Final Scratch Starts Hitting Store ShelvesAug 01, 2002 
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A long time in the making, Final Scratch is now available and shipping to stores, allowing DJs to store and access a massive number of tracks in digital format, without the need to learn and get accustomed to new hardware. Its unique and patented technology allows real-time manipulation and scratching of digital music files such as .wav and MP3 Final Scratch is a hardware and software package that integrates with a standard turntable and mixer setup. The included USB interface handles all the audio routing and the software manages and plays your audio files. The key element of the system are the specially created records. Instead of regular audio, they contain a special timecode signal that the computer can use to know exactly what you do on the turntable. In addition to just scratching, Final Scratch lets you needle drop your digital audio files. The system does not require you to commit to using your digital files only. Simply pop off the timecode records and put your standard vinyl on. No rewiring is needed. The system can tell you've made the change and sends the output of the turntable out to the mixer. Out on the road a DJ can now carry his entire system to a gig in a travel bag. One international DJ Dean Coleman says that Final Scratch allows him to transport some 500% more music than he could if he was physically carrying vinyl -- and has virtually replaced his use of CD players entirely. Although he is systematically loading all the records he can buy into Final Scratch, he notes that FS will still allow him to use regular vinyl records should he wish. He is also excited by the performance enhancements of the latest Linux version, which will impact on the commercially available system when it is released later this summer. "I think Final Scratch will be to the DJ industry what ADAT was to MI years ago -- or even bigger," he proclaims. Finally Scratch currently requires a PC-based Linux system (a Linux distribution is included so you don't need an existing Linux machine). A Mac version is planned. A dedicated web site has been set up for Final Scratch. Head on over to www.finalscratch.com for a visit. | 
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