Velocity-sensitive knobs and endless push encoders bring Allen & Heath’s hybrid DJ controller Xone:K3 up to speed.
Allen & Heath Xone:K3
Allen & Heath’s Xone series of mixers is famous the world over, particularly the Xone:92. It would be hard to find a more storied and well-respected club mixer (without mentioning Pioneer DJ/AlphaTheta, perhaps). The Xone series doesn’t only include mixers, though. There’s also the DJ controller, Xone:K2. Or there was, past tense, as it’s now been given a 2025 glow up and is known as Xone:K3.
Allen & Heath Xone:K3 · Source: Allen & Heath
Same Layout, Modern Controls
The K3, like the previous model, is a slim universal MIDI controller designed for use with DJ software or really any software that receives MIDI. You could set it up alongside a mixer for extra hand-on control over effects, or in the studio as a grabby knobby controller to pair with a keyboard.
New controller from Allen & Heath · Source: Allen & Heath
Fans of the original will immediately recognize the layout, as it’s organized pretty much the same as the K2. Across the top, we’ve got four endless push encoders, three rows of alternating velocity-sensitive knobs and backlit buttons, then four faders, and finally an array of 16 buttons. Finally, at the bottom, there are Layer and Shift buttons plus two more endless push encoders, one for power on.
As before, there are three possible layers to assign, resulting in 174 individual MIDI parameters possible. You know what layer you’re in by the color of the button.
Allen & Heath Xone:K3 · Source: Allen & HeathAllen & Heath Xone:K3 · Source: Allen & Heath
Connects and App
Around the back, the new controller sports USB-C for power and data plus X-Link in and out jacks for daisy chaining devices together. This is useful for connecting multiple Xone products, such as two Xone:K3s connected to a computer via one USB cable, or a K3 to a Xone:96.
Allen & Heath Xone:K3 · Source: Allen & Heath
There’s also a free Xone Controller App for assigning, saving, and sharing MIDI setups.
Price and Availability
Allen & Heath’s Xone:K3 is on sale now for €228.
It’s available at Thomann*.
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Allen & Heath Xone K3
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More Information
Allen & Heath Xone series homepage
All about Allen & Heath
All about DJing
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