What Sound Card do we Reccomend?
I get a lot of mail from people every week asking different questions about digital djing. Even though its impossible to answer each and every question fully, dont stop sending them in. The kind letters you send are what keeps me going and helps put a personal feel on this sometimes distant internet thing.
When we recieve an email with a complicated question, I usually respond that its best to post those types of questions in the forum where everyone can benefit from the answer and a discussion will get started. Most of the questions are great but sometimes they take a little bit longer than an email to properly answer. So to answer some of teh common questions in a public forum, we want to try a something new. Every Friday, until you get sick of it, I will answer one letter in detail. So without further ado here is the letter of the week!
Hey Ean,
I want to just take a moment to thank you sincerely for everything you have done to help me begin to realize a dream of mine since I was 16. Although you have never directly communicated to me until now, I have been reading as many articles of yours as I can over the past month. I have made some very significant purchases recently that were greatly influenced by your opinions and by those shared on your forum.Digital DJing for me is really going to fuse my passion for music with my passion for uniting people together. I love being a children’s therapist and a personal trainer and now I will love being a Digital DJ!
Thank you very much,
Take care
MichaelP.S. I am not just trying to decide on the soundcard for my soon-to-come Japan Version VCI-100. Thinking that Firebox is the way to go….
Also, any idea on when the upgrade package w/overlays for your special edition will be ready?
Thanks for your kind words Michael, we are happy to have you here!
The best $200 sound card?
Since you are asking about the firebox, I assume your budget is around $200 and you need a multiple out put sound card. So here are 3 cards that are well made and fit those needs.
Presonus Firebox
I personally used this card for several years and enjoyed it a lot. The drivers are reliable and have low latencey. Overall its a good value for your money but there were a few things that bothered me.
- the 1/4 outputs are annoying because you always need to carry around adapters or large 1/4″ to RCA cables
- the outputs are nice and clean but a little too loud for running into dj mixers. I found it was always a little too hot.
- if you care, the mic inputs don’t have a lot of gain.
that being said, this card is particular small and easy to carry around. the metal case is bullet proof and just about impossible to break.
Audio 8 Dj
Although its a tad more pricey this card offers a lot of extra features that are handy for djs:
- rca outputs make it easy to run into mixers
- the multi core cables make setting up DVS systems error proof
- 4 sets of outputs and 3 inputs
- allows DVS control over traktor
my only complaint is that the USB port is very finicky about the USB cable you use. I have tried older cables that dont work at all so make sure you always pack the right one.
AudioFire 4
Relatively little is known about this card so we have requested a demo unit to do some testing. It does not have nearly as many outputs or inputs but I like the mini headphone jack on the front. Everyone has lost those darn 1/4″ adapters! Hopefully some users out there will have more feed back for you in the meantime.
The audio fire is built by echo audio, a company that has been making low latency sound cards for a long time. I have personally used several of their cards in the studio and the road and I was never disappointed with the reliability and ease of use. I doubt this one will be any different but some serious testing is in order.
VCI-100SE Overlays
They are coming, I swear. The printer claims to be “printing away” and we will have 50 gorgeous full black overlays next week Tuesday. I would look for an announcement on the following Monday. Then shortly after that will be the Nintendo editions and then some blank overlays that will allow for your own personalized markings.
October 10th, 2008 at 9:31 am Quote
Thanks for the review of the sound card Ean, I was wondering about the AudioFire4. I just pick up the AUDIO 8 but I still havent used it. For sound cards do u prefer usb or Firewire?
Im really looking forward to the black skins for the vci, how soon after will the knobs be ready? Silver & Black…I really dont want my VCI looking like the Raiders football uniform!
October 10th, 2008 at 11:31 am Quote
Ok so I guess firwire is really the way to go. I don’t have a connection, and have looked at adapter cards. What specs do i need to be looking for in a firewire adapter for my laptop so I can use a firewire soundcard? 400 or 800? Ihace seen some for $60. Does that sound right? Any suggestions?
October 10th, 2008 at 1:13 pm Quote
I have one coment about FIREBOX. I have been using it for year. And i really like this small sound card. It was worth it´s money.But in the beginning i had some problems with drivers because i was using vista and vista relly didn´t like the sound card . The things have gone better after new uptates that Pre Sonus gave out.
October 10th, 2008 at 1:48 pm Quote
I bought the firebox a couple of weeks ago from amazon for 257 shipping included. Great sound, quarter plugs are kind of annoying but nothing some 7 dollar wires cant fix. Latency undetectable. thanks for the advice.
October 10th, 2008 at 5:04 pm Quote
I have been using the audiofire2 for a year now with no problems whatsoever. Latency is extremely low, set up is very easy, and echo’s support center is very helpful. They even repaired my audiofire for FREE after I broke it by plugging a cable in backwards.
October 10th, 2008 at 5:17 pm Quote
Thanks for your feedback guys, personal experiences are very helpful for those looking to buy a card.
October 10th, 2008 at 5:56 pm Quote
All I can comment on is the Echo Inidigo DJ. This things has been a blessing ever since I got it. Sure its two outputs only 1 master 1 cue, but it gets the job done. Price is cheap on these, and Echo has the pci express 3/4 coming out soon for the Macbook Pro.
October 10th, 2008 at 6:08 pm Quote
damn, these overlays just made the rest of my year.
October 10th, 2008 at 6:09 pm Quote
I bought the AudioFire 4 after reading this:
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/gear-shoot-outs-sound-file-comparisons-audio-tests/157056-6-audio-interfaces-unscientific-shootout-sorts.html
I made a post in the forums somewhere too.
I assume the Presonus Firebox would be better built (really nothing to complain about with the AudioFire though). I got the AudioFire because it’s supposed to have the best sound quality.
October 10th, 2008 at 11:31 pm Quote
Thanks so much Ean, You and this forum have been awesome, I truly appreiate the sense of community here. I would like to ask you this…I am interested in purchasing the Overlays, the Firmware and the Jog grips all at once, will you be taking requests on the overlays or be compliling a list of those who are interested? B/c if so, please put me on the list.
Also, anyone with any other input on the Audiofire 4, let me know. I did notice that the Firebox has a volume knob for the outputs where the Audiofire 4 does not (only has headphone volume) I am not sure if this is important as I am a complete newbie. Also, the AF4 has a pair of RCA outs and also MIDI in/out so you wouldn’t need a breakout cable like the firebox…am I understanding this correctly?
As I have been scouring the net for reviews and thoughts about all Firewire soundcards in the $300 range, it comes down to Firebox, Saffire LE, Audiofire 4 as far as I can tell. I think AF4 is the way to go, but b/c I am so new to all this, I need guidance and perhaps there are aspects that I am not aware of that I may want to consider.
I do know that I would like to be able to also include a piano keyboard into my DJing in the future and I’m not sure if that has imnplications on what soundcard I purchase.
Any help or advice would be very much appreciated…thanks so much
Michael
October 11th, 2008 at 7:07 am Quote
“VCI-100SE Overlays
They are coming, I swear. The printer claims to be “printing away” and we will have 50 gorgeous full black overlays next week Tuesday. I would look for an announcement on the following Monday. Then shortly after that will be the Nintendo editions and then some blank overlays that will allow for your own personalized markings.”
oh, i´m so happy to hear that…but didn´t you say that white overlays will come too? i was thinking about a hole white vci 100…it´s just a question i don´t want u to have more trouble. black is also nice…
thanks and greets!
October 11th, 2008 at 9:29 am Quote
Can’t wait for those overlays! Also this new section is a great idea, cheers Ean!
October 11th, 2008 at 1:48 pm Quote
You should include the ESI U46 DJ in your test.
It’s around 200$ and the current driver version is pretty stable.
The only thing about it that bothers me is headphone output which always sends the master-mix of all channels so it’s worthless.
You have to use a regular output-channel therefore.
October 11th, 2008 at 6:15 pm Quote
CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT NUMARK NS7…..THANKS
October 12th, 2008 at 2:18 am Quote
I own the Audiofire4 and use it with Windows XP on a RICOH firewire chipset, and even with all of those “draw backs” the audiofire performs beautifully. In Traktor, using the ASIO drivers for the Audiofire, I can bring it down to the lowest latency setting and there is no skipping, no “rice crispies” (snap, crackle, and pops), none of that BS. It goes perfect with my VCI-100.
On top of that awesome stability, the sound quality is terrific. Like someone suggested earlier, go through the gearslutz forum and look up the audiofire and check out all of the positive comments it has received. I have yet to record any vocals with it, so I can’t tell you exactly how good the pre-amps on this thing are, but I do know that the audiofire, in terms of A/D converter quality, is pretty much up there with stuff from RME (Someone please correct me if I’m wrong here).
It’s really a no-fuss audio interface. It’s loud, clean, and stable and compact.
October 13th, 2008 at 12:06 am Quote
LOL, nobody even considers M-Audio products…
FastTrackPro (2in 4out) has some rough power consumtion but
Audiophile Firewire (?in 6out) works better on 4-pin FW laptop and its own external PSU.
October 14th, 2008 at 2:25 am Quote
I recently purchased Audiofire2 and compared it with my RME Fireface800 playing Traktor using Tannoy studio monitors and to my ears and my big surprise it sounded very close. EchoAudio claim to be using this converters: AK4620A – AudioFire 2, AudioFire 4 http://www.echoaudio.com/Support/FAQ.php#8 Same ones used in RME400.
October 14th, 2008 at 2:32 am Quote
‘
thanks for sharing Looper, I always knew they had good converters but not RME quality!
October 15th, 2008 at 2:31 am Quote
The Cheapest way to do it?
I have been reading your site for some time now. Appreciate the attention that gets dedicated to all aspects. I’ve been working digitally for a short while, but my tech’s are still rockin steady. I was watching something on Youtube and pumped into your arcade button technique. Sweetest thing I’ve ever seen.
I’m using Traktor 3.2 with a VCI-100. While the jog wheels are cool and all that, I’m used to the feel of the vinyl. know what I’m saying. So I started doing some research to find out how to incorporate all my current equipment without having to spend much more that I already have. I came a cross the
Behringer U Control (29.95) http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_MI?url=search-alias%3Dmi&field-keywords=behringer+u+control&x=0&y=0
and the Roland Edirol UA-1EX: (79.95) http://www.amazon.com/Edirol-UA-1EX-USB-Audio-Interface/dp/B000BD1AF0
I have an old Roland Edirol that I used to connect a mac out to a 12 track mixer. So it doesn’t have the ASIO drivers for it. I was talking to the doorman of my companies building that’s a DJ who says that I couldn’t connect my two turntables using either one of these two interfaces.
My question…
Will one of these interfaces that have the ASIO drivers suffice as my audio interface to get my turntables to work within Traktor Scratch?
I think it would be the table wires to the out of the inteface and the in’s would go to the mixer? Not sure what direction everything should go.
I could go pricey, but I rather not. I have a two channel vestax 2vc.
Would I have to change any TKS files. Thanks for those buy the way. I would’ve been flying in the dark, if it wan’t for this site.. I hope vestax keeps you loaded with freebees for the service you are providing…
later dude..
thanks alot..
Thanks for any direction over here.
October 15th, 2008 at 4:50 pm Quote
i bought a Echo Audiofire 4 a couple years ago and still using it until toady,
it’s a wonderful piece of soundcard that can be use either DJing or Studio works.
other than that it can also do daisy chain to another echo soundcard so it can expand from 4 channel to 8 channel or even more.
October 17th, 2008 at 2:20 pm Quote
I would recommend the edirol FA-66 in this price range. I have been using the FA-101 which has the same build (with more ins and outs). It really rocks in terms of sound quality/latency. I use it with Ableton, Traktor or MixVibes and it has never let me down. The drivers are great and the build is sturdy. Firewire is always a great way to go as far as audio units ;)
October 17th, 2008 at 11:12 pm Quote
Can someone tell me if it matters that the Audiofire 4 doesn’t have a main volume control? I am brandy new to controllerism, just got the VCI-100, and now need to get a sound card, I am caught between the Firebox and the Audiofire 4. Just have no idea about this stuff and could use any help you guys have to offer…thanks again
Reg
October 18th, 2008 at 3:54 pm Quote
I have one on my card, but I never use it. I set my output levels in software.
As for the M-Audio FastTrak Pro. I’d avoid that thing if at all possible. I’m probably going to chuck it and spend another $250 on one of these other cards.
October 18th, 2008 at 4:13 pm Quote
If you have FTPro and can’t get the money for a new soundcard or whatever, look here for a temporary solution:
http://tos.network.in.rs/pages/posts/m-audio-fast-track-problem6.php
October 23rd, 2008 at 2:01 pm Quote
I’ve used the Echo Indigo DJ on a PC Laptop playing out live for the last 3 years, it’s neat, tidy, doesn’t need an extra power cable, – the only time I have any problems is if i accidentally drop a track I haven’t anaylsed, which is more down to my CPU than anything else. It’s even been able to run Traktor and Ableton at the same time.
JesC mentioned that Echo have a 3/4 Express card out soon. Would this be the Indigo DJ? WHEN is it out? I’m keen to move over to a 13″ Mac to reduce the size of my kit but I just really don’t want another box to lug around.
October 23rd, 2008 at 4:57 pm Quote
Hey everyone…if someone could really layout a full review on the Echo Audiofire 4 I would really appreciate it. I am itching to buy a soundcard and get this party started ;) It seems like the AF4 is the way to go, I really wanted the Ean Golden stamp of approval, but I am not sure when he will be getting one in to do the review. Did Echo give you a heads up on that Ean? I guess I could wait a couple more weeks, but after that I think I may lose it :)
Thanks again
Reg
October 23rd, 2008 at 10:32 pm Quote
Ean, i thought the Audio 8 Dj has four ins & outs!?
November 27th, 2008 at 6:10 pm Quote
Ok, so I have been unsatisfied with my digital djing set up so far on the grounds of sound quality (my tunes always sound weak / without punch / or clarity) compared to the next dj playing on Pioneer CDJs. I have now finally concluded my problems result from the relativly low voltage output (low max /nominal volume) output of my M-Audio Firewire Audiophile – I always have to turn the mixer gain pots to max to equate with CDJs, and even then it’s not quite loud enough. Enough is enough – I am going to upgrade to a ‘hotter’ output soundcard. Can anyone pass comment on the nominal output volumes of the below souncards (or are they all up to CDJ levels). The question, do I go for a:
Echo Audiofire 4 – best sound quality?
NI Audio 8 – RCA jacks an advantage
Presonus Firebox – Very sturdy build, very loud apparently
(or perhaps TC electronics Konnekt 24 /Live – looks interesting)
Thanks,
A
November 28th, 2008 at 8:30 pm Quote
try using a soudncard with +4 db out puts (pro levels)
that will really crank and then you will be louder than everyone! the trouble is then you will need to turn down the mixer gain pots. :(
I have not good luck with m audio stuff and djing but all the other cards you mentioned are solid.
November 29th, 2008 at 6:37 am Quote
Hehe, I second that statment about M-Audio. But if your sound interface works flawlessly, where’s the thrill of suddenly loosing all yer sound in the mid. of the gig!? :-D
January 28th, 2009 at 5:51 pm Quote
This may be a little late in the discussion, however if anyone does read this, what are the thoughts on the Kontrol 1?
I want to run Traktor 3.2 with a VCI 100 going into BX5a’s