Cue Volume leaks into Master with DJ Splitter Cable

  • Device model 2024 iPad Pro M4
  • Version of operating system IPAD OS 18.3
  • Version of djay 5.2.7.
  • Hardware/controllers used: NO HARDWARE, JUST NATIVE INSTRUMENTS AUDIO SPLITTER (BRAND NEW)

I keep hearing part of the cued song play through the master volume into my speaker. im on an iPad pro M4. I notice this issue has been posted before but I don’t see any follow ups. just curious if this issue can be fixed. im also using the splitter DJAY PRO suggested, no controller just audio splitter into my headphones and main speaker.

Hi @Djgusgus, thanks for the details about your setup. How are you connecting the NI splitter cable to your iPad?

You won’t be able to just plug in the splitter and it works. You have to set up the audio configuration correctly.

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Hi again @Djgusgus,

  1. Please make sure you are using a high quality USB-C to Headphone adapter to connect the NI Splitter Cable to your iPad (ideally a genuine Apple adapter).
  2. Once connected, navigate to the djay Settings>Audio Devices and make sure your Pre-Cueing is set to Split Output.
  3. Finally, in the main Settings page, make sure your CUE - MIX slider is set all the way to CUE.

That’s a good question, I have a usb-c hub that has a 3.5mm out. Also just plugged in the splitter direct into the iPad via an apple usbc to 3.5mm adaptor. still same problem occurs both ways. just read your other reply, yes those settings are set correctly.

obviously I wouldn’t want to use it plugged in directly as I would want a way to charge the iPad as well so that’s why Im going with the usbc hub option, while I have you here. here’s another concern I have. the headphones volume is too low, even if the volume in the settings is turned up all the way. in case “output headroom” has anything to do with it, that is set to none.

Hi again @Djgusgus, if your settings match what I shared, then it sounds like you may have a defective splitter cable or a loose connection with the adapter.

Regarding volume, if you set the Output Headroom to None and turn the Audio Limiter Off, this should increase your max volume.

EDIT: before you order a new splitter cable, you could disconnect everything, close djay and follow the procedure below to perform a Forced Restart of your iPad: Force restart iPad - Apple Support

After rebooting, launch djay, then connect your Hub, then connect your splitter cable and test again.

Also check the 1/8” sockets of your hub and splitter cable to make sure there are no “dust bunnies” or obstructions.

I did the steps you just asked after the edit. I think it’s just a problem with the splitter design itself, not a defect but the design. it actually is ok if I lower the speaker volume apparently it’s set too high so I can hear it faintly coming through, noticeable enough if the room is silent but not noticeable if there is ambient noise and people talking. especially not noticeable if the current song is playing. So overall I think some leak will just come through just from the nature of the splitting design. oh well. at least I know I wont have my speaker set that high (0db) so it won’t be a problem if I set it to -10db (speaker still gets plenty loud at that volume)

I hate to keep bothering but I have a few other concerns.

  • I can’t hear the cued song if crossfade fx with neural mix is engaged.
  • I would like more headphone headroom, apparently it’s linked to the main output volume and there’s no way around that meaning I have to have the iPad main output volume all the way up to have decent volume on my headphones, some extra headphone volume would be nice if I still wanna hear my headphones at a nice volume without the current song being blasted. (also the option to turn up or down the headphone volume on the main screen without having to adjust in settings would be super nice)

It’s probably just crosstalk then, from the audio circuitry. Really a splitter cable is a compromise anyway, because each signal is mono. You’d be better off with a suitable dedicated audio interface or a small cheap DJ controller that has cue and master onboard.

The lack of volume could just be down to whatever headphones you’re using.

Hi @Djgusgus, no problem.

  1. Headphone cueing is not currently supported with CFX. The team is looking into this, but it is a complex issue. You need to turn CFX Off after transitioning if you want to pre-cue.
  2. Regarding headphones, I think overall you will be happier if you eventually switch to a DJ controller. Headphone splitters are a great simple solution, but overall you’ll likely have a better experience even with a low cost controller.