Do you use an external sound card to pre hear music?

[scoopd]

I used an echo Indigo DJ but it snapped. So I thought I couldn't go far wrong purchasing second hand but, guess what, it doesn't work!

Looking for advice on what others use on their laptops to pre-hear.


Thanks

[Excalibur]

I'm confused. My controller has a built in soundcard, and can allow me to listen to tracks before playing them.

I assume you're using an external sound card with your laptop, which you would then feed into your DJ mixer. This mixer would also allow PFL ( Pre Fade Listening )

If you want recommendations, the ESI Maya are very good, or the Numark DJIO is reliable also.

[scoopd]

I'm confused. My controller has a built in soundcard, and can allow me to listen to tracks before playing them.

I assume you're using an external sound card with your laptop, which you would then feed into your DJ mixer. This mixer would also allow PFL ( Pre Fade Listening )

If you want recommendations, the ESI Maya are very good, or the Numark DJIO is reliable also.

Thanks. Will check those out.

[yourdj]

I'm confused. My controller has a built in soundcard, and can allow me to listen to tracks before playing them.


I was thinking that, even with just a laptop you can use a splitter and still use the laptop soundcard?
I am assuming you want a better quality of sound perhaps?

[DazzyD]

If I just use the laptop then I route the sound out to the mixer via an external USB soundcard (it's actually an old SoundBlaster card so it comes with it's own control panel for tweaking the sound before it gets to the mixer which can come in handy if I'm struggling to get the sound right just using the mixer). For monitoring the sound, I use the laptop's headphone jack as it's I've got decent onboard sound.

This setup works for me, anyway!

[mrrawuk]

If I just use the laptop then I route the sound out to the mixer via an external USB soundcard (it's actually an old SoundBlaster card so it comes with it's own control panel for tweaking the sound before it gets to the mixer which can come in handy if I'm struggling to get the sound right just using the mixer). For monitoring the sound, I use the laptop's headphone jack as it's I've got decent onboard sound.

This setup works for me, anyway!

I play in a club where i cannot use a controller and use a Native Instruments Audio 2 usb soundcard. Best i have come across for size and portability. Works with VDJ and Traktor and even just as a sound card. Mk11's are like £30-50 now.

[Nakatomi]

I was thinking that, even with just a laptop you can use a splitter and still use the laptop soundcard?
I am assuming you want a better quality of sound perhaps?

Using a splitter only gives you mono sound. With a separate card, you at least have the option of stereo playback.

[yourdj]

Using a splitter only gives you mono sound. With a separate card, you at least have the option of stereo playback.

OK, got you. I have my system in mono (I use decks) but can see why you would not want it. :)

I just bought a splitter for my iPad using Djay, should arrive tomorrow. :)

I also bought the controller below, I am not sure if it has its own sound card or not? I don't think it does??
Great for back up and ceremonies - I just don't feel comfortable with just the iPad!

This looks dead simple. Everything goes quiet, hit play and your back up running. :o
Great value for £50 opened box. On amazon. 5 left at £47, some marks apparently on them??
Looks more impressive than my Macbook Pro and Vestax VCI 300 LOL. We know its not though. :p

17874

[Nakatomi]

There are times when I wish my mixer or playout had a mono switch but I remember my very first rig. It was mono only. No EQ either. Blech. For most gigs now I run in stereo, and for the vast majority of tracks it's better than mono - although I still recall the night I thought I'd blown a horn when a certain NS track was playing. Though I have to admit it came as a massive shock to learn that a heck of a lot of nightclubs don't use stereo. Must remind myself to get/make a mono version of 'Big Girls Don't Cry'...

[yourdj]

There are times when I wish my mixer or playout had a mono switch but I remember my very first rig. It was mono only. No EQ either. Blech. For most gigs now I run in stereo, and for the vast majority of tracks it's better than mono - although I still recall the night I thought I'd blown a horn when a certain NS track was playing. Though I have to admit it came as a massive shock to learn that a heck of a lot of nightclubs don't use stereo. Must remind myself to get/make a mono version of 'Big Girls Don't Cry'...

I seem to recall hearing you can get a better volume or bass response or something in Mono?
Unless I am playing Jimi Hendrix or something not ever noticed the difference personally.

[Nakatomi]

Not really unless the speakers are so far apart you'd never be able to hear the separation. It's more efficient sometimes needing less amplifiers but if you use actives that's a moot point ;)

[yourdj]

Not really unless the speakers are so far apart you'd never be able to hear the separation. It's more efficient sometimes needing less amplifiers but if you use actives that's a moot point ;)

I use about 125 watts for my tops (each) as its from the satellite output.
They are pretty loud I have to say (SPL about 129 I think), but I think Mono helps.

I can definitely see how stern can help for surround sound and cinema applications. :):)

[Nakatomi]

I use about 125 watts for my tops (each) as its from the satellite output.
They are pretty loud I have to say (SPL about 129 I think), but I think Mono helps.

I can definitely see how stern can help for surround sound and cinema applications. :):)

Stereo is good to have in most situations IMHO. Especially if you've got a smallish setup (e.g. for about 100 people). Ok not nearly everybody will be able to be near the 'sweet spot' (where the best stereo effect can be had) but it gives the sound 'spaciousness'. Not so much when the track is comprised of hard-panned elements though. (Big Girls Don't Cry again.. blech. Try it in headphones!).

[ukpartydj]

I seem to recall hearing you can get a better volume or bass response or something in Mono?
Unless I am playing Jimi Hendrix or something not ever noticed the difference personally.

In theory, mono would be louder than stereo in the correct conditions as the sounds would be exactly the same from each speaker and if placed close enough would couple to increase the db level.
Most tracks have nearly all elements over both channels so those few little bits that are panned left and right won't really make a huge difference.

It's only around £100 to buy a good external soundcard. I'd not be happy relying on an inbuilt soundcard for my main sound source.
Traktor Audio soundcards are very good - noticeably better sound quality over most IMO.

[RobKennedy]

I use Native Instruments Audio 2 DJ external sound card on both the MAC or PC if I am just plugging in somewhere and its very good.

I pretty much leave the traktor software set to mono now unless I'm somewhere where I really think stereo will sound amazing.

Personal preference but I've never been a fan of onboard sound cards although they have got better in recent years. I tend to disable it unless I'm doing some prep at home.