How to: better volume/sound? Traktor Kontrol Z1 with RCA cable to active speakers

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Comments

  • lord-carlos
    lord-carlos Member Posts: 3,876 Expert

    Volume in the traktor software is at 100%? You can see it in the top center in the UI.

    I got an Z1 and it seems fine with any kind of active speaker.

  • Willi74
    Willi74 Member Posts: 12 Member

    Thank you for the new tips, but unfortunately none of them work.

    I am 100% sure that all settings in the software and windows are correct. It must be the line input of the speakers. The sound is like coming through a window pane, quiet and muffled.

    I've read a lot on reddit that other people have similar problems on Klipsch speakers...one has great sound via line but bad via USB, the other great via USB but bad via aux etc. The Klipsch model r50pm is relatively new, maybe there will be a firmware update if many people report this problem, we will see. Unfortunately I wasn't able to test the Z1 on the PA speaker last week, but I'll be able to at the weekend. If it produces good sound then it will definitely be the Klipsch speakers.

  • lord-carlos
    lord-carlos Member Posts: 3,876 Expert

    If jack stick works on the Klipsch, then you could buy a RCA to jack 3.5mm cable.

  • Willi74
    Willi74 Member Posts: 12 Member

    Thanks lord-carlos, I already have one...sound is a little better vs cinch - line in, but still far away from good.

    I now had contact with the DJ experts from the store I bought the Z1.

    Quote: "Unfortunately, I also know the problem with the low output, but from the Traktor A6 sound card. Similar specs and difficult to use without an intermediate mixer for signal amplification. Likewise, the sound is flat to linear, not colored, as is usual with other sound cards in the DJ sector. It is therefore quite possible that the Klipsch speakers cannot cope with this because they are designed for a completely different use.

    I can't say from experience whether an additional mixer makes sense in this constellation, as I use other monitors and an additional mixer for gain adjustment. Either that or a different sound card (not from Native Instruments) would be the solution. Unfortunately."

    So I'll give it a try this saturday with PA speakers and we'll see...

  • Willi74
    Willi74 Member Posts: 12 Member

    Happy ending!!!

    As a last attempt I ordered a small mixing console "Behringer 302 USB" from Amazon, if it doesn't work with the Z1 then just return it. It arrived today and what can I say...mega sound via all connections, my expectations have been exceeded.

    Thank you very much for your help, happy holidays, Cheers Willi

  • zephry
    zephry Member Posts: 694 Guru
    https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/119072#Comment_119072

    I am just curious, how are you routing into and out of the Behringer 302. And DJing?

  • Willi74
    Willi74 Member Posts: 12 Member

    I plug the Behringer into the laptop via USB for power and connection and set it as soundcard in Windows and DJ software. Via the output I go into the speakers with RCA. This gives me the advantages of a good audio interface, which makes the speakers sound much better than with the laptop alone. I also have a small EQ, gain and master control and can connect additional devices.

    I only connect the Z1 to the laptop via USB, so I can control the DJ software perfectly and have the great sound of the Behringer.

    This way I can also be sure that I have a working setup for other speakers, e.g. parties, without always doubting whether the Z1 will work with the speakers or sound like trash.

    In addition, the Behringer is really very small and means no stress about transportation or space. And it looks very stylish 😎

  • zephry
    zephry Member Posts: 694 Guru
    https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/119353#Comment_119353

    Ah ok. Perfect. I use a tiny Behringer UCA222. For getting volumes right when live streaming. It is a lifesaver. I used it with Ableton and also for my cheap laptop for editing playlists and mappings.

    Very cool you got it all figured out.

    Are you going to use a sub with the Klipsch speakers?

  • Willi74
    Willi74 Member Posts: 12 Member

    I also have a subwoofer, Klipsch R-101SW, actually rather a nice to have, as the speakers already have really good bass. On Black Friday I got a great offer from the dealer, so I thought...come on, let's do it.

    It's very powerful, max. 30% of sub gain is more than enough with this combo, otherwise, I guess, the neighbors would hate me.

    Thanks a lot for your interest in helping me out, have a lovely Christmas, Cheers Willi

  • Azzzido
    Azzzido Member Posts: 4 Newcomer

    I am facing the same problem on a pair of H&K HD10s. Did you find a solution?

  • Willi74
    Willi74 Member Posts: 12 Member

    Hey Azzzido,

    my solution for the Klipsch speakers is an external audio interface / mini mixer, see previous posts.

    The fact is that the Klipsch speakers (in my case) are simply not compatible with the Z1, but deliver very good sound with another sound card, in this case the "Behringer 302 USB".

    The Z1 works great with various other loudspeakers / PA systems, I have been able to test this in the meantime, but not with the Klipsch.

    Maybe you can also try a different audio interface?

    


    

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