fraction. HELP!
Nedra Fresneda
29.03.2012
Originally Posted by kevz718
It can do 2 decks + cue pfl with its soundcard, right?
Yup, or 4 decks with an external mixer if you plug both via usb.
Celina Crusey
29.03.2012
Yeah, can you upload your mapping Karlos? I'm intrested in how you have cue, master level, gains, filters, FX and everything else setup.
Cliff Lohman
29.03.2012
Looks like they r in stock at a bunch of places now..

Im believeing that i may stick with my x1 for now..

Karlos, how have u been liking it as far as a standalone super portable setup? Soundcard good enough? Size doesnt bother u too much? I may get one in future as a standalone for travel etc.. It def can handle all the basics by itself but im just worried it wont wuite feel right.. In any event, its crazy that u can theoretically dj pretty proper with something this size and a laptop..

It can do 2 decks + cue pfl with its soundcard, right?
nayit ruiz jaramillo
29.03.2012
Thanks mate. The sticker came with my A&H Xed 14 studio mixer. The K2 is a pre-production model that they sent me about 3 months ago, hence the grey A&H USB cable. The retail model comes with black cables.

The whole idea was for a cheaply made stand that could support the Mac and K2 and have clearance for the cables and fit in one bag.
Im currently gigging with an S4 which for some gigs is essential but requires the flight case and a UDG courier bag. This setup all fits my old Vestax backpack hence why the wood does not extrude out to the end of the Mac as it would be too long for the bag.
Lynetta Stanislav
29.03.2012
that's a cool solution Karlos where did you get the Allen & Heath sticker
nayit ruiz jaramillo
29.03.2012
So I wanted to have a very small foot print setup that I could take out with minimum fuss and that would fit in one small bag. I love my S4 and my DVS setup but sometimes I could just do a gig with a lot less stuff.

Ikea laptop stand.
Piece of wood (made by Brian Evans) Total cost of stand
Rosina Gholami
29.03.2012
How's the soundcard output? Is it loud enough for a club environment? I'm believeing about picking one up for gigs using the soundcard for external mixing in Traktor using the club's mixer.
Basil Forshee
28.03.2012
Originally Posted by herlsy
First gripe with the build quality is that it will not sit perfectly on a flat surface, it rocks. Rubber feet would have been better instead of hard plastic.
Yeah, I've read that. It's such a shame. Lately, I've been believeing about another X1 instead of a K2. Little details on the X1 that make it perfect and I can live with the 2 layers (NHL + MIDI) on the X1 instead of 3 layers and more buttons.
Shala Busso
28.03.2012
Rainer i ended up finding the overlay and it makes a bit more sense now lol
Bethel Himmelein
28.03.2012
Originally Posted by herlsy
I've loaded up the traktor 2 map called 'X1 emulator' that came on the k2 CD. It's pretty difficult to know what is what without any labels, i believe it has to be set on layers for button matrix only.
Did you see the PDF explaing the mapping?
Shala Busso
28.03.2012
Originally Posted by space monkey
Yeah, im believeing it was designed to sit in the case. Mine shipped out today.
Yeah it's designed to sit on the 'stand' indentions, i just believe if i'm sitting at my desk using it i don't want it to be that high.
Branden Wentler
28.03.2012
Yeah, im believeing it was designed to sit in the case. Mine shipped out today.
Shala Busso
28.03.2012
I've loaded up the traktor 2 map called 'X1 emulator' that came on the k2 CD. It's pretty difficult to know what is what without any labels, i believe it has to be set on layers for button matrix only. Also the effects d/w is non existent in single mode as far as i can tell.

First gripe with the build quality is that it will not sit perfectly on a flat surface, it rocks. Rubber feet would have been better instead of hard plastic.
Felipe Rasper
28.03.2012
How Cool !
Jonathan Chiuchiolo
28.03.2012
Rainer could I ask you one more favor regarding the single layer led operation... What happens when you send red on, then send green on, then send red off? do you turn off the green or does it remain on?

if it does stay on could you repeat the process with
red on, amber on, red off

cheers
Kiyoko Wellisch
27.03.2012
Man, it does look sexy...

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