So I’m about to pull the trigger on an S4 in anticipation of Traktor 2 and I am fortunate enough to have 2 Kontrol X1’s.
Now I’m just wondering how I should map my X1s to go with it. I will be using two sample decks and I would like to have full control over them.
So I am looking for mapping ideas and I’m wondering if anyone has mapped two x1’s for it or has any ideas. How well does the S4 control the sample decks as is? I want to be able to control volume/filter with dedicated knobs so I’m thinking of putting them on the knobs of the X1’s. I just don’t want the X1’s to be redundant in the setup so I don’t want many control duplicated which I’m not sure if it will be possible. Is two overkill? How would you do it?
I’m excited for this thing. I would also like to know if there is room in the back of the S4 flight case for a power strip and usb hub. Since I will prob be using 2 X1’s they need a hub since the macbook pro only has two usb ports and the S4 needs a dedicated one.
Definitely not overkill. Each X1 can be dedicated to the volume and filter for their own sample deck. The 8 buttons on the bottom can be used for cues 5-8 and EQ kills. the endless encoders can be used for FX combos. Lots of possibilities. Have a look at this for ideas.
Also, I wonder if the case for the S4 would fit a 15" macbook pro with two X1’s on the side.
Also, will Traktor 2 support turntables without a scratch upgrade? I already own traktor scratch pro…
That’s a cool mapping for the X1, I wonder how I would do it with two- I like to avoid using shifts/different modes when possible in favor of dedicated knobs/buttons. I had my 4D mapped with like 3 shifts and it drove me crazy, even one shift gets a little annoying for me unless it is necessary.
Inside while the case is closed or are you talking about putting them on the laptop tray. I have no idea either way though as I don’t have the case.
If you already own Scratch you get the upgrade to Scratch 2 for $79. If you’re wondering if you can play timecode through the S4 with old Traktor Scratch that I’m unsure of.
I might not even bother with the tray since I love my crane stand but who knows, it seems to sit low but that might work out, not having to carry another piece of gear is nice and I can throw the x1’s on it
Alternatively I can keep the laptop on the stand to the side and keep the x1’s on the tray, that might be nice
So s4 users get a free copy to pro 2 but you have to upgrade again to scratch? Thats annoying if true, it basically means I don’t get shit free since it would be 79 to upgrade to t2 from TSP anyway
I am in the situation where I just got my s4 in and am trying to learn all there is to know about it. I also have an x1 that I want to put to use. The link posted above looks like a good mapping, are there other mappings people use that they like with an s4 and x1 combo?
I just want to know what to do with the 16 lower buttons on each x1 with the s4. I got some good ideas on the encoders but I still don’t know what would make more sense. I would think a lot of people would be using one or two X1s with the S4 and I wonder why I’m not seeing many mappings.
It’d be tough! I was measuring the case in a shop the other day, and I think the tray was about 55-56cm. The 15" is almost 37cm, 2xX1s are 24cm. You’ll need to put both X1s on the right side of the MBP, so they don’t stay on the way of the USBs. The tray would be about two+ inches (~6cm) shorter, which when distributed about evenly on both sides may still work. Not perfect though …
one of the X1s could stay on an X1 case on the side of the case… it’d be the same hight.
I’m debating between moving the FX units from the top of the S4 to the X1s and keeping the top 8 knobs for sample filters.
I would like to keep 4 FX units and I would like individual volume knobs for the sampls but maybe I don’t need them if using filters. For the buttons below the FX knobs I’m thinking of having them be for repeat loop on/off
If I did want volume knobs where do you think they could go? I was thinking shift for the filter knobs to control volume but I don’t think it would work since it would throw both off.
I have no idea what to do with the 8 encoders on the X1, any idea?
the inner 8 buttons on each side of the X1 will be dedicated hotcues with hotcue toggling delete
I was thinking the encoders could be sample volume but the layout is awkward and I want it to be intuitive and match the screen as much as possible
For the outer 8 buttons on each controller I don’t know what to do with them
The other idea for the X1s is have sample play volume knob, filter knob, and repeat for each one which would reflect the sample layout well and offer a lot of control, then I would just have 2 FX units which could work but I’m not sure if it would be enough. Not that I use them all at once but it is nice to have the option which to use without switching FXs and being able to have two on chained and two on advanced
An idea for the outer 8 buttons is to have FX deck assigns- a 2x2 square for deck A with C below and B and D on the other side which might be nice. Then have the FX assigns to toggle between chained and advanced on each unit. As I type and think about it I am really liking this route.
Now just to figure out what to do with the encoders.
I think I want to leave the S4 map and one of the X1’s as is except just keep it on hotcue mode. I think I’ll change the encoders on that one to scroll through deck view modes and other parameters along with FX combos.
The on the other X1 the knobs will each be sample filter with filter on buttons, one set of pads will be for sample launch and repeat on/off. then just gotta figure out what to do with the encoders.
