DJ with Ableton through DJ mixer - best interface? 6-out?

[Grievous Angel]

Hi there. I'm thinking about DJing in a different way with Ableton. I'd like to be able to use a DJ mixer while also using Ableton's effects. The way I'd like to do this is:

* route ableton channels to one of two stereo outputs
* connect these channels from an audio interface to the line ins of a DJ mixer - so I can use the cross fader and analogue EQ
* connect the returns from Ableton FX to a third stereo output and route to a spare line in on the DJ mixer

The advantages of this approach are:
* I'll be able to use a hardware DJ mixer - so better ergonomics, better control over EQ and levels, can use the dj mixer to cue up tracks... and, frankly, it will look a bit better
* potentially better sound quality - analogue summing, probably louder than a sound card output, maybe better EQ
* feels more like traditional DJing

Downsides of this approach are:
* some mucking about when playing out - lots more cables to plug in, though not quite as bad as Serato
* still need an interface to trigger tracks in Ableon and control send levels
* I don't know what interface to do this!

So... what do people think of this approach - does it make sense? And what six-out audio interfaces would be good?

Thanks...

[Tarekith]

That's how a lot of us do it over over on Abletonlivedj.com. Personally I use a Traktor Audio 6 to route audio to my Xone62 for DJing, works fine as long as you use the power supply for the Audio 6.

[Grievous Angel]

Thanks Tarekith. Good call on the Traktor 6 - I'll take another look at it.

[102455]

If you invest in a DJ mixer with onboard audio (i.e. Allen & Heath Xone DB4 or DB2) then a lot of the faffing around with
cables, interfaces and PSUs goes away. You just plug a USB cable in.

[subterFUSE]

To add to what Tarekith already said, if you get a DJ mixer with a built-in audio interface then you will eliminate some of the hassle of extra cables. There are a number of choices out there in the market for mixers which offer this. Allen & Heath Xone DB2, Xone DB4, Pioneer DJM-900, DJM-2000 would all make my short list of suggestions.

While I use Pioneer CDJ-2000s when I play gigs, I do still use Ableton Live for making studio mixes at home.
I personally have the Xone DB4 mixer, and added the Xone K2 for controlling Ableton Live.
The nice thing about my current setup is the simplicity. Just 1 USB cable from the mixer to the laptop, and then 1 ethernet cable to connect the Xone K2 to the mixer. The K2 works through MIDI, and I route my audio from Live to the channels on the mixer and mix with the hardware.

[djtallo]

i have xone db4 can you record your mix thru usb cable from mixer in to imac? that is why u need soundcard no?

[102455]

Have you not read the instruction manual?

[djtallo]

yes but if u not using an interface u cant record xone fx thru usb only !

[102455]

Not using an interface? The DB4 is the interface.

It's got 4 stereo sends and 4 stereo returns. Is that not adequate to record the stereo master output?

[djtallo]

i have no line in on late 2013 imac!

[102455]

You don't need a line in - you have a DB4!

[Stromkraft]

Hi there. I'm thinking about DJing in a different way with Ableton....


* still need an interface to trigger tracks in Ableon and control send levels
* I don't know what interface to do this!

I wonder how the Traktor Z2 could work in controlling Ableton. I gave up DJing in Live long time ago. I want it the vinyl way, which Traktor gives me. But doing it in Live is admireable. I can see the possibilities too.

[Da hand]

I agree that the NI cards are very good. I have an Audio 8 and love it (no power supply needed for this one).

Also, while having a DJ mixer as your sound card can sound like a nice all in one solution, it really depends on how you will be using your equipment. If you play out often in different situations and you feel like carrying your DJ mixer with you everywhere (to every gig, house party, jam etc...), then that is ok, but if you want the flexibility of throwing your sound card in the bag sometimes "just in case" you will play... or if there is often already another DJ mixer present at the gigs.... then having a separate sound card and mixer makes mores sense.

[rr.energie]

That's how a lot of us do it over over on Abletonlivedj.com. Personally I use a Traktor Audio 6 to route audio to my Xone62 for DJing, works fine as long as you use the power supply for the Audio 6.

this site is offline

[Tarekith]

Yes it went dead some time back.