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 The Audio 2 stayed off the chopping block but the Audio 4 and the Audio 8 have been replaced by a new Audio 6 and Audio 10.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:
BOOTH AND STUDIO INSTALLATION USING DIRECT THRU:
DJING WITH AN EXTERNAL MIXER:
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.
[…] DJ Tech tools has an article that show you some audio 6 set up possibilities. […]
[…] DJ Tech tools has an article that show you some audio 6 set up possibilities. […]
Please tell me how can i buy traktor audio6 from this web.?
how can i record into my laptop with the audio 6??? i keep getting cueing on my mixes too??? do i have to use the inputs on the front of the audio 6?
TRAKTOR 6 REVIEW: FOR CLUB USE ONLY
This is shit for anything other than a club (to be fair it does say)1. Main output at the front: stupid idea it means you have wires running across your surface
2. Extra load output is way way too loud, it is actually BAD for sound quality to have to have the amp volume turned 1 millimetre for off position
3. No volume control of output: wtf? Good for sound quality (though totally negligible and extremely inconvenient)
Positives:1. Like other NI stuff, bloody brilliant sound quality – lovely deep and crisp without being bright even after no warmup / wear in time
2. Really sorted out their latency and driver issues, works super smoothly and ready for multi-channel headphone monitoring without any setup / button pressing (and no apparent loss of sound quality either unlike with the AK1 for example)
TRAKTOR 6 REVIEW: FOR CLUB USE ONLY
This is shit for anything other than a club (to be fair it does say)1. Main output at the front: stupid idea it means you have wires running across your surface
2. Extra load output is way way too loud, it is actually BAD for sound quality to have to have the amp volume turned 1 millimetre for off position
3. No volume control of output: wtf? Good for sound quality (though totally negligible and extremely inconvenient)
Positives:1. Like other NI stuff, bloody brilliant sound quality – lovely deep and crisp without being bright even after no warmup / wear in time
2. Really sorted out their latency and driver issues, works super smoothly and ready for multi-channel headphone monitoring without any setup / button pressing (and no apparent loss of sound quality either unlike with the AK1 for example)
TRAKTOR 6 REVIEW: FOR CLUB USE ONLY
This is shit for anything other than a club (to be fair it does say)1. Main output at the front: stupid idea it means you have wires running across your surface
2. Extra load output is way way too loud, it is actually BAD for sound quality to have to have the amp volume turned 1 millimetre for off position
3. No volume control of output: wtf? Good for sound quality (though totally negligible and extremely inconvenient)
Positives:1. Like other NI stuff, bloody brilliant sound quality – lovely deep and crisp without being bright even after no warmup / wear in time
2. Really sorted out their latency and driver issues, works super smoothly and ready for multi-channel headphone monitoring without any setup / button pressing (and no apparent loss of sound quality either unlike with the AK1 for example)
Traktor Scratch Pro 2 upgrade works perfect for audio 4 and audio 8
Traktor Scratch Pro 2 upgrade works perfect for audio 4 and audio 8
Traktor Scratch Pro 2 upgrade works perfect for audio 4 and audio 8
Does anyone know if the TSP 2 will work with the older generation sound cards (Audio 4 and Audio 8)
It works with the audio 8 soundcard. I have it but of course I would like to upgrade. No need for me to do that right now due to the new features I need to soak in.
It works with the audio 8 soundcard. I have it but of course I would like to upgrade. No need for me to do that right now due to the new features I need to soak in.
Question… For what is the 3rd channel on audio 6? Its 2 in 2 out? So? 3rd timecode? Or what? I dont understand it…
Question… For what is the 3rd channel on audio 6? Its 2 in 2 out? So? 3rd timecode? Or what? I dont understand it…
Does the mic input on the traktor audio 10 (or the 8) provide phantom power for a condenser mic?? I know the 8 has a proper XLR input and the 10 has a 1/4′ TRS connection, correct me if I’m wrong…
Does the mic input on the traktor audio 10 (or the 8) provide phantom power for a condenser mic?? I know the 8 has a proper XLR input and the 10 has a 1/4′ TRS connection, correct me if I’m wrong…
I don’t think it has phantom power.
it s just for the sample decks
there is a hardware upgrade for 449 for excisting tsp users. includes audio 10dj and new software..
there is a hardware upgrade for 449 for excisting tsp users. includes audio 10dj and new software..
I bet it will have a usb only support like the S4… fallback?
I wonder how plugin in a USB Cable will influence the through-sound? With the audio 8 it was impossible to leave the audio 8 completely cabeled turn the mixer on vinyl and then simply plug the usb without the horrible plop-sound.
I bet it will have a usb only support like the S4… fallback?
I wonder how plugin in a USB Cable will influence the through-sound? With the audio 8 it was impossible to leave the audio 8 completely cabeled turn the mixer on vinyl and then simply plug the usb without the horrible plop-sound.
Eh, not enough of a reason to upgrade my audio8 yet. I feel like they could of held off updates a while longer and dropped something better.
Honestly what a rut! Everyone want dual usb and they give us this shit! Is anyone actually telling these guys what the right thing to do is or are they just pumping out new gear to stay ahead. IMHO Joke!
I have an Audio 8 and would like to know if I will be able to just purchase the software upgrade for Traktor Pro 2 and how much it will cost? I have no interest in buying a new interface as my Audio 8 continues to serve me well.
+1
I recently bought traktor scratch pro mainly because of the ridicuous sale (how can one pass it up right) but TSP2 looks awesome… I would really suck if I have to purchase the new soundcard in order for TSP2 to work with DVS
No you don’t.
You either pay $339 (keep your audio 8 and run TSP2 with it) for certified license or pay $449 (assume you have TSP but no audio 8) for the audio 10.
You can choose to keep either hardware or software, and the upgrade fee for each is different. Basically you save $100 if you decide to run TSP2 with audio 8. But if you find yourself needing audio 10, then you can as well sell your audio 8 and pay 449 to get new sound card + TSP2.
No you don’t.
You either pay $339 (keep your audio 8 and run TSP2 with it) for certified license or pay $449 (assume you have TSP but no audio 8) for the audio 10.
You can choose to keep either hardware or software, and the upgrade fee for each is different. Basically you save $100 if you decide to run TSP2 with audio 8. But if you find yourself needing audio 10, then you can as well sell your audio 8 and pay 449 to get new sound card + TSP2.
Will the extra I/O on the audio 6 be able to be used with timecode as a 3rd deck or is it just for the sample decks and efx send/return?
power adaptor needed for the audio 10 ?
this is really a downgrade.. you have enough cables to plug when using a DVS
for this reason alone the audio 8 is way better
I don’t know if its the DjTechTools site, but it seems like Traktor is the way to go for Digital Djing. I have Serato nd majority of the articles on here are for Traktor. I’m thinkin about getting Traktor Scratch Pro 2. but I have a question Do I have to pay for the Hardware & also the Software? (nd then pay for updates too? thats crazy) Fellow DJ’s out there help me out, please.
nd also does the Midi-Fighter only really work for Traktor? I saw the Cueing nd Looping with the MF for Serato. but is that only what it does for Serato?
you can buy the hardware and software seperately, it depends on what you want to do with it, or both together
point upgrades [1.X] dont cost anything, but im guessing since this is V2 their throwing a little pricetag on it, (still a bit cheap of them)
the midi fighter is a midi controller, so will work with any midi compatible software, and as to what it does its entirely down to how you map the controller, and what you want it to do (within the limits of the software)
Thanks, woof!! I read some other comments about them having to pay for the upgrade. but its just for this new Traktor Scratch Pro 2. I thought they were talking about every software upgrade. Thanks for helping me out.
damn traktor le… then u gotta pay for the update… don’t look like much.. y not just bundle it with traktor.. more money.. for NI… I don’t like this anymore.. paying for updates every time.. I’ll just stick to serato free updates.. ftw…
SL- 1, SSL-3, the new SSL-4 and the two Rane Mixers all open different options in Serato the only way to open some features is to pay for different Rane Hardware, therefore many updates Serato have added over the years are are not exactly free but are actually very costly to get to. I brought Traktor Scratch 3 nearly 4 years ago, got a free update to Traktor Pro when that was first released and recently I bought the new S4, meaning I get Traktor Pro 2 for free. Even if I had to pay the small £50ish update fee to go from Traktor Pro to Traktor Pro 2 I wouldn’t mind as it’s still great value considering Traktor 3 only cost me £380 four years back. In that same four year period an SSL users would of had to spend a couple of thousand plus to get to every new feature Serato have added.
Couple of thousands? You gotta explain this, please.
Every function in SL works with all the SL hardware (if it makes sense). Obviously if you have two external outputs then you’re limited by the hardware. No PAID software upgrade necessary.
At the same time I bought Traktor 3, Serato was at SL1, a bit further down the road if you want access to sample deck and record you then need to pay for SSL-3 or Rane 57, I’m not sure but think post fade fx could only be accessed with the Rane 57. And more recently Serato has introduced 4 decks which can only be accessed via the Rane 68 or soon the new SSL-4.
++
If you go 3 years back from now with Serato and started with the original SL-1 and wanted “every” available current feature up to date you would of had to buy the corresponding piece hardware as it came out
++.
As we all know Serato bang on about free software, but in reality the only way you can access “some” of the new “free” update’s is buy purchasing new hardware, just like Itch with the Vfx 1.
++
I can see how people (SSL users) think NI are out of order for charging small upgrade fee’s just for software. But lets look at the facts. Nearly four years ago I bought Traktor 3 for less money than SL-1, I had instant access to four decks and a wealth of effects, (both features Serato have only recently added). Unlike Serato the Audio 8 has survived without the need to upgrade just to access sample decks, send & return post fader fx and record, all features that are vital to me.
++
To match all those features with Serato I could then argue the cost of Itch should be added too as Traktor is not only the most accurate DVS (thanks to the time code carrier signal being twice the amount of any of it’s rivals) it also operates as a very powerful internal midi dj solution unlike SSL.
++
Despite upgrade fee’s in terms of features Traktor represents immense value for money, especially once you compare it to Serato. Being an S4 and Traktor Scratch Pro owner I get a free pass to Traktor Pro 2, doesn’t sound to bad to me. Sorry for turning this in to a comparison comment, but I think it’s important to see the whole picture before SSL users start getting to excited.
There was NO FREE Upgrade to Traktor Pro from Traktor Scratch. It was an additional upgrade purchase. I am still however a Die Hard Traktor Fan. Lovin it! And lookin forward to T2!!
At the same time I bought Traktor 3, Serato was at SL1, a bit further down the road if you want access to sample deck and record you then need to pay for SSL-3 or Rane 57, I’m not sure but think post fade fx could only be accessed with the Rane 57. And more recently Serato has introduced 4 decks which can only be accessed via the Rane 68 or soon the new SSL-4.
++
If you go 3 years back from now with Serato and started with the original SL-1 and wanted “every” available current feature up to date you would of had to buy the corresponding piece hardware as it came out
++.
As we all know Serato bang on about free software, but in reality the only way you can access “some” of the new “free” update’s is buy purchasing new hardware, just like Itch with the Vfx 1.
++
I can see how people (SSL users) think NI are out of order for charging small upgrade fee’s just for software. But lets look at the facts. Nearly four years ago I bought Traktor 3 for less money than SL-1, I had instant access to four decks and a wealth of effects, (both features Serato have only recently added). Unlike Serato the Audio 8 has survived without the need to upgrade just to access sample decks, send & return post fader fx and record, all features that are vital to me.
++
To match all those features with Serato I could then argue the cost of Itch should be added too as Traktor is not only the most accurate DVS (thanks to the time code carrier signal being twice the amount of any of it’s rivals) it also operates as a very powerful internal midi dj solution unlike SSL.
++
Despite upgrade fee’s in terms of features Traktor represents immense value for money, especially once you compare it to Serato. Being an S4 and Traktor Scratch Pro owner I get a free pass to Traktor Pro 2, doesn’t sound to bad to me. Sorry for turning this in to a comparison comment, but I think it’s important to see the whole picture before SSL users start getting to excited.
I made the mistake once purchaseing from Native Instruments. I had an Audio 8 and it crapped out on me after a year. It took 2 months before they finally replaced it. Their customer Service is horrible and only have one field office in California. The workers are arrogant and refuse to offer you technical support.
customer service was so bad for me aswell. I totally agree with their technical support over the phone, the treat you like your the problem and not the product. I ended up returning scratch pro for sl3
customer service was so bad for me aswell. I totally agree with their technical support over the phone, the treat you like your the problem and not the product. I ended up returning scratch pro for sl3
The new interfaces look great and all, but I was really hoping for them to have added at least two balanced outputs…
looks like the a10 isn’t bus driven which is a huge inconvenience, someone please tell me i’m incorrect
After looking at the connection diagrams and specs on the NI site, I cannot see how you would power the audio 10 with only bus power. The power supply that comes with the a10 is 1200 mA (1.2 amps). USB 2.0 ports don’t have supply more than 500 mA of current. 1200 mA is 140% more than that max 500 mA draw.
Considering what the a10 is capable of; ins/outs/thru/phones, and all that it can do, I don’t see where the electronics could be made efficient enough to be able to be USB bus-powered.
I know guys don’t want to plug stuff in but there are limits to how little power it takes to power something as complicated as an a10 interface.
Well considering the Audio8 was a great value for the money performance wise and they’re selling the 10 at the same price with an upgraded chip, I think that’s fair.
Don’t think I will be upgrading though, the Audio8’s 8in/out suits me fine.
They just are interested to put mo’ money in their bank account. Why don’t realease a software if you have a soundcard you run a traktor scratch pro with timecode with no problems and no tricks just like serato.
F.u.c.k them
what?
Leonel – do you want to get paid when you work? Sure you do. NI employees want the same. Engineering teams don’t just design cool stuff for free. Of course, NI wants to make a profit since it is those profits that get used to finance the development of new stuff. NI wants to make a profit to keep the company healthy for the stockholders, the employees and the customers (like me).
In short, NI is not an arm of a government welfare agency. It is not here to provide “free” benefits to digital DJs in the form of “free” controllers, “free” software, “free” interfaces. “Free” isn’t free — somebody has to pay for that stuff. We all wish that they would give us everything “free” but it isn’t a realistic possibility.
Besides that, would you really want a government-designed DJ controller or government-designed DJ software? Dear Lord, please deliver us from extreme evil….
think about what you said..
when you use traktor you pay for the software and hardware not like serato.. so that might me a little disadvantage to you..
but when you use traktor since you pay for the software, you can use the software without the soundcard.. not like serato.. where it is dependent on the hardware..
if you really want the best of both world..
my suggestion to you is buy serato SL4 then buy the traktor 2 LE..
since the new SL4 will supports asio driver for sure it will work also on traktor.. just download asio driver and timecode then burn it on cd.. or buy a vinyl control…
think about what you said..
when you use traktor you pay for the software and hardware not like serato.. so that might me a little disadvantage to you..
but when you use traktor since you pay for the software, you can use the software without the soundcard.. not like serato.. where it is dependent on the hardware..
if you really want the best of both world..
my suggestion to you is buy serato SL4 then buy the traktor 2 LE..
since the new SL4 will supports asio driver for sure it will work also on traktor.. just download asio driver and timecode then burn it on cd.. or buy a vinyl control…
They just are interested to put mo’ money in their bank account. Why don’t realease a software if you have a soundcard you run a traktor scratch pro with timecode with no problems and no tricks just like serato.
F.u.c.k them
3) what’s the advantage of the “CLUB INSTALLATION SETUP (DIRECT THRU)” ? imo it doesn’t make any sense to not plug in the tts directly into the mixer.
4) how do you switch between DEFAULT and THRU input/output on the Audio6 without a computer? I can’t see any switches/knobs..
3) what’s the advantage of the “CLUB INSTALLATION SETUP (DIRECT THRU)” ? imo it doesn’t make any sense to not plug in the tts directly into the mixer.
4) how do you switch between DEFAULT and THRU input/output on the Audio6 without a computer? I can’t see any switches/knobs..
3) – That is you standard DVS setup right there…..
sorry, that doesn’t make sense to me.
how can that be the standard dvs setup if there’s no computer connected to play audio files with?
so, what’s the advantage of this setup?
start/stop sound by disconnecting the external audio6/10 power supply??
It is typical to have DJ’s using DVS (Vinyl or CD), Midi, and trad DJs using vinyl or CD over the course of one night.
The purpose of the illustration is to highlight that now you can simply leave the interface in place provided the power supply is used.
Previously you would have had to either leave the a laptop plugged in all night or remove the interface when a trad Dj plays.
THAT makes sense! so, the purpose of this new feature is to make not only DJs but also club owners buy the new interfaces ..
thank you for your answer! 🙂
That doesn’t make sense to me.
Previously you could have left the interface plugged in as well. Just use the Traktor Scratch Pro provided cables which NI praised so much. There is nothing new here.
i dont really see the great advantage here too. if someone wanted to change from using traktor scratch to normal vinyl mode, you could just plug out one turntable from the soundcard and plug it into the mixer, mix in the record and then plug out / in the other one. quite an expensive ‘solution’ to this ‘probem’, this soundcard. I think NI is coming close to letting its marketing department take over in terms of ‘new’ features that ‘revolutionize everything’, if they go on like this they really might endanger their leading position. I can already hear the first people being fed up with the shorter and shorter cycles of audio-technological revolution that we are confronted with.. maybe its back to vinyl afterall =)
Didn’t the Multicore cables provide direct through? I always take my soundcard off, and disconnect everything while the other DJ continues his set without any problems, and no need for an AC adapter. did they do away with multicore cables?
yes they did, i also don’t see the point of that and my current testings show a 6db difference playing trad records thru the Audio 6… Trad DJ’s wont much likely being okay playing thru that i guess…
I could be mistaken, but I was wondering the same as you (why use a soundcard instead of a direct connection if not using DVS/a computer?). I believe the soundcard provides a higher signal output than TT’s/CD Players.
questions:
1) Did anyone of you ever plug a guitar into audio4 / audio8 ? did it work out well? (worth it to invest into audio6 for the through function?)
2) couldn’t find any information about the external power supply for audio6 on the NI-Website. How much will it cost?
questions:
1) Did anyone of you ever plug a guitar into audio4 / audio8 ? did it work out well? (worth it to invest into audio6 for the through function?)
2) couldn’t find any information about the external power supply for audio6 on the NI-Website. How much will it cost?
i think u can plug and play with no issue.eventually it’s an ordinary sound card
does the mic input on the audio 10 (or the audio 8 for that matter) supply phantom power to a condenser mic? or is that why you would need an external pre amp?
does the mic input on the audio 10 (or the audio 8 for that matter) supply phantom power to a condenser mic? or is that why you would need an external pre amp?
You need an amp (or pre-amp) between your guitar and the interface, but yeah it works fine.
used audio8 in a studio to record vocals, and is a decent soundcard!
Why did they have to scrap audio 4 and 8 wtf? What about us DJ’s who only need 2 ins and 2 outs but don’t want to spend all that money on an Audio 6?
you can still use the older soundcards, you can just upgrade the software by itself, you dont need to buy the package set, also you will still be able to find audio4/8 djs around, even cheaper!
you can still use the older soundcards, you can just upgrade the software by itself, you dont need to buy the package set, also you will still be able to find audio4/8 djs around, even cheaper!
Buy Audio 4 on ebay. I wonder if they planing to release new driver updates for Audio 4 and Audio 8 card because I own Audio 8 and do not want to buy new hardware.
Why did they have to scrap audio 4 and 8 wtf? What about us DJ’s who only need 2 ins and 2 outs but don’t want to spend all that money on an Audio 6?
This is definietly cool, but I just can’t see the advantages of it. I really would have loved to see a DUAL USB system (like the SL4) to let two DJs play together, but I guess I can always dream….
This is definietly cool, but I just can’t see the advantages of it. I really would have loved to see a DUAL USB system (like the SL4) to let two DJs play together, but I guess I can always dream….
“Compatible with all DJ, performance and audio software”
Including Serato???
“Compatible with all DJ, performance and audio software”
Including Serato???
C’mon you know Serato and Rane and have super tight hardware-software agreement thats not gonna happen
C’mon you know Serato and Rane and have super tight hardware-software agreement thats not gonna happen
doesn’t the serato box work as a hardware dongle for ssl like the audio 4/6/8/10 for tsp?
don’t see why not. as long as there is a Core Audio/Asio driver
does the audio 10 also have the non pc playing feature?
does the audio 10 also have the non pc playing feature?
Direct Thru mode
Direct Thru mode