Akai Mpk 25 or Traktor Kontrol X1 ?

DJ Gear & Hardware Hardware: Controllers, Mods and Gear
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Akai Mpk 25 or Traktor Kontrol X1 ?

First of all, this is my first post so… Hello!

I’ve got a dilemma… I have about £200 / $320 to spend on a controller, but can’t make my mind up about what to buy! I used to be a vinyl kinda DJ, but have recently jumped ship to Traktor Scratch Pro as I have a lot of awesome music on my computer that I’d love to smash into my sets, but not ready to let go of the vinyl just yet. I’m looking to expand my creativity with more effects, hotcue juggling and sampling after perving on DJTT for some time now!

My dilemma comes as I’m also just getting into making my own beats (mainly D’n’B and Electro House) using Ableton, and as yet I have no proper controllers at all for this purpose. After a fair bit of internet research I think I’ve narrowed it down to the Akai MPK 25 and the Kontrol X1.

I know these are two massively different controllers for two massively different uses. If I got the MPK, I’d remap the pads for hotcues and juggling and the knobs for effects within Traktor and a good Ableton controller. If I got the X1, I’d have a solid, purpose made, properly supported controller for TSP, with some good visual feedback but not much Ableton control.

Or I could be missing another controller completely! Any advice?

Thanks muchly in advance!

My current setup is 2 x Technics 1210 Mk5, DDM4000 with custom mapping and upgraded Infinium X-fader, Audio 8DJ, T.S.P. 1.2.7 and Ableton Live 8.

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You can run the X1 on Traktor AND on Ableton if you switch between NHL to MIDI mode, but on the long run you may find it more a pain than anything else.

You could still have a look at AKAI LPD8 to complement the X1, let’s say LPD8 for Ableton, X1 for Traktor. Both together you’re in the 320ish dollars.

There’s also the Akai MPK Mini for a few bucks more than the LPD8.

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You should get the MPK. It’s a much more versatile controller, and will be able to fill all your needs on both the production and DJing sides. It’s fairly simple to set it up for Traktor. Plus those pads are great for beat juggling type activities.

The only reason I’d get the X1 first is if you play out a lot. The lights and layout of the X1 make it superior in the club.

You can also look at the new Akai mini which is enough to get the job done, but not nearly as cool as the MPK.

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Cheers for the advice! I have ordered the MPK 25. I do play out a lot but have managed to get on just fine so far. I did think about the pads for beat juggling and looking what people have done with a keyboard with far less capability (nanoKEY?!) I think I’ll put the X1 on hold for now. Besides, it’s my birthday in March, I’ll hint the wife…:smiley: