cebu
does anybody use usb sound blaster mp3+ sound card? how is the sound of this sound card compare to the usb sound blaster audigy 2 nx. i'm in the market of buying a sound card for my laptop soon so i have to make sure that i get the right one.
thanks for your feedback.
thanks for your feedback.
Posted Wed 20 Oct 04 @ 2:40 am
I have the Creative MP3+ and it seems fine to me. Please bear in mind that its not an ASIO sound card and therefore if your using timecoded vinyl or CD the latency is higher than a sound card with ASIO support, however I use the TCV and its good enough for me. You can hardly notice the latency.
Also bear in mind it only has one set of inputs and one set of outputs. Because of this Im thinking about buying another one, so ive got one for each deck!
Also bear in mind it only has one set of inputs and one set of outputs. Because of this Im thinking about buying another one, so ive got one for each deck!
Posted Wed 20 Oct 04 @ 9:05 am
Homeboy
This is the exact sound card I have purchased and I did buy 2. But for the price I paid for the 2 I coulda purchases 1 maya44 usb from Audiotrak :( This card has ASIO and all the channels you need.
Posted Wed 20 Oct 04 @ 5:29 pm
mjpaolucci
I currently just go from my headphone out jack on my laptop into the clubs mixer, and am also deciding on a USB soundcard. I have heard much discussion about Audigy vs the pro soundcards such as M-Audio Sonica Theater and the Maya EX 7. Which is the best choice? I am looking for better sound quality then I am getting right now, but even more important, the ability to Listen to the song in the other deck through headphones while the song in the other deck is playing and be able to cue it up at a certain spot.
Posted Wed 20 Oct 04 @ 5:50 pm
apopsisdj
Maya EX usb has a good price, good sound and works
very well with vdj. Absolutely plug & play no drivers needed.
Has 2 inputs / 6 outs (simillar to dj console)
and vdj uses outputs 1+2, 5+6 for the 2 decks.
If you need timecode go for the Maya 44 usb,
but then you have to use asio for 4in/4outs.
If you have any question let ne know, i have both cards.
very well with vdj. Absolutely plug & play no drivers needed.
Has 2 inputs / 6 outs (simillar to dj console)
and vdj uses outputs 1+2, 5+6 for the 2 decks.
If you need timecode go for the Maya 44 usb,
but then you have to use asio for 4in/4outs.
If you have any question let ne know, i have both cards.
Posted Wed 20 Oct 04 @ 8:52 pm
DJ Acadien
Hi,
I own both SB Mp3 and SB Audigy 2 NX. I no longer use the SB mp3, since I`ve purchased the Audigy 2 NX. I believe that the Signal to Noise Reduction (SNR) is around 88db on the SB mp3 (close to most stock internal soundcard). Whereas the Audigy 2 NX has SNR of 102db. I think that the Xp10 SNR is even higher (105db) and other card bus internal sound card goes even to 111db. The main difference that I noticed between the two is on the sound level on the mixer. If I use VDJ with the SB MP3, I have to crank up the gain on the mixer to reach the same volume as a CD deck or the Audigy 2 NX. Also I guess that the Audigy 2 gives you less background noise in the output. FYI I'm still using the SB Mp3,but not for gigs or I could use it just for samples.
The other thing about the Audigy 2 NX, is the ASIO compatibility. This is where I think that Maya 44 USB would be a better buy.
Good luck
I own both SB Mp3 and SB Audigy 2 NX. I no longer use the SB mp3, since I`ve purchased the Audigy 2 NX. I believe that the Signal to Noise Reduction (SNR) is around 88db on the SB mp3 (close to most stock internal soundcard). Whereas the Audigy 2 NX has SNR of 102db. I think that the Xp10 SNR is even higher (105db) and other card bus internal sound card goes even to 111db. The main difference that I noticed between the two is on the sound level on the mixer. If I use VDJ with the SB MP3, I have to crank up the gain on the mixer to reach the same volume as a CD deck or the Audigy 2 NX. Also I guess that the Audigy 2 gives you less background noise in the output. FYI I'm still using the SB Mp3,but not for gigs or I could use it just for samples.
The other thing about the Audigy 2 NX, is the ASIO compatibility. This is where I think that Maya 44 USB would be a better buy.
Good luck
Posted Wed 20 Oct 04 @ 9:14 pm
mjpaolucci
apopsis,
thanks for the response. I don't scratch, so do you think that going with the Maya rather than the XP 10 is a good choice to enhance my club gig? If you read my other message you can see my current hook up at my club gig.
thanks for the response. I don't scratch, so do you think that going with the Maya rather than the XP 10 is a good choice to enhance my club gig? If you read my other message you can see my current hook up at my club gig.
Posted Wed 20 Oct 04 @ 10:08 pm
apopsisdj
Maya is only a soundcard, xp10 is a soundcard+controller,
but you need two (and they are expensive)
Think about how do you want to work ?
Using a computer keyboard or a controller ?
My opinion is that even a keybord (not the small laptop keyboards) can be good enough
(if you spend time to program the shortcuts)
But maybe not for your "image" ... that's another story !
Dj console is also a good "all in one" solution.
but you need two (and they are expensive)
Think about how do you want to work ?
Using a computer keyboard or a controller ?
My opinion is that even a keybord (not the small laptop keyboards) can be good enough
(if you spend time to program the shortcuts)
But maybe not for your "image" ... that's another story !
Dj console is also a good "all in one" solution.
Posted Wed 20 Oct 04 @ 11:41 pm
mjpaolucci
Will a USB soundcard allow me the ability to use my headphones to listen to the other deck? I don't mind the mouse and the keyboard, I just want my laptop to work similiar to how I was used to working before I went digital, with the dual denon decks and a rane mixer at the club. I am not a professional DJ yet, so all I need to do is be able to listen for a cue point before I start the next song.
Posted Wed 20 Oct 04 @ 11:52 pm
cebu
Hi all, thank you for all the feedback. what are the price of this sound card in your country? ( us dollars)
maya 44 usb.
m- audio sonica theather.
audigy 2 nx.
thanks again
maya 44 usb.
m- audio sonica theather.
audigy 2 nx.
thanks again
Posted Thu 21 Oct 04 @ 3:32 am
digimixer
If you don't have any controllers for VDJ you could go for the Hercules DJConsole, works very well as a sound card and you'd have the extra functionality of controlling VDJ.
Posted Thu 21 Oct 04 @ 8:53 am
DJCannonball
Cebu, if you have a laptop -> get an Echo - Indigo DJ!
no more external usb-connections (Indigo DJ = pcmcia)
Asio 2.0 compatible (you really want this)
signal to noise ratio 111db! (the best you can get)
supa low latency
24 bits processing
Samplerates up to 96 Khz (clock is NOT locked at 44.1 Khz like many other soundcards)
and best of all: VDJ runs outstanding using IndigoDJ both in WMD and ASIO mode without any glitch.
it costs around 220 euros.
i'm convinced that Echo - IndigoDJ is absolute the best choice if you use VDJ on a laptop.
no more external usb-connections (Indigo DJ = pcmcia)
Asio 2.0 compatible (you really want this)
signal to noise ratio 111db! (the best you can get)
supa low latency
24 bits processing
Samplerates up to 96 Khz (clock is NOT locked at 44.1 Khz like many other soundcards)
and best of all: VDJ runs outstanding using IndigoDJ both in WMD and ASIO mode without any glitch.
it costs around 220 euros.
i'm convinced that Echo - IndigoDJ is absolute the best choice if you use VDJ on a laptop.
Posted Thu 21 Oct 04 @ 12:04 pm
apopsisdj
Dj Cannonball, yes the indigodj is a very good solution.
Performance and specs are really the best compared to the
usb 1.1 (even 2.0) cards and it is a real recording card also.
BUT, as a pcmca card it has 2 serious drawbacks :
1. You can use it only on laptops, while usb is real portable
to any pc (desktop or laptop)
2. I'm aware of pcmca cards, they are so sensitive..
I had an "accident" some months ago, using a pcmca->usb 2.0
card to connect my external hard disk. I damaged the pcmca
slots of my -3 months old- laptop by pressing the card, i didnt
even realize when it happen, i just see it at home.
(My laptop still dosn't have pcmca ports now, too expensive
to repair it)
Also keep in mind that the "official" specs like the exotic 111db
are under perfect conditions and at the higher specs (24bit 96khz etc)
For Dj use when 99.9 % you need 16bit/44k the usb card are
really good.
Only i advice that dont trust the soundblaster cards, they are
designed for consumer/games.
Performance and specs are really the best compared to the
usb 1.1 (even 2.0) cards and it is a real recording card also.
BUT, as a pcmca card it has 2 serious drawbacks :
1. You can use it only on laptops, while usb is real portable
to any pc (desktop or laptop)
2. I'm aware of pcmca cards, they are so sensitive..
I had an "accident" some months ago, using a pcmca->usb 2.0
card to connect my external hard disk. I damaged the pcmca
slots of my -3 months old- laptop by pressing the card, i didnt
even realize when it happen, i just see it at home.
(My laptop still dosn't have pcmca ports now, too expensive
to repair it)
Also keep in mind that the "official" specs like the exotic 111db
are under perfect conditions and at the higher specs (24bit 96khz etc)
For Dj use when 99.9 % you need 16bit/44k the usb card are
really good.
Only i advice that dont trust the soundblaster cards, they are
designed for consumer/games.
Posted Thu 21 Oct 04 @ 2:19 pm
DJCannonball
it's true.. SSSSSSSsoundblasSSSSSSSSter cards make noiSSSSSSSSSSe.
i hate creative. you may not be able to hear it on a normal speakerset, just connect it to some powerful P.A. Set.. and you will be anoyed by the noiSSSSe of SSSoundblasssSSSSSSSter.
and if you are unlucky.. your soundblaster will buzzzzz too :-s
Creative managed to cut the noise a little in their latest products, but it is still there :-s
Apopsis, once you stick the Indigo in yer laptop, you will never take it out again. it only sticks-out less than 1 inch out of yer laptop. it won't bother anyone as it stays rockstable.
and when i'm mixing at home, i use my desktop which has a Maya EX (usb), so for me.. there isn't even 1 single disadvantage on the IndigoDJ.
i hate creative. you may not be able to hear it on a normal speakerset, just connect it to some powerful P.A. Set.. and you will be anoyed by the noiSSSSe of SSSoundblasssSSSSSSSter.
and if you are unlucky.. your soundblaster will buzzzzz too :-s
Creative managed to cut the noise a little in their latest products, but it is still there :-s
Apopsis, once you stick the Indigo in yer laptop, you will never take it out again. it only sticks-out less than 1 inch out of yer laptop. it won't bother anyone as it stays rockstable.
and when i'm mixing at home, i use my desktop which has a Maya EX (usb), so for me.. there isn't even 1 single disadvantage on the IndigoDJ.
Posted Thu 21 Oct 04 @ 3:33 pm
apopsisdj
You know what is the difference between a good soundcard
and a crap.... soundcard (call me soundblaster)
The drivers, and another one : support...
A good card has : low latency wdm,asio, even giga,
sample rate option, bitrate option, a mixer..
all these with a driver file less than 1 mb, usually less than
500 kb (last week i installed a maya44 MK2, -the pci version-
for a friend.The latest driver file was only 270 kb...)
Usually there is a small but effective forum for -SUPPORT-
Now get a consumer (sb) card.
You have to download more than >40 MB of crap,
and usually no asio, fake 24 bit (yes its true... you have to follow the small * asterisk in specs to find out something like
16 bit internal or 16 bit ADC, 24 bit DAC only)
NO SUPPORT at all...
How to ask where is the sample rate conversion when millions
are asking how to play the xxx game or what is mp3 ...
and a crap.... soundcard (call me soundblaster)
The drivers, and another one : support...
A good card has : low latency wdm,asio, even giga,
sample rate option, bitrate option, a mixer..
all these with a driver file less than 1 mb, usually less than
500 kb (last week i installed a maya44 MK2, -the pci version-
for a friend.The latest driver file was only 270 kb...)
Usually there is a small but effective forum for -SUPPORT-
Now get a consumer (sb) card.
You have to download more than >40 MB of crap,
and usually no asio, fake 24 bit (yes its true... you have to follow the small * asterisk in specs to find out something like
16 bit internal or 16 bit ADC, 24 bit DAC only)
NO SUPPORT at all...
How to ask where is the sample rate conversion when millions
are asking how to play the xxx game or what is mp3 ...
Posted Thu 21 Oct 04 @ 4:05 pm
DJCannonball
Apopsis, somehow i feel that agree with my review of creative products (in one or other way ;)
Posted Thu 21 Oct 04 @ 4:15 pm
cebu
Hi all,
thank you very much for the input now i will buy the the indigodj sound card.
thaks again.
thank you very much for the input now i will buy the the indigodj sound card.
thaks again.
Posted Fri 22 Oct 04 @ 1:31 am
cebu
Hi all,
thank you very much for the input now i will buy the the indigodj sound card.
thaks again.
thank you very much for the input now i will buy the the indigodj sound card.
thaks again.
Posted Fri 22 Oct 04 @ 1:32 am
DJCannonball
i see your enthousiasm.. are you gonne buy two of them? (you posted it twice ;)
Posted Fri 22 Oct 04 @ 3:26 pm