My gravel bike is currently running 1×11 with XT Di2 rear mech and Ultegra shifters. I’m thinking about trying it with a 2×11 set-up which would mean I’ll need to use an XT front mech.

Has anyone tried running the XT front mech with 50/34 compact chainrings? Any problems?

I’d potentilally switch to something smaller up front like 48/32 but don’t want to be spending a stack of cash if it won’t work hence trying it with the 50/34 rings I’ve got sitting in the gargae at the moment.

Why would you need an XT front mech? Why not an Ultegra one? Surely the spacing and movement of a road front mech would be better suited to you cranks/frame?

Shimnao don’t allow you to mix road and MTB mech’s with Di2.

You need either both MTB or both road. You can however mix MTB mech’s with road shifters and vica versa.