Looking for an intermediate addition; Kontrol X1 or Xone K2?
Home :: Reviews of DJ equipment :: Looking for an intermediate addition; Kontrol X1 or Xone K2?Reply
Looking for an intermediate addition; Kontrol X1 or Xone K2? Posted on: 15.05.2012 by Madelene Witek Done a lot of research on these two, and they are very similar, but I really can't decide which one I want.At first I thought I'd go for the K2 simply because it didn't need a soundcard, but now my friend has one that I can use at anytime so that isn't an issue anymore. I won't name off things that very simply put, both can accomplish. What I like about the X1: -Very well built (seems better built than K2) -Looks better than K2 -Easy and precise integration with Traktor.' -Can function with a mixer as a 2-deck controller instantly. What I don't like about X1 -Pre-labeled buttons. (And the decal lay-over just doesn't cut it) -I keep hearing the hot-cues are too close together to be very viable for beat juggling/etc. -Deck load buttons are too easy to accidentally hit (fixed by Deck lock?) -Seems very locked into Traktor What I like about the K2 -Seems more open-ended mapping and software-wise than X1 -More buttons/knobs/etc than the X1 -Doesn't require a soundcard -Not pre-labeled. What I don't like about the K2 -Look (LOOKS) like it is cheaply built IMO compared to the X1, correct me if this entirely untrue -Pots do NOT have a middle lock -Seems like it would be more difficult to function as 2 decks alongside a mixer than the X1 Any other things that might sway one way or another? I'm aware that they are VERY similar and serve the same purpose, i'm just really looking for some crucial detail to push me to get one over the other. Also if you have one of the other, tell me what you like or don't like. | |
| Madelene Witek 15.05.2012 | Done a lot of research on these two, and they are very similar, but I really can't decide which one I want. At first I thought I'd go for the K2 simply because it didn't need a soundcard, but now my friend has one that I can use at anytime so that isn't an issue anymore. I won't name off things that very simply put, both can accomplish. What I like about the X1: -Very well built (seems better built than K2) -Looks better than K2 -Easy and precise integration with Traktor.' -Can function with a mixer as a 2-deck controller instantly. What I don't like about X1 -Pre-labeled buttons. (And the decal lay-over just doesn't cut it) -I keep hearing the hot-cues are too close together to be very viable for beat juggling/etc. -Deck load buttons are too easy to accidentally hit (fixed by Deck lock?) -Seems very locked into Traktor What I like about the K2 -Seems more open-ended mapping and software-wise than X1 -More buttons/knobs/etc than the X1 -Doesn't require a soundcard -Not pre-labeled. What I don't like about the K2 -Look (LOOKS) like it is cheaply built IMO compared to the X1, correct me if this entirely untrue -Pots do NOT have a middle lock -Seems like it would be more difficult to function as 2 decks alongside a mixer than the X1 Any other things that might sway one way or another? I'm aware that they are VERY similar and serve the same purpose, i'm just really looking for some crucial detail to push me to get one over the other. Also if you have one of the other, tell me what you like or don't like. |
| Leota Dolney 16.05.2012 | I have both. I like the X1 a lot. It does what it does well for me. I am fairly comfortable with mappings and have done 3 different mappings for the K2 in various configurations 2 deck vs 4 deck control, 2 fx unit + 2 decks on one layer, 4 decks with no fx etc... To answer your question from my perspective, I use it mainly for internal mixing...so my needs come from that. My Pros for the K2: - I find it very easy to map - lots of controls - I like having a hardware-based layer system - hardware-based soft takeover on knobs and faders when switching layers My Cons for the K2: - The K2 is a bit bigger than the X1 (both wider and longer) - I wish you could better customize which controls when on each layer - I wish you could choose to use 2 instead of 3 layers - I wish it had mixer style faders instead of studio faders (just my preference). - I wish it had 4 rows of pots instead of 3 (that way I could do 3 EQs + 1 Filter for all 4 decks) - Minor con...I wish it had a crossfader...I don't use the crossfader too much...just wish it was there. That being said, my latest thoughts on how to use the K2 in my setup will be to use the X1 stock as it is 2 decks + 2 FX units, and the K2 for mixing: EQs, Line faders on center two strips...pan, key, filter and pitch fader on the outer strips. The 4x4 buttons either for hotcues 1-8 for decks a & b (so I don't have to switch layers on the X1)...alternatively...I might do a sort of MIDIFighter Instant Gratification mapping for the 4x4 button matrix...don't know yet. |
| Sammie Okeeffe 16.05.2012 | what about the soon to come F1?? surprised that is not getting a look in |
| Branden Wentler 16.05.2012 | I'm using a 13" macbook Air (2011) 4GB. K2 is plugged via X-Link so only sound card is the DB4. |
| Danae Dumler 16.05.2012 | What system you using? Do you use the DB4 soundcard when connected, and do you use Traktor? I wonder if it's something wrong with my system. When I have it plugged in and I use traktor it becomes unreliable. |
| Branden Wentler 16.05.2012 | My k2 works really well going through the db4. I don't use it's a sound card but haven't set it up for ableton just yet. I believe the build quality is much better than the X1. Rotaries are solid as hell. I use both x1 and k2 and can't say I like one more than the other but overall for me the k2 edges the x1 out in terms of mapping flexibility and build. |
| Danae Dumler 16.05.2012 | K2 is also heavier on processor usage. I've been having a hard time using mine with the DB4. |
<< Back to Reviews of DJ equipment Reply