Manual
MK3
X1
Traktor
Table of Contents
1. Disclaimer ................................................................................................................... 1
2. Welcome to the Traktor X1 MK3 Manual .......................................................................... 2
Document Conventions ............................................................................................... 2
3. Installation & Setup ....................................................................................................... 3
Registering the Traktor X1 MK3 ..................................................................................... 3
Installing and updating Traktor Pro ................................................................................ 3
Connecting the X1 MK3 ............................................................................................... 3
4. Hardware Overview ....................................................................................................... 5
The Top Panel ............................................................................................................ 5
The Rear Panel ........................................................................................................... 6
The Bottom Panel ....................................................................................................... 6
5. Effect Control ............................................................................................................... 7
Loading Effects .......................................................................................................... 8
Picking up parameter values with knobs ......................................................................... 9
6. Using the Pattern Player .............................................................................................. 10
7. Mixer Control ............................................................................................................. 12
Transport Control ..................................................................................................... 13
Loop and Browse Section .......................................................................................... 13
Hotcues .................................................................................................................. 14
8. Customizing the Controller .......................................................................................... 15
DISCLAIMER 1
1. Disclaimer
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Native Instruments GmbH. The software described by this document is
subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media. No part of this publication
may be copied, reproduced or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose, without prior
written permission by Native Instruments GmbH, hereinafter referred to as Native Instruments.
“Native Instruments”, “NI” and associated logos are (registered) trademarks of Native Instruments
GmbH.
Mac, macOS, GarageBand, Logic and iTunes are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in
the U.S. and other countries.
Windows and DirectSound are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries.
Ableton Live™ and LINK™ are a trademarks of Ableton AG.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and use of them does not imply
any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
Document authored by Jonas Körwer
Software version: 3.10 (9/2023)
WELCOME TO THE TRAKTOR X1 MK3 MANUAL 2
2. Welcome to the Traktor X1 MK3
Manual
The Traktor X1 MK3 is a modular DJ controller for manipulating effects, looping, and mixing. It
is highly customizable and includes a USB hub, making it a versatile addition to any DJ setup.
With five OLED displays, color-coded buttons, tactile features, and bottom lights working as a
notification system, the X1 MK3 is designed to provide control in any environment.
This reference manual focuses on the X1 MK3 hardware, describing each section, its controls, and
functionality. For information about the Traktor Pro software and its effects refer to the Traktor Pro
Manual.
Document Conventions
In this document the following formatting is used to highlight useful information:
Italics Indicates paths to locations on your hard disk or other storage devices
Bold Highlights important names, concepts, software interface elements, and
hardware controls.
[Brackets] References keys on a computer’s keyboard.
Single item instructions are represented by a bullet icon.
Results in procedures are represented by an arrow icon.
The following three icons represent different types of information:
The light bulb icon indicates a useful tip, suggestion, or interesting fact.
The information icon highlights important information that is essential for the given
context.
The warning icon alerts you of serious issues and potential risks that require your full
attention.
INSTALLATION & SETUP 3
3. Installation & Setup
The Traktor X1 MK3 works out of the box with the latest version of Traktor Pro. If you already have
the latest version of Traktor Pro installed, start the software on your computer and connect the
controller using the included USB cable. The software will automatically recognize the device and
you are ready to get started.
If you do not have Traktor Pro installed on your computer, you must first register your hardware to
receive your Traktor Pro license and install the software.
Registering the Traktor X1 MK3
Registering your hardware is required to access any bundled offers including the full Traktor Pro
license. To register your hardware:
1. Download and install Native Access here.
2. Create a Native ID if you do not yet have one. You can do this using Native Access.
3. Login to Native Access using your Native ID.
4. Click Add Serial.
5. Enter the 15-digit serial number which can be found on the card in the box or at the bottom of
the controller.
→ The hardware is registered and you can proceed to install Traktor Pro.
Installing and updating Traktor Pro
The X1 MK3 is designed to work with Traktor Pro. To install Traktor Pro:
1. Download and install Native Access here.
2. Create a Native ID if you do not yet have one. You can do this using Native Access.
3. Login to Native Access using your Native ID.
4. Click the Available tab.
5. Click Install for Traktor Pro 3.
→ The software is installed automatically.
If the software is already installed, click the Updates tab and install available updates
before proceeding.
Connecting the X1 MK3
Once you have installed the latest version of Traktor Pro you are ready to set up the X1 MK3.
1. Start Traktor Pro 3 on your computer.
2. Connect the X1 MK3 using the USB cable included in the box.
INSTALLATION & SETUP 4
3. Upon startup, the controller will ask you to configure a layout for the FX units and decks.
• Use the arrow buttons at the top of the controller to cycle between different FX unit
assignments.
• Use any of the four encoders next to the displays in the center to cycle between deck
assignments.
4. Press any of the four encoders next to the displays in the center to confirm your configuration.
→ Your controller is configured and you are ready to start mixing and using effects.
FX unit and deck assignments can be changed at any time on the Decks Layout page
of the Traktor Pro Preferences.
HARDWARE OVERVIEW 5
4. Hardware Overview
This section provides a general overview of the Traktor X1 MK3 hardware. While it is primarily
designed for unlocking the creative potential of Traktor Pro's effects, it also enables browsing and
mixing tracks, using Hotcues, the Pattern Player, and more.
The Top Panel
The top panel of the X1 MK3 can be divided into four main sections, grouping the available
functions in an intuitive way. All sections comprise two identical sides on the left and right,
enabling direct access to two decks or FX units.
HARDWARE OVERVIEW 6
1. Effects and Mixer Section: This part of the controller enables direct control of two FX units on
the left and right side. Each side has a dedicated FX display for direct visual feedback, assign
buttons to assign effects to decks, as well as four buttons and knobs for effect manipulation.
The Mode display at the center represents information on the current mode, and the button
above switches between them. In mixer mode, this section turns into a dedicated mixer with
EQ and volume control. Traktor Pro Plus subscribers can also use this section to control the
Pattern Player. For more information refer to Effect Control, Using the Pattern Player, and
Mixer Control.
2. Loop and Browse Section: This section enables setting loops, changing their length and
position, and browsing Traktor's track collection. A dedicated display for each deck shows
important information including loop status and remaining track time. The SHIFT button
combines with many controls to access secondary functions across the device. For more
information refer to Loop and Browse Section.
3. Hotcue Buttons: Four versatile buttons by default enable setting and jumping to Hotcues.
These buttons can be customized for various functions in the Preferences of the Traktor Pro
software. For more information refer to Hotcues and Customizing the Controller.
4. Transport Section: Dedicated Cue, Start, Stop, and Sync buttons are found in the lowest part of
the device. For more information refer to Transport Control.
The Rear Panel
The rear panel connects the controller to the computer and includes a powered USB hub.
1. USB Host Connector: Connect the controller to the computer via this socket using the included
USB cable. The controller itself is USB powered and will work with only this connection.
2. USB Hub Inputs: Connect other USB devices. Note that the hub will only function correctly
when the included power supply is connected.
3. Power Supply Input: Connect the included power supply to this socket. This enables the USB
hub and allows for brighter lit controls.
The Bottom Panel
The bottom panel of the controller features independent LED lights on both the left and right side,
providing further visual feedback for each deck. By default, a green light is activated if a loop is
active. A blinking red light indicates a track is nearing its end. This can be turned on or off in the
Preferences of the Traktor Pro software. For more information refer to Customizing the Controller.
EFFECT CONTROL 7
5. Effect Control
The X1 MK3 is designed to maximize the creative potential of Traktor Pro's powerful effects. They
can be controlled using the top half of the controller. The left and right side are identical and allow
for direct access to two FX units that can either hold a single effect, a group of up to three effects,
or the Pattern Player (only available in Traktor Pro Plus). Each FX unit can be assigned to a deck
using the arrow buttons at the top.
The color of various buttons can be customized in the Preferences of the Traktor Pro
software. Here we will always describe their default color. For more information refer
to Customizing the Controller
The X1 MK3's effects section contains the following controls:
1. Mode Select Button: Cycle through various modes including FX units 1 & 2, 3 & 4, and Mixer
mode. Holding SHIFT while pressing this button puts the controller in MIDI mode. The active
mode is shown in the display right below the button.
2. Deck Assign Buttons: Assigns the FX unit to a deck. Pressing the left arrow assigns the FX unit
to the left deck. Pressing the right arrow assigns the FX unit to the right deck. If four FX units
are configured in your layout, you can assign FX units 3 and 4 by holding SHIFT and pressing
the assign buttons. When a unit has been assigned, the arrow will light up in a bright orange
color and stay lit. To remove a unit from a deck, press the corresponding arrow button again.
The light will go back to a dimmed state.
EFFECT CONTROL 8
3. FX and Mode Displays: These three displays give visual feedback depending on the mode and
effect loaded. The central Mode display shows the current mode while each FX display on
either side visualizes key values of the corresponding FX unit. Turning a knob below will result
in the corresponding left or right FX display to immediately show the name of active effect
or effect parameter as well as its value. Turning a knob that is not assigned will result in the
screen showing empty.
4. Knobs and Buttons: These knobs and buttons enable controlling Traktor Pro's effects. Their
functions depend on whether a single effect or an effect group is loaded. In both cases the first
knob from the top controls the Dry/Wet parameter of the FX unit.
• Single Effect: The topmost button switches the effect on or off and provides visual
feedback by lighting up when active. The topmost knob blends between the dry and wet
signal. Subsequent buttons and knobs change their function depending on which effect
is loaded. Refer to the Traktor Pro 3 Manual for more information. Note that the buttons
behave differently depending on the parameter. For example, when using the delay effect,
the second button from the top can be clicked to bring the filter cutoff to its default value,
while the third button can be used to switch delay feedback on or off.
• Effect Group: The topmost button is not assigned. The topmost knob blends between the
dry and wet signal. Each subsequent button turns the respective effect on or off while each
subsequent knob controls a main parameter of each effect. The parameters are described
in detail in the Traktor Pro 3 Manual.
• Pattern Player: The various functions of the Pattern Player are described in Using the
Pattern Player.
Loading Effects
The X1 MK3 enables you to load and switch effects from the hardware itself. You can either load
a single effect in the FX unit, enabling fine adjustments of its parameters, or a group of up to three
effects where each effect has one main controllable parameter.
Loading a Single Effect
Loading effects is done via the effects section at the top of the controller. The workflow is the
same for the left and right FX unit. For the following description we will number the four buttons of
a FX unit from top to bottom starting with 1.
1. Make sure your FX unit is configured to hold a single effect. To change this, press and hold
SHIFT and press button 1 to cycle through the different possible unit assignments: Single
effect, effect group, and Pattern Player (available to Traktor Pro Plus subscribers). The display
above button 1 will show the current configuration.
2. Press and hold the SHIFT button on the controller. Button 2 and 3 now function as up and down
arrows respectively and allow you to cycle through the available effects.
3. When the desired effect appears on the display, release SHIFT.
→ The effect is loaded in the FX unit.
Loading Effects in an Effect Group
Loading effects is done via the effects section at the top of the controller. The workflow is the
same for the left and right FX unit. For the following description we will number the four buttons of
a FX unit from top to bottom starting with 1.
1. Make sure your FX unit is configured as an effect group. To change this, press and hold SHIFT
and press button 1 to cycle through the different possible unit assignments: Single effect, effect
group, and Pattern Player (available to Traktor Pro Plus subscribers). The screen above button 1
will show the current configuration.
EFFECT CONTROL 9
2. Press and hold SHIFT. Button 2, 3, and 4 now each represent one available slot in the effect
group.
3. Push one of the three buttons to cycle through the available effects in that slot. The FX unit in
the Traktor software shows which effect is currently loaded.
4. Repeat step three for each effect slot until you are satisfied with the selection.
→ Effects are loaded in the effect group.
Picking up parameter values with knobs
The X1 MK3 allows you to control multiple effects, the mixer EQs, and much more using a limited
number of knobs simultaneously. This can lead to situations in which you switch to a new effect,
but the knob is already turned to a certain value in the software. In these cases, the knob will not
force the new effect to jump to its current value. Instead, the X1 MK3's top displays will give you
a visual indication of where the new effect parameter value is via two up or down arrows next to
the parameter name. Down arrows mean that this specific knob needs to be turned to the counter
clockwise before it will pick up the new value and start changing the parameter. Up arrows require
turning the knob clockwise.
The display of an FX unit indicating that a knob needs to be turned clockwise to start manipulating the loaded filter.
USING THE PATTERN PLAYER 10
6. Using the Pattern Player
Traktor Pro Plus subscribers can control the Pattern Player using the X1 MK3. The Pattern Player
is a powerful creative tool that allows you to play various rhythmic patterns from many different
drum samples. Samples are organized in kits which can be loaded directly from the device.
The Pattern Player can be controlled from the X1 MK3 using the following controls:
1. Deck Assign Buttons: Assign the Pattern Player loaded in this FX unit to a deck by pressing
the arrow buttons. When the Pattern Player is assigned to a deck, the arrow button will light up
in bright orange and stay lit. To remove the assignment simply press the button again. Traktor
Pro treats the Pattern Player like any other FX unit, meaning assigning it to a deck does not
replace the deck itself but rather plays on top of it.
2. Display: Shows the name of the loaded kit at the top, the name of the current sample in the
middle, and a representation of the current pattern at the bottom.
3. Button: Activates the Pattern Player. The button will light up in bright green when a pattern is
playing. Pressing it again will deactivate it.
Knob: Controls the volume of the pattern. Turning it clockwise increases the volume, while
turning it counterclockwise decreases it.
4. Button: Loads the previous sample. Holding SHIFT while pressing this button loads the
previous kit.
Knob: Cycles through the various patterns available for this sample.
5. Button: Loads the next sample. Holding SHIFT while pressing this button loads the next kit.
Knob: Controls the pitch of the current sample. Turning it clockwise increases pitch, while
turning it counterclockwise decreases it.
USING THE PATTERN PLAYER 11
6. Button: Toggles ducking on or off. When on, ducking slightly attenuates the volume of the deck
the Pattern Player is assigned to when a sample is played back. The amount of attenuation
depends on the volume of the sample as well as the decay of its volume envelope.
Knob: Controls the decay of volume envelope of the sample. Turning this knob clockwise
increases the decay of the sample. Turning it counterclockwise decreases it.
MIXER CONTROL 12
7. Mixer Control
The X1 MK3 can be switched to mixer mode in order to control Traktor Pro's mixer using the
effects section at the top of the device.
The mixer includes the following controls:
1. Mode Select Button: Press this button to enter mixer mode. If four FX units are configured in
your layout you might have to press this button repeatedly until the central Mode display at the
top shows MIXER.
2. Displays: Each deck on the left and right has a dedicated display that shows the value of
the control that was last changed using one of the knobs below. Additionally, the headphone
icon turns on when Cue is active. The central display includes a volume meter as well as a
representation of which decks are active. Active decks are represented by their corresponding
letter (A, B, C, or D) in black on a white background, while inactive decks are represented by a
white letter on black background.
3. Hi: The first button and knob controls the high band of Traktor Pro's equalizer. Turning the knob
clockwise boosts high frequencies of that deck, while turning it counterclockwise will attenuate
high frequencies. Pressing the button activates a high cut filter. The button lights up in bright
blue and stays lit while the high-cut is active. Pressing the button again deactivates the filter.
4. Mid: The second button and knob controls the middle band of Traktor Pro's equalizer. Turning
the knob clockwise boosts middle frequencies of that deck, while turning it counter clockwise
attenuates middle frequenies. Pressing the button activates a mid-cut filter. The button lights
up in bright blue and stays lit while the mid-cut is active. Pressing it again deactivates the filter.
5. Lo: The third button and knob controls the low band of Traktor Pro's equalizer. Turning the knob
clockwise boosts low frequencies of that deck, while turning it counter clockwise attenuates
low frequencies. Pressing the button activates a low-cut filter. The button lights up in bright
blue and stays lit while the low-cut is active. Pressing it again deactivates the filter.
6. Cue and Volume: The last button activates the Cue functionality, allowing you to listen to a
track through your headphones. The last knob controls the volume of the track.
MIXER CONTROL 13
Transport Control
The transport section of the X1 MK3 includes controls for playing and navigating tracks in Traktor
Pro.
1. Nudge Arrows: These two arrow buttons allow you to gently nudge your track. Pressing the left
arrow slightly slows the track down while pressing the right arrow speeds it up.
2. REV: Pressing and holding this button triggers reverse playback, during which Traktor's Flux
mode is active. Pressing SHIFT and REV toggles Flux mode on for this deck. This is indicated
by the button being lit when holding SHIFT. Pressing SHIFT and REV again turns Flux mode
off.
3. CUE: Triggers the temporary cue point. When a track is paused, pressing CUE will set the
temporary cue point at the current position. Pressing CUE while a track is playing jumps to the
cue point position and stops playback. Pressing and holding CUE plays the track from the cue
point. Upon release the track jumps back to the cue point position and stops playing. Pressing
SHIFT and CUE resets the playback position to the start.
4. PLAY: Starts and stops tracks. When a track is playing, the PLAY button lights up in bright
green.
5. SYNC: Switches sync on or off for the respective deck. When sync is active, the button lights
up blue. When sync is active but the track is playing out of phase with the other deck, it
lights up red. Pressing SHIFT and SYNC sets the corresponding deck to master. Pressing and
holding SYNC while turning the loop encoder changes the tempo of the track. If you also press
the loop encoder during this interaction, the tempo changes in larger increments.
Loop and Browse Section
The loop and browse section enables loading and navigating tracks as well as various looping
functions. The SHIFT button can also be found here, which unlocks many secondary functions
across the device.
The Loop and Browse section includes the following controls:
MIXER CONTROL 14
1. Deck Displays: The deck displays provide essential information about their respective track
deck. At the top they display the current track name, below the remaining time of a given track,
and at the bottom a progress bar indicating the current track position. On the right side of
the display, the number at the top represents the loop length, and the letter at the bottom the
current deck. When a loop is active or a track is playing, the background of the loop length and
track indicator turns white. If a deck is configured as live input, the display will just show Live
Input.
2. Browse Encoder: Browse and load tracks using this encoder. Turning it navigates the track list.
Pressing it loads the selected track into the corresponding deck. Holding SHIFT while turning
navigates the file tree and pressing while holding SHIFT opens folders in the tree.
3. Loop Indicator LED: This icon lights up when a loop is active.
4. Loop Encoder: Turning this encoder changes the loop length. Pressing it activates the loop.
Pressing it again deactivates the loop. Holding SHIFT while turning the encoder will jump
through the track using the current loop length as increment. Doing this while a loop is active
also moves the loop.
5. SHIFT Button: The SHIFT button unlocks many secondary functions across the controller.
These are explained in the respective control description.
Hotcues
Hotcue buttons are used to set and jump to Hotcues. Pressing an unassigned Hotcue button sets
this Hotcue to the current track position. Pressing it again jumps to that track position. They are
also highly customizable using the Preferences of the Traktor Pro software. For more information
on the available options, refer to Customizing the Controller.
Traktor X1 MK3's Hotcue buttons.
CUSTOMIZING THE CONTROLLER 15
8. Customizing the Controller
The X1 MK3 can be customized directly in the Preferences of the Traktor Pro software. Two
pages are available for customization of the X1 MK3, Color and Main. Traktor X1 MK3 Color
lets you assign one of 16 colors to various control elements. Traktor X1 MK3 Main changes the
functionality of certain controls.
The Traktor X1 MK3 Colors page allows customization of the FX Buttons, Number Buttons,
Transport Buttons, and the Bottom LEDs. The Global Color Scheme at the top assigns one color
to all subsequent settings.
The Traktor X1 MK3 Main page include options for changing the functionality of controls.
The following controls are customizable:
CUSTOMIZING THE CONTROLLER 16
• Browse Encoders: Changes the secondary behavior of the Browse encoders when SHIFT is
held down and the encoder is turned. By default this interaction navigates the file tree but can
be changed to navigate favorite folders instead.
• Loop Encoders: Changes the secondary behavior of the Loop encoders when SHIFT is held
down and the encoder is turned. It can be set to change the key of the track in semitones.
By default, pressing the encoder while SHIFT is held activates the loop. If the turn interaction
is set to key change instead, pressing the encoder while holding SHIFT results in activating/
deactivating key lock.
• Number Buttons: These buttons are highly flexible and can be mapped to many different
interactions. By default they control Hotcues 1 and 2. Other options include up to 8 additional
Hotcues, Loop In/Out, Stutter in various beat divisions, and Abs/Rel which toggles absolute or
relative mode for timecode vinyls or CDs. These options are also available for the secondary
function when holding SHIFT and pressing a button. Additionally, you can set the secondary
function to deleting Hotcues.
1-2 and 3-4 are grouped together, but their function can differ. This is indicated by a slash (/) in
the drop-down menu. For example, setting 1-2 to Loop In/Out configures button 1 as loop start
and button 2 as loop end.
• Nudge Buttons: Both the primary and secondary behavior of these buttons can be customized
to either nudge tracks or jump through them. When set to jump you can also set a fixed jump
interval or tie it to loop length.
• Displays: Changes which information about the track is shown on the deck displays. Options
include remaining time, elapsed time, and loop length.
• Global: Restore the default settings of the controller here. Pressing this will require you to select
a deck and effects layout again.
