Stanton DJ intros touch-sensitive DaScratch USB-MIDI controller
By Darren Murph 
posted September 19th 2008 11:39AM
posted September 19th 2008 11:39AM
Stanton Introduces "DaScratch®" Controller
New "DaScratch" a.k.a. SCS.3d features advanced touch-sensitive control for digital DJs
HOLLYWOOD, FL – September 19, 2008 – Stanton DJ, an industry leader in the design and manufacture of professional audio products for DJs, introduces the DaScratch, the company's newest addition to the SC System controller line. DaScratch is a USB-MIDI controller that combines fast response, easy customization, and a compact form factor to create an ideal instrument for any digital DJ looking for total control over their software. Small and portable, DaScratch makes a space-friendly addition to any existing DJ gear set-up or can stand on its own as a complete controller solution.
DaScratch marks the introduction of Stanton's StanTouch® technology, which allows DJs to use traditional performance motions and gestures on a touch-pad style surface. "With SCS.3d, we stepped back from the playing field and created something unique using emerging touch technology," states Jim Mazur, Stanton's Director of Product Development. "DJs are constantly looking for new ways to interact with their music. By studying their actions and creating a control surface analogy, we are able to bring some fresh ideas to fruition without being held back by traditional ways of interfacing with equipment."
The StanTouch® interface is highly responsive to popular functions such as scratching, scrubbing, and navigating through digital audio files. In addition, tactile buttons, triggers, and virtual faders are able to control samples, pitch, effects, cue and loop points, and other mappable functions. Multiple finger touches can also prompt quick kills on EQ's or transform effects on volume.
Another notable feature of the SCS.3d is the implementation of DaRouter® software. DaRouter allows customized support and control over most DJ, DAW, and audio applications. DaRouter also enables DaScratch to provide two-way user feedback by illuminating LEDs to indicate the status of buttons, triggers, virtual faders, and transport controls. A preset library is also available on the Stanton website that supports popular applications such as Traktor™, Traktor Scratch™, Ableton Live™, and Serato Scratch Live™. A complete list of supported current applications is available at www.StantonDJ.com.
According to Timothy Dorwart, CEO of the Stanton Group, "DaScratch reflects our commitment to deliver products based on technology, innovation and differentiation. The flexibility and affordability of DaScratch will attract new users to digital DJing while at the same time providing professional DJ's with a useful tool to augment their current rigs."
For simple connectivity into any set-up or environment, DaScratch features USB connection, allowing easy plug and play connection to your software. The unit is class compliant with Windows XP, Vista and Mac OSX to ensure that drivers are never needed, and is bus powered by design to ensure that no external power or batteries need to be used.
Additionally, the DaScratch employs the Magnect® connection system, allowing multiple SCS.3d units to securely snap together magnetically, creating a larger control surface with increased performance options. MSRP: $299
Technical Details:
5 Touch sensitive sliders (3 switchable via presets)
1 Touch sensitive continuous rotary control (switchable via preset)
4 Backlit (red, blue) buttons
10 Back lit (red, blue, purple) touch sensitive buttons
9 Backlit touch sensitive buttons (switchable via preset)
USB 1.1 and 2.0 class compliant MIDI controller
USB bus-powered*
System Requirements:
Mac: Power PC G5 or multicore Intel® processor Mac OSX (v10.4 or later)
Windows: PC running Windows XP or Vista
Dimensions (H x W x D): 8.52 in x 4.72 in x 1.38 in 216.5 mm x 120 mm x 35.25 mm
Shipping Weight: 2.64 lbs (1.2 Kg)
*USB hub / port must meet USB power specification
Package includes: DaScratch® Unit, USB cable, and Quickstart guide
that really touches me
though a cool gadget, it is completely useless for people who actually DJ for a hobby/living
da BOMB!
Does anyone else want to see "DaScratch" used to remix "Da Funk"?
Real DJs in the digital realm use Serato Scratch Live and it's the standard just like Technics 1200s for turntables
Uhmm...Actually Real DJ's use Scratch live WITH 1200's or with CD mixers or with a device like this. With Scratch Live or any other software, the turntable is just a method to control the digital processing of the MP3. You miss the point that this doesn't replace Scract Live, this is just an alternative control system just like the 1200's are.
Lets get real here... DJ who ACTUALLY gig use neither.
If they are using time coded vinyl, it is MOST likely Serato with Traktor picking up a little steam. This is a small community though. Most will use regular CDJs and Mixers... because if you are any good you will go to venues that have house systems... those are: 2 mk2s, 2 CDJ 1000, 1 4 channel mixer or if it is hip hop friendly a battle mixer from Rane (or maybe the 9xx Pioneer unit).
Anyway... this is a toy for bedroom DJs and highschool kids throwing parties in the basement.
DJ PsiLon - it's funny how things have come full circle and how you think "Real DJs" use Serato! 2 years ago, "Real DJs" would have hung, drawn, and quartered you for that remark.
Serato is not a standard anywhere near like Technics 1200's. Sure, there's a lot of people use it, but there's also a lot of people use Traktor (like me) or Ableton to DJ with. Are you going to tell me that Roni Size, Chris Leibing, or Grandmaster Flash (who all use Traktor) are not "Real DJs" because they don't use Serato? Or for that matter, Carl Cox, Mylo, Pete Tong, Deadmau5, and James Zabiela for using Ableton?
There's a lot of "Real DJs" using all manner of things to DJ with, with or without turntable control. I play House music, and don't feel like turntable control adds anything to my sets, so I don't use it. Doesn't mean I can't rock a dancefloor though. At the end of the day, you're playing other people's music, what does it matter what you use to play it?
The guy warming up for me the other night was using Traktor Skratch with vinyl control to play a minimal set. I said to him:
"You're not doing any scratching, or any real turntable control, why do you use the turntables when you play minimal?"
"Because it looks like I'm doing something"
I for one, think this is a great step forward in digital DJ technology, and I can't wait to give it a try.
And who told you three guys that this product was aimed at what you call "real djs". It's a Stanton for kids to play around, nothing bid of deal.
But real modern DJs use Ableton and a good midi controller, and instead of wasting their time to beatmatch they do more creative stuff. This is the year of 2008, most people are tired of seeing DJs beatmatch over and over, be creative in a modern way. Altough I should mention that there are very a few old school genres that what I said just doesn't apply to.
serato is essentially the standard. some people use traktor or final scratch (still?!) but serato is the standard for professional DJs who use a laptop in conjunction with turntables/cd players. DJ'ing with Ableton is super niche, yeah a lot of techno DJs use it but techno DJs comprise a small percentage of DJs overall (and not all of them use Ableton, like richie hawtin for example who uses serato despite being the original sponsor of final scratch along with john acquaviva).
@jc:
There really isn't a standard as far as digital DJing is concerned, and to be quite honest, I hope it stays that way.
Technics became the standard turntables in clubs because they were built like tanks, and they worked day in, day out. Everyone knew how to use them, and there really wasn't anything that rivalled them in torque. In terms of digital DJing, there's still a long way for all the software vendors to go in terms of reliability and features that could be added. If there was a standard, it would mean clubs would start installing them in the booths. However, out of all the clubs here in Ibiza (including Privilege, the world's biggest club), none of them have installed Serato. For the record: out of the 5 guys that have warmed up for me in the last fortnight, 3 of them were using a laptop. 2 of them Traktor (one Skratch, one Studio), the other was using Serato. I suspect Serato is a lot more popular in the States than it is here in Europe though.
The great thing about digital DJing is that you're not constrained by any "standard" - pick what works for you, and go with it. Traktor works for me, I've tried Serato, and I like it, but it's lacking in a lot of features (fx, 4 decks at a time, for example). I don't have to worry about unplugging turntables when I get to the club, and everything fits in one bag. There's no need for the club to install any of my equipment because it all comes with me, therefore there's no need for a standard.
And just so you know for next time, Ritchie Hawtin uses Traktor ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1H9W_iLff0 ) and Ableton.
Real DJ's use whatever works for them.
Hello, I'm a DJ, yet this is my tool. Should they lose their right to be called disc jockeys, if they've adapted their style to non-disc media?
Well, while we're rocking Hard Disks, I don't see a problem with it.
Soon as we all convert to SSDs, we're RAM Jockeys.
I find that the REAL DJs are the ones that don't have these stupid arguments over formats. They've picked something that works for them and are using it to play music to actual real people instead of only imagining it in their bedrooms.
I would have loved this in high school.
I'm planning to just remix music just because it's something to do that's fun. This looks really cool as a mixing device and doesn't take up much room. I'm not going to even start about how stupid the "Well real DJ's use records/discs/etc...", is it REALLY necessary to argue over someone's PREFERRED method of mixing music, rather than what is "right"? If you do, then welcome to 2008. Not 1998. This device is just getting with the times, that's all. I'm sure it's completely plausible to use this casually and somewhat remotely at a small-time club or something.
Man.. see it's stuff like this that makes it such a pain in the ass to get GOOD house tunes on vinyl so I can play them. I have nothing against "digital DJing" other than that it makes vinyl DJ's have a harder time getting good tunes. Serato isn't really a substitute for those who just want a record.
actually, DaScratch can be used for an outside source for controlling the vinyl in such programs as serato scratch live, traktor 3/pro/scratch, and many other digital djing programs. what this nifty little peice of equipment also offers in midi controller capabilities programed to certain functions in the program you wish to use, so there is no need to rid yourself of your timecoded vinyl. you can still use your records and use DaScratch for certaion things such as filters, flangers, cue points, looping, etc. its actually a very useful too for djs who perfer to perform for a crowd other than just spin some records. thank you.