You will still need the external sound card even if your mixer has one built it. And most people use the X1 for the midi control not the effects. The X1 makes browsing your laptop and choosing songs easier than reaching up to your laptop track pad or mouse. As for the mixers effects apposed to the X1, the X1 gives you more control over the effects parameters like how wet or dry they are. Too me it looks like you are confusing yourself too much, by deciding weather you want a controller, cdj's, turntables, mixer, software etc all in one go. First of all you need to decide which way you want to go with your DJ'ing. Controller: Pick the one you want, use the software it comes with and your set to go. Or pick what cdj/turntable and mixer set up you want and than once you have that decide if you want to use time codes. If you do than just buy either a Traktor or Serato package and it will come with everything you need and than your away.