Allen & Heath Xone:K3 - Universal USB-C DJ MIDI Controller

The Controller Built To Allen & Heath Mixer Standards, Now In Its Third Generation — Xone:K3, 52 Controls, Full RGB, Diecast Metal

The Allen & Heath Xone:K3 is a compact universal MIDI controller with 52 physical controls — 30 RGB-backlit soft-switch buttons, 12 rotary potentiometers with nutted shafts, 6 endless encoders with push-button function, and four 60mm linear faders — housed in a diecast metal enclosure built to touring standard. Three fully independent layers can be assigned per mapping, giving access to up to 174 individual MIDI parameters from a single physical unit. Each layer can use latching or momentary switching, and RGB backlighting across all buttons provides instant visual confirmation of the active layer and the assigned function of every control. The free Xone Controller Editor app gives full control over MIDI CC and Note assignments, RGB colour configuration, layer behaviour, and map management — save maps to internal memory, your library, or export as portable files for backup or sharing between setups.

USB-C and X:Link connectivity both serve as connection routes: USB-C connects to any class-compliant host (macOS, Windows, iOS, Android — no drivers required), while X:Link connects directly to compatible Xone mixers including the Xone:96, PX5, 43C, and 23C, freeing USB ports on the laptop in the DJ booth. Star-topology USB support means multiple K3 units can be daisy-chained and independently recognised by the host software for expanded control surfaces. Power comes from USB bus — no external supply needed. Dimensions are 49.5 x 135 x 358mm with a weight of 1.25kg, making it slim enough to sit alongside any mixer without encroaching on the DJ booth layout.

Controls And Layer Architecture

The combination of faders, encoders, pots, and buttons covers the full range of DJ and production parameter types. Faders handle transitions and continuous linear parameters; endless encoders suit navigation and relative control tasks; nutted pots provide firm, detented control for absolute parameter values; backlit buttons handle cues, toggles, and transport. Assigning three layers across all 52 controls produces a total of 174 assignable parameters from a single physical footprint — enough to cover a complete four-deck DJ setup with effects control, or a complex live performance rig with instrument, transport, and session navigation mapped independently across layers. The K3 is also backwards-compatible with all existing K1 and K2 mappings, which import directly into the Controller Editor without modification.

KEY FEATURES: Allen & Heath Xone:K3 - Universal USB-C DJ MIDI Controller

• 52 Physical Controls: 30 RGB buttons, 12 rotary pots, 6 endless encoders (with push), 4 x 60mm faders.
• 3 Independent Layers: Up to 174 assignable MIDI parameters per mapping.
• Full RGB Backlighting: Each layer has its own colour profile for instant visual identification.
• Diecast Metal Chassis: Touring-grade build with nutted pots and tactile switches.
• USB-C And X:Link Connectivity: Works with Xone:96, PX5, 43C, and 23C via X:Link.
• Star-Topology USB: Multiple K3 units recognised independently.
• Xone Controller Editor: Free app for full MIDI, RGB, and layer customisation.
• K1 And K2 Map Compatibility: Import existing mappings without rebuilding.
• Class-Compliant: No drivers required, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android.
• USB-C Bus-Powered: No external power supply needed.

Allen & Heath Xone:K3 - User Manual