Numark unveils Scratch: The Ultimate DJ controller

Has Numark brought its experience to bear on the Scratch controller?
Has Numark brought its experience to bear on the Scratch controller?

Having observed Activision showing off pics of its DJ Hero controller earlier this month, Numark has now taken the wraps off the hardware that it's produced for rival game Scratch: The Ultimate DJ.

There are no real surprises in the design, which features a free-spinning, touch-sensitive turntable, a crossfader and five Akai MPC-style drum pads (Numark and Akai are now effectively one and the same company, let's not forget).

More noteworthy is the fact that, as well as being able to trigger sounds that come with the game, players will be able to record their own via a USB microphone.

The hardware also features standard controls that are common to other rhythm-based games, and it can be used in right- and left-handed configurations.

Authentic

"For decades, Numark has been developing turntables, DJ mixers and digital DJ controllers," commented Numark's Director of Business Development Adam Cohen.

"We know what professional DJs demand, and we used that knowledge to produce Scratch Deck. It was critical that we deliver an authentic DJ experience to gamers, whether they be experienced DJs or players who have never put a needle to vinyl."

We'll see just how authentic that experience is when Scratch: The Ultimate DJ is released in Autumn 2009. It'll be available for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

(Via Engadget)

Numark scratch controller

Numark scratch controller
Ben Rogerson
Deputy Editor

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it.