M-Audio Conectiv & Torq 2.0 Digital Vinyl System Review
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M-Audio Conectiv & Torq 2.0 Digital Vinyl System Staff Review
M-Audio Conectiv & Torq 2.0 Digital Vinyl System Review Summary & Video:
In my bid to find great savings for DJ's all across the land, I ran into an extremely inexpensive Digital Vinyl Hardware and Software Package that will allow DJ's to use their external CD and Vinyl Decks in conjunction with their computer and audio files for playback. The M-Audio Conectiv USB DJ soundcard comes bundled with Torq 1.5 and a free upgrade to the new Torq 2.0 full-featured DJ software all for only $70. Also in the box DJ's will get the timecode vinyl and CD's necessary for external deck control. All the user needs is a computer and music files for mixing.
This is the absolute BEST-VALUE Digital Vinyl System that I have ever seen. You get superb CD and Vinyl Timecode Control Response that is very accurate and very low-latency. You also get a full-featured Torq 2.0 software with up to 4-Decks of control, 5 Hot Cues per deck, 2 Effects per deck, 16 Sample Banks and a loop controller for each deck. There are only 10 effects in Torq 2.0, but the main ones are all covered here. Some of the advanced effects that EDM style DJ's need may be disappointed with the final number of effects offered. Torq 2.0 also has a built in recorder so you can record your mix and even load it into one of the sample banks for immediate playback. The browsing functions are easy to use and similar to the layout of Serato. DJ's can also plug in any MIDI Mappable device in order to control basic functions like Cue Points, effects, playback, loops, browse, and loading. The MIDI mapper that is built into the software allows you to map lots of controls, but it doesn't quite allow users to go in and Map every single feature like what is found in the Traktor mapping program. It's still good enough for most DVS user standards, but the super-controllerists may want something else.
The M-Audio Conectiv Hardware is made up of almost all plastic but it serves its purpose. Just don't go banging it around if you are a Mobile DJ or crush it in transit. The M-Audio Conectiv soundcard can be used as a mixer as well with the two front "MIX" knobs to blend music. It also has a headphone and microphone jack for users who do not use the system with an external Mixer or decks. The M-Audio Conectiv hardware is also only 16-Bit as opposed to "industry standard" Serato and Traktor Soundcards that are 24-bit. I didn't notice any issues with the sound throughout my use but it's worth pointing out that you may not get the same sound quality when compared to the higher priced DJ soundcards.
In Conclusion, the M-Audio Conectiv Torq 2.0 DVS system is an excellent low-cost alternative to the higher priced setups on the market. The DVS setup is complete and there are lots of software features that DJ's will appreciate. The 16-bit all-plastic Conectiv hardware and limited effects and mapping functions in the software are the only negatives I could find with this system. Everything else works just as advertised and the most important function of all... the Timecode control response is right on the money. I will recommend this setup for DJ's who want a backup DVS system or someone who doesn't want to spend lots of money on a proper DVS setup. It's also a great system for users who don't have the latest and greatest computer system as this particular DVS does not need much computing power to run perfectly.
Pro's:
-Complete Hardware (M-Audio Conectiv) & Software (Torq 2.0) DVS Package
-Best Value DVS Solution I've Ever seen ($70 www.pssl.com)
-Excellent CD & Vinyl Timecode Control Response
-Good Torq 2.0 Features (4-Decks; 5-HotCues/2-EFX Per deck; 16-Sample Banks; Loops)
Con's:
-Limited Effects & MIDI Mapping Functions in Torq Software
-M-Audio Conectiv Hardware (16-Bit) is Slighty inferior in Build & Sound Quality
M-Audio Conectiv & Torq 2.0 Digital Vinyl System Features
Start Spinning Tonight
Torq Conectiv instantly turns any compatible Mac or PC into a powerful DJ rig—no configuration issues or prep work. That’s because M-Audio’s SynchroScience design group created the included Torq software and Conectiv interface to work seamlessly together right from the start. Just plug in your Conectiv interface, fire up Torq, and get down to business.
The Best of All Worlds
Torq gives you everything you need to DJ in a single, easy-to-use workspace. Torq includes an integrated two-channel mixer with three-band EQs, level controls, headphone cueing and a crossfader, just like a traditional DJ setup. Then the power of digital DJing kicks in. The program has two virtual decks where you can load, cue and mix digital files—including MP3, AIFF, WAV, WMA and AAC—and it will even automatically beat-match the files the instant you load them. Torq also organizes all of your digital files into an easily searchable database, letting you pull up the perfect track or change up your set in an instant. You can even access your entire iTunes library through Torq, so you can truly have all of your music at your fingertips.
Conectiv
The Conectiv USB interface delivers world-class M-Audio technology, outfitting your digital DJ rig with two pairs of RCA stereo inputs and outputs, microphone input and phono preamps. Two large knobs allow you to seamlessly mix between the incoming audio from a turntable or CD player and the output of a connected Mac or PC. Conectiv also includes standard DJ cueing capabilities, so you can listen to any track in your headphones before sending it out to the house system. And with a maximum output level of +2dBV, Conectiv gives you enough volume to go toe-to-toe with any DJ hardware on the market.
Universal Compatibility
While Torq and Conectiv are designed to work seamlessly together, Conectiv is also compatible with any Mac or PC software using CoreAudio and ASIO drivers—delivering low-latency performance as a recording interface for DAWs like Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, Digital Performer and more. Of course, it’s also compatible with Pro Tools M-Powered 7.3 or later as your entrance into the world of industry-standard recording.
The Ultimate DJ Effects Unit
Torq supports the vast world of third-party VST effects plug-ins and allows you to create recallable snapshots of your favorite EQ, effect and mixer settings. You even get 10 exciting built-in effects right out of the box. Beyond using these effects on your digital files, you can use Torq Conectiv to turn a laptop into the most versatile DJ effects unit ever conceived for your vinyl and CDs. Imagine the possibilities of stacking multiple distortion, EQ, reverb, chorus or bit reduction effects and using the knobs on Conectiv to blend the dry and processed signals.
Live Remix Machine
With Torq, you’re never limited to just basic beat-matching and crossfading between tracks. With a 16-cell, tempo-synced sampler, easy looping capabilities and multiple cue points, you can chop up a song—on the fly—and reorder, remix and extend any section you want, all while staying perfectly in time. The QuickScratch feature even lets you instantly scratch with any two loaded samples. With the option of adding multiple effects, you can turn a song into a completely original piece of music and even record it on the spot with the integrated performance recorder. And for the DAW-savvy DJ, you can route the output of Torq to any ReWire-compatible host application like Pro Tools M-Powered 7.3 or later and share synchronization information between the programs.
Take Control
Torq lets you work the way you want to work. Rather than limiting you to DJing with just a mouse, Torq can also be controlled via keyboard or MIDI controller—like the X-Session Pro or Oxygen 8 v2. And with a compatible audio interface like the M-Audio Conectiv and M-Audio’s specially encoded Torq Control CDs or Torq Control Vinyl disks (both included), you can control digital files loaded in Torq with the feel of a traditional DJ setup. Torq includes multiple operating modes that can make playback behave like a traditional turntable or a DJ CD player—and there is even a hybrid mode that blends the strengths of both vinyl and CD-style control.
Top Features
-Torq DJ software > instantly turn any Mac or PC into a powerful DJ rig
-Conectiv 4 x 4 USB audio interface with 16-bit/48kHz fidelity > CD quality and beyond
-4 RCA inputs configurable for line-level or phono signals > connects to all standard DJ mixers, turntables and CD players
-Supports MP3, AIFF, WAV, WMA and AAC files > cue, beat-match and mix standard digital audio files
-Use as a self-contained digital system, multi-effects processor or slave from included Control CDs/vinyl > totally flexible
-Hosts standard VST effects > powerful, expandable digital processing
Torq Conectiv—including the revolutionary Torq DJ software and Conectiv bus-powered 4 x 4 USB audio interface—is the breakthrough hardware/software system designed for DJs who perform and produce tracks with a laptop. Torq Conectiv delivers high-fidelity audio, all the right kinds of I/O (including dual phono preamps), and the ability to mix, beat-match and cue digital files with ease. Use it as a completely digital solution or process your vinyl and CDs on the fly. You can also create a hybrid digital/vinyl DJ rig with specially encoded Torq Control CDs and Torq Control Vinyl disks (both included).
Torq supports popular file formats such as MP3, WAV, WMA and AAC files and is configured to automatically work with Conectiv right out of the box. And unlike most digital DJ systems, the Conectiv interface works with other third-party software as well.
Note: Everyone purchasing Torq Xponent or Torq Conectiv from January 13, 2011 to December 31, 2012 will receive a free upgrade to Torq 2.0.
includes revolutionary Torq DJ software, Conectiv USB audio interface, plus 2 Torq Control Vinyl disks and 2 Torq Control CDs
Torq software features:
cue, beat-match and mix digital audio files (including MP3, AIFF, WAV, WMA and AAC)
works instantly and seamlessly with Conectiv
organizes digital audio files (including iTunes libraries) into easily searchable database
automatic beat-matching and integrated time-stretching/compression
2 virtual decks for loading and playing files
2-channel mixer with 3-band EQ, level control, headphone cueing and crossfader
supports two inputs for source music, microphones and more from compatible interfaces
includes 10 effects including filter, phaser, strobe, delay, flanger, reverb, distortion, repeat, brake and reverse
supports optional third-party VST effects
16-cell, tempo-synced sampler
QuickScratch feature allows instant scratching with two loaded samples
performance recorder
snapshot function for instant recall of mixer and effects settings
instant looping
vinyl, CDJ and hybrid emulation control modes
controllable via mouse, keyboard or MIDI controller
controllable with traditional DJ hardware using Torq Control Vinyl and Torq Control CDs
multiple operating modes for emulating turntable, DJ CD player or a hybrid of both
functions as a ReWire slave
Conectiv hardware features:
4 x 4 USB 1.1 audio interface with 16-bit/48kHz fidelity
4 RCA inputs configurable for line-level or phono signals
4 RCA line outputs with +2dBV peak output level
2 mix knobs for blending between the audio input and computer output
¼” TRS headphone output with volume control
crossfadable cue source with headphone split function
¼” TS microphone input (dynamic mics only)
USB bus-powered
Core Audio and ASIO compatible
Pro Tools M-Powered compatible (version 7.3 or later)
Torq Control Vinyl and Control CDs features:
ultra-fast response
bi-directional positioning
heavy-duty construction
Best Price for the M-Audio Conectiv & Torq 2.0 Digital Vinyl System
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