Scratch-Box.com Micro App

NOTE: I am populating content -- so if you see this message I am working on the data!!!

The Scratch-Box is LIVE.  Special thanks to Livid Instruments, DubSpot, Abboriginal Productions, Psymbionic Music,  and the folks at Deseo for providing the space for so many great minds to come together for SXSW 2011 and trade skills, music, and ideas.

All for the work related to the engineering of the unit, skills in use, technique, etc is covered by a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

What is the Scratch Box?

The scratch box is an in-line effect and mod (non-destructive) that allows one to “scratch” any incoming sound in real time as a thru-process (like a reverb pedal, where the sound goes in normal and comes out changed). The mod is nothing more than a gear box driving a potentiometer, and this ratio and control surface allows the effect to be generated, controlled, and cut with a DJ mixer (battle style). read more…

How does it work?

This sound is a byproduct of a certain type of delay algorithm.  By manipulating a single tap delay an interesting ‘warble’ happens.  When this warble is controlled via the mod (mentioned above) a DJ turntable ‘pitch compression and expansion’ occurs. With a little training and a battle mixer you are scratching! read more…

Can I get one?

Sorta.  Personally I have moved on to the next part of this project plus I am not interested in manufacturing these units.  So there are a few ways to get one:

1. Make it yourself! I provide all the information and do keep some of the hard to find parts to help. I will also support any user who wants to take this on!
2. Work out a deal.  If you are interested in manufacturing this unit, really want one fast and like to give me money, or something in that area contact me. (if you are a manufacturer you will be interested in the new phases of the unit)
3. I will be doing (very) short runs of this item as the interest arises.  The tentative (not confirmed) price for a hand built (by me) unit is $249.

For any of the above circumstances, please email me directly at marc [at] CreativeElectronica [dot] com or read more…

Can I make one?

Yup.  $40-80 in parts -- you are there. read more…

What else do I need?

There are 2 key components that you will additionally need:

1. Delay Pedal (see list of compatible pedals)
2. DJ Mixer READ ME!

Can you come and present this technology in my area?

For sure. Contact me about performance / workshops via marc [at] CreativeElectronica [dot] com -- I workshop and consult on may end game topics in Ableton, electronic music, programming, and engineering as well as consult on starting technology groups such as our local Colorado Ableton User Group.

Is this really free, don’t you want to make money?

I am so sick of this question.  Really. In short:

• Yes free, take the knowledge and run! Please do give me credit (note the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License)
• Yes I want to make money. I don’t want to spend $20,000+ on a patent, and another $10,000 to collect $5000.
• You can steal my information and possibly make a ton of money off the idea. You woudl be a jerk and the internet will know where this idea originated and how/where you stole it from.  I believe in karma. I am also a big fan of guns. Don’t be a dick.
• I am releasing this information because I have completed this phase of the project.  I built this unit for myself to fill my needs.  My needs far outweigh the desire to enter the music gear manufacturing, sales, and support realm.
• Being a programmer by trade I see the value of sharing knowledge and I support this idea as frequently as I can.
• To “sell” the unit takes my time away from development. The next phases of this project are so awesome I don’t want to loose any time on making money. I will cash the check, but I got a lot of engineering to do!
• I want others to make this type of technology and gain the skills. From this exchange I will grow as an artist and my product will get better!
• There are so many reasons.

Can I help?

Sure. I am most in need of (traditional) electrical engineers, embedded programmers, and small manufacturing companies (aluminum, plastics, water jet, laser cutter, general metal working shops).  Contact me directly via marc [at] CreativeElectronica [dot] com

Legal mumbo-jumbo.

I claim no responsibility for anything breaking, any damages done, etc. Using a scratch box controller building one, or any thing suggested in this micro-app is to be performed AT YOUR OWN RISK! This app is nothing more than an information source and portal for my personal project. The information is released via a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License in the interest of sharing and exchange of knowledge and ideas.

Scratch Box by DJNSM is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.