Stanton's DaScratch Controller - Technology from the Future

For anyone who has never seen this product being used, I tell you this is some major "Star Wars" s""t happening here. Stanton has really left our galaxy when they came up with this one. It's completly touch sensitive and does things you would not believe. Here's a bit of background info.

A totally different way to DJ at your fingertips.
Revolutionary and compact, DaScratch, a.k.a. the SCS.3d, is an innovative controller that is an excellent solution for any digital DJ looking for ultimate control over their software of choice. Part of the Stanton SC System control surface line, DaScratch's small footprint and sleek profile makes it a space-friendly addition to any existing DJ gear setup or can stand on its own as a complete controller solution.

Stanton's StanTouch technology allows you to use traditional DJ-style motions and gestures on a touch-pad style surface> This allows full control over music and software applications such as Traktor DJ Studio, Traktor Scratch, Ableton Live, Serato Scratch Live, or any other MIDI compatible software. Minimal moving parts ensure durability from gig to gig.

Now Stanton has gone another step even further into the future with the SCS3PAK Complete System. This is too spaced out for me to even begin to explain so I'll leave it to the experts to tell you what it does.

With intuitive, touch-sensitive controllers, the SCS3PAK DJ system is finger-clicking good.
Featuring two completely touch-sensitive control surfaces, the SCS.3d and the SCS.3m, the Stanton SCS3PAK complete system brings you intuitive, completely customizable software control without sacrificing any of the features of your traditional DJ rig. The SCS.3m ships with a new version of Native Instruments' Traktor LE that is based on the latest TRAKTOR PRO software platform, allowing the SCS3PAK products to be used together to create a full DJ system with intuitive control over the robust software features introduced with Traktor LE. Using only the SCS.3m, the two SCS.3d controllers, and Traktor LE, the Stanton SCS3PAK gives you a complete DJ rig with performance control features that surpass the capabilities of traditional mixer/deck equipment can be setup anywhere in the world within minutes.

SCS.3m Controller

The latest innovation in Stanton's award-winning SC System MIDI controller line, the SCS.3m translates the DJ-friendly design philosophy of a traditional DJ mixer into a portable, easy-to-use control surface built with the acclaimed StanTouch touch-sensitive technology introduced in its deck controller counterpart, the SCS.3d.

The SCS.3m incorporates all of the functions of a two-channel DJ mixer, plus a host of innovative new performance features made possible by Stanton's unique touch-sensitive control surface. The touch-sensitive sliders can be used to tweak EQs, allowing you to bring in different elements of a song during a mix, or instantly switch them to control FX parameters—all in one surface. The wide, touch-sensitive crossfader not only allows for seamless slow blends between decks, but is also able to detect (like the rest of the sliders) multiple finger presses, allowing for quick transform effects all in one control. The multicolor buttons can easily perform transport controls for starting and stopping playback, setting loops, doing EQ kills, or engaging effects without requiring a separate trigger controller. All of the visual indicators stay 100% in sync with applications supporting MIDI feedback, allowing for clear indication of the software settings and positions in low-light situations. Additionally, the unique touch-sensitive surface provides a new level of durability, since there are no moving parts to wear or break.

The SCS.3m controller and the SCS.3d (DaScratch) unit each sell for about $199.00 however the complete system can be purchased for about $499.00 saving you about $100.00 opposed to buying each piece separately. A pretty good bargain considering what you're getting and what it can do.

As I mentioned in my blog (From Vinyl to Plastic) it's amazing how far the art of D.Jaying has come along and this is by far as spacey as anything I've ever seen when it comes to D.J equipment. Even George Jetson would be intrigued.

So until next time, as always "Stay In The Mix!"

Don't Fret, Just Fade. . . Again

I'm often amazed at the left field thinking that comes out of the addled minds of DJs. And while manufacturers often cater to the lowest common denominator in a bid to make money, the cleverest ideas often remain in the realm of ultra niche. Here's the latest video for JohnBeez's fretless fader - the device that lets you play notes via MIDI with your fader - and cut at the same time.

Taken from the Youtube page:

What up... I'm working on the actual design of the Fretless Fader that will be for sale later on. I don't have a specific timeline for when that will happen, but I'll let y'all know when I know. This will not be a modified mixer, but a standalone product that you can use with or without your regular DJ mixer. I'm trying to include as many features that have been suggested as possible.

As I said before, this is ultra niche. I don't see mix DJs flocking towards it in a bid to enhance their sets, but for more creative scratchers, this is a viable and in many ways better alternative to the Vestax Controller One shown in the clip. While it is harder to perfect the technique, at least vinyl movement, fader movement and note change can be achieved with 2 hands. And you'll only need a PDX-3000 to achieve the same thing as well. Perhaps if any manufacturer decides to give a deck a revamp, they might consider adding MIDI as well - God knows it's trendy enough these days.

Obviously, this isn't for everyone, but you have to admire the tenacity of a guy who will firstly come up with such an idea, but also have the skills to take it to such a finished level. Double thumbs up from me, and I hope this homebrew does make it to a finished commercial product.

Once again thanks Scratchworx for the post and video. And as always,"Stay In The Mix"