How-to: Use the Denon DN-HD2500 with Scratch LIVE

by Nick Maclaren, Serato

The Denon DN-HD2500

To use Denon DN-HD2500 with Scratch LIVE, you will need 2 available USB ports.

First, make sure you are running Scratch LIVE 1.8.1 or later (earlier versions do not support the DN-HD2500).

Connect your Denon DN-HD2500 to an available USB port.

Mac Installation:

Your DN-HD2500 will be detected automatically and will be ready to use.

Windows Installation:

Connect your DN-HD2500 to an available USB port. You should see the following prompt:

"Can Windows connect to Windows update to search for software?"
Click "No, not this time."
Click "Install automatically"
You should see the following message: "Found new Hardware DN-HD2500", followed by "USB composite device".

You will be prompted to install 2 drivers:

• "USB composite device" and "USB audio device"
• *Follow the prompts as per the usual driver installation method for windows.

Setup

1. Start Scratch LIVE and switch both decks to internal mode.
2. Turn on the Denon DN-HC4500. It will automatically be in PC link mode.
3. You will now be able to control Scratch LIVE with your Denon DN-HC4500!

Basic Operation

To select and load tracks, use the PARAMETERS knob to scroll through your library and crates.

By pressing the PARAMETERS knob can select a crate, sub-crate, and load your track all without touching your computer. The BACK button returns you to the previous location selected.

PLAY/ PAUSE plays and stops your track. Control the speed of the braking as normal in the setup menu of ScratchLIVE.

Pitch Bend, fast search, eject, and tap tempo are all mapped directly to ScratchLIVE.

The PITCH / KEY button turns the Key Lock feature on or off in Scratch LIVE. The DUMP button controls the Censor feature in ScratchLIVE.

You can assign up to 2 Loops using the HOT START / LOOPING buttons on the DN-HD2500. Use the A1/A2 button to start your loop and the B button to set your end point. To exit a loop, press the EXIT/RELOOP key. To return to your loop, use the A1 and A2 keys for loops 1 and 2 respectively.

To quit midi mode and revert to the regular CD / Hard Drive function, hold down the B and (need to confirm) Buttons simultaneously on both decks.