Some users are encountering issues with computers featuring the newest Intel i3, i5, or i7 processors when used with USB 1.1 devices such as the Rane SL 1 or TTM 57SL.

Users may encounter USB dropouts and / or hardware disconnection problems.

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

We are also currently investigating our own work-arounds for these issues.

NOTE: This does NOT affect SL 2, SL 3, SL 4 or Sixty-Eight users.

 

Workaround

 

BIOS Update

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

What is a "BIOS"? Click here!

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.

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

 

Driver Update

Once you have updated your computer's BIOS you should install Scratch Live 2.2.

Scratch Live 2.2 contains a workaround driver for this problem. You can download this from here: www.serato.com (click)

Install Scratch Live with your hardware connected and follow the installation prompts.

We are still working with Microsoft on a solution for USB 1.1 devices with Windows based computers.

 

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
• Computer Model Number
• CPU
• BIOS version (see here: www.ghacks.net)
• A list of all USB devices or other peripherals connected to your computer.
• A detailed description of your problem.

We will endeavor to help you resolve the issue.

Any metadata (cues, BPM's, overviews, etc) saved to Quicktime files (AAC, mp4, m4a, m4v) in Scratch Live 2.3.3 will not be compatible with any older version of Scratch Live and will not show up due to changes made in the tagging system. 

Some users are experiencing issues with Pioneer CDJs when used in HID mode with Scratch LIVE. There are two separate issues we are currently aware of and we are working on providing a fix for a future Scratch LIVE release.

 

CDJ Platters registering a movement when subject to heavy bass vibration :

Some users have reported that the platters on their CDJs register a movement when the CDJ is subject to heavy bass vibration. Generally this vibration comes from a sub or large speaker that is close to the CDJs. When this happens the track will sound like it is jumping or skipping slightly.

There are a few things you can do to help/fix this issue :

- Increase the distance between the CDJs and the sub/large speakers.

- Isolate your CDJs by placing something underneath them that can absorb some of the vibration.

- Take the 'Jog Mode' of the CDJ out of 'Vinyl' mode.

- Increase the speed adjust of the CDJ platter.

This can effect any of the Pioneer CDJs used in HID mode with Scratch LIVE. Please note the CDJ has to be subject to quite a significant amount of vibration for this issue to occur.

 

LED display on CDJ slightly glitchy

The track information display for the CDJ350 and CDJ850 can sometimes freeze briefly, making it appear slightly glitchy. This does not effect playback at all and any freeze of the display will only be momentary.

 

Both of these known issues only affect the Pioneer CDJs when used in HID mode and don't exist when using the Scratch LIVE control CDs.

Some users are encountering issues with computers featuring the Intel Pentium P6000, P6100, P6200 and P6300 processors when used with USB 1.1 devices such as the Rane SL 1 or TTM 57SL.

Users may encounter USB dropouts and / or hardware disconnection problems.

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

We are also currently investigating our own work-arounds for these issues.

NOTE: This does NOT affect SL 2, SL 3, SL 4 or Sixty-Eight users.

 

Workaround

 

BIOS Update

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

What is a "BIOS"? Click here!

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.

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

 

Driver Update

Once you have updated your computer's BIOS you should install Scratch Live 2.2.

Scratch Live 2.2 contains a workaround driver for this problem. You can download this from here: www.serato.com (click)

Install Scratch Live with your hardware connected and follow the installation prompts.

We are still working with Microsoft on a solution for USB 1.1 devices with Windows based computers.

 

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
• Computer Model Number
• CPU
• BIOS version (see here: www.ghacks.net)
• A list of all USB devices or other peripherals connected to your computer.
• A detailed description of your problem.

We will endeavor to help you resolve the issue.

With the release of the new 64 bit compatible drivers for Rane hardware included with Scratch Live 2.3, users running Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.0 through 10.6.5 may find that Scratch Live will not detect that the Rane hardware is connected.

Workarounds

• Upgrade to the latest version of OS X Snow Leopard (10.6.8)
  
  OR
  
  
• Boot your computer into 64 bit mode by following these steps:
  
  NOTE: You will need to do this each time you boot your computer.
  
  
  1. Turn off your Mac.
  2. Power up your Mac.
  3. While your Mac is starting up press and hold the 6 and 4 keys at the same time. This will launch Mac OS X into 64 bit mode.
  
  There will be no noticeable performance differences using Scratch Live between 64-bit and 32-bit modes.
  
  NOTE: Some older Macs will not allow you to boot in 64 bit mode. In this case you should upgrade to 10.6.8.

This issue is fixed in Scratch Live 2.3, we recommend that you update now.

New Apple Macbooks released in February 2011 are freezing when connecting to the Rane TTM 57SL, which requires force quitting the Scratch Live application or even restarting your computer. This is because these computers are booting up into 64 bit mode by default.

Users will need to boot into 32 bit mode for full functionality. We are looking further into this issue at present, and will keep everyone updated with the findings.

NOTE: This issue is affecting the Rane TTM 57SL only, and not other Rane devices.

Workaround

This workaround forces your computer to boot into 32-bit mode to get things working properly.

NOTE: You will need to do this each time you boot your computer.

1) Turn off your Mac.
2) Power up your Mac.
3) While your Mac is starting up press and hold the 3 and 2 keys at the same time. This will launch Mac OS into 32 bit mode.

NOTE: There will be no noticeable performance differences using Scratch Live between 64-bit and 32-bit modes.

Check if you are in 32-bit mode.

Check to see if you have booted up into 32-bit mode rather than 64-bit mode.

Mac OS X 10.4, 10.5 & 10.6:

1) Click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of the screen.
2) Select 'About This Mac'.
3) Select 'More Info'.
4) Go to 'Software' on left side.
5) '64-bit Kernel and Extensions' should say 'no' if you have booted into 32 bit mode.

Mac OS X 10.7:

1) Click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of the screen.
2) Select 'About This Mac'.
3) Select 'More Info'.
4) Select 'System Report'.
5) Go to 'Software' on left side.
6) '64-bit Kernel and Extensions' should say 'no' if you have booted into 32 bit mode.

We have discovered an issue with the new 'i' series processor MacBook Pros (i5 and i7 processors) when used on certain buffer sizes with certain USB 1.1 audio devices (such as the Rane SL 1 and TTM 57SL). The problem is best described as distorted or choppy audio.

This is caused by a fundamental change to the internal USB hub in this series of Macbook Pro computers. Apple are aware of this problem and will be providing a fix in a future system update.

For now, we have managed to work around this problem in software and have included a fix in Scratch Live 2.1.

**These i-series based computers appear to have no problem when used with USB 2.0 devices such as the Rane SL 2, SL 3, SL 4 and the Rane SIxty-Eight.**

Some users running Windows i-Series computers have reported having difficulty connecting both their Novation Dicers and the Rane SL 1 or TTM 57SL at the same time. Whichever device is connected first will work, but the device connected second will not - although it will still be recognized in Device Manager. This is due to the computer's USB 1.1 bandwidth being exceeded when both devices are plugged in at the same time.This is due to a limitation of the updated USB architecture on these computers.

Note : This only occurs with USB 1.1 devices, and does not affect USB 2.0 devices such as the Rane SL 2, SL 3, SL 4 and Sixty-Eight.

 

Workaround

Connect the Dicers to a USB 2.0 powered hub so that your computer's USB 2.0 bandwidth is utilized and the USB 1.1 bandwidth is not exceeded - allowing you to use both devices at once.

You will need to have :

- The Dicers connected to a USB 2.0 powered hub, and the hub connected to one of your computer's USB ports.

- The Rane hardware connected to another of the computer's USB ports.

Note : Rane hardware should always be connected directly into a computer's USB port and not through a USB hub or splitter.

Novation advise that users avoid plugging or unplugging the jack cable that links your two Dicers while they are connected to your computer's USB port. This can damage both units by breaking the linking port, so you will only be able to use one Dicer at a time.

Connecting and disconnecting the Dicers to the USB port of your computer while it is powered up is absolutely fine and will not cause any issues.

This issue is covered under warranty.

Using a USB hub, splitter, docking station or other USB device to connect the SL 1, SL 3, TTM 57SL, Sixty-Eight or MP 4 to your computer may cause calibration and playback issues.

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

If you are planning on using HID devices on Mac OSX 10.5 (Leopard), then you must use OSX version 10.5.6 or up. HID devices include Rane mixers such as the Rane Sixty-Eight or TTM 57SL and some 3rd party controllers such as the Pioneer CDJ-400, CDJ-900, or CDJ-2000 CD players.

On some older MacBooks and MacBook Pros, Scratch Live may 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, Sidetrack 1.5, can fix the trackpad dropouts at the expense of two finger scrolling.

ACPI (power management) has been known to cause 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.

 

WORKAROUND

Quick method for disabling ACPI power management on some laptops  running Windows XP or Windows Vista.

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 www.soundonsound.com)

Before you attempt this you should seek help from other users and the forum here: www.serato.com.

We have discovered an issue with the new 'i' series processor MacBook Pros (i5 and i7 processors) when used with the Rane MP 4. The problem is best described as distorted audio.

This is caused by a fundamental change to the internal USB hub in this series of Macbook Pro computers. Apple are aware of this problem and will be providing a fix in a future system update.

When using the SL 1 or TTM 57SL on Mac, Scratch Live does not work with a USB buffer setting of 1 (the minimum). This issue is due to limitations of Mac OS X and how it handles USB 1.1 audio devices.

Note: This problem does not effect the SL 2, SL 3, SL 4 and Sixty-Eight, as they are USB 2.0 devices.

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.

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

Mac

• Intel 1.8 GHz Core Duo (2.0 GHz, Core Duo for SL 4) or better (See Note 2)
• 2 GB RAM*
• 1024 x 768 screen resolution
• OSX 10.5 or higher
• Available USB port (USB 2.0 required for SL 2, SL 3, SL 4 & Sixty-Eight)

Windows

• Intel processor, 2.0 GHz Core Duo or better (See Note 1 & 2)
• 2 GB RAM*
• 1024 x 768 screen resolution
• Windows XP with Service Pack 3 or higher
• Windows Vista with Service Pack 2 or higher
• Windows 7
• Available USB port (USB 2.0 required for SL 2, SL 3, SL 4 & Sixty-Eight)

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

Note 1: Please read these FAQs first if you are looking at buying any of the following:

• Windows based PC with Intel iSeres (i3, i5 or i7) processor
• Windows based PC with Pentium P6xxx processor
• Windows based PC with AMD processor

Note 2: If you are using Scratch Live 2.x's more system intensive features such as DJ FX or AUX Deck plugins and are having issues you may need a higher spec computer for best results or make sure you have optimized your system: Windows 7 and Vista / Mac OS X.

 

Scratch Live 2.3 does support Mac OS X Lion (10.7.X). The following are minor known issues that some users may encounter:

• Rane hardware core audio drivers do not install.
• Hanging/GUI not updating after computer goes to sleep.

 We are working on these issues and will release a fix in a future release of Scratch Live.

The following controllers are natively supported in Scratch Live:

• NOVATION DICER
• PIONEER CDJ-350
• PIONEER CDJ-850
• PIONEER CDJ-900
• PIONEER CDJ-2000
  
• PIONEER CDJ-400
• PIONEER MEP-7000 & SEP-C1
• DENON DN-HC4500
• DENON DN-HC1000S
• VESTAX VFX-1

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）

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 download the files required for the Scratch Live Control CD here.

If the waveforms are being jumpy and your computer is having trouble updating them, this could be due to your computer not meeting the Scratch Live 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 Windows XP and Windows 7 & Vista.

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

To turn auto gain on, go to the Playback tab on the Setup screen and tick the Use auto gain option. You can select your desired dB value from the dropdown box (92 dB is the default setting).

When auto gain is turned on, it is calculated during the analyzing files process. If your tracks have already been analyzed and you now want to include the auto gain function, turn auto gain on, highlight the files you want to apply auto gain to and drag them onto the analyze files button to re-analyze them.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On Both OS X and Windows there are known issues with Scratch Live when the computer goes to sleep.

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 OS X this is done through "System Preferences >> Energy Saver"

For Windows Vista and Windows 7 go to "Control Panel >> Power Management", turn on High Performance, edit plan settings, and make sure Stand By is set to Never.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Click on the History button to open the History Panel, and click Clear

No, we do not support reading data from a network source. This is because the data transfer rates Scratch Live requires to stream audio live are very high and may exceed the data transfer rates that can be relied on when streaming over a network. This can result in both the audio and waveform dropping out. 

You will be able to see your library if you have mapped your network share to a drive letter, but in a performance situation we always recommend that you keep your music files either on your computers internal drive or an external hard drive.

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:"

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

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.

The Rane MP 4 for Serato Scratch Live is now discontinued from production. The last version to officially support the MP 4 is Scratch Live 2.2. Future versions may connect with the MP 4, but we will no longer be testing or developing on the MP 4.

The following are known issues with the MP 4 that we will not be addressing:

• Distorted audio when using iSeries MacBook Pro computers with Rane MP 4.

Scratch Live 2.0 offers 3 deck support when using the Rane SL 3 interface.

You can find the latest version of Scratch Live from here: www.serato.com (click).

To enable the third deck, you must turn on the Aux Deck Plugin. In Scratch Live go to the Plugins tab on the Setup screen, then choose SL 3 Aux Deck and check Enable SL 3 AUX Deck plugin.

To use a turntable or CD player to control the third deck, connect it to the Aux Inputs on the SL 3, and connect the SL 3 Aux Outputs to a spare input on your mixer.

When using the third deck you must use Stack Mode to show the third deck waveforms and controls. You can still use the third deck with the other display modes, however it won’t be displayed.

 

With the release of Scratch Live 2.3, the Denon DN-HD2500, Numark iCDX and Numark DMC2 are no longer supported as native controllers. This means we will no longer be developing for these controllers.

The last release to support these controllers is Scratch Live 2.2.

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

You can download the manual here.

While it is physically possible to connect an output of your mixer to the 1/4" mic input of the SL1 for recording, we highly discourage doing so for the following reasons:

1. Connecting a line level output to a mic input can overload the mic pre-amp and damage the mic circuit as the Mic input adds about 30dB of gain to the input signal.

2. The mic input is mono only. If you use a "Y" cable to connect a stereo output into a mono input, each output (left and right) tries to drive the very low impedance of the other, forcing both outputs into current-limit and possible mixer output damage. As a minimum, severe signal loss and distortion results. For more information about using "Y" cables see here: www.rane.com

 

If you wish to record using your SL 1 please use recording software (such as Audacity or Garage Band) and use the inputs of your laptop's soundcard , or preferably another soundcard with another computer.

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. The latest firmware update is available as a free download from the Pioneer website.

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.

 

 

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.

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

All kinds of things - many undreamed of yet. The Aux input allows you to use three decks with Scratch Live 2.0, 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!

You should be able to use any high quality USB cable.

However, we recommend using the USB cable that came with your Rane hardware.

 

NOTE: We recommend USB cables of less than 3 metres / 10 feet for Rane SL 4 users.

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

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.

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.

If using the Sixty-Eight, ensure that you have the input knob set to USB 1, 2, 3 or 4.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Yes you can!

If you are using the SL 3, TTM 57SL or Sixty-Eight 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 will need a phono preamp to boost the signal from the turntable to line level. In Scratch Live go to the Hardware tab on the Setup screen and set the Audio Input Level to line.

You will need an unbalanced out (RCA) output from your mixer (master or effects send will be fine) and run into an SL 3 input. Use the record function in Scratch Live as normal.

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 to the TTM 57SL, go into into the setup screen in Scratch Live, select the hardware panel and select 'save to mixer'.

When packing down your Rane hardware, it can be tempting to keep the RCA and USB cables connected and wrap the cables around the unit.

This can easily damage both the cables and the unit by placing unnecessary strain on the connections.

When packing your gear away make sure you had disconnected your RCA and USB cables form the Rane hardware.

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.

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.

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.

If you're trying to install an older version of Scratch Live on a Mac when you have a newer version installed, the installer may not allow you to do so. To resolve this, do the following:

1) Open Finder and go to Macintosh HD -> Library -> Receipts.

2) Delete the Scratch Live App.pkg and Scratch Live Driver.pkg files.

You can now run the installer for the older version.

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.

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.