# Do I need a soundcard for this upgraded set-up? **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Created:** [November 19, 2010, 7:18pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/do-i-need-a-soundcard-for-this-upgraded-set-up/16143 "2010-11-19T19:18:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Gryz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/gryz/32/12521_2.png) [@Gryz](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Gryz)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2010, 7:18pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/do-i-need-a-soundcard-for-this-upgraded-set-up/16143/1 "2010-11-19T19:18:15Z")
**Do I need a soundcard for this upgraded set-up?** So I am wanting to get into using CDJs. The ones in my budget I was looking at and reading about were the Numark NDX 400s. In addition, the mixer I was looking at is the Xone 42. I would then get rid of my controller (still keeping the midifighter of course) and run off of that. I am confused about my soundcard though… 1. If I were to continue to use Traktor, I would need to upgrade to Scratch and also purchase timecode cds correct? I would also need to upgrade my soundcard to a 4 channel right? 2. With this mixer and it’s effects, I could also lose Traktor altogether and just run burned MP3 cds through the Numarks…eliminating a laptop alltogether. Do I need also need a soundcard if this is the route I am going to take, or do the CD players plug directly into the mixer as well as my speakers? Upgrading my soundcard is pricy, and I am hoping that #2 will allow me to not need one at all…at the expense of losing Traktor though. Thank you! ---
**Author:** ![photojojo](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/photojojo/32/14618_2.png) [@photojojo](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/photojojo)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2010, 7:45pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/do-i-need-a-soundcard-for-this-upgraded-set-up/16143/2 "2010-11-19T19:45:29Z")
I don’t think the 42 is Traktor Scratch certified so you’ll need at least and Audio 4 to run two CDJ’s. With the price of TSP right now though I think that would be the best choice and you’ll get the Audio 8 with it. ---
**Author:** ![Gryz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/gryz/32/12521_2.png) [@Gryz](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Gryz)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2010, 8:51pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/do-i-need-a-soundcard-for-this-upgraded-set-up/16143/3 "2010-11-19T20:51:23Z")
What if I were not to run any software at all, no laptop? Just simply the mixer and the two CDJs…would I still need a soundcard? ---
**Author:** ![basspenetrator](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/basspenetrator/32/11426_2.png) [@basspenetrator](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/basspenetrator)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2010, 9:16pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/do-i-need-a-soundcard-for-this-upgraded-set-up/16143/4 "2010-11-19T21:16:35Z")
> [@Gryz](#): > > What if I were not to run any software at all, no laptop? Just simply the mixer and the two CDJs…would I still need a soundcard? no, cdjs directly via rca into the mixer and you’re golden. ---
**Author:** ![Gryz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/gryz/32/12521_2.png) [@Gryz](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Gryz)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2010, 9:24pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/do-i-need-a-soundcard-for-this-upgraded-set-up/16143/5 "2010-11-19T21:24:41Z")
> [@](#): > > no, cdjs directly via rca into the mixer and you’re golden. And as far as my speakers go? They also just directly plug into my mixer using the same input that I am currently using in my Audio 2DJ for them? ---
**Author:** ![Ross](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/ross/32/13036_2.png) [@Ross](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Ross)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2010, 9:28pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/do-i-need-a-soundcard-for-this-upgraded-set-up/16143/6 "2010-11-19T21:28:26Z")
That depends what speakers you’re using..? ---
**Author:** ![Gryz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/gryz/32/12521_2.png) [@Gryz](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Gryz)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2010, 9:33pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/do-i-need-a-soundcard-for-this-upgraded-set-up/16143/7 "2010-11-19T21:33:52Z")
Well I’m using laptop speakers at the moment, but have the correct adapter which allows them to fit into the Audio 2. Logitech Z4s if it matters. After looking at the rear, I don’t think I could use them…is there an adapter or way around this? ---
**Author:** ![Ross](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/ross/32/13036_2.png) [@Ross](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Ross)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2010, 10:01pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/do-i-need-a-soundcard-for-this-upgraded-set-up/16143/8 "2010-11-19T22:01:42Z")
The Audio 2 uses balanced outs doesn’t it? ---
**Author:** ![Gryz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/gryz/32/12521_2.png) [@Gryz](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Gryz)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2010, 10:04pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/do-i-need-a-soundcard-for-this-upgraded-set-up/16143/9 "2010-11-19T22:04:29Z")
I believe so. I edited my post right before you replied…have a look at the pic. ---
**Author:** ![padi\_04](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/padi_04/32/56291_2.png) [@padi\_04](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/padi_04)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2010, 10:18pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/do-i-need-a-soundcard-for-this-upgraded-set-up/16143/10 "2010-11-19T22:18:10Z")
stereo 1/4 = mono balanced so you can just output a balanced pair, correct me if i’m wrong please 🙂 back on the post, if you use only cdj+mixer you don’t need a soundcard. if you are planning to plug your logitech speakers to the mixer then why not using the booth or record outputs? I’m pretty sure they won’t benefit from balanced audio. you can’t connect speakers into INPUTS (well, actually you can’t but you won’t get any sound) because they need to be feeded with an audio source, not the other way around) so, if you want to control traktor with your cd players you need to route them through an audio 4/8DJ and then the soundcard into separate mixer inputs, speakers connect to the mixer’s out. with your current soundcard you could use the cd players on 2 channels and plug the audio2dj (with traktor) into the other two as well. again, speakers connected to the mixer. https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tr6lFLMDE7E?feature=oembed&wmode=opaque ---
**Author:** ![Gryz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/gryz/32/12521_2.png) [@Gryz](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Gryz)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2010, 10:20pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/do-i-need-a-soundcard-for-this-upgraded-set-up/16143/11 "2010-11-19T22:20:57Z")
> [@](#): > > stereo 1/4 = mono balanced > > so you can just output a balanced pair, correct me if i’m wrong please 🙂 I have no idea what that means haha. Does that mean I need a splitter from 1/4" to RCA? ---
**Author:** ![Ross](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/ross/32/13036_2.png) [@Ross](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Ross)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2010, 10:42pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/do-i-need-a-soundcard-for-this-upgraded-set-up/16143/12 "2010-11-19T22:42:29Z")
Surely you could just use the booth outputs? ---
**Author:** ![padi\_04](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/padi_04/32/56291_2.png) [@padi\_04](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/padi_04)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2010, 10:50pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/do-i-need-a-soundcard-for-this-upgraded-set-up/16143/13 "2010-11-19T22:50:19Z")
well, audio 2 dj is supposed to be bundled with a pair of 1/4 stereo to RCA 🙂 so you can just plug that into the mixer. Why not use booth? he just need’s to remember to use the booth volume instead of the main. all the output’s are supposed to carry the same signal, just that master and both have independent volume and record has a static one. In some mixers Booth is even labled Master 2… ---
**Author:** ![Gryz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/gryz/32/12521_2.png) [@Gryz](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Gryz)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2010, 12:25am UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/do-i-need-a-soundcard-for-this-upgraded-set-up/16143/14 "2010-11-20T00:25:35Z")
My speakers have only one wire…the one I put into my Audio2 which is like you said, a 1/4" input. Do I need 2 RCAs to go into the booth? I guess I don’t understand why I am using the Audio 2 which would require me to plug it in to a laptop, which I am trying to get rid of anyway…or are you suggesting I just use the RCA cables which came with my Audio2 to plug into the booth? — if so, like I said, my speaker have only one wire… ---
**Author:** ![Ross](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/ross/32/13036_2.png) [@Ross](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Ross)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2010, 12:32am UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/do-i-need-a-soundcard-for-this-upgraded-set-up/16143/15 "2010-11-20T00:32:02Z")
To connect the mixer straight to the speakers, you’ll need an adapter. As i assume they just use a regular headphone jack? This is the cable you’ll need… ---
**Author:** ![Gryz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/gryz/32/12521_2.png) [@Gryz](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Gryz)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2010, 12:34am UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/do-i-need-a-soundcard-for-this-upgraded-set-up/16143/16 "2010-11-20T00:34:54Z")
> [@](#): > > To connect the mixer straight to the speakers, you’ll need an adapter. As i assume they just use a regular headphone jack? > > This is the cable you’ll need… Thank you! The answer I was looking for. Thanks for taking the time to look up the pic for me. Now this would then plug into the Booth of the mixer, or somewhere else? ---
**Author:** ![Ross](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/ross/32/13036_2.png) [@Ross](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Ross)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2010, 12:50am UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/do-i-need-a-soundcard-for-this-upgraded-set-up/16143/17 "2010-11-20T00:50:50Z")
Red and white into the booth, and then the female 3.5mm you would plug your Z4 cable in to. ---
**Author:** ![Gryz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/gryz/32/12521_2.png) [@Gryz](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Gryz)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2010, 1:39am UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/do-i-need-a-soundcard-for-this-upgraded-set-up/16143/18 "2010-11-20T01:39:39Z")
Thank you very much for the help! Since I am losing traktor, I am thinking about the DJM400 2 channel. A 4 channel Xone 42 would be nice and allow for upgrades, but has no effects like the Pioneer. I know most here use a DVS software, but is it common occurance to mix without a laptop like this and usee just your knowledge of your songs? ---
**Author:** ![peedot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/dfb087/32.png) [@peedot](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/peedot)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2010, 2:35am UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/do-i-need-a-soundcard-for-this-upgraded-set-up/16143/19 "2010-11-20T02:35:26Z")
> [@Gryz](#): > > Thank you very much for the help! > > Since I am losing traktor, I am thinking about the DJM400 2 channel. A 4 channel Xone 42 would be nice and allow for upgrades, but has no effects like the Pioneer. > > I know most here use a DVS software, but is it common occurance to mix without a laptop like this and usee just your knowledge of your songs? You could just run songs of a usb drive or from cds and be fine ---
**Author:** ![Gryz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/gryz/32/12521_2.png) [@Gryz](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Gryz)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2010, 2:47am UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/do-i-need-a-soundcard-for-this-upgraded-set-up/16143/20 "2010-11-20T02:47:51Z")
> [@peedot](#): > > You could just run songs of a usb drive or from cds and be fine That is what I intend on doing, just wanted to see how others felt about losing the software and mixing without it. [Next page](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/do-i-need-a-soundcard-for-this-upgraded-set-up/16143.md?page=2)