Xone 42
Just curious what everyone’s thoughts are on the Xone 42? I recently found a good deal on one for $500 (the graphite black version)…It also comes with an odyssey flight case. I noticed there’s a usb port on it…so is there a soundcard that can be used to work with traktor via usb or is it only good for recording into the computer? Would one of these + a Xone K2 be a sufficient amount of controls for a traktor setup?
Let me know!
I think the USB in is only on the “mic” channel. At least that’s what I can gather.
Straight from A&H
[quote] 4 dual stereo channels (2 phono/line, 2 line/line)
3 band EQ +6dB to total kill
Rotary X-FX control for routing to external FX
VCF filter with resonance & frequency controls
VCA Crossfader with curve control
Mix ouputs on balanced XLR
9 segment channel meters
Illuminated lightpipes showing status of performance controls
USB port with one stereo up to PC and one stereo back
Independent booth output
XLR microphone input with 2-band EQ and level control
2 headphone outputs (1/4” and 3.5mm)
Rack ears available
[/quote]
It’s single in/single out for recording and single source playback purposes.
if you pass on it…can you let me know where it is so i can get it?
The USB is for recording I think. $500 is a pretty good deal.
Yes, USB for recording… also note that with xone k2 you will be able to use 2 external outputs.
If it includes the flight case 500 is a pretty decent deal.
Yeah a 42 and a K2 will offer more than enough control for traktor.
Is the USB really only for recording? Would you still need a seperate sound card to route audio from Traktor? For some reason I thought the USB could route the audio to the individual channels. as I type this though I dont know where that understanding has come from!!
From the Xone 42 manual.
http://av.loyola.com/products/audio/pdf/xone42-guide.pdf
[QUOTE]The USB interface on the Xone:42 allows connection to a computer for recording, playback, and software-based effects. Remember to always use good quality RCA phono cables to route music signal between devices - sound quality will only be as good as the weakest component in the signal path.
USB for Effects
Connect the X:FX Send to USB In on the left side on the Xone:42’s rear panel using RCA phono cables.
Using a standard Type A to B USB lead, connect the Xone:42 to your computer’s USB port, and start
your chosen FX software. You will need to select ‘USB Audio CODEC’ as the sound playback/recording
device if it is not already selected. Connect USB Out to X:FX Return to complete the effects loop. You
can then use the X:FX dry / wet controls to send signal from each channel to your computer, as you
would with any other external effects hardware.
USB for Playback
Connect your Xone:42 to your computer using a standard Type A to B USB lead. Open your chosen
music playback software, ensuring that ‘USB Audio CODEC’ is selected as the sound playback device.
You can now play music from your computer on the Mic / USB channel; ensure that ‘USB’ is selected using the switch next to the USB port on the Xone:42.
If you wish to apply filter effects, etc. to the music signal from the computer, you can patch the signal into
one of the four stereo channels by simply connecting USB Out to one of the channel Line Inputs.
USB for Recording
Connect your Xone:42 to your computer using a standard Type A to B USB lead. Open your chosen
music recording software, ensuring that ‘USB Audio CODEC’ is selected as the sound recording device.
You can then send your mix to your computer by connecting Record Out to USB In.[/QUOTE]
So it looks like it can play audio, but only through that one mic channel. I would be more interested in the FX function though. I wonder how many 42 users don’t know they can do that.
Yes you need a separate soundcard. That’s how it works with most USB/soundcard mixers. The 42 is a standard analog mixer though without a full integrated soundcard, the USB cannel it does have is kind of just a small added feature but not really important.
500$ isn’t a bad deal. I use the internal soundcard for my Maschine and the four channels are connected to my Audio8. Works like a charm. I don’t use the external effects but sometimes I use the send pots for mixing out my tracks. Rotary mixing. 
The USB sound card thing is a pretty cool feature. I sent audio via USB then RCA out of USB to one of my channels. Great for when i want to sample music on websites and want to hear what it could sound like loud.
I’ll also route my record out to the USB audio RCA in to broadcast or record, the levels seem pretty low though so sometimes i’ll use the booth out instead of record.
I enjoy my 42, it’s a solid no frills 4 channel mixer.
If I were buying new, you would seriously have to consider for a bit more dough there is the Denon X1600.
However for only $500 that is not a bad deal.