Quickfire Questions As I Wait For My S4

[JonathanBlake]

Some quickies please -
1. Is my Audio2 DJ 'obsolete' or a must keep?
2. Is my X1 a 'must keep' for a tech/deep/prog house 'long-mixer'?
3. Is there a preference to RCA vs. 6mm stereo line out?
4. Would it be 'better' to use a USB3.0 port to a USB2.0 port (I have both on my Asus)?
Thank you.

[Ashigari]

S4 has a soundcard on it so no need for the audio 2
X1 is nice if you want to use it for decks C/D or EFX 3/4 or some other MIDI stuff but not "needed"
the 6.3mm output is blanced which is better
dont think the S4 benefits from a USB 3 port

[PartyMark]

I would sell the audio 2, no real need since the s4 has a built in card that is as good or better. I would keep the x1, I have an s4 and x1 combo and it is great to allow for more effect control and more access to hot cues.

[JonathanBlake]

Thank you.

[smiTTTen]

Some people have experienced issues with pops, crackles and drop outs. The new version should fix that with updated drivers but you might want to hold on to the Audio 2 just in case you have any issues. There are dozens of threads on this but don't buy into the hype to quickly. If you don't run into any of the above while giving the S4 maximum abuse then by all means sell the Audio2.

There is some Windows optimization work you can do ahead of time. Take a look at the NI tuning tips on their website or the sticky at the top of this forum. You may well not need to do all of it but it's there as a reference.

The S4 is not currently compatible with USB 3.0 so avoid using those ports.

Good luck!
SmiTTTen

[JonathanBlake]

Thanks SmiTTTen - pretty much followed the 'prep' advice to a 'T'. All I need now is the S4! Should be here this week - wooooopppaaaaaa! My only other dilemma is whether to install on TP 1.2.7 or wait for TP2. Once I get my grubby paws on that box, I'm sure I know what will happen!

[smiTTTen]

Install the version that ships then upgrade. The base code will be same and the upgrade will just add or re-write files and maybe some reg settings.

I wish I could get my grubby paws on my s4 more than I do right now!

[bigbeatzz]

I'd keep the x1 and the audio 2, it gives you a tiny setup or a backup. I am actually considering an audio 2 to have in my back with my x1 just in case.

[haze324]

I'd keep the x1 and the audio 2, it gives you a tiny setup or a backup. I am actually considering an audio 2 to have in my back with my x1 just in case.

This right here.


For what a used Audio 2 is going for I'd keep it. It's a back up soundcard. The X1 also serves multiple purposes. I played a 2 deck set-up with my audio 8 and just and X1 and it was a bunch of fun (on the S4 software). There maybe days the S4 is just too big to carry around, and there may be days you want the X1 to control more than the S4 can alone.

Basically, you already got it. You can keep making us of it. So keep it.

[manchild]

Yea def keep the audio 2 untill your satisfied that the s4 soundcard is reliable on your computer. I have an older asus (k60ij) and the s4 is flawless on it except that the wi-fi interferes w the usb ports somehow when it's on and i get pops and drop outs. I simply turn it off.
The TRS outputs are balanced and superior to rca, but in most cases where you might be plugging into a mixer 6 ft away you'll never know the difference. Balanced outputs are really only beneficial when your cabling long distances and the wires are more prone to emf interfierence (spelling?).
I personally have a x1 to go w/ the s4. I use it for control of fx banks 3/4, key in decks a/b, some combo fx, and bass cuts in deck a/b. It basically takes care of the stuff that the s4 doesnt, but I could def live without it.