Stanton C.324 Starting Playback, Stopping Playback, Cueing, Beat Matching, Vinyl and Scratching

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Manual_C324-A Originator: HANPIN 01/10/2008 Size: 215.9*279.4mm Pages 12

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

STARTING PLAYBACK

Press the PLAY/PAUSE button during the pause or cue mode to start playback. The PLAY/PAUSE button illuminates with a solid green light during playback.

STOPPING PLAYBACK

There are two ways to stop playback. Press the PLAY/PAUSE button during playback to pause at that point, or press the CUE button during playback to return to the position at which playback started.

CUEING

Cueing is the action of preparing tracks for playback. When the CUE button is pressed, playback returns to the cue point and enters pause mode. When the PLAY/PAUSE button is pressed during the cue mode, playback starts. Playback can also be resumed from cue mode by pressing the PLAY/PAUSE while holding the CUE button. This same action can be performed on the memory pads.

Auto Cue

The unit’s Auto Cue function will automatically set the first cue point at the beginning of each track. To return to that cue point, simply press the cue button. To save that cue point, hit save and press any pad. If the pad already has a cue point, it will be replaced.

To turn Auto Cue on and off, hold down the SGL/CTN button. When Auto Cue is on, the display will show A. Cue

Setting Cue Points

There are several ways to set and recall cue points, either in real-time to enhance a performance and create cool effects, or offline for fine adjustments.

During playback, press any empty memory pad to set a cue point on the fly. The pad’s indicator will flash red while saving the cue point, and then turn to green to show it is ready for playback. Press it again to return to the cue point in real-time. Once the cue has been recalled, the indicator will turn red to show playback was started from that cue point.

During playback in vinyl mode, touch the platter and press the CUE button to set a new cue point. The unit will enter pause / cue mode.

During pause mode, use the jog wheel to find the right cue point. In CD mode (vinyl off), the unit will repeat the same frame over and over, creating a stutter effect. This function is called Frame Search. While the CUE button is flashing, press it to select the cue point.

HINT: Anytime the CUE button is flashing, it means it is ready to save a new cue point. In vinyl mode, the platter will act just like a turntable.

BEAT MATCHING

Adjusting the Pitch

With your first deck playing and your second deck cued, start playback in sync with the downbeat of the song playing on the other deck. Quickly adjust the pitch using the PITCH SLIDER to match the tempo of deck one. Moving the slider up (away from you) will decrease the tempo, while moving it down will increase the tempo.

Pitch Bending

As you are finding the right tempo, the track position will drift until it is fine- tuned and the tempo is matched. Pitch Bending provides a quick fix to keep the position as close as possible to deck one. Pressing the PITCH BEND – or PITCH BEND + buttons will decrease or increase the speed of playback temporarily. The extent to which the speed is changed is proportionate to the amount of time the button is pressed. For example, if the PITCH BEND

+button is held in continuously, the speed continues to increase until the maximum limit set by the PITCH RANGE is reached.

Once the PITCH BEND + button is released the pitch will return to the pitch set by the PITCH SLIDER.

The jog wheel can also be used to temporarily bend the pitch of the music during normal playback. Rotate the wheel clockwise to speed up and counterclockwise to slow down. The speed that you rotate the jog wheel determines the percent of pitch bend. It is recommended that you use the outer edge of the jog wheel for this type of control, as touching the top surface may cause interruption of playback in certain modes of operation.

Key Lock

This function allows the tempo or BPM of the music to be altered without affecting the musical key. While this button is illuminated, the key will be locked at zero. This is handy when accelerating tracks to avoid the chipmunk effect.

VINYL AND SCRATCHING

Vinyl Mode

In vinyl mode the inner jog wheel will simulate the behavior of a turntable. The top surface of the wheel is touch sensitive. Putting your hand on the wheel will stop playback, as it would on a vinyl record. Once playback is stopped, moving the wheel back and forth will create a scratching effect, like on an analog turntable.

To activate vinyl mode, press the VINYL button.

Adjusting the Vinyl Start and Brake times

You can adjust the start and brake times so it starts up like a turntable when pressing the PLAY/PAUSE button while in vinyl mode.

Hold the VINYL button until is starts flashing.

Use the encoder labeled VINYL START (left) to adjust the start time. Simply turning the encoder will fine-tune the start time. For a faster adjustment, push down on the encoder while turning the outer jog wheel.

Use the right encoder, labeled VINYL BRAKE to adjust the brake time. Follow the same instructions as for the start time.

Press the VINYL button to exit.

Touch Rewind

With this feature active, every time you touch the top wheel surface, playback will pause and return to the last cue point. Upon releasing the wheel, playback will resume from that cue point. This enables a quick and effective beat juggling effect with a single record… or CD rather.

To activate Touch Rewind mode, press the TOUCH REWIND button.

USING EFFECTS

Effects

There are seven on-board effects: auto filter, manual filter, echo, pan, phase, flanger, and transformer. Up to three effects can be used simultaneously.

To activate an effect, simply tap the desired FX SELECT button. Both filters are activated via the FILTER button. The manual filter is activated by holding down the button until it lights up green.

Parameters

Use the Time Division Indicators to change the effects time in sync with the music, or the FX TIME encoder to adjust it manually. When 1/4 is selected, the activated effect will modulate with every quarter beat; 1/2 signifies half beats; 3/4 signifies three quarter beats; 1/1 signifies one beat; 2/1 signifies 2 beats; and 4/1 signifies 4 beats (1 measure).

The FX RATIO encoder controls the depth, feedback, or level, depending on the effect. This parameter can also be controlled by the outer jog wheel by activating the OUTER JOG button.

Hint: With OUTER JOG active, turn on the manual filter by holding the FILTER button. Now, turn the outer wheel to create a filter sweep.

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Contents 324 Important Safety Precautions Main Features InformationControl Overview TOP PanelTOP Panel LCD Display SET UP Operating InstructionsUpdating Firmware Eject FunctionUsing Effects Starting PlaybackStopping Playback CueingUsing Samples LoopsMemory Pads Sampler Step SequencerSample mode LED on Saving Presets and CUE PointsTransport Real-Time Sequencing Sample Mode Warranty & Return Policy Power Supply Power ConsumptionDimensions Weight

C.324 specifications

The Stanton C.324 is an advanced turntable designed for audiophiles and DJs alike, combining high-end features with cutting-edge technology to provide an exceptional listening experience. Known for its precision and reliability, the C.324 has set a new standard in the realm of vinyl playback.

One of the most notable features of the Stanton C.324 is its direct-drive motor system, which ensures a stable platter rotation without the speed fluctuations often associated with belt-driven models. This direct-drive mechanism allows for quick start-up times and high torque, making it ideal for DJs who require consistent performance during live sets. Additionally, the turntable offers a variable pitch control feature, granting users the ability to adjust the playback speed accurately for beatmatching and creative mixing.

The C.324 is equipped with a heavy-duty aluminum platter that adds both durability and stability to the system. This design choice minimizes resonance and improves sound quality, providing a clean and accurate playback of your favorite records. The turntable also features a robust construction, with a rigid chassis that helps to further isolate unwanted vibrations, ensuring a highly detailed and dynamic audio experience.

Another significant aspect of the Stanton C.324 is its professional-grade tonearm, designed to minimize tracking error and maintain a consistent contact with the record groove. The tonearm incorporates adjustable attributes such as anti-skate and cueing mechanisms that offer precision and ease of use. It supports interchangeable headshells, allowing users to customize their setup with different cartridges based on personal preference and playback needs.

Connectivity options on the C.324 add to its functionality. The turntable features both RCA outputs for connection to standard audio systems and a built-in USB output, enabling easy digitization of vinyl records for modern listening environments. This combination keeps the C.324 relevant in a digital age while respecting the analog roots of vinyl.

In summary, the Stanton C.324 is a versatile turntable that appeals to both casual listeners and professional DJs. With its direct-drive motor, solid construction, adjustable tonearm, and modern connectivity options, it delivers unrivaled performance and reliability. Whether you're spinning records at a party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, the C.324 stands out as a premium choice for vinyl enthusiasts.