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All sl-1 and sl-3 users must read this!!
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All sl-1 and sl-3 users must read this!!

Dj_Dropz_ 8:36 AM - 20 March, 2010
im honestly dissapointed in my sl-1 box and even the sl-3 box!!! LETME EXPLAIN!! so i did my gig and one of my dj buddies tells me to give one of his friends a short set. so being the nice guy that i am i gave him 11-12 midnight (party ended 12 SHARP) and he was using traktor scratch DUO. im pissed because his audio 4 sounds a hell of alot better then my sl-1 and even my neighbors sl-3 for half the price!! now why is it that NI can built such great interfaces for not much cash? why do we have to pay 700+ for quality that still doesnt surpass an audio 4?? his set was pretty basic but i didnt know my sound system sounded so beautiful with that audio 4 plugged in!! i just cant process this in my head... THINK ABOUT IT!! how can NI sell an audio 2 that has 2.0 usb and 24 bit sound for 100 bucks??? why do we have to pay 700+ for it? someone please explain this mystery!!!
KYLE SMILE 11:55 AM - 20 March, 2010
Have you got yours setup right? You need to set your db output to whatever sound system you're using. I stick mine at 92db on a good fat nightclub sound system and it sounds superb. Make sure you've scanned all your tracks too and you're using mp3s that are good quality too.
Turn Table Tennis 12:47 PM - 20 March, 2010
it might not even be the interfaces, the audio 4 does put out better sound quality then the sl1. but the sl3 and A4 are neck and neck. were you playing mp3s? was he playing wavs? there are a lot of variables that effect your sound output.
Dj_Dropz_ 3:41 PM - 20 March, 2010
Quote:
it might not even be the interfaces, the audio 4 does put out better sound quality then the sl1. but the sl3 and A4 are neck and neck. were you playing mp3s? was he playing wavs? there are a lot of variables that effect your sound output.


i use djcity and mymp3pool for most of my tracks so most of them are at 320 kbps and NONE of my tracks are lower then 128 and even thats garbage. i cant tell you wat type of files he was using but if im already using the best audio files and there still getting beaten by an audio 4. so my question was why did we pay extra money for 16 bit? ok you said the audio 4 and sl-3 are neck and neck right? take into consideration that the sl-3 is our top of the line box while the audio 4 is in the middle.
DJ GOOK 4:08 PM - 20 March, 2010
my friend has that tracktor scratch and my sl1 sounds just as nice.it migt just be your interface or your rca cables.
Turn Table Tennis 5:30 PM - 20 March, 2010
as far as i know, audio 4 and 8 produce the same sound quality, the only difference is the 8 will get you 4 decks, the 4 will get you two. 320kps is not the "best" quality sound, although with an sl1 320 is all you need.
with the sl3 you can really take advantage of all the lossless file formats, just like the audio 4&8. who knows, he might have had all wav/aiff type files for that short set.
DjWoody 5:51 PM - 20 March, 2010
Like Turn Table Tennis said, the Audio 4 & Audio 8 produce a much nicer & clean sound than the SL1, but it should be head to head with the SL3.

I just purchased Traktor Scratch Pro last week, and I noticed a big difference in sound quality right away. I still have one week before I decide if I wanna keep it or return it.
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 6:38 PM - 20 March, 2010
In order to really compare, you need to rock YOUR files/setup through his system, and vice versa.

Who knows if he added DB's to his files, extra equalization, etc..etc..

And actually, you MAY NOT be able to determine it, even after that.

Let's say he's got his files somehow OPTIMIZED to work with the Audio 4?

Using his files on your system might not work.

But you have to compare on an even platform.
Dj_Dropz_ 7:00 PM - 20 March, 2010
he used his own computer but used my decks and mixer but wat im just surprissed of is the jump in sound quality wen he plugged everything in. like djwoody said u can tell the difference almost the second the highs or the lows kick in to a track. i think you guys here have to take a listen with the audio4 or 8 to really understand what im talking about.... there should be no reason why he needs extra eqing or anything when its just a better soundcard overall.... ill always stick with serato dont get me wrong but its just a shame the competition sounds plain better even with the cheapest dvs (price wise) at there disposal...
DjWoody 7:28 PM - 20 March, 2010
Quote:
In order to really compare, you need to rock YOUR files/setup through his system, and vice versa.

Who knows if he added DB's to his files, extra equalization, etc..etc..

And actually, you MAY NOT be able to determine it, even after that.

Let's say he's got his files somehow OPTIMIZED to work with the Audio 4?

Using his files on your system might not work.

But you have to compare on an even platform.


Nah, that's not it. I used the exact same files on the exact same system, with the exact same set up and the difference is quite noticeable. But I only tried it with the SL1, haven't tried it with the SL3.
Turn Table Tennis 7:33 PM - 20 March, 2010
Quote:
he used his own computer but used my decks and mixer but wat im just surprissed of is the jump in sound quality wen he plugged everything in. like djwoody said u can tell the difference almost the second the highs or the lows kick in to a track. i think you guys here have to take a listen with the audio4 or 8 to really understand what im talking about.... there should be no reason why he needs extra eqing or anything when its just a better soundcard overall.... ill always stick with serato dont get me wrong but its just a shame the competition sounds plain better even with the cheapest dvs (price wise) at there disposal...


ok... their sound cards do sound better then the sl1, i think even one of the mods admitted it. you can't argue that, just look at the specs and you'll know right away. try an sl3 with wav files, it sounds fucking amazing!!! it's got a really warm sound, you can even peak a little bit and it'll still sound good.
would i switch to traktor just because their cheapest setup has better sound quality then the sl1? fuck no, sound quality ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT justify paid upgrades, issues with reliability, and gui clutter.
serato never claimed to be the best sounding at the beginning, but they had the market with reliability. now they are improving on sound quality and multi deck support.
as they say, rome wasn't built in a day.
4mydawgz 10:59 PM - 20 March, 2010
Yea but an improvement in sound quality means buying a new box. The SL3 box costs $700.
Turn Table Tennis 11:05 PM - 20 March, 2010
so sell your sl1 for 400.... then it's only 300
Laz219 3:53 AM - 21 March, 2010
I just looked it up at my local shop,

Audio 4 Alone $365 (AUD)
Audio 4 W/ Sotftware (Traktor Duo) $650

SL-1 W/software (obviously) $719

Even though Serato provide the software for free, I'm sure a lot of that initial price you think is high is going towards Serato for the software development.

For reference, at the same store:
Audio8/traktor scratch pro $850
SL-3 is $859

I'm sure Rane could sell the soundcards a lot cheaper if they offered them as a standalone product (no software) but to buy an audio4 and then software adds up to $685 to get a comparable setup to the SL-1 package.
DjWoody 4:45 AM - 21 March, 2010
I just bought traktor scratch pro with audio 8 for $450 at guitar center. They priced match amazon.com
djdannyd 4:51 AM - 21 March, 2010
Quote:
I just bought traktor scratch pro with audio 8 for $450 at guitar center. They priced match amazon.com


I'm sorry
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 6:59 AM - 21 March, 2010
Quote:
SL-1 W/software (obviously) $719


U sure?
Laz219 8:07 AM - 21 March, 2010
This is in Australian pricing not US.
DJJOHNNYM_vSL3 11:53 AM - 21 March, 2010
Quote:
This is in Australian pricing not US.


Looks like I may have to sell my SL3 for a profit to somebody....
djdragon 3:20 PM - 21 March, 2010
Quote:
THINK ABOUT IT!! how can NI sell an audio 2 that has 2.0 usb and 24 bit sound for 100 bucks??? why do we have to pay 700+ for it? someone please explain this mystery!!!


M A D E I N C H I N A
Turn Table Tennis 3:42 PM - 21 March, 2010
^^ that, and the audio 2 is just a sound card. it isn't an interface for virtual decks.
you dont have to buy scratchlive, if you think traktor is a better deal, sell your box and buy an audio card.
Serato, Support
ChrisD 10:31 PM - 21 March, 2010
When you buy a Scratch Live system with Rane hardware you're getting a life time of no-cost software updates from Serato, access to a large selection of free promo music on whitelabel.net, and what many people regard as the best after sales support in the business (from both Rane and Serato).

It's missing the bigger picture to think that buying an NI audio interface or a piece of Rane compatible Scratch Live hardware is simply paying for the hardware itself.

It's also worth considering the durability of the various hardware products. Your average gigging DJ gives his/her hardware a very hard time and Rane have a hugely enviable reputation for making hardware that's build like a tank.
Henry GQ 4:02 AM - 22 March, 2010
and i like how dj dropz created his profile a few days ago.. way to go on "trying" to bash serato. lame
Dj_Dropz_ 5:42 AM - 22 March, 2010
days ago? for your information henry gc i came over from traktor onto ssl so before u come at me with nonsense read up on the whole thread before talking trash... i was just talking about the soundcard in comparison to ni thats all... nothing about serato the software... rane the HARDWARE... and you say im the lame one... get your companies figured out before trying to "BASH" on me...
Henry GQ 5:48 AM - 22 March, 2010
i did read the whole thread.and did u read the other posts ? u just come in here and accuse serato of this and that.. 100 dollars this... 700 dollars that! please.

other people tried reasoning...

maybe before u come in here and bash serato.. do some research first. cuz i have sl-1 and the sl-3 and have the rane 68 on order(good for me haha) just saying.. chill out homie
Dj_Dropz_ 5:54 AM - 22 March, 2010
hey im chilled and relaxed dont worry... haha i came to ssl for many reasons bro but like i said, it kinda sucks that the competition sounds a bit better at a lower price... THATS ALL i said...no bashing like F serato this or F rane that... other people had smart and interesting comments so its sucks wen someone tries to be a smarta$$ about the subject thats all...
Henry GQ 6:02 AM - 22 March, 2010
not being a smartass.. just stating my opinion.
djtwizta 8:02 AM - 22 March, 2010
Quote:
im honestly dissapointed in my sl-1 box and even the sl-3 box!!! LETME EXPLAIN!! so i did my gig and one of my dj buddies tells me to give one of his friends a short set. so being the nice guy that i am i gave him 11-12 midnight (party ended 12 SHARP) and he was using traktor scratch DUO. im pissed because his audio 4 sounds a hell of alot better then my sl-1 and even my neighbors sl-3 for half the price!! now why is it that NI can built such great interfaces for not much cash? why do we have to pay 700+ for quality that still doesnt surpass an audio 4?? his set was pretty basic but i didnt know my sound system sounded so beautiful with that audio 4 plugged in!! i just cant process this in my head... THINK ABOUT IT!! how can NI sell an audio 2 that has 2.0 usb and 24 bit sound for 100 bucks??? why do we have to pay 700+ for it? someone please explain this mystery!!!



Agree

i've used SL1, SL3, TSP(with Audio 8 DJ)
i just jumped from TSP to SL3 1 months ago just becuz of the "BRIDGE"
and the sound quality of SL3 is not as good as i expect
and its pretty obvious to notice for a pro club DJ, if you've used both of this 2 products

i'm alittle confuse still.....
technically the hardware specs of SL3 and A8DJ are at same level
but it does sound differently even i've setup in the software and the stereo sound system in my club in order to see the difference between these two little boxes

im not saying SSL sucks,
both of these two products have its pros....
but its worthy to think about this issue
we DJs are all looking for a better quality system to spin
and maybe SERATO should really take this into consider for the new version of HW and SW
chris ross 8:46 AM - 22 March, 2010
look.....serato is good traktor is good if not better.......at the end of the day...u paying for a name........i had both but i like traktor more.....only reason i use serato is because thats the standard ............thats it
chris ross 8:48 AM - 22 March, 2010
also....ur best bet is to go on a dj forum thats not bias like this one...of course u are going to have people coming at your neck.......this is serato web site with a serato fan club thats like walking in my house talking shit like your wont get fucked up....
Marx&Villain 4:46 PM - 22 March, 2010
Audio4 by Native Instruments

DOES NOT ALLOW VINYL CONTROL

i am an traktor convert, sl3 ftw
C. William 4:50 PM - 22 March, 2010
um...yes it does

www.native-instruments.com
sl1200 5:59 PM - 22 March, 2010
I have the Audio 4 (does allow vinyl control) & SL3. Yes the Audio 4 sounds better but I prefer using the SL3 mainlly because of the crates.

I recently dicovered that I can transfer tracks from either way from Serato Crates & Tractor folders...but I'll stick with Serato.
DJ Jonasty 6:06 PM - 22 March, 2010
Does anybody know when or if the SL3 will be able to be used as a regular old soundcard? I'd love to be able to use it with ableton or other apps. My audio 2 does do a great job but no inputs.... waiting
nik39 9:32 PM - 22 March, 2010
Quote:
Does anybody know when or if the SL3 will be able to be used as a regular old soundcard?

If=yes
When=?
djhefner 11:19 PM - 30 March, 2010
I have used SL1 since 2008 and recently switched to TSP with Audio 4. Audio 4 sound quality is superb and it has vinyl control with phono preamps (no need to plug an external power source in order for the preamps to work), believe me the Audio 4 is a monster!!! I haven’t sold my SL1 box , I am waiting for the Bridge to come out!!!