What 'good value' audio interface shall I get?

[Nav]

Have been giving the opportunity to record some of my friends guitar skills to incorporate in to tracks. He has a pod line 6 if that helps with this decision, it uses standard 1/4inch connection.

My dilemma is I want a sound card, great for DJing, Live Performances and of course recording this guitar. I don't need loads of inputs and outputs. 1 input would do me and as long as I can route one output to the PA/stero and 1 to headphones I'll be happy.

As for output connections, this is where I am getting a bit confused. Not much experience setting up in clubs/venues as this is normally done for me, but I want to change this.

I see for example the N.I. DJ range has phono style outputs which would be great for a DJ setup and then the Audio Kontrol has what appears to be 1/4inch outputs. Do I need both types of output?

Really appreciate some clarification and advice on what to get with out spending a ton of cash, thanks

[jer_mcclain]

take a look at the tc electronic konnekt 6, its 199.00
http://www.tcelectronic.com/desktopkonnekt6.asp

i have one and it sounds great. it has had very good reviews as well.

[Nav]

Wow this looks nice and on budget.

How does it sound? Would be ok in a club?

[contakt321]

You will want an interface with 4 outputs if you plan on DJing. Check out the Novation NiO.

[jer_mcclain]

yeah, if you are going the dj route you may need more outs. you can step up up to the konnekt 8 for 299. i like the sound, i think its a lot better than the m-audio firewire solo that i replaced. the sound on sound review was very favorable if you put stock in such things.

[superstock73]

check out the Focusrite Sapphire 6 usb. I recently switched from an NI AK1 which was super buggy. So far the Focusrite has been flawless. I use it for both DJn and Live PA with Ableton on an aluminum Macbook. 4 stereo outs and midi in/out. $199 new.

[muthafunka]

Macbook Pro here and never had a hint of trouble with AK1 in any situation. Go check their forums for reports.
AK1 w/GR3 was $150 here http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic ... k1#3967880
Don't know if it's still available.

[rikhyray]

yeah, if you are going the dj route you may need more outs. you can step up up to the konnekt 8 for 299. i like the sound, i think its a lot better than the m-audio firewire solo that i replaced. the sound on sound review was very favorable if you put stock in such things.

No need for Konnekt 8 or 24D for Djing, the Desktop has separate cue out. Konnekt series have the best sound for under 1000 $. Unfortunately the drivers are poor. I realised TC will never fix it, and users know it by now, just sold my 24D, used perhaps for 5 hours and got only 180 Euro for it (was 399). 24D and 8 are uselessly bulky and stupid routing which you cant change, 48, Live and the Impact are better this way, but for DJ Konnekt 6 Desktop is the best.
For the money you get outstanding sound quality, the layout,controls make it perhaps most DJ friendly card- had once a gig, had to use it and iloved it. If new MBP will be without express slot I will get Konnekt 6 desktop myself.
Another "steal" deal are the DJ2 NI cards, in fact any NI soundcard is great deal for the money.

[andydes]

DJ mixers generally have phono inputs, but don't worry about the output sockets. 1/4" to phono adapters (or the other way round) are dead cheap. Sound cards with 1/4" outputs are usually balanced (ie, 3 core cables used to reduce noise, which can be handy), but if connected with regular 2 core cables use regular line levels.

You should mention whether you need usb or firewire. Firewire is good on macbook pros, but not available on macbooks and can have problems on PCs, depending on the system.

I have a firebox, which is tough and reliable for DJing and has pretty decent mic/instrument ins for the price.

My flatmate just got a NI 4 DJ, but it just arrived today, so I can't say much about it. No instrument ins I see. Would need a separate preamp for recording guitar.

[STRATEGY_510]

take a look at the tc electronic konnekt 6, its 199.00
http://www.tcelectronic.com/desktopkonnekt6.asp

i have one and it sounds great. it has had very good reviews as well.

Are we sure this one can't be used for DJing?

I know it only has single stereo outs, but what about this feature:

"Headphone out with separate level control and separate source"

Wouldn't 'separate source' on the headphone out accommodate the need for DJ style cueing?


Thanks,
STRATEGY

[Nav]

Great advice guys.

I have a white macbook which does have firewire so I can use either.

The headphones out would work as it is assignable, but if I want to do more like use an external DJ mixer I'll need the extra outs. Saying that I am not sure if I will do that.

[rikhyray]

take a look at the tc electronic konnekt 6, its 199.00
http://www.tcelectronic.com/desktopkonnekt6.asp

i have one and it sounds great. it has had very good reviews as well.

Are we sure this one can't be used for DJing?

I know it only has single stereo outs, but what about this feature:

"Headphone out with separate level control and separate source"

Wouldn't 'separate source' on the headphone out accommodate the need for DJ style cueing?


Thanks,
STRATEGY

Yes it does. I did a show with K 6, so That is how I am so sure. Reading this thread reminded me how much I liked it, the main and cue controls much easier to use and see and that big illuminated knob was really great.Now I think about getting one.

[slicedbread]

+1 for saphire. i loooove mine.

[Nav]

Well thanks for all the advice I just ordered a Saffire 6 USB. It was the right price and I get it tomorrow!

[l0ader]

Does Sapphire 6 has independent ASIO channel for the headphones output?