Using External Mixer

[Dgehring4867]

I am trying to use an external mixer but I am unable to split the sound output between the two decks. Obviously without the ability to split the sound between decks, then I cannot cue and cannot mix properly at the events I perform.

It my be a Dell laptop issue, but I am hoping that you tell me otherwise. Dell Studio 1530 Laptop.

[RoJeC]

Your audio setting has to be External mixer.

You do need an external soundcard as you need 2 stereo outputs.

Please provide some more details on your setup for further assistance. Like capture of your audio settings and mixer.

[Dgehring4867]

So like a USB plug and play model ($10 or less on Amazon)? I thought it was a hardware issue but then I downloaded a free version of another DJ Software and I was able to use the mixer with a split cable (left deck and right deck) at least during the trial run. Seems weird that the other version was able to use my internal card but Cross is not.

So am I on the right track with the external card?

[Dgehring4867]

Ok, I now have an external sound card hooked up to laptop. In Cross, I cannot assign more than one output (it by default puts the other outputs on "none." So I still cannot split the sound from the decks.

[RoJeC]

If you have windows you need to install asio4all driver. Can be downloaded from asio4all.com.
Start Cross. Select it. Open settings. Click at right bottom for advanced mode so you can select multiple soundcards. Only select cards and channels you need as every channel takes cpu capacity. It depends on each sc driver what options you have.

If you have a mac you have to use aggregate device.

More details are available in the manual.

[DJ Vintage]

Perhaps it helps to say you need an external soundcard with TWO stereo outputs. Those are made specifically for DJs and also more general purpose ones are made.

When you have one of those, in Cross they will show up as someting like front L/R and back L/R or channel 1/2 and channel 3/4. You set one stereo output to one deck and the mixer setting to external mixer. Now you hook up the output from channel 1/2 on your soundcard to channel 1 on your mixer and channel 3/4 output to channel 2 on your mixer and you are good to go.

The split cable option that I know exists in DJ software, splits the master and headphone (cue) signals to respectively the L and R output of your built-in soundcard. The cable than makes for two pseudo-stereo outputs (mono sound though). You run one set of leads into amplifier/active speakers/mixer and the other in your ear. This is particularly handy if you use something like iPad DJ-ing without a controller. This solution is made to let you mix inside the software, not with an external mixer.

Perhaps some software allows you to assign deck 1 and deck 2 to the L and R outputs of your own soundcard, but I don't know about that option.

In all cases, using your laptops built-in soundcard for producing two mono outputs is, in general, not a very good idea.

Better two use a (DJ) soundcard with (at least) two stereo outputs.

Hope that helps some.

[RoJeC]

Perhaps it helps to say you need an external soundcard with TWO stereo outputs. Those are made specifically for DJs and also more general purpose ones are made.

'Need' is a little to strong. Joining 2 single stereo output soundcards will do.
Nevertheless a 4 channel (2 stereo) out and 4 inputs is the common standard (starting at like $/€ 25). Main advantage is that you have all in 1 soundcard, so just 1 driver that is active.

[DJ Vintage]

Also you'll have matching sound levels and same output impedance. RCA output from a soundcard is usually different from a HEADPHONE output on a laptop in that respect. Meaning you'll get mismatched levels and loads on your mixer channels.

And for the esthetics ... it just looks pretty sloppy too

Just my opinion of course.

[RoJeC]

It's all a matter of budget vs reliability(etc). Dual soundcard works fine at home and as a backup. The USB can also create a quick way to create an additional input.

When you want to perform, a single multi channel soundcard is the way to go (or the build in one of a controller).

Please don't hesitate to ask more info as in the end shared knowledge might be the best way to help you deciding how to spend your money and time.