Controversial Traktor Scratch hack featured on DJTT blog
Today’s blog post on the main DJTT page gives explicit, step by step instructions on how to “hack” non-Scratch-certified mixers/interfaces to work with DVS. This has been a controversial topic in these forums, and has resulted in lots of closed threads. Since DJTT is essentially endorsing this hack, can we at last have a real discussion here on the subject?
Edit: I own a DB2 AND An Audio 10, but I still use the hack sometimes for convenience so I don’t have to bring/route the A10 at mobile gigs. I have legitimately purchased the “dongle” to unlock timecode, but the hack allows me to leave that dongle at home. I would gladly pay NI for this convenience, but there is no such option.
Is there any difference in principle between the timecode hack, and say cracking the Demo to remove the 30 minute time limit, turning it into Traktor Pro for free?
No, there isn’t really a difference. I feel justified in using the hack since I purchased the appropriate hardware, but I am still breaking the EULA.
I think many people feel justified in using this hack because there isn’t a convenient way to purchase the functionality from NI without also complicating the routing of your setup. The registry hack proves that most audio cards are technically capable of running timecode, but they are intentionally crippled by NI. This is NI’s right, and makes perfect business sense, and in no way justifies “stealing” from NI. BUT, I can understand how some users would feel frustrated (right or wrong) that there isn’t a way to legitimately pay to unlock their existing sound card and avoid adding more gear.
Remember when Napster first came out? Many otherwise law-abiding people (who had never stolen anything in their lives) suddenly felt justified in pirating music, because there was no legitimate and legal manner in which to purchase mp3s with such ease and convenience. Again, I’m not justifying piracy, but the old business model no longer made sense to people. Record companies fought to keep CDs relevant and ignored the obvious demand for digital media, rather than embrace the new technology as a potential revenue stream. A third party (Apple) was able to recognize this demand, and cornered the market on digital sales.
We are talking about a much smaller demand here, but perhaps NI could reevaluate its willingness to unlock alternative audio interfaces for a fee.
I’ve been banned in the past for merely HINTING at this.
I am surprised (actually, gob-smacked) that DJTT has now given a step-by-step guide for doing it.
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Geez, all these comments coming to the defense of NI and bashing the writer and DJTT, it makes my head spin. Guys, Corporations are not your friends. They don’t need you coming to their aid.
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This guy has got it absolutely right.
And I must say - I would LOVE to give TSP a try with timecode vinyl and my (Firewire) Motu Ultralite interface.
I get what you’re saying, but think about the outside companies that probably paid to have their mixers scratch certified thinking that people would choose their equipment over a comparable mixer because of the ease of scratch certification
That’s pretty irrelevant when you can buy a Traktor soundcard and use it with the mixer anyway. That way it’ll also enable you to be able to take that with you when playing out rather than lugging the whole mixer with you.
I think it’s definitely relevant. That’s their whole point, ease of use. They’re probably banking on some people to choose their mixer over another because of it. Wether it’s the extra set up time in the club or the hassle of setting up at home. It was a big selling point for me personally when I bought my 900
There’s no denying it’s handy, but in reality when you go to a club, swapping out the house mixer for your own isn’t ideal. Your average DJ can’t afford the modern (Non NI) scratch certified mixers unless picking them up second hand…
Many professionals will still want to pay for guaranteed compatability, reliability, and tech support, and wouldn’t want to use an untested hack anyway.
I dont understand all of the hate and disdain either for the article either. None of the mixers listed are cheap, and if you have a licensed copy of Traktor, you should be able to do whatever you want. Since it’s not officially supported, the DJ/user assumes the risk.
I’m wishing I had a A&H DB2/4 to try it out personally
Both good points, but in mind it still doesn’t make it right. To me it doesn’t make it right to use a scratch hack or a hacked version of Traktor for that matter because in reality you could never afford or would never pay for it anyways.
It’s not right because NI says it isn’t right. Obviously they’re going to say that as it stops them making money on unsold scratch soundcards.
The bottom line is, if you have purchased Traktor Scratch Pro legally and have a scratch certified sound card, you really aren’t doing much wrong as all you’d have to do is plug in the sound card. But you have that anyway… Do you see what I’m saying?
Price is irrelevant - the hack does not need expensive mixers to work…
You can even use hacks to get timecode through your computer’s onboard sound card.
Do you see that scenario anywhere in the DJTT article, or see anyone complaining about people doing that? The issue is with people using the hack to use Scratch without owning a Traktor sound card.
I don’t know many onboard sound cards that have dual in/out
But like most people have said. The people most likely to use this already own (multiple) licenses of Traktor and sound cards. I personally have ADJ4 and 2x ADJ8s.
Well how many people out there own TSP without an approved sound card? If I had to guess, the numbers are low. And if this increases sales of TSP licenses, I don’t see how this is a bad thing?
My desktop motherboard has a line in port, along with two independant mic ports (front+back). And there are 5 independant stereo outputs for 7.1 surround and headphones.
True on outputs, but most mic ins are mono, so combined that’s still a single phono stereo in. IIRC DVS does not like mono in. (and i have no idea how many MBs can remap line level ins to phono/mic level ins). Also how many people bring their desktop’s to gigs? All and all still doesn’t seem like an issue, for what is a huge plus for licensed TSP owners.
My argument isn’t that it’s “right” to use the hack instead of buying NI hardware. My argument is that there is clearly a demand to use alternative audio interfaces with Scratch, and that many will likely use the hack instead of adding additional hardware (and unnecessary routing) to their rig. NI could recognize this demand and provide a legitimate option to pay to unlock a “non-certified” mixer.
Clearly there is nothing inherently special about the technology in a certified mixer beyond its guaranteed/tested compatibility (as this hack proves). NI could please its customers and get a piece of the revenue by charging an upgrade fee that wasn’t dependent on a hardware dongle.
