Xone K2 Djay Pro
The Allen and Heath XONE:K2 has been on the market for several years, yet it's still a relevant controller that offers many creative options for DJs. The XONE:K2 is a slim, compact MIDI controller that incorporates a four channel sound card and can be mapped to any DJ software. With over 52 controls and three layers of mappings available, the XONE:K2 provides up to 171 MIDI commands and the ability to link multiple units via X:LINK. I was curious to find out how the XONE:92 would perform with my DJ software and tried out a variety of MIDI mappings in an afternoon session. Here's what I learned.
Allen & Heath's Xone:K2 is a compact, slim line universal MIDI controller that incorporates a 4-channel soundcard, for use with any DJ software. Quick and simple mapping lets you create a unique layout that mirrors your style and puts the functions that matter at your fingertips, while 3-color illuminating switches give at-a-glance feedback. I've used a K2 by itself for a while now, mapped it to be 3 decks and an FX section, but I've seen some DJ's use it in conjunction with analog mixer like a Xone:92 or 42, and I was wondering how this works as I want do it myself and get a better understanding of how to use digital gear with non-digital stuff.
- Jul 25, 2019 CASE/STAND Xone:K2 comes packed in a black padded case as standard. As well as keeping it safe on the road, the case doubles as a stand, elevating the K2 up to the same height as most pro DJ mixers.
- Xone:K2 is a compact, slim line universal MIDI controller – incorporating a 4 channel soundcard, for use with any DJ software. With no fewer than 52 hardware controls providing up to 171 MIDI commands across 3 layers – plus the ability to link multiple units using X:LINK, saving USB ports on your computer – Xone:K2 has the power and flexibility to put you in touch with the functions.
Overview
At first glance, the Allen and Heath XONE:K2 is a slimline controller with a minimal look. The controller features a variety of rotary knobs and soft touch controls that include steel nuts on rotary controls that protect the circuitry from impact damage. The touch controls feature LED illumination that make the controller easier to see and use in dark environments. The unit itself features a light plastic base with a steel front panel that make the XONE:K2 a controller capable of withstanding the rigours of the road.
There are 52 hardware controls that provide up to 171 MIDI control commands across three layers. The controller layout includes four rotary encoders, twelve rotary potentiometers, twelve soft touch controls, four linear faders, eighteen pressable buttons and two rotary encoders at the bottom. All of the knobs and controls can be MIDI mapped and used with DJ software. Housed inside the XONE:92 is a four channel 48kHz/16-bit internal sound card, which makes the XONE:K2 a versatile controller for many types of setups. The XONE:K2 includes a hard case for transporting the controller that doubles up as a stand for the controller.
Front And Rear Panel Connections
On the back of the XONE:K2 are RCA Phono connectors, a USB connector and X:LINK In/Out sockets for connecting to a XONE X:LINK device, such as a XONE DB mixer. On the front facing panel there's an 1/8” (3.5 mm) headphone output that can be used to monitor DJ mixes.
Setups
There are a wide variety of setups that the XONE:K2 can be used in, including a single XONE:K2 with headphones, a single K2 with an external mixer, dual XONE:K2’s with headphones, dual XONE:K2’s with an external mixer, or dual XONE:K2's with a XONE DB series mixer. The possibilities for this controller in traditional or non-traditional DJ setups are limitless.
Mappings And Latching
Made for the creative artist, the XONE:K2 allows users to create a customized layout or use one of the mappings that have been provided online by Allen and Heath. The controller features a unique latching layers system where the controls can be assigned to multiple layers, meaning a single physical control can have up to three functions. The way the layering system works is fairly unique; individual sections of each part of the controller can be assigned to different layers.
X:LINK
The X:LINK is a useful feature on the controller that can be used to join two K2's together. One advantage to using the X:LINK for two controllers is that only one USB needs to be used to connect both controllers to a computer. The X:LINK feature allows users to connect the K2 with XONE:DB2 or XONE:DB4 mixer.
Conclusion
Overall the XONE:K2 is a versatile controller that can be used for a variety of DJ purposes. It's completely customizable for DJs who want a personalized way to control their software and easy to use for those who want to use the available mappings. It's a small, slimline controller that comes with a practical carrying case that fits nicely into a touring or studio setup. The XONE:K2 is slightly similar to Traktor's Kontrol X1, although the fact that the K2's buttons are not labelled give it more of a universal appeal. Since the XONE:K2 is completely mappable, it can be used with any popular DJ software, including Traktor, Serato, Ableton Live, Virtual DJ, MixVibes and for other purposes like controlling lighting. Its durable construction, stylish design and versatility make this controller a great fit for an intermediate-to-professional level DJ's rig.
Price: $269 USD
Pros: Minimal design. Completely customizable. Durable enough for the road. Includes a storage case. X:LINK allows users to link two K2's together.
Cons: Creating or using mappings could be intimidating for beginner DJs. May include more features than many DJs actually need in a controller.
Web: http://www.allen-heath.com/ahproducts/xonek2/
1- Play/Pause
2- Cue
3- Skip 4 beat’s backward’s
4- Skip 4 beat’s forward’s
5- Load previous track
6- Load next track
7- Reverse
8- Reset tempo
9- Loop in
10- Loop out
11- Reloop on/off
12- Loop half
13- Loop double
14- Fx1 enabled
15- Fx2 enabled
16- Fx1/Fx2 parameter adjust
17- Scratch mode on/off
18- Sync on/off
19- Master on/off
20- Tempo range
21- Key on/off
22- Tempo
23- Scratch
24- Pitch bend
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25- Hot cue 1,2,3,4
A- Hot cue1 (28+A - Delete Hot cue1)
B- Hot cue2 (28+B - Delete Hot cue2)
C- Hot cue3 (28+C - Delete Hot cue3)
D- Hot cue4 (28+D - Delete Hot cue4)
28+25- Hot cue 5,6,7,8
A- Hot cue5 (28+A - Delete Hot cue5)
B- Hot cue6 (28+B - Delete Hot cue6)
C- Hot cue7 (28+C - Delete Hot cue7)
D- Hot cue8 (28+D - Delete Hot cue8)
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26- Auto beat loop
A- Beat loop 1
B- Beat loop 2
C- Beat loop 4
D- Beat loop 8
28+A- Beat loop 1/16
28+B- Beat loop 1/8
28+C- Beat loop 1/4
28+D- Beat loop 1/2
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28+26 Sampler
A- Play Sample 1
B- Play Sample 2
C- Play Sample 3
D- Play Sample 4
28+A- Play Sample 5
28+B- Play Sample 6
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27- Fx
A- Absorb Fx
B- Drift Fx
C- Sway Fx
D- Crush Fx
28+A- Punch Fx
28+B- Twist Fx
28+C- Low-Pass
28+D- High-Pass
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28+27- Bounce loops
A- Bounce loop 1
B- Bounce loop 2
C- Bounce loop 4
D- Bounce loop 8
28+A- Bounce loop 1/16
28+B- Bounce loop 1/8
28+C- Bounce loop 1/4
28+D- Bounce loop 1/2
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29- Music library select
30- Toggle sample
31- Automix on/off
32- Library expand on/off
33- Focus playlist
Djay
34- Rec on/off
35- Move up/down in library (focus tracks)
36- Load track left (Deck 1) and right (Deck 2)
37- Change video transition
Xone K2 Djay Pro Review
38- Master volume