Hi, just wanted to add to this thread in that the output really is way too loud on the Contours and it is not just a matter of turning down the master volume in Traktor.
The first reason is when you adjust the master volume you change the point where the limiter kicks in, in Traktor. As in, using a soundcard such as the Audio 8, max volume output on the hardware is set at below clip so that when output reaches clip (above 0db or in the "red" zone on the main vu meter) the limiter kicks in, in Traktor so as to prevent distortion. (actual clipping of the sound) I have tested this between an Audio 8 and the Contour, and the Contour will distort where the Audio 8 will not. (because the output of the Audio 8 matches up with the limiter in software)
The reason why this is an issue is there are times when you want the limiter to be active to regulate output from becoming too loud. By backing off the volume in Traktor leaves much more headroom before the limiter kicks in resulting in output becoming too loud when playing duplicate sound signals. This happens most frequently using loops in the sample decks or loop recorder or certain effects like Delay. For there to be no distortion at these times the Contours have to be backed off 5-6db where on the Audio 8/10, which output is 5-6db lower, there is no point that they will distort since the software limiter will prevent it.
The point is, because the output is so "hot" you have to back it off in software to give headroom, but that headroom can be used up with loops and effects resulting in a much louder sound. Even with backing the main volume off 5-6db you will still clip the hardware before the limiter kicks in. In fact the built-in software limiter is pretty much useless with the Contours as it will not kick in before the Contour hardware distorts. (and there is no way to adjust it either)
The long and the short of it is that the output on the Contour should be set at exactly the same as the output on the Audio 8 or Audio 10. This would match it to the software limiter, there would never be any distortion and the limiter would work perfect as it does with the Audio 8/10.
Another side effect of the output being so hot is that you cannot use the preview deck because it just distorts. There is no level control in Traktor for the preview deck, so its basically unusable.
If there was a control in the drivers to regulate output, or if the drivers were reset to the output of an Audio 8/10, that would be fantastic and would match up best with Traktor. Other than that though the soundcard actually sounds great, the distortion is not an issue of sound quality, its just that the output is above 0db and the "hotter" it gets the more it clips/distorts.
Joe.
