Are there any 4-Channel DIY DAC projects out there?
Notes:
Notes:
- I've built a MIDI controller for DJ'ing, and I'd like to add a DIY DAC with a main audio out + headphone out for cueing/previewing tracks.
- Looking to make an upgraded version of this interface: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...ktor-audio-2-mk2-2-channel-dj-audio-interface
- Is it difficult to add separate volume controls for the main / headphone out?
- Is it difficult to have a cue mix knob?
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Or 4 mono DACs 🙂
Seriously, Nievski you seem to want a normal stereo DAC but then analog line level out via RCA and via headphones output both with their own volume control? That is sometimes standard in DACs that have volume controlled line outputs and when it does not have volume controlled headphones outputs then you can make it like that. Prepare for a wiring/cabling job though. SMSL used to have DACs that have what you look for.
Maybe lousy advice but I don't see the connection with the Traktor device as I have no knowledge of any of that DJ stuff and I also don't know what a "cue mix knob" is?! It is mostly hifi stereo stuff here so maybe you could speak about what features you exactly want.
Seriously, Nievski you seem to want a normal stereo DAC but then analog line level out via RCA and via headphones output both with their own volume control? That is sometimes standard in DACs that have volume controlled line outputs and when it does not have volume controlled headphones outputs then you can make it like that. Prepare for a wiring/cabling job though. SMSL used to have DACs that have what you look for.
Maybe lousy advice but I don't see the connection with the Traktor device as I have no knowledge of any of that DJ stuff and I also don't know what a "cue mix knob" is?! It is mostly hifi stereo stuff here so maybe you could speak about what features you exactly want.
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Thank you for the responses. I'll try to describe in clearer terms. MarcelvdG kinda had the right idea with two stereo DACs (and as you pointed out that's basically 4 mono DACs).
For DJ'ing we need two stereo DACs:
1. one DAC for the main speakers (audience)
2. one DAC for DJ headphones (to preview/prep tracks without the audience hearing it).
If you take a look at the Traktor Audio 2 output - you'll see both of those.
Basically, I'd like to build one with audiophile components (but maybe with 6.35mm or XLR outs).
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...ktor-audio-2-mk2-2-channel-dj-audio-interface
notes: there's also a cue/mix dial which let's me mix the two stereo channels in the headphones but I'm realizing now, this is a side issue, better dealt with after the hardware side is more clear).
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QUESTION: Are there any DAC projects similar to the Traktor with separate 2 stereo outs (or 4 mono channels)? Or am I better off, building 2x pupDACs and figuring out how to get them to work (mix) together?
NOTES: The reason I'm asking all this, is that we tried out an audiophile DAC at my last club gig, and I was very pleased with the sound on the large club system.
For DJ'ing we need two stereo DACs:
1. one DAC for the main speakers (audience)
2. one DAC for DJ headphones (to preview/prep tracks without the audience hearing it).
If you take a look at the Traktor Audio 2 output - you'll see both of those.
Basically, I'd like to build one with audiophile components (but maybe with 6.35mm or XLR outs).
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...ktor-audio-2-mk2-2-channel-dj-audio-interface
notes: there's also a cue/mix dial which let's me mix the two stereo channels in the headphones but I'm realizing now, this is a side issue, better dealt with after the hardware side is more clear).
---
QUESTION: Are there any DAC projects similar to the Traktor with separate 2 stereo outs (or 4 mono channels)? Or am I better off, building 2x pupDACs and figuring out how to get them to work (mix) together?
NOTES: The reason I'm asking all this, is that we tried out an audiophile DAC at my last club gig, and I was very pleased with the sound on the large club system.
Haven't seen any decent quality diy 4-channel dac projects. Guess in part it depends by what you mean by 'audiophile' as opposed to 'consumer' or 'prosumer' or whatever else. A 4-channel diy Holo May dac equivalent isn't likely to happen anytime soon.
Other than that, the thing about using two dacs is that you would probably want to have them using the same master clock signals, and have them both using the same USB interface. Those things are for time coherence between all 4 channels. Otherwise if you mixed two sets of stereo channels produce a cue/mix signal, there might be some unintended time offset between the two stereo sources.
Other than that, the thing about using two dacs is that you would probably want to have them using the same master clock signals, and have them both using the same USB interface. Those things are for time coherence between all 4 channels. Otherwise if you mixed two sets of stereo channels produce a cue/mix signal, there might be some unintended time offset between the two stereo sources.
I think you actualy want a 6ch DAC as you want a booth out as well if you want to have monitors and not have to have extra circuits running off the master to derive the master and booth outs.
I don't know Tractor but a quick google shows that it can just use a normal audio interface, you will want with a decent ASIO driver to have low latancy and a powerfull headphone output. something like the ultralite-mk5 ? https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...u-ultralite-mk5-review-audio-interface.24777/ *headamp is a bit weak though you may need an external one
Also RME is worth a look, or if you can live without the booth output Tascam US HR 4x4.
There arn't any DIY projects for this kind of stuff I think because the drivers are difficult to write and there are good value products available.
I don't know Tractor but a quick google shows that it can just use a normal audio interface, you will want with a decent ASIO driver to have low latancy and a powerfull headphone output. something like the ultralite-mk5 ? https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...u-ultralite-mk5-review-audio-interface.24777/ *headamp is a bit weak though you may need an external one
Also RME is worth a look, or if you can live without the booth output Tascam US HR 4x4.
There arn't any DIY projects for this kind of stuff I think because the drivers are difficult to write and there are good value products available.
Yes, that sounds like a good way to go. 2x DACs using the same master clock and the same USB interface.
Schitt Modius
https://www.schiit.com/products/modius
- We used it for main audio out, plugged into a pre-amp into a mixer (all XLR). Sounded great.
- DJ headphone audio routed through DJ controller.
- DJ Software: Serato and djay Pro
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You are right, if we could just use off-the-shelf devices, and the problem would be solved. But we've built a custom diy DJ MIDI controller, and we want to include a diy 4-channel audio interface to keep the whole thing as compact and simple as possible.
Two main things I'm trying to figure out:
1. What does a 4-channel DACs look like internally? Is it two separate DACs? Or is it 1x DAC with 4-channels? Are they both valid options?
2. I'd like the device to be recognized over USB as 1x device, not two separate devices - important if we connect to iOS devices which can only recognize 1x audio device at a time.
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