It may seem like a “chicken-or-the-egg” problem: do you invest in the best gear, or do you book the top gig first? You may think the answer could go either way, but the truth is you won’t book the best gigs until you’re taken seriously, and no one’s gonna take you seriously until you’ve got some serious gear–like the Rane SL3 Scratch Live DJ audio interface. Not only does this robust USB interface have what it takes to survive the rigors of the road and the clamor of the club, and not only does it deliver nearly unparalleled audio performance and fidelity, but the Rane SL3 also provides rock-solid support for one of the most trusted virtual vinyl timecode systems around: Serato Scratch. In short, the SL3 is your ticket to the big leagues.
The Interface For Scratch Live
If you’re looking for the professional virtual vinyl solution, this is it. Imagine: true turntable control over the days and days of music locked away on your laptop’s hard drive. Serato Scratch Live lets you use the same platter you’ve been using for years, with actual vinyl discs encoded with MIDI information (included with the interface), to mix, scratch, and cue digital audio files. Because the Rane SL3 uses a super-fast USB 2.0 connection, it’s the most stable and most responsive interface for Serato Scratch. Because it was designed in conjunction with Serato, the SL3 makes it easy to access advanced features in the Scratch software–features like Live Mix Recording and the virtual Sampler Player can be used to their fullest thanks to dedicated aux inputs and outputs on the SL3.
Superior Sonic Performance
Even if you’re already using virtual vinyl–even if you’ve already got the previous generation SL1–the Rane SL3 can’t be ignored. This latest DJ interface from Rane boasts some of the best audio performance a professional could ask for, sporting studio-grade preamps, an improved output level, and 24-bit digital-to-analog converters for better-than-CD sound quality. Standard RCA connectors make it easy to interface with any mixer once the music leaves the SL3. What happens from there is up to the venue’s sound system, but you can be sure the the Rane SL3 has your end covered.
Designed And Built For The Serious DJ
This compact little brick may look unassuming, but Rane cut no corners in designing the SL3. Housed in a rugged metal chassis, the SL3 can take its fair share of misdirected abuse. While most USB audio peripherals are powered via the USB port, Rane decided to power the SL3 independently, and it ships with its own power supply. This helps extend the life of the unit by feeding it a regulated voltage, and it also keeps the audio quieter. The ultra-low noise floor is aided by the SL3′s galvanic isolation, which shields the audio path from computer-generated interference. In other words, the only glitchy static that makes it through to the speakers is the kind you added on purpose.
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.
Features
- USB 2.0 high speed audio interface.
- Improved dynamic range: 104 dB.
- Maximum audio output: 3 Vrms (hotter output).
- 24-bit 44.1 or 48 kHz converters.
- Aux Input for Live Mix Recording or LiveFeed.
- Aux Output allows use of the Sample Player as a Virtual Deck.
- Aux Output opens the door for future expansion and creative configurations.
- High-grade phono preamps upgrade the performance of most mixers.
- Software switchable Direct Thru connections: less cable required.
- Independent Line / Phono-level selection for each input for greater flexibility.
- Galvanic isolation prevents computer noise from interfering with audio path.
- Soft carry case included.
- Includes international power supply: best performance and easy transfer between DJs.
Enhanced by studio grade preamps and 24-bit audio 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.
The included 12-inch vinyl records and control CDs each have Serato’s exclusive and unique control signal which allows Scratch Live to track the motion of the record, simulating the same movement with digital audio. Due to Serato’s proprietary control scheme, the result is a feel and sound indistinguishable from playing vinyl.
