Equipment: Technology for the DJ.......Serato Scratch LIVE

Digital distribution has become a major way for record labels to promote the latest singles from your favorite artists. Many turntable djs like myself, were presented with the problem of finding a way to get many of these new singles on vinyl –faster, to no avail until Rane teamed up with Serato to develop Scratch LIVE to solve this problem. Serato Scratch LIVE is a hardware and software package that is compatible both Windows and Mac. It gives users the ability to play, mix, scratch, and blend mp3s with two turntables (or CD decks) and two special control records or CDs. The control records spins as if they were two real vinyl records. Rane took Serato Scratch LIVE to a whole new level by releasing the state of the art TTM 57SL mixer. This mixer may look like the standard two channel mixer, but this mixer houses the Scratch LIVE interface inside of it. This means that djs no longer have to assemble /disassemble the Scratch LIVE unit as well as their mixer from their turntables to use this device at another location. The TTM 57SL has some new features that are exclusive to it as well. An option in Scratch LIVE called “relative mode” allows you to create a cue anywhere on the song, which means you are able to mix, scratch and cut from the cue point anywhere on the record. This allows the user to record all of their mixes on the spot. Also, it has internal effects with six stereo insert points as well to help you create some new innovative mixes that will keep the party going and have other djs hating. We at CollegeDJ.net have had the opportunity to use the top of the line TTM 57SL mixer; we can say it will benefit any of the following dj functions…..Scratch LIVE is perfect for Battle/Live Performance, Night Club and Mobile dj activities. It is rare these days to see a dj without a laptop on the set, but a good dj can spin pure vinyl anyway. Watch Jazzy Jeff as he mixes it up for a crowd in the club using Scratch LIVE….. DJ KidRelly, aka “Kid Come up”.