The newly released Rane Serato Scratch Live SL3 Interface…

I wanted to take a minute to write about the new Rane Serato SL3 interface. One of my good friends at Serato, went out of his way to make sure that the Sound Connection Entertainment team and I had the latest and greatest Serato hardware device offered.

For the past 5 years, I have been a huge supporter of Serato Scratch Live software. In my candid and honest opinion, Serato Scratch Live has changed the landscape of the DJ entertainment world in many ways and the best option as far as software for any DJ who is serious about their game and profession. I religiously use Serato for all of my Mobile, Mixshow and Nightclub appearances/events/mixes, and could not imagine performing anywhere without it.

About Serato: Serato Scratch Live is the ultimate solution for bridging the analog world of vinyl and the digital world of computer audio files. Using regular turntables or CD players, you can scratch and mix files from your computer’s hard drive, add in a live mic input for scratching, and even bypass to standard vinyl if you wish. Scratch Live is the complete digital solution for the vinyl junkie  to professional mobile entertainer — it allows any DJ to take their entire collection anywhere and leave your precious vinyl or cases of CDs at home!

Serato allows us @ Sound Connection Entertianment  the ability to bring over 100,000 songs to every event, and is also used by most high profile DJs in different parts of the DJ community.  Some commonly known supporters of Serato are: DJ AM, DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Skribble, Mixmaster Mike, DJ SpinBad, Funkmaster Flex, and Fatboy Slim to name a few.

One other quick note to mention, all of the SCE DJs use Serato Scratch Live software, and also have backup CD players on site at every location in the event of a computer related issues.  It is also very important to note, all SCE DJs carry a minimum of two computers and at least 2 external hard-drives (containing music) to every event. 

Release of the SL3

In April of 2009, Rane announced the official release of the new SL3 interface that builds upon the 5 year old platform of the SL1. It is important to note, the SL3 does not replace the Sl1, but offers a solution for someone looking to realize a fully digital interface that expands the SL1′s capabilities in options, components, and ability. 

Here is a picture taken from the Rane website of the Sl3 interface:

About the SL3 (ADVANCED 24-BIT USB 2.0 INTERFACE FOR PROFESSIONAL DJS): 

Like the world standard Rane SL 1, the SL 3 connects one or two standard vinyl or CD turntables to your computer and the mixer of your choice. Using regular turntables or CD players, you can scratch and mix files from your Mac or Windows computer’s CD or hard drive.

Enhanced by studio grade preamps and 24-bit audio USB 2.0 processing, this compact new solution produces a warm punchy sound to heighten the senses. The Auxiliary Ouputs allow DJs and electronic musicians to intensify the mix with the Scratch Live SP-6 Sample Player. The Auxiliary Inputs provide a live input feed for creative sampling or recording your set. Use any combination of audio sources: control CD, control vinyl, MIDI or regular CDs and vinyl for more flexibility than ever.

Like all Rane products, the SL 3 is handcrafted in the USA under strict quality control to insure long-term reliability and performance.

At a time when most companies are cutting corners, the SL 3 is a premium product designed with the discerning performer in mind.  The Rane SL 3 has a massive 104 dB dynamic range, allowing plenty of space to mix between vinyl, CDs and Scratch Live with headroom to spare.

One of the coolest things I personally find interesting about the Rane Serato team, is the continually develop and enhance the software.  The SL3 box was created with growth in mind and allows for the development team to further grow the applications and features of the box.  So, with the SL3 the future options are all a bonus, and developed based on DJ community feedback.

Here is a promotional video provided by Rane about the SL3:

  

SL1 vs the SL3 — The Difference:

Serato SL1

Serato SL3