In 2013, Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol X1 MK2 was released. Compared to the predecessor Traktor Kontrol X1, the new version won’t surprise you, because it meets the workflow requirements of Traktor DJ. You can still view and download tracks, assign points to cue, adjust tempo and control the effects directly from the controller.

The original X1 was designed as an auxiliary tool for implementing common tasks (volume, gain, equalizer, filter), regardless of what external mixer or other controller displays on Traktor.

The appearance of the controller has been simplified quite a bit: the front panel got the overall text amount reduced. While this creates a better overall view, that also means that at least once you will need to turn to the manual. In addition to the new minimalistic look, the controller has acquired 2 small LCD screens that display what is currently being used.

There also a new browser coder appeared, replacing 2 of the original X1 with a single central version. The advantage is that now it’s a touch encoder, and this means that Traktor automatically switches to the screen of the browser when you interact with it directly.

The touch strips of X1 MK2 controller are also a great addition. If the deck is active, the touch strip makes a pitch correction in a pitch band style. If paused, it allows you to scratch the track. It can also be used to quickly find a specific fragment in a track. The management of the decks is very useful, especially in combination with the "Flux" mode.

It can be used during the creative manipulation of the track in real time. From a more utilitarian point of view, controlling the decks with the touch strip (along with the loop encoder adjustment) gives a very natural way of manual track adjustment.