Description
- If you’re DJing with Traktor, then we don’t have to tell you how powerful of a tool it is to introduce unbridled musicality, performance features, FX, and more to immensely elevate your DJ set. This is why Native Instruments has crafted a long-awaited redux for their turntable-less controller: the X1 Mk3. This DJ controller module has been tailored for use with Traktor Pro DJ software, ensuring deep integration with the full suite of Traktor’s menagerie of musical manipulation tools.The quality-of-life improvements introduced with the X1 Mk3, including extensive color-coding options, tactile surface markers, and an expanded connectivity suite to seamlessly slot in with turntable controllers, custom arrays, and even daisy-chained additional X1s. And did we mention that Traktor Pro DJ software is included with the X1? Newcomers and veterans alike will get the unbridled Traktor treatment right out of the box. While the X1 is a fantastic supplement to turntable-based arrangements, don’t misunderstand: the Traktor X1 Mk3 is a bona fide controller that can command your entire set by itself!
Transport, loop and library controls
The bottom section of the unit houses the transport controls. The Play and Sync buttons are now more set apart on decks 1 and 2 at the bottom than before, but you also get buttons for cue, reverse, and beatjump and hot cues. The extra row of buttons here has been afforded by dropping the touch strips from the X1 Mk2.
FX controls
The two vertical rows of four centre-click knobs, each with an accompanying set of four vertical buttons, comprise the FX section directly above all of this.Effects are one of Traktor’s strong points, of course, and here the controls are well thought-out and comprehensive. Of course they default to effects engines 1 and 2, but there is deep control of the third and fourth too at the click of a button.
Mixer mode
A big use case for X1 controllers in the past by DJs has been to map the controls to use the unit as a mixer. NI has acknowledged this by making it an official mode. When you tap the hamburger button to move to mixer mode, the four knobs now control three-band EQ and volume, and the buttons control kills and headphones on/off for each channel. It can also be switched, like the transport, to mix decks three and four.
Lighting
The underside of the unit has LED lights, which aren’t just to make it look pretty. They offer several ways of feeding back to you too. For instance, when a deck slips out of sync, its “side” goes red (as does the sync button). When a deck is nearing the end, its “side” flashes. And when you’re in a loop, that channel’s side turns green (same as the loop colour in Traktor software).
Standalone design lets you handle the entire array of Traktor’s DJ offerings from a singular module without the need for turntables
Streamlined interface has been ergonomically optimized for both tactile orientation and visual parity, providing ample, real-time
performance data
Backlighting lets you customize your color coding to instantly identify and manage FX, performance tools, and more
Light-based highlighting system includes dedicated lighting arrays to easily spot when tracks are ending or looping, allowing for seamless
transitions, juggling, and beat-weaving
5 OLED screens display essential, real-time data for track names, timing, FX, and more
4 endless rotary encoders and 8 potentiometers make for flexible mapping with Traktor’s deepest capabilities, all without compromising your workflow
Controller Style: DJ Controller Module
Screen: 5 x OLED
Pads: 8 x User-definable LED Buttons
Other Controllers: 4 x Rotary Encoders, 20 x Transport Control Buttons
Faders: 8 x Potentiometers
USB: 3 x Type A, 1 x Type B
Additional Features: Built-in LED Lights
Software: Traktor Pro 3
OS Requirements – Mac: macOS 11, 12, 13
OS Requirements – PC: Windows 10, 11
Power Supply: 15V DC Power Supply (included)
