Sxratch: Your Personal Virtual Scratcher from Klanglabs
Discover the world of hip-hop, turntablism, and experimental music with Sxratch – a unique virtual instrument from Klanglabs that transforms your DAW into a real scratch console! Sxratch is not just an effect; it is a full-fledged instrument that allows you to upload your own audio files and manipulate their playback as if you were working with a vinyl record on a DJ player.
Created for musicians, beatmakers, and sound designers, Sxratch offers an intuitive interface and a powerful set of features for creating authentic scratch sounds, loops, and experimental sound textures. Forget about complex equipment – all you need is your computer and this plugin!
Sound Filtering
The filtering section gives you control over the timbre of the scratched sound, allowing you to shape its character and integrate it into the mix.
- Resonance: Adds or removes resonance in the filter cutoff frequency area, making the sound more expressive or smoother.
- High Freqs: Controls the level of high frequencies. Reducing it can create a more vintage or “worn” sound, while increasing it can add clarity.
- Low Freqs: Controls the level of low frequencies. This is useful for controlling the “punch” of the scratch or for creating a lighter texture.
By playing with these parameters, you can get a wide range of sounds – from classic hip-hop scratches to lo-fi effects and distortion.
Scratch Sensitivity Settings
The sensitivity section is key to achieving the desired feel and accuracy of scratch movements.
- Start and End: These knobs define the start and end points of the range in the loaded file within which scratching will occur. This is extremely useful for highlighting specific snippets or beats for manipulation, allowing you to focus on the most interesting parts of your sample and ensuring the accuracy of movements.
- Accel (Acceleration): Controls the “acceleration” or inertia of the virtual player after you release the scratch slider. High values simulate a quick fading of the sound, like on vinyl, while low values create a smoother continuation of playback. This adds realism and dynamics to your scratches.
- SMTH (Smoothing): Adjusts the smoothness of transitions between different scratch speeds. Low values create sharp, choppy movements, typical for aggressive scratching, while high values make the movements smoother and more musical. This parameter allows you to customize the “feel” of the instrument to your style.
Main Control Elements
The main section contains vital functions for overall sound and playback control.
- VOL: The master volume control that allows you to set the overall output level of the plugin in your mix.
- PITCH: Adjusts the “speed” of playback of your sample, simulating a change in vinyl record speed. This is a classic effect used in scratching to create a variety of sounds, from low “cow” moans to high squeaks. The RESET button allows you to instantly return the pitch to its original value.
- REW: The button to play the sound backward. Adds another dimension for experimentation and creating unexpected sound effects.
Working with Files
Sxratch specializes in working with audio, and this section makes the uploading and recording process as simple as possible.
- FILE button: Click on it to upload your own file in *.wav format. Remember that Sxratch works best with files shorter than 10 seconds, which is ideal for snippets, vocal phrases, drum sounds, or any other short samples you want to “scratch”.
- Record button: A unique feature that allows you to record the incoming signal directly into the plugin. This is extremely convenient for live performances or jam sessions, where you can quickly record a snippet from another instrument, vocals, or even sound from a microphone and immediately start scratching it. This opens up endless possibilities for improvisation and interactive work with sound.
Sxratch from Klanglabs is a powerful and fun tool for adding dynamic, rhythmic, and unique sounds to your tracks. Whether you’re creating hip-hop, electronic music, experimental soundscapes, or just want to add unusual elements to your mix, Sxratch will provide you with the necessary tools for creativity. Download your samples, record live audio, and start scratching!
