Recommend a sound card Hello DJ Tech Toolers,
As you can see by the number of posts that I have, I haven't been on these community
s for very long. So I'm fairly new.
Now to get to the point, this is what I would like answered (if possible): What is a good sound card for |
Alycia Niederriter
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by makar1
Why would you want 4 duplicate outputs? If you are mixing internally you only have a Master and a Monitor output no matter how many decks you use. If you are mixing externally you need independant outputs i.e. no splitters.
Okay thank you |
Alycia Niederriter
30.09.2013 | So I have one of these: steelseries-steelseries-siberia-usb-soundcard-siberia-usb-400x400-imadbgchayccjnz8.jpeg
And I put this in it: 1000pcs-lot-Brand-New-1-8-1-8inch3-5mm-font-b-headphone-b-font-font-b.jpg
And with that image above ^ I want to put 4 of these in to there. mini-jack_rca.jpg |
Alycia Niederriter
30.09.2013 | This is a mini jack audio splitter: 1000pcs-lot-Brand-New-1-8-1-8inch3-5mm-font-b-headphone-b-font-font-b.jpg |
Alycia Niederriter
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by makar1
What are you using those mini sound cards for? If you want to connect to a mixer/home speakers you would use 3.5mm to RCA cables like this, connected to the Green output socket.
Yes, that is what I'm using. RCA to Mini-jack cable. As I explained before. How do I go about using the 4 tracks and plugging in all 4 of those images you've got above in to a splitter cable? I tried finding a 'quadruple' mini jack splitter cable but there are none. Only double. |
Alycia Niederriter
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by makar1
You have no reason to buy another sound card at the moment. The S4 will do fine until you know exactly what you need in an external card. It also has two Line/Phono inputs for timecode and other external sources.
The 4Trak has similar I/O to the S4 but it cannot be used for timecode input in Traktor.
Originally Posted by Cook
you COULD technically use your S4 soundcard for producing,.
Lads... if I have 2 USB sound cards (only a green and a pink mini jack input which is audio/microphone) how will I go about putting in 4 RCA to Mini-jack cables in to one of the sound cards. Using quadruple audio splitters I assume? |
Alycia Niederriter
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by Cook
using CDJs or 1200 s to control your tracks
Okay cheers |
Dione Haimes
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by Daily Crisis
Thank you that answers my question 110%. You da man. Now to some other questions... Numark 4Trak or Traktor S4? I believe that's enough for today
depends on which you like better, ive got an s4 for mobile gigs, never even seen a 4trak |
Dione Haimes
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by Daily Crisis
The big question: Would it be optimal to get the NI Audio 2 alongside the Traktor S4 internal soundcard?
Could you help a brother out please?
Not really, but you were looking for something to do you up untill you bought an s4, s4's internal soundcard is fine.
Originally Posted by Daily Crisis
Could you explain what timecode is please? (Or is it just a case of google).
using CDJs or 1200 s to control your tracks |
Alycia Niederriter
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by soundinmotiondj
No. The S4 has all the outputs that you need (stereo out, plus headphones). The A2 would only be useful as a backup.
Thank you that answers my question 110%. You da man. Now to some other questions... Numark 4Trak or Traktor S4? I believe that's enough for today |
Layne Koop
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by Daily Crisis
The big question: Would it be optimal to get the NI Audio 2 alongside the Traktor S4 internal soundcard?
No. The S4 has all the outputs that you need (stereo out, plus headphones). The A2 would only be useful as a backup. |
Alycia Niederriter
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by makar1
Why would you want 4 duplicate outputs? If you are mixing internally you only have a Master and a Monitor output no matter how many decks you use. If you are mixing externally you need independant outputs i.e. no splitters.
Okay thank you |
Alphonso Deitchman
30.09.2013 | Why would you want 4 duplicate outputs? If you are mixing internally you only have a Master and a Monitor output no matter how many decks you use. If you are mixing externally you need independant outputs i.e. no splitters. |
Alycia Niederriter
30.09.2013 | So I have one of these: steelseries-steelseries-siberia-usb-soundcard-siberia-usb-400x400-imadbgchayccjnz8.jpeg
And I put this in it: 1000pcs-lot-Brand-New-1-8-1-8inch3-5mm-font-b-headphone-b-font-font-b.jpg
And with that image above ^ I want to put 4 of these in to there. mini-jack_rca.jpg |
Alycia Niederriter
30.09.2013 | This is a mini jack audio splitter: 1000pcs-lot-Brand-New-1-8-1-8inch3-5mm-font-b-headphone-b-font-font-b.jpg |
Alycia Niederriter
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by makar1
What are you using those mini sound cards for? If you want to connect to a mixer/home speakers you would use 3.5mm to RCA cables like this, connected to the Green output socket.
Yes, that is what I'm using. RCA to Mini-jack cable. As I explained before. How do I go about using the 4 tracks and plugging in all 4 of those images you've got above in to a splitter cable? I tried finding a 'quadruple' mini jack splitter cable but there are none. Only double. |
Alphonso Deitchman
30.09.2013 | What are you using those mini sound cards for? If you want to connect to a mixer/home speakers you would use 3.5mm to RCA cables like this, connected to the Green output socket.
|
Alycia Niederriter
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by makar1
You have no reason to buy another sound card at the moment. The S4 will do fine until you know exactly what you need in an external card. It also has two Line/Phono inputs for timecode and other external sources.
The 4Trak has similar I/O to the S4 but it cannot be used for timecode input in Traktor.
Originally Posted by Cook
you COULD technically use your S4 soundcard for producing,.
Lads... if I have 2 USB sound cards (only a green and a pink mini jack input which is audio/microphone) how will I go about putting in 4 RCA to Mini-jack cables in to one of the sound cards. Using quadruple audio splitters I assume? |
Dione Haimes
30.09.2013 | you COULD technically use your S4 soundcard for producing,. |
Alphonso Deitchman
30.09.2013 | You have no reason to buy another sound card at the moment. The S4 will do fine until you know exactly what you need in an external card. It also has two Line/Phono inputs for timecode and other external sources.
The 4Trak has similar I/O to the S4 but it cannot be used for timecode input in Traktor. |
Alycia Niederriter
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by Cook
using CDJs or 1200 s to control your tracks
Okay cheers |
Dione Haimes
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by Daily Crisis
Thank you that answers my question 110%. You da man. Now to some other questions... Numark 4Trak or Traktor S4? I believe that's enough for today
depends on which you like better, ive got an s4 for mobile gigs, never even seen a 4trak |
Dione Haimes
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by Daily Crisis
The big question: Would it be optimal to get the NI Audio 2 alongside the Traktor S4 internal soundcard?
Could you help a brother out please?
Not really, but you were looking for something to do you up untill you bought an s4, s4's internal soundcard is fine.
Originally Posted by Daily Crisis
Could you explain what timecode is please? (Or is it just a case of google).
using CDJs or 1200 s to control your tracks |
Alycia Niederriter
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by soundinmotiondj
No. The S4 has all the outputs that you need (stereo out, plus headphones). The A2 would only be useful as a backup.
Thank you that answers my question 110%. You da man. Now to some other questions... Numark 4Trak or Traktor S4? I believe that's enough for today |
Layne Koop
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by Daily Crisis
The big question: Would it be optimal to get the NI Audio 2 alongside the Traktor S4 internal soundcard?
No. The S4 has all the outputs that you need (stereo out, plus headphones). The A2 would only be useful as a backup. |
Alycia Niederriter
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by Cook
I was only suggesting stuff for producing mate, for just DJing, unless you want to use timecode the A2 is perfect
Could you explain what timecode is please? (Or is it just a case of google). |
Alycia Niederriter
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by soundinmotiondj
The S4 is a reasonable "all in one" solution for starting out. "Production" means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Depending on your workflow, you may benefit from having an additional sound card....but you can delay that purchase for a while.
+1
Inputs are for getting audio INTO your computer. In addition to the list that Cook gave, I would add that inputs can be useful for recording vinyl or cassette tapes into the computer.
Mics are not just about vocals. Having a mic input of reasonable quality (USB headset mics are not reasonable quality) can be VERY handy for recording sounds to turn into sound packs (see the Mad Zack tutorials for examples).
The big question: Would it be optimal to get the NI Audio 2 alongside the Traktor S4 internal soundcard?
Could you help a brother out please? |
Dione Haimes
30.09.2013 | I was only suggesting stuff for producing mate, for just DJing, unless you want to use timecode the A2 is perfect |
Alycia Niederriter
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by Cook
inputs are for recording anything, mics, external synths, send/return FX units etc, your outputs are for monitors
Ok I don't believe I want anything fancy like that, just play the record!
Cook - What would you recommend me to do?
At the moment this is my setup:
Pretty standard PC.
2 USB SteelSeries Soundcards (I used to be a bit of a gamer)
Numark Mixtrack Pro Controller
Sennheiser HD-25 Headphones
Acoustic Energy Aego-M Sub and Speakers
In the Mixtrack Pro I have Red/White RCA cables going to both decks and they are RCA to Mini-jack. One sound card is an audio splitter for my two RCA to Mini-jack leads. The other sound card is for my master speakers.
Soon I will most likely be purchasing the Traktor S4 (I'm also believeing about Numark 4Trak or something similair with that price range) and it looks like the internal soundcard in that controller looks like it'll be good enough. However what about for music production and performing live?
Cheers. |
Layne Koop
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by Daily Crisis
It will be most likely that I will purchase the Traktor S4. However, will I need an additional sound card for music production? Or even would it be better to get the NI Audio 2 (as it seems to be everyone's choice on this thread).
The S4 is a reasonable "all in one" solution for starting out. "Production" means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Depending on your workflow, you may benefit from having an additional sound card....but you can delay that purchase for a while.
Originally Posted by Cook
inputs are for recording anything, mics, external synths, send/return FX units etc, your outputs are for monitors
+1
Inputs are for getting audio INTO your computer. In addition to the list that Cook gave, I would add that inputs can be useful for recording vinyl or cassette tapes into the computer.
Mics are not just about vocals. Having a mic input of reasonable quality (USB headset mics are not reasonable quality) can be VERY handy for recording sounds to turn into sound packs (see the Mad Zack tutorials for examples). |
Dione Haimes
30.09.2013 | inputs are for recording anything, mics, external synths, send/return FX units etc, your outputs are for monitors |
Alycia Niederriter
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by soundinmotiondj
For outs only, the NI Audio 2 is a great sound card. It is reliable, loud, and survives life in a gig bag.
If you need inputs, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 is hard to beat at your price point.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009B15N0Q/
Inputs will be for monitors etc. right? I don't believe I'll need that yet. It will be most likely that I will purchase the Traktor S4. However, will I need an additional sound card for music production? Or even would it be better to get the NI Audio 2 (as it seems to be everyone's choice on this thread). |
Layne Koop
30.09.2013 | For outs only, the NI Audio 2 is a great sound card. It is reliable, loud, and survives life in a gig bag.
If you need inputs, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 is hard to beat at your price point.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009B15N0Q/ |
Bethann Olortegui
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by Daily Crisis
I'm believeing about purchasing the Traktor S4. However, come christmas there may be a better controller out on the market.
The S4 and (as was said earlier) pretty much every new all-in-one style controller has a built-in soundcard. |
Dione Haimes
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by Daily Crisis
Sounds good. I don't mind purchasing an adapter. Will I need another sound card for music production though?
You CAN use it for production no problem, but theres only the one set of outputs and no inputs (so no multi-monitor system or hardware inputs) |
Alycia Niederriter
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by Jester
The NI Audio 2 is a direct upgrade from the DJIO, giving you 2 output channels, the only drawback is you need a TRS>RCA adaptor.
However, if you upgrade to a controller with an interface, such as an S2, you would not need another soundcard.
Sounds good. I don't mind purchasing an adapter. Will I need another sound card for music production though? |
Alycia Niederriter
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by MaxOne
What controller you getting? Many if not all now have a built in soundcard...
I'm believeing about purchasing the Traktor S4. However, come christmas there may be a better controller out on the market.
Also I see you come from Brighton, I come from Brighton too |
Dione Haimes
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by Jester
The NI Audio 2 is a direct upgrade from the DJIO, giving you 2 output channels, the only drawback is you need a TRS>RCA adaptor.
Will also add that the A2 comes with the 1/4in to rca adaptors |
Alycia Niederriter
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by Jester
The NI Audio 2 is a direct upgrade from the DJIO, giving you 2 output channels, the only drawback is you need a TRS>RCA adaptor.
However, if you upgrade to a controller with an interface, such as an S2, you would not need another soundcard.
Ok. Looks good, but what about for music production? |
Alycia Niederriter
30.09.2013 |
Originally Posted by MaxOne
What controller you getting? Many if not all now have a built in soundcard...
I'm believeing of purchasing the Traktor S4. I've heard some good stuff about it and one of my DJ mates has recommended it to me, he says it's the best on the market at the moment. However that may change come christmas but my price range is up to |
Latoria Kavulich
30.09.2013 | The NI Audio 2 is a direct upgrade from the DJIO, giving you 2 output channels, the only drawback is you need a TRS>RCA adaptor.
However, if you upgrade to a controller with an interface, such as an S2, you would not need another soundcard. |
