Have you checked the newer versions out? serato.com I really don't think it's being phased out. If anything it's better than ever...

In short: no.

You're way off in left field and need a map... What does hardware have to do with the software? For the 2 (retiring) controllers you mentioned, there have been numerous Itch controllers released just this year. But I guess you haven't noticed. As far as Intro is concerned, it's just that, an entry level app from Serato that really can't compare to Itch and it's tight cohesion with it's stable of dedicated controllers. Do you really think Pioneer and Numark would continue to make Itch controllers if the software was being phased out? The 1:1 concept is still intact especially with the release of 2.1 Beta and as far as the DX life span again that's the hardware companies decision that has no bearing on the software. Those 2 devices retiring simply means newer better Itch controllers are on the near horizon. Come on have a little faith. ;-)

Just an observation. And yeah, i hope im wrong. haven't tried the newest itch coz my vci got stolen. Ordering a new one this week. About having a little faith... Hmmmmm... Tried that... But its slowely fading tbh. No bridge has been a pretty big let down, as have the updates. I cant comment on 2.1, but i'm guessin still same effects, still no midi suport, still no quantized cue points :/

i dont wanna fill the forum up wiith complaints. I know what i'm gettin, and its enough to have fun with. Curious if vestax has left the table for good... Coz out of all the itch controllers i have used, the VCI-300 has been my favourit all round.

Like is said, rly hope i'm wrong. This is just a passing thought from one itch user.

I wouldn't completely rule this out.

"intro" name looks carefully chosen to rule out a "intro pro" thing.

SSL > DVS
ITCH > controller software
INTRO > gateway drug to SSL, ITCH

Seeing as though serato have started puting in energy and resoarces into another application, while not making good on their commitments to paying customers, plus leaving a fair amount of itch users unsatisfied with updates, cashback or other rebates on controllers, now 2 of their controllers being discontinued.... Kinda makes u think, right??

Or am i the only one??

for me, it is what it is. There are a tonne of features I wish we had... And was rly expecting them in 2.0... But shit happens. I can live with it. It still beats carrying around 20kg of vinyls and offers a great solution.

Ofc there are alternatives, but i feel much more at home with serato then any other dj software.

I get it...don't need a diagram! All I'm saying is I think that Intro in it's current form is going to receive updates that add functionality. It won't happen right away.....it may take a while, but my theory is that it will be given more attention.

If I'm wrong, so what? I'm just postulating!

Me too, based on the name of the product.

....and you're entitled to that, just like me ;)

this whole thread is pointless and pure speculation
serato is not a non-profit company so it makes sure they generate enough income to keep everybody happy and whilst doing this they try to grab a market share
nothing more nothing less imho
if a car manufacturer decides to build a new model then it is to gain revenue cause it hopefully fills a gap they didn't serve already...
it's the same with pc's, every time someone wants to invest in a new serve i get the same question: shouldn't i better wait till next month, maybe there will be a faster system...sure you'de better wait but that doesn't satisfy your needs now and next month you better wait again...

Obviously so, nobody stated the opposite or criticized anything :) I just stated that the "intro" name seems built at a purpose, and that the product fits a business model and a precise strategy.

or we may have a sleeper, Anybody do a background check on tymon yet ?

Way ahead of you. I've gone ahead and done so already (primarily as I've never seen him around these parts before so I just wanted to know who he was, that's all). If you're saying he's a sleeper for the competition, I think he's clean.

On another point, I'm not sure I understand the point of these topics (with no insult intended towards the op or any subsequent responders) after Serato employees have already, on more than one occasion, come onto these forums and stated that each product has an entirely different development team that moves at their own paces and, for the large part, work independently of each other. By such, updates to SSL or INTRO should not reflect on updates to ITCH from either the first-party end or the end-user end. Not only that, but no matter how you draw things up, if we're looking at this from a quantitative stand point rather than a qualitative one (in terms of the sheer number of updates), I cannot help but point out that out of all of Serato's products none has produced more updates at a faster rate than ITCH. I'm not quite sure what people want here...

LooooooL! No guys... I just like to lurk. I read the forum reguler.

Honestly, its totally just speculation. And, i honestly woudn't mind if Intro manifested into a pro version that allowed more customization and proper midi support.. even if it meant paid upgrades.

Slightly off topic, had a hands on with the VCI-400. It wasn't plugged in, but a bit gutted its not supported with itch. Really badass controller. Only thing is i prefer the jogs on the 300's. Awesome layout and build.

yea ok
display.crystalscomments.com

Hahaha. Nice one

:D

LOL.. One of my fav movies...

not sure what u mean or where u are getting your info from:
itch was on 1.7.1 for ages (since sep/oct 2010 or even earlier),
only had a device specific 1.8 version until 2.0 was released in summer 2011,
and since then had one update to 2.0.1 (currently ongoing 2.1 beta)

that is 2 updates in more than a full year, did ssl really get fewer updates than that ?

Examine it, not within the time frame of one year, but in the timeframe of the life of the entire product.

If you examine the forward progress of both SL and Itch, you'll see as per the public beta of 2.1 there has been some FUNDAMENTAL changes under the hood of both products, hopefully bringing the legendary Serato stability back to the table.

That means that new features have maybe taken a back seat for the latter half of the year, but I for one am excited for the prospects ahead in 2012.

Fundamental changes is an understatement. As of 2.0, the entire code was re-written from the ground up.

Why would you think that? ITCH is right up there with SSL.

That's true Papa Midnight, but I'm referring specifically to the library changes made between 2.01 and 2.1, which will also effect SL.

If you count the 2.0 changes too then we're basically looking at an entirely different program to Itch 1.x a year ago.

So back to the original question, I'd say Itch is not going away any time soon.

Man delete this thread lol

Just to bury the "ITCH to be phased out" theme: Google is displaying hundreds of ITCH 2.0 ads all over the websites I visit regularly.

i think the op is on the right track for there being an "open" "pro" version of controller software like intro.... as i have stated before, we aren't very far off from a "pro / intro" version... can someone with hard facts answer why the vci 400 and the ergo don't come with branded software like the vci 300 did with itch... etc? look at the bigger picture, its right in front of you :)

ITCH won't ever be phased out, but I still think that Intro is going to receive paid upgrades eventually....or perhaps Intro & Itch will just merge. Otherwise, how can Serato expect peeps to buy a controller with Intro's limited functionality, then when they are ready to graduate from it, they have to go out and buy a whole other controller. That's one hell of an Update Price! Kats complain about paying upwards of $100 for Traktor Updates.....well, how do you think they'll react to spending another $500 to $1,200 to get Itch or ScratchLIVE!?!?!?

It's a flawed business model. To me the only way this model can sustain itself is either through paid Updates, or a merging of Intro & Itch.

If anyone disagrees, please enlighten me as to why I am wrong. this is a topic I'm genuinely intrigued with......I welcome the conversation.

Not really.

Upgrading from a beginner's Traktor controller to a professional Traktor controller will cost just as much. In absence of INTRO, beginner DJs eager to step up their game would upgrade their hardware towards Traktor offerings straight away.

Thus, the INTRO move was mandatory.

Intro (LE Edtition) with limited feature set, period.

Intro -> Itch becomes the paid upgrade path for Serato.

..or Upgrade to a controller that comes with Itch.

i agree with blackavenger! I think alot of people will be eating their words.... as stated "professional" controllers like the vci 400 shouldn't have to be downgraded to an older model less features controller to get "professional itch software".....

Put simply, without INTRO, the VCI-400 would have been released with VDJ and Traktor. No Serato at all. With INTRO, a beginner DJ is given the choice to enter the Serato ecosystem.

As far as the VCI-400 goes, many hints point to a new Vestax ITCH controller; the VCI-300 has been discontinued so it wouldn't be a fair comparison.

Undeniable fact. They would've been given either Traktor LE or a LE version of VDJ.

lets see what namm holds...... i wouldn't hold your breath ;) #lipssealed

I highly doubt ITCH will get phased out... seeing as technics stop producing the 1200 line of turntables this year due to sales being so low, I would imagine thats from people buying controllers like the NS7 and such. I would think ssl will go before itch.

I would however like to see the bridge added to ITCH soon as I am getting ready to purchase a ns7 and that is one of the main features I want.

can anyone explain why itch products are getting phased out, and new controllers are "intro" compatible only??....

SSL is the flagship product. It's not going anywhere.

I could def. see something happening between Itch and Intro. I don't see Itch progressing to the levels of Traktor and SSL as it is right now, even with the overhaul, rewrite, etc.

BS

x2

Perhaps BS to those that have been here hoping that Itch would deliver. I switched to SSL and have seen the light. I'm a fan of the product, and what it does --- but in the grand picture, Itch will not become the product that SSL is.

and by product I mean a fan of Itch.

As stated. We can check this tread after the official announcement. I guess the itch homies don't feel that intro and itch will adopt a "pro" option. #smh

So I guess instead of buying the numark ns7, I should get two turntables and the RANE, Sixty-Eight mixer?

if you have the money, yes -- without a doubt.

Itch isn't meant to be the product SSL is. They're not competing Serato products. SSL, Itch and Intro is to Serato like the Avalon, Accord and Civic is to Honda.

Sorry, not Avalon that's Toyota, replace that with the Ridgeline. ;-)

^ I agree fully with that statement.

My response was more for the guy who said SSL would get phased out before Itch does.

Ok gotcha...

I have to agree....ITCH has progressed quite nicely over these past couple updates. Is it up to the standards of Traktor's full functionality, or even ScratchLIVE's for that matter...HELL NO!!!!!

Though, I do see it getting there before 2013.....and seeing how long it took both Traktor & ScratchLIVE to get where they are today, I'd say ITCH deserves some credit for it's expediency! However, with that being said, I for one will not be easing up on the ITCH Development Team, even on iota, until' I see those advancements come to fruition.

By the way......Happy Christmas to everyone on here who celebrates it :)

ITCH is here to stay!!!!!!!!!!!

I wasnt saying SL was getting phased out.... I was saying due to the current market with panasonic discontinuing the technics 1200s due to the sales dropping 95% I would say that shows most people are using computer systems. I know SL and ITCH aren't going anywhere, I was saying speculatively that since turntable sales are down that SL would probably go first...

They are probably waiting to add bridge into ITCH since Ableton is going to be releasing Live 9.0 in Jan or Feb so they probably want to wait to make sure it's working for 9 first.

I hear what you are saying, but my opinion is that the CDJ still owns the big DJ market and those things aren't going anywhere any time soon. My thought is that unless things change, Itch will be a product associated with mid-level controllers primarily for hobbyiest or mobile DJ's, while SSL continues to maintain the club DJ's or professional DJ's. I know there are a few exceptions out there, but in general terms that's how see things. Sure Itch is here stay --- there is a market for it, and combining it with Intro or providing an upgrade path I think would be beneficial to Serato. However, SSL will continue to be the top dog. The rest is just business.

Mark my words......this IS going to happen one day. Nothing can impress upon me otherwise!

i doubt it ... serato's MO seems to be individual packages

Right now this is True until the SERATO team prove us wrong.

what facts lead you to this path of thinking?

Facts that lead me to this path of thinking is the current club market (where I live). The current club scene is not set up for controllers. While some places can accommodate them, and some places welcome them it is still the small minority. The majority of places I visit are CDJ's and a Mixer....leaning to most DJ's using SSL. The big names in the industry use SSL, the big money manufacturers sell hardware that is used with SSL. As a business function SSL supports the current market, not Itch. The software itself lacks features in SSL, and the hardware available is mid-level quality in comparison to the standard DJM + CDJ set up. I truly believe because of this Itch will continue to develop as a product for mobile DJ's or to attract customers that want to DJ with solid software using the "Serato" stamp but not have to make the investment of an SSL set-up which does cost more. This coupled with the continuous delays of delivering new features (fact) will continue to keep Itch as a second tier product in comparison to SSL the flagship product. It would be wise financially for Serato to offer some type of updgrade path between Intro, Itch, SSL, in some fashion. If you are going to tell me that the V7 is not mid level or that DJ's use Itch in the clubs all the time, etc. That's great from your perspective....but lets be honest here. Clubs use CDJ's and clubs DJ's are using SSL. I know of small bars with a TTM-57 house install, big clubs with SL3 house installs. SSL is the club market, not Itch...and in the "industry" that's where the money is at. Bottom line.

if so what are you doing here then?
get ssl and head over there....

Big names are moving en masse towards CDJ2000 and USB sticks; just as an anecdote, I organized an event last week with Benny Benassi (former SSL user) and other international guests: all of them actually used CDJ2000s with USB.

So, I'm highly doubtful about the future of DVSs, while controllers may actually prove themselves a winning niche (i.e. sound systems, hybrid audio/video controllers, specialized controllers à la V7).

And BTW you brought no facts on the table, only your opinions.

SSL has been leaps and bounds but I'm still optimistic about Itch going in the same Direction.....It is both Good and Bad (in our pocket) that we will see controller after controller out doing themselves to accommodate ITCH.

I forgot: bedroom DJs, a rich market

Marc come on you can offer a better response than that.

I switched to SSL about 6-7 months ago and truly enjoy it. I still have my VCI-300 and use it from time to time. I'm still a big fan of Itch. For what it is.

Cerla - I do agree I've seen lots of guys recently using USB sticks. However my opinions are based on facts that I've experienced. Fact is the majority of clubs in MIami have CDJ 2000 installs, and whether they are used with timecode or USB that is what is being used. Pioneer is not going to let go of the strangle hold it has on the current club market. You mentioned specialized controllers --- until a product is produced that rivals the CDJ-2000 Itch will not surpass or even reach SSL. CDJ 2000 + DJM over DDJ-S1 all day.

what you really struggle to understand is that a market niche may be profitable (and satisfy its users) while being overwhelmingly smaller than the de facto "industry standard".

just look at the PC industry: Macs: 5% market penetration, huge profits and user satisfaction.

haze324: nice to hear you are using ssl
but really, this whole thread has no meaning at all
eventually all products will be phased out and replaced by something else...
enjoy while it lasts...and if itch is phased out there will be a replacement around the corner

Controllers are being phased out but not the Software.

You really think Controllers are on their way out?
From my perspective the industry is just getting started.

+1000

What I'm trying to say is if there are new ones that can do better from the predecessor.
for example VCI-300 if Vestax come up with a newer model that caters to ITCH new improvements then that is the time to phase out the old model

^ It is being phased out...

Oh, you're trying to say that the controllers are in a constant state of progression.....that they are continually being phased out to make way for a richer feature set. Is that right?

If so, then of course that's bound to happen. Personally I can't wait til' the next iteration of the Numark NS6....one where they learn from the mistakes of the current one, and give us a behemoth of a Controller!!! Y'all can have your VCI-400 ITCH Edition.........give me "Booth Outs", "Strip Search", "Wet/Dry EFX Faders" & "Six Inch Platters"!!!

I have an embarrassing confession ... I googled SSL for about ten minutes trying to find this mysterious DJ interface. Then it dawned on me you're talking about Scratch Live. D'oh :)

Interesting discussion with interesting points. Where I live Pioneer CDJs are the club standard, however this is a great time for digital musicians and DJs to be alive. :) Bring on a digital age awash with DJs using all manner of CDJs, controllers and assorted gadgetry I say. I'd love to see some variety in the clubs - all the DJs here seem to use are Pioneer CDJs. I almost fell over myself when I saw a DJ in a cocktail bar on a NI S4 a few months back.

That's my two cents.

Yes...lol

cool.

Technology moves forward Haze324 live with it, I suppose you still have jingle cartridges in your club lol

Oh man, forget the SP6... I want a cart machine! That was some badman technology right there. Forgot about those for a minute there!

Yes it does. Technology moved from a CDJ-1000's, DJM 800 and SL1's to a CDJ-2000, DJM 900 and SL3 and 4's.

Yes and Technics have discontinued the turntable.... next

Controllers are the way forward, but in lidfe there is a place for every controller / dj deck / cdj tool and we all have different uses for diff gear, the world would be boring if people all used Pioneer turntables, and played the same music lol

who would have though we would be where we are today with decks/controllers

ha ha showing my age... but we have to embrace it, at the end of the day, two decks and a mixer is so yesterday...

No you guy are worried bout nothing itch is here to stay

My vote is that SSL and Itch will combine. We will have the same off-line player and if you plug in a rane box you get timecode control, if you plug in a controller you get controller functions...but the software will be the same.

This will allow for guys who have Serato Intro to upgrade (pay) for the SSL/Itch product.

Theres a good thread on the main DJ forum about this. Notice nothing that has come out recently says SSL or Itch. Just a big Serato Stamp on it. Not the new Rane mixers, not the new Timecode, etc. Would be dope! and profitable.

Or since SERATO is the name everybody knows, they decided to just band everything just serato. Most people call scratchlive "serato" anyway.

truth...

and (annoyingly) call Itch "The Itch".

Oh I hate that!

99.8% of SL users who are just not able to differ the company/product name:
"I'm going to buy Serato"
Me:
"Didn't knew you're a millionaire"

Only being phased out for those that keep complaining LOL ;)

+100000

Lol it here to stay

I heard Serato are introducing a new piece of software on April 1st 2010 for Ex Virtual DJ and Traktor users called "Crutch"

2012

for the peeps that doubted what i knew months to a year ago with itch and intro merging... you can peep the front page of serato.com or peep this... djworx.com


#smh

Explain to me what's bad about this?

nothing... but if you scroll up through a few of the itch being phased out threads.... people told me i was full of shit when i said itch and intro would be merging... lol. Hope they can eat their words now :)

only scary wording is the 'But fear not, for existing users get a free upgrade to Serato DJ as and when support for your particular controller has been added in. It’ll take time so be patient. But for those of you with discontinued ITCH controllers… well it might be time for some new hardware as they’re dropped off the compatibility radar.'

as much as i liked my ns7... (I'll get another one later, for nostalgic sake and at the right price) it makes me a little glad I sold it and moved to ssl. this kinda leaves me with a bad taste. Itch has been relegated to 'toy' software. alas, the forum was full of babies anyway.

I believe that this pretty much only applies to the Denon. The V7 made the list in the press release (though is strangely absent from the listing on the website). Don't hold me to that though.


Ah. I just got through reading this: serato.com

Pump the brakes. Itch controllers don't get compatibility until Spring 2013... Bummer.

serato.com

Yes the V7 will be supported in Serato DJ :)

In 2013

Excited! should be a good day when it gets here :D

That's nice I thought I'm gonna have an expensive paper weight.

Thanks! That Dolan avatar made me laugh too when I read this xD

You can always trust what Dolan says :D