[SOLVED] DVS-Pack MK2 with U46 MK2: To buy or not to buy?

[HardtraX]

Hi everyone,

I currently consider the purchase of the MixVibes DVS-Pack MK2 consisting of an ESI U46 MK2 soundcard, MixVibes DVS 7, some cinch-connectors and control vinyls (are control-CDs included too? I can't remember...).

Actually, the included MixVibes DVS 7 software bundle and control-vinyls/CDs are not really that important to me and the reason why I would perhaps like to buy the bundle is the included soundcard. It currently seems to be the only available USB-soundcard which matches my required specifications for my production- and live-performance needs at an acceptable price.

Even though I do both live-PAs and DJ-sets, I use Pioneer CDJ 1000 MK3-players when I play in clubs and hence MixVibes DVS 7 is not really necessary for me. During many international gigs in the past years, these CDJs have proven to be the most reliable DJ-solution and thus all my questions are related to the included U46 MK2 soundcard.

A friend of mine owns the ESI U46 SE which is pretty similar apart from the casing-colour and the missing phono-preamp. It functions very well but once in a while, the first cinch stereo-outputs cease to work and each time the card has to be returned for repair. This has happened 3 times already in only 5 or 6 months! Hence, my first (and most important) question is:

Does the U46 MK2 soundcard included in the DVS-Pack suffer from similar quality-problems as the U46 SE?

While the ESI U46 SE is not available anymore and cannot convince with reliability, another ESI soundcard called the ESI U46 XL also exists. However, the price-tag is a mere 70 Euros below the DVS MK2 package and there is no phono-preamp function included either. This feature could come in very handy when I feel the need to digitize some records from my vinyl-collection. On top of that, for the above mentioned additional 70 Euros there is not only the phono-preamp feature but also a complete MixVibes DVS 7. I need a soundcard pretty soon for upcoming gigs and thus I must take a decision until next week.

When I play gigs as a DJ, I normally mix on Pioneer CDJ-players with audio-CDs mainly containing my own productions, demos sent in by other DJs/producers, MP3-Promos provided by labels and some unreleased music. So here comes my second question that makes me feel reluctant about buying the MixVibes DVS-Pack MK2:

Theoretically, which advantages would I gain by using a MixVibes setup in clubs instead of mixing with CDJs?

So far, I only see drawbacks. With a timecode-vinyl solution I would have to carry a laptop and an external HDD with me on each travel, I get back all the disadvantages of turntable-usage like for e.g. the limited pitch-range of 8% on Technics SLs and skipping needles etc. and I would be again exposed to the eventual risk of possible crashes. Indeed, I already managed to get a crash with a blue display on a Technics SL-DZ CD-player already, but I never had any problems with properly functioning Pioneer-devices. I am not too keen of the vinyl-feeling while mixing because I have lots of fun using CDJs. The argument of having "true, authentic vinyl feeling" and "actually touching the media" does not count for me because I also feel comfortable with jog-dials.

Well, it would be great if you could give me a little help with my decision of a purchase. I am still undecisive on whether the investment of 209 Euros for the DVS MK2 package is justified for my needs or not.

Thanks in advance!

[compact]

Hi everyone,

you´re welcome!

I currently consider the purchase of the MixVibes DVS-Pack MK2 consisting of an ESI U46 MK2 soundcard, MixVibes DVS 7, some cinch-connectors and control vinyls (are control-CDs included too? I can't remember...).

yes, it comes with control cd´s!

Actually, the included MixVibes DVS 7 software bundle and control-vinyls/CDs are not really that important to me and the reason why I would perhaps like to buy the bundle is the included soundcard. It currently seems to be the only available USB-soundcard which matches my required specifications for my production- and live-performance needs at an acceptable price.

Even though I do both live-PAs and DJ-sets, I use Pioneer CDJ 1000 MK3-players when I play in clubs and hence MixVibes DVS 7 is not really necessary for me. During many international gigs in the past years, these CDJs have proven to be the most reliable DJ-solution and thus all my questions are related to the included U46 MK2 soundcard.

A friend of mine owns the ESI U46 SE which is pretty similar apart from the casing-colour and the missing phono-preamp. It functions very well but once in a while, the first cinch stereo-outputs cease to work and each time the card has to be returned for repair. This has happened 3 times already in only 5 or 6 months! Hence, my first (and most important) question is:

Does the U46 MK2 soundcard included in the DVS-Pack suffer from similar quality-problems as the U46 SE?

no, it doesn´t the u46mk2 is a fine soundcard...the esi46se has a bug on the output!

While the ESI U46 SE is not available anymore and cannot convince with reliability, another ESI soundcard called the ESI U46 XL also exists. However, the price-tag is a mere 70 Euros below the DVS MK2 package and there is no phono-preamp function included either. This feature could come in very handy when I feel the need to digitize some records from my vinyl-collection. On top of that, for the above mentioned additional 70 Euros there is not only the phono-preamp feature but also a complete MixVibes DVS 7. I need a soundcard pretty soon for upcoming gigs and thus I must take a decision until next week.

i never heard of an xl, maybe someone else knows...

When I play gigs as a DJ, I normally mix on Pioneer CDJ-players with audio-CDs mainly containing my own productions, demos sent in by other DJs/producers, MP3-Promos provided by labels and some unreleased music. So here comes my second question that makes me feel reluctant about buying the MixVibes DVS-Pack MK2:

Theoretically, which advantages would I gain by using a MixVibes setup in clubs instead of mixing with CDJs?

you don´t have to carry your cd´s

So far, I only see drawbacks. With a timecode-vinyl solution I would have to carry a laptop and an external HDD with me on each travel, I get back all the disadvantages of turntable-usage like for e.g. the limited pitch-range of 8% on Technics SLs and skipping needles etc. and I would be again exposed to the eventual risk of possible crashes. Indeed, I already managed to get a crash with a blue display on a Technics SL-DZ CD-player already, but I never had any problems with properly functioning Pioneer-devices. I am not too keen of the vinyl-feeling while mixing because I have lots of fun using CDJs. The argument of having "true, authentic vinyl feeling" and "actually touching the media" does not count for me because I also feel comfortable with jog-dials.

i think mixvibes7 together with your Pioneer´s make a fine combo!

Well, it would be great if you could give me a little help with my decision of a purchase. I am still undecisive on whether the investment of 209 Euros for the DVS MK2 package is justified for my needs or not.

since mv7 is a good solution for cd´s also, the mv46k2 is a good soundcard and last not least mv7 is a superdope software...i would say: yes!

Thanks in advance!

[HardtraX]

Does the U46 MK2 soundcard included in the DVS-Pack suffer from similar quality-problems as the U46 SE?

no, it doesn´t the u46mk2 is a fine soundcard...the esi46se has a bug on the output!

Aaaah yeah, that's the most important answer I have been waiting for! And it's a very fast reply too! Vielen Dank.

So this is the reason why the ESI U46 SE's first pair of stereo-outputs keeps on dying! More importantly, it's great to hear that the U46 MK2 does not have the same problem.

You never heard of the XL-version? This is it: Link to German eGay auction

It essentially adds an XLR-jack for a microphone but unlike the MK2-model it does not sport any phono pre-amp which sucks a lot.

You pointed out that I don't need to carry my CDs when I use MixVibes but... uh... hmm... erm... well... I think that a laptop, HDD and timecode-vinyls are a lot more to carry and setup, haha.

Still, MixVibes DVS 7 may be worth a try to record mixes at home since I don't have any CDJs of my own (yet).

Anyway, since I have no clue whether the U46 XL suffers from the same output-bug as the U46 SE or not, it becomes more and more likely that I may order the DVS MK2 package in the next 3 days or so. I read in another (German) thread on this forum that only 3 out of 1000 U46 MK2 were returned faulty which is a damn good number.

Thanks for your swift answers DJ mello d!

[phadedvision]

I've seen the XL on djdeals, but I'd assume it works fine? I've used the MK2 for tons of different things, even just running my computer sounds through my monitors, and I can say it'll definitely hold up to whatever you give it, especially for the price!

[compact]

my point was that you can put a lot more tracks on a hd than in a case fully packed with cd´s....the tc vinyls are around 120g each and your laptop maybe 2kg but yes you´ll have to setup everything before spinning.

for me, who was carrying around 2 boxes of vinyl for each gig or even for spinning at a small club or party, now having one little bag with my laptop and vinyls ect. is much more comfortable

so for 209€ you get a full funktional and very stable DVS system, including a soundcard with phono preamps for ripping vinyls (check out "vinyl ripper" on this page, too )

i really can´t say anything more about the esi cards, only that the u46mk2 by mixvibes is like the u46dj from esi but with improved hardware..they changed some things inside and obvious the outside design.

if you make your choice for the DVS pack, feel free to post your expierences on the german forum, if you like too!


vielen dank.


mello-d.

[HardtraX]

Alright, after I had a complete rundown of all the possible alternative soundcards on the market I feel convinced now. I will place my order on Monday to get hold of the DVS MK2 pack.

I am going to post my experiences into the German section as soon as I got my hands on the package.

[polocorp]

you're good to go then Hardtrax. I'm sure you'll be happy with your purchase