SP-6? That's wack son...well...maybe not

Although this feature has been out for some time now, I feel that people don't get the power of using it in their sets and it is often overlooked.  From ad-lib drums to dropping vocal samples to using it for instant doubles on a currently playing track to free up a deck, it's quite useful.  Now since SSL doesn't sync to a master clock like Traktor's sample decks, the SP-6 can fall out of time with pitch changes if you're mixing looped tracks in it and changing speed, so be careful, there's a nudge feature for that.  The great thing about the SP-6 is that you have six slots that essentially have full deck control on them.  You have a volume fader, pitch slider, multiple play modes, overviews, multiple banks, output selection, and more features that I will delve into as we go.  This isn't a complete example of all features, but you'll get the idea.

The real value that I see in it is the fact that a DJ can be much more creative with a midi controller and decks that just limited to using the keyboard shortcuts for triggering samples.  Now the list of gear could get pretty extensive if you want hands on control of ALL features of the SP-6 and all channels, but I'll just focus a bit on how I have mine set up.  I mapped my Akai LPD-8 to control the SP-6 on one of the scenes available for it (there are 4 altogether).  Since the LPD-8 only has 8 pads and 8 knobs, I decided that the first 6 pads will trigger samples and the first 6 knobs will control the volume of the samples.  It's just a quick and dirty method of being able to cue up an additional track once you have them in sync.  When you drop the currently playing track on the deck to the sample player, it will instant double and match the trackhead position and playback speed.  NOTE: if you don't have instant doubles enabled, this doesn't work so make sure to check your setup options!  You also want to make sure that the output selector is then on the currently playing deck so that you can start to cue another track and make sure it's not cueing live.


With the ability to change the volume of the SP-6 sample track with the knobs on the LPD, you can still mix with the controller.  The other thing I use the SP-6 for is to drop snippets of vocals and drums.  For these I'll use the one shot mode and drop individual drum samples (or airhorns haha) into the slots and drum during a breakdown or whatever part you want.  It's all up to you what you want to do with it, but that's my quick suggestion.  Be back for more news on ish soon!

Native Instruments vs Rane - DVS Debate

Rane or Native instruments?  With the debut of Traktor Scratch Pro 2 there's a lot of debate on which system would suit your style.  Another consideration is that Rane is also releasing new hardware for their updated version of Scratch Live.  How is Scratch Live going to fare against it's updated competitor with new interfaces and features?  Let's find out...I created a chart that documents the features of each interface.  I'll be doing more posts on this topic as the time of release (April 1st) comes up.

We first need to put some things on the table, the new features of Traktor Scratch Pro 2 hardware.  The new Audio 6 and Audio 10 will no longer use the multi-core cables eliminating potential expensive replacement if lost or damaged. Definitely a big plus in my book since at $33 each, this could get expensive quick.  The Traktor interfaces feature status LEDs on the inputs which gives the user a clear indication of what mode the hardware is functioning in.  Troubleshooting wiring in a dark club, we've all been there, this is a plus for sure.  The interfaces still only have one USB port which I don't understand.  The ability to switch out DJs seamlessly without unhooking equipment was not addressed here besides having a direct thru available when plugged in with a wall wart.  The output level on the Audio 10 and Audio 6 is 2.35 Vrms which is slightly above the standard line level of 2 Vrms.  For reference, the SL1 output is 2 Vrms so if this is too quiet for you, the Audio 10 and Audio 6 are a bit hotter output side.  These interfaces can also be used as a 10 in 10 out or 6 in 6 out soundcard although all connections are going to be RCA and mono.  If you use MIDI capable hardware on stage, the Audio 10 has you covered with MIDI I/O.  This means you can sync your synth, sampler, sequencer, or other outboard gear without having an additional MIDI interface.  Where does our competitor stand?

The new Scratch Live SL4 offers 4 deck capabilities as well, but offers 2 USB ports for seamless switching of DJs.  This can be a big plus if it is club owned equipment since switching hardware won't be an issue for DJs using SSL.  Other features make them pretty much comparable, but the SL4 as well as SL3 are hotter on the output side than either of the Traktor interfaces and there is no MIDI option.  One advantage the SL4 has over the Audio 10 is that the power cable is not necessary.  The Audio 10 MUST be hooked up to the grid, or no worky.  As any Rane product I would expect the same robust and durable design we’ve seen in the SL1 and SL3.  According to the Rane site, the box is supposed to weight a total of 6 pounds!  We’ll see when actually shipped, but that is one heavy interface.  In the next installment I will go over some new features of the software and dive deeper into what’s good for who, until then…