• Xone K2 Ableton Mapping Machine
• Xone K2 Ableton Mapping
• Xone K2 Ableton

I open Rekordbox up and connect my Xone K2 to my MacBook (OS Catalina 10.15.2, 2.3 GHz dual-core intel core i5, 8 GB memory) with a USB to begin the mapping process. Rekordbox clearly recognizes my Xone K2 when it's connected to my Mac, but only when the K2 setup mode is 'turned off'. Because the K2 setup mode is off, I can't map it.

Allen & HeathXone K2 is an extremely compact, powerful and versatile MIDI controllers with a built in 4 channels audio interface. I’ve been using a variable number of these devices for mappping the control and visual feedback in real-time audio or audio/video applications within Max/MSP, Ableton Live, Max for Live, to control the looper of the Xone DB4, and also for djing with Native InstrumentTraktor Scratch Pro. These devices don’t come with any out-of-the-box mapping (other than the one for the DB4) or labels on the individual interface elements. The effort required to implement the mappings is well compensated by the potential to develop very flexible and highly personalized hardware-to-software relationships. Moreover thanks to the Xlink connection it is possible to chain up to 16 Xone K2/K1, each working on a different MIDI channel, connect these to the Computer using only a single USB port (on a K1, K2, DB2, DB4).
For djing with Traktor I find the K2 extremely versatile and modular, so that can be adapted to any situation. In the DJ booth these can be placed close together if there sufficient room, or spread around in the small free spaces in more busy scenarios. For instance I’ve used a single K2 for file browsing and effects control when using timecode vinyl, 2 K2 on the side of the DB4 to control 4 decks with external mixing on digital or analog mixers (audio out on the DB4/DJM900NXS internal sound card, or on the 4 stereo channels of the 2 paired K2).

Xone K2 Ableton Mapping Machine

Recently for extreme mobile settings or when the provided mixer has only two channels I’ve implemented an internal mixing mappingin which a 3rd central K2 is mapped to the Traktor software. The lower group of button is not mapped to any function, their LEDs emulated the channel level meters. In the video below there’s a simple demo of this configuration, in which I just play around with four loops, filters and effects. You can download the Traktor mapping .tsi file and the mapping manual from the download link below. The mapping is developed following my personal Traktor use preferences and it is meant to be an example of how to implement this 3 K2 configuration, or a starting point to implement other mappings. For instance I use the some encoders for variable size move (fast track browsing, cope with absence of search strip and rotary platter) and other for fine step tempo adjustment (otherwise with a MIDI control change faders with resolution 1/128 manual tempo matching is literally impossible).

Xone K2 Ableton Mapping

Traktor Mapping Download

Comments

A few months back Allen & Heath announced a new controller, The Xone K2, “an elegant, compact controller for 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. Xone: K2 has the power and flexibility to put you in touch with everything from the essential functions to the fine nuances of your chosen software.”
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Allen & Heath have enjoyed incredible success amongst pro jocks with their Xone: 1D and 2D performance controllers. They have a reputation for being able to take a beating at the club and still work the next day with great sound output. The K2 takes some of the form factor (layout, spacing) from the 1D/2D and applies it to a new lower profile design. The K2 looks very enticing, indeed. Small footprint, four faders, and assignable controls that could be used for DJ performance as well as DAW control. While the Traktor X1 does offer custom mapping (and I’m a fan of the mixer control template in particular), this new Allen & Heath device offers faders – a staple of may performers / producers’ needs. In addition the K2 boasts an audio interface and headphone output – making this this smallest dj controller with sound capabilities I’ve seen so far. If the sound quality lives up to the A&H legacy this should be a product worth checking out when it releases this spring.

More details on the Xone: K2 from Allen & Heath:

Xone: K2 has a high quality internal, four channel (2 stereo) soundcard.

Universal controller and is perfect for use with all leading DJ software, such as Traktor Pro, Ableton, Virtual DJ, PCDJ and M ixVibes. Xone:K2 can even be used to control lights or VJ software – if it can receive MIDI data it can take commands from K2.

Xone K2 Ableton

52 physical controls – including 12 analogue and 6 endless rotary encoders with push switch, 4 linear faders, and 30 backlit performance switches – providing up to 171 MIDI control commands across 3 layers. What each control does is entirely up to you – with a little thought you can create a completely customised layout that perfectly fits the way you want to work. We also provide some sample maps and information on how to set up your own.

Latching Layers – By assigning controls to multiple layers you can give a singlephysical control up to 3 functions. You can configure all, some or none of K2’s controls to be linked to the latching layers system. As a quick visual reminder, when toggling through layers all switches assigned to a particular layer will illuminate in the appropriate colour.

X-Link – Two K2s can be linked via Allen & Heath’s X:LINK protocol, giving twice as much control capability. X:LINK uses a standard RJ45 connector and distributes power and data, which means two K2s can be connected to your software using only one USB port. X:LINK also allows connection to Xone:DB4 and Xone:DB2 mixers.

Case / Stand – Xone:K2 comes packed in a robust black padded case as standard. As well as keeping it safe on the road, the case doubles as a stand, bringing the K2 up to the same height as most pro DJ mixers.