Scratch Markup Language (SML) is a new file format that has been created and developed by F.A.T with the sole purpose of being able to record and replay turntablism. The new file format has been entered into this year’s Art Hack in Brooklyn.
Open-source tools have also been developed that enable DJ’s to accurately capture record and crossfader movements of a scratch. These tools can then be analyzed, transcribed, and used to recreate scratch performances. Watch the video after the jump to see it in action.
How Scratch Markup Language Works
The scratching data is recorded and captured by an Arduino device, which monitors the position of the crossfader. This device is paired with a timecode vinyl, commonly used as an input by digital DJing systems like Torq, Serato, and Traktor, to keep track of how the decks were manipulated. The Arduino device captures the precise movements of the crossfader and the vinyl, ensuring that every nuance of the DJ’s performance is recorded.
The recorded data is then converted into the Scratch Markup Language format, which can be used to replay the performance with high fidelity. This allows DJs to share their scratch routines with others, who can then load the SML file into their own systems and recreate the performance exactly as it was originally played.
Applications and Future Potential
During the Brooklyn Art Hack, the recorded data was also converted to the open OSC format, which enabled other participants to create visualizations that reacted to the DJ’s performance. This opens up a wide range of possibilities for integrating turntablism with other forms of digital art and performance. For example, a DJ’s scratch performance could be used to control visual effects in a live show, creating a more immersive and interactive experience for the audience.
Moreover, the ability to accurately capture and replay scratch performances has significant implications for the education and preservation of turntablism. Aspiring DJs can study the techniques of masters by analyzing SML files, and historical performances can be preserved in a digital format for future generations.
The development of Scratch Markup Language also paves the way for new creative tools and applications. For instance, software could be developed to allow DJs to edit their scratch performances in a digital audio workstation, much like how producers edit tracks in a DAW. This could lead to new forms of music production that blend live performance with digital editing.
In conclusion, Scratch Markup Language represents a significant advancement in the field of turntablism. By providing a standardized format for recording and replaying scratch performances, it opens up new possibilities for creativity, education, and preservation. As the technology continues to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative applications and tools that build on the foundation laid by SML.
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