Serato SL3
Rane has announced the brand new Serato Scratch Live 3 package, a long awaited update to the original SL 1 audio interface that addresses some of its common problems. Along with a new axillary input and output (which replaces a mic input) the new SL3 boasts 24 bit converters and high speed 2.0 USB.
read on for all the details.
The new SL3 hardware has a number of improvements including:
- USB 2.0 high speed audio interface.
- Improved dynamic range (104 dB).
- Improved audio performance (24-bit converters).
- Higher output improves ability to easily match levels of various source types.
- Galvanic isolation prevents computer noise from interfering with audio path.
- 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 con?gurations for DJs and electronic musicians.
- High-grade phono preamps upgrade the performance of most mixers.
- Software switchable Direct Thru connections for simplicity.
- Independent Line / Phono-level selection for each input for greater ?exibility.
- Includes international power supply to insure optimum performance and easy transfer between DJs.
- Soft carry case included.
It was mentioned in a previous post that Guitar Center already has these boxes in stock so they should be shipping very soon. No word on price yet but It should be about the same as the current SL1 package, +/- $500. What about those Aux inputs? how are they planned to be used? Well, here are a few potential examples:
- recording the master output of the mixer back into the computer.
- Recording audio sources and sampling inside serato
- Routing the mysterious third deck which is supposed to show up sometime soon out to a mixer
April 1st, 2009 at 9:34 am Quote
A very good look for Serato.
April 1st, 2009 at 10:04 am Quote
is not 1st april joke?
April 1st, 2009 at 10:19 am Quote
The Best 1 april Joke)
April 1st, 2009 at 10:28 am Quote
certainly not a joke- but you tube has a great joke going on right now. its rather funny.
April 1st, 2009 at 10:55 am Quote
well, anyway it sucks vs NI A8DJ
Serato should release it 3 years ago.
What do they think of? No mic input, cant use it as a soundcard for other audio soft.
Serato, r u kiddin? Its 2009.
“Why did you remove the mic input from the SL 3?
Making the SL 3 compact and adding Auxiliary channels was a high priority during the design of the unit. We hope the versatility you gain from these features makes up for the absence of the mic input.”
“Why can’t I use the SL 3 with other programs as an ASIO or CoreAudio/Composite device?
Scratch Live and the SL 3 use a proprietary driver that has many performance and stability advantages over a CoreAudio or ASIO solution. We do however understand that a more open driver has advantages as well. CoreAudio Drivers are currently in development and will be implemented in a future firmware upgrade for the SL 3.”
April 1st, 2009 at 11:26 am Quote
…
Search there are eastereggs…
…
April 1st, 2009 at 12:41 pm Quote
for me it is really nothing special..
It is 2009, still dated style.
NI Audio 8 kills it and cheaper.
April 1st, 2009 at 1:16 pm Quote
SO where is this partnership with Ableton Live coming in?
SSL3 is hardly a revolutionary breakthrough worth deeming as a “Big News” as stated before.
April 1st, 2009 at 1:24 pm Quote
not really a fan of inputs/outputs in both sides of the device. should be all together on one side, sans headphone jack. poor design on that end..
April 1st, 2009 at 2:26 pm Quote
“SSL3 is hardly a revolutionary breakthrough worth deeming as a “Big News” as stated before.”
I think this is the big news, right..
“Aux Output opens the door for future expansion and creative con?gurations for DJs and electronic musicians.”
April 1st, 2009 at 3:06 pm Quote
Jst back from MusikMesse, had the SL3 in my fingers, feels very good, but its also lightweight. Much lighter than the Audio8 DJ.
Some things about the missing microphone. you have an extra input channel, thsi means you can run your mic through the mixer into the the sl1 via rca. However i never really got the point of having a Mic in in these kind of DVS only soundcards. Come on if you want to get serious youre not going to use the SL1 as you production interface…. or am I missing somethign here. Third channel out is awesome and necessary for the sampler etc.
April 1st, 2009 at 4:00 pm Quote
as an ssl user, i am very hyped about this. i think it is a good move, especially if rane/serato continues to support the sl1, possibly with a price drop.
April 1st, 2009 at 4:13 pm Quote
I think the mic is more for doing drops, talking, announcements, etc., than for serious production work. It would be handy for people who have mixers without microphone jacks.
April 1st, 2009 at 4:14 pm Quote
Above me is.
April 1st, 2009 at 4:30 pm Quote
…
Yesterday I posted…
“They will release the new “Serato Ableton Live Handshake” sold inside Ableton 8 (and Serato recieving some many kind of royaltie) preparing the floor for Serato 2 (with new interface and TTM57SL firmware upgrade)
With the first Scratch Live and ITCH will control some features of Live (like APC40) and when MaxforLive will be released (later than Serato 2 I think) you will have the same options as Traktor but a little better.
Serato 2 with Sl-1 = 2 decks, handshake and (maybe) vst.
Serato 2 with usb 2 or TTM57SL = 4 decks, handshake and full video implement.
All of them handshaking Live as a Live Producing Tool (Pure Tooltablism)
or
Vaporware maybe…
The tools for develop all are out there…
http://createdigitalmusic.com/2008/05/01/digital-vinyl-free-and-open-source-in-maxmsp-pd-linux/
Enjoy!”
Today Rane releases SL-3 and remark “that’s not a upgrade for SL-1, it’s a companion”
mmmm…
Wait for Ableton
…
April 1st, 2009 at 4:33 pm Quote
If you wanted to make an announcement, wouldn’t you just use a mixer with a mic in??
April 1st, 2009 at 4:47 pm Quote
Well, if your DJ mixer doesn’t have a mic input that would be kinda hard.
April 1st, 2009 at 4:52 pm Quote
I am a little lost… so its A/C powered, and not phantom powered (USB powered). That sounds like a step back.
That means I have one more thing to carry and one more thing to plug in. My power switch is already packed as it is, and those A/C power adapter usually have big bulky plug-ends. And they took away the mic input? That doesn’t seem like progress either.
I hate it when companies take away features. If its an improvement then, everything from the past should work, plus additional stuff for the future. I think thats the text-book definition of improvement.
Maybe I don’t see the potential, but I don’t see this as some great big, earth-shattering announcement. I hope this wasn’t their only big announcement.
Very disappointed.
April 1st, 2009 at 5:18 pm Quote
its bus powered still…. do your reading, and who cares about not having the mic in… if your mixer doesn’t have one, then blame your mixer, not serato/rane.
I would rather be able to have stereo l/r’s on the box then a mic in. (hmmmm have an input for another deck or recording source to record your mixes?? or have a mic in…) you decide.
April 1st, 2009 at 5:19 pm Quote
Any word on price ?
April 1st, 2009 at 5:24 pm Quote
What I meant is that, if using a mic is important, then surely you would go to the trouble of using a mixer that had a mic input with decent pre amps and gain/trim functions etc??
April 1st, 2009 at 7:08 pm Quote
Sweet! I hope this drives the price down on the SL-1 so I can pick a used one on craigslist from someone that upgraded to the SL3. I really dont mind about the mic input, being that most mixers already have sometype of mic hook up be it XLR, or 1/4″.
I can see why dj are going to have mixed reviews, but lets wait until ean or someone else on the djtt site gets a hold of the unit.
April 1st, 2009 at 8:07 pm Quote
A few years back Serato may have had the upper hand, but they seem to have fallen behind now. I wanted to DJ with an all midi + mixer setup and I didn’t want to be locked into a specific controller [e.g. vci-300]… My solution, sell SSL and get Traktor Pro.
Show me 4 decks + Midi Implementation then we’ll talk.
April 1st, 2009 at 9:03 pm Quote
The price of SL3 is $700.
Damn, my Korg Zero4 is $700. It reads NI timecode and works perfect with Traktor, 4 channel, 5 FX, midi, xlr mic. BTW, its the best dj hardware i ever had, and its always YOUR mixer when you work in unknown club, not some shitty Pio300 or smth. That what good “soundcard” is.
Can you compare the features with SL3?)))))
April 1st, 2009 at 9:25 pm Quote
Just got mine 699 at GC! Its sick I’m going back to buy the video sl plug in.
April 2nd, 2009 at 1:03 am Quote
This is a side step in the world of timecode control. At Best.
Do people forget exactly how many audio interfaces are on the market with sufficient in/outs and capability to control timecode for any software if setup right???? Because its more than a handful. And not only do you get the timecode control over TSP or ITCH etc.. you get a meaty sound card.
Decent Audio Interface with more everyday uses than the SL3 box=$300-500
Timecode Vinyls = $15
Timecode CD ISO’s = Free
Or
the SL3 in/out box = $700
I geuss if I ever fall, hit my head, and lose my cognitive ability I’d buy a SL3 Box.
April 2nd, 2009 at 1:03 am Quote
April 2nd, 2009 at 5:24 am Quote
Chill out man (or girl), this is an anonymous comment board, you don’t win any prizes for the snidest comments. And Serato isn’t gonna send you any bucks for trying to knock down my comment. You could have very easily just copied & paste the text from the post or inserted hyperlink for some other place that said it. (That’s also why I made the comment in the form of a question…)
And for people like me who just use a midi-controller and a sound card, we don’t have a mixer. Our sound-card is our main output. All we get is a connection into the main receiver and usually that isn’t even close to me.
Additionally, for a $700 price tag it should have every possible input/put combo possible. So I will blame Serato/Rane for not having this simple input. And I decide that I would want to have a mic in. Any Dj Software worth its salt, has a build in recorder. And how many Decks could one Dj possible use? Traktor comes with 4.
Like I said before, when improvements are made features are supposed to be added onto not taken away. Regardless of the product. I try not to get on the “latest & greatest” bandwagon. I take a product way its pros and cons and make and educated decision regardless of who makes it or how new it is.
I wouldn’t trade my M-Audio FastTrack Pro for this thing.
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:18 pm Quote
Reading the specifications of this SL3 release, I just don’t get it.
Where is the killer-combo with Ableton Live??
My TSP + Xone 4D Combo will eat this kittin for breakfast!
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:33 pm Quote
you could still use a mic preamp and route that through the auxillaries.. or two mic preamps. or a mic preamp and a dr. sample with lazer gun.
April 2nd, 2009 at 3:11 pm Quote
I just got mine at Guitar Center yesterday for $699. Considering I just got my first DVS 8 days prior (SL-1) for $439 it was quite a difference, but well worth it. I feel as if the vinyl feel is more precise. Being a scratcher that’s the most that I wanted. Maybe now they can come with better control vinyl for even tighter control. The recording in function is priceless, simplifies the process and does away with another open program. The adjusting of the phono input is pretty cool too. All I have to say is I’ve waited years to get a DVS and I figure I might as well get the best. Sometimes the best cost a little more, but you have to pay to play! All the people complaining about price point and comparing it to Traktor are forgetting the fact that NI has blood on it’s hands and it’s called Final Scratch. I just don’t trust them. It’s like letting a failed dictator that was overthrown, come back into office because he has a new “vision” and shiny new clothes. He’s still the same ass behind a new facade. Just my opinion.
P.S. I didn’t have the chance to say how much I like your site and the music you make Ean, when I got to meet you at the Vestax office upstairs at NAMM. I was Chuck’s guest for the show. Keep on informing and thanks for the arcade button idea. I have to try that myself. Any plans on making a arcade button controller to sell? Thanks.
April 2nd, 2009 at 3:38 pm Quote
ok this time I will not post anonymous. This has become such a heated debate that I suggest a digital showdown just like in Anchorman
The best digital DJ square off for 12 individual and one team title!
WORLD WIDE DIGITAL DJ BATTLE
WWDDJB
First event
Mixx vs UltraMixer
Second Event
Mixvibes vs VirtualDJ
Third Event
Torq vs Deckadance
Main Event
TSP vs Serato
April 2nd, 2009 at 5:28 pm Quote
LOL, I completely agree….that would be something else
April 3rd, 2009 at 4:29 am Quote
great! it looks kool, but now you wont be able to serial connect your boxes for several dj’s to play without having to turn things off or to play vinyl/cd in between.
April 3rd, 2009 at 5:16 pm Quote
Actually, you could, using this switcher box from Magma. Cool little device, and really usefull with multiple DVS systems =)
April 3rd, 2009 at 5:19 pm Quote
I can’t justify $700 for this thing . I guess I am sticking with Traktor after all .
April 4th, 2009 at 1:37 pm Quote
I’ve got a fast track pro too, can it be used with the TSP or Serato software and time-code vinyls?
Mind pointing me to some instructions on how?
April 4th, 2009 at 4:19 pm Quote
Then Serato is not for you.. it is a digital vinyl system so you need a mixer; in this sense it is different to Traktor. At least know what the product is before making comments on it!
April 4th, 2009 at 6:16 pm Quote
Serato is a good thing for me.
Simple, stable, never crashed, precise sound via good electronics – no “sound coloring” as NI. No problems at all after 3 years of gigs and intensive club use.
And, the guys absolutely gained my confidence with his support, attention and free upgrades via this website. I also trust Rane for this new venture, I feel that they worked hard for this to release a finished, stable and quality product, and that it will be a balanced, good sounding and safe thing.
And i don’t mind NI because in this 3 years, I have seen many crashes in the middle (or at the beginning) of a gig… and i could listen a yes, crisp, but “colored” sound from its interface, too much mid-bass range accentuation.
I will upgrade to SL3 as soon as i sell my old SL1. I hope it is at least as satisfying as the first one, and i am sure that it will improve the quality of the sound of our club.
April 5th, 2009 at 2:43 pm Quote
Well put. I’m getting the SL3 as well.
April 13th, 2009 at 8:04 pm Quote
I got SL3 the day after it hit the shelves. Better sound quality, lower latency, can record without crappy ttm57. I’m happy I got it. The one thing that I always have to say that makes SL kill traktor is its stability. No questions its way more stable. Interface is far more friendly and I am always able to get the help I need.
Thanks Rane/Serato!
Can’t wait for SL2 software!
Jared-F
April 19th, 2009 at 10:21 pm Quote
Been using serato SL1 for like 2 years. Indeed, its very stable, never ever had to switch to my CD case because of a crash or anything like that. Countless hours of intensive club playing, flawlessly (and also *really* countless hours of after-party dj jams). But the time seems to be moving fast for serato. Only two decks, no digital output, flaky (and very late) midi support, no effects. These are things that made me peek into Traktor.
Then, the whole digital DJ thing. And the possibilities, 4 decks, full midi control (and supported controllers).
Yesterday I purchased what I think its the coffin and nails for my serato setup. A Xone 4D mixer/controller/soundcard and Traktor Pro. I’m following the steps of a fellow (worldwide known) DJ and producer friend, the things that he’s doing now, with both Traktor and Ableton and the xone controllers, its amazing. And Serato simply cant keep the pace. Many will argue that Serato is a time-code vinyl only, but its simply not true, since they added Midi support. You *can* actually play with controllers and serato, but its a hack. Traktor seems ready to both controller djs and timecode djs. I say seems because I’m yet to test it in a gig (or test it at all, its not even mapped to my xone and i hate the default mappings that come with traktor).
It’s very sad to leave serato, for me. The business model is completely different for Rane and NI, one focuses in a proprietary hardware based dongle (and a expansion hardware with the ttm57 mixer, explaining why no FX on serato software) and free software, the other focus in selling software (and optionally a very good soundcard). I clearly picked the model I think its going to give me much more freedom.
I may be completely wrong, but this SL3, to me, is the worst response Rane could give to Traktor. Its a total disappointment, its not addressing the needs of the new digital djs, its not enough for those that already own the SL1 make the move. Either Rane and Ableton launch a real killer integration (surely a $1800 value, not cheap), or Serato is going to be a niche company, specially if NI addresses the stability problems that seems to affect some users (and i have strong reason to believe these problems only exist because they support a much broader range of hardware integration than serato and its proprietary soundcard-dongle).
Lets see, the fanboys will always be fanboys. I prefer the pragmatic approach.
April 24th, 2009 at 6:52 am Quote
Nar i dont get any of this stuff really…i dont even understand Midi…
Im just the usual two technics 1200’s my mac and SL1 Dj…if i was to buy it i think it would be a waste of money for me ($1100 AUS) like i said…maybe cause i dont use midi its worthless to me?…the local Dj Store around here is offering a special trade in price if we take back our SL1 though??….might check it out…someone give me a quick run down of Midi?
Thanks people…
Anthum..
April 25th, 2009 at 6:31 pm Quote
when will they make a hub with enough inputs for cdj’s and turntables in one box? it would be nice to have something that can be installed in clubs and reduce connecting and reconnecting
May 21st, 2009 at 6:05 am Quote
Mp3s aren’t 24-bit so playing them out at 24-bit wouldn’t matter…and the bit depth of the Time coded vinyls isn’t 24-bit either….so the 24-bit is snake oil
High-grade phono preamps upgrade the performance of most mixers.?
what doesn’t make sense?
Galvanic isolation prevents computer noise from interfering with audio path.?
this is standard on all audio devices…any hardware developer knows that the USB bus is extremely noisy
SL1 box is fine…this is snake oil at its finest
May 23rd, 2009 at 3:12 am Quote
so i got chance to play with both traktor scratch and serato.
the feel of both serato and traktor is on point feels just like the real deal…
my opinion
traktor blows serato away… why? soundcard and midi capability and 7 chanels. now days a good sound card and a computer is all you need for production with traktor you got production and dj.
sofware
no complaints. serato is more organized eazier to look at.. traktor has to many clicks to get to where you want
my frustration with traktor
traktor is realy advanced but serato is the INDUSTRY STANDARD witch means its a hassle to switch to traktor after another dj using serato is done with his or her set in a club/party
would i get rid of traktor/ serato??? hard to say… i would proly keep traktor because of the sound card and midi capability, 7 channels sound quality
May 31st, 2009 at 5:13 pm Quote
Traktor 3 didn’t allow me to play songs I purchased on iTunes. That was a huge inconvinience.
June 16th, 2009 at 7:54 pm Quote
oh, so PLEASE HURRY UP with codin
the CoreAudio-Driver for RANE SL 3.
i thought there is one available
before i bought my rane sl 3.
but big respect for your development
in the past.
(hry up plz)
:-)
June 24th, 2009 at 6:04 pm Quote
so what is the verdict before I seal the deal with SL3…..I was almost sold now after reading perhaps a waste of hard earned $$$
June 24th, 2009 at 9:27 pm Quote
so what is the verdict before I seal the deal with SL3…..I was almost sold now after reading perhaps a waste of hard earned $$$
the advantage is maybe that you can record your valuable vinyl on .aif-format in 24 bit. so you can play your much better mirrowed (24 bit – not just 16bit) vinyls-songs on parties without taking your vinyl-records to this one.
but always when you just play mp3 or rips from cd (just 16 bit) you can take the sl1 too.
but i think on PA’s (power ampliefies f.e. in big discotheques) its better to take original vinyls or 24bit files. these sounds clearer than other …
maybe it depends on what quality of sound you enjoy …
July 30th, 2009 at 12:40 am Quote
Just upgraded my laptop and it won’t work with my Stanton Final Scratch! Finally need to upgrade my DVS, and was looking into Serato… but is it wise to spend extra cash on the ‘New Developments’ of the SL 3, or should I look for a cheaper second hand SL 1?
April 11th, 2010 at 10:03 am Quote
Actually, you could, using this switcher box from Magma. Cool little device, and really usefull with multiple DVS systems =)
just looks like another pain in the ass thing to bring along to gigs and will take extra time to set up. Plus it looks like u would have to set it up before hand. What if ur just flying into a gig and just showing up at the club when it’s your time to play. Most likely the DJ before is not going to have this gadget set up and ready to go..
I wish there an extra USB port with a switch over or more inputs or something.
June 6th, 2010 at 7:51 am Quote
After my readings here i can see diferent positions when it comes to sl3 and all others s/c and interfaces.
We have producers here that actually will always dig for the perfection and high standards on sound quality as they need it at first, we also have people that spins in high end places with sophisticated sound set ups that will measure this gadets from that prespective. And we have here also Mobil Dj’s that will always look for portability and easy to set up stuff.
But people,we missing something here and it is the only thing that we all should agree cos at the end of the day is what all we talk and discuss here will come to.
PEOPLE AT PRIVATE PARTIES, CLUBS,OR ANY OTHER VENUES WHERE THEY ARE DANCING OUR MUSIC THEY DONT NOTICE A DIFERENCE BET A 24 BIT 16 BIT SONG, THEY DONT KNOW IF YOU ARE RECORDING YOUR GIG OR NOT THEY DONT KNOW IF YOU ARE TALKING TRHU A MIC CONNECTED TO THE EXTERNAL SC OR CONNECTED TO THE MIXER AND SO ON…
One thing that they really will notice is if because a crash or a freeze the whole party stops either for 2 minutes or 20 .
SO I THINK THAT IF OUR MAIN CONCERN HERE IS ENTERTAIMENT ALL THIS GADETS DO THEIR JOB AND ACTUALLY THEY ALL ARE NOT FOR THE SAME PEOPLE.
If we want to be fair with our comments we should not disqualified a gadet cos it doesnt goes with us, lets put our experience up front and we will gain more respect for our comments and we then really help other people that this gadets goes with them.
July 6th, 2010 at 11:00 pm Quote
What mixer doesnt have a mic input? Mx2200? what?