While the purists out there would claim that scratching is strictly for turntables and real vinyl, there has been a concerted effort to duplicate the skills using newer technologies. CDJs, controllers and touch screens have been able to mimic the feel of analogue vinyl to some degree for a while now. But the next stage of entirely touch-free air scratching is also gathering pace. Check out Jonathan Hammond‘s Myo based air scratching in Serato Scratch Live.
This is a teaser so real info is thin on the ground, but it looks like the Myo software is doing some direct MIDI magic within Scratch Live. But this isn’t the first time we’ve covered Myo in a DJ context. You may recall DJ Player being controlled with a Myo back in April this year. You may also recall DJ Qbert busting some air scratches using a Leap Motion controller a while back.
So on one hand, turntables are making a comeback, and on the other wireless controllers are doing their level best to reduce the need for decks altogether. Based on what I’m seeing so far, I’m pretty certain that the lifespan of decks isn’t being threatened by these developments. But it’s cool nevertheless to see this sort of technology being developed.
I feel that like most advances, they’ll never succeed in isolation. But being used with existing technology would be a very cool use. Baby scratching the next track in while raising the other hand to change a filter has merit — sounds great and gives a DJ another visual dimension. Perhaps a gesture flick to jump to a new cue point for the next scratch sound would work too.
Air scratching – would you?
Wearables are most definitely a thing, but would you use them in any capacity at all? What cool uses can you think of that you might actually consider?
i think the air in air scratching should be on the mixer, not the deck. teach the myo to recognize all of the hand movements that go with popular scratches. i see a future where one hand will be moving the record, and simul-moving the cross fader.
Exactly. Get the air action on the crossfader instead, just think of the savings you’d make in fixing busted faders during hours of practice sessions! The sensors would need to monitor finger movement, so perhaps a strap across the top of your hand could do it?
I’m usually all for new tech but this feels a bit odd to me. It reminds me a lot of air guitar to be honest. Also, it’s hard to beat the precision of a needle on a turntable. Many people have no clue how sensitive a turntable needle is. I used to teach a intro to turntable class at my college radio station and loved freaking out students by showing them that a turntable can play music even in the off position.
Great way to end up with a carpal tunnel syndrome..:)
People don’t see the potential in this…This is awesome!
I would still use a fader to cut the scratch ;)
this is the first time I am seriously not impressed.
nice job done