DJ Equipment Reviews

 

Stanton SCS 3 System DJ Product Review

Feast your eyes on DaScratch

Stanton has had its share of triumphs and tragedies, one major "tragedy" being the disintegrated partnership with Native Instruments (which we all know didn’t last). Stanton was expected to rebound with a release of DJ equipment that’s not just physically appealing, but intelligent as well. Working DJs were hoping to see a triumph in the release of their System 1, but for some reason, they instead released DaScratch and the 3m, revealing the big surprise of ’08. With previous bombs, most are wondering if this system has what it takes. For all we know, DaSctratch isn’t worth DaMoney.

SCS 3 System, also known as DaScratch, is a multi-touch sensitive USB controller, a beautiful mesh of software and hardware. First, working DJs have an intelligently designed touch sensitive surface from Stanton, combined with new Traktor LE DJ software from Native Instruments. The system consists of two 3d deck controllers and one 3m mixer controller that magnetically come together so working DJs can get a sense of their traditional DJ rig in a modern way. Although it was designed for DJ software, it’s able to work with every MIDI controllable software. With a USB connection and a lightweight design (both mixer and deck are right above one pound each), Stanton has created this system to be taken anywhere the working DJ wants to be.

Stanton’s SCS 3 System

 The SCS 3 system features:

 

• Innovative, compact USB controller for control of any digital DJ software
• StanTouch technology allows you to use traditional DJ touch and gestures on a touch-pad surface
• Multi-Touch sensitive buttons, triggers, and virtual faders can also control samples, pitch, effects, cue and loop points, and other mappable functions
• SCS.3d’s DaRouter provides customized support for a variety of applications
• Magnetic connection allows multiple units to securely snap to each other for greater control
• Quality construction and no moving parts provide durability and reliability from gig abuse
• Supports Traktor DJ Studio, Traktor Scratch, Ableton Live, Serato Scratch Live and any other MIDI compatible software
• Class compliant USB controller works with both Mac and PC platforms

On the outside, the 3m mixer controller has a nice supply of 17 buttons, 11 sliders and 2 level meters. Banked in its firmware are 39 sliders, 36 buttons and 6 level meters. The exterior of the 3d deck controller consists of:

• 8 buttons
• 2 sliders
• 3 sliders (StanTouch area)
• 5 buttons (StanTouch area)
• 1 circular control with sliders (StanTouch area)

Dual generic preset:

• 18 sliders
• 64 buttons
• 2 circular controls
  

DaScratch are compact controllers that offer the first look into Stanton’s StanTouch technology that allows working DJs to continue their traditional style, but only on a touch surface, much like the iPhone. If you’re among the group of DJs who question the reliability of that feature, take a little comfort in knowing that, most DJs who have used it, loved it. Also, check out this video clip of the product, because it really might help. You still get to scratch on it, control the pitch, control the volume, search through your audio, etc. Only difference is that now you get to perform these functions on an extremely responsive touch screen surface. 

Stanton’s 3m is essentially a two channel mixer with one great difference: it’s touch sensitive, just like DaScratch. The mixer comes with the basic features DJs expect, plus a plethora of new features you wouldn’t get from any other mixer, thanks to the touch sensitive surface. The 3m is bundled with the new version of Traktor (Traktor LE), so, without a question, browsing, organzing and managing your tracks will be a breeze. Working DJs can connect the mixer to the 3d deck controllers for a traditional, lightweight (extremely portable) set-up quickly and without difficulty.

Stanton has designed a unit that many believe creates an exclusive look into the future world of DJ’ing. The touch sensitive surface is definitely something to get used to, but once working DJs get a hang of it, it’ll become among your favorite aspects of the SCS 3 system. Personally, I think it’s nice to see Stanton giving their DJ equipment a brain again, and not making it predominantly about aesthetics, like with the Eks Otus. (Sorry for throwing you under the bus, Eks).

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