By: BentoSan
The DaScratch controller from Stanton is a one of a kind and truly innovative controller. We have seen a lot of new devices aimed at the digital dj recently but not many manufacturers have been willing to think outside of the box and innovate on a software and hardware level. Developing such a device seems to have paid off for Stanton, as after several months of playing around with the controller I am happy to report its a pleasure to use and surprisingly fun!
Features:
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10 backlit touch sensitive buttons.
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2 individual touch sensitive strips.
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4 modestly sized replaceable buttons.
- 6 Unit Modes, some with their own sub modes.
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Over 60 LED’s, most of which are all individually controllable.
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USB powered
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1 circular touch sensitive surface
Price: $200 +/-
Weight: 2.64 lbs
Available: Now
The large center circle contains 3 modes:
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Fader Mode – 3 touch sensitive strips
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Button Mode – 8 buttons, 1 touch sensitive strip
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Circular mode – 1 Circular touch sensitive strip, 1 touch sensitive strip
While we have seen many touch sensitive X-Y Pads in the past like the Koas Pad and Novation SL-25, Stanton has taken a different approach. Instead of the standard X-Y configuration, Stanton uses their own technology called “Stantouch” in order to create a more modular surface. One example is the button mode where the circle area can be used as 8 buttons that can even be pressed at the same time. While its not true multi touch technology it does go a step beyond what an X-Y could ever offer.
A textured plastic film covers the touch zone and manages to remain smooth but not too slipery, even after extensive sessions of mixing with sweaty hands. The only long-term improvement’s I could see is that perhaps the surface could have a bit of a click to it as you press it down, much like modern day mobile phones. Instead of requiring a push, any light touch will result in a button “push”. While very sensitive, I did get used to the feel over time and didnt run into may accidental triggers.
One of the problems with touch-faders is their accuracy and effective resolution due the finger width. The two touch-faders positioned at the top of the unit are only 5cm long while the touch-faders found on the bottom are a bit larger, being 8.5cm long each. This is a bit of a problem for pitch fader control because you need a nice long surface for fine tweaking. To combat this, the faders can be put into relative mode where you repetitively drag your finger in either direction to make smaller tweaks. I still personally dont find this a suitable replacement for a real pitch fader. The EKS otus also attempted that solution but it also failed to gain support. If your using SYNC religiously then its not much of a problem to use the touch faders for small adjustments but making big moves to tempo via touch faders can be a chore. The pitch strip conveniently doubles as a pitch bend controller so if you press the top or the bottom of the fader.
The Buttons
The 4 buttons on the bottom of the unit are nice and big for easy triggering. While not arcade buttons, they are a bit better than what you can find on most of the midi controllers. We should report that one of our forum moderators and writers, Moniker, has had a problem in the past with the buttons. She reports that a mixture of smoke machine residue and other fine debris that builds up over time is quite capable of making these buttons stick.
Fortunately this problem is user repairable thanks to the design of the hardware. By unscrewing the back panel and taking the buttons you can easily clean them with some rubbing alcohol. In fact the two main areas of the controller that can wear and break over time are the buttons and the USB connection. Both are totally user replaceable if you to order the replacement parts from Stanton which means cheap quick easy fixes if your unit is no longer under warranty.
The other buttons on the unit are round, recessed touch sensitive buttons. These buttons have great LED feedback in 4 different states – Off, Red, Blue Purple. Multicolored display is great for indicating whats going on in your software or what preset your in.
The center touch surface can also be used as 9 buttons, 4 on each side and one giant one in the middle. The 8 side buttons are too small for serious mashing but on most presets these buttons have actually been combined into 4 larger buttons which are more usable for cue juggling routines.
Wire Management
Looking at the underside on the unit reveals a very ingenious and forward thinking cable management and storage solution. There is no visible usb connection but taking off the rear panel will reveal enough space to comfortably fit a decent length of usb cable and the usb connection for the unit. Around the edges of the plastic plate there are small arches which allow you to position the USB cable in any orientation that fits your setup.
Scratching Serato
The DaScratch name may imply a relationship with the software that has dominated the “scratch” field for several years. While both Serato Itch and Serato Scratch both have midi assignable functions, they do not support midi scratching. So while you can use the DaScratch to control video functions, effects, cues and loops- dont expect to scratch with the center wheel.
Scratching does work with other dj programs however. While I had trouble juggling songs, it was not too hard to whip up some pseudo scratching. Stanton implemented an interesting technique to overcome the fundamental problem of scratching with lo-resolution midi by creating 2 scratch zones. The inner, runway zone is a super sensitive scratch area and the outside. circular is a faster but less accurate zone for larger scroll movements.
The Brains
By utilizing middle-ware Stanton allows its SCS3d users to open translation files that open up many more possibilities than just standard midi communication. Stanton makes several presets available as free downloads for different dj applications including:
- Serato
- PCDJ
- Traktor
- Virtual DJ
If your software of choice is not present, Stanton also provides a generic preset which you can use with any software. You can download or create your own user presets and take the concept to the next level. It should also be noted that Mixxx, the open source DJ project, directly interfaces with the controller without Bomes midi translator, so if you plan to use this program you wont need to use DaRouter.
Powered by Bomes
As you can see in the picture above, DaRouter is powered by Bomes Midi Translator. If you choose to buy Bomes Midi Translator Pro it will allow you to edit Stanton’s presets or alternatively create their own presets.
Bomes Midi Translator is a program that allows you to re-program midi messages coming to and from midi controllers and applications. It provides the muscles behind the the router and performs complex functions like Traktor’s modifiers behind the scenes. While the router just “plays” pre-sets, those same presets can be re-configured inside Bomes much like you edit midi-mapping files in Traktor. Stanton provides both encrypted translation files for use with DaRouter and unencrypted Translator files for use with Bomes Midi Translator Pro.
The combination of programmable midi messages, individual control over nearly all of the LED’s and an array of touch sensitive faders makes for a powerful combination. The messages sent by the unit are very simple and many of the features including the elaborate LED lighting found in the official Stanton control is handled by the code inside of the Bomes Midi Translator engine. Since most of the complicated programming happens inside the presets, It feels like you have complete control of the controller on a firmware level. Stanton really deserves some credit for taking this approach as I dont don’t think we would have liked this unit nearly as much if it was not so customizable.
Built in Performance
The Traktor Pro is the most solid layout available for the device and gives access to nearly every function that you need to mix from one SCS3d unit:
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Scratching control
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Looping control
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Cue point control, including the ability to create and delete cuepoints
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Beat Jumps
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Full Master and Cue volume control
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Pitch bending and Tempo control
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Dual deck control from a single unit
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Playlist control
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Advanced effects control
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Chained effects control
Instead of shipping their unit to Native Instruments and expecting them to make a mapping for the unit like all too many other manufactures, Stanton has actually put a huge amount of time in developing the mapping themselves. While there are some things that users may wish to change to personalize the unit you wont find yourself starting from scratch like you would with all to many other controllers out there.
Final Thoughts
While DaScratch might not be the best name for a midi controller we have been quite pleased with the performance and direction of the line. The DaScratch can be a great accessory to existing gear or alternatively a portable solution for those not looking to carry around a lot of heavy equipment. Those savvy with midi translations can take the unit much further than many controllers on the market, and those without that skill set can enjoy ready to go mappings.
Using DaScratch as a third of 4th deck in addition to your standard controller feels like a totally reasonable sell. For first time dj’s on a small budget you could buy a single unit and be able to mix multiple decks without much investment. To those intermediate djs who have already have a controller around this device makes a wonderful addition to your gear that can be highly customizable.
At $200 the Dascratch sits in a tough price territory. Its not an easy impulse buy like the Korg nano pad but its much more accessible than the higher priced controllers we frequently talk about. Then again, to get full hands on control of 2 decks and a mixer you need to buy 2 SCS 3D units and the new complimentary mixer (the SCS 3M) which will run you around $600 in total. For excellent configuration, easy transport and original control interface that’s a very attractive package to someone that loves Bomes and is ready to spend days programming. For those djs that want out of the box tactile mixing- the VCI-100 still holds its title as best value in the $500 price range.
Haha, I might be three years late, but I just ordered this cute, little device. Hope it does well next to a DJM 900, Kontrol X1 using Traktor.. any thoughts?
Finally bit the bullet and ordered the kit myself. The price, size/weight and functionality are perfect for me I think. Looking forward to giving it a spin 😉
So I got the 3 pack at Best Buy (yeah, they sell this at Best Buy) like two weeks ago. First off, it’s a conversation piece if I ever saw one. I brougt it to work, and everyone had there hands on it. I was very skeptical at first when I saw it off screen (that’s up close and personal to those I confused). I actually almost dropped it on the ground, cause Stanton decided to make a box that slides out of a cover (awesome). Brought it home and I was confused for like a day. There is a lot going on here in this little unit. But let me tell you: WOW!!! 4 decks. This little S.O.B. can control 4 decks. Flawlessly. Then there was the mix (had to upgrade from LE to Pro — it is what it is). Spot on, no lag. The wife even plays with it, and she’s technically enept. The NS7 is gathering dust, and the VCI-100 is a coaster. Seriously. This thing is hours of entertainment. I know that sounds absolutely stupid (NS7 and VCI as doormats, and I’m playing with this, but I can’t help it). The fun level is off the chart. I hooked it up to the ESI Gigaport AG. Channel 1/2 left, 3/4 right, and 5/6 cue. I don’t think I used the headphones once. The triggers on this thing ( one of the six presets) make me sound like god. Pick one of these up! Seriously.
Hey there,
I’m currently on the market from an upgrade from the X-session pro, would the combo pack work well? (meaning the SCS.3d and 3M)
Thanks,
Grey
Whoops I accidentally hit Enter there.
I just wanted to post a link to a video of the SCS.3d in Mixxx: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DUpTikA8u0
Mixxx is free and runs on Windows, Mac and Linux.
[quote comment=””]iv followed all ways that i can find to set my dascratch up with traktor pro
i have the .tsi file from the forum but i cant get it working fully 🙁
cold someone send me a step by step walkthrough to help me get things sorted.
iv also posted on the stanton forum.
thanks.[/quote]
iv followed all ways that i can find to set my dascratch up with traktor pro
i have the .tsi file from the forum but i cant get it working fully 🙁
cold someone send me a step by step walkthrough to help me get things sorted.
iv also posted on the stanton forum.
thanks.
Traktor Scratch Pro is the same as Traktor Pro – the TSI files will work exactly the same. The only difference between Traktor Pro and Traktor Scratch Pro is that Scratch Pro has time code support. So you will have absolutely no no issues using the Traktor Pro preset with Traktor Scratch Pro.
[quote comment=””][quote comment=”21845″]Many shops claim that he DaScratch works with Traktor Scratch Pro. i would love to switch as im am using dj studio 3.2.4 and its not cutting it enough for me.
i cant’t seem to work it out 🙁
do you have to map everything in yourslef to scratch pro
or would it be a idea just to get traktor pro.
does it work well with that?[/quote]
You can get a Traktor Pro preset and TSI file from the stanton forums, and yes it works quite well indeed :)[/quote]
traktor SCRATCH pro there is a difference!
[quote comment=”21845″]Many shops claim that he DaScratch works with Traktor Scratch Pro. i would love to switch as im am using dj studio 3.2.4 and its not cutting it enough for me.
i cant’t seem to work it out 🙁
do you have to map everything in yourslef to scratch pro
or would it be a idea just to get traktor pro.
does it work well with that?[/quote]
You can get a Traktor Pro preset and TSI file from the stanton forums, and yes it works quite well indeed 🙂
Many shops claim that he DaScratch works with Traktor Scratch Pro. i would love to switch as im am using dj studio 3.2.4 and its not cutting it enough for me.
i cant’t seem to work it out 🙁
do you have to map everything in yourslef to scratch pro
or would it be a idea just to get traktor pro.
does it work well with that?
EDIT: Actually, when I was on Traktor 2.5x I was using an Echo Indigo DJ card which was fab until I knackered it by too many instances of falling around in a dark DJ booth having had one too many sherberts and hence pulling the poor thing clean out of the laptop with my headphones 🙂
[quote comment=””]Can’t be much help on that one. I’m still not using a soundcard. I haven’t found anything I really like yet. Other than a MOTU, which is big chedda.[/quote]
I’ve loved my NI Audio Kontrol 1 since I bought it. Rock solid stability with every version of Traktor I’ve had (Since 2.5ish) and it’s sturdy to boot, which is cool if you travel a lot between gigs. Some people have complained of audio popping etc with earlier firmware and driver versions, but fortunately I never suffered from that.
I expect the Audio 2 DJ would be pretty cool too, in fact I’d have probably bought this if it had been available when I went digital 🙂
Can’t be much help on that one. I’m still not using a soundcard. I haven’t found anything I really like yet. Other than a MOTU, which is big chedda.
i have bought the dascratch and it should arrive in a couple of days time.
only thing is i have just realized that it doesn’t come with an integrated soundcard.
what sound card would be a good purchase and how would i work it so i can cue songs by ear using traktor scratch
Skratchworx.com is having a DJ battle. I put a vid in.
Here’s the link
http://www.skratchlounge.com/index.php?showtopic=6840&pid=62898&st=0&#entry62898
Anon,
Your comments aren’t insane. I thought the same stuff when I first got the 3d. I pointed out what was wrong with it to the folks at Stanton. I told them what I would change, etc. I was wrong. That’s why it’s personal.
What exactly is the question? Did you post in the forums?
For the moment you can only use the presets made availible in the forum stated above – http://forums.stantondj.com/viewforum.php?f=25
Traktor 3 and Traktor Pro BMTP files will be released when Stanton is happy that they are bug free and has all the features and layout up to their standards.
Ill be showing off some tricks that can be done with the code in the near future 🙂 This review was already getting a bit big without talking about individual techniques and tricksthat can be done with the device.
[quote comment=””]Hey CGDJ, Why take it so personal and make challenges here, you brought in an argument and I posted a general point of view as a turntablist. If my comments are insane, do pardon me.
I really appreciate the skills you shown on DaRouter. I just bought one to use it with Ableton and got struck with editing presets with Bomes (had installed windows to just do this, but still no hope). If you could answer what I asked Bento I would appreciate that.[/quote]
Found the forums finally, for those who didn’t know it’s here:
http://forums.stantondj.com/viewforum.php?f=25
Hey CGDJ, Why take it so personal and make challenges here, you brought in an argument and I posted a general point of view as a turntablist. If my comments are insane, do pardon me.
I really appreciate the skills you shown on DaRouter. I just bought one to use it with Ableton and got struck with editing presets with Bomes (had installed windows to just do this, but still no hope). If you could answer what I asked Bento I would appreciate that.
“If you want to do real scratching do it on a turntable. Don’t try to play a piano on a drum.”
1-show me
2-turntables go in a circle, the future is in straight line. You know, like the waveforms in every DVS.
3-I’ve done my share (and yours) of scratching on turntables. Long before the worderful internet, I was rockin’ TTs in front of crowds that would stab you if ya didn’t kill it.
4-PIANO !? That’s just plain mean spirited. I put up ONE cue point video.
“full palm motor stops”
thank you bento. I’ll start practicing.
It may be psuedo but I don’t think we’re talking about anyone using a 3d for a DMC competition –>
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBhvzNcD1fU
[quote comment=””] If you choose to buy Bomes Midi Translator Pro it will allow you to edit Stanton’s presets or alternatively create their own presets.[/quote]
I tried the trial version, it couldn’t edit it and the preset files are password protected. Bento can you throw some light on how to do this.
Do people still bother about scratching when MIDI devices can do a hell a lot more than turntables ? Common guys isn’t controllerism a lot better than turntablism.
Hey CGDJ, they are nice videos of your controllerism skills in traktor, but you cannot call what you show as an equivalent of traditional turntable scratching. As Bento says it is pseudo scratching (Dictionary.com: being apparently rather than actually as stated : sham, spurious ).
For real scratching listen to the Qbert ones, they stand out and they have a reproducable sound quality like a musical instrument which leaves a lasting impression. Technically, MIDI control surfaces no way can gonna reproduce the haptic feedback of spinning platter and a slipping record which enhances scratching and the user’s interaction with music in certain ways. If you want to do real scratching do it on a turntable. Don’t try to play a piano on a drum.
Anyway there is nothing wrong with pseudo scratching, it is good in its own right but the point is it is no way an equivalent to scratching.
[quote comment=”20126″]Which techniques? Seriously, because I have been watching every Scratch video I can find and then trying to do the same scratches. I havn’t found any that I can’t do at least once. If I can do a scratch right once, that tells me it can be practiced and learned to perfection. Let’s just cut to the chase here. Are you talking about crabs?..done ’em, flares?..done ’em, scribbles?, what?[/quote]
Like full palm motor stops, theres no way to sense how hard you are pressing down on the “motor” – much like the touch sensitive jog wheels on the VCI-100 or VCI-300. Thats why we call it “psudo” scratching as you cant do all the same techniques that you can on a true turntable, but for sure there are still alot of techniques that can be done with it, especially with practice.
“”By Psudo scratching i mean that you cant perform turntablist techniques to the extent that you would on a turntable – but you still can scratch. Very much like how a VCI-100 only lets a user do some psudo scratching””
Which techniques? Seriously, because I have been watching every Scratch video I can find and then trying to do the same scratches. I havn’t found any that I can’t do at least once. If I can do a scratch right once, that tells me it can be practiced and learned to perfection. Let’s just cut to the chase here. Are you talking about crabs?..done ’em, flares?..done ’em, scribbles?, what?
[quote comment=””]
Bento, my friend,
“While I had trouble juggling songs, it was not too hard to whip up some pseudo scratching.”
Psuedo, huh? I do not agree with that comment or any others like it. I’ve been scratching since 1994. That means I’ve been at it long enough to know at least one thing, there are no rules to it.
CG[/quote]
By Psudo scratching i mean that you cant perform turntablist techniques to the extent that you would on a turntable – but you still can scratch. Very much like how a VCI-100 only lets a user do some psudo scratching.
ive been beatmatching with a touchpad on traktor for time…so I’d probably get used to that touch fader quick…but I wouldn’t think it’s the ideal solution by any means…
that flippin name though…..it’s the lamest freaking product label i’ve ever heard, and i must be honest that i actually had some reservation about the product based purely on the name. come on…..dascratch???
Check google shopping 2SCS3D+13M for 480 $…. sweet deal
I hope with the 3M and its built in logic this product will be awesome and more like the VCI 100 and error free.
[quote comment=””]Maybe I’m being stuck in my ways but the lack of line faders is a tiny bit of an issue for me[/quote]
The touch faders and its multitouch are the real innovation, go ahead any try them, you will like it.. I wish the 3M also has a soundcard like the 1m but with touch faders…
“Oh…. It’s not a Vestax/ Pioneer… Infact the support is worser than Numark… Good Luck”
This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. The phone number to the main guy’s desk(Nemonic) is everywhere on the Stanton Forums. It’s not some operator, it’s the number right to his desk. As I read your post, Dascratcher, (other than thinking that one should have to pay me to use that name) I thought of something that Ean Golden posted here…
Ean Golden
May 4th, 2009 at 7:47 pm Quote
“Many, Many industry cats read this blog”
Apparently, he was telling the truth.
“would love to see a video of it in action”…..
(youtube.com/Imfromthafutur)
if you can think of some dj trick/style/technique that isn’t there and you want to see, tell me and I’ll do it and post it??
“Hi Folks… It’s my personal opinion based on 6 months of usage of this product… their forums would also convey the same message… dig errors…
DaScratch is a gr8 device with gr8 idea but it suffers driver issues and poor support… BTW user mapping, r u kiidding… forget abt it.. they don’t provide you with the basic un-encrypted file (bmtp) to start with…
STRONG ADVICE… If you own Windows you will spend more time messing around with the driver and less time DJing.. I would NEVER USE this thing at a gig”……
I FELL OUT OF MY CHAIR LAUGHING AT THIS ONE. MAPPING THESE TO TRAKTOR HAS GOT TO BE THE EASIEST THING IN THE WORLD TO DO. when you install darouter, it tells you to close other apps. so close the other apps before install. I spent five minutes last night installing on a vista 64 system and all 3 (2 3ds and 1 3m) ran flawlessly.
AS FAR AS DURABILITY GOES, I GIVE MINE A WORKOUT FOR ABOUT 3 HOURS EVERY DAY. THE ONLY CHANGE I HAVE NOTICED IN 6 MONTHS IS THAT THE SCRATCH SURFACE ACTUALLY PERFORMS BETTER NOW.
Bento, my friend,
“While I had trouble juggling songs, it was not too hard to whip up some pseudo scratching.”
Psuedo, huh? I do not agree with that comment or any others like it. I’ve been scratching since 1994. That means I’ve been at it long enough to know at least one thing, there are no rules to it.
CG
Hi Folks… It’s my personal opinion based on 6 months of usage of this product… their forums would also convey the same message… dig errors…
DaScratch is a gr8 device with gr8 idea but it suffers driver issues and poor support… BTW user mapping, r u kiidding… forget abt it.. they don’t provide you with the basic un-encrypted file (bmtp) to start with…
STRONG ADVICE… If you own Windows you will spend more time messing around with the driver and less time DJing.. I would NEVER USE this thing at a gig…
Oh…. It’s not a Vestax/ Pioneer… Infact the support is worser than Numark… Good Luck
Great Review Bento,
But I think I’ll stick to my VCI-100, touch screens are cool, but I need faders and knobs; thats the only way I can be as accurate as I want to be…
Keep them coming…..
another thing, since about 2000, I’vw been searching for the ultimate digital dj controller. something programable, modular, customizable, and well, awsome.
have you guys reviewed the xzone 4d? it looks beyond awsome, it has everything from a real hardware mixer along with midi mp3 control. although its not modular, it seems to have everything. after looking at everything out there i settled on the vci-100 as it was fairly inexpensive and respected (unlike hercules, etc 😉
gotta save up for the 4D 🙂 (i think, does it rock?)
I have 2 of these as well that I use, one controls FX in ableton live’s master channel, the other runs my second FX channel setup and each one controls a deck in Deckadance as a vst.
I LOVE THESE THINGS – seriously – they are awesome.
I have two of these, as well as a 3m, and they are nothing short of amazing, They are super rugged, just plain fun to use. The Stanton SCS lines (1 & 3) are definitely innovative, and I can’t wait to se with what they come up with next.
great review Bento!
Well worth the wait ;p
thanks alot for this review.
first time i hear of this controller !
but as a trance dj i dont need all the ‘scratching stuff’,
it is intresting to see were the traditional jog wheels are evolving too,
would love to see a video of it in action,,,,
big fun of this site ,helped me alot on the digital dj road…
keep up the good work dj techtools team !
[quote comment=””]I’ve owned some of the more expensive stanton products and I’ve found build quality and decent parts was not something you’d put in the same sentence as stanton. Has anyone out there had this since day one, it’ll be interesting hear how it’s holding up. Great review as always![/quote]
I have had the product since before day one and its holding up perfectly fine 🙂
Maybe I’m being stuck in my ways but the lack of line faders is a tiny bit of an issue for me, tho with stanton not being renoud for build quality the less moving parts the better. It does seem to have a traditional layout so apart from the touch screen and design stanton aren’t really that far out of the box. That all said it’s very VERY good to see stanton break the mould and take some innovative risks and not just add yet another vci alike to the market.
I’ve owned some of the more expensive stanton products and I’ve found build quality and decent parts was not something you’d put in the same sentence as stanton. Has anyone out there had this since day one, it’ll be interesting hear how it’s holding up. Great review as always!
P.s to think that name (possibly the worst dj product name out there) got through god knows how many layers of marketing and it still made it, shame on you stanton!!
…
As complement for DVS it seems interesting and useful but I still prefer nanopad.
…
[quote comment=””]Got to love that cable system, and Bomes integration. Now if only we could drop the teen-tryhard HipHop name and marketing, we could finally appreciate it as a unique controller.
Love to try LED customizations too.[/quote]
Got to love that cable system, and Bomes integration. Now if only we could drop the teen-tryhard HipHop name and marketing, we could finally appreciate it as a unique controller.
Love to try LED customizations too.
nice write up Bento!
I was waiting for a good review of this controller! 🙂 (first)
btw, i been lurking djtechtools for about 6 months, bought a vci-100 because of you guys! Love the site, keep doing what your doing!