Strange Vinyl

[SteveM]

I was playing a party yesterday and there was dj there spinning.... blank records.... orange vinyl that were "encoded", the music wasn't on the record but you play the record, ,... and can scratch on the record..

Can anybody explain to me what this is? I guess the technology is about 8 years old.

Time code?

 

[steveneudaly]

I'm guessing it's something similar to the Rane Serato Scratch Live setup.

The records are encoded with a timecode that feeds DJ software on a computer. The turntables have to be connected to a decoder, which is either a simple box with audio inputs/outputs and a usb connector to run to the computer. Some Rane mixers have the interface built in.

Before I confuse you anymore, go check out Rane's website.

P.S. There are probably other manufacturers that make this sort of setup, but I've only used the Rane gear.

 

[SteveM]

Thanks. I will check out that link. I'm just curious to know what the technology is.

Would it be similar to playing digital that is mastered to vinyl or is it still all digital. And I wonder what the grooves of the record are. Must be like a midi stripe or something.

 

[steveneudaly]

I wonder what the grooves of the record are. Must be like a midi stripe or something.

You've pretty much got it.

If you were to play back those records you would hear a timecode tone.

All the of the music is coming from the computer. The records are only used as a control surface for cueing, scratching, etc. The DJ software listens to the timecode and as the DJ manipulates the records (scratches, stops, starts) the software follows along.

It's a pretty genius way of getting the feel of scratching vinyl while maintaining the convenience of a digital music library.