Hardware question: Studio monitors/speakers/audio interface computer set up
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Hardware question: Studio monitors/speakers/audio interface computer set up Posted on: 13.08.2013 by Delfina Suedmeyer Hello DJTT,NEW QUESTION: So I have a studio monitor, midi keyboard, a ddj sx, and a macbook. How do I wire the cable connections so that I can use my monitors for regular computer use, mixing, and then production without having to switch wires, which is what I am currently doing? In original post, i was using a kontrol s4 and thought about getting the NI audio interface but now I just want to be able to use the studio monitors for multiple reasons without having to switch cables back and forth. Also, I would prefer to use TRS cables for my monitors versus the RCA. Thanks for answering. (OLD QUESTION BELOW) So I have two scenarios. Firstly, I want to be able to connect to regular speakers for listening to music/Youtube and other things when I am not producing and then I have monitors for producing also set up in one computer desk area. I want to know how I should set it all up. I thought I come to DJTT before I go to guitar center. I was looking into Native Instruments audio interfaces but am not sure if I need them. If I do, do I go with the audio 6 traktor or do i go with audio 6 komplete. Basically, I will have my laptop, midi controller/keyboard, and mixer (for when I dj), studio monitors and then computer speakers. I want to have a clean set up with less cords and easy switch over between the monitors and speakers. Second question, do I even need regular speakers or can I possibly use studio monitors for production and youtubing, media etc. If I just go with studio monitors, I would probably still need an audio interface? Right? And if so, maybe some suggestions on which one should I get. I have been saving up slowly to get my room set up for production, djing, and also just daily computer usage the right way. Currently using an S4 (reason for choosing NI audio interface) but making the move to cdjs in the future. I appreciate the answer guys. Thanks. | |
| Lakeesha Storman 23.10.2013 |
Originally Posted by sicnarf033
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| Delfina Suedmeyer 23.10.2013 |
Originally Posted by makar1
could it work if i bought an interface that connects the monitors to the laptop and then have my sx connected to the interface? if so, which type would i need to buy? |
| Delfina Suedmeyer 23.10.2013 |
Originally Posted by makar1
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| Rufus Ondrick 23.10.2013 | i had the same problem before. i just added a main mixer where my djing,producing,regular youtube/media has their own channel in the mixer and output from the main mixer goes to my studio monitors. |
| Delfina Suedmeyer 23.10.2013 | ill give makar's advice a try. ill have my controller sound output using XRS cables and my laptop using RCA. |
| Delfina Suedmeyer 23.10.2013 | i have a a plugable 7 port thats powered with my controller and keyboard connected. my concern is the cables for the sound. |
| Lakeesha Storman 23.10.2013 |
Originally Posted by sicnarf033
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| Alphonso Deitchman 23.10.2013 | Your monitors have multiple inputs don't they? So connect the audio interface to the other input. |
| Delfina Suedmeyer 23.10.2013 | thanks makar1 for answering. one more though; so theres no other options with having an audio interface or something of that matter? because there are times when i will set my sx aside to do some producing. |
| Alphonso Deitchman 24.10.2013 | The SX has to be turned on to use it as an output device, yes. |
| Delfina Suedmeyer 24.10.2013 | yes i do use serato (same as when i had s4, i used traktor) so theres no way around it, is what youre saying? i would have to have my sx on when im doing regular computer use and music production? |
| Alphonso Deitchman 23.10.2013 | Do you use Serato? If so, you have to use the SX as your audio output device. |
| Delfina Suedmeyer 23.10.2013 |
Originally Posted by makar1
could it work if i bought an interface that connects the monitors to the laptop and then have my sx connected to the interface? if so, which type would i need to buy? |
| Alphonso Deitchman 23.10.2013 | Use the SX as your OSX output device. |
| Delfina Suedmeyer 23.10.2013 |
Originally Posted by makar1
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| Alphonso Deitchman 22.10.2013 |
Originally Posted by sicnarf033
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| Delfina Suedmeyer 22.10.2013 | updated question |
| Delfina Suedmeyer 13.08.2013 | yes i am already on the move to sell my s4 and upgrade to club standard cdjs. i unfortunately cant purchase all at once but in prep to do so by buying the necessary hardware. |
| Trey Brune 14.08.2013 | Didn't realize you had an S4. Just stick with that. Even if you expand to CDJ's you can hook those up to the S4 and use it's internal interface. Like Makar1 said, unless you sell the S4, no need for an additional interface. If you really want a dedicated interface for producing then go with any 2x2 interface (like I listed above). |
| Alphonso Deitchman 14.08.2013 | Unless you are selling your S4, you shouldn't need to buy another interface at all. For home use anyway. |
| Delfina Suedmeyer 14.08.2013 | I do use traktor, I have an s4 at the moment. but also want to prepare myself when I move towards cdjs (also saving those) so i am not throwing out a lot of money. that is the reason why i am in the market for the NI audio 6. I want to buy as less hardware as possible and not be limited by each of em. So basically, want to get the most bang for the buck. i am leaning more towards just getting monitors. especially when its good enough for regular computer usage and if need be, maybe a sub. |
| Alphonso Deitchman 14.08.2013 | Out of all those, only the Apogee Duet can be used for (DJ) mixing as it has 4 mono outputs. It would also require the mixer to be turned on to hear anything from the speakers, unless you reconnect the wires every time. |
| Trey Brune 14.08.2013 | Don't even need a Traktor interface unless you need it for using Traktor (though any interface with the right connections would do). It sounds like if you're just doing some producing and listening you could totally just use 1 set of monitors. Most interfaces come with an application that allows you to route inputs/outputs. Have it set so that the main output of your computer goes to output 1 & 2 (or whatever outputs you hook up to the monitors), then just leave it. Your computer will always go out to your monitors and you won't have to set it up constantly. Open up your production DAW, make a preset or default the main DAW outputs to the same physical interface connections and you're good to go. Pretty much auto-pilot mode from there. If you're just starting out and only going to be using 1 pair of monitors then there are quite a few good interfaces you could get. (Only listing USB since you didn't specify, firewire is also slowly being removed): FocusRite Scarlett 2i2 PreSonus AudioBox 22 Apogee Duet 2 Any of these are more than good enough for audio work. The price changes reflect the addition/removal of features, and in the case of the Duet, the quality of the AD/DA converters. If you plan on getting a second pair of monitors in the future, simply buy an interface with more outputs. This is really the simplest solution to what you're asking, hope this solves your problem. By the way this topic should be in the Music Production sub-community . |
| Alphonso Deitchman 13.08.2013 | Studio monitors should work fine for Youtube and general listening. You could get the Traktor Audio 6 and route two outputs to your mixer, then route the 3rd output directly to your monitors for when you're not mixing. |
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