Published
Wed, Aug 6, 2014, 12:37
- A soundcard-free version of the company's Xone:K2, the slimline MIDI controller hits shops this month.
The Xone:K1 is Allen & Heath's latest MIDI controller, and it's set for release this month.
It's not the company's first slimline controller designed to sit comfortably next to the UK company's Xone DJ mixers. In fact, it's nearly identical to the Xone:K2, to the point that it might not be immediately apparent where the differences lie. In short, the K1 is a streamlined version of the K2. Both feature the same layout of six pushable rotary encoders, 12 analog pots, four faders and 30 three-color backlit performance switches. They also use A&H's X:LINK protocol, which lets you daisy-chain multiple K1s and K2s (or plug into a supported Xone mixer) rather than use up all of your computer's USB ports. Both devices are also USB-powered. The big difference is that the K1 doesn't have a soundcard. (The case/stand that comes standard with the K2 is also an add-on for the K1, and the K1 doesn't have latching layers.) The video below, featuring Xone product specialist Greg Ibbotson, goes into more detail about both controllers.
Allen & Heath will release the Xone:K1 in August 2014.