So I want to start scratching

[Jayvee]

What do I need to get started scratching with a timecode setup?
I hear you guys talking about 1000 dollar Technik sets, and at the same time I can find second hand turntables for 30 euro's each...

I also know you need some sort of audio interface... Wil the built-in interface of a Novation Twitch do or do I need something better?

And yes I know I am going to want to upgrade after a while, but I'd like to start while still being on a budget...

Thanks in advance!

[hipnopath]

If you look around, you can find a pair of 1200s for $600 - $800 dollars (US). You don't need 1200s to learn to scratch, all you need is a good direct drive turntable and decent mixer with a sharp curve. For audio interface, just get the Traktor Scratch A6 package for $300 (US) which somes with a great soundcard and Traktor Scratch Pro 2.5. Honestly, if you want to stay on a budget, learn to scratch on vinyl. Get a used direct drive turntable like a TTX or a TT500 for like $150, a decent scratch mixer like a Vestax for $150 - $200 and a $12 Superseal record and get to practicing. Also if you don't already have them, you'll need good slipmats and a good scratch cartridge like Butter Rugs and Shure M44-7s.

[djproben]

yeah you can start with cheap turntables and save your euros for good carts and slipmats. You can get a stanton numark or gemini turntable used for $50 and it will be fine for just learning to scratch though eventually you'll want to upgrade to something that will play your records nicely as well. And yeah you need a scratch mixer. Your twitch will be fine until you can afford a mixer but the crossfader on those things is not ideal, and what you'll learn once you start scratching is you will sound a lot better when you have a smooth feeling crossfader with a quick cut. I played with the Twitch at DEMF and its crossfader is just ok; it's kind of too stiff to do anything interesting unless you already have skills.

as for Traktor scratch and all that, sure if you want to use timecode. But you're better off learning on vinyl anyway and it will keep you on your budget; buy a couple cheap scratch records with the "aaaahh" etc. and some hip hop records with instrumentals and go to work. And doesn't the Twitch come with Serato anyway? If I were you and wanted to start with minimal investment I'd grab a cheap turntable (just make sure it's direct drive and has a decent torque) and Shure M35 needles (cheaper than 44-7s and almost as good for scratch DJs) and go to town with the Twitch (it works like a regular mixer, right?) If it doesn't, get a cheap scratch mixer; look on craigslist for a used Stanton, Numark, or Gemini.... none of these will last long but they'll get you started and eventually you'll want to buy something nicer. I sold my first scratch mixer for $75 (a Stanton; I don't remember the model number, but it was less featured than the m.203, which you can probably get for under $100).

So yes you can start learning to scratch on a very minimal budget.

[Jayvee]

Thanks for the replies!
One last question when I see this image:
Timecode_Setup_neu_us_01.jpg
Does the Twitch replace both the mixer and the audio interface or do I need to still buy one of those two?

[Fraktionz]

I know twitch is not scratch live certified, so if you were planing on using timecode to control your digital music on the turntables then that cannot be done without a scratch certified interface (a rane box, or a rane sl mixer which would cover both the mixer and interface needs for timecode set up but likely out of your budget).

Now if you were using vinyl on your turntables and wanted to use them in addition to your twitch check your outputs and see how many phono inputs you have, if there's none then you can't use them in conjuction with your twitch without either a sl certified mixer or audio interface.