extremely basic question - from the old school...
extremely basic question - from the old school... Posted on: 14.09.2012 by Necole Pilkington Quick question, that may be so basic it's unreal...essentially been used to regular 2 x 1210s with gemini mixer, nothing spectacular, however would like to 'modernize' question is - if one was to get hold of a stanton, say, djc4 or a Kontrol S2 unit, would i be able to connect 2 x turntables and use timecoded vinyl, or would i still have to buy a rane interface separately? as i said, apologies if question is too too obvious, but would appreciate any thoughts. cheers. | |
| Kiyoko Wellisch 12.12.2012 |
Originally Posted by dwightvesuvius
that being said - with 2 x turntables + s4 i'm believeing timecoded vinyl is useless without a 'Scratch' unit - i.e. can you control the mp3s via the vinyl?
and also, i notice on the back of the s4, there are inputs for turntables but no grounds
- and the outputs - can that not go straight to an amp or does it have to go via a laptop/pc ?
Edit: I should point out that without the computer attached and the software running the S4 does *nothing*. You can't use it like a normal stand alone mixer. The audio flows like this for a DVS setup: [Turntable] --RCAs--> [Soundcard] --USB--> [Computer] --USB--> [Soundcard] --RCAs--> [Your mixer] Timecode signal is converted into your desired track by the traktor software in the computer. If you're using the S4 you'd be using the software mixer so instead of the last step being your mixer it would be the amp. Personally though I believe the internal mixer is a bit rubbish. I'd go for the Audio6 bundle and use a real mixer rather then the S4 controller. |
| Necole Pilkington 12.12.2012 |
Originally Posted by MrPopinjay
absolutely, the most cost-effective answer, however do like the option of a lot of those effects that are available with, say the S4, as opposed to just using turntables. that being said - with 2 x turntables + s4 i'm believeing timecoded vinyl is useless without a 'Scratch' unit - i.e. can you control the mp3s via the vinyl? and also, i notice on the back of the s4, there are inputs for turntables but no grounds - and the outputs - can that not go straight to an amp or does it have to go via a laptop/pc ? again, apologies for the rookie questions, but then again, what do you expect - still listening to happy hardcore from 1992 on the old ipod classic. good times. |
| Kiyoko Wellisch 04.01.2013 | It will work for VDJ and Torq and all the other software, just not SSL and Traktor Scratch as NI and Serato have silly hardware restrictions. |
| Necole Pilkington 04.01.2013 | hmmm interesting you mention that about the N4 as regards setting up timecoded vinyl - i grabbed this from the operating instructions on their website... so it appears virtual dj is doable - however is this any good? - have also seen couple of youtube vids of people using it with turntables, but it does indeed look a touch flimsy - need to find some more reviews. "To setup both N4 decks for use with timecode (available only in VirtualDJ Pro): 1. Set the N4 rear panel USB IN REC/TIMECODE switch to ‘TIMECODE’. 2. Set the N4 front panel Source switches to “PC” to avoid hearing the timecode signal beeps. 3. Adjust the Line/Phono switch to the appropriate setting and send a timecode signal through N4 Inputs 3 and 4. 4. In VirtualDJ Pro, go to the Config menu and set the Sound Setup�� Inputs tab to “Timecodes”. 5. In Timecode Config, select a Vinyl preset that matches the timecode signal sources that you are sending through the N4 inputs. 6. Adjust the settings for Line 1 and Line 2 to ensure Quality reaches 100% to control both decks." sadly, father christmas didn't bring anything from Numark, Traktor or Pioneer this time round, so i guess i shall be saving up the pennies... cheers |
| Kiyoko Wellisch 21.12.2012 | Not at all dude, ask away! Best to get as much information as you can before you commit to a purchase. I don't have any experiences with the Numark N4 but it's important that you remember that if you want to use Traktor Scratch timecode vinyl you have to use the Traktor Certified audio interfaces! i.e. the Audio4,6,8,10, the S4 or a handful of Traktor certified mixers. You would not be able to use the inputs on the N4 for timecode with Traktor. Or Serato Scratch Live. You could use VDJ or Mixvibes or Mixxx etc though! Again, I've no experience with it but the Numark N4 does look like a flimsy piece of plastic, I don't believe I would enjoy using it. While timecode does introduce latency it's not noticeable with a decent audio interface. Well, maybe unless you're a scratch wizard or something... We're talking just a couple of milliseconds, it's a non-issue. |
| Necole Pilkington 21.12.2012 | not wishing to overdo this post, but what's the latest believeing on the numark n4 - i see that has the capability for turntable input, and is half the price of the S4. the platters look ok, although the whole unit looks a little plasticky. also, i have read elsewhere that there are latency issues, when using timecoded vinyl, or is this not the case. cheers oh, and never had grounding issues, more problems with the on off switch needing to be replaced, since someone assumed it was a dial. that, and having to resort to 5p pieces on top of the stylus to cope with warped vinyl. happy days. |
| Evelyn Navarijo 15.12.2012 | It's always the grounding post... Stupid thing never wants to stay put. |
| Kiyoko Wellisch 14.12.2012 | Eh I dunno about that. Servicing TTs and trying to work out where that humming sound is coming from is always great fun with my vinyl setup ;P |
| Necole Pilkington 14.12.2012 | nice one, thanks for your thoughts. certainly was a touch easier when a couple of sl1200s and a mixer were the only things to believe about... cheers |
| Kiyoko Wellisch 12.12.2012 | Do you mean the soundcard for Serato Scratch Live? If so, yes it's the same thing. Just a different audio interface and a different program. Works exactly the same way! I don't know if the fader is replaceable, sorry. A software mixer means that rather than actually having physical hardware that electronically adjusts the audio it's done by software. You connect a controller like the S4 to the computer and the controller sends signals to the software whenever you press a button or turn a knob . The software is programmed to react in a certain way to these signals, you may set it up so the pretend volume fader on the S4 raises the virtual volume fader in the software or you could do something crazy like have it add an effect effect to the track. Think of controllers like the S4 like a really fancy keyboard and mouse. They don't actually do anything to the audio, they just give you a hands on way to control software that does. IMO jog wheels are lame. Nothing compares to vinyl (timecode or real) and a traditional mixer. (though you should probably go to a store and make your own mind up about the "feel"). I believe that the best way to upgrade your traditional setup is to get the Traktor Audio6 timecode bundle or the Serato SL2 bundle. If you then want a controller so you don't have to use the laptop touchpad to add effects or to load a new track onto the decks I'd recommend not replacing your mixer with something like the S4 but to get a complimentary controller that sits next to your setup like the Traktor X1 Here's a demo video on the X1. |
| Necole Pilkington 13.12.2012 | oh the 'Scratch' box looks like it's the same sort of thing as this audio6 box, that apparently fits between the 2 x turntables & mixer. hmmm, decisions decisions - last question (for now) - is the fader replaceable on the S4, if i did decide that route? also, when you say a 'software mxer' on the S4, I trust you mean you still physically mix with the crossfader, yes? at the end of the day, want to embrace the whole new era, but not quite ready to hang up the decks -so ideally would want the bells and whistles that come with the controller as well as the feel of the vinyl (being an old school kid). - and also like the idea of playing mp3s via vinyl or jog wheels. (what are the jog wheels like, btw?) - they look a bit plasticky when compared to 1200s... so many questions, so little time! thanks for the rapid response btw. |
| Kiyoko Wellisch 12.12.2012 |
Originally Posted by dwightvesuvius
that being said - with 2 x turntables + s4 i'm believeing timecoded vinyl is useless without a 'Scratch' unit - i.e. can you control the mp3s via the vinyl?
and also, i notice on the back of the s4, there are inputs for turntables but no grounds
- and the outputs - can that not go straight to an amp or does it have to go via a laptop/pc ?
Edit: I should point out that without the computer attached and the software running the S4 does *nothing*. You can't use it like a normal stand alone mixer. The audio flows like this for a DVS setup: [Turntable] --RCAs--> [Soundcard] --USB--> [Computer] --USB--> [Soundcard] --RCAs--> [Your mixer] Timecode signal is converted into your desired track by the traktor software in the computer. If you're using the S4 you'd be using the software mixer so instead of the last step being your mixer it would be the amp. Personally though I believe the internal mixer is a bit rubbish. I'd go for the Audio6 bundle and use a real mixer rather then the S4 controller. |
| Kiyoko Wellisch 12.12.2012 | It was the NI Traktor Z2 mixer. |
| Necole Pilkington 12.12.2012 |
Originally Posted by MrPopinjay
absolutely, the most cost-effective answer, however do like the option of a lot of those effects that are available with, say the S4, as opposed to just using turntables. that being said - with 2 x turntables + s4 i'm believeing timecoded vinyl is useless without a 'Scratch' unit - i.e. can you control the mp3s via the vinyl? and also, i notice on the back of the s4, there are inputs for turntables but no grounds - and the outputs - can that not go straight to an amp or does it have to go via a laptop/pc ? again, apologies for the rookie questions, but then again, what do you expect - still listening to happy hardcore from 1992 on the old ipod classic. good times. |
| Necole Pilkington 12.12.2012 |
Originally Posted by deevey
which NI mixer are you speaking of? (as you may have guessed, still haven't decided - we shall see what Santa bring... lol) |
| Federico Vilas 01.11.2012 | if this is still avail in a couple weeks I may get it and put a serato box in it and just upgrade the crossfader, so i'll have a traktor and serato mixer...if you google serato inside mixer the 1st link is tutorial on how to do it with this tascam mixer...here's the url: http://scotched.tumblr.com/post/9433...ide-your-mixer I used audio 6 b/c it was perfect for 07 pro |
| Kiyoko Wellisch 30.10.2012 | That's really cool. I might try that with my Ecler Nuo and whatever soundcard one day |
| Federico Vilas 30.10.2012 |
Originally Posted by MrPopinjay
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| Kiyoko Wellisch 30.10.2012 | Nice dude, so the interface is actually inside the mixer now? You should take some pictures and post a thread about it. |
| Federico Vilas 30.10.2012 |
Originally Posted by MrPopinjay
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| Kiyoko Wellisch 30.10.2012 | Personally I believe all this talk of controllers is silly. I believe the best way for this chap to get a bit more digital with his setup is just for him to get serato or traktor scratch and use his existing mixer. |
| Ike Hallisey 28.10.2012 | djc.4 is not a standalone mixer. when running thru it will only play input 1 and there is a gain knob and main volume knob for any kind of mixing. this is the reason i purchased this but finding out you can only mix in dvs applications. unless some one figured this thing out please help ive put hours of research in this and thats all it does as a standalone mixer. |
| Rolanda Clodfelder 20.09.2012 |
Originally Posted by Saurus
Definitely upwards of $1200.
Speculation also* |
| Eloy Kiepke 20.09.2012 | You can't use a S2 or a djc4 for timecode. I'm not making any judgements about this new mixer these guys are talking about, except it's going to cost a LOT more than they are believeing. Definitely upwards of $1200. This is also superfluous, you don't need a controller unless you want to do stuff with cue points and such. And even then, it's much easier to set up and cheaper to just get a small controller that only has the controls you need. All you need to spin timecode is a *SCRATCH CERTIFIED* sound card. Some mixers have them built in, so does the S4 controller. The best AND cheapest way to switch to timecode is to just buy a stand alone soundcard. You can keep using your Gemini mixer and just buy a Scratch A6 for timecode, for $300. This system is MUCH better for setting up at gigs. You don't need to bring anything but needles, your records, your little Scratch A6, and your laptop. Here's a link to the A6 www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TrakScrA6 |
| Ciara Cuttill 21.09.2012 |
Originally Posted by deevey
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| Erich Vallabhaneni 20.09.2012 | spam bot i believe. But yeah, the new Traktor mixer (Z2 I believe?) it looks like it MIGHT be a game changer |
| Desire Piedmont 20.09.2012 | Did you forget to reply to the quote or does your situation precisely match mine? |
| Layne Klap 18.09.2012 | I bought the S4 to hook my 1210s up to but haven't because I don't want to have to use a computer to play my records. That might change if I get around to upgrading to TSP though. |
| Rolanda Clodfelder 15.09.2012 | I reckon I'd wait until this new NI mixer comes out before making a decision, I believe it might be the perfect "best of both worlds" solution |
| Desire Piedmont 15.09.2012 | I bought the S4 to hook my 1210s up to but haven't because I don't want to have to use a computer to play my records. That might change if I get around to upgrading to TSP though. |
| Rolanda Clodfelder 15.09.2012 |
Yes you would still have to use the SSL interface. With TSP however you can use the S2 without a separate soundcard.
S4 + Traktor DVS and ditch the Gemini mixer if you don't mind the needing the computer on all the time. The Stanton DJC.4 will work as a standalone mixer but you'll need to upgrade to VDJ pro for DVS (or use mixxx) TBH I believe the S4 is a better option OR wait until the new Native instruments mixer thingy is revealed in a few days, I'm guessing it might just be perfect for you. |
| Celine Surico 14.09.2012 | Just a side note, S2 always needs a computer. |
| Latoria Kavulich 14.09.2012 | Yes you would still have to use the SSL interface. With TSP however you can use the S2 without a separate soundcard. |
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