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.

Native Instruments' Audio 8 DJ

• 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

Native Instruments' Audio 4 DJ

• 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

Native Instruments' Traktor Audio 6

• 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

• Kernel >= 2.6.24 required (see explanation)

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

• Reportedly cannot be used for vinyl control without modification
• Not tested by me

Behringer UCA222

• Reported to work without modification
• Not tested by me

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

• hw:Layla3G,0,0
• hw:Layla3G,0,2
• hw:Layla3G,0,4
• hw:Layla3G,0,6