Scratch Live

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Serato Scratch Live is a DJ software program created by New Zealand based Serato Audio Research, best known for their popular Pro Tools plug-in Pitch N Time.

Scratch Live allows manipulation and playback of digital audio files (mp3, wav, aiff, ogg and aac) using traditional vinyl turntables or CD players via special timecode vinyl records or CDs. With this expansion, the musical possibilities are endless, allowing for versatile music libraries to be used for disk jockeys. It seeks to cross the divide between the versatility of digital audio and the tactile control of vinyl turntablism.

Contents

[edit] Software

The Scratch LIVE software was first available in 2004. Since then eight updates to the software have been released. Serato make the updates freely available for anyone to download from their website. The software however cannot be used to its full potential without one of the Scratch LIVE specific hardware interfaces, which acts as a dongle. The current version of Serato Scratch LIVE is 1.8.1 (18120).

[edit] Hardware

Serato's software currently works in conjunction with three application specific audio devices designed and manufactured for the system by Mukilteo, Washington-based Rane Corporation.

[edit] SL1

The SL1 is a multiple channel external I/O soundcard, it connects to the computer via a USB 1.1 interface. 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.

[edit] MP4

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 ScratchLIVE software over the USB interface. The mixer is recognised 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.

[edit] TTM57SL

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 Serato set-ups. The effects can be downloaded, simply by visiting, Scratchlive.net.

[edit] Connections

  • Four main stereo inputs all of which can accept both line and phono level signals. Two of these inputs can be used at any one time for controlling SratchLIVE or playback of a phono or line level source. The inputs use RCA jacks.
  • One stereo line input without EQ for playback of other sources on RCA jacks.
  • A balanced microphone input with two band EQ on a 1/4" TRS jack.
  • A stereo effects loop with 1/4" Jack connectors.
  • Three main stereo outputs providing balanced outputs on XLR and TRS Jack connectors and unbalanced output on RCA jacks.
  • Two headphone connections providing both 3.5mm and 1.4" jack connections
  • 1/4" TRS Jack for connection of a three button momentary action footswitch.
  • An IEC 320 EN 60320 C14 power connector (kettle lead) - the mixer has a universal power supply that can accept any AC voltage 100-240V making it possible to use the same mixer anywhere in the world without changing a setting or the use of a transformer.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links