In search of a FireWire/USB 6 analog outputs soundcard

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In search of a FireWire/USB 6 analog outputs soundcard
Posted on: 23.03.2012 by Basil Forshee
I'm looking for a FireWire 6 analog outputs and maybe inputs soundcard. It's because I had this routing in my head:
  1. Traktor Deck A
  2. Traktor Deck B
  3. Traktor Deck C
  4. Traktor Deck D
  5. Maschine
  6. Traktor's FX in SEND-mode/Ableton's FX

The Audio 10 only has 5 outputs, so I'm missing one for what I'm planning. Why I want to route FX external? Because I'd like to use the Xone 92's SEND/RETURN option and can have either pre- or post-fader FX!

I stumbled across these ones:


Since I won't be using timecode and never will use that, I don't want the Audio 10. And for Ableton, a dedicated soundcard is good too . Maybe you can help me out? Or give me some advice regarding my desired routing? Or am I just not getting it wright...
Doreen Schurle
27.03.2013
Originally Posted by SJJVEN
Hmmm I'll look into that. Don't really feeling like buying another mixer as I just picked up a xone92. Trying not to go overboard with the rgas...
That's a tricky one tbh... the Zero 8 isn't really a "DJ mixer" as such, because its knobs are 2-column wide, which means things are a little more cramped when it comes to EQing. Not that you CAN'T use it for that, I've seen some DJs (especially timecode DJs) rocking incredible sets with the Zero 8. However, you COULD always use it purely as a mastering console / audio interface, possibly making use of the filters and FX as well, and then use the Xone:92 for your actual mixing.

With that said, however, Zero 8 would probably give you better control over the actual mix as - despite the fact it only has 3 EQ bands - the centre band is adjustable on-the-fly, so you can better isolate the frequencies you want to mix out/enhance. There's also 3 separate HPF/LPF filter types for sweeps and build ups etc.

Best thing I can suggest is, read the manual for the Zero 8 before you decide, and if you like what you see, get bargain hunting
Emelina Chillson
27.03.2013
You mean liek an updated vrsion of the 402?
Marcos Zelko
27.03.2013
Yeah I'm going to do a bit more research on the Zero 8 and see what prices are locally for a used one. Thanks for the suggestion!
Doreen Schurle
27.03.2013
Originally Posted by SJJVEN
Hmmm I'll look into that. Don't really feeling like buying another mixer as I just picked up a xone92. Trying not to go overboard with the rgas...
That's a tricky one tbh... the Zero 8 isn't really a "DJ mixer" as such, because its knobs are 2-column wide, which means things are a little more cramped when it comes to EQing. Not that you CAN'T use it for that, I've seen some DJs (especially timecode DJs) rocking incredible sets with the Zero 8. However, you COULD always use it purely as a mastering console / audio interface, possibly making use of the filters and FX as well, and then use the Xone:92 for your actual mixing.

With that said, however, Zero 8 would probably give you better control over the actual mix as - despite the fact it only has 3 EQ bands - the centre band is adjustable on-the-fly, so you can better isolate the frequencies you want to mix out/enhance. There's also 3 separate HPF/LPF filter types for sweeps and build ups etc.

Best thing I can suggest is, read the manual for the Zero 8 before you decide, and if you like what you see, get bargain hunting
Marcos Zelko
26.03.2013
Hmmm I'll look into that. Don't really feeling like buying another mixer as I just picked up a xone92. Trying not to go overboard with the rgas...
Doreen Schurle
20.03.2013
You guys thought about a Korg Zero 8? 16-in/16-out (8 stereo pairs) integrated into the body of a Scratch Certified mixer WITH an integrated Kaoss pad...
Marcos Zelko
19.03.2013
I'm in the same boat as you! Been looking for an affordable firewire interface to use both for studio work/dj stuff. I've been eyeing the Saffire pro 40 because it seems to be the best bang for your buck. Haven't really found anything on it regarding traktor performance, so if you do go through with it please let me know!
Kiyoko Wellisch
16.03.2013
The Contour interface edition is crazy good value these days. It's a midi controller + audio interface that's way cheaper than the competing interfaces!
Lanita Kosanovic
16.03.2013
Reloop Contour interface edition
You get 10 channel audio interface (5 stereo ch: 4x rca at the back and double 5th ch small and normal jack on the front side)
+ 4 deck controler
in one unit.
Sound is good,but output is way too hot.No problem though in Traktor,just roll the master volume knob down to around -7.
Hope that helps.
Basil Forshee
13.03.2013
So to bump this thread, MrPopinjay is right. I need a soundcard with 12 analog (6 stereo) outputs, does somebody know one? Something like the Echo Audiofire 12. Haven't found anything similar yet.
Kiyoko Wellisch
03.12.2012
Unless you want to run all those things in mono you're going to want a soundcard with 12 outputs, not 6.
Collin Luebano
02.12.2012
i have been using the motu ultralite, but still unsure if i like the sound from it, i used to have an audio 8 and possibly cos im used to the sound of the audio 8 it may take a bi of getting used to, but everyone says the motu should give better quality sound, i run 3 decks, then one for maschine and one for effects in ableton, what do you guys believe of the motu
Edwina Fagel
22.11.2012
RME Fireface UC? Just enough outputs for you.
Collin Luebano
22.11.2012
i have the exact set up you are talking about, ill pm you
Jerold Nesselrode
01.04.2012
I have the M-Audio Profire 610 (running on a 2010 MBP). It allows for really tight 8 channel output. Unfortunately for you, I won't have access to it for maybe two weeks so I can't provide you any hard figures, but I get low single digit latency output when stress testing in Traktor (2 playing tracks, 8 samples, micro loops and effects on everything playing) without any dropouts. You should consider it a serious contender. A drawback, sadly is that it only has 8 analog outputs, and you will need a DAC (coaxial spdif) for use with the Xone 92 if you want to utilize all 10 channels.

A very solid audio interface for both production and DJing (save for a nasty problem in Ableton where the audio decides to drop out, no matter WHAT my settings are, which I can't reproduce on other computers or even in other programs), as long as it meets your input/output requirements.
Dorie Scelzo
27.03.2012
The Audiofire 12 is supposed to be awesome. They give good low-latency performance, and they ABX with Apogee. Trained ears can apparently tell that they're different but tend not to have a preference.

They supposedly have some issues with some firewire chipsets, though I haven't read reports of having problems with Apple.

gearslutz.com has some information about them if you search for it (does not require registration).
Katelyn Hoctor
27.03.2012
firewire soundcard latency for me is un noticed i use m-audio profire 2626 tho purely as within software routing no external outputs other than h/p and monitors
Basil Forshee
26.03.2012
Yes, I've been searching for that one also! It's a good FireWire card and definitely another option. But I wanna know if someone has experiences with a FireWire soundcard on Mac OS X with Traktor. How's latency etc.
Iraida Bonaventure
25.03.2012
How about a Motu Ultralite mk3?
Basil Forshee
25.03.2012
I just want to have control over 4 decks. I mostly play monotone techno and stuff, experimental, dub techno and from some tracks I tend to only keep the bassline running and then add percussions, hihats etc. from other tracks in the mix, looping and mainly play just 2 tracks, but I must have 4 external decks with EQ.

I can understand that some people will find it overkill, but then I'd like you to listen to sets of for instance Chris Liebing, Speedy J, Richie Hawtin. By doing it right, it can all sound like a controlled chaos where all the tracks together sound really nice.

So I just want to have a 5/6 outputs soundcard, but no Traktor Audio 8/10, because I want to use it for production also.
Tiara Bastarache
25.03.2012
Ah, thats true. Why exactly are you routing each of the tractor decks to one channel each? You could always route two channel strips for the decks into a bus thus limiting the about of input/outputs you'd need and still having control of each individual channels volume and FX. You'd basically have 3 software channels (or 2 and a bus).
Basil Forshee
25.03.2012
Thanks for your help, Johnv.

But the Saffire Pro 24 only has 6 line outputs, so that means only three channels in Traktor that can be putted out, right?
Tiara Bastarache
25.03.2012
Try the Saffire Pro 24. That should have enough ins/outs for you.

I can't vouch for the 24, but I'm using a Saffire Pro 14 at the moment and I'm loving the quality.
Brock Ricapito
25.03.2012
audiofire 4
Basil Forshee
24.03.2012
Bump.

6 outputs isn't really that necessary, 5 (10) are also good.

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