
Ever tried looking for a product review that wasn't based toward the club DJ or wasn't simply a list of recycled maufacturer's bullet point specs? Yeah me too - this was one of the driving factors for the creation of SKRATCHWORX.
What we aim to provide is an in-depth look at a particular product and report back on it's features and performance but from a turntablists point of view. Obviously, we concentrate on products that are aimed at scratch DJ's but from time to time, we'll take a look at something not squarely aimed at us, but may be of interest.
Our Policy
We pride ourselves on the depth and quality of our reviews. You will not find expanded feature lists passed off as reviews, nor will you find reviews of dispropotionate length. We like to source the equipment directly from manufacturers and ideally factory fresh where possible.
One thing we always do is provide the review back to the manufacturer prior to publishing. This isn't so they can heap large sums of cash on us to sweeten the review - this is so that we can iron out any innacuracies in our writing. And it also gives the manufacturer the opportunity to comment on any real issues we find.
Ratings
For a little while, our ratings have tended to be out of 10. But now we feel it's better to break this down further to give a better picture of a product. Indeed there is an argument for having no ratings at all and simply report the facts as we see them - but people like ratings to make informed buying decisions, and manufacturers like them as well to gauge opinion of a product.
What you won't find is a complete list of every product that has ever existed. We're a progressive bunch and always looking forward, but if you want advice on an older product, we're happy to answer any question and help where we can. |
Headphone Group Test
Review by Professor BX - September 2004
A much neglected area for scratch DJ's. ProfessorBX speaks nicely to the various big boys and gets all sorts of cans sent to him for review.
Digital Showdown
Review by Nick Nack - December 2004
Nick Nack and his Crowd Control buddies pit their very own hardware head to head and provide the results for your viewing pleasure.
69ep H Bag
Review by Gizmo - June 2008
Bags are the new flightcases, if only because DJ gear has got smaller and thus lighter. But it still has to keep you gear safe. 69ep jump on the SSL gravy train and bring out the H bag.
AKAI MPC-500
Review by Deft - March 2007
It's all about being on the go right now. But how do you drag an MPC out with you and make beats? AKAI bring you the pocket sized MPC-500 so you can
Akai MPD24
Review by Deft - April 2007
The MPD24 is a MIDI box, giving MPC style control to your software. Deft beats the pads and sees how it measures up.
Alcatech DigiScratch v2
Review by Deft - July 2005
Another new contender for the digital throne is Alcatech's Digiscratch. Now at v2, Deft continues his adventures in the digital realm.
Allen & Heath Xone:02
Review by Gizmo - August 2005
The Xone:02 is a bit of an elder statesman in the skratch scene but it's Allen & Heath pedigree shows though it's age. Gizmo puts one on the longest test ever and reports back.
American Audio HDT45
Review by Professor BX - October 2004
Being an OEM turntable, this deck appears under many guises. ProfessorBX checks out American Audio's version.
Audio Innovate AEM-100
Review by Deft/Soba - March 2006
Coming from a former Numark engineer, this first product from Audio Innovate is a bit left field with it's analog effects. Deft and Soba try out this Pro X Fade equipped mixer.
Audio Innovate AEM-100i
Review by Deft - November 2006
The original AEM-100 took a slightly different approach to mixers. The revamped AEM-100i aims to please the mainstream. Deft sees if it does that successfully
Behringer BCD-2000
Review by Deft - December 2006
It's all about MIDI controllers right now. Behringer have had one out for a while though. Is the plastic marvel up to the challenge? Deft tries it out.
Custom Records Scratch Wax
Review by Professor BX - December 2003
Need some custom vinyl cutting? ProfessorBX discovers a maker of custom vinyl quite literally on his doorstep. Read on for his adventures in self-made battle wax.
customslipmats.co.uk Slipmats
Review by Gizmo - August 2007
Slipmats come in one shape and size, but increasingly in lots of designs. customslipmats.co.uk offer a pair of custom mats of your own design for a tenner. Too good to be true? Hell no says Gizmo
D-Styles Tablecloth
Review by Gizmo - June 2006
D-Styles takes a step closer having his name on everything he uses with the new Tablecloth slipmat. Coming in 2 parts - a mat and a slip sheet, Gizmo takes them for a spin... err slip.
Denon DN-X300
Review by Gizmo - April 2005
A Rane in Denon's clothing - this keenly priced mixer has the 56 in it's sights. Clean head shot or a bit of a scuff?
Denon DN-X100
Review by Gizmo - April 2005
An itsy bitsy teeny weeny mixer with features busting out of it's diminutive case. But in this case, is less more - or just not enough?
Denon DN-X1500
Review by Deft - May 2004
To compliment their superb CD players, a 4 channel mixer was required to make them all they can be. Deft casts his eye over is discovers what's hot and what's not
Denon DN-S3000
Review by Gizmo - December 2003
For some, the Denon DN-S5000 has just too much going on. Gizmo plays with the slimmed down Denon and likes what he finds.
Denon DN-S3000
Review by Deft - December 2003
Being a Denon DN-S5000 owner, Deft is ideally placed to take a look at it's younger sibling. Does the 3000 measure up to it's bigger brother?
Denon DN-S5000
Review by Deft - February 2004
Owning a Denon DN-S5000, Deft felt it only right to give you his opinion of the Pioneer CDJ1000's nearest competition.
Denon DN-S1000
Review by Deft - November 2005
There seemed to be a gap in our Denon reviews - a small gap mind but it needed filling. So Deft took a look at the not-too-scratchy DN-S1000 and was pleasantly surprised.
Denon DN-S1200
Review by Gizmo - February 2009
Denon's original black brick was good, but the new DN-S1200 is full of new age goodness. Gizmo gets his magnifying glass out, if only to find the damned thing!
DJDecks v0.69
Review by Deft - August 2005
There a large number of relatively expensive software otions around these days, so it's refreshing to find one that's affordable to everyone. Deft carries on his digital roundup.
Eclectic Breaks Pro X Fade
Review by Gizmo - September 2005
The fader is arguably the most important parts of the DJ setup so when an small independent company makes seemlingly the dream crossfader, we just had to take a look. Gizmo gushes accordingly.
Ecler NUO5
Review by Deft - November 2004
Ecler are undergoing a rebirth, starting with a new range of mixers called NUO. Deft gets busy with 4 channel midi madness and tells all.
Ecler HAK 310
Review by Gizmo - November 2005
Ecler know mixers - specifically they know the DJ market inside out. The 310 is a bit of an elder statesman these days but it's still good. Gizmo casts his equally old eye over this entry level mixer.
Ecler HAK380
Review by Gizmo - October 2006
The Ecler HAK360 has a loyal following so they were ultra pleased when the 380 was announced. Gizmo checks it out to see if the fans should be excited.
Ecler NUO4.0
Review by Gizmo - January 2009
Last but not least in the NUOX.0 series is the NUO4.0 - no gadgets but just a solid 4 channel mixer. Gizmo checks it out.
Ecler NUO3.0
Review by Gizmo - January 2009
Sitting right in the middle of the NUOX.0 range is the NUO3.0. More than 2, but not quite 4 - the NUO3.0 still works really well.
Ecler NUO2.0
Review by Gizmo - August 2008
The Ecler NUO2.0 is an all purpose mixer, but does all styles really well. Gizmo checks it out and finds himself wanting one.
Gemini iKey
Review by skratchworx - january 2006
Gemini's iKey aims to make your recording experience a whole lot easier. Sitting between your mixer and any old USB storage device, the team try it out and see if it really is that easy.
Gemini CDT-05
Review by Gizmo - May 2006
CD and vinyl in one deck? Oh yes. Gemini's comeback carries on with this hybrid technology and Gizmo has serious fun at the same time.
Gemini TT-04
Review by Gizmo - April 2007
Everybody wants Technics, but can't always afford them. So why not have all the features but for half the price...
Hard To Find Records
Review by Gizmo - August 2007
What's this? A retailer getting reviewed? Well we tell you what's hot and what's not but not the retailers. Gizmo spends a day lurking and reports.
HFTR Short Circuit Slipmats
Review by Gizmo - June 2005
Gizmo found a pair of these new mats from HTFR in the skratchworx PO box and figured it would be rude to not review them.
Korg mini KP
Review by Deft - October 2007
Fitting in the palm of your hand, the Korg mini KP offers effects for just about everyone. Deft punishes the £99 wonder box.
Korg KAOSS PAD
Review by Deft - October 2007
Touchy feely is Korg's thing and having had 2 incarnations of the KAOSS pad out before, the KP3 comes from a solid heritage. Deft checks out if it carries on the good name.
Korg kaossilator
Review by Gizmo - July 2008
How much more can Korg squeeze from their KAOSS pad format? Quite a lot apparently as the KOASSILATOR demonstrates. Gizmo hopes Korg don't want it back...
Korg Zero8
Review by Deft - May 2008
Is it a mixer of production desk? Well it's a bit (well actually a lot) of both. Deft makes a serious amount of room and ventures into a review of the knobtastic Zero8
Korg Zero4
Review by Gizmo - May 2008
Oh how our hearts were aflutter when we first saw the Zero4 press release. Every bell and whistle has been shoehorned into the Korg Zero4 and Gizmo throws everything at it to test.
Korg KM-202
Review by Gizmo - April 2008
Korg seem hellbent on putting a KAOS pad into everything. This time it's a 2 channel mixer with a snowy paint job.
Korg KM-402
Review by Gizmo - April 2008
When 2 becomes 4 - channels that is. Korg decided to give you twice the goodness with the 4 channel KM-402 KOAS enabled mixer.
KRK Rokit RP5
Review by Gizmo - December 2007
KRK make truly great monitors and their distinctive yellow speaker makes them stand out considerably. So HTFR decided to go one step further and paint them Red.
Litlab Uberstand
Review by Gizmo - December 2006
Laptops are an integral part of many DJ's setups these days, but they take up valuable space. Litlab's Uberstand is the premium laptop stand for DJs. Gizmo tries and fails to break it.
Mackie d.4 Pro
Review by Deft - April 2008
After the original d.2 wa released, plans were hatched to unleash a 4 channel Firewire enabled monster. Thus the d.2 Pro was born...
Mackie d.2 Pro
Review by Gizmo - April 2008
Sometimes, gear gets a remix and that's just what happened with the Mackie d.2. The Pro model came out and Gizmo bent it into submission.
Magma Battle Bag
Review by Gizmo - April 2005
We all need something to carry our DJ life around in and there isn't much better than this.
Magma Headshell Case
Review by Gizmo - July 2006
Despite taking a regular beating, headshells and carts are quite fragile so transporting them safely is vital. Magma's headshell case does just that (it's been to LA and back without a dent).
MixVibes DVS v6
Review by Deft - August 2005
MixVibes has been around for a while now, but in a pretty rough state. Now hitting v6, it's clearly a capable piece of software. Deft installed it and drops his opinion.
Native Instruments Traktor Scratch
Review by Gizmo - August 2007
Native Instruments bounce back from the split with Stanton and bring forth Traktor Scratch - the complete NI DVS package. Gizmo gets indepth and reports from a beginning to end point of view
Numark PPD01
Review by Professor BX - December 2003
Looks like a mixer from heaven and is the first digital mixer for scratch DJ's. ProfessorBX cuts through the gloss and gets to the truth.
Numark CDX
Review by Gizmo - July 2004
Numark flipped the script when they announced the CDX with real vinyl and a moving platter. Gizmo gets all doey-eyed and gushes about how great it really is.
Numark DXMPro
Review by Gizmo - August 2005
Numark came out with the first 100% digital mixer in the shape of the PPD01. Now they've released another - the DXMPro. Gizmo has a look at what's new and if it's hopefully better.
Numark HDX
Review by Gizmo - June 2006
The new age successor to Numark's CDX is as shiny as a new silver penny. But does having an 80Gb HD inside make it match up to the price tag? Gizmo uses his CDX experience to find out.
Numark iCDX
Review by Gizmo - January 2007
Digital is here to stay, but what about that massive stack of CDs you still have kicking around? Numark's iCDX bridges the gap between old and new - or at least so Gizmo thinks.
Numark D2 Director
Review by Gizmo - June 2007
The digital age is here and now you can spin without media. Numark's D² Director gives you all you need to start spinning your digital music.
Numark TTX USB
Review by Gizmo - July 2007
Well this is no Technics - that's for sure. It's a whole lot more and Gizmo finnaly gets round to giving you a history of the TTX and pulls apart the new TTX USB.
Numark DJIO
Review by Gizmo - August 2007
So you have your laptop and your sound system... what can link them? Numark's DJIO bridges the gap very neatly as a simple I/O card for the digital DJ.
Numark Total Control
Review by Gizmo - August 2007
MIDI is all the rage and Numark are grabbing themselves a slice of this market with the small but perfectly formed Total Control. Gizmo plugs it into hid USB port and plays.
Numark iDJ2
Review by Gizmo - February 2008
You don't need to look like Arnie to take your gear to a gig anymore. The iDJ2 successfully shrinks your whole deck and mixer setup into a laptop bag and gets rid of physical media at the same time.
Pedestrian Tutoritool™
We all have to start somewhere and a helping hand is always welcome. Laurent from Spin Science checks out the Tutoritool™ from Pedestrian to see if will indeed be that helping hand
Pedestrian Tutoritool Second Edition
Review by Gizmo - May 2008
Having established itself as a force to be reckoned with, the vinyl based Tutoritool gets a sequel and gets even better.
Pioneer DJM-909
Review by Gizmo - September 2004
Space age battle mixer from the daddys of CD scratching. Built-in FX and a fader to die for. Gizmo sells his soul to see if it really is as good as it looks.
Pioneer DJM-707
Review by Gizmo - June 2005
The baby Pioneer DJM-707 came out in the shadow of it's bigger sibling the übermixer 909. But does it deserve to remain in the shadows? Does lesser spec mean lesser mixer? Gizmo finds out.
Pioneer CDJ-400
Pioneer pretty much own the high end CD deck market, but the lower end is a mixed bag. The new CDJ-400 offers the features of the existing CDJ range in a budget box.
Promats Slipmats
Review by Gizmo - December 2006
Hailing from Europe, Promats aim to give you performance at a bargain price. it's a matter of no frills but good skills. Gizmo checks them out.
Rane Serato Scratch Live v1.4
Review by Deft - July 2005
When Rane picked up the digital ball in the shape of Serato Scratch Live, they almost immediately took the crown from Final Scratch. Deft checks out the goods.
Rane Serato Scratch Live v1.6.2
Review by Idlemind - October 2006
Having already covered Serato Scratch v1.4, it hardly seemed worth doing a full review for an update. So Idlemind tells us what's new.
Rane TTM-56
Review by Gizmo - October 2006
The mighty Rane 56 is possibly one product that doesn't need a review, being the acknowledged leader in the scratch game. That said, Gizmo talks about the mixer he actually bought...
Rane TTM-57SL
Review by Deft - September 2006
Rane and Serato graft the box into the heart of a 56 and out comes the TTM-57SL - a 100% digital mixer that has the best of the 56 plus an extended feature set for SSL.
Rodec Scratchbox
Review by Deft - July 2006
It took a bloody long time to arrive but the Rodec Scratchbox is now alive and kicking. Deft checks out if beauty is more than skin deep and if the price tag matches the features.
Shure White Label
Review by Professor BX - December 2004
Image-wise in a league of it's own, ProfessorBX tests out these beautiful carts and sees if they stand up to the rigours of turntablism.
Shure 44-7 vs 44-G
Review by Professor BX - June 2004
Ever wanted to know the difference? Well ProfessorBX tried both at length and shares his findings.
Slikmats V1
Review by Gizmo - November 2003
If you want your own customs graphics on a pair of high quality mats, look no further. Gizmo indulges himself in self promotion and tests them out.
Stanton SA-5
Review by Deft - January 2005
Does having P&G's throughout and no knobs whatsoever make the SA-5 a turntablists dream? Rather than take the established blagging route, Deft bought one with his own cash and now shares his views.
Stanton STR8-150
Review by Wozza - January 2005
Stanton's flagship turntable is often overlooked. Guest reviewer Wozza however give his own a thorough test and likes what he finds.
Stanton SA12x
Review by Wozza - June 2005
On paper, Stanton's SA12 Craze signature mixer should be way more popular than it has been. Guest reviewer Wozza investigates the SA12x model and publishes his thoughts
Stanton Diablo Carts
Review by Gizmo - September 2007
Stanton bring the heat to HTFR with the exclusive Diablo cart. Offering solid all round performance for not much money, Gizmo plugs one in and puts on his shades.
Stanton ATM.6
Review by Gizmo - October 2007
Having spent thousands on gear and music, it pays to get quality audio output. Gizmo check out the Stanton ATM.6s to see if the quality matches the low price.
Stanton Cartridge Review
Review by Professor BX - January 2008
Stanton have a solid heritage in the DJ scene, none more dominant that the 500AL cart. But they do have a large range besides that. Professor BX puts them on his deck and tells it like it is.
Stanton c.324
Review by Gizmo - July 2008
Stanton are no strangers to CD decks, and the c.324 builds on the foundations or former models, fixes the mistakes and sits atop the Stanton product line. Gizmo plays, writes and posts.
Technics 1210 mk5
Review by Professor BX - December 2003
Following on from the legendary 1200mk2 and 3, Technics take the established leader and tweak it. ProfessorBX gives it the once over.
Technics SL-DZ1200
Review by Professor BX - November 2005
We all thought the world would never be the same again when Technics announced its entry into the CD scratching arena. But it was. Professor BX tells us why.
Thud Rumble Butter Rugs
Review by Gizmo - January 2004
They're slipmats but not as we know it. Most are some sort of thick felt but these are super thin. Do they work? Gizmo tests his pressie from Santa and spills the beans.
Thud Rumble Frosted Plates
Review by Gizmo - May 2007
Building on the success of Butter Rugs, Thud bring out a DIY version and add Flying Carpets into the mix. Gizmo breaks out the marker pen and sees what the fuss is about.
Urei 1601S
Review by Gizmo - November
Urei are well known for their club mixers so a scratch mixer comes as a bit of a surprise. Gizmo checks out this sampling battler and likes it.
Urei 1601E
Review by Gizmo - June 2006
Another scratch mixer from Urei? First plain, then sampler and now effects. But is 3 a crowd? Gizmo tells it like it is.
Vestax PMC-05 Pro III
Review by Gizmo - July 2004
The 05 Pro has been THE entry level mixer and indeed the favourite of many top DJ's. A spring clean and a send/recieve loop now adorn the 05 Pro II. Gizmo sees if it really is better than the old one.
Vestax PMC-007
Review by Deft - June 2004
The industry standard PMC 07 Pro gets a facelift, a new name a wealth of new features. But is good to mess with a classic? Deft and Gizmo don't think so...
Vestax PDX2000 mkII
Review by Gizmo - July 2004
The pretender to the Technics crown gets a facelift, fixing some old issues along the way. Gizmo test drives the new model to see if it is a 1210 beater.
Vestax PDX2300 mkII Pro
Review by Gizmo - September 2004
Did the best just get better? Take a 2000 MKII, add some bells and whistles and you have possibly the best deck on the planet. Gizmo finds out...
Vestax QFO
Review by Antwan - April 2005
The best reviewer of a product is an owner and that's exactly what guest reviewer Antwan did.
Vestax CDX-05
Review by Gizmo - November 2004
Vestax's first venture into the CD scratch arena is made even better by using the Tascam scratch interface. Gizmo puts both to the test.
Vestax PMC-08 Pro
Review by Gizmo - January 2006
The PMC is a hard act to follow. Can Vestax update the classic and embrace the digital age? Gizmo puts it to the test and finds out.
Vestax CF-CC
Review by Markski - February 2006
Faders are the beating heart of any mixer but some are better than others. Vestax have made a new replacement heart for their range of mixers. Markski from Pedestrian tries one out.
Vestax Handytrax
Review by Gizmo - July 2006
Music on the go was cracked by Sony with their Walkman. Vestax however want you to scratch and go. Gizmo takes it for a spin
Vestax QFO-LE
Review by Markski - March 2007
When the QFO hit the scene, it was greated with extremes of affection and hate, but above all the price seemed to hurt. Vestax strip out the chaff and bring you the QFO-LE
Vestax VCI-100
Review by Gizmo - March 2007
Not a review as such, Gizmo lays his hands on a pre-production model of the hottest MIDI controller and loves what he finds.
Vestax PDX3000
Review by Gizmo - August 2007
Vestax have always lived in the shadow of Technics. Trying to knock the 1210 off the throne has proved hard, but now the new PDX3000 comes along with vari-toque and a S-arm as well.
Vestax PMC-06 Pro VCA
Review by Gizmo - January 2008
The iconic and svelt has been around for eons, but Vestax just gave it a spring clean. So Gizmo took the opportunity to fill the narrow gap in the review list.
Vestax PMC-280
Review by Liam Parry - May 2007
A Vestax 4 channel mixer and effects within the grasp of a smaller wallet? Sure some mistake... apparently not. Liam Parry tears the Vestax PMC-280 apart.
Vestax PMC-580 Pro
Review by Deft - April 2008
Just when you though Vestax couldn't squeeze more controls on a mixer, out comes the 580 Pro. Deft tries to make sense of the controls and write a coherent review.
ZIP-LINQ Road Warrior Deluxe Kit
Review by Gizmo - August 2006
Need to be on the go and be able to plug in to anything? Ziplinq's Road Warrior Deluxe kits is the Swiss Army Knife of the USB world.
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