As of November, 2011, Serato Scratch Live is the industry-leading vinyl emulation application for live DJ performance. It is designed to work with Serato’s Rane series of DJ hardware, such as the Rane SL4 and the Rane TTM 57SL. Serato’s goal is to provide DJs with complete performance solutions in which Scratch Live can be combined with their hardware in such a way that third-party applications and devices are not necessary. However, DJs can use third-party turntables and other sound sources with Scratch Live if desired.
Unlike Scratch Live, Final Scratch is primarily hardware-based, although it does require connection to a computer running an application called Traktor, provided by Native Instruments. The Final Scratch interface includes a variety of connectors, including MIDI inputs and outputs, audio pass-throughs and audio outputs, allowing for a wide range of setup options. It also has on-board audio controls that centralize the user’s control of most parameters during performance.
Scratch Live and Final Scratch have some features in common in the context of live DJ performance. For example, both can function with a wide variety of devices without significant compatibility issues or latency. The two systems are also cross-platform, running equally well under Windows or Mac OS X. Both have comprehensive scratching and mixing functionality, with neither system having a significant edge over the other in this regard. Both can also utilize and manipulate input from a variety of sound sources, including vinyl, CD and a variety of audio file formats.
The primary difference between the two lies in the fact that Final Scratch is primarily hardware-based and Scratch Live is more software-based in terms of control. Most of Final Scratch’s functions can be manipulated directly from the audio interface, whereas most of Scratch Live’s functionality is managed from the user’s computer. Also significant is the fact that Final Scratch, though still widely used, was officially discontinued by Stanton in the mid-2000s and is no longer supported. In contrast, Serato’s Scratch Live continues to be developed and supported, giving it a significant edge in this regard. However, if cost is a concern, it should be noted that Scratch Live is considerably more expensive than Final Scratch. As of November 2011, Scratch Live's price ranges between $500 and $600 USD depending on where you buy. Final Scratch is no longer available retail -- its price will depend on the present state of the second-hand market, but will be lower than Scratch Live in any case.