Audio outputs

Hi,

I had a desktop before with a Creative X-Fi Soundcard, with different outputs. I frequently mix music and play around with some DJ programs, with my previous PC I was able to output different sounds, for example one output would play the music and with the other one I would preview another song, in order to mix them correctly.
Now with this one (the one in my sig) I have two outputs too, but I dont know if this cheap integrated sound card has the ability to do this. The audio controller is an IDT HD.
I currently use Ableton Live 8 and Virtual DJ to create and mix songs, if anyone knows how to configure in order to play music and preview with the headphones taking in account my audio controller that would be great..

Thanks in advanced.
Cya

 

I think that a few of the Sager laptops have the most capable on-board multi-channel output including optical spdif with real (not simulated) 5.1/7.1 sound. There may be others.

Just about all of the creative stuff, including the xifi stuff, is simulated and heavily massaged 2 channel meant to sound like 5/7 channel sound.

Consumer-level ExpressCard sound adapters appear to be all simulated multi-channel including the creative labs cards. Aack. There are pro-level cards that do real multi-channel sould but they cost a bit more........

If you don't mind a usb dongle, there are a few out there with real 5.1/7.1 sound output including optical spdif. A usb sound dongle doesn't have to be plugged directly into a laptop. For safeties sake you can use a usb extender cable to get the dongle away from the laptop with less stress on the usb port than if you had the dongle plugged directly in.

I use the turtle beach adapters, there are others. The cost for these runs in the $30-$50 range plus another couple of $$ if you want/need a 1-3 foot usb extender cable.

 

Technically, it should be possible to assign master and cue/prelistening to different channels (given that the laptop supports 5.1 audio and has three audio connectors).

However, before you can use it that way, you need a low-latency driver. You should check out ASIO4ALL. idk if your audio codec is supported. (btw, the IDT HD is not a controller. it's a soundcard or codec. the term "audio controller" is reserved for input devices dedicated to audio applications such as a MIDI keyboard.) ASIO4ALL is def your best bet if you don't want to invest in additional equipment.

If you can't get it to work with ASIO4ALL, my recommendation would be to purchase a cheap audio interface. a good choice is the audio 2 dj for $99. it comes with an ASIO driver that will work with Live, Traktor, Virtual DJ, etc. and it has two separate stereo channels, one for master, one for prelistening.