5. Drivers And Hardware

Installation would have been easier if described in greater detail in the manual, for those who read directions. While a regular PC user should find it straightforward enough, a DJ who is not so PC-savvy could be put off by some of the screens, which could seem obscure or bewildering to the uninitiated. This detail aside, it is no problem to install the program. The driver settings module comes with three screens displayed according to the operating mode chosen: 5.1, DJ or ASIO.

In 5.1 mode (multimedia, DVD and games), the settings are general volume control (Master) and six others, one for each channel. A dropdown menu shows the choices of recording sources - line-in, mike, coaxial digital and optical digital. Unfortunately, there is no way to control these inputs in the software (no input appears in the Windows mixing console) and the line-in has no level control, which could be a drawback for some users.

In DJ mode, the level controls offer three stereo outputs: master, play and auxiliary. The input selector is still there but joined by the Talkover with the choice of muting provided when the mike is activated (3, 6 or 9 dB). When you talk into the mike the music will be correspondingly muted so your voice can be clearly heard. A very cool "on air" logo lights up when you activate.

In ASIO mode, for use with music composition software, the settings are identical except for the talkover function.