Scratch Live 2.2 - Updates and New Mappings...

The update of Scratch Live to 2.2 includes many additions including new mappings for existing hardware.  One main focus is to have midi controllers such as the Vestax VFX-1 be plug and play and automap to corresponding controls for use with Scratch Live as well as ITCH.  The same is true for the TTM-57 having better control over the DJ-FX section of Scratch live.  I'll just focus on the VFX-1 mappings in this post.  First if you haven't seen the VFX-1, let's get familiar...

The layout of the controller is clean and straight forward.  The following is a list of the default settings.  The top end of the controller will control fx for the left deck and bottom half for the right deck.  The beats knob selects the effects BPM multiplier.  The latch control is mapped to switch the on/off button between momentary and toggle.  This way you can punch in/out of effects or have the toggle so you can tailor the feel dependent on which effect you're using.  You can change which deck is the fx apply to by using the A/B assign buttons to toggle between left and right decks.  In super knob mode (you have 3 effects available for use) the depth knob, on/off button, and the select knob will control only the effects selection in the first slot.  In Ultra knob mode, the controller will control the effect for the entire channel.  The difference between Super knob and Ultra knob are shown below.  Super knob has 3 independent effects, whereas Ultra knob has one specific effect that can be a combo of effects controlled by 1 knob.  The effect programming can get very granular as you can expand menus to adjust individual parameters of effect.

All the other controls on the unit are individually assignable so that leaves you with 3 buttons and a knob that can be assigned to other elements of Scratch Live.  This controller is intended to be used with the two deck setup, so we'll see how the mappings change with the introduction of the SL4.  My assumption is that there will be new mappings that look at which hardware is plugged in, and map accordingly, but you can always map these individually and save as a midi profile.  New info to come on more features of the 2.2 update!

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…