Confused about soundcards for laptops

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Posted by NuDarkBeat on Mar-03-2010 06:05:

Confused about soundcards for laptops

I know this may sound like a stupid questions but I am having trouble figuring it out.

When DJ's use their laptops to dj, do they have regular soundcards on their laptops? I am having trouble finding laptops with soundcards. Is it common use to have a USB soundcard for your laptop? Just trying to figure out, because I am trying to get my whole setup configured. Thanks!

Posted by dj_macgyver on Mar-03-2010 08:09:

laptops do have soundcards, but it's usually some low-quality material that - apart from the sound quality - also lacks important features like a line in / out. i've only once seen a dj using that to play - and i must say that he'd do better upgrading.

the vast majority of djs will be using an external soundcard with multiple channels (two stereo channels is the absolute minimum in my eyes in order to be able to cue up the next track correctly) and usb and/or firewire connectors. those are also usually a little on the expensive side.

Posted by NuDarkBeat on Mar-03-2010 15:18:

So an external soundcard. What brands are recommended for this?

Posted by keithos27 on Mar-03-2010 15:34:

Native Instruments... I have the Audio 8 DJ and love it. They also make a 4 and 2.

www.native-instruments.com

Posted by Zak McKracken on Mar-03-2010 16:21:

DO u have firewire connection? THen go for Echo Audiofire 4! Its awesome.

Posted by woscar on Mar-03-2010 17:05:

quote:
Originally posted by keithos27
Native Instruments... I have the Audio 8 DJ and love it. They also make a 4 and 2.

www.native-instruments.com

Posted by tvmann on Mar-05-2010 11:08:

Echo Audio has the Indigo DJ and Indigo DJx soundcards that go in the old and new style PCMCIA slots respectively. Decent sound, 2 stereo outputs, and they are very small and convenient, great for entry-level and small-space DJing.

I always leave mine plugged into the notebook and compared to an external USB or Firewire card, the Indigo card simplifies equipment setup and reduces the number of cables to be hooked up.

http://echoaudio.com/Products/Expre...oDJx/index.php#

Posted by chewy dragee on Mar-05-2010 11:50:

No one mentions low latency as important?

Audio 8/4/2 is good, and not too expensive.

Posted by NuDarkBeat on Mar-07-2010 02:31:

Is the audio 8 low latency?

Posted by orTof�nChiLd on Mar-07-2010 02:42:

quote:
Originally posted by NuDarkBeat
Is the audio 8 low latency?

yes, it goes down to 1.0 MS Latency

Or you can try numark's virtual vinyl 5 wich has zero latency, not to sure on its sound quality tho and i think its not sold seperate. You can get it off ebay tho.

Posted by Teezdalien on Mar-07-2010 10:57:

quote:
Originally posted by orTof�nChiLd
yes, it goes down to 1.0 MS Latency

Or you can try numark's virtual vinyl 5 wich has zero latency, not to sure on its sound quality tho and i think its not sold seperate. You can get it off ebay tho.

Is zero latency even possible?

Posted by Zak McKracken on Mar-07-2010 11:25:

0 latency lol. this isnt possible, but also it is determined on your computer power as far as i understand. but seriously check out Echo Audiofire 4 if u have firewire.

Posted by NuDarkBeat on Mar-07-2010 23:34:

what does firewire look like? how do i know if i have it?

Posted by orTof�nChiLd on Mar-08-2010 00:04:

quote:
Originally posted by NuDarkBeat
what does firewire look like? how do i know if i have it?

if you have these ports then you have it, srry for the big pic