Scratch Live 1.8 Fully Released

[Kraig]

I'm sure this was posted by Soo somewhere, but I'm to lazy to look... Just in case:

Tuesday 11th December 2007. Auckland, New Zealand.

Serato Audio Research is pleased to announce the release of the most feature laden version of Scratch LIVE ever. Scratch LIVE 1.8 is a free update for existing users that is jam packed with new features. These include new performance options, auto-backup / file relocate tools, extended media file support and a new offline player.

Performance functions of Scratch LIVE can be assigned to real knobs and buttons on MIDI controllers. This effectively gives Scratch LIVE a third control system alongside Vinyl Records and CD’s.

“We know MIDI control will appeal to the technology DJ or remix DJ that wants to trigger or rearrange parts of the song during their performance, but we also wanted Vinyl DJ’s to benefit from some enhanced control if they so desired” explains Sam Gribben, General Manager. “So we have introduced some new needle drop modes and an auto-loop function at the same time.”

DJ’s using control records can now experience some optional enhancements involving how a needle is dropped on the control record whilst in “relative mode”. Users can now drop the needle on the Serato Control Record to activate 3 new modes including drop to absolute position, drop to cue points and restart track from vinyl lead-in.

In addition, the new auto-loop function allows DJ’s to accurately create loops of preset length quickly and simply on the fly in a range from 1/8 to 32 beats.

In the library, the ability to support AAC audio files allows Scratch LIVE 1.8 to load music files from the default format used in iTunes. The song library has also gained useful utilities like Auto-backup and Relocate Lost Files that will save a lot of time should you need to restore your system in the event of a disk problem.

You can now also build overviews and organize your performance with the new Off-Line player. The Off-Line player allows you to work on your song list, set up crates, loop and cue points without being plugged into the Scratch LIVE hardware. The Off-Line player uses the same useful shortcut commands as Scratch LIVE’s left deck.

Scratch LIVE 1.8 is a free download and available from:
ScratchLIVE.net

[matéo]

Yeah i've been running this shit on autoplay for the last 4 days to work out any bad tracks or situations. Gunna test it out tonight at the club.

[Kraig]

Nice one... I'm gonna run it parallel with 1.7.4

[omega_image]

so far haven't had any problems what so ever (been using since last friday). Only time i've had any usage issues, it's been when in conjunction with the video plugin.

[Kraig]

Interesting MIDI support... hmmmm... other than Mat the Alien, who here uses Serato with a MIDI keyboard or trigger device, etc.

[dj_soo]

mat is now on the 57. I still haven't tried the midi support myself as all I have is a keyboard type controller and I'd rather use a trigger-finger style controller.

Really what the midi controller does is make it easier to access the hotkeys when your laptop my be inaccessible.

And to take the most advantage of the midi, you should be playing in relative mode for the cue points and loops...

[Kraig]

Originally Posted by dj_soo

mat is now on the 57. I still haven't tried the midi support myself as all I have is a keyboard type controller and I'd rather use a trigger-finger style controller.

Really what the midi controller does is make it easier to access the hotkeys when your laptop my be inaccessible.

And to take the most advantage of the midi, you should be playing in relative mode for the cue points and loops...

Oh shit... he got a 57 eh? I've looked at the features and specs of the mixer and such, but talk to me about the value of that mixer (aside from the fact it's a quality Rane mixer will the usual features and built-in Serato) vs. Serato/MacBook pro, etc.

PS: what keyboard controller or trigger-finger controller are you using?

[dj_soo]

Mat got one, liked it so much, he went and bought another one so he could have one at home and one for gigs. :o.

Pros:

- it's based on the tm56 which is arguably the best scratch mixer on the market.
- one of the best x-faders on the market too - magnetic - will likely last forever and all three faders are the same type
- functions as a 16bit/44khz, 10-in, 6-out sound card with both ASIO and CoreAudio drivers (the SL1 will only support ASIO so mac users can't use the SL1 as a soundcard)
- can record all your sets within serato itself (unlike the SL1 which requires a 2nd computer, or to loop back to your computer)
- can basically control serato without having to touch your computer via 6 programable keys, 2 knob/button combos, 2 joysticks and a few others - you can have up to 5 control groups too (could be more not exactly sure)
- built-in FX module (pretty limited right now, but FW upgrades should add more effects)
- will be compatible with Rane's upcoming video mixing plugin (will cost money tho) which so far will only support the 57SL
- built like a tank
- Rane sound quality

Cons:

- only 2 channels
- pricey
- I've heard some complaints about the x-fader construction (i.e. it's a little cheaper than the 56 one) and that it has been known to break but it's from a very small number of people and it could have just been a bad production batch
- FX are cool in theory, but the execution of it is a little clunky - most people i've spoken to prefer using an off-board fx module
- FX send/loop control is now just an on/off button instead of the incredibly useful fader that the 56 and the empath have
- requires regular maintenence

I'm thinking of getting one as soon as I can actually...

[Goodfellow]

serato with a midi board OMFG~!!! the possibilities are endless. me and my bud in calgary were throwin up drum loops, basslines, fuck anything on the left and then a track on the right.. then a midi board to even throw up a live bassline .. you can completely remix a song top to bottom live. turn like an oldies track into a funky ass house remix sooo fast.

i can't believe i've been producin without this stuff all this time..

[dj_soo]

i've been doing a series of 4-7 hour gigs on 1.8 final with no problems during play-back. The one time i had an issue was when i was trying to close the program, but i think it may have had something to do with my bluetooth mouse...

Loving 1.8 - still need to try it with a midi controller...

[soma]

Looks stellar, I'm really enjoying the 1.80 upgrades

[dj_soo]

I just picked up a Rane 57.

This thing is fucking sexy.

[Kraig]

Damn... BALLER.

[omega_image]

lets have a party.

[Kraig]

Yeah I wanna check this thing out.

PS: Soo - I got some questions for ya... your number still the same?

[omega_image]

so am i bringing mine to your place, or you bringing yours to mine?

guess the first person to get that udg bag will make the move =P

[dj_soo]

Originally Posted by Kraig

Damn... BALLER.

Ffft... It's called financing :)

Yea, my number should still be the same.

[rawb]

IF I BUY A BETTER MIXER WILL I BE A BETTER DJER GUY o

[omega_image]

DON'T BE BITTER BE BETTER b

[rawb]

IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO BE BETTER o

[decypher]

Congrats on the 57 Soo. That thing is sweet! I can't wait to hear what kinda stuff you pump outta that thing.

[omega_image]

Originally Posted by rawb

IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO BE BETTER o

ONLY IF YOU DON'T BUY THE 57 b

[rawb]

YA REALLY SOO NEEDS TO GET WORSE IF ANYTHING THIS IS KINDA BULLSHIT o