First I would like to thank anyone who helps in advance. It is hugely appreciated.
Here is where I currently stand. Let me tell you my set up and what I am hoping to accomplish. If you can help me, you would be my hero. I would literally pay cash money. (honestly, paypal!)
I am using:
2x CDJ 2000
Xone DB4
Maintaining digital integrity throughout my signal routing is important to me to ensure highest audio quality. I currently run—Rekordbox with .AIFF files via ethernet hub to CDJ’s.
CDJ’s connected via spdif to DB4.
DB4 digital output (spdif) to ApogeeEnsemble digital in.
Ableton for recording and output routing (i have this system connected to 2 rooms).
Speakers-- Dynaudio 2.1 System (2x Bm5A & BM9S–same in both rooms)
Mac Pro w/ Lion
It sounds truly incredible.
DIrectly next to this set up I have my “analog” set up. I started on vinyl 15 years ago and have pretty recently moved into the CDJ & digital world and left this set up untouched.
2x 1210’s
Vestax PMC 05 Pro IV
Serato SL4
(All connected with RCA cables)
RCA connected to Apogee Ensemble for Ableton as well.
I have kept these systems separate due to the DB4 cross fader not being reasonable for the scratching I do. Now that they have a replacement scratch fader for the DB4, I want to combine my systems. I want timecode for the turntables & cdj’s (or HID for CDJ’s) but I want to use the DB4’s internal digital soundcard to maintain a digital signal throughout and to eliminate the need for any additional (lesser quality/clunky/analog output) soundcard. The card on the DB4 is supposedly one of the best sounding cards available and I am very excited to make this dream become a reality. I am creating my own high quality digital audio samples for scratching.
So, Ideally I am looking to allow traktor timecode via the DB4 soundcard. I would be open to pretty much any DVS software that I could do this with although I would definitely like to have 4 decks available at all times. In a perfect world I would be able to mix and match the 4 channels of the DB4 between my cdj’s, turntables w/ timecode, and synced traktor tracks, keeping everything digital to avoid unneeded DA/AD conversions and eliminating the need for an additional, lesser quality analog soundcard. The sound I have been able to create so far in this system is incredible and this would tie everything together perfectly. I have been scouring the internet and racking my brain for possible solutions.
So, now that you have all the background information-- I have no problems purchasing any software if I can make this dream work. I read about a MOD in traktor that will allow timecode for non-certified soundcards. Not sure if this is possible on the Mac OS or with recent versions of traktor. I also looked at MixVibes Cross but I dont think it will support 4 decks or how the sound quality of the software and timecode is. I am open to pretty much any solution to this problem. Please help!
What are your thoughts? Does anyone have any other ideas? Is there any way to accomplish my goals? If there is a choice, what is the best way? Any info, help or pointers is hugely appreciated. I am truly grateful for any and all help. Thanks so much for taking the time to assist. .
The db4 mixer in all it’s greatness is NOT Traktor certified, hence the obligation to use an extra soundcard for Timecode.
Stupid? Yes, very much so especially considering it’s one of the most expensive mixers on the market today.
The irony is if you did get a timecode soundcard and did an audio aggregate with the timecode card and the db4 soundcard, you could potentially make this work (using the timecode on the card, and sound card on the db4) but because of the aggregated devices not being an "Audio4"“8"10”/whatever Traktor wouldn’t see the card as such and you would then potentially lose timecode capability…
ps:don’t expect people to read such long posts. Look at audio aggregate naming options for potential work arounds but such discussion are not welcomed on most forums as it’s not consider exactly legal …
why not run a usb from the DB4 straight in to your mac and record straight into ableton/traktor from the soundcard? loads easier than going through the apogee and probably sounds just as good if not better as it will be a more direct source…
Does the Audio 10 actually has a “software dongle” built-in? Has anyone tried something as simple as renaming the soundcard to Audio8 or Audio10 and get timecode support?
Since you’re open to any DVS software (and I assume you’re not wedded to Traktor at all, having used Serato), I’d take a look at xwax, Virtual DJ, MsPinky, and Deckadance, all of which do not share Traktor’s timecode restrictions. MsPinky and I think Deckadance have the advantage of being usable from within Ableton Live if that’s your thing, and Deckadance and VDJ both allow you to use VST effects (which would be helpful since neither has effects anywhere close to as good as Traktor).
Also since you’re using Serato, check if you can use Serato as a dongle as someone mentioned above. I didn’t know it was possible but if it is, you can connect the Serato card you already have and still go through the DB4 sound card.
Renaming the sound card won’t work on the Mac as far as I can tell. There are “improved” versions of Traktor floating around without these silly restrictions but those are unmentionable.
Actually I’d recommend trying Mixxx first as it’s free (as in beer and as in freedom) and very easy to set up. You can try it out with no cost and minimal effort
^^^ Sadly as far as I can tell, the mac port looks pretty neglected though.
Forgot about Mixxx but yeah that’s another good alternative, though it only has two decks. It will probably suit the original poster well as he seems to be looking for a straight up DVS solution without worrying too much about effects and features.
Super neglected. Apparently the guy who was porting it was more interested in cute itunes integration than anything else, which seems odd. Still, I’ve never spoken to the guy.
I wonder if Mixxx does. Mixxx should have the best compatibility with anything as anyone can add support for anything they want, providing they have the technical know how. I don’t think anyone has made CDJ HID support yet… Could be wrong though.
Sadly as far as I can tell, the mac port looks pretty neglected though.