Native Instruments’ Traktor X1 MK3: the new go-to controller for myriad DJs?£259, native-instruments.com
In recent years Native Instruments has pivoted away from designing larger controllers for its popular and established Traktor DJ software. While the more expensive S-series models remain available, the newer Z1 and the X1 are far smaller and more portable.
Nonetheless, the X1 on test here retains plenty of functionality. Native Instruments describes it as ‘modular’, designed to mix and match with other units to create systems that best suit your needs. Presumably, further modules are planned for future release.

READ MORE: Native Instruments Traktor Z1 MK2 review: A massive upgrade – but does it go far enough?

The X1 MK3’s £259 price tag includes a licence for Traktor Pro 4. This makes it excellent value as an entry point to the Traktor universe, but arguably the X1 is slightly expensive if you already own the software.
The look and build are familiar if you’ve already used Native Instruments gear – sleek and solid – with the unit itself weighing just 754g.
The X1 sends power and Control Data over the included USB cable, though this is USB-B at the controller end and USB-A at the computer end. This is anachronistic in 2025. While there may be technical reasons for the choice of port, ideally a USB-C connector (or converter) at the other end would be much more suitable for many laptop users. There’s also a three-port USB-A hub built into the rear panel for connecting other controllers or devices, the use of which requires the X1 to be powered using the power adapter supplied in the box.
Image: Press
On launching Traktor, the X1 is automatically recognised and you’re asked which decks you would like to control. The software can host up to four and, thankfully, you can use two X1 units to control all four decks and FX units. Changing this assignment means rebooting the controller. In the software settings in Traktor, you can also customise the hardware to best tailor them to the tasks you perform frequently.
There are two main modes; control of effects and a new Mixer mode, switched by pressing a Mode button at the top. In fact the controller is divided into two halves, with the lower half controlling playback in either mode. Here the left and right sides of the interface correspond to your two decks, with identical controls. The ten buttons per side control play, sync, cues, reverse and jumps while the four knobs above, complete with displays, control browser and track navigation and track loading as well as setting up loops for each deck.
These transport controls are the bread and butter of any performance and here they’re beautifully implemented, cutting through the many on-screen elements of the software to get to the heart of things. The displays are small but convey plenty of information like track name, time remaining, the Loop Size and more. The Shift button enables secondary functions here as elsewhere in the interface but doesn’t feel overly fiddly and with a little practice becomes second nature to use efficiently. Moving up the unit while still in Mixer mode, the four knobs and buttons per side control three-band EQ, deck volume and cue on/off. The button enables an EQ band and the knob changes its value.
Image: Press
Switching to Effect mode, the upper part of the interface controls effects with the lower three buttons corresponding to the three effect slots per deck. Shift+pressing the first button will cycle between FX unit modes of the effects while shift+pressing the other three will cycle which effect is loaded into that particular slot. One of your options here is to load the Pattern Player into an effect slot and then use the controls to cycle between drum patterns and even individual drum sounds to complement your performance. Here you’re essentially mixing in beats generated on the fly, giving a more personal touch to the set.
All of this is embellished by welcome underbody LED lights which can be customised in the software but also perform the important function of showing you things like when a loop is active and when a track is nearing the end by flashing specific colours. They can be switched off, if you’d prefer that.
The X1 isn’t compatible with the Controller Editor software since Native Instruments says its MIDI commands are hard coded, but it can easily be switched into MIDI mode and mapped to other software. We tried this with Ableton Live where the X1 was immediately available to select as an input, though mapping is done via the standard MIDI Learn procedure and assignments saved with your Live Set. It’s easy enough to do and the X1’s relatively simple layout means you’ll likely stick to basic playback and mixing assignments. You won’t get the more integrated experience of a controller like Novation’s new Launchkeys for example, though they are a somewhat different proposition anyway.
The X1 MK3 is a fun Traktor controller that is also a serious performer’s tool. Like most DJ software the best way to unlock the power and joy of playing is by using some form of hardware, and the relatively low cost of entry here means that even beginners will be able to figure it out and be quickly up-and-running.
Image: Press
While there is a small learning curve, it mostly involves developing a muscle memory for the controls and effects, however the multicoloured backlights and clever screens help enormously with finding your way around. Since the controller isn’t trying to do everything it won’t overwhelm you, even with the addition of the new Mixer mode.
There’s some interesting crossover with the Z1 MK2 which has more mixing controls and a smattering of effects versus the X1’s better effect controls. The Z1 adds an audio interface into the mix as well, meaning you might well want to pair an X1 and Z1 for a more comprehensive rig. The two models give you the choice to focus on one part of performance or the whole thing. Then, there’s the F1, which focuses on Stem and Remix decks, another element of Traktor.
Of the three members of this controller family the X1 is the most comprehensive all-rounder and the one you should get first if you’re a ‘conventional’ DJ whose time is spent playing, looping, syncing and triggering effects.
Core performance tools are put right at your fingertips in a super-portable package and the workflow and integration are so well thought-out that novices will find it easy to pick up, while seasoned professionals can still get the seamless performances they demand. Somehow Native Instruments has ticked both those boxes with this controller; the results are a joy to experience.

Key features

DJ controller
USB and Native MIDI support
3-port USB-A hub (available when using included power supply)
Traktor Pro 4 included
Effect and Mixer controller modes
MIDI mode for mapping to other software
Customisable underbody and button backlighting
Multiple OLED screens
Transport, sync, loop and cue controls
Browser and deck load controls
Shift layer to access additional controls

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