It’s nice to see that DVS companies are keeping up on the software side of things as well as the hardware side of things.  Nowadays, much of the hardware we use is dependent on whatever program it is running off of; in a way it is sort of a drawback to the design, unless you have a CDJ or something that can be used stand alone.  But even a CDJ-2000 needs a firmware update to stay consistent and they usually are used in conjunction with software as well.  It’s odd that the DVS originated from the need to mimic an analog vinyl turntable setup, yet is completely dependent on software to run it.  You can’t even use your turntables on phono mode if Serato is plugged in without the soundcard receiving power. DVS companies have recognized this dependency issue and have been updating their software to keep up with the ever constant supply of new peripherals and controllers that keep tumbling out of factories.  I guess now that Serato has gotten on board with Pioneer and their latest line of controllers, they will have to keep track of much more than their flagship DVS software –which has received its newest updated today: Version 2.4.4 Beta. http://djworx.com/beta-serato-scratch-live-2-4-4/  

Serato has actually been making more updates than Traktor, but their updates tend to be smaller with less “added” to the DVS.  For the most part, they have spent a lot of time just fixing bugs and issues with their software, and the more hardware that is out there, the more they have to ensure that their software will play nice with other gear.  They haven’t added anything revolutionary like a sync button or a true FX panel, but their small changes slowly add up in the grand scheme of things.  For what little they have added to the MIDI panel, their next change comes in the form of something fun.  They have allowed MIDI output lighting settings to be tweaked, so that any controller will be able to display a responsive flashing light with each press. One of the bigger changes doesn’t actually affect the vinyl users (ironically), and it is allowing the Pioneer CDJ-2000 Nexus to be used as a native controller.  This means that they do not actually need to have control CDs inside of the unit when it is being used, it can simply make use of the DVS by the USB port on the devices. http://djworx.com/update-serato-scratch-2-5/

Serato might no longer be the first DVS out there to creating and integrating new features – but they certainly know how to arrive to the party late.  I’m sure the day that Traktor dumped their Traktor app to the public, Serato was either already working in their rendition of it, or they were scrambling to get something that was like it.  Well, they did something better.  Instead of trying to recreate what Traktor had done for DJs on the go – they basically created a software controller that was able to do everything a smart mixer could do – even if yours was not that great. The new implementation of the Serato Remote sort of picks up where old MIDI controllers had left off, except that Serato Remote gives you control over your MIDI hardware in ways that were not possible before.  Instead of appealing to the lowest common denominator, which would make Serato Remote nothing but a toy, they appeal to the utility of it.  Now, people with an acceptable tablet can use it while they are DJing to access controls that would be much harder to do with the combination of a MIDI controller and a computer screen navigation.  http://djworx.com/serato-remote-just-change-everything/#.U0GpUfldW1A