A DJ's Guide To Audio Interfaces - What Are They, Do You Need One? 

My pleasure!

Nice one :)

The more things change the more they stay the same :)

Why not just run extra audio from the booth output of your DJ controller direct to the speakers?

What do you mean by "weaker"? Just quieter, or worse quality? If you do a side-by-side test and turn VDJ up to the same volume as the USB files, does it then sound as good? I may be wrong, but I think I heard that Virtual DJ has a limiter (designed to prevent distortion) that cannot be turned off, and this may be the cause of your issue. You may want to try Traktor, not to switch platforms, but as a test. In Traktor, you can bypass all audio processing. If you can achieve significantly better sound with Traktor, you rule out your set-up ands then the focus goes firmly on Virtual DJ.

@@digitaldjtips Thanks for this quick response! Weaker meaning both lower and worse quality with a side by side comparison using the same mp3 file. Coincidentally I found out about that limiter finally yesterday. An answer I found in the Virtual Dj forum was to adjust of the zerodb to -6db. It sounded noticeably better but it seems my computer isn't processing it well as the mp3's seemed to lag/drag in and out while playing. Maybe it's a processing power issue as it's an old pc laptop. I'll try Traktor. My main reason for using Virtual Dj is the playlist auto mixing as I am usually Dj, bartender and server all at once at a tiny bar I have only now fully taken over. So maybe I just need a really good mp3 player with good list management and use Traktor when Djing. This situation made me only think of that now. Thanks again!

No idea, sorry!

Yes, we use a similar thing called "Loopback" for Mac, Vb is a great cross-platform free choice.

Easiest way is to record the output of the Prime 4+ using a hardware recorder (such as a small Tascam) or a phone app with a small 2-in audio interface for the phone.

Should be

the one in the controller is fine

You need a separate 4-out audio interface

Try the internal mic channel first, may well be fine.

No, no reason necessarily to add one.

I would add a small mixer in order to get extra mics in, wire your Serato mixer/controller and your mics into the small mixer.

In theory yes, how you would do it depends upon your DJ software and you'd still want to use the internal soundcard for headphones monitoring.

They're getting harder to come by! NI's Komplete Audio 6 should do the job though.

@@digitaldjtips thanks so much!

No, you need a four-in, four-out interface for DVS.

You do not need an audio interface for your DJ decks, at all.

Look at a little free app called VB Cable to do internal audio routing.

You just need a lead to connect your controller to the interface and a lead to connect the interface to your phone

Depending on your software that may be possible via the audio output settings

@@digitaldjtips I just started with virtual DJ

Yes, you can do that - we've done that for livestreams before.

Not sure why the K2 doesn’t sound great, so hard to advise I’m afraid.

@@digitaldjtips appreciate it

Did you figure out the best way to get the best sound quality?

@@cosmic.generator Not really, audio interferences are generally made for recording instruments so I'm not sure if they'll work for me

@@ProgressiveMelodic Not true! Audio interfaces are meant for both recording and quality outputs but not all are created equal. I actually toured for years using a Kontrol X1 controller and the Native Instruments Audio 2. Sadly NI stopped making interfaces... Now I've moved on to Rekordbox but Traktor now supports any sound card. Few soundcards are really made for DJs anymore (with multiple RCA outputs), but if you're just using the K2 to DJ with as a transport/looping controller and just want an interface for quality sound, I can suggest checking out the Steinberg UR24C. Lesser known but it's one of the only interfaces that has dual RCA outputs to use external mixing mode in Traktor, or you can also still use internal mixing mode if you have your K2 mapped to volume faders etc.

If you want to use the interface to get stereo audio into your laptop, the 2i2 would be better as it has two line inputs.

Yes because you’d get stereo then for both headphones and speakers

DVS doesn't just mean turntables, plus there are turntables with built in pre-amps

@@digitaldjtips So I guess TT's without built in pre's, you would have to use an external pre-amp. I honestly thought you could only use a DVS specific interface like the SL boxes. That's good to know considering they're being discontinued. Thx for that info Phil!

Sorry, not 100% sure what it is you're trying to do here.

Depends what software you're using with the controller

@@digitaldjtips thank you for the answer, i use it with serato. Do i have to change software to use Traktor Audio Interface?

Yes, absolutely - Focusrite wold be my route. Note it is only officially supported on iPad Pro USB-C - but there are lots of iPad audio interfaces that would do the trick.

@@digitaldjtips thank you. So I am thinking my iPad to focusrite to Yamaha mg06 mixer would work great. I am looking for the best quality loud signal without my mixer lights going in the red

you can do either, your audio interface will sound better though.

@@digitaldjtips thanks for replying back, you mean I can use the output of my interface to go into the DJM Mixer, right !!

as in, can pre-cueing headphones be used with the 4-way audio interface

No, you can livestream direct from your laptop

I have an iRig Stream and it sounds mint. Plus it's so small you can fit it in your pocket.

iRig stream is a great option

i use that now, the behringer

Any 4-out audio interface will do.

@@digitaldjtips 4-out to take full advantage of traktor 4decks? A simple 2out would work to? (Assuming i want only 2 decks).

No idea regarding why DJs are using that particular set-up, not a set-up we see too often among our community, sorry.

As much as i know, there are 2 reasons to use the external soundcard. 1. You get to use the analogue eqs, and all org. functions of the mixer, which in most cases are better than the internal ones of the dj software. 2. You need less processing power in the laptop. So it can be used for and other sources say the sound is more open. But I can't confirm that yet.

Roland Go:Mixer perhaps?

@@digitaldjtips Thanks for the suggestion, but this device seems to be for streaming only. I don't see it has analog stereo outputs. Do you?

Ah yeah I forgot about that, as you mention pretty much any audio interface or mixer will allow you to do that

Definitely seems to be a gap in the market there

I wish they did some kind of recycle program to trade in Serato interface. Maybe a coupon discount on a new mixer or Serato accessories.

Serato still absolutely support DVS interfaces (in various mixers and the Denon DS1, which you mention). It's just the Rane SL boxes and some older Rane mixers that are not supported for DVS, beyond Serato Pro V2.5.5. I agree that this is incredibly disappointing - pretty sure this must purely be a Rane decision not to test that equipment with the latest Serato DJ Pro software, or Rane refusing to update the driver for them so that the equipment will work? Can't see what other reason, considering *all* the unsupported equipment is Rane only and the age of some other manufacturers equipment that is discontinued but still supported under latest Serato Pro versions... As you say, is *incredibly* disappointing. The alternatives to step up to replace an SL box or old Rane mixer, are not cheap. I suspect this approach by Rane might well backfire by putting off previous Rane buyers from replacing their old Rane kit with new Rane kit (for example, I wouldn't now be looking to replace my SL3 with a new Rane mixer that is supported, I'd go for a Reloop RMX90 instead)

@@wurlyone4685 maybe Rane plans on releasing a new SL box, so this is all a cash grab…regardless, I actually bought a RMX-90 right after I found out, I love it!

I'm trying to get my torque connective by M-Audio to work on my virtual DJ setup it's frustrating because they do these updates but weed out good features

No, you do not need an audio interface, because there is already one built in to your controller. However, you should never attempt to DJ with Bluetooth speakers, as no DJ controllers are designed to work with them. your speakers should be directly wired to your DJ controller.

@@digitaldjtips Thank you for the answer. I should be able to wire them directly so I’ll give it a shot once I get home from work

Thanks!

Cool!

You need a 4-out audio interface for DJing.

@@digitaldjtips thank you for responds budget recommendation ?already have good sound card for musician would Traktor audio 2 card work?

@@digitaldjtips I am using Ipad and traktor Z1 controller

Yes it will

@@digitaldjtips thanks!

No. Two things may be causing this: 1. You have the latency/buffer slider set to too high a number in the software. Try finding that control and reducing it. How far you can reduce it depends on how powerful your computer is 2. You are using a speaker that is Bluetooth, even though you are connected to the speaker with a cable. Many modern such speakers still have that delay even when you wire your gear in! Solution is to find a speaker or speakers with no latency when wired

@@digitaldjtips gotcha. Preciate the reply

No, sounds like you're covered :)

@@digitaldjtips Ah lovely , thanks for the reply guys :)

You don't need an audio interface at all in this situation. Get this vb-audio.com/Cable/ to make your DDJ800 audio card visible to OBS.

@@digitaldjtips just came back to say thank you beacuse this worked. so much fun this is awesome!

You don't need a controller that doesn't have a sound card in it to use an external sound card. What exactly are you trying to do?

Probably not.

@@digitaldjtips found out the sound card on 400s is 24 bit 44.1 hz and apparently that perfectly acceptable. I'll save the money and buy some better speakers. 😂

Sorry, not sure what you're asking here.

Not if you're DJing using DJ software and a laptop, but standalone, you may do - not tested this.

In theory, but why would you want to?

I’m not sure if by plugging in a USB cable you can take a digital output

@@digitaldjtips I have since found out it does if anyone else wants to know

You’re going to need an 8-in, 8-out audio interface. Do Traktor/NI still sell the Audio 10?

@@digitaldjtips Much appreciated for the reply. I looked at the A10 & can get 1 second hand but it's been discontinued & only sell A6 now. What impact being discontinued will make I don't know, but trying to look for an alternative has me baffled what's good & more importantly will work. Was hoping someone had a good recommendation to go look at in the price range. Can imagine £500 is a little short, but add that to £2690 & it's just on the balance of buy or not...

Went with the Audio 10 for a quick fix. Gives me a year or so to search, research & maybe upgrade later...

@@sumguy835 Look at Tascam's audio interfaces. I believe they make a an 8 in/ out. Traktor can use anything.

@@alanmodimages Much appreciated. Still haven’t bought 1 yet. Still plugging away on the Xone 96. When the times right for the investment I’ll definitely have a look at the Tascam. Thanks…

The DJM450 wold work with the Reloop Flux and Serato, is that what you're asking?

@digitaldjtips haha not exactly, i'm just indecisive on picking a team? (Kind of). I'm a die hard turntablist. But since I already own rekordbox I am just learning about their dvs plus most venues here have pioneer house mixers. So, it's kind of pointless to buy an interface if I already own rekordbox and most places have pioneer mixers lol

@@digitaldjtips went with the ds1 in the end. Thanks

Unfortunately in tech terms it is ancient! You're probably better off upgrading to a newer audio interface.

@@digitaldjtips okay

That'd be awesome

Thanks for watching!

It does I think Phil was misremembering on that one, I don't know why you're saying that person was wrong though NI unfortunately has a reputation for low volume outputs, a quick search will show that

@@digitaldjtips because the new S3 and the S2 have option for adding a power supply to them.and that person confused Phil so I was just pointing that out also My traktor S5 is very loud the s5 and s8 are 20db 🥳 and the new S3 is around 18 db so it should be plenty loud enough to play a gig as long as you use the power supply

Thanks for watching!