Connecting TRaktor Z2 to preamp, no sound?
Hello,
Is it possible to connect a Traktor Z2 to a preamp? For some reason, I can’ got any sound.
Here’s my setup:
In the audio setup, either I choose Traktor Kontrol Z2 then the scratch option is activated but I get no sound
Or I choose the ASIO Presonus and I get sound out of my monitors but I can’t scratch, it doesn’t work.
so start at the source…
-
are the meters on the software moving when you play a track?
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are you getting sound out of the mixer in cue?
if not, then you need to make sure you have the sound route configured right in the settings section of the software.
- Are the meters on the software moving when you play a track? As I said, when I choose Traktor Kontrol Z2 then the scratch option is activated, I can see the meters moving on the screen BUT but I get no sound ut of the speakers.
Or I choose the ASIO Presonus and I get sound out of my monitors but I can’t scratch, the scratch function is then disabled.
- I don’t know what that is
You don’t need the FireWire box at all.
Disconnect it altogether, and connect your monitors directly to the Z2. Your monitors are powered - that means the amplifier is “built-in”.
What if what I want to produce music in my DAW?
You can use the Z2 as your output device in the DAW.
Or you can use the F/W device as the output device in your daw. But then you’ll need to disconnect the monitors from the Z2 and connect ‘em to the F/W device.
There a load of ways to connect this - but don’t try to run before you can walk…
Ok, thanks.
I’m really looking for concrete advice on how to hook this up correctly.
It would not be feasible to disconnect the monitors each time I want to switch devices, if only for impractical cable reasons.
This brings me full circle, back to my original question: is my setup (see diagram in my first post) possible? I would like to run the Z2 through my F/W preamp so that I can switch between scratching and music producing with the same monitors.
It can be done. But You’re missing the point mate. There’s no value in using BOTH devices.
Both the Z2 and the Presonus Firebox are AUDIO OUTPUT DEVICES. They both do exactly the same thing.
The F/W device has more OUTPUTS. That means you can route separate channels from your DAW to separate outputs on the F/W device. Since you’re trying to connect your monitors as THE ONLY output from the F/W device, that means you’re only using ONE of the available outs.
The Z2 has an output that you could use as the master out from your DAW. No switching cables or settings in either pieces of software.
Just use the Z2. Unless you’ve got a studio (not DJ) type mixer, you don’t need all those outputs. You’re making it much too difficult for yourself.
Ok, thanks I’ll give it a go.
Isn’t there a difference in quality though between the Z2 soundcard and the Presonus? Isn’t the Presonus better?
It won’t make your productions sound better.
Only what you hear when you play your productions on your set-up.
Very different things…
So it would be preferable to keep the Presonus in the setup.
You can’t use two audio devices in one piece of software at one time.
How would you select both in your DAW?
FireWire is dying anyway.
You can do what you want (Z2 for Traktor/Firebox for DAW) but unless you’ve got a spare mixer lying around (I’m guessing you haven’t) it’ll be a bit of a hack using splitter cables.
Thanks a lot.
I followed your advice and got rid of the Presonus. Now I’m using the Z2 as output and everything works.
I’m curious about how I could compare the ‘quality’ of the Z2 sound card and the my Firestudio. How can I gauge the quality of the Z2 compared with the Firestudio?
Why? Just have fun on a system that works! It’s not worth your time right now.
Why?
Because I would just like to know, that’s all!
Am I replacing a Rolls Royce for a Mini? I’d like to know.
I would like to know if the Z2 is decent enough for producing music.
Sounds like you’ve got a lot to learn before you could even tell the difference.
You haven’t got a “Rolls-Royce” or a ““Mini”, anyway.
You’ve got a DJ mixer with a built in USB audio interface, and a very old FireWire audio interface.
Before this thread you didn’t even know that your monitors DON’T require a separate amp.
I’m trying to help you, mate, but you’re making it bloody hard.