Back To Scratch
The Age
Thursday November 18, 2004
DJs who love the feel of vinyl but are concerned it lacks the benefits of digital technology can now enjoy the best of both worlds.
Computer package FinalScratch and similar products allow DJs to connect a laptop with all its audio files to a traditional DJ set-up. Only hard drive space limits the number of songs at their disposal. Running on both Mac and PC, special vinyl records connect to a computer running the FinalScratch software, which displays track information such as remaining time and needle position. The digital tracks are cued, mixed and manipulated in the conventional sense - using the turntables and mixer.The packages support MP3, WAV and AIFF files and also allow normal vinyl records to be played. They do away with taking heavy boxes of records to gigs.With FinalScratch, audio files can be saved into play lists called Record Boxes, from which the DJ can choose or be assigned directly to either turntable. Files can also be gathered and archived in a searchable database where track names and beats a minute are displayed.Sales manager of DJ supplies store Pro Light and Sound, Jonathan Sinclair, says there is a "growing market" for the products, although DJs can be slow in adopting new technology.He believes FinalScratch will not replace CD and vinyl formats, but does "eliminate some of the more annoying aspects of DJing". It can also save money on buying records.FinalScratch retails for $1200
© 2004 The Age