Scratch Live Frequently Asked Questions

Please click the THRU button above the virtual decks to disable Thru mode.

You'll need to feed an unbalanced (RCA) line-level mic audio feed from a spare mixer channel (mic insert or effects send works well).

The manual contains everything you need to know about cleaning and maintaining the faders on the TTM 57SL.

You can find the manual online from here - http://rane.com/scratch.html#lit

The turntables or CDJ's are not calibrated properly.

Make sure all CDJ effects, e.g. master tempo, etc are disabled.

Read this article on how to calibrate.

The 'save to mixer' function lets you transfer settings to the mixer. Each of the settings will reside in the mixer when it is used without Scratch LIVE running and attached to a computer.

To save effect settings into the 57 mixer - go into into the setup screen in Scratch LIVE, select the hardware panel and select 'save to mixer'.

Yes, in fact we recommend you do. Burned copies will work just as well as the originals, take a few spares in case they get lost or scratched.

You can burn your own control CD if you have a burner and the right software. After downloading the big control file (132MB) Scratchlivecontrol.zip requires an unzip utility to open, and includes two files. Scratchlivecontrol.wav is a stereo 44.1 file that you can drop into any burner application -- however, the track select portion at the end of the audio file reqires a special start time on a second track to function correctly. If you have Sony CD Architect™, you can load the scratchlivecontrol.cdp file and it will incorporate the correct second track timing. When using any other application, do not adjust the levels, make sure no auto-levelling is turned on, don't downsample or try another format, or the control signal won't function.

The Scratch Live Control Tone, the audio pressed on Scratch Live Control Vinyl and the Control CDs, is copyright 2004-2008 Serato Audio Research. The Control CD download is licensed for personal use only. The creation of personal backups of the Control CD is allowed, however duplicating Control CDs for commercial benefit is strictly prohibited. For avoidance of doubt the duplication or creation of Control Vinyl for any use is strictly prohibited. Please respect our copyright. ©2004-2009 Serato Audio Research.

CD Architect is a trademark of Sony Creative Software, Inc.

The inputs (from the turntables or CD players) are the wrong way around.

The left channel output from your turntable or CD player is in the right channel input for Scratch LIVE (and the right channel output is in the left channel input).

This will result in the track playing backwards, and/or movement of the control record or CD scrolling your selection through the library.

Note that many older turntables that have been serviced end up with the red and white RCA cables connected the wrong way around.

It's a high-pitched noise, that's coming from your needles - it's the sound of the control tone on the vinyl.
It's not something you'd usually notice with normal records, because the sound coming from the needle is exactly the same as the sound coming from your speakers.

When you switch to phono level, you will hear the sound of the control vinyl. If you want to use the transform switches to scratch, use separate channels on your mixer if you have more than four channels, or disconnect the phono thrus if you have a two channel mixer.

That is the sound of the control signal.

If using the SL 1 ensure that the line outputs are connected to your mixer and that you have the line input selected for the channel on your mixer.

If using the SL 3 ensure that you don't have "thru" selected on the virtual deck in Scratch LIVE.

If using the TTM 57SL ensure that you have the input knob set to D1 or D2.

Yes you can. If you are using the SL 3 or TTM 57SL set the dipswitch to line for the input you have your CD player connected to and set the dipswitch to phono for the input you have your turntable connected to. If you are using the SL 1 you need a phono preamp to boost the signal from the turntable to line level, and you need to set the input to line in the setup screen.

Scratch LIVE interprets the signal coming out of the CD player, and uses this information to control the play back of the files on your computer.

Any audio processing performed on the signal before it reaches the hardware interface, such as key correction, will scramble the signal making it illegible to Scratch LIVE.

The inputs (from the turntables or CD players) are the wrong way around. Try swapping the red and white RCA cables around.

Even if it looks right ie, the red RCA cable is in the red input, and the white RCA is in the white, it is possible your turntable or headshell has been wired backwards. Defy logic and try swapping them over.

->  Go to the setup menu

->  Click on the display tab,

->  Check the box that says horizontal waveforms.

Go back to the main screen -  your waveforms will now scroll horizontally.

 Give it a try, you might like it!

The following controllers are natively supported in Scratch LIVE 1.9.1:

• PIONEER MEP-7000 & SEP-C1
  
• PIONEER CDJ-400
• NUMARK DMC2
• NUMARK ICDX
• DENON DN-HD2500
• DENON DN-HC4500
• DENON DN-HC1000S
  

These controllers are plug and play, and can automatically control Scratch LIVE with no MIDI
assignment necessary.

Note: Rane Scratch Live hardware is still required

English: Quickstart guide for all 3rd party controllers (PDF Download)

Japanese／日本語: CDJ-400 クイックスタートガイド  （PDF ダウンロード）

Sample Player: Full functionality in 1.9 with 6 slots, sample display, individual and master gain control, assignable outputs, repeat mode for each slot and three play modes (trigger, hold and on/off). 1.8.4 features an abbreviated version of the SP-6 with 6 slots, no play modes, gain control or ability to chose the output balance.

Review/History: 1.9 features a history tab, which is an enhancement of the review section found in previous versions of Scratch Live. History contains a complete log of all the tracks you have played and allows you to export Scratch Live session information as a data file (text, csv or m3u).

Live Feed: 1.9 features Live Feed, which allows you to stream any of the available hardware input sources (e.g. microphone) to a virtual deck. You can then play the recording back just like a normal file - scratch it, speed it up, slow it down, set loops and set cue points. You can choose to record your input using either the normal or gated option.

Native MEP-7000 support: The Pioneer MEP-7000 gains plug-and-play native support in 1.9. Control CDs are not required, and song data is shown directly on the MEP-7000's displays.

Loop Roll: The Loop Roll feature is an official feature in 1.9, allowing DJs to create adds stutter effects to their sets. In some recent versions (including 1.8.4), Loop Roll was available only as a hidden feature.

Import/Files: The Import button, which you use to navigate to the files on your hard drives, has been renamed as Files in 1.9.

Build Overviews/Analyze Files: The Build Overviews button has been renamed as Analyze Files in 1.9, as have its corresponding folders, however the process remains the same.

PLEASE NOTE: These are the minimum requirements to run Scratch Live. For best performance and for use in professional situations we recommend you buy a higher spec computer. We also recommend Intel processors.

Mac

• 1 GHz G4
• 1 GB RAM*
• 1024 x 768 screen resolution
• OSX 10.3.9 or higher
• Intel Macs require Scratch Live version 1.5 or higher
• Available USB port (USB 2.0 required
  for SL 3)

Windows

• Intel processor, 1.5 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 port (USB 2.0 required
  for SL 3)

 

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

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

ITCH is a new DJ product from Serato. The official channel for ITCH is through www.serato.com.

For information on ITCH or to make an enquiry please visit www.serato.com/itch

ScratchLIVE.net is the official site for Scratch Live by Rane corporation and Serato Audio Research. As well as providing official Scratch Live resources we provide a forum for users to discuss Scratch Live and other aspects of DJing. We welcome open discussion of all products on our forum as per the terms and conditions stated here: www.scratchlive.net/forum/terms

If the waveforms are being jumpy and your computer is having trouble updating them, this could be due to your computer not having the minimum specifications. Scratch LIVE will always dedicate its processing power to updating the audio first and then the graphics. Close any other programs you have running to free up some CPU cycles.

If you are using a PC then read these optimisation guides for XP and vista.
Vista Optimisation
XP Optimisation

The 'hi-fi resampler' mode uses an advanced modeling algorithm to produce a level of clarity not heard before in vinyl emulation technology. The new option has a cleaner, crisper sound that effects all audio playback at non-zero pitch, but really comes into its own when scratching. This mode improves the quality of the output sound regardless if you're using turntables or CD decks.

Hi-fi resampler mode significantly reduces digital distortion at very slow or very fast record speeds. This enhancement increases the CPU load slightly. The option is off by default, in which case the old resampler is used. If you have a low spec machine and experience performance issues with the hi-fi resampler on, try switching it off again.

Scratch Live will display the tool tips in the language that your computer is set to.

Tool tips are currently available in English (en), French (fr), German (de), Spanish (es), Japanese (ja), Dutch (nl), Chinese (zh_CH), Norwegian (no) and Korean (ko).

To change the language your computer is set to:

Mac
Go to System Preferences -> International and change the language at the top of your list, then reload Scratch Live.

Windows XP
Go to the windows control panel, select Regional and Language Options and select a new language in the Regional Options tab, select Apply and OK, then reload Scratch Live.

Auto gain works by increasing the volume of the quieter tracks in your library up to a standard volume level. This ensures all the files in your library are at the same volume level.

Auto gain is part of the analyzing files process. If your tracks have already been analyzed and you want to include the auto gain function, select auto gain in the setup menu, highlight the files you want to apply auto gain to and drag them onto the analyze files button.

Replacement records are available for purchase from Rane's accessory shop or from your favorite Rane dealer. International customers should contact the Rane distributor in their country for a list of local dealers.

If we knew we would post a date, if no-one has posted a date we simply can't tell you. So there's no point in asking.

There is a problem with Apple OS X 10.5.3 and above with slow access times to FAT32 volumes. (i.e. FAT32 formatted external hard drives) This problem is not present when using drives formatted to Mac OS Extended (Journaled).

To see if your drive is FAT 32 format, select the drive in Finder, and press command-I to 'get info'. The drive format is listed under the general section. If it is FAT32, it will say MS-DOS (FAT 32).

This problem is fixed as of Mac OS X 10.5.6

We have identified a flaw in Mac OS X 10.5.0 through 10.5.4 that can cause Scratch LIVE to crash when used with HID devices (ie. a Pioneer CDJ-400). Users are advised against using CDJ-400s with versions of Mac OS X 10.5.0 through 10.5.4.

CDJ-400 users must update to Mac OS X 10.5.5 or higher to ensure stability.

Related FAQs:

Pioneer CDJ-400 requires firmware update

Native support in Scratch LIVE has been added for the Pioneer CDJ-400. The CDJ-400 must have firmware version 1.300 or greater to operate correctly. This firmware is available as a free download from Pioneer: http://www.pioneer.eu/eur/content/support/support/upgrade/CDJ400.html

Related FAQ: Stability issues when using Pioneer CDJ-400s on Mac OSX 10.5

Some 1.8.2 windows users are experiencing stuttering playback in the offline player. Stuttering is not an issue with the hardware connected.

This problem is fixed as of Scratch LIVE version 1.8.3

Some users have reported problems with Scratch Live running on machines with AMD Turion or Athlon processors.

In many cases one or both sides of the scope views have unsatisfactory tracking, and in others - the scope view isn't visible at all, i.e. the grids are missing and only the grey background of SSL is visible.

Due to the number of reports we have had of this problem we do not support machines with AMD Turion or Athlon processors for use with Serato Scratch Live.

Workarounds

• Try all available USB ports
• Ensure you're not using a USB hub or splitter
• Try plugging in an external drive (or memory stick) into another USB port on your machine - preferably the adjacent port. This may stimulate the machine’s chipset so that your problem may be fixed. (If this does help, please post a message into the help forum and describe your problem and workaround exactly to help us fix this issue).

Further assistance

If you are still having a problem please post in the Help forum, and make sure you include the following:

• What Serato product are you using and software version?
• What are your computer's specifications and operating system version? - be specific about processor and chipset if you can.
• What graphics device does the machine have?
• Is an external storage device attached (Never/sometimes/always), and to which USB port?
• If there's no external storage attached, does attaching a disk or memory stick help out at all?
• Is it always the same deck that exhibits poor tracking, and which one?

We have had reports of some users experiencing sound distortion problems when using the newer (late 2008) MacBooks and MacBook Pro computers with Scratch Live. Only those computers with 4 Gb of RAM are affected.

This distortion usually appears after the computer has been running for several hours.

As far as we know, this is an Apple bug, and it has been reported to them.

Users have reported the following as work arounds to this problem:

• Restart your computer before beginning your Scratch LIVE session, or;
• Remove 2 Gb of RAM from your computer. (Check your warranty information first and know what you are doing- You may need to have this performed by an official Apple support center in order to not void your warranty).

This problem is fixed as of Mac OS X 10.5.7

Some users have experienced difficulty seeing the scopes in the calibration screen when using CD players, in combination with the SL3 and Scratch Live 1.9.0

This is due to the increased input levels of the SL3 hardware, which causes the control signal circles to become too large for the scope view, placing them outside the visible field..

Even without these scope views, you can diagnose most problems using the other information still present:

The tracking number in the bottom right corner should be as close to 100% as possible. Any less than 85% and you may be experiencing tracking issues.

The number in the top right hand corner should be 33.3, indicating normal playback.

The number in the top left hand corner is control signal version and time, and this should be counting up. If it is counting down, reverse the inputs of your CD player going into the SL 3

Users with phono control sources may also experience overlarge control circles, however, you can adjust your phono sensitivity input levels to get a good control circle.

Click here for more information on scopes, and diagnosing problems using the scope view.

This problem is fixed as of Scratch LIVE version 1.9.1.

We have seen an issue for some users who are updating a previously installed version of Leopard to Snowleopard where Scratch Live may duplicate crates and files if run immediately after the upgrade has been completed. This seems to be due to some anomolies in the users home directory straight after the upgrade.

We strongly suggest backing up your crates and database before upgrading so if this happens you can fix it be replacing your database with the backup.

This problem is fixed as of Scratch Live 1.9.2.

Cue points and loops created in Scratch Live will not save to AIFF files created using iTunes 9.0.2. This is due to a change made in iTunes.

Workaround:

* Downgrade to iTunes 9.0.1.

* Encode your files in a different format (eg. WAV)

 

Due to changes made in Mac OS X 10.5.7+ (still present in Snow Leopard 10.6+) only one channel of the TTM 57SL is able to be selected when using the TTM 57SL as an external soundcard.

Workaround:

Use Mac OS X 10.5.6

We are working on a firmware update to resolve this issue.

Issue:

The default button setup on the Denon DN-HC1000S doesn't trigger the correct functions in Scratch Live. This is due to MIDI assignments contained in the AUTO_SAVE.xml file overriding the DN-HC1000S presets.

A fix for this will be included in a future release of Scratch Live.

Workaround:

Delete the AUTO_SAVE.xml file located in the My Music -> ScratchLIVE -> MIDI folder (Windows) or Music -> ScratchLIVE -> MIDI folder (Mac OS X).

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.
• Check that you are using a ‘good’ USB port. Try all ports until you get the best results.
• 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 follow this computer optimization guide here: www.serato.com.

Issue details:
If you rename a crate, or move it to a subcrate, while Scratch LIVE is still importing files to it, for example after dragging a folder to the crate list, then further files imported during the folder scan will not appear in the new crate.

Workaround:
When importing files by dragging folders into Scratch LIVE, ensure that the import process is complete before moving or renaming any crates. You can tell that Scratch LIVE has finished importing files by checking that the status bar at the bottom of the Scratch LIVE window no longer displays "Scanning Folder:" or "Reading Tags:"

Details:
Scratch LIVE version 1.8 and previous versions have a known issue that can cause a deck to not play audio or show the main track waveform for certain types of track. In this particular case, the track overview and cues/loops are still loaded, and the deck still plays, just without the moving waveform or audio.

This has most commonly been seen on tracks with a 48kHz sample rate, where the library contains a mix of 48kHz and 44.1 kHz tracks, although it can happen with other types of track.

If the audio cache size is changed after a track has already played on a deck, then further tracks loaded to the deck with a higher sample rate than the last track loaded before changing the cache size will not play correctly.

In 1.8, this problem can also affect the left deck when plugging in hardware after using the offline player, if the audio cache is set to a value other than 60 seconds.

This problem is fixed as of Scratch LIVE version 1.8.1.

Workarounds:
To avoid seeing this problem in Scratch LIVE 1.8, set the audio cache size to 60 seconds and leave it there.

If you don't wish to use a cache size of 60, and you've loaded tracks in the offline player, quit Scratch LIVE and start it again before plugging in your hardware.

In version 1.7.4 and older versions you can avoid this problem by not changing the cache size while you are playing.

If you see this problem while playing:

• Don't Panic
• Go to the setup screen (display tab in 1.8.0).
• Change the audio cache size to any other value.
• Exit the setup screen and reload the problem track.
• Optional: change the cache size back and reload the track again if you want to keep your original cache setting.

On Both OSX Leopard (OS X 10.5) and Windows Vista there are known issues with Scratch LIVE when the computer goes to sleep.

Windows Vista: If your machine enters Stand By or Hibernate mode with Scratch LIVE running, on wake the off-line player produces no audio, and turntable input and audio output does not work. If your Scratch LIVE hardware is plugged in Scratch LIVE may become unresponsive and require a forced exit.

Workaround: Do not allow your computer to enter Stand By or Hibernate mode with Scratch LIVE running.

Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard): If your computer enters Sleep mode with Scratch LIVE running and the hardware connected, on wake turntable input and audio output may not work. If your Scratch LIVE hardware is plugged in Scratch LIVE may become unresponsive and require a forced exit. To recover, you should unplug and replug your Scratch LIVE hardware without the Scratch LIVE running, before starting the application again. If the problem persists you should restart your computer.

Workaround: Disconnect your Scratch LIVE hardware before allowing your computer to enter Sleep mode.

If you are planning on using Scratch LIVE on either of these platforms we suggest setting your sleep timeout to "Never". You can normally make this setting apply only to AC powered mode, to preserve battery life when you aren't plugged into AC power or using Scratch LIVE.

On OSX this is done through "System Preferences >> Energy Saver"

For Windows Vista go to "Control Panel >> Power Management", turn on High Performance, edit plan settings, and make sure Stand By is set to Never.

This issue affects the function of the CUE button when using Numark iCDX CD/MP3 player in USB HID mode with Scratch LIVE version 1.7.4:

When using the iCDX CUE button to audition the Temp Cue, or to return to the Temp Cue Point while playing, the playhead position may return to a point slightly after the cue (about 0.5ms).

Consequently, you may need to press the CUE button twice to pre-listen to, or tempo-match your cue, and repeated use of the button on the same cue may cause the Temp Cue Point to creep forward by a small amount.

Workaround: You can keep the Temp Cue point from creeping during cue audition by using the PLAY button to listen to the cue and pressing the CUE button to (very nearly) return to the cue point you have set. The difference in position won't be audible, and this method won't cause the Temp Cue Point to creep up onto the first beat of your cue.

This issue will be fixed in the next available release of Scratch LIVE.

Using a USB hub, splitter, docking station or other USB device to connect the SL 1 to your computer may cause calibration and playback issues.

We recommend always connecting your Scratch Live hardware directly to the USB port of the computer used.

Scratch LIVE version 1.7.2 adds support for Microsoft Vista, however we recommend Microsoft XP for professional use, most notably for performance reasons. You will be able to run XP at a lower USB buffer setting, meaning lower latency (for a better vinyl feel) and better performance in general.

Just an FYI for those looking to purchase an (optional) external power supply from Radio Shack.

The part number listed in the Scratch LIVE manual for the Radio Shack 9V DC 300mA (or more) power supply part number 273-1770 is changing and the new part number will be 273-1768.

Since we are recommending their power supply we thought our customers should know about the change.

On some MacBooks and MacBook Pros, Scratch LIVE will have USB dropout problems on one USB port, but not others. If you are having problems with USB dropouts on your MacBook or MacBook Pro, try connecting your Scratch LIVE interface to a different USB port.

Several users have reported that the dropouts are particularly bad when using the trackpad. We have alerted Apple to this problem.

Note:

It's been posted on the forum that a replacement driver from a 3rd party developer: http://ragingmenace.com/software/sidetrack/index.html Sidetrack 1.5 can fix the trackpad dropouts, at the expense of two finger scrolling.

ACPI - http://www.acpi.info/, has caused problems on some windows machines, with USB dropouts on powerful CPUs.

If you have USB dropouts and are having trouble finding a cause on a seemingly powerful machine, check if your computer is ACPI by opening the device manager:

1. Go to control panel
2. Click system
3. Click the hardware tab
4. Click device manager
5. Click the [+] next to Computer
6. If you see "ACPI uniprocessor PC" or similar, you have ACPI.

Quick method for disabling ACPI power management on some laptops

Try taking your battery out and just run off the power supply, this stops ACPI from trying to manage the battery on some model laptops.

You can disable ACPI if you think it might still be a problem:

HOWEVER IT CAN BE HARD TO REVERSE THIS, AND YOU MAY HAVE IRQ CONFLICT ERRORS, SO DON'T DO THIS UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING AND CAN AFFORD SOME SYSTEM DOWN-TIME! AND MAKE A BACKUP!

BEFORE PROCEEDING Make a new system restore point by using the system restore wizard in help and support (start menu).

"If you right-click on the 'Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) PC' description and select the Properties option, and then the Driver page on the window that appears, you can select 'Update Driver'. Choose the second 'Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)' option on the subsequent page, and then the 'Don't search. I will choose the driver to install' option on the following page. This should come up with two options, namely ACPI PC and Standard PC."

(from http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/Mar02/articles/pcmusician0302.asp)

Before you attempt this you should seek help from other users and the forum here at ScratchLIVE.net.

If you have some characters in the search field, and then press ctrl-L to locate the track you loaded last, the track will only be listed if the characters in the search field are also in that track.

On some machines the SL 1 hardware interface is not detected after rebooting. It requires de/reconnecting before it is detected.

If a crate contains files from more than one drive, the ordering is saved incorrectly when sorted by the # column.

The file may be damaged. Please report this to the Scratch LIVE support team by starting a new thread in the help section.

By reporting damaged or corrupt files, you will help the developers to improve Scratch LIVE’s ability to play damaged MP3 files in the future.

No, use the track start offset function (in the setup screen) to move the point at which tracks begin to a position further into the vinyl.

The Mac version of Scratch LIVE does not currently work with a USB buffer setting of 1 (the minimum).

This issue is due to limitations of Mac OS X.

The SL 3 comes with a 7.5VDC universal power supply, which includes different plugs for the USA, Europe, UK and Australia. The power supply is regulated 7.5 volts DC, 1 amp, using a P6 type barrel plug. If you lose the supplied power supply, you'll need to replace it with one that meets these specifications.

Using the power supply is optional, however it is wise to use one as this will continue to power the Thru channels when USB power isn't present. Without a power supply, the SL 3 will be powered solely by the USB port on your computer via Scratch Live, so if you shut down Scratch Live or your computer or unplug the USB cable to swap over with another DJ, the SL 3 will lose power, cutting all sound.

 

 

 

The SL 1 is compatible with the following power supply: 9 volts DC, 300 mA, using a P6 type barrel plug. If you don't own an appropriate power supply, you'll need to buy one that meets these specifications.

Using a power supply is optional, however it is wise to use one as this will continue to power the Thru channels when USB power isn't present. Without a power supply, the SL 1 will be powered solely by the USB port on your computer via Scratch Live, so if you shut down Scratch Live or your computer or unplug the USB cable to swap over with another DJ, the SL 1 will lose power, cutting all sound.

 

 

The SL 3 does not replace the SL 1 - both are viable and completely different designs. While there is no upgrade or discount program available, both pieces of hardware will continue to be supported with free software updates.

There is no exchange program. Talk to the Rane dealer where you purchased your product for all returns, exchanges and refunds.

Making the SL 3 compact and adding Auxiliary channels was a high priority during the design of the unit. We hope the versatility you gain from these features makes up for the absence of the mic input.

Scratch Live and the SL 3 use a proprietary driver that has many performance and stability advantages over a CoreAudio or Asio solution.  We do however understand that a more open driver has advantages as well.

ASIO and CoreAudio Drivers are currently in development and will be implemented in a future firmware upgrade for the SL 3.

In development. Multi deck control has always been on our road map and once our solution is solid, it will be added to a future version of Scratch Live.

No, use the supply that shipped with the SL 3. It uses 7.5 volts DC, not 9 volts (like the SL 1 does).

This is a Kensington security slot, which can be used to secure your SL 3 with a lock and cable.

All kinds of things - many undreamed of yet. The Aux input allows you to either record your set (e.g., from a mixer's aux output) or feed a stereo signal to Scratch Live's LiveFeed feature. The Aux output can also be used as a third virtual deck that can be fed from Scratch Live's SP-6 Sample Player. More features for this extra channel will be added over time!

Keep an eye on the scratchlive.net forum - There's bound to be great forum threads on other useful Aux channel tips and tricks!

Customers requested a tighter, stronger USB jack to avoid it accidentally falling or being pulled out in the rat's nest of cables often encountered. Plus, some users often plug and unplug the I/O cables on tour, so an improved jack that can handle more insertions before failure is appreciated. It's a good thing, trust us!

No, you can use any USB cable.

No, the physical layout of the jack's package can only be placed in the SL 3.

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.

Since iTunes changed to front row, it no longer embeds artwork into files by default.

To embed artwork with iTunes, select the songs in question, then 'get info' on them to bring up the song properties dialog. Select the artwork tab, click add, and browse to the image you want to assign as artwork.

This will embed the image into the file.

The short answer is no. There is no function in Scratch LIVE that blends two tracks together, or keeps two tracks beat matched for you.

However, there is a tempo match display window that gives you a visual representation of the peaks in both tracks, helping you align their tempo. Scratch LIVE also provides a beat matching display window that shows you markers to assist with beat matching.

Use the 'instant doubles' feature and you can load the current playing track over to the other virtual deck. Move the crossfader across and the other turntable/CD deck will be controlling the new virtual deck.

Here is an article all about using 'instant doubles'.

You have zoomed in or out on your waveforms. Use the keyboard keys '-' or '+' to zoom in or out on the main waveform display.

The main waveform has two display options. Hold 'ctrl' and click on the waveform to display either three white waveforms or one multi-coloured waveform.

The three white waveforms show the separate bass, mid and treble. Use this view to set more accurate cue points.

The multi-coloured waveform show the frequency of the sound: bass = red, mid = green and treble = blue.

The input reverse feature will transfer control over to the alternate virtual deck. For example, the physical record on the right hand side now controls the left hand side virtual deck. This essentially lets you continue mixing, but just using one turntable.

Historically when the input reverse feature was created, there was no instant doubles mode. However, with the recent introduction of instant doubles, which is easier to use and transfers more information over to the new virtual deck. It is a wiser choice to learn how to use instant doubles rather than having to learn about input reverse mode. Check out this article on using instant doubles.

The short answer is yes.

Scratch LIVE can detect the bpm of your tracks while it analyzes files (this was known as "build overviews" in versions pre 1.9.0). The set auto bpm option must be ticked before you start analyzing files, then if Scratch LIVE is confident the auto BPM estimate for a track is accurate it will be written to an ID3 tag in the file.

The auto BPM function will not be applied if the track already contains BPM information. If you know your files BPM will fall within a certain range, use the range drop down to avoid double or half value BPMs being calculated.

Analyzing files is the process which allows Scratch LIVE to prepare the overview of the track, detect the tracks BPM, apply any auto gain and alert you to any corrupt files you might have.

To analyze files you must disconnect the hardware interface and run Scratch LIVE. You will notice a button labeled 'analyze files' on the main screen. Select this to automatically analyze the all the tracks in your library.

The three bars above the button indicate the track reading progress, the file analyzing and the track writing progress.

Analyzing files is highly recommended.

**Note: In Scratch LIVE versions prior to 1.9.0, "analyze files" was called "build overviews". They both perform the same functions.

Yes! Using the off-line player, you can play tracks without any hardware connected. Set up crates, cue points, make loops etc from the comfort of your lounge chair. Available in versions 1.8 and up - click here to get the latest version

The red and white RCA cable could be connected the wrong way around. Check the RCA cable from the turntable to the SL 1 unit or the 57 mixer. The red plug could be connected to the white connection and visa-versa.

Red plugs need to be connected to red sockets and white plugs to white sockets.

Instant doubles allows you to match the playhead position of two tracks. With this option set, when you load the same track on one virtual deck that is already loaded on the other virtual deck, the playhead will jump to the position of the track that was loaded first.

Instant doubles lets you continue mixing with just one working turntable or CD deck. To find out how, read this article.

Instant doubles mode also allows you to start beat juggling, using identical records on each turntable. Manipulate two or more samples, drum beats or vocals using pauses, scratching, backspins and delays.

You can drag and drop crates into other crates to make subcrates.

If you drag a crate to the very left of the crate panel, it will stay in the top level of the crate structure.

If you drag the crate a little to the right, onto the name of another crate, it will make the crate you are dragging a sub crate of the first crate.

PLEASE NOTE: These are the minimum requirements to run the current version Scratch Live. For best performance and for use in professional situations we recommend you buy a higher spec computer. We recommend Intel processors.

Mac

• 1 GHz G4
• 1 GB RAM*
• 1024 x 768 screen resolution
• OSX 10.3.9 or higher
• Intel Macs require Scratch Live version 1.5 or higher
• Available USB port (USB 2.0 required for SL 3)

Windows

• 1.5 GHz PC
• 1 GB RAM*
• 1024 x 768 screen resolution
• Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or higher
• Windows Vista
• Windows 7
• Available USB port (USB 2.0 required for SL 3)

 

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

NOTE: Please read this FAQ if you are looking at a computer with an AMD Turion or Athlon processor: www.serato.com.

 

Transcoding (converting a file from one lossy format to another), or re-encoding into the same format with better settings will not result in a better quality file.

The artifacts from the initial lossy encoding will still be present, along with new (possibly far worse) ones. It is a good rule of thumb to only ever lossy encode from an uncompressed source.

Scratch LIVE has to read the entire file and create a file index the first time it is loaded. This may take a few seconds for longer files. After the first load, it should load instantly.

MP3s are compressed audio files, meaning that there is some loss of quality. Exactly how much loss there is is a widely debated topic. The advantage of MP3s is that they take up less space on your hard drive.
AIFF/WAV (the two formats are essentially the same with respect to sound quality and files sizes) are uncompressed, and therefore sound better than MP3s, but take up more space on your disk.

MP3s need to be decoded in order to be played, and therefore require more processing. If you are looking at this question from the point of view of computer performance, uncompressed audio required less processing time, because it does not need to be decoded, but requires much more disk time, because of the amount of data being moved around.
The bottom line is, uncompressed audio sounds better, but requires faster disks. Compressed audio (such as MP3) doesn't sound as good, but uses less disk space (by as much as a factor of 10). It uses slightly more CPU because it needs to be decompressed.

Click on the '?' icon to enable tool tips. Tool tips provide a handy way to learn the various features of Scratch Live. Move the mouse over a section of the screen to bring up a context-sensitive tool tip.

Tool tips are currently available in English (en), French (fr), German (de), Spanish (es), Japanese (ja), Dutch (nl), Chinese (zh_CH), Norwegian (no) and Korean (ko). Scratch Live will display the tool tips in the language that your computer is set to.

If you want tool tips in a different language other than the one your computer is set to-

Windows
Swap the 'help.xml' files. For example, your computers language is set to English but you want the tool tips in, say German. Locate the 'help16' folder within the 'ScratchLive' folder. Take the 'help.xml' from the 'de' folder and replace the 'help.xml' file in the 'en' folder, and re-start Scratch Live.

Mac

Swap the 'help.xml' files. For example, your computers language is set to English but you want the tool tips in, say German. Ctrl click the Scratch LIVE application and 'Show Package Contents'. Go to 'Conents" -> 'Resources', take the 'help.xml' from the 'de.lproj' folder and replace the 'help.xml' file in the 'en.lproj' folder, and re-start Scratch Live.

If it doesn't show the correct language your computer's regional settings may need to change. To do this go to System Preferences -> International and change the language at the top of your list, then reload Scratch Live.

No, you only need to install the latest version.

Core audio support for the SL 1 was initially planned for development. Unfortunately due to a hardware limitation in the SL 1 it is not possible to provide core audio drivers for the unit.

Read this article about calibration techniques for optimum Scratch LIVE performance.

Scratch LIVE is interpreting background noise as record movement. Go to the setup screen and move the threshold slider (to the left of the estimate button) to the right until the noise stops.

Read this article on how to using the scope views and how to fix common problems.

Make sure the needle is on the record and the record is stopped when you click the estimate button. If the slider goes hard right and stays there, you most likely have an earthing problem with your turntables/mixer. If you cannot eliminate this problem, use relative mode over absolute mode for the time being and get your signal path tested professionally.

Scratch LIVE is not getting a clear signal from the record, or your computer is not able to process the information quickly enough. Go to the setup screen and check the scope views. When the record is playing, the circles should be round, and the value in the bottom right corner should be 100%. If this is not the case, you need to re-calibrate.
You should also try increasing the USB audio buffer size if your computer is close to the minimum spec.
Clean your needles! This is the most common cause of audio drop-out. Because you are playing the same record over and over, the needles will get dirty more quickly than usual.

Go into the setup screen and make sure 'protect library' is unchecked. If you want to delete crates and songs from the Scratch LIVE library use ctrl-del for Windows and apple-del for Mac.

If the song is associated with iTunes and has the iTunes icon in the status column, then delete the song within iTunes.

To find the folder on an external drive:

To get to your hidden '.Scratch LIVE' folder, open Scratch LIVE, click the import tab, highlight your external drive, highlight the .ScratchLIVE folder, and press ctrl+r (PC) or apple+r (Mac).
This will open up a separate browser and show you the contents of that hidden .ScratchLIVE folder on your external drive.

 

Note: In versions 1.8.2 and up, this folder is no longer "hidden". It is located on the root of your drive and is called _ScratchLIVE_

When Scratch LIVE detects a corrupt file it will display the corrupt status icon, the broken disc.

There are several different types of corruption, so to investigate the reason further, hover your mouse over the status icon in the leftmost column and at the bottom of the screen there will be a longer description.

Reference the message in Scratch LIVE with the corrupt file description and diagnoses page in the manual. You can download the manual here.

If you need further help fixing the corrupt file then start a new thread in the help section.

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

Click on the column button, the left pointing arrow, 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

Read this article on Archiving your vinyl using Scratch LIVE - http://www.scratchlive.net/articles/view/?article_id=13