Stanton states:

"Since the announcement of our FinalScratch Open strategy, the Stanton Group has had a number of inquiries regarding software Intel-based Mac compatibility solutions for existing FinalScratch 2 users.

We are doing everything we can to help by working with FinalScratch Open software partners for development of new solutions and hold a great deal of respect and appreciation for our user base, but need to reiterate that this is strictly a software-based issue.

The ScratchAmp is and always has been fully compatible with all Mac technology, but an Intel-compatible update for FS2 users on the software side was never developed, and all of Stanton's requests for this software update have been denied by the developer.

Currently, we do not develop software in-house, we are hardware experts, so the solution we developed was to open up our hardware code to all software houses to offer our customers as many options as possible rather than choosing for them by becoming exclusive with a new partner.

We would also like to stress the fact that we are open to offering compatibility to ALL developers, including NI, and any others who may choose to stand behind the ScratchAmp and implement our code in their programs, present and future. We invite you to encourage your software company to make their developments ScratchAmp-compatible!

"For any hardware-related issues, we are always available for questions and support at fssupport@finalscratch.com or via the helpline at (954) 316-1500 (option 4) Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. EST. At this time, for software solutions, including Intel Mac–compatibility questions, please contact Native Instruments."

Native Instruments responds:

"Native Instruments would like to clarify several aspects of its involvement with the FinalScratch system and address potential misperceptions related to a recent statement from Stanton Magnetics.

"FinalScratch is a product of Stanton Magnetics, who bear the full responsibility for all aspects of the system's development, maintenance and support towards their customers.

"Stanton Magnetics never requested the development of a Mac Intel-compatible version of the FinalScratch software within a reasonable timeframe before the partnership of the two companies ended. Native Instruments has completely fulfilled all development and support responsibilities towards Stanton Magnetics.

"Native Instruments had originally planned to maintain FinalScratch compatibility in Traktor 3 for an indefinite amount of time. Stanton Magnetics has, however, issued and never retracted a legal statement that has forced Native Instruments to remove FinalScratch timecode compatibility from the Traktor platform. The announcement of the FinalScratch Open program in January 2007 has not relieved Native Instruments from this specific legal constraint.

"In the meantime, Native Instruments has made extensive changes to the Traktor platform as part of the Traktor Scratch product development, including new high-resolution vinyl control technology. Reimplementing FinalScratch support into the Traktor software at this point would mean reversing months of development work and would therefore be a prohibitive effort.

"To provide a favorable alternative, Native Instruments will instead offer a special crossgrade that will allow FinalScratch owners to switch to the Traktor Scratch system at greatly reduced costs while even allowing them to keep their FinalScratch system.

"Native Instruments is determined to accommodate FinalScratch users in the best possible way and is confident that it is taking the most effective steps to further advance the cause of digital DJing."

For more information, visit www.stantondj.com and www.native-instruments.com.