Alright, so I need to record a mix for a local promoter guy.
I’ve got…
A pair of CDJ 900s
Xone:22 Mixer
Traktor Audio 2 (no ins, only outs)
Macbook Pro with Ableton, Traktor, Reason, etc. (jack is out only, so no ins)
A plethora of random cables.
Is there ANY way I could record a mix using what I have. The Audio 2 won’t work because it only has outs, and I can’t use line-in because fucking apple decided to not include it in this particular MBP model.
Is my only option to go get myself a soundcard that has ins?
Your options are: 1) to get a soundcard with audio in 2) get an external recorder like a zoom h4n or cheaper or 3) record internally in traktor and just make the mix using keyboard mappings as you don’t have a controller.
If I were you i would opt for the external recorder. I record mixes on my zoom h4n and then pull out the SD card and put it in my mac.
Please note: THIS IS JUST A THEORY! I’M NOT A PROFESSIONAL, NOR HAVE I TESTED THIS! I dont think there is much that could go wrong testing it, but do at your own risk
Are you sure your Macbook only has an output jack? Mine has only one jack labeled for headphones as well, but if I remember correctly it works with an headset. That means (at least for my Macbook) that with the correct cable I could have (unused) headphone channels (stereo) out and a microphone (mono) in, which you can than record in Ableton.
If my theory is correct all you need is a 3.5mm 4-Pin to 2x 3-Pin 3.5mm Headset Splitter Adapter and a cinch to 3.5 (mono if possible) cable from your mixer (master) into the microphone cable of the splitter adapter.
Can he not just use the CDJ900s to control the Trakor decks (via midi/HID) then just record internally within Traktor?
As an example the last mix I recorded I used my 2900s to control Traktor (both connected to laptop via usb cables), used my mixer in EXTERNAL mode, but still recorded the mix INTERNALLY within Traktor. He might need a usb hub to plug in both 900s & his Traktor soundcard to the laptop but I can’t see why that wouldn’t work for him unless I’ve missed something!
Edit: unless it worked with mine because my mixer is effectively a 4 channel Traktor soundcard?
Ta for the clarification, I assume I must have one of the spare channels on my mixer set as a record channel then and it’s routing it into Traktor’s recorder that way.
how so? I use a djm850 which granted has 4 channels and a built in soundcard but it doesnt connect to the MBP with anything other than a USB cable so how is it not recording internally, the feed from the mixer is being fedback into the MBP? Maybe I am missing something here.
edit- I do understand you are not recording the internally mixed source as effects and eq applied at the mixer appear on the feed back into Traktor. But its still recorded internally inst it? Same software on the same machine?
When talking about recording in Traktor, internally doesn’t refer to the location of the recording software but on the point where the channels get mixed. When Traktor is set to internal mixing, that occurs within Traktor (even when using that option with midi mapped standalone mixers/controllers with internal audiointerfaces) so recording is internal. Traktor can then send that output to the standalone mixer/controller soundcard but it’s still internal mixing (That’s why they say Traktor Z2 is more of a controller).
You’re looking at it from a wrong point of view: instead of “the feed from the mixer is being fedback into the MBP” try looking at it like “Traktor is accessing the mixers master out feed via USB”.
Makar1 said it nicely
to the OP: I’m still waiting for my post to get approved (for like…a week?) but I’m selling a simple but quality USB soundcard (RCA gold plated inputs, even S/PDIF ins&outs) that is perfect for recording for just 35€. If you’re in UK we can make a deal.
Also, your audio jack is TRRS, meaning it works as headphones and mic at the same time, like the iPhone/pick-your-poison-smartphone. You don’t even need any sort of splitter, just one of these.
I have a late 2013 MBP myself and can confirm there is no input.
The audio jack can’t be switched between input and output.
To the OP:
I’d get a small portable recorder. Good brands are e.g. Zoom or Tascam. You can easily buy second hand, too.
This is probably the easiest option. These small recorders usually work with SD cards, so either you have a card reader on your computer or you just hook them up via USB.
You can also take them on the road to record you sets at clubs/bars/parties, so you don’t have to take your laptop with you on such occasions.
