Routing Audio: S4 Mk3 Studio Monitor Setup Guide

If you're looking to hook up your S4 MK3 to OBS Studio, there are a few methods you can try. One way is to use an external sound card, while another option is to utilise software such as Voicemeeter or ASIO Link Pro. A third method involves looping from the booth output to the line input, although this is not recommended as the last resort. Additionally, when using OBS, remember to install and utilise the ASIO plugin. If you're connecting your S4 MK3 to studio monitors, you can use a single RCA cable from the left output on the S4 to the speaker, and then set Traktor audio routing to mono. Alternatively, you can use the 3.5mm output on the S4 when it's in Mono mode, although this may require additional adapters or cables depending on your setup.

Using an external sound card

When it comes to using an external sound card with your S4 MK3 studio monitor, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, an external sound card can provide better audio quality compared to the built-in sound card of your device. However, not everyone may notice or care about the improvement in sound quality. It is also important to choose a suitable external sound card that meets your specific needs and is compatible with your setup.

To set up an external sound card with your S4 MK3, you can follow these steps:

• Ensure that you have the correct cables for connecting your external sound card to the S4 MK3. You may need RCA, 3.5mm, or 1/4" cables, depending on your specific devices and connections.
• Connect the output of the S4 MK3 to the input of the external sound card. This will allow you to control the volume and audio levels through the external sound card.
• Open the settings of your audio software or application. For example, if you are using Traktor, go to "Settings > Audio Setup > Audio Device."
• Select the external sound card as the audio device in the settings. In some cases, you may need to update the drivers for your external sound card to ensure it is recognised by your software.
• Adjust the input/output routings in the preferences or settings of your audio software. This will ensure that the audio signal is routed correctly through the external sound card.
• If you are using headphones with the S4 MK3, you may need to select the appropriate mixing mode. For example, in Traktor, you can choose between "External" and "Internal" mixing modes.
• Test the audio levels and sound quality by playing music or sounds through the S4 MK3 and adjusting the controls on the external sound card.

It is important to note that the specific steps may vary depending on your software, hardware, and operating system. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the headphone volume being transmitted to streaming software even when it is only enabled for themselves. This may require further troubleshooting and adjustments to your audio settings.

Using software like Voicemeeter or ASIO Link Pro

If you don't have an audio device with extra ins and outs, the next best option is to use software like Voicemeeter or ASIO Link Pro.

Voicemeeter

Voicemeeter is a good software solution for routing audio. It is a virtual mixer that allows you to mix and manage audio sources coming from different applications. It supports various audio formats and sample rates, and can be used with any audio application.

To use Voicemeeter to route audio from your S4 MK3 studio monitor, you will need to configure the software to recognize the correct input and output devices. Make sure you have the latest version of Voicemeeter installed, and then follow these steps:

• Open the Voicemeeter application.
• In the Input tab, select the S4 MK3 as the input device.
• In the A1 tab, select the output device you want to use (e.g. speakers or headphones).
• Adjust the volume and pan settings as needed.
• Repeat the above steps for any additional output devices in the A2, A3, and A4 tabs.

ASIO Link Pro

ASIO Link Pro is another powerful software solution for routing audio, but it is considered more complicated to use than Voicemeeter. It allows you to route audio from USB devices and virtual apps/devices to separate channels on an audio interface, and then loop back the edited sound.

To use ASIO Link Pro with your S4 MK3 studio monitor, you will need to configure the software's routing matrix. Here are the general steps, but note that you may need to adapt them to your specific setup:

• Install ASIO Link Pro and set it up with the number of inputs and outputs you need.
• Identify the correct inputs and outputs in the ASIO Link Pro routing matrix:

• ASIOVADPRO SPEAKER IN: Windows sound panel input.
• ASIO DRIVER IN: Audio interface input (e.g. Tascam Model 12 mixer).
• ASIO HOST IN MIX: DAW input.
• ASIO DRIVER OUT: Audio interface output.
• ASIOVADPRO MIX OUT: Windows sound panel outputs.

• Connect the virtual cables in the routing matrix from one virtual section to another. This step may require some trial and error to get right.
• Route apps and devices to separate channels on the audio interface, and then route those channels into your DAWs.
• Loop back the edited sound into the audio interface.

While both Voicemeeter and ASIO Link Pro are effective tools for routing audio, they have different strengths and complexities. Voicemeeter is generally considered more user-friendly, while ASIO Link Pro offers more advanced routing options but with a steeper learning curve.

Using the looping method

To do this, you will need to connect a cable from the booth out into a line in on your device. You will also need to use the ASIO plugin for OBS.

This method may cause you to lose sound from your monitors, so it is advised to output from the main and leave the booth output free.

If you are unsure about your setup, it is recommended to seek advice from someone with more expertise.

Using a cable from the s4 into an input of the s4

To connect your S4 MK3 to OBS Studio, you can use an external sound card, software, or a looping method.

If you are using the looping method, you can try the following:

• Use a cable to connect the booth output to the line input.
• Ensure your monitors are connected to the main output and not the booth output.
• Install and use the ASIO plugin for OBS.
• Set the THRU/USB switch to THRU.
• Adjust the input level of the source before it is sent to the Main Outputs.

If you are using a different method, ensure you have the correct cables and connections between your S4 MK3 and your monitors/headphones.

You can also refer to the official product documentation for detailed instructions on how to route audio on the S4 MK3.

Using an XLR cable

To connect your S4 Mk3 studio monitor to your laptop or PC without an audio interface, you will need a 3.5mm jack to 2x XLR male cable. These cables are available in various lengths, and if the cable is not long enough, you can extend it using a regular microphone cable. You will need two cables, one for each speaker, and you can also use this type of cable to connect your DJ set to your active monitors.

If you are connecting your S4 Mk3 studio monitor to a DJ mixer or controller, you can amplify it through the built-in speakers in your laptop or computer. To do this, you need to adjust the settings in your DJ software to direct the Master Output to your computer's on-board sound card. However, keep in mind that these types of speakers are not capable of providing the full, dynamic sound you need to DJ properly. If you've been using built-in speakers, then it's time to think about investing in a set of studio monitors. Most DJ controllers are equipped with a Master Output to connect to a set of monitors via XLR or RCA, and many also have a Booth Out connector for jack cables.

An audio interface is a sound card that is vital for recording. It is available as a compact external device or a 19-inch rack unit, or it can be an internal sound card that is built into your computer. Unlike a standard sound card, an audio interface offers higher-quality performance and more possibilities, such as professional connection options. An audio interface has one or more input channels for external devices such as a synthesizer, guitar, or microphone. The standard inputs are 6.35mm TRS (1/4-inch) jack, XLR, or RCA. Your studio monitors can be connected to the 6.35mm jack or RCA outputs. Audio interfaces also have XLR outputs, which are more rugged than the other connector types.

If you are a singer-songwriter and want to record your compositions on your PC or laptop while accompanying yourself on guitar, a straightforward audio interface with one microphone input and one instrument input for your guitar is ideal. You can then connect your set of two active studio monitors using the line outputs on the interface, which are either RCA (unbalanced) or jack (balanced). If given the choice, it is recommended to choose speakers with balanced outputs, as these are less susceptible to noise and interference.

To connect your S4 Mk3 studio monitor to your laptop or PC using an XLR cable, follow these steps:

• Purchase a 3.5mm jack to 2x XLR male cable. Make sure you have the correct length for your setup.
• Connect one end of the cable to the output on your S4 Mk3 studio monitor.
• Connect the other end of the cable to the input on your laptop or PC.
• Adjust the settings on your laptop or PC to direct the audio output to the S4 Mk3 studio monitor.
• Test the connection by playing audio through your laptop or PC and ensuring it is outputting to the S4 Mk3 studio monitor.

Frequently asked questions