Monday, November 19, 2007

Stanton FinalScratch 2 - FINAL SCRATCH 2

FinalScratch 2 DJs: prepare for stronger support than ever before. Stanton has always regarded the DJs first, and is redoubling its efforts to create and maintain the right products and solutions for their craft. The company stands full force behind the FS2 system and hardware, and is making an aggressive effort toward continuing to educate and service users while helping them to fully utilize the capabilities of the program. Stanton, who brought the first- ever digital DJ solution to market with FinalScratch, will continue to update and support FS2, and any future product endeavors will be fully compatible. Be prepared for exciting new development announcements from Stanton in January 07!

Stanton has made a heavy investment in FS2 support. The company offers fast, live FinalScratch 2 tech support driven out of their home office and managed by a dynamic team of DJ experts who are able to work FS2 users quickly and efficiently through their areas of concern. “With various levels of Service and Technical Support available via phone and email, the vast majority of our calls are answered in less than 30 seconds and with immediate customer satisfaction”, said Customer Service Director Enio Martinez. Martinez continued, “We will continue our focus on providing Superior Customer Service and Support with innovative means of communication and call resolution.” Wait times are minimal, and customers will reach a friendly, highly competent DJ waiting with solutions and invaluable manufacturer’s insight on the FinalScratch 2 system.

The Stanton Group is confident that this focus will have a tremendous impact on the FinalScratch community as it continues to grow.

The Stanton support team can be reached via email at fssupport@finalscratch.com or via the helpline at +1 954. 316. 1500 (option 4) M-F from 9am – 6pm EST.

Please note that FinalScratch is currently not compatible with the new Mac Intel Core Duo computers.

Welcome to the latest innovation in digital DJ technology, FinalScratch® 2. This complete package lets you play digital music files from any analog turntable or CD player with ultra-natural feel and response-whether cueing, mixing or scratching. With quick setup, professional 24-bit/96kHz sound quality, and the power of Native Instruments Traktor FS 2 software, FinalScratch 2 is the ultimate way for DJs to play digital the analog way!
Stanton FinalScratch 2

Stanton FinalScratch 2

The All-New ScratchAmp™ 2

At the heart of FinalScratch 2 is the new ScratchAmp 2, a FireWire® audio interface that delivers maximum audio throughput with minimal latency.

Professional Sound
Plug in your turntables, CD players and microphone to industry-standard 24-bit/96kHz converters for studio-quality sound. And because the ScratchAmp 2 is passive, you can run audio through the amp without power.

Blazing FireWire Speed
The ScratchAmp 2 uses FireWire protocol to process multi-channel audio with minimal latency, allowing the software decks to respond as quickly as your hands. A FireWire Thru port lets you connect an iPod™ or external hard drive.

Solid Design with MIDI Built-In
Thanks to its MIDI In and Out ports, the ScratchAmp 2 is ready to connect with many of the vast MIDI controllers available for additional "hands-on" control. The small and rugged aluminum chassis is perfect for home use or on the road.

Stanton FinalScratch 2New Traktor FS Software & Compatibility with Traktor DJ Studio

Compatible with Mac or PC, Traktor FS 2 gives DJs a simple, yet powerful way to organize music and play it back using two virtual decks. Traktor FS 2 supports today's most popular file formats-including MP3, WAV, AIFF, AAC and WMA-and can even play tracks right off your computer's CD-ROM drive or an external FireWire hard disk.

Best of all, FinalScratch 2 hardware is now compatible with the award-winning Traktor DJ Studio by Native Instruments. By upgrading to the full version of Traktor, users gain a host of powerful features like looping, independent control over pitch and tempo, plus onboard filter effects and the ability to non-destructively record and edit your mix.

FinalScratch 2 Features:

  • New 24-bit/96kHz hardware with Mic input, MIDI and more
  • New hardware compatible with NI Traktor DJ Studio software
  • 2 virtual decks with zoomable waveforms
  • Play audio files from time-coded vinyl or CD
  • Fast search engine works with over 50,000 tracks
  • High-quality Key Lock (Master Tempo)
  • New improved timecode readout with absolute/relative modes
  • New mic recording with instant playback from vinyl
  • New input recording for capturing your live mix direct to disk
  • New loop playback makes adding loop samples to the mix easy
  • New calibration tools provide optimal timecode response and tracking
  • New cue points for marking breaks or other important sections
  • New intelligent play history with time stamp and printing
  • New onscreen 1-minute markers for faster visual cueing
  • Lead-in graphics for use with lead-in grooves on vinyl
  • Helpful auto gain adjust and BPM detection
  • Assignable commands using "hot keys" or MIDI control
  • Compatible with Apple® iTunes™

Stanton FinalScratch 2Package Includes:

  • ScratchAmp 2 FireWire audio card with two sets of Phono/Line inputs (switchable), a Stereo Aux input, and a Mic input (switchable)
  • Traktor FS 2 software from Native Instruments
  • 3 FS Standard time-coded vinyl records
  • 2 FS time-coded CDs
  • Four RCA cables
  • FireWire cable (6-Pin to 6-Pin)
  • Power Supply
  • User Manual

System Requirements
Mac Minimum: Mac OSX (10.3.5 or higher), G4 500mHz. 256MB RAM
Mac Recommended: Mac OSX (10.3.5 or higher), G4 1GHz. 512MB RAM
PC Minimum: Windows XP, Pentium III/Athlon 1GHz, 256MB RAM
PC Recommended: Windows XP, Pentium IV/Athlon XP 2GHz, 512MB RAM

All systems require an IEEE 1394 (FireWire) port.

Stanton FinalScratch 2 - FINAL SCRATCH 2

The Basic Elements of FinalScratch 2

Hardware:
The ScratchAmp 2 from Stanton and the special vinyl timecode records are the hardware basis for the system. The FinalScratch 2 hardware consists of the ScratchAmp2 , a special DJ audio interface from Stanton with two phono inputs, phono and line outputs and a FireWire connection for the computer.

The standard set-up is clearly illustrated below: The turntables are connected via phono cables to the ScratchAmp2 , while the ScratchAmp 2 is connected via FireWire to the computer and via the line inputs and outputs to the hardware DJ mixer. There is also the option of connecting a mic or additional mixer to the auxillary input.

The Scratch Amp receives the timing information via phono cable from the special FinalScratch vinyl records and thus recognizes tempo, start-stop commands, and needle position. This information is transferred via FireWire to the TRAKTOR DJ FS 2 software on the computer so that all of the DJ’s mixing actions on the turntables are synchronized in real time to the digital tracks on the computer hard drive. The audio signal from the digital tracks is simultaneously sent to the hardware DJ mixer via the ScratchAmp 2’s FireWire and phono/line connections.

If the DJ replaces the special timecode record with a normal vinyl record, he or she need only switch the mixer to phono and play the record directly. In this way the DJ can very easily switch between vinyl and digital files. A truly versatile mix.

Software: With TRAKTOR FS 2, Native Instruments delivers high-performance DJ software specifically optimized for the all-new FINALSCRATCH 2.

In TRAKTOR FS 2 the FinalScratch 2 System has a high-performance DJ software that has been specifically optimized for the needs of FinalScratch 2 users.

New TRAKTOR FS 2 Software

Compatible with Mac or PC, TRAKTOR FS 2 gives DJs a simple, yet powerful way to organize music and play it back using two virtual decks. TRAKTOR FS 2 supports today’s most popular file formats–including MP3, WAV, AIFF and WMA–and can even play tracks right off your computer’s CD-ROM drive or external FireWire hard disk.

The music tracks are imported into the powerful TRAKTOR FS 2 database, where they can be conveniently managed and organized. The DJ then loads the desired tracks from the database into the two virtual TRAKTOR decks, where the playback times and waveforms are displayed. All mixing actions are controlled from the turntables: cueing, starting, pitching, scratching etc. The audio signal then travels via FireWire from the computer to the ScratchAmp 2, and from there on to the hardware DJ mixer where the DJ mixes with the crossfader, channel levels, EQ etc. - just as though normal vinyl records were being mixed.

TRAKTOR FS 2 - the software for FinalScratch 2

Compatibility with TRAKTOR DJ Studio

Best of all, FinalScratch 2 hardware is now compatible with the award-winning Native Instruments TRAKTOR DJ Studio. By upgrading to the full version of TRAKTOR, users gain a host of powerful features including looping, independent control over pitch and tempo, plus onboard filter effects, the ability to non-destructively record and edit your mix and more.
The combination of all these features with the ease and versatility of the FinalScratch 2 system delivers DJs an incredibly powerful solution and the potential to take their sets to a whole new dimension. And the crowd too! Read more...

Versatility in the Mix

Waveform displays

TRAKTOR FS 2 arms you with an arsenal of powerful features allowing you to concentrate on creative and versatile mix sets. Ultra-fast database search function, pre-listening of tracks on a third output, full drag and drop support and a structured, tree-like view of the musical archive, integration of external hard drives (like Apple iPod) and CD-ROM devices, and automatic import of iTunes databases and iTunes playlists. For better track visualization, the graphical waveform is split into two colors separating bass from treble. Sophisticated de-emphasis modeling combined with high-end interpolation algorithms produces warm, full bass sounds and smooth, realistic scratching. In addition to all this TRAKTOR FS 2 delivers a loud, club-ready output level and offers an intelligent auto gain function (perceived gain), which optimizes the levels between different tracks. The single controller mode even lets you control both software decks with just one turntable.

New Features in TRAKTOR FS 2

WMA and AAC Compatibility
TRAKTOR FS 2 is now capable of playing tracks in DRM-free WMA and AAC formats

Perfect Synchronisation
The improved time-code readout and the new calibration functionality ensure perfect synchronisation between turntable movements and the digital audio files. In addition to this, the time-code readout incorporates absolute (tempo information as well as time-code information) and relative (only tempo information) modes.

Mic Recording
Connect a microphone directly to the ScratchAmp 2 and record the signal on-the-fly. The resulting audio file can then be loaded into the virtual deck and mixed back into the set.

Record the Mix
Record your live mix directly to the hard drive in WAV or AIFF formats.

Enhanced Browser and Playlist Features
A “History” function is now incorporated into the playlist feature, which automatically records details about the date and time tracks were played. Create exact playlists of your mix-sets quickly and easily – print them out or export them. As well as this the browser has special ‘bookmarks’ for fast access to 8 of your favourite folders.

Cue Points
Use the integrated cue point feature to mark particular parts of an audio file. Breaks, choruses, the drop, new verses – locate them all easily, quickly and never lose track of where you are during the mix.

Loop Playback
TRAKTOR FS 2 allows you to integrate and play pre-produced loops. (Creating perfectly beat-matched loops on-the-fly is only possible with full version of TRAKTOR DJ Studio 2.6, which is now compatible with FinalScratch 2 and features a powerful on-board loop section.)

Minute Markers
1-minute markers are included in the mini waveform overview which displays the entire track. These helpful guides also correspond to the markers on the time-code embedded records.

FinalScratch® 2 - Take Your Mix Into the Future!

Welcome to the latest innovation in digital DJ technology, FinalScratch 2. This complete package lets you play digital music files from any analog turntable or CD player with ultra-natural feel and response-whether cueing, mixing or scratching. With quick setup, professional 24-bit/96kHz sound quality, and the power of Native Instruments Traktor FS 2 software, FinalScratch 2 is the ultimate way for DJs to play digital the analog way!

The All-New ScratchAmp™ 2

At the heart of FinalScratch 2 is the new ScratchAmp 2, a FireWire® audio interface that delivers maximum audio throughput with minimal latency.
Professional Sound
Plug in your turntables, CD players and microphone to industry-standard 24-bit/96kHz converters for studio-quality sound. And because the ScratchAmp 2 is passive, you can run audio through the amp without power.
Blazing FireWire Speed
The ScratchAmp 2 uses FireWire protocol to process multi-channel audio with minimal latency, allowing the software decks to respond as quickly as your hands. A FireWire Thru port lets you connect an iPodª or external hard drive.
Solid Design with MIDI Built-In
Thanks to its MIDI In and Out ports, the ScratchAmp 2 is ready to connect with many of the vast MIDI controllers available for additional "hands-on" control. The small and rugged aluminum chassis is perfect for home use or on the road.

New Traktor FS Software & Compatibility with Traktor DJ Studio

Compatible with Mac or PC, Traktor FS 2 gives DJs a simple, yet powerful way to organize music and play it back using two virtual decks. Traktor FS 2 supports today's most popular file formatsÑincluding MP3, WAV, AIFF, AAC and WMAÑand can even play tracks right off your computer's CD-ROM drive or an external FireWire hard disk.

Best of all, FinalScratch 2 hardware is now compatible with the award-winning Traktor DJ Studio by Native Instruments. By upgrading to the full version of Traktor, users gain a host of powerful features like looping, independent control over pitch and tempo, plus onboard filter effects and the ability to non-destructively record and edit your mix.

STANTON FinalScratch 2 Features:

New 24-bit/96kHz hardware with Mic input, MIDI and more
New hardware compatible with NI Traktor DJ Studio software
2 virtual decks with zoomable waveforms
Play audio files from time-coded vinyl or CD
Fast search engine works with over 50,000 tracks
High-quality Key Lock (Master Tempo)
New improved timecode readout with absolute/relative modes
New mic recording with instant playback from vinyl
New input recording for capturing your live mix direct to disk
New loop playback makes adding loop samples to the mix easy
New calibration tools provide optimal timecode response and tracking
New cue points for marking breaks or other important sections
New intelligent play history with time stamp and printing
New onscreen 1-minute markers for faster visual cueing
Lead-in graphics for use with lead-in grooves on vinyl
Helpful auto gain adjust and BPM detection
Assignable commands using "hot keys" or MIDI control
Compatible with Apple® iTunes™

STANTON FINALSCRATCH 2 Package Includes:

ScratchAmp 2 FireWire audio card with two sets of Phono/Line inputs (switchable), a Stereo Aux input, and a Mic input (switchable)
Traktor FS 2 software from Native Instruments
3 FS Standard time-coded vinyl records
2 FS time-coded CDs
Four RCA cables
FireWire cable (6-Pin to 6-Pin)
Power Supply
User Manual
System Requirements
Mac Minimum: Mac OSX (10.3.3 or higher), G4 500mHz. 256MB RAM
Mac Recommended: Mac OSX (10.3.3 or higher), G4 1GHz. 512MB RAM
PC Minimum: Windows XP, Pentium III/Athlon 1GHz, 256MB RAM
PC Recommended: Windows XP, Pentium IV/Athlon XP 2GHz, 512MB RAM

All systems require an IEEE 1394 (FireWire) port.

FinalScratch General FAQ

AAC Files

Q: Does FinalScratch support the AAC audio format used in Apple's iTunes?
A: No, but this is a feature we hope to add in a future release.

Calibration Problems

Q: I am having problems getting my tonearm(s) to calibrate. What can I do?
A: There are several things to check when experiencing calibration problems. These include:

  • Tonearm weight - Did you set up the weight properly for each tonearm?
  • Ground noise - Switch your mixer to hear the actual timecode from the record and verify there is no ground noise mixed in the signal.
  • Ground loops - Make sure your system is free of electrical ground loops as this can interfere with the timecode.
  • Cable connections - Check that your cable connections are tight and that you are receiving stereo signals on both channels of the ScratchAmp.
  • Monitor interference - If you work in a club with loud monitors it could be that vibrations are interfering with the timecode. In this case, be sure the turntables are placed on something to absorb the vibrations such as rubber foam, etc.

CD Streaming

Q: I cannot get FinalScratch to play tracks directly from my built-in CD drive.
A: We have discovered that in some cases there can be problems with the CD streaming feature. Due to the many different PC configurations available, we cannot guarantee that this feature will work for every user and every system. In this case, we recommend ripping the songs from CD and converting them to MP3.

Ground Loop Problems

Q: I am experiencing ground loop problems. What can I do?

A: Try cutting a thin piece of tape and placing it around the metal part of the USB cable that plugs into the ScratchAmp. The same should be done around the metal part of the cable that plugs into your laptop's power socket. For best results, purchase a professional ground isolator, which can be found in electronics shops.

Invalid Serial Number During Installation

Q: My serial number does not work when trying to install FinalScratch 1.5x. What's wrong?
A: If you get an invalid serial number message, please call or e-mail Stanton at:

(561) 752-2320, ext 131 or ext 129
service@stantonmagnetics.com

Someone will get you up and running quickly.

Installing FinalScratch on Two Computers

Q: How do I install FinalScratch on two different computers?
A: You are allowed to use FinalScratch software on two different computers. This can even be a Mac and PC. To do this, you must re-register on www.native-instruments.com to generate a new Authorization Key for the second machine.

Language Support

Q: What kind of characters/languages can I use in FinalScratch?
A: FinalScratch supports the "Latin ISO 8859-1", or "UTF 8" standard. Other characters are not supported.

Software Updates

Q: How do I get the latest version of Traktor FinalScratch?
A: Please visit the updates section of the Native Instruments website, located here.

Note that updates are for registered users only, and that depending on what version you have, there may be a fee to obtain the latest version.

ScratchAmp Problems

Q: I cannot get my ScratchAmp to work with FinalScratch. Is my hardware defective?
A: If your computer meets the minimum requirements for FinalScratch and you are unable to get audio to pass through your ScratchAmp-even after downloading the latest version of Traktor FS-it is possible your hardware is defective. In this case, please work with your dealer to try testing your computer with another ScratchAmp. If your dealer is unable to help you, please contact your nearest Stanton distributor by visiting the StantonDJ.com website.

Tips

Here are some general tips to get the best performance with FinalScratch.

  • Keep your records and needles (styli) clean at all times.
  • Do not launch FS or power ScratchAmp if cables are routed improperly (i.e. phono input switched for output/vice-versa) as this may damage the ScratchAmp.
  • If your turntable or CD player has Key Correction (Master Tempo), do not use this feature as it will interfere with the timecode resulting in distorted audio signal.
  • Never unplug the USB while FS is open and running (this is one possible way to crash the system, or have severe problems until you re-launch).
  • When using the CD-ROM as an audio source do not attempt to load multiple songs (only one song can be played at a time regardless of turntable mapping).
  • Place preferred audio files (songs) into the FS_Songs folder on your C: drive and remember to prepare them in RecordBoxing before opening FS (so the songs may be loaded and striped properly). NOTE: You must open RecordBoxing before you launch FS to see these newly added files.

STANTON WARRANTY INFORMATION:

To initiate a warranty repair, you must contact Stanton directly at www.stantondj.com

Stanton assumes no risk and shall be subject to no liability for damages or loss resulting from the specific use or application made of the merchandise. Stanton's liability for any claim, whether based on breach of contract, negligence, infringement of any rights of any party, or product liability, and relating to the merchandise shall not exceed the price received by Stanton from your purchase of such merchandise. In no event will Stanton be liable for any special, incidental or consequential damages (including loss of use, loss of profit and claims of third parties) however caused, whether by the negligence of Stanton or otherwise. To the extent permitted by law and except as otherwise provided above, Stanton disclaims any express or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Please register your product online at www.stantondj.com or mail your completed warranty card to:

Stanton Magnetics, Inc, 3000 SW 42 St. Hollywood, Florida 33312.

To request a Return Authorization/Repair:
Email: returns @ stantongroup.ws
Fax: 954.316.1590

As of September 1, 2005, Stanton has taken over FinalScratch customer support. Contact our FinalScratch Customer Support Team at:

Phone Support For Registered Customers: 954.316.1500 Option 4.

E-mail: For technical inquires: fssupport@finalscratch.com
For general inquires: info@finalscratch.com

For Registration Support Issues Only Click Here to Contact Native Instruments.

Please do not contact Native Instruments for any other FinalScratch related issues.

Awards

2005 Best MP3 Controller
DJ Magazine T-Scan Award

2004 Best MP3 DJ Product
DJ Magazine T-Scan Award

2003 Best Digital DJ Hardware Interface
Remix Technology Awards

2003 Best MP3 Product Of The Year
DJ Magazine T-Scan Award

2003 Best DJ Software
M.I.P.A (Musikmesse Int'l Press Award)

2003 Editor's Choice Award
MacAddict Magazine

2002 DJ Performance Product Of The Year
Remix Magazine Technology Award

2002 Most Innovative New Product
DJ Magazine T-Scan Award

2002 Best MP3 Hardware Player
DJ Magazine T-Scan Award

This is a non-returnable item. DVD's, Sound Expansion Boards, Sound Cards, Audio Interfaces and Software (which includes hardware bundled with software) cannot be returned once opened due to copyright law.

DJDeals.com Inc. is an AUTHORIZED DEALER for Stanton

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