The quest to find a good sound card that is portable, dependable and easy on the wallet seems to never end. There are several decent options out there, many of which we already covered in our under $200 round up, but nothing really stands out as a must buy. Some of the more expensive cards try to be the all in one home studio solution offering a variety features but not really excelling at any of them.
A basic dj sound card should have:
- reliable, rock solid drivers
- loud, clear outputs
- good A to D converters
- headphone jack on the front (with volume control)
- a pair of master outputs
That’s it! Make it portable, rugged, easy on the wallet and bingo you have a easy sell. Well my friends I am happy to report that the audio fire2 just about fits the bill. Lets look at its many strengths and a few of the drawbacks in closer detail.
Things I like about it
The headphone jack is 1/8″. Along with the sock monster, I swear there is a 1/4 headphone adapter monster. In fact i think they are working together to secretly horde large amounts of both. Then when the global economy crashes they plan to sell them back to us and rule the world.
Digital djs are like boxers. We are both always looking to cut weight. This box is so small and light you could literally carry it in your front pants pocket.
Your laptop only has 2 usb ports. So if your sound card is USB then that means your shit out of luck when its time to add another midi controller. Going with a firewire sound card however free’s up a much needed slot.
Making good drivers is hard. Would you ever get Chinese food at that spot around the corner that sells Mexican, Chinese and donuts? Sure you can get all your munchy fixes in one convenient spot but do they really make a good spring roll? When its time to get some good Chinese food you go to the Chinese place that does not speak any English and has been making Chinese food for 5 thousand years. Echo has been making good sound cards and writing stable drivers for a long time- that’s all they do. So, when it comes to my sound card personally I would prefer a company that specializes in that technology instead of an all in one solution.
Clarity. In the realm of accessible sound cards the best A to D converters are supposed to belong to echo, RME and apogee (in that order) although its impossible to quantify that generalization in any reasonable capacity, I can tell you one thing. The top 3 all sound good and most other cards don’t sound quite as nice. This card in particular had a clear punchy sound to it that will work well in clubs. Even their entry level card bus cards like the indigo dj are good enough for small sound systems. I personally used that card for several years and never once had a complaint- until I started to use it on bigger systems.
Here’s to wishing..
Just 2 more outputs in the same size? I like to mix externally (on an analogue mixer). If you really must know why then go read this lengthy debate on the subject. Therefore it would be great if this card had an extra pair outputs. For those mixing on controllers like the VCI-100 this is perfect but for the rest of us still mxing outside of the computer then we must look at the audio4 which is larger and more expensive. You could use a 1/8″ to rca adaptor and run the 2nd deck out of the headphone jack but the levels would be out of wack with each other.
Could it be a little less? Google shopping tells us the audio fire runs about $200. You could find it for less but that seems to be the going rate. At $150 i think it would be a no-brainer but at $200 you are very close to the firebox which offers more outputs and comparable quality- although I prefer the sound of the echo products myself.
Louder headphones! No one makes headphone outputs that are loud enough for deaf djs except for dj mixers. The audio fire 2 is no exception and when I tested it in the club I found myself needing more gain to match my excessively loud monitors. Then again, if your ears don’t suffer from a 30db cut at 4k, perhaps you might feel differently.
All good?
As they have done several times before Echo again made a good sound card that performs well. When I told them we wanted to review the audio2, their PR department tried to steer us towards their new Indigo DjX. The replacement for their original indigo dj, this version is compatible with the new mac-book card slots and is a ultra portable dj solution. In my experience, going from 1/8th to a big sound system is not ideal and since they are roughly the same price the audio 2 appears to offer much more boom for your buck. I expect the audiofire 4 will perform much the same but we should get one in the office soon to confirm if that will work well as an alternative to the higher priced RME sound cards for those external mixers.
AudioFire 12 is the only FireWire digital audio recording interface of it’s kind on the market that offers 12 balanced analog inputs and outputs for 24-bit 192 kHz recording and playback.
AudioFire 12 also has two FireWire ports so you can daisy-chain two AudioFire 12s for 24 tracks. It also includes MIDI I/O and WordClock for synchronization. If you already have an audio mixer, tons of microphones, instruments, mic preamps or you are in need of a digital audio replacement for your reel-to-reel analog tape machine look no further!
AudioFire 12 is the only FireWire digital audio recording interface of it’s kind on the market that offers 12 balanced analog inputs and outputs for 24-bit 192 kHz recording and playback.
AudioFire 12 also has two FireWire ports so you can daisy-chain two AudioFire 12s for 24 tracks. It also includes MIDI I/O and WordClock for synchronization. If you already have an audio mixer, tons of microphones, instruments, mic preamps or you are in need of a digital audio replacement for your reel-to-reel analog tape machine look no further!
[quote comment=”15510″]I got the NI Audio 8 DJ and I think it’s the best for Djing. Though a bit expensive, with four stereo outs and ins, as well as Midi in/out and special XLR Mic-input and headphone monitoring out with level knob, it’s really made for DJs and the sound is just amazing.
The only bad thing about it is that it’s not FireWire but USB2, which means if you got one of those MacBooks you’ll probably have to hook a USB hub as those laptops have only dual USB.[/quote]
[quote comment=”30238″]???????? ????? M-Audio ????? ??????!!!!?? ??????? ???? ??? ???????!!!? ????????2 ???? ????????? ????????!!!!?????? ????? ????????!???? ?????)[/quote]
???????? ????? M-Audio ????? ??????!!!!?? ??????? ???? ??? ???????!!!? ????????2 ???? ????????? ????????!!!!?????? ????? ????????!???? ?????)
The audiofire 2 is fantastic. Excellent sound for the price. The ADDA is fantastic and stands up against bigger names like Apogee and RME.
Anyone thinking the headphone output is low is definitely deaf. I do not dare to go over 1/4th of the knob with my low impedance IEM.
I have been doing parties and large gigs using virtual dj a fast track pro 4X4 with vci 100 for 3 years with no problems period. The sound quality is great and no latency issues. I am using Windows 7 ultimate 32 bit, amd phenom 2 quad and 2 gigs of ram. The fast track pro 4×4 is great, just update drivers and you are rock steady. The plastic box suxs but for $150 or less, it’s hard to beat.
I personally test NI Audio 4, audio 8, M-Audio Firewire 410, Fasttrack and others. ECHO AudioFire are better in to many ways. Here is something non said, and its the Echo AudioFire Dynamic Range. For AudioFire is 113 or 114 db, while the nearest soundcad is Audio 8 with only 108db. While this are logarithmic measures, 4db are equivalent for our ears as a double in sound and presence. So Echo AudioFire 2 and 4 (and all AudioFire family) sound a lot better than any other.
Maybe Tracktor not work god with those, I work with VirtualDJ and have NO ISSUES. Using Echo AudioFire 2 for 8 hours in a row, and also AudioFire 4 in another PC for more than 12 hours without problems.
For me, the best soundcard ever, this Echo AudioFire, just behind RME products. At least NI, M-Audio, Digidesign, are not as good in sound presence and quality as an Echo AudioFire is.
Cheers,
Why do DJ’s even get sound cards if they have something like the (audio 8) what do you use the sound cards for?
While this is a decent card, Echo is having major problems with the last two driver/firmware releases. Not insurmountable problems but go to the forums on their website and have a read in the General AudioFire area to get the current position before you shell out cash.
I got one and the first time it requested that I update the firmware, I did so – and it bricked. Now trying to flash a downgrade to see if that recovers it.
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Can anyone help me? I’m using an AudioFire2 with Traktor Pro and a VCI-100 and MacBook Pro. I can’t seem to get the headphone mix split (cue on one side main mix on the other). I like to mix on my headphones so I need the separation.
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Dismayed to find that the new Macbook Pro has replaced the ExpressCard slot with SD Card reader. Great for my photography, but there is no home for my excellent Echo Indigo DJx, which I bought for £250!
Surely Apple could have just added an SD slot without replacing the Express.
Should I change to AudioFire 2?
Thanks for the review Ean! It costs about the same as the Novation Nio, an interface I’ve been eyeing. How does the Audiofire2 compare against the Nio’s? Which is the better deal?
would this work well with the vci 100 so i could cue up songs?[quote comment=””]Just picked one up on ebay, new but opened for 125. I figure it was a no brainer deal so I don’t feel too bad about the spontaneous buy right after I read this article haha.[/quote]
Just picked one up on ebay, new but opened for 125. I figure it was a no brainer deal so I don't feel too bad about the spontaneous buy right after I read this article haha.
[quote]you can still find firewire on the macbook pros as well as the entry level white macbook[/quote]
Only on the Pros and probably not for long
http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/10/apple-quiet…
[quote comment=""][quote comment="15657"]mm i have to say…firewire isn't better than usb 2.0 or it's successor which we'll soon see 3.0
a usb hub is cheap and extends usb ports +4
at first i cringed when buying new mb because they dropped firewire but after doing some research it seems firewire technology will be done soon[/quote]
Not to mention Apple is no longer supporting Firewire on any of their laptops.[/quote]
you can still find firewire on the macbook pros as well as the entry level white macbook
[quote comment="15657"]mm i have to say…firewire isn't better than usb 2.0 or it's successor which we'll soon see 3.0
a usb hub is cheap and extends usb ports +4
at first i cringed when buying new mb because they dropped firewire but after doing some research it seems firewire technology will be done soon[/quote]
Not to mention Apple is no longer supporting Firewire on any of their laptops.
M-Audio's apparent inability to keep up with drivers has made me despise their hardware. The Fasttrack Pro still didn't have Vista 64 bit drivers over a year after Vista was released. I'm a beta tester for them and won't even purchase their gear anymore. My Audiofire is rock solid, extremely stable and super small to boot.
Yesterday I was watching Surgeon and Ben Sims ripping it up (as Frequency 7) at Kozzmozz in Ghent. Guess what. Surgeon was using an Audiofire 2 :p
Makes me feel proud owning as an Audiofire 4 owner 🙂
http://www.outlar.com/artist.php?id=319
Just thought I might share this with you guys :p
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Hey just bought a audiofire and did a test comparison of NI Audio 4 and the Audiofire 2.
I find the Audio 4 to be a bit more warmer sounding then the audiofire 2, which is not nessesarily a good thing when playing bigger clubs. Also the Audiofire 2 (Main) volume levels are MUCH louder then NI Audio 4 but the headphone volume level isnt outstanding.
I found this cool mini headphone amp from CHina called the Little Dot MK1 Mini. Its smaller then a pack of ciggerettes and includes a rechargable Lithium battery pack (inside) that can be charged via USB port. This thing sounds GREAT.
You can find em on EBAY
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110362275458
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OK thanks Leroy Ill stick with my audio 8 dj I never had any problem at all with this card anyway!
[quote comment=""]So FW Audiophile is reliable as many say it is(well actually, it either works or doesn't).
How "loud" are its outputs compared to the echo or audio8(I guess not may compares to audio8/presonus)?[/quote]
I've never had issues with the FW Audiophile… The fast track pro on the other hand is a POS.
the AF2 is plenty loud as is the FW Audiophile. I was spinning with a guy using cds and we were at the same volume. The trouble came when trying to get the software and the sound card to play nice… a non issue with FW audiophile.
It's also worth noting everyone I surveyed preferred the sound of the FW Audiophile in a blind taste test.
I would say stick with what you have unless you're unhappy with the unit. You probably won't be able to hear a marked improvement with the AF2.
So FW Audiophile is reliable as many say it is(well actually, it either works or doesn't).
How "loud" are its outputs compared to the echo or audio8(I guess not may compares to audio8/presonus)?
[quote comment=""]so should I switch my audio 8 dj for this audiofire 2 to get better sound in clubs?
I'm on a black macbook 2.1 and mix internally![/quote]
I used the audiofire 2 at my last gig. I had everything preset so all I had to do was plug n play. I fire everything up and the dj software starts clashing with the card, saying the ASIO drivers are already in use. After rebooting and reconfiguring several times I was able to finally get a signal out to the house pa… about a half hour later.
Once it was cooking it sounded great but because of my earlier issues I worried that it would lock up in the middle of a set. So during some down time before the club got jumpin I swapped it out for my trusty m-audio firewire audiophile.
It's a good sounding card but it can be a bit finicky when it comes to using ASIO.
so should I switch my audio 8 dj for this audiofire 2 to get better sound in clubs?
I'm on a black macbook 2.1 and mix internally!
[quote comment="16246"]can you hear the difference? which one do you like?
http://www.sendspace.com/file/gua6gw%5B/quote%5D
Second one a little more than first.
can you hear the difference? which one do you like?
http://www.sendspace.com/file/gua6gw
I gave the audiofire 2 a test drive. Everyone I had play along preferred the sound of the m audio firewire audiophile to this little box.
I hate to say I have to agree. I was really hoping this box would blow the doors off the audiophile… but not so much.
hi there..
well… maybe you guys can help my dilemma..
im using the new macbooks (no firewire..) and im really on a quest for a decent (USB2) sound card.
Currently i have the novation Nio 2/4 – really not impressed.. – sounds very pale and weak on large systems (actually even connecting the line directly to my mac sounds much punchier and crisp)
NI – Kontrol 1 – saw some bad reviews on Mac compatibility issues.
so? what’s left?
any help would be appreciated!
thanks
Nir
[quote comment=””]Doesn’t it feel weird that “all the major companies” are building firewire only soundcards. And those soundcards are usually having lower minimum latency than USB-based even though USB2.0 is “faster than fw400″(i know it’s marketing). Fishy it is.
As if the firewire OS API or integrated circuits are built for sound/video while USB is too multipurpose. I get the idea that with usb soundcard communication there are some complications with data transfer or packaging that data or it is just plain usb OS API that is wrong(not multimedia oriented).[/quote]
Thanks for your perspective, ToS. This is another good thing to consider. I’m back and forth on whether to invest in this item. I guess it’s like Ean wrote, if it were $150 it would be a no-brainer.
So how does the express card version compare to firewire with regards to latency?
Doesn't it feel weird that "all the major companies" are building firewire only soundcards. And those soundcards are usually having lower minimum latency than USB-based even though USB2.0 is "faster than fw400"(i know it's marketing). Fishy it is.
As if the firewire OS API or integrated circuits are built for sound/video while USB is too multipurpose. I get the idea that with usb soundcard communication there are some complications with data transfer or packaging that data or it is just plain usb OS API that is wrong(not multimedia oriented).
[quote comment=""]Haha, what are you ranting about. Can you "hold off" for a few years?
The new technology may be just around the corner but do you really think the firewire is just gonna do PUF! and dissapear.
Do you think that manufacturers will jump on a usb3 train and yell choo-choo altogether. Do you think OS vendors can support this new technology just like that (windows doesn't support usb2.0 right at this moment, and they keep building crappier OS every few years). Some device manufacturers don't have stable drivers and never will (ie. ESI and MAudio). Firewire is apple-bloody tecnology, they won't just forget it, and even if they do, Apples are most stable and work best with firewire.
And you are thinking about holding off. How bloody-much channels do you want to push in/out of your computer…
I hope I'm wrong.[/quote]
I don't think either HL's post or my response would qualify as "ranting," so you're wrong about that bit, at least.
As far as I'm concerned, I was commenting more toward speed tests comparing firewire and USB 2.0. There's not much advantage to firewire, and it can depend on your computer's implementation of it.
Take a breath, ToS.
Haha, what are you ranting about. Can you “hold off” for a few years?
The new technology may be just around the corner but do you really think the firewire is just gonna do PUF! and dissapear.
Do you think that manufacturers will jump on a usb3 train and yell choo-choo altogether. Do you think OS vendors can support this new technology just like that (windows doesn’t support usb2.0 right at this moment, and they keep building crappier OS every few years). Some device manufacturers don’t have stable drivers and never will (ie. ESI and MAudio). Firewire is apple-bloody tecnology, they won’t just forget it, and even if they do, Apples are most stable and work best with firewire.
And you are thinking about holding off. How bloody-much channels do you want to push in/out of your computer…
I hope I’m wrong.
[quote comment=”15657″]mm i have to say…firewire isn’t better than usb 2.0 or it’s successor which we’ll soon see 3.0
a usb hub is cheap and extends usb ports +4
at first i cringed when buying new mb because they dropped firewire but after doing some research it seems firewire technology will be done soon[/quote]
Thank you for this comment. You make a good point. I’ve been kicking around buying this unit, but I think I may hold off.
Ean, I am going to buy this to use with the new Vestax vcm 600 which is arriving tomorrow. I have a desk top set up.
How would I connect this to my vcm 600 and desk top. I have active monitor speakers.
Do I connect the vcm into my desk top via usb, and then connect the audio device using firewire, then running my speakers out of the line outputs on the back of the audio device?
I'm confused. Please help.
[quote comment=""]Being a simple DJ with simple needs this soundcard is just to much. Adding the need of external power just makes it so much worse.
That being said, I've had this as it was the best option I could find at the time and I must say it has worked flawlessly. Even when I once accidently disconnected it while running, I only had to reconnect it again and it started working right away, no need to restart software.
In any case, I am one of them who have been waiting for the new Indigo DJ express card. I had the PCMCIA and it was beautiful, simply and easy, plug and go.
I would very much appreciate a review of that one because lets face it. Most of us DJs aren't doing multipultizingzang things. We simply do our basic 2 deck mixes and try not to break a sweat, am I wrong? :)[/quote]
Being a simple DJ with simple needs this soundcard is just to much. Adding the need of external power just makes it so much worse.
That being said, I've had this as it was the best option I could find at the time and I must say it has worked flawlessly. Even when I once accidently disconnected it while running, I only had to reconnect it again and it started working right away, no need to restart software.
In any case, I am one of them who have been waiting for the new Indigo DJ express card. I had the PCMCIA and it was beautiful, simply and easy, plug and go.
I would very much appreciate a review of that one because lets face it. Most of us DJs aren't doing multipultizingzang things. We simply do our basic 2 deck mixes and try not to break a sweat, am I wrong? 🙂
mm i have to say…firewire isn't better than usb 2.0 or it's successor which we'll soon see 3.0
a usb hub is cheap and extends usb ports +4
at first i cringed when buying new mb because they dropped firewire but after doing some research it seems firewire technology will be done soon
No one has mentioned the Motu Ultralite. Its what ive been using for years and its been top class. Lots off in's and out's, firwire, small, light and great control with onboard DSP! Plus Muto are best pals with Mac, so its 100% stable!
[quote comment="15498"]Hey Ean. M-Audio struggled on Tiger and again on Leopard. They recently put out a REALLY stable driver for both Leopard and Tiger. I am actually impressed with them these days. [/quote]
thats good news, I should give them a shot again some time soon.
[quote comment=""]you guys have places that sell Mexican, Chinese and donuts? well, fine sirs, i am guilty as charged!
MDVL from East Los Angeles[/quote]
you guys have places that sell Mexican, Chinese and donuts? well, fine sirs, i am guilty as charged!
MDVL from East Los Angeles
Googling around, it seems as though some have complained of a latency issue with the AudioFire series, particularly when running multiple soft synths in a DAW. Some say the complaint is bunk; others are holding to it.
Anybody have any thoughts?
I agree with Matt.
I've been using the Native Instruments Audio Kontrol 1 and just think it's super rock solid both for playing out and also as a sound card for my studio (Logic Pro, Oxygen 8, KRK VXT 4s) it's unbelievably crisp. The bottom line is it's been designed with the digital dj in mind and so functions just how you'd expect it to. I use it with my vci 100 and it's perfect.
And the bonus midi knobs are pretty cool. I've even played a set just with the Kontrol 1 on it's own and hotkeys
agreed. this is a great soundcard. i also had an indigo dj before this one, and the audiofire 2 does sound and perform better.
the only improvements that i'd like to see are a knob on the front for main output, and the ability to use my mac's system vol +/- buttons to control system-wide output too (volume is locked, not adjustable via sound control panel, only individual apps).
tip for os x users – make sure that the card's clock is set to 'internal' in the 'audio midi setup' utility. otherwise you get clicks and pops.
The Presonus Firebox never lets you down.
what about that native instruments interface…its looking pretty nice
http://www.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=ak…
I have the audiofire2 for a few months now. The drivers are very stable and it sounds very close to the $1500 RME Fireface 800 I use in my studio. So if you mix internally and don't need more inputs or outputs for other reasons then I would definitely recommend this card.
Fast Track Pro drivers haven't died once for me on my g4 powerbook under 10.4.x, or on my new MBP on 10.5.x, been absolutely rock solid. The card is clearly somewhat entry level (the plastic case bugs me, and the outs could be louder), but it doesn't sound dreadful, and the headphone amps can drive a pair of HD25s at uncomfortable volumes – though maybe I'm not deaf enough yet 🙂
Just wish that Traktor Pro was as rock solid as the audio drivers, but that's a story for another day.
I'm agree with Matt, 'cos I use the NI Audio Kontrol 1 too, it's expensive than others, but no problems in two years of constant use for djing, radio spots producing and jamming with an MC and a guitar player while I dj without any crash, the midi buttons and the endless rotary knob on the top are also a good option to use in different ways. (now testing more functions since I added the VCI to my toy collection…) 😎
I got the NI Audio 8 DJ and I think it's the best for Djing. Though a bit expensive, with four stereo outs and ins, as well as Midi in/out and special XLR Mic-input and headphone monitoring out with level knob, it's really made for DJs and the sound is just amazing.
The only bad thing about it is that it's not FireWire but USB2, which means if you got one of those MacBooks you'll probably have to hook a USB hub as those laptops have only dual USB.
No one has mentioned Native Instruments Audio Kontrol 1?!
$249 gets you amazing sound (Cirrus Logic converters) with 4 outputs (essential for DJ's) and a buss-switchable headphone output that allows you to cue off of decks by pushing a hardware button rather than messing with software parameters.
Combine the fully assignable midi controls on top of the unit (instant x-fader) and the fact that you get a FREE $199 synth when you buy one.
Lastly, it must be the most solid build of the above mentioned interfaces. Heavy duty aluminum so you don't have to worry about gigging all over the place and breaking your interface.
Ean,
What is your opinion of the Edirol FA-66?
For me the solution was the A&H Xone 2D… a little bit more than a sound card I agree but in terms of features, setup and connectivity this thing is crazy.
10in /8out sound card (all you need to play with 4 decks in traktor) and of course it is an amazing MIDI controller…
What do you think of those all-in-one solutions like the KORG Zero4 (or 8) or the Ecler Nuo5… if of course the idea is to use it with Traktor or Live?
minuteman
if you posted this ealier, you would've saved me a lot of time 🙂
some weeks ago i was looking for a cheap but good and portable dj interface with midi and a monitor phone output. after days of searching and comparing information in the internet. finaly i ended up buying the audiofire and i'm very satisfied.
@luke: had the same problem. the echo support was very good. it's a configuration problem.
This looks good but I gotta say I love my EMU 1616..Rock Solid drivers, very portable, uses your PCMIA card slot, A nice amount of ins & outs .. To bad you can only find them on Ebay probaly now
Hey Ean. I had the same problem with M-Audio drivers. I actually blew out one of the firewire ports on my 1814 because it would "lose" power when the driver collapsed during a Pro Tools session… yikes. M-Audio struggled on Tiger and again on Leopard. They recently put out a REALLY stable driver for both Leopard and Tiger. I am actually impressed with them these days. I run a LOT of i/o through my 1814 using the lightpipe and analog outs, plus using the SPDIF outs for effects. And, no problems. I load a setting and everything fires up. I would give them another chance, and, at $130, the Fast Track Pro isn't too shabby.
Looks like echo finally got their pci-express card solution out the door.
http://echoaudio.com/Products/ExpressCard/IndigoD…
this card rocked on the regular pci slot.
If i didn't have an audio 8, i'd pick this up in a jiffy.
But, mac users will still have to wait a little longer for the driver to become available according to their site.
These have been coming in around the $179 price range historically.
If I'm feeling really lazy, and not wanting to lug the audio 8 out for mixing in the box, i just may have to pick one up. Ultimate in portability, and they sound pretty damn good.
– Using one channel per player
If you are using two mono channels there is still problem of digital mixing as your SW have to downmix stereo song into one channel(or you are loosing half of your song). I would not go that way, you are far better mixing digitally than. Ok, ableton is whole another story here.
– FTPro
FTPro has -10dB line outputs(two -4dB balanced) and as Ean says it is not meant for club mixers but for studio mixing. Once again to mention it is power hungry and unstable in badly powered (club/caffe) environment.
– audiofire 4
Does it have 4 line outputs plus 2 separate channels for headphones? (that would be 6 software channels)
This is the way MAudio firewire audiophile is done, you can route 6 software channels anyway you want but its outputs are usually listed as 4line+2spdif (where you can rout spdif to phones output).
This is the most amazing sound card that I've ever used for DJing. It's the best bet for the VCI-100 users. I really recommend it, and I couldn't agree more with Ean's review.
I'm using this card for about two years now (first on a pc notebook and now on a macbook) and never had any problems with it. The sound related problems come from the various Traktor bugs. Just update the firmware to the latest version (4.8) and you shall never have issues. The sound quality (due to the A/D converters which some say are the same as in the RME products) is also excellent!
and: what do you think of a headphone test/review? since i am struggelin between an sennheiser, a sony or Denon or something like that.
so, its true, that if i am using ableton live i am able to route the headphone jack as a dedicated output so i can prelisten on those, while the main sounds going out of the master output?
The internal VS external mixing battle onslaught continues!
Camp Analogue vs Camp Digital
Man vs Machine
Who's cuisine will reign supreem!
Nice, would consider as a back up for my audio8 thanks for the info Ean.
i had the echo audiofire2 working on a macbook pro with traktor 3.3 and the sound always crashed after 20min.! I wouldn´t recommend it! I changed the card to the Native Instruments Audio 8dj…the best soundcard out there for djing…imho!
no m audios for me either!
at least no sound cards.
Personally I am not a big fan of the m audio drivers. They have been less than reliable for myself and others. that's a great example of a sound card where you are really paying for the studio features (like mic inputs) that most djs don't really need. I would rather pay the same amount for better quality converters and solid driver development which are things that really matter for djs.
Correction:
The M-Audio runs for around $150; not $130
Check the link for more information on all the features:
http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FastTrackPr…
It sounds cool, but wouldn't you think the M-Audio Fast Track Pro be a much better buy?
Its running for about $130 and it comes with a lot more features:
-2 Mic outputs
-4 Outputs
-Headphone Jack with dedicated volume
-Plus alot more…
I would suggest the M-Audio Fast Track Pro if your looking for a good sound card for less than $200