How to use Traktor 4 with Play differently 1.4 Model Mixer

djwitchdoctor

Hi! I have a question that I cannot find an answer to online.
I have a MacBook running Traktor 4. I want to DJ using an external mixer (Play differently model 1.4) that is not Traktor certified (it’s an analog mixer that doesn’t have built in Traktor supported soundcard).
What is the best quality brand/model external soundcard or interface I should use to output the sound from my MacBook to the external mixer so I can use the external mixer? Should I use Audio 6 or Is there a better soundcard that will produce better quality. If I use a non traktor soundcard then how do I set up the settings to make it all work. If there is a tutorial or online guide I can download that walks me through it I would appreciate it. Or alternatively should I just scrap the idea of a non traktor certified mixer and go for the Xone 96 which is plug and play with Traktor. I mainly mix EDM music.
Thanks.

maniacintosh81

Question is: Do you want to use DVS with Turntables or not? If not you can use any audio interface which is supported by your operating system and has enough outputs. Especially if you are considering a Model 1.4 there are surely much better (and pricier) options than special DVS audio interfaces.

Connect, install drivers (if necessary), go to Traktor settings and set the output routing. Done.

djwitchdoctor

Thanks for the response. I don’t plan on using dvs or turntables at all. I use X1 and F1 controllers to manipulate the tracks within Traktor.
Can you recommend good sound quality external sound cards to use with Mac OS that can output in Traktor to Model mixer?

maniacintosh81

Not so experienced with these kind of audio interfaces (using a Xone:96 with intergrated interface). Even with an external interface I would require a special DVS one with phono preamps. Unfortunately there aren't models supporting 4 decks anymore.

But I would look for Motu, Focusrite, RME or other brands used in music production. Doing a short google research I found two recommendations: MOTU UltraLite mk5 and Focusrite Scarlett 18i20. Both feature 10 line outputs, enough for four decks plus Aux or Return. But never owned one of them myself.

Keep in mind that Model 1 and Model 1.4 are special in many ways. This is nothing bad at all, but you don't have classic EQs on the channel strips for example. Instead you have a high pass and a low pass filter. And a parametric EQ for the Mids. Some love it, others will never get used to it. Similar with 4-band EQs on some Xone-Mixers.

djwitchdoctor

Thank you. This is very helpful. I will do some research.

lord-carlos

I don't know which audio interface has it, but consider one with a D-Subs out/in. That way you don't need to plug in that many cables :)

Isotoxin

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/168726#Comment_168726

Antelope Orion 32. This will cost more than the mixer itself. 😀

For the OP, you just need any external audio interface with at least 8 outputs (4 if count in stereo). It depends from your wallet size.

nachopenades

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/168726#Comment_168726

…and it sounds much better

djwitchdoctor

some of these sound cards have a single 1/4 inch trs output instead of two L and R RCA outs. Any issues when using a 1/4 tra to dual rca splitter cables. Or is that bad for sound quality? Would it be better to have a sound card with rca outs?

maniacintosh81

They have one TRS output for one mono channel, one TRS socket gives you only left or right channel. A TRS to dual RCA splitter wouldn't be of much use with this interfaces. This TRS sockets output balanced signals, RCA is only capable of unbalanced signals. You either need TRS plug to (one) RCA plug cables or even better look for DB-25 to eight TRS plug snake cables. This way you have balanced signals from your audio interface to your Model 1.4.

Balanced signals are more robust against to interferences but this makes usually only makes a real difference if you have to transmit signals over longer distances. Mixer and audio interface should be close to each other.

djwitchdoctor

so if I’m understanding correctly, each output of the sound card (let’s say focus rite for instance) is a mono TS output. So I would need two TS to RCA cables in other to create the L and R inputs for each channel/fader on the mixer…

maniacintosh81

Mono TRS output - not TS! If you really use it with Model 1 or Model 1.4 you really should get a DB-25 to 8 TRS cable.

Isotoxin

TRS - Tip, Ring, Sleeve. Balanced.

TR - Tip, Ring. Unbalanced.

RCA - Radio Corporation of America, they invented this type of connector.

And yes, every audio interface manufacturer counts channels as mono. And you should check specs are the channels balanced or not. Most of the time they are.

And to connect audio interface to the model1.4 you will need 2 TRS or RCA cables per channel. I wouldn't recommend to use RCA inputs.