Native Instruments has released two new sound cards to their pro DJ line. The Audio 2 stayed off the chopping block but the Audio 4 and the Audio 8 have been replaced by a new Audio 6 and Audio 10. Both sound cards are aimed at the scratch/DVS market and come bundled with traktor LE for $279 and $449 respectively. Continue reading for photos and more info.
AUDIO 6
- Price: $279
- Available: April
- Ships With: Traktor 2 LE
FEATURES
- 6 inputs and outputs – 2 phono preamps to connect your turntables
- Extra-loud output levels pack enough punch to rock the biggest clubs
- High-quality 24-bit / 96kHz Cirrus Logic® AD/DA converters
- Compact dimensions with sturdy metal casing for heavy duty feel
- Low latency Mac® and PC drivers for tightest possible response
- 12 status LEDs for visual monitoring of signal chain in challenging club environments
- Direct Thru mode allows use without computer, on power supply only
- Compatible with all DJ, performance and audio software
- Includes TRAKTOR LE 2 DJ software with TRAKTOR 2 Technology
The hardware follows in the footsteps of the Traktor software, making setup really easy by automatically switching between your internal and external sound card. The setup wizard remembers your settings so when you plug in your NI audio interface, you are good to go!
Traktor Audio 6 replaces the Audio 4 and other than the obvious 2 extra channels it also has a brand new processor and new low-latency drivers. What is low enough? Ean talks about it in the Traktor Pro 2 video walk through.
The new “Direct Thru” mode makes it possible to run the interface without being connected to a computer, powering it from its own power supply only. The new, larger and clearer LED’s on the top panel make it a lot easier to spot the audio signal when you don’t have a computer as a reference.
3 SETUPS FOR 3 PURPOSES
DJING WITH THE SOFTWARE MIXER:
Internal mixer setup: TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 connected to active monitors and headphones.
BOOTH AND STUDIO INSTALLATION USING DIRECT THRU:
Direct Thru setup: Two turntables connected to phono inputs of TRAKTOR AUDIO 6. Outputs connected to line inputs on external mixer. Power supply is connected, therefore no laptop is necessary.
DJING WITH AN EXTERNAL MIXER:
External mixer setup: Front outputs of TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 connected to AUX inputs of external mixer. Mixer output connected to front input of TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 for recording into your laptop.
AUDIO 10
- Price: $449
- Available: April
- Ships With: Traktor 2 LE
FEATURES
- 10 inputs and outputs – 4 phono preamps to connect up to 4 turntables
- Extra-loud output levels pack enough punch to rock the biggest club
- Easy club installation with Direct Thru mode and included power supply
- 24-bit / 96 kHz Cirrus Logic® AD/DA converters for studio-grade sound quality
- Mic input and additional MIDI I/O port for MIDI gear without USB connector
- Low latency Mac® and PC drivers for tightest possible response
- 25 status LEDs for visual monitoring of signal chain in challenging club environments
- Compatible with all DJ, performance and audio software
- Includes TRAKTOR LE 2 DJ software with TRAKTOR 2 Technology Inside
The Traktor Audio 10 is very similar to the Audio 6 in that it added 2 more channels, replacing its predecessor, the Audio 8. It also has a new processor under the hood with new low-latency drivers and the same large LED’s as on the Audio 6.
DJING WITH THE SOFTWARE MIXER:
DJ software controlled by two TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 controllers. TRAKTOR AUDIO 10 outputs connected to active monitors.
CLUB INSTALLATION SETUP (DIRECT THRU):
Two turntables connected to phono inputs of TRAKTOR AUDIO 10. Outputs connected to line inputs of external mixer. Power supply is connected, therefore no laptop is necessary.
EXTERNAL MIXER SETUP:
DJ software controlled by TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 controller. TRAKTOR AUDIO 10 connected to external mixer and synced with MASCHINE via MIDI Clock.
