Allen and Heath Xone:K2

Reviews | Allen & Heath Xone:K2
86
not going to compete with more
expensive units. It’s a shame that you
can only control the output volume
using software, and it would also be
nice if the headphone outputs were
duplicated on RCAs at the back, but
you can’t have everything at this price.
On the latch
As the controls are unlabelled, you are
free to use them as you wish. Allen &
Heath supply some mapping files for
Ableton Live and NI Traktor, which are
a good starting point. Where things get
interesting is with Latching Layers. This
feature allows up to three layers of
controls and it is possible to switch
some of the controls while ‘latching’
the others. For example, the knobs
could be ‘latched’ to control EQ, while
the buttons switch through three layers
of effects parameters.
A pair of Allen & Heath X:Link
ports, which allow you to connect
multiple Xone controllers together, can
be found on the rear. Chained K2s
receive power and data over the
proprietary connection and complex
setups can be created using Allen &
Heath mixers. The whole thing can
then be connected to the computer
with just one USB cable.
Obvious competitors for the K2 are
the Native Instruments F1 and X1.
These are smaller in size and offer
fewer features, but Traktor DJs may still
prefer them as the controls are
specifically tailored to their needs.
The K2 works very well for the more
adventurous user as it is an extremely
flexible device with a clever layering
system and a vast array of controls.
With all that plus the carry case and
mappings in the box, it’s ideal for those
who use a variety of software or who
like to customise their mappings. The
built-in audio makes it attractive as a
portable DJ setup and it would also be
great as an extra set of knobs in the
studio. A serious contender.
A
llen & Heath are something
of a British institution, with
a history of making quality
audio equipment that
stretches back to the seventies.
Perhaps best known for their studio
mixers, they re-invented themselves in
the DJ world. The Xone:K2 is their
latest product, aimed at the travelling
DJ or anyone who needs a slimline but
well specified MIDI controller with a
built-in audio interface. The K2
measures just
135 x 30 x 358mm and
weighs 1kg.
So, it’s definitely a small
package but is that always
a good thing?
Under control
The K2 is a compact and
lightweight unit that fits
easily in a bag or DJ
booth. Designed with
portability in mind, it
comes with a padded
carry case that doubles as
a stand to raise it up to the
height of a DJ mixer. The
chassis is made of
rubber-coated plastic with a
metal top panel, which is
solid without being heavy.
The layout feels comfortable
and the potentiometers and
encoders are securely bolted
down, so they should stand up
to the rigours of live use. The
rubber knobs are a nice shape,
and the tri-colour illuminated
rubber switches have a firm but
reassuring click. Finally, the four
60mm faders work smoothly but,
while they have the renowned
Allen & Heath smoothness – with
tops indented generously, making
them a pleasure to use – the
studio-styling makes them perhaps
less than ideal for DJ use.
The audio interface has four
outputs: two RCA at the back and a
stereo 3.5mm headphone socket at
the front. The manual suggests several
uses, including connecting the outputs
to a mixer for DJing, or one output pair
for headphones and the other for
speakers. Sound quality is adequate
with a sample rate of 44.1 or 48 kHz,
but the 16-bit converters mean that it’s
Allen & Heath
Xone:K2 | £199
The latest compact DJ controller from A&H has a few
tricks up its sleeve. Oliver Smith takes it for a spin
WHAT is iT?
DJ-focussed MIDI
controller with built-in
audio interface
ConTACT
Who: Allen & Heath
Web: www.allen-heath.com
HiGHLiGHTs
1 Lightweight and
compact, with carry case
included
2 Solid controls
3 Built-in audio interface
speCs
Controls
4 x 60mm faders, 6 x
endless rotary encoders
with push switches, 12 x
potentiometers, 30 x
tri-colour LED backlit
switches
Connections
Allen & Heath X-link
in and out, 3.5mm
headphone
output, Stereo
RCA output,
USB socket
(Type B)
VeRDiCT
BUILD
❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚
VALUE
❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚
EASE OF USE
❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚
VERSATILITY
❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚
RESULTS
❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚
A good mix of features, plus a high
quality build make this tempting
for digital DJs on the move.
FMU262.rev_allen.indd 86 12/21/12 4:17 PM