You asked; we listened. Our article comparing the time-stretching/compression algorithms in M-Audio Torq 1.5 and Ableton Live 8 has been updated to include Trackor Pro and Serato Itch (which includes the same algorithm as Scratch Live). How much of a difference is there? We ran some tests and let you hear and decide for yourself after the jump.
FANTASTIQUE ELASTIQUE
Most of these programs use versions of Zplane’s highly-regarded Elastique time-stretching/compression algorithm. The Torq 1.5 update earlier this year added the “Elastique Transient” option, selectable from its Timestretching Quality preferences. Also this year, Ableton Live 8 added a Complex Pro Warp mode, which uses Zplane’s Elastique Pro. Traktor Pro has used Elastique for a while, but it’s recent 1.2 update enhanced the quality of it’s HiQ mode from the Elastique Efficient algorithm that was in Traktor 1.1. Only Serato currently does not use an Elastique algorithm because Serato makes it own respected Pitch ‘n’ Time technology for time-stretching/compression.
DJ SHADOW – “ORGAN DONOR” ORIGINAL (110 BPM)
We chose DJ Shadow’s “Organ Donor,” which at its 110 BPM original tempo, could conceivably be sped well up or slow way down during a set. We also included a couple of examples of Torq’s Standard time-stretching mode, to show the difference between its better Elastique algorithm. The following tests were all recorded with key-lock turned on. Listen for yourself to decide who’s the king.
DJ SHADOW – “ORGAN DONOR” + 27.2% (140 BPM)
A- Torq 1.5 Elastique
[audio:http://djtechtools.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Shadow+30_Torq-nrml.mp3]
B- Torq 1.5 Standard
[audio:http://djtechtools.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Shadow+30_TorqStandard-nrml.mp3]C- Live 8 Complex Pro Warp mode
[audio:http://djtechtools.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Shadow+30_Live-nrml.mp3]
D- Traktor Pro HiQ/Fast CPU settings
[audio:http://djtechtools.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Shadow+30_TraktorSP-.mp3]E- Serato Itch (same algorithm as Serato Scratch)
[audio:http://djtechtools.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Shadow+30_Itch-.mp3]DJ SHADOW – “ORGAN DONOR” – 27.2% (80 BPM)
A- Torq 1.5 Elastique
[audio:http://djtechtools.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Shadow-30_Torq-nrml.mp3]
B- Torq 1.5 Standard
[audio:http://djtechtools.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Shadow-30_TorqStandard-nrml.mp3]
C- Live 8 Complex Pro Warp mode
[audio:http://djtechtools.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Shadow-30_Live-nrml.mp3]
D- Traktor Pro HiQ/Fast CPU settings
[audio:http://djtechtools.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Shadow-30_TraktorSP-.mp3]E- Serato Itch (same algorithm as Serato Scratch
[audio:http://djtechtools.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Shadow-30_Itch-.mp3]
