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Stanton DaScratch SCS.3D DJ Pad Is All Touch Sensitive, Combines Mixer and Turntable In One Device
Posted by Adrian Covert at 10:59 AM on September 20, 2008
Stanton's new DaScratch USB-MIDI Tool is unique because it relies completely on touch technology to mix and manipulate music. With the possibility for 5 touch sensitive sliders, 19 touch sensitive buttons, and one giant, touch friendly rotary control (read: the big record-like circle in the middle), it appears you can run the show with little more than a laptop and one (maybe two) of these.
DaScratch not only uses the USB port for MIDI control, but also for power via USB bus. It's meant to scratch and scrub like most real and cd-based turntables, plus it has the capability cue, loop and adjust pitch on samples. Its roughly 8" by 5" by 1.5" in size and weighs under 3 pounds and is available for $US300. To get a better idea of how this thing works, be sure to check out the video. [Stanton]
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 companys newest addition to the SC System controller line. DaScratch is a USB-MIDI controller that combines fast response, easy customisation, 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 Stantons 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, Stantons 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 customised 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
Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
There are currently no AU comments for this post.
Yetibelle
Posted 12:26 PM 20/9/08
It's cool, but isnt it kinda small? How am I gonna get my GrandMaster Flash - White Lines 12-inch LP on that thing?
Yetibelle
radikaled
Posted 2:18 PM 20/9/08
Wow, totally replacing turntables and coupling this with Serato is pretty interesting. Definitely could work.
radikaled
steaky
Posted 2:55 PM 20/9/08
Would have to try first. Might be too small to really get a good feel, or even look like you are putting on a show. Those shows where the DJ/live PA artist are clicking away at a mouse and staring at a screen suck ass. I still pull out techs/cdj and a mixer more often than going to a laptop.
steaky
Fox Mulder
Posted 3:07 PM 20/9/08
Does Stanton provide insurance if you show up to a gig with that thing and get a beat down?
Seriously, if you are going to do something like this at least make it the size of at least a single 78. This thing will have you spinning at the carpal tunnel.
Dude does not look cool doing sign language this mini hot plate. There is something to be said for ergonomic range of motion. Where is the portable Surface DJ Kit?
Fox Mulder
Crow
Posted 6:22 PM 20/9/08
@Fox: I wouldn't complain much about the size of the device as much as the technology used here. It's pretty cool, but doesn't do anything interesting. Thing with touch pads is, what if I landed my fingure(s) on the wrong part of the pad?
Like let's say pushing up the bass to normal level instantly, and my finger lands on a higher side of the bass EQ. BAM! *clip* *clip* *clip*
I'll stick to my CDJs and Traktor Scratch thank you very much!
Crow
skulldriveshaft
Posted 6:47 PM 20/9/08
This is one more tool to carry around in a audio assault arsenal, very nice.
Bring down the house with a crazy set, and you'll be called back for more.
And if you're in the habit of messing up on your controls, it really doesn't matter if it's some new tech, or really old, your habit is gonna mess it up.
This has some potential, may show up more than a kaossilator.
skulldriveshaft
bubuli
Posted 9:26 PM 20/9/08
i'm no DJ...but that thing looks a tad too small.
bubuli
hindsight2020
Posted 10:13 PM 20/9/08
a little too small for a real DJ like feel!
hindsight2020
XxRiXoNxX182
Posted 11:45 PM 20/9/08
Now MJ has Another thing to touch, And it's not a Ipod touch or a little boy.
XxRiXoNxX182
Keebler
Posted 1:36 AM 21/9/08
Most of the hater-comments on here are based around people's closed-minded, preconcieved notions of what DJing is that I consistently see cramping innovation and improvement on the evolution of DJing.
"It's not the size of a real turntable" "You won't look cool using it."
Come on now people, in case you forgot, the point of DJing isn't to look cool or to use a turntable, it's to blend music together to create a unique sound.... and this helps you do just that.
For $300 it's an instant buy in my book.
Keebler
Strider-No.9
Posted 3:55 AM 21/9/08
This is something I wanted for a long time. $300 is not bad for an investment.
Strider-No.9
hindsight2020
Posted 3:38 AM 21/9/08
@Keebler: you're not the only DJ on the block and I still say it's small! Get over yourself!
hindsight2020
Diskoboy
Posted 4:40 AM 21/9/08
Real DJ's still prefer Technics.
Diskoboy
Sean Robertson
Posted 8:06 AM 21/9/08
Cut the price in half and I might buy one to start learning how to DJ with, but it doesn't look particularly professional to me.
Sean Robertson
Keebler
Posted 11:57 AM 21/9/08
@hindsight2020:
This doesn't really have anything to do with my ability to "get over myself".
Clearly this isn't something you're going to want to use to do tons of scratching with (despite the horrible name choice), and it definitely won't give you a "real turntable like feel". My point was that what gives something a "real DJ like feel" is not how similar it is to a turntable, but how it lets you manipulate sound... and this product looks like it will do the later quite nicely.
Keebler
EdricMerenda
Posted 11:32 AM 26/9/08
If you don't think that's cheap...try pricing 2 turntables and a mixer and a see how much it comes out too or you can try another controller...I can guarantee you the price point is right...AGIPRODJ has it for 250 I think
EdricMerenda
EdricMerenda
Posted 11:28 AM 26/9/08
I'm in agreement with Keebler...the point is not about looking cool or real DJ's use Technics....the point is that you create the vibe for people to have a good time. I used to think the same way but as an artist you should keep an open mind. Think of all the possibilities with this equipment for under $300. If you throw this is with your existing setup...DAMN. I'm sure people said the same thing when Serato or Trakktor came out or when CD Turns came out. Look at it know...the CDJ's are the club industry standard. Just think of all the time and money you can save. The one thing that I agree with is that, this shouldn't be the only thing you use... unless you are traveling and just wanna spin. Mine is on order.
EdricMerenda