Can I Record Internally with CDJ400s?

DJ Life & Community General Discussion
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Can I Record Internally with CDJ400s?

So I have always recorded my mixes internally until I got my new mixer and CDJ400s. When running with TPro I use them in HID mode, externally. But since I am only using an Audio2, I can’t record externally.

I am away from home for the holidays, so don’t have my equipment near, but thought I’d gather some info for when I get back home.

So, running the CDJs in HID mode, using my mixer, as well as my midifighter and other controller, can I set TPro to mix Internally, so that I can record my mixes that way? Will my mixer even be functional, or will I need to controll the EQs and such with my controller?

Thanks for the help!

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you can record internally and mix externally

i think

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Is that using my mixer, or my controller? Not that it matters to me though.

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i dont think the mixer matters. im too lazy to double check, but i think you have a separate option for recording.

EDIT: yup, separate option

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you can record internally, in traktor but it wont record anything you do on the mixer (EQs, faders, etc.) i have the exact same set up and the way i record my mixes is i run a rca>headphone jack cable from my mixers record out to my laptops mic in (15" macbook pro) and record using garage band. works perfect.

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Another thing you could try, and I know it doesn’t utilize your new DJM400, but is using your Hercules Steel as the mixer. As it’s a MIDI device, it will allow you to record internally without any issue. This is one of the many reasons why many people switch to a MIDI mixer (like the DDM4000) or stick with a controller, because of the ease of recording.

As posters said above, you’d have to take the master out of your mixer and route it back into the line in on your computer, and use another audio program to record the mix. How you do this is completely up to you, but that is the only way you’ll be able to record what is actually coming out of your speakers.

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Thanks for the help guys, I think I will just go the easy route and use my Hercules for my mixer. That’s how I’ve always done it anyways in the past, and I’m not a huge FX person with my DJM400, so I can still use the FX from traktor with my MF and Tpro anyway.

Thanks!

8

Now that I think about this a bit more, I really can’t see any advantage of using my CDJs to mix internally just to record, because when using them with Tpro, their FX do no function. Is there are way around this…to use my CDJs, or should I jsut use my controller like I did before I got the mixer and CDJs?

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My honest opinion is that CDJ’s are best used without a laptop. If you use a DVS, it’s really a better use of your money to get a solid controller (VCI/S4). I really think the CDJ and Traktor combo is pretty powerful.

That being said, I’m not knocking you in any way because you have some awesome gear that I wish I myself had at this point in time. But it will really come down to how you want to use it.

Really though, if you want to just resolve this, get the second main out, send a line in to your computer, and just download Audacity (free) and record. It’s not quite as simple as just pressing the record button in traktor, but it will allow you to use the full range of the CDJ kit you have going for you. And it will also record if you decide to actually use the CDJ as a CD player.

What do you enjoy using more? The CDJ/Mixer setup, or having the MIDI controller and doing everything internally through Traktor?

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Thank you again! I am trying to understand this so bare with me.
To be honest, I like the CDJs best without Traktor. It makes me feel like I am doing so much more, beatmatching ect… But for ease of use, I also enjoy using my controllers along side of my CDJs with Traktor to gain some cool effects.

I already have audacity, so what I am not understanding is am I to record with it along with Traktor? Or is Audacity taking it’s place so I can record externally with my CJDs and mixer?

What do I need to run into my laptop, an RCA cable going from my mixer into my laptop?

Thanks again for the help!

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You basically need an RCA cable to the small headphone cable input. You run that into the line in on your computer.

With the above setup, you’ll be able to run audacity to record alongside Traktor, and also when you aren’t using Traktor. It’s one of the major benefits of not mixing internally, is that you can really make the full use of your CDJ’s.

I’m not sure on what the actual cable is, I’m sure someone can chime up with it, but basically once you have the cable and a little fiddling around to get Audacity to record the line in (NOT THE MIC PORT, it can do serious damage to your computer) you’ll be golden for when you want to record your mixes using Traktor, or just using your CDJ’s.

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Ok so let me get this straight so I can sleep in peace haha

I can hook up all my equipment like I had it, mixing externally and using Tpro ok… But what are my settings in Traktor looking like to record externally? My output settings, inputs?

And btw, I have said cable already. It is a RCA to 3.5mm headphone jack. And that goes from my mixer into the headphone jack on my pc?

What are my Audio settings in Audacity?

I guess I am a little confused because I am only running an Audio2, so I didn’t think I had enough outs to record externally.

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Merry Christmas bump!

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if you recall, i have the same gear as you, except i dont use an ext. audio card

i run cdjs hid mode into a powered usb hub, into the first usb port. i connect the control cables into my djm400, as well as audio out from each cdj into the djm.

i then run one set of the djm outputs to my avr for listening / live mixing. i run the remaining djm output to my mic input on my mbp, and audacity picks up the mic input for recording.

in audacity:
host: core audio
playback: built-in output
recording: built-in (2ch)

i do find i have to jack the master gain on the djm way up for it not to be an overall quiet recording.

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Thanks man, I was hoping you would chime in!

Ok, so I have a free out on my DJM, so that into the MIC input correct?
Is this still going to work even though I use my Audio2 as my card?
And lastly, is this for running Traktor WITH Audacity, or purely, external mixing without software?

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edit: yes to your question. i use a 2 > 1 audio splitter

something like this:

[ame=“http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004Z5CP/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00008ZLHG&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0SZ8HMPGJJ4JGN6NYPA0”]Amazon.com: Belkin Audio Y Cable Splitter 1-Mini Plug/2-RCA Plugs (6ft): Electronics@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41JGQR4TJML.@@AMEPARAM@@41JGQR4TJML[/ame]

regardless of ext audio card, if you are:

  1. mixing externally
  2. running output from djm to mic input on mbp

you can record audio. and i only mix with traktor.

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Does there need to be any reconfiguration of the outputs in Traktor in order for the recording or do you just play as you would normally in Traktor and hit record in Audacity?

Thanks for the pic of the cable, I actually have one already, found it in my mess of cords laying around.

And we are sure it’s the MIC in? I read on numerous places that that could damage the PC…I’m on a PC not a Mac if that matters.

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if youre already outputting traktor to your mixer, then no reconfig would be necessary. i cant speak to including a ext. soundcard however.

my mbp has mic in and headphone out. why would running a feed into an input meant for recording a feed damage the pc?

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No idea man, just what I read. Here’ a little snippet from one source.

“Connecting your mixer to a computer can be a little trickier than the previous devices, simply because of the myriad of connections on the back of the machine. First off, when you make any connections, be sure to power the computer down, and unplug it. It’s unlikely you’ll damage anything while plugging in a stereo wire, but it’s best to be safe. Now, on the back of the machine, look for the sound card inputs, some machines have built in sound cards, so the inputs may be located around where the mouse and keyboard are plugged in. Other computers have separate sound cards plugged into one of the expansion slots, either way, look for the Line In (it will be a 1/8” mini jack). DO NOT use the Mic input! This input is very sensitive, and a strong signal could possibly fry your sound card. In my experience, if you are looking at the back of the PC, the 1/8” input to the far left will be the Mic input, the input to its immediate right will be the Line In input. This is not 100% guaranteed however.”

I have a mic in and headphone out like you, so I will give your method a try tomorrow when I get back home. Thanks again for the help!

Oh and one last question. You said in audacity that the host is the core audio. I can’t find this tab or option? Can you help me out?

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sorry, core audio is mac. in audacity, youd be looking for something like “sb live” or “realtek” or whatever the hardware / driver name is.

if you dont have a line in, youll have to use mic in, but ive yet to find a link that discusses the damage as a result of a mix feed. i guess if theres feedback or a surge, maybe? dunno…

i would recommend the mixer be off when plugging in or removing anything.