Laptop Only DJing- Soundcard Advice needed

[dazzlingdj]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone dj's on laptop only and could offer advice on monitoring the next track when queuing up.
I use DJ Tracktor software on my laptop and it is wired to my mixer as a third channel, along with two cd players. When using it I alternate between cd and laptop because I can then listen to the next track or queue up if necessary.
Cut a long query short do I need an external sound card on my laptop with an audio out and headphone out sockets? If so can anyone recommend what to buy..
What about using a laptop only - still nervous about it myself but maybe the time will come..
cheers all..
Daryl.

[Danno13]

Daryl, you need to get a soundcard with more than one output. Most external cards will have this, as they're usually designed for surround sound so you can use the "front" as one output and "rear" as another.

Then you can configure Traktor to send player 1 to output 1 and player 2 to output 2, then you use your mixer as normal to mix between each player.. saves fiddling about with the on screen mixer and you can cue as normal.

[DMX Will]

Then you can configure Traktor to send player 1 to output 1 and player 2 to output 2, then you use your mixer as normal to mix between each player.. saves fiddling about with the on screen mixer and you can cue as normal.

Yup, thats how i mix with my two Axis 9's alongside it, works very well as a setup in general. Just wish Tracktor would let you use the automatic mixing bit when in "external mixing" mode.