ITCH Frequently Asked Questions

Certain Rogue Amoeba software for OSX installs an extra background service called Instant Hijack.  This extra can cause audio connection problems with ITCH.  We suggest uninstalling this extra if you are having audio connection problems with ITCH.

If you use Scratch LIVE with Video-SL you should avoid building overviews for your library, or trying to play video files in ITCH.  Using ITCH 1.0.3 to build overviews on video files may result in corruption of your files.

This issue has been fixed in ITCH versions 1.0.4 and higher.

There is a known problem with Logitech quick cam drivers and Windows midi devices, this problem impacts all midi devices that use the standard windows midi driver.
If you have a Logitech quick cam and are having problems where you are unable to get ITCH to recognize the VCI 300 or be controlled by it uninstalling the logitech drivers will resolve this issue.

Update:  RESOLVED.

We have been working with Vestax and their distributors to resolve this issue and replace units that have this issue.  Only some of the very early units within the serial number ranges listed on the Vestax site were potentially affected by this issue and not all of these units made it to stores before the fault was discovered.  The fault has been remedied with all distributor stock and in all current production runs.  If you still believe you are experiencing this issue please make contact with Vestax at the addresses listed below.

There is a fault with a small number of units from the very first production runs that can cause the control surface to malfunction. Electrical interference can get the unit into a state where the control surface no longer sends data to the software but the audio playback can sometimes still work.  This problem is only present on a very small number of units and Serato and Vestax are both working to remedy the problem for any affected customers.  The best indicator that this fault is occurring is the right platters touch sensor (blue light) getting stuck on.

Further information is available from Vestax at: http://www.vestax.com/v/info/newsevent/detail.php?id=81
If you are experiencing this behavior it is best to contact the Vestax service center nearest you.

Contact points for Vestax support

------------------------------------------------------------

United States (N.America)

Vestax Corporation USA
ATTN: Charles Akira Ono
800 S.Pacific Coast Highway Suite 8-187
Redondo Beach, CA
90277
USA
tel: +1-323-230-7634
fax: +1-323-230-8646
email: charles@vestax.jp

------------------------------------------------------------

Europe

Vestax Service Europe
ATTN: Gerfried Fischer
Rheinstr. 213
53332 Bornheim
Germany
Tel. +492222 952372
Fax +492222 952374
email: Vestaxde@aol.com

------------------------------------------------------------

Japan (Asia/Oceania)

Vestax Corporation
ATTN: Takaki Tarama
1-18-6 Wakabayashi, Setagaya- Ku
Tokyo
Japan 154-0023
Telephone: +81. 03.3412.7011
Fax: +81. 03.3412.7013
email: tarama@vestaxjp and charles@vestax.jp

At high buffer settings the Mic latency (the delay between input and output) will be noticeable, and for some users unworkable.

The remedy is to lower the buffer size.

There will be some latency improvements in an upcoming version.

There is a change in OSX version 10.5.6 that prevents older versions of ITCH from connecting properly to the VCI-300 controller.

All Mac OS 10.5.6 users must be using ITCH version 1.0.4 or higher for proper functionality.

 

 

Some ITCH 1.1 users on Mac computers have reported they are seeing the "Hardware Disconnected" message in ITCH 1.1 when they connect the unit to their computer.

If you encounter this problem, try the following steps:

Go to Applications > Utilities > Audio MIDI setup

With the VCI plugged in and on, create a new configuration and change it from a miscellaneous device to a recognized Vestax MIDI controller.

 

Some users are encountering issue with computers featuring the newest Intel i3, i5, or i7 processors.

Users may encounter trouble successfully installing hardware drivers, or see the "Hardware disconnected' message even after installing the driver. Other users may be experiencing USB dropouts or latency issues.

We have discovered that there may be a compatibility between the computer's BIOS and the new controller chipset Intel uses with these processors.

Installing the latest BIOS update for your computer has been known to resolve the issue.

NOTE: This doesn't affect everyone with these processors - if you are not experiencing problems, you do not need to update.

What is a "BIOS"? Click here!

 

Workaround

For users encountering problems, please follow these instructions and install the latest BIOS update for your computer:

• For mobile users, this means going to the website of the manufacturer for their laptop.
• For desktop users, this requires going to the website for their machine manufacturer.
• For users who have built your own computer, see the computer's motherboard manufacturers website.

If there is no BIOS update, please contact your computer manufacturer asking for a BIOS update to resolve this issue.

 

Further Assistance

If you are continuing to experience issues, please start a new thread in the Help forum (here: www.serato.com).
Please provide as much system information as possible (computer make, model, CPU details, motherboard, RAM, and any other USB devices you use).


We would also recommend users do the following basic computer tweaks:

• Always plug directly into the computer’s USB port, not a hub.
• Go to your laptop manufacturer's website to check if there any driver updates for your machine.
• Switch off Bluetooth, wireless network and unplug any wired network connections.
• Switch off screen saver and set sleep mode and hard drive sleep to 'never'.
• Ensure you have ample room left on your hard drive (this is approx 10% of your hard - both internal and external).
• Close down any other software, including antivirus software or the like.

Vista and Windows 7 users should follow this computer optimization guide here: www.serato.com.

PLEASE NOTE: These are the minimum requirements to run ITCH with the Vestax VCI-300. For best performance and for use in professional situations we recommend you buy a higher spec computer.

Mac

• G4 1.5 GHz processor or better
• 1 GB RAM
• 1024 x 768 screen resolution
• OSX 10.4.11 or higher
• Available USB Port
• Hard disk space for music

Windows XP

• Intel processor, Pentium 4 mobile 2GHz or better

• 1 GB RAM
• 1024 x 768 screen resolution
• Service Pack 2 or higher
• Available USB Port
• Hard disk space for music

Windows Vista and Windows 7 (32bit & 64bit)

• Intel processor, Core Duo 1.6 GHz or better

• 1 GB RAM
• 1024 x 768 screen resolution
• Service Pack 1 or higher
• Available USB Port
• Hard disk space for music

 

Note: Windows Vista 64bit will only work with ITCH version 1.0.5 or later.

Please read this FAQ if you are looking at buying a computer with an AMD Turion or Athlon processor.

MIDI based DJ systems are often reported as being slow or latent compared to CD and Vinyl. By being involved in the hardware design from concept to finished product, Serato are able to ensure the speed of communication between the hardware and the software is optimized for live DJ performance.

Setting up a MIDI controller with bundled software can be a complicated process. Serato decided to remove this setup process with built-in configuration for ITCH hardware in what we call “one to one mapping”.

To get started, simply install the Serato ITCH software and then connect the ITCH hardware. There is no need for cardboard overlay templates for Serato ITCH for you to learn the functions. All the knobs, buttons and lights work as they should - “out of the box”.

 

PLEASE NOTE: These are the minimum requirements to run ITCH with the Numark NS7. For best performance and for use in professional situations we recommend you buy a higher spec computer.

Mac

• Intel processor, Core Duo 1.8GHz or better
• 1 GB RAM
• 1024 x 768 screen resolution
• OSX 10.4.11 or higher
• Available USB 2.0 Port
• Hard disk space for music

Windows

• Intel processor, Core Duo 1.8 GHz or better
• 1 GB RAM*
• 1024 x 768 screen resolution
• Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or higher
• Windows Vista
• Windows 7
• Available USB 2.0 Port
• Hard disk space for music

*If you have a large library, you will benefit from having more RAM.
Note: Windows 64-bit drivers for the Numark NS7 and the Numark V7 are in testing. Beta drivers are available for download here

Please read this FAQ if you are looking at buying a computer with an AMD Turion or Athlon processor.

PLEASE NOTE: These are the minimum requirements to run ITCH with the Vestax VFX-1. For best performance and for use in professional situations we recommend you buy a higher spec computer.

A base ITCH controller - VCI-300 or similar

Mac

• Intel processor, 1.6 GHz or better
• 1 GB RAM
• 1024 x 768 screen resolution
• OSX 10.4.11 or higher
• Available USB Port
• Hard disk space for music

Windows XP

• Intel processor, Pentium 4 mobile 2GHz or better

• 1 GB RAM
• 1024 x 768 screen resolution
• Service Pack 2 or higher
• Available USB Port
• Hard disk space for music

Windows Vista  / Windows 7 (32bit & 64bit)

• Intel processor, Core Duo 1.6 GHz or better

• 1 GB RAM
• 1024 x 768 screen resolution
• Service Pack 1 or higher
• Available USB Port
• Hard disk space for music

Please read this FAQ if you are looking at buying a computer with an AMD Turion or Athlon processor.

PLEASE NOTE: These are the minimum requirements to run ITCH with the Denon DJ DN-HC5000. For best performance and for use in professional situations we recommend you buy a higher spec computer.

Mac

• Intel processor, 1.6 GHz or better
• 1 GB RAM
• 1024 x 768 screen resolution
• OSX 10.4.11 or higher
• Available USB Port
• Hard disk space for music

Windows XP

• Intel processor, Pentium 4 mobile 2GHz or better

• 1 GB RAM
• 1024 x 768 screen resolution
• Service Pack 2 or higher
• Available USB Port
• Hard disk space for music

Windows Vista and Windows 7 (32bit & 64bit)

• Intel processor, Core Duo 1.6 GHz or better

• 1 GB RAM
• 1024 x 768 screen resolution
• Service Pack 1 or higher
• Available USB Port
• Hard disk space for music

Please read this FAQ if you are looking at buying a computer with an AMD Turion or Athlon processor.

PLEASE NOTE: These are the minimum requirements to run ITCH with the Numark NSFX. For best performance and for use in professional situations we recommend you buy a higher spec computer.

A base ITCH controller - NS7 or similar

Mac

• Intel processor, Core Duo 1.8GHz or better
• 1 GB RAM
• 1024 x 768 screen resolution
• OSX 10.4.11 or higher
• Available USB 2.0 Port
• Hard disk space for music

Windows

• Intel processor, Core Duo 1.8 GHz or better
• 1 GB RAM*
• 1024 x 768 screen resolution
• Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or higher
• Windows Vista
• Windows 7
• Available USB 2.0 Port
• Hard disk space for music

*If you have a large library, you will benefit from having more RAM.

Note: Windows 64-bit drivers for the Numark NS7 and the Numark V7 are in testing. Beta drivers are available for download here

Please read this FAQ if you are looking at buying a computer with an AMD Turion or Athlon processor.

PLEASE NOTE: These are the minimum requirements to run ITCH with the Allen & Heath Xone:DX. For best performance and for use in professional situations we recommend you buy a higher spec computer.

Mac

• Intel processor, Core Duo 1.8GHz or better
• 1 GB RAM
• 1024 x 768 screen resolution
• OSX 10.4.11 or higher
• Available USB 2.0 Port
• Hard disk space for music

Windows XP

• Intel processor, Core Duo 1.8 GHz or better
• 1 GB RAM
• 1024 x 768 screen resolution
• Service Pack 2 or higher
• Available USB 2.0 Port
• Hard disk space for music

Windows Vista

• Intel processor, Core Duo 1.8 GHz or better
• 1 GB RAM
• 1024 x 768 screen resolution
• Service Pack 1 or higher
• Available USB 2.0 Port
• Hard disk space for music

Note: 64 bit Windows is not supported, if you are purchasing a Windows machine for ITCH please ensure it has a 32 bit Windows installation.

Please read this FAQ if you are looking at buying a computer with an AMD Turion or Athlon processor.

The current ITCH products do not support Video-SL.

For several years Serato has wanted to provide a way to DJ without the hassle of carrying around 1200s, or in places (like the back of a car on a road trip) where turntables are impractical. We would have loved to have made ITCH with Rane, but like it says in the FAQ, "Rane do not currently make any controller products that are suitable for the ITCH system".

Given that, a couple of years ago we approached a variety of hardware companies about fulfilling the vision we had for ITCH. Vestax were an obvious choice, since their VCI-100 MIDI controller has the right form factor and really just needed the addition of a soundcard to be most of the way to being a fantastic ITCH controller. The result of that development is the VCI-300 launched at the NAMM 2008 show. See www.vestax.com

In addition, we chose to work with Numark because they "got" our vision and bring an interesting twist with their motorized platters which allow many interesting mixing techniques not otherwise possible with a portable controller. Their offering is the NS7. See www.numark.com

So ITCH is not about "selling something to microwave DJs". It's about a more portable way to work with Serato software, enhanced with custom designed controllers that put every function at your fingertips.

We still love vinyl and we still love Rane! Serato and Rane continue to work very closely on future hardware developments, and we'll work hard on improving Scratch LIVE for years to come.

Sometimes... It depends on which ITCH hardware controller you use!

There are currently 3 controllers which require no external mixer. These  "all-in-one" controllers are:

» Allen & Heath XONE:DX
» Numark NS7
» Vestax VCI-300

There are also two controllers in the ITCH family that do require an external mixer.
» Denon DN-HC5000
» Numark V7

Click here for more information on Serato ITCH

No. The ITCH hardware has built in platters for playback control. Vinyl control is an exclusive Scratch Live feature.

Serato will be providing free updates to the software that fix bugs and extend functionality.

ITCH has the following features:


- High performance portable music system that allows internal mixing and platter style playback control.
- Integrated "one to one" hardware to software mapping for instant control and minimum setup time.
- Interoperable with Scratch LIVE crates, loops and cue points, also support for iTunes.
- Audio processing and internal mixing via Serato ITCH software, Channel fading, EQ, cross fading and track trim are processed in software with audio and headphone monitoring on the ITCH hardware.
- Clean and simple software user interface with emphasis on hardware controller to display information.
- Auto Tempo Matching and Beat Sync.
- Optimal Gain and BPM Calculation
- Serato's unique color waveforms for easy identification of sound.
- Set and store Cue-points.
- Manual and Auto Loop activation.
- Music Library management tools for backup and restore.
- Input and Mix recording capability.
- AIFF, WAV, MP3 and AAC audio file support

Yes. ITCH is fully interoperable with Scratch Live. Your existing music and crates are available in ITCH and any changes you make will show up in Scratch Live. Cue points and loops can be made in either program.

ITCH supports WAV, AIFF, MP3, AAC, OGG Vorbis, and Apple Lossless (ALAC) formats.

ITCH has functions that assist you when DJing like automatic beat sync and play list selection but it stills requires hands on control. It is not designed to automix for you.

No, you only need to install the latest version. You can get the latest version of ITCH here.

Analyzing files is one of the most important things you can do to improve the performance of your ITCH software. This process prepares the waveform overview of the track, detects the tracks BPM, applies auto gain (If selected) and most importantly, alerts you to any corrupt files that you might have.

To analyze files you need to run the ITCH software with your ITCH hardware disconnected. You will notice a button labeled 'analyze files' on the main screen. Select this to automatically analyze all of the tracks in your library. You can also drop folders, crates, or individual files etc directly on to the analyze files button to re analyze at anytime.

The bars above the button show the track reading progress, the overview building and track writing progress.

 

 

**Note: In ITCH versions prior to 1.0.5, "analyze files" was called "build overviews". They both perform the same functions.

 

First, go into the setup screen and make sure 'protect library' is unchecked.

Then, simply use the keys ctrl-del to delete crates and songs from your library.

If you wish to delete tracks from your ITCH library as well as your hard drive, press ctrl+shift+delete.

If the song is associated with iTunes and has the iTunes icon in the status column, then it cannot be deleted from within ITCH. Open iTunes and delete the song within iTunes.

 

 

The track information display area can be customized to display the columns that will help you the most.

Click on the column button (the small left pointing arrow in the top right hand corner of your playlist) and you can select which columns you want to display.

To sort your library by a column, click the column header so it highlights. For example, clicking the BPM column will sort your music from slowest to fastest. To move a column, drag the header to the left or right.

Click on the Review button, and click Clear

 

 

VCI-300をUSBバスパワーの弱いコンピュータに接続すると、コンピュータ画面に『USB電源が不足している』という旨のメッセージが表示され、コンピュータ側がVCI-300を認識しないことがございます。

この様な現象が起きた場合は、以下のいずれかの方法にてVCI-300を認識させることができます。

• 他のUSBポートへ接続してみてください。（同じコンピュータ本体でも、各USBポートの電源供給方式が違うことがあります。）

• USBコンピュータにVCI-300を接続し、“THRUスイッチ”をTHRU ONにします。次にVCI-300の本体電源をPOWERにします。VCI-300がコンピュータ側に認識されますので、認識後　“THRUスイッチ”を元の“PC"側に戻します。

 

• 別売のVCI-300専用アダプターをご使用ください。

 

アカウントを取得することで、フォーラムへの書き込み、アップデータのダウンロード等が可能となります。

（アカウント取得方法）

1. http://serato.com/join/にアクセスします。

2.各フォームにお客様の情報を入力します。

　- Email address ->お客様のEメールアドレス
　- Your new password -> パスワードを半角英数字で入力してください。
　- Repeat your password -> 確認のためにパスワードを再度入力してください。
　- Country -> お住まいの国名を選択してください。

上記が入力が完了したら、「Continue」のボタンをクリックしてください。

3.serato社よりメールが届きますので、メールに記載されているリンクにアクセスするか、“２”の次の画面にメールに記載されている、Verification code（数字）を入力してください。

以上でアカウントの取得は完了です。

ログインする際は、登録したE-mailアドレスとパスワードを入力してください。

Q: BPMが設定されていないトラックのBPMをセットするにはどうしたらよいですか？

A: トラックを各デッキに読み込んだ後、デッキの「TAP」をテンポを取るようにクリックしてください。BPMの数字がどんどん表示されていきます。大体のBPMが確定したら、コンピュータ・キーボードの「Enter」を押してください。以上でBPMがセットされます。

Q:  "Ctrl + Delete"を押しても、Crateやソングリストが削除できません。
A: プロテクションがかかっているかもしれません。
「Setup」の“LIBRARY”から「Protect library」にチェックが入っているか確認してください。チェックが入っていると全てのライブラリが保護されます。 

Q:  iTunesで表示されているアルバムアートワークが、ITCHで表示されません。
A:  iTunesで取得するアルバムアートワークは実際にファイルに埋め込まれていないので、ITCH上で表示することができません。ITCH上でアルバムアートワークを表示するには、以下の作業を行ってください。

<iTunesでのアートワーク埋め込み方法>

1.    iTunesでアートワークを取得します。
2.    アートワークを埋め込むファイルを選択すると、iTunes上のアート枠表示が出ます。
3.    2のアートワークを右クリック（MacはCtrl + クリック）で「コピー」を選択します。 次にもう一度アートワークを右クリック(MacはCtrl + クリック)し、「貼り付け(ペースト)」をクリックします。
4.    アートワークが貼り付けられ、ファイル上に埋め込まれます。
5.    iTunesを終了し、該当のファイルをITCHにて読込んでいただき、アートワークの表示をご確認ください。
※同じアーティストアルバムの場合は、ファイルを複数選択して、「貼り付け」を行うことも可能です。
 
※アートワークが埋め込まれたオーディオファイルは通常のオーディファイルよりサイズが若干大きくなります。

Q: 全ての音声出力が低く、音が小さいです。

A: 各チャンネルの“TRIM”があがっているかご確認ください。
また、背面パネルの“THRU”スイッチがオンになっていると、ITCH側の音声が出力されなくなりますので、そちらのスイッチが入っていないかもご確認ください。

Q: 最適なレイテンシー設定を教えてください。
A: ITCHではプレイスタイルによって、レイテンシーの設定を変更することができます。
"Setup"の画面を開き、「Playback」タブの"USB buffer size(latency)"の値を変更することで、レイテンシーの変更が行えます。

• クラブプレイの場合は512～1024
• スクラッチ/ジャグリングプレイの場合は128～256

に設定するのが良いでしょう。ただし、128～256に設定するとコンピュータにより負担がかかるようになります。

※レイテンシーとはオーディオを出力する命令を受けてから、実際にオーディオが出力されるまでの、タイムラグのことを指します。buffer sizeの値が小さいとレイテンシーは低くなりますが、コンピュータへの負担が増加します。これに対し、buffer sizeの値が大きいとレイテンシーは高くなりますが、コンピュータへの負担は減少します。

The Vestax VCI-300 uses a 9V DC 500mA adapter.

 

iTunes writes to an XML file in your music folder, which contains references to all the files in your library. This XML file is utilized to access your iTunes library via Scratch Live and ITCH.

In cases where you have tracks with characters that iTunes does not deal with correctly iTunes will stop writing new tracks to this XML file so Scratch Live, ITCH or any other program that uses this file will not have access to new tracks you've added.

If new music you are adding to iTunes is not showing up in Scratch Live or ITCH then one thing to check is that your iTunes XML file is being updated correctly.

Your iTunes Music Library.xml file is kept in the iTunes folder of your Music folder. 

If the date that this file was last modified is older than when you last added music to iTunes then iTunes is not correctly updating your XML file.

The best thing to do to remedy this is to open iTunes, sort your library by Date Added and look at the files that were added around the last time this file was modified.  If the tags or file names of these files contain accented or non-English characters they will be preventing iTunes from writing to your XML file.  By changing the names or tags of these files you should be able to get iTunes to write to your XML file again, and recognize these tracks in Scratch Live and/or ITCH.