Serato Scratch Live 2 brings Ableton Bridge

By Paul Dakeyne

January 14, 2010 | Posted in Music Technology

Serato Scratch Live 2 has arrived and in doing so has answered the question of how the much discussed Ableton Live and Serato partnership would crystallize. Existing as a 2 way communication protocol within both Ableton Live and the all new Scratch Live 2, ‘The Bridge’ spans the gap between DJ’ing and production allowing effective and synergistic use of both ground breaking pro-software solutions.

Firstly though, what does Serato’s Scratch Live 2 bring to the digital table? Primarily of course it’s the introduction of ‘The Bridge’ that takes centre stage. The addition of more decks and DJ effects follows closely behind plus four new display modes that allow the user to choose a range of fresh screen layouts with 2, 3 or 4 deck control. An expanded ‘library view’ is also introduced to allow DJ’s to spot their favorite track(s) to bring into the mix. Some free plug-ins are now included too which feature the ‘SP-6′ sample player alongside the new DJ FX.

From an Ableton Live perspective, the new ‘Bridge’ protocol links the two programs as such:

Ableton to Serato – Provides ATC (Ableton Transport Control) giving DJ’s a turntable -style control of their multitrack sessions. This is achieved by simply dragging an Ableton Live set to a deck in Scratch or Itch and using turntables, CDJ’s or an ‘Itch’ controller to handle transport functions. This ATC functionality provides the users productions with deck control, mixing, nudging and DJ style looping, also allowing them to remix, mute/solo tracks, use virtual instruments, change drum patterns, manipulate audio, tweak effects and launch loops on the fly in Ableton Live.

Serato to Ableton – The return to popularity of both the term and concept of ‘Mixtapes’ enables ‘The Bridge’ to provide DJ’s with the ultimate creation tool for performing, recording and producing them. The DJ mix can be done as normal (with no worries about making a mistake half way through), saved as an Ableton Live set and then edited efficiently without the usual cut and paste problems associated with a standard DAW.  Depending on the user’s Serato hardware setup, fader movements, EQ tweaks and crossfader cuts on a DJ mixer are recorded as automation and can be edited after the ‘tape’ stops rolling. This full ‘after the event’ editing environment enables the DJ to edit his/her Ableton Live set as much as desired: add new loops, apply effects, adjust timing, smooth out fades and easily correct any possible slip-ups.

The Bridge is free for owners of registered versions of both Serato Scratch Live/ITCH hardware and Ableton Live 8 or Suite 8. We have no release date as yet but as soon as Musical Notes hears news, we’ll of course let you know.

About Paul Dakeyne

Paul Dakeyne has written 589 post in this blog.

Paul Dakeyne is a DJ/Producer who has dedicated the past two decades of his life to dance music production and DJ'ing. For six years, he toured globally for the world famous Ministry of Sound and has played DJ sets for the likes of U2 and for the legendary, Kraftwerk, Although remixing around 250 records in his career, as an artist in his own right, Paul landed one of dance music's seminal crossover moments with his "18 Strings' monster hit by Tinman - scoring a UK top ten in 1994. He also co-wrote and produced the music for BBC's Watchdog and Crimewatch when they were both revamped in 2001 and '06 respectively. His other career highlights have included an A&R stint for Mercury Records, lecturing in 'DJ culture and music technology' and creating mash-up mixes for Radio 1's, Chris Moyles. Paul joined the DV group in 2003 leading to his role as blog and feature author here at the DV Mag.

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Tags: ableton live, DJ Gear, Serato Scratch Live 2, The Bridge

1 Comment

One Response to “Serato Scratch Live 2 brings Ableton Bridge”

1. Stevie says:

   January 15, 2010 at 00:01

   Super WANT!!! and NOW

     Stevie

   Reply