Scratch Live. Scratch Live is a vinyl emulation software application created by New Zealand based Serato Audio Research, distributed.
Nowadays, more and more DJs are using VirtualDJ Pro Full to be able to use digital music instead of traditional vinyls or CDs. Still, using digital music doesn't mean you'll have to sit behind a computer and use a mouse and keyboard.VirtualDJ Pro Full can be used as a stand-alone software in case of emergency, but to truly unleash its power, you might want to connect it to some dedicated hardware.
VirtualDJ Pro Full is natively compatible with an impressive list of hardware from many manufacturers. And, with the full MIDI compatibility and the open plugin architecture, it can connect to virtually anything.
You will find below a small list of the best hardware for digital DJ one can find on the market today. Many of which come with a version of VirtualDJ Limited Edition (LE) so you can immediately start using your controller.
But, if you don't find what you need here, keep in mind that VirtualDJ Pro Full is compatible with many other controllers, mixers, etc. on the market.
Depending on how and where you mix, you might consider different options:
- Mobile DJs will probably want to get all-in-one controllers, easy to transport and install anywhere.
- Resident DJs will probably want rackmount or table-top controllers (depending on the space available in the booth).
- Turntablists will want a TimeCode solution and a good sound card interface.
- Beginners will be more interested in all-in-one solutions.
| Developer(s) | Serato Audio Research |
|---|---|
| Stable release | |
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X |
| Type | Vinyl emulation software |
| Website | serato.com/scratchlive/ |
Scratch Live is a vinyl emulation software application created by New Zealand based Serato Audio Research, distributed by and licensed exclusively to Rane Corporation. Serato was first known for its Pro Tools plug-in, Pitch N Time, which was sold predominantly to the film industry.[1]
Scratch Live allows manipulation and playback of digital audio files using traditional vinyl turntables or CD players via special timecode vinyl records or CDs.
The product is discontinued and has been replaced by Serato DJ.
Video-SL[edit]
In 2008, Serato released the first major plugin for Scratch Live, Video-SL. It allows the playback of video files in similar fashion to audio files. Users can apply effects in real time and mix between video independently of audio.
A demo copy can be installed and used but a watermark is displayed on the main output screen. Activation is done via a serial number.
Video-SL was later replaced by a new designed video plugin called 'Serato Video'.
Custom hardware[edit]
Scratch Live currently works in conjunction with five application specific audio devices designed and manufactured for the system by Mukilteo, Washington-based Rane Corporation.
SL4[edit]
The latest audio interface is the SL4. It is the first standalone DJ interface with two USB 2.0 ports for seamless DJ changeover and back-to-back performances. It also has 96 kHz, 24-bit audio. The SL4 has built in galvanic isolation between USB and audio, with turn on/off muting. The unit also includes Low-latency ASIO and Core Audio drivers which allow the SL4 to be used as a studio production tool with third-party software applications.
SL3[edit]
The SL3 is another audio interface for Scratch Live. Features include a USB 2.0 interface, improved dynamic range (120 dB), improved audio performance (24 bit converters) and additional audio channels with AUX input and output. Like the SL2 it also has 48.0 kHz, 24-bit audio. The extra channel allows the DJ to record his/her music set, use a sampler while performing or connect a third player for three deck mixing.
SL2[edit]
The SL2 is the audio interface set to replace the older SL1 interface.[2] The unit has 2 inputs which can be used both as phono or line input, but unlike the old SL1 interface it doesn't have a microphone input and it has only 2 line outputs and no 'thru' outputs. It also features improvements to the sound quality. Whereas the SL1 interface had 16-bit 44.1 kHz audio, the SL2 now has 24-bit 48khZ audio with USB2.0 and Core Audio/ASIO support.[3]
SL1[edit]
The SL1 is a multi-channel, USB 1.1 external soundcard. The unit has inputs for two stereo turntables or CD players and one unbalanced microphone. There are two stereo line level outputs and two 'thru' outputs which provide a copy of the input signal to enable playback of regular vinyl records or CDs. ASIO drivers are available for the unit to allow it to be used by other Windows applications as a multi channel sound interface. There are no Core Audio drivers for Macintosh-based computers. The SL1 interface is no longer in production, but is still supported.[4]
MP4[edit]
A 19' rack mount DJ mixer based on the MP2, incorporating the sound card functions of the SL1. The MP4 allows you to record your set digitally within the Scratch Live software over the USB interface. The mixer is recognized by Windows as a 4x output 2x input soundcard so it can be used with any windows application. Also provided are ASIO and Core Audio drivers for use in audio applications on both Windows XP and Mac OS X.
TTM 57SL[edit]
A DJ mixer combining the functionality of the SL1 with an application specific control surface based on the popular TTM56 scratch mixer. It also contains added effects not available with the TTM56 or bare SL1 set-ups.
Sixty-Eight[edit]
Announced at NAMM 2010, the Sixty-Eight is a 4 channel club style mixer with 2 separate USB inputs. Via ScratchLive 2.0 it adds support for up 4 real or virtual deck combinations.
Supported third party accessories[edit]
Serato have begun working in supporting third party players/controllers with the Scratch Live software. These controllers are 'natively' supported and do not require the use of the timecode CDs, all playback and control information is sent over USB. The following are the currently supported native controllers:
- Denon DN-HC1000S
- Denon DN-HC4500
- Novation Dicer (versions 2.1 and above)
- Pioneer CDJ-2000 (versions 2.1 and above)
- Pioneer CDJ-900 (versions 2.1 and above)
- Pioneer CDJ-850
- Pioneer CDJ-400
- Pioneer CDJ-350
- Pioneer MEP-7000
- Vestax VFX-1
References[edit]
Numark Timecode Vinyl
- ^'Digital DJs mix and Scratch'. The Dominion Post. 21 July 2008. Retrieved 7 November 2011.
- ^Rane SL 2 Product page
- ^Scratch Live Feature Comparison
- ^Rane SL 1 Product page