Denon DN-HC1000s

When I skimmed over an accidental press release last week, I pretty much missed the significance of the new DN-HC1000S. My mind has become dulled to the former excitement elicited by the words MIDI and controller. But on closer inspection, this is an idea I (and probably many others) had years ago - a very specific controller for Serato Scratch Live that frees you up from constant keyboard action. Good work Denon.

Designed with v1.9 in mind, you get to control loops, cues and samples, as well as scrolling and loading in tracks - all the things you might use your laptop for. And being 10" wide, it sits very neatly above or below your 2 channel mixer. Interesting to note that Denon stress that it is mappable to other systems, and does lack Scratch Live livery in any way.

Words from Denon:

Controlling essential features via mouse or laptop keyboard can be a challenge. Especially considering the focused work environment. This is your moment to keep the dance floor moving and music pumping without room for error.

Enter the DN-HC1000S from Denon DJ. Designed to interface and aid DVS systems (turntables / CD players) with today’s most popular DJ software program, Scratch Live, the DN-HC1000S provides DJs a comfortable plug and play, reliable hardware controller for all major features and commands of the Scratch Live software system.

Key Features:

• MIDI Sub Controller for SeratoTM Scratch Live
• Simple USB Plug & Play Connection (USB MIDI / Bus power)
• Dedicated Tactile Controls to Replace Computer Keyboard Shortcuts
• High Quality Steel Cabinet with Rugged Rubber Keys
• Serato Approved USB Controller
• File Select Knob & buttons w/Back-Forward Action Keys
• Track Select and Fast Search Buttons
• SHIFT/CLR Button
• 5 Cue Point and 3 Sampler Player Buttons
• Auto Loop Button w/ Loop Cut Knob & Roll
• Loop IN/OUT Button w/ Exit/Reloop
• File, Browse, History, Prepare Keys
• Tap Button
• MIDI Mappable for other DJ Software Systems
• 9.8” width X 3.4” depth
• Under 3 lbs.

What is Scratch Live?

SeratoTM Scratch Live lightened the load for the professional traveling DJ. Heavy crates of records can be exchanged into a huge library of music that can be easily transported on a computer hard drive.

Scratch Live software has an array of unique tools and performance features:
• Beat Extraction
• Real Time Tempo Metering
• Unique color waveforms for easy identification of sound
• Multiple Cue and Loop Points per track
• Record Directly from a Microphone
• Record and Archive your precious Music Collection
• Fast Access to your Music Library and iTunes™ library integration
• Exclusive Access to Fresh Promotional Music with Whitelabel.net
• No Charge Upgrades that constantly add new features and improvements