DJs triumph over the digital divide

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- As the analog turntable maintains its position as the instrument of choice for DJs the world over, a new digital standard is also emerging. The convergence of MP3s and 12" vinyl LPs, in the form of "Final Scratch," a revolutionary new hardware/software system, may soon transform DJing as we know it.

This quantum leap in music technology will dramatically increase the scope of DJ music's influence on the entertainment scene. Already, DJ culture and sounds have overwhelmed the bulwarks of rock n' roll. With the mobility and accessibility permitted by Final Scratch, it will propel DJ music even further into the mainstream.

Tracks heretofore unattainable on vinyl and limited White label pressings sold under the counter to the elite few in London DJ shops will now be easily transferred via the web and transferred back onto vinyl by anybody. The floodgates will be open, and the music will flow, unimpeded, and perhaps unstoppable.

Conceived at a Dutch hackers convention, developed by Amsterdam-based N2IT Development, and fine tuned by global superstar DJs Richie Hawtin and John Acquaviva, Final Scratch allows digital sound files (MP3, WAV and AIFF) to be mapped onto special vinyl dub plates which can be manipulated precisely the same as a standard 12" LP and played on any turntable.

The digitally encoded dubplates can be mixed, scratched and pitch-controlled, all in realtime. Regular records can be mixed in as well.

Soon to be released to the general public, a prototype ProFS package is currently available to professional DJs. This special-edition release of Final Scratch is plug and play ready, and includes a Sony Vaio PCG-Z600LEK laptop pre-installed with dual operating systems, Windows 2000 and BeOS. The Pentium III 700 MHz laptop weighs in at a lithe three-and-half pounds and includes all of the cutting edge design-friendly bells and whistles that make the Vaios the vanguard for the mobile hi-tech set.

For further information on Sony's lineup of Vaio laptops, check out vaio.sony-europe.com on the web.

Final Scratch software runs on the BeOS operating system, which is conducive to running enhanced multi-media applications, while draining minimal processing power, for added stability. Future commercial releases of the software will run on the Linux operating system.

The software/hardware bundle is user-friendly and easy to install on the fly, taking less than five minutes to set up and cue up a record between DJ sets.

In addition to the Sony Vaio laptop, the ProFS package also includes a ScratchAmp signal processor, three FinalScratch records and slipmats, FinalScratch software bundle, audio and USB cables, installation and user manual, and carrying case.

The ScratchAmp signal processor acts as a conduit between the DJ setup (two turntables and a mixer) and the laptop. Through it, digital audio is sent from the laptop through the mixer and to the turntables, where sound files are digitally encoded onto the special FinalScratch records.

The Final Scratch software has quick pitch detection for realtime applications between the turntable and the computer. It can store up to 3,000 sound files, whereby a DJ's record collection can be organized in a soundfile library based on categories and sub-categories, such as BPM, genre, label, etc. When a track is selected, the DJ can select which parameters of the song are to be used; while the song plays, a waveform display of the track is visible on the computer screen.

Multiple sound files can be selected and played at once.

Voluminous record collections can now be safely stored onto a computer hard drive and used on the fly, eliminating the need for backbreaking record boxes and lost flight cases. This will particularly be a Godsend for global jet-setting DJs, who can also organize, edit and select tracks for their next play-list, all on a three and a half pound laptop during those long trans-national flights.

As we delve deeper into the 21st Century, digital music and DJ culture keep exploding. By merging MP3 tech and turntablism, Final Scratch appears to be at the forefront of this shrinking digital divide between analog and digital. This should have the same impact on the electronic music scene as the electric guitar did for rock n' roll.

For further information, check out: finalscratch.com

POST-2001 GLOBAL GROOVES WRAP-UP

The following is a lowdown of some of the top tracks being played by global DJ's as we spin into 2002.

1. Justin Robertson: Revtone LP

Genre: House

Label: Nuphonic

The top track on this two-vinyl sampler of mellow House grooves is The Brightest Thing; check out the killer vocals!

2. John Cutler: It's Yours

Genre: House

Label: Chez

This jazzy dancefloor-friendly track was one of the top tunes of 2001 and is sure to get long play well into 2002.

3. Miguel Migs: Underwater Sessions EP

Genre: Deep Mellow House

Label: NRK

Top tracks of this deep two-vinyl album include Dubpusher and The Remedy (Mixes 1 and 2)

4. Dubtribe Sound System: Do It Now

Genre: House

Label: Imperial Recordings

This ambient bass-heavy mellow House number is another tight track with sure play longevity. Check out the "Knee Deep dub mix."

5. DEEP SWING: In the Music

Genre: House

Label: Generate Music

This jazzy, groovy track, with its sexy saxophone loops generate a mellow yet funky "feel good" vibe that crosses tastes and genres alike.

6.Alan Braxe vs. King: Running

Genre: House

Label: White

The vocal remix of this popular underground classic blew up dance floors throughout Europe this past summer and is still going strong.

7. ASIA LOUNGE

Label: Audiopharm

Genre: Downtempo

This three-vinyl compilation of ethnic-infused beats and vibes from the Middle East through to Eastern Asia, packs a sound with heavy emphasis on sitars and Arabic vocals. Top tracks include the Thievery Corporation's Lebanese Blonde, Stereo MC's Fever, Black Star Liner's YemenCutta Connection Dub, and Alien Soap Opera's Voladores.

8. DW Boys: Flawless Remix

(Bustin' Loose Recordings)

Genre: Deep filtery House

This Italian remix of tight tune "Flawless" is absolutely brilliant.

9. Jammin': Kinda Funky

(Wookie Remix)

Genre: UK Garage

Label: Bingo

Wookie's remix of DJ Zinc's tight bass-heavy track lives up to the original, in a funkier way.

10. Basement Jaxx: Span Thang EP

Genre: Tribal House

Label: Atlantic Jaxx

Best tracks of this ethnic-inspired dancefloor shakedown are "U took my love," a Samba House shaker and "Greek Thang," whose Arabesque vibes are fresh.

11. Macy Gray: Sexual Revolution

(Subliminal Mixes)

Genre: Vocal House

Label: Subliminal

With remixes by Erick Morillo, Jose Nunez and Who Da Funk, this sensual Latin-tinged floor stomper is sure to drop eyes.

12. Par-T-One: I'm So Crazy

(Subliminal Mixes)

Genre: Chunky Dancefloor House

Label: Subliminal

Mixes by Erick Morillo, Who Da Funk and Harry 'Choo Choo' Romero.

13. Michi Lange: Michi EP Vol. II

Genre: Jazzy House