.:Turntablism: Beat Juggling & Scratching v2.0

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Numark have announced the release of Virtual Vinyl, utilizing their established software - Cue. The Virtual Vinyl package includes Cue as well as the hardware interface and control vinyl to allow turntablists to scratch and mix digital audio and video files. Alongside other packages like Serato Scratch Live by Rane and Final Scratch by Stanton (and more recently Traktor Scratch) there is now a fair range to choose from in the digital vinyl arena. Not to mention the CD/MP3/HD decks that are around these days, the choice of path to take gets harder. We will be looking at all the available options in a bit more detail in the future.

The Numark press release follows. For more info see the Numark Website.

NUMARK INTRODUCES VIRTUAL VINYL DJ HARDWARE/SOFTWARE & USB AUDIO INTERFACE

Scratch and mix digital audio and video files interchangeably, with any turntable or CD player

Cumberland, RI – January 1, 2007. Numark, the world’s leading brand of professional DJ equipment and the driving force behind the High-Tech musical revolution, is proud to announce their innovative USB audio interface and DJ hardware and software package: Virtual Vinyl.

Virtual Vinyl is a reliable DJ hardware and software solution that gives DJs the power and command to scratch, mix and sample digital audio and video files using any turntable or CD player (sold separately). Using the included control vinyl and CDs, Virtual Vinyl’s performance features include: master tempo, seamless looping, instant pitch-matching, automatic beat-matching, BPM-aware effects, hot-cues, sampling, and more.

The Virtual Vinyl package is driven by Numark’s CUE software, which ensures seamless integration with your computer. CUE features two independent, zero-latency virtual decks, easily controlled by two traditional 12-inch control records, which are included. CUE has been rigorously club-tested and designed to work simply and glitch-free, to avoid computer crashes in the middle of an important mix. This reliability is no surprise, considering Numark’s renowned, DJ-centric approach and reputation.

Virtual Vinyl supports a variety of digital audio files including; MP3, MP3Pro, WAV, AIFF, direct CD, WMA, Ogg Vorbis, MP4 and iTunes ACC (non-DRM). Virtual Vinyl is also compatible with music subscription services such as Yahoo! Music Unlimited, Virgin Music, Napster Music, and others.

In addition to its reliable audio capabilities, Virtual Vinyl gives access to a whole new world of video mixing possibilities. Turntablists can now scratch, beat juggle and mix their favorite videos directly from their turntables. Virtual Vinyl’s video output can be displayed on any video monitor, projector or computer display with ease. Virtual Vinyl is equipped to play DVD, WMV, WAV, DIVX, MPG, AVI, and Karaoke (CD+G) files.

With Virtual Vinyl’s “Rhythm Window,” you can see you music as a visual waveform, for 100% mixing accuracy. You can also create beat-matched samples and loops on the spot, and beat-lock your samples so that they trigger automatically and play on-beat. Loops can be made from 1/8th note to 16 bars, using the SmartLoops feature.

Virtual Vinyl is also easily expandable, and will grow with you as your set-up and DJ needs change. Featuring four distinct “skins” (visual interfaces) you can have your laptop interface screen customized for audio-only, video-centric or somewhere in-between. The included Virtual Vinyl Audio I/O box allows you to input any number of additional hardware controllers and devices.

Once your final mix is complete, use Virtual Vinyl’s built-in broadcast functionality to gain a worldwide audience on the web via podcasting, or export your mixes to MP3. Virtual Vinyl’s flexible output options (including compatibility with a multi-channel ASIO sound card or a USB mixer) will suit any situation that may arise.

Numark CEO, John E. “Jack” O’Donnell says, “With Virtual Vinyl, Numark remains ahead of the curve. We have found a way to integrate all of the elements that today’s DJ needs into one simple, dependable hardware and software package. Driving DJ innovation is Numark’s mission in the high-tech musical revolution, and that’s what Virtual Vinyl is all about.”

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2 click flares, also known as orbits are a valuable fundamental to practice as much as possible. Qbert makes them look too easy here. When done well this scratch is smoooooozzz.

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This is a good scratch to start practicing early because they can be hard to master and there are many variations. So get flaring!

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DJ Plus One tears this shit to shreds. A very solid routine with razor sharp cuts and some seriously smooth beat juggling - I love the juggle-cuts style too. Very post worthy.

UPDATE: I have updated the video on this post as the previous one was removed from YouTube by the user.

Above is the still number one routine for those who just want the cuts, below is the full version with a break down of the routine.

The one below is actually better in a way as he explains how he developed the routine and the ideas behind it. This one is a bit more of a tutorial but he performs the routine at the end. A lot can be learned from a World DMC Champion…

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QBert expplains the baby scratch. The most basic scratch of all, it is something that should be mastered before moving to the more advanced moves. Practice, practice, practice.

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This video demonstrates how to do the wave scratch. It is basically another variation/advance of the baby scratch and is quite a nice sounding faderless scratch when done correctly.

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Hey peeps! It has been a while since I have posted anything on the ole turntablism.com.au - I apologise - but I have been pre-occupied with too much other stuff. I will be picking up on the posting from now on. Be prepared for a barrage of scratching tutorials to help you get those skills tight and ready for the DMC worlds.

To complement this post I thought I would include this shot I took of my decks.

The above image is © 2006 turntablism.com.au

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