3. Hardware Setup

This chapter describes the most common hardware setups to serve as examples. We will go over the setup of timecode records/CDs, MIDI control and keyboard control.

3.1. Audio Output

Headphone cueing, or just cueing, is previewing the next track you would like to mix in your headphones. The audience will not hear what you are cueing in your headphones. Being able to cue is a crucial aspect of DJing.

In order to cue with your computer, you will need at least 2 separate audio outputs. Traditionally, a headphone jack on most laptops is not a second audio output. Rather, plugging headphones into the jack simply redirects the laptop’s main output to your headphones. Having a headphone jack alone will not allow you to cue.

3.2. Common Configurations

Unlike some commercial DJ systems, Mixxx can control multiple audio devices simultaneously. Depending on your budget and application area your sound setup and requirements may vary. This section provides useful information for club, hobby and radio DJs alike.

3.2.1. Laptop Only

Using Mixxx with your built-in sound card

There is absolutely no need to buy an additional, expensive sound card if you do not require headphone cueing. The built-in soundcard on most computers and laptops comes with a single line-out and microphone input.

The figure above depicts how the sound configuration might look. The stereo output of your soundcard (channels 1-2) will be connected to the Master out.

Open Preferences ‣ Sound Hardware
Select the Output tab
From the Master drop-down menus, select your built-in soundcard, then Channels 1-2
Depending on your soundcard, you can specify a microphone
1. Use your built-in microphone or connect a microphone to your computer
2. Check that your microphone is detected by your OS
3. Open the Input tab
4. From the Microphone drop-down menu, select the input your microphone is connected to
Click Apply to save the changes.

This minimal configuration may be suitable for radio DJs that do not need headphone cueing.

3.2.2. Laptop and an External USB Soundcard

Using Mixxx together with an external soundcard

The most common setup for DJing is a laptop and a soundcard with 2 stereo outputs (4 channels). The first stereo output (channels 1-2) is used as the Master out and supplies the main mix to the room. With the 2nd stereo output (channels 3-4) you can cue and preview the next track in your headphones. If your soundcard does not have 2 stereo outputs, you can use multiple soundcards to achieve the same setup.

The depicted configuration above uses two soundcards. This setup is the bare minimum for serious DJing. Without any extra gear, the DJ can control Mixxx via mouse and keyboard. For more information see Controlling Mixxx.

Using an external multi-channel soundcard

Open Preferences ‣ Sound Hardware
Select the Output tab
From the Master drop-down menus, select the external soundcard, then Channels 1-2
From the Headphones drop-down menus, select the external soundcard, then Channels 3-4
Click Apply to save the changes.

Using two soundcards (built-in + external)

Open Preferences ‣ Sound Hardware
Select the Output tab
From the Master drop-down menus, select the external soundcard, then Channels 1-2
From the Headphones drop-down menus, select the built-in soundcard, then Channels 1-2
Click Apply to save the changes.

3.2.3. Laptop, MIDI Controller, and External USB Soundcard

Mixxx can work with any MIDI controller that has drivers for your OS, as long as there is a MIDI mapping file to tell Mixxx how to understand it. Mixxx comes bundled with a number of MIDI mapping presets. To see the full list, see Using MIDI/HID Controllers.

Using Mixxx together with a MIDI controller and external soundcard

Using a controller without an integrated multi-channel soundcard

Open Preferences ‣ Sound Hardware
Select the Output tab
From the Master drop-down menus, select the external soundcard, then Channels 1-2
From the Headphones drop-down menus, select the built-in soundcard, then Channels 1-2
Click Apply to save the changes.

Your MIDI controller may have an integrated multi-channel soundcard. If yours does not, your sound setup may look like the figure above. Otherwise, an alternative sound setup may look like the figure below:

Using Mixxx together with a MIDI controller and integrated soundcard

Using a controller with an integrated multi-channel soundcard

Open Preferences ‣ Sound Hardware
Select the Output tab
From the Master drop-down menus, select your controllers soundcard, then Channels 1-2
From the Headphones drop-down menus, select your controllers soundcard, then Channels 3-4
Click Apply to save the changes.

Note

You can connect as many MIDI controllers as you have ports on your computer. Just follow the steps in Using MIDI/HID Controllers for each controller you want to use.

3.2.4. Laptop, External Hardware Mixer and Vinyl Control

This setup is usually preferred by DJs who work in clubs. Instead of carrying large and heavy CD bags or a MIDI controller, all you need to have is a professional soundcard together with a pair of timecode records and headphones.

For best results, when using this setup you should ensure your system is capable of latencies under 10ms. Otherwise scratching may sound distorted. For more information about latency and how to improve it, see Latency.