Traktor Kontrol X1 - DJ Performance Controller announced

Well, the news is out. Shrouded in mystery and with nothing other than a dodgy Ritchie Hawtin YouTube video to get tongues waggin’, Native Instruments today reveal the Traktor Kontrol X1, DJ Performance Controller. Designed for both software and DVS timecode DJ’s, this new unit aims squarely at the Traktor Pro user but being also full midi capable, allows integration with Serato Scratch et al too.

This stunning new kid on the block enables you to effortlessly browse and load your tracks, set loop points, hotcues, play and sync decks and gives full ‘hands on’ control of Traktor Pro’s awesome (and I mean, awesome!) effects.With all front facia buttons mirroring the Traktor GUI functions, this unit allows you access to all these creative features without even having to touch your laptop.

This is N.I.’s first dedicated Traktor controller so they had to get it right, and from our initial look, they seem to have done that quite elegantly and efficiently. Utilising 28 buttons, 8 Potentiometers and 4 Push Encoders, this portable and slim controller easily integrates with existing set ups (especially when added to its optional, robust dedicated bag - simultaneously providing a stand to bring Kontrol X1 to the same height as a DJ Mixer, Decks, CDJ’s etc).

Shipping January 2010 and sat in an affordable and realistic price point, this could be the answer to a DJ’s girlfriend (or boyfriend’s) quandary of what to get her/his beat-lovin’ (if patient) partner for Christmas. The one unit controls 2 decks (hey, just buy another if you’re a 4 deck wizard!) so for established pro-jocks still looking for the right Traktor controller for them, the Kontrol X1’s pretty much a no-brainer, and this could be a future, and darn affordable, ‘classic’ waiting in the wings.

NB: Includes Traktor LE, $10 Beatport giftcard as well as Kore Player and Kore Selection Soundpack.