ITCH Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

 

The forthcoming ITCH products will not support Video-SL.

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

Given that, a couple of years ago we approached a variety of hardware companies about fulfilling the vision we had for ITCH. Vestax were an obvious choice, since their VCI-100 MIDI controller has the right form factor and really just needed the addition of a soundcard to be most of the way to being a fantastic ITCH controller. The result of that development is the VCI-300 launched at the NAMM 2008 show. See http://www.vestax.com/v/info/newsevent/detail.php?id=43

In addition, we chose to work with Numark because they "got" our vision and bring an interesting twist with their motorized platters which allow many interesting mixing techniques not otherwise possible with a portable controller. Their offering is the NS7. See http://www.numark.com/ns7

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

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

No it doesn't. ITCH is a DJ solution which connects to your computer via USB and provides audio outputs to your sound system.

All EQ, mixing, and levels are controlled by ITCH.

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

Rane do not currently make any controller products that are suitable for the ITCH system.

Enquiries about future Rane products should be directed to Rane Corporation at http://www.rane.com

Rane and Serato's partnership is as strong as ever and we remain committed to providing the highest quality and most reliable digital vinyl system on the market. Scratch LIVE is Serato's flagship DJ product and we will continue to develop and update the software to address the needs of professional DJs for years to come.

ITCH is not going to change any of that.

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

ITCH has the following features:


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

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

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

Mac
• G4 1.5 GHz processor or better.
• 1 GB RAM.
• OSX 10.4.11 or higher.
• Available USB Port
• Hard disk space for music

Windows XP
• 2 GHz Pentium 4 Mobile processor or better.
• 1 GB RAM.
• Service Pack 2 or higher
• Available USB Port
• Hard disk space for music

Windows Vista
• Core Duo 1.6 GHz processor or better.
• 1 GB RAM.
• Service Pack 1 or higher
• Available USB Port
• Hard disk space for music

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

ITCH supports WAV, AIFF, MP3, AAC, and OGG Vorbis formats.

ITCH is currently in the final stages of development. A ship date will be announced soon on http://www.serato.com

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

The first 2 ITCH products will be from Numark and Vestax. Serato are currently in discussions with several other hardware manufacturers.