Soundcard resources for Linux DJs
As the developer of xwax,
I get a lot of queries on various soundcards and audio interfaces
for DJs, and their use under Linux. I've set up this page as a
resource for this information.
Note that inclusion here doesn't imply endorsement or any guarantees,
but is a good indication of which devices I have personally used
successfully (unless otherwise indicated). If you have any questions or
corrections, please send them by email.
ALSA configuration ('asoundrc') files here are probably best
added to your own ~/.asoundrc
Daniel James and the excellent PiDeck
project are also compiling a list of compatible soundcards.
DJ Audio interfaces
Devices in this section include phono preamps for use with turntables.
- Used by the main xwax developer
- Uses snd-usb-caiaq module
- Developed by Native Instruments
- Kernel >= 2.6.32 strongly recommended (see Git commits a9b487f, ac9dd9d)
- Kernel < 2.6.26 is affected by a bug which gives an incorrect
channel mapping, affecting timecode control; don't use these kernels
- The device presents four stereo pairs by default; use the following
ALSA devices:
- plughw:Audio8DJ,0,0
- plughw:Audio8DJ,0,1
- plughw:Audio8DJ,0,2
- plughw:AUdio8DJ,0,3
- For kernels < 2.6.31, the device name DJ is used; substitute
Audio8DJ for DJ in the lines above.
- To use with JACK, combine the stereo pairs with an asoundrc entry
- Uses snd-usb-caiaq module
- Developed by Native Instruments
- Kernel >= 2.6.30 required
- Kernel >= 2.6.32 strongly recommended (see comments on Audio 8 DJ, above)
- Kernel >= 2.6.35 required to use high impedence "Control vinyl" mode
- The device presents two stereo pairs by default; use the following
ALSA devices:
- plughw:Audio4DJ,0,0
- plughw:Audio4DJ,0,1
- For kernels < 2.6.31, the device name DJ is used; substitute
Audio4DJ for DJ in the lines above.
- To use with JACK, combine the stereo pairs with an asoundrc entry
- Not tested by me
- Uses snd-usb-audio driver
- asoundrc to provide stereo pairs, including
explanation of switches
MixVibes U46 MK2
The U46
MK2 is a USB interface with 4 line/phono input channels (2
stereo pairs) and 6 line output channels (3 stereo pairs).
- Uses snd-usb-audio module
- Example asoundrc to separate 6 channels
into 3 input/output pairs
- Hardware mixer control is possibly buggy, but otherwise works well
Rane SL-1
This is the audio interface supplied with Serato Scratch Live
- Not tested by me
- Uses snd-usb-audio module
- Kernel >= 2.6.24 required
- Phono input is not available
- A patch
is lurking to enable the built in phono preamps
- David B explained how to use usb_modeswitch
to switch the phono preamps
Stanton ScratchAmp v1
Stanton ScratchAmp v2
- Firewire interface, not supported by ALSA
- Not tested by me
- Reported to work via
FFADO
Novation Twitch
DJ controller and soundcard in one bus powered unit.
- Kernel >= 3.10 required (see Git commit 5e21233)
Hercules DJ Trim
- Not yet released, looks promising
Behringer UFO202
Behringer UCA222
General purpose audio interfaces
Although these are just general balanced/unbalanced audio interfaces,
they can be used for DJing. If a turntable input is required, separate
preamps must be used.
MixVibes Maya 44
The Maya
44 is a USB interface with 4 line input and 4 line output
channels.
- Uses snd-usb-audio module
- Example asoundrc to split 4 channels
into two stereo input/output pairs
M-Audio Delta 1010
- Example asoundrc to split 8 channels into
4 stereo pairs
Echo Layla 3G
The Echo Layla 3G has all analogue channels on a single device, but
uses an unconventional method of overlapping subdevices which allows
stereo pairs to be accessed easily without needing an asoundrc
file. Example ALSA devices for stereo pairs are:
- hw:Layla3G,0,0
- hw:Layla3G,0,2
- hw:Layla3G,0,4
- hw:Layla3G,0,6
© Copyright Mark Hills