Confusion

I use Torq, and as it’s the poor (wo)man’s serato I’m basing my answer on that.

The way it works is from time coded vinyl or CD’s (what you hear is a continuous tone). The timecode goes through an external soundcard that connects to your computer via USB (or…mebbe firewire *hopes*) and the software "listens" for this timecode – decodes it – and it performs as though your mp3 that’s loaded in the software’s virtual "turntable" is actually the vinyl or CD that’s on rotation.

Mixers and turntables really don’t matter. Although, I’ll say for vinyl, get a decent set of needles. I’m a Concorde fan myself, although Shure Whitelabels are top notch too (no, i have no affiliation with them…i just bought them after doing my homework) so long as the mixer has at least 2 channels and both phono and line inputs and a master out – which all must do – It’s a doddle.

~J