Thenatan has released SKR8, a new scratch and turntable plugin for macOS and Windows. Instead of playing back samples, SKR8 processes your own audio in real time. You draw scratch motion across eight tempo-synced tables. Or you can load one of 22 hand-modelled turntablist techniques. Five turntable models add distinct character. The plugin also includes turntable FX like stop, start, and backspin. Manual Scratch mode turns a single knob into the record. Everything is automatable and tempo-synced.

Real-Time Scratch Engine

SKR8 doesn’t play scratch samples. It uses a seekable, reversible platter engine. You draw curves on each table. Above the middle line pulls forward, below spins back. Sharp spikes create stabs, slow arcs create drags. Snap the grid to musical divisions for beat-perfect cuts. Or turn snapping off for a human feel. You can randomize tables or flip the whole routine in reverse.

22 Turntablist Techniques

Each table has a dropdown with 22 techniques. These range from Baby, Forward, Stab, and Tear to Chop, Flare, Crab, Scribble, Twiddle, and more. The techniques are grouped into foundations, fader work, fast ones, slow ones, holds, and silence. Load one and then drag its points to customize.

Five Turntable Models

The same motion sounds different on each model. INFERNO offers a clean, dramatic pitch throw. DUST adds bit-crunch hiss. RATCHET includes a mechanical chop. SAWBLADE provides a denser chop with grit. TREMOR delivers a fast wobble. Each has its own animated platter graphic.

Turntable FX and Manual Scratch

The plugin models the motor’s behaviour. Stop/Start ramps have independent time controls. Back/Forward spins the platter backward or forward. The Live Platter shows the motion on screen. In Manual Scratch mode, a single knob becomes the record. You can automate it in your DAW.

Tempo Sync and Presets

One Speed knob offers 24 musical divisions, from 8/1 to 1/64. It follows your DAW tempo. The Mix knob blends dry and wet signals. 50 factory presets cover styles like Boom Bap Basics, Lofi Late Night, Crab Strut, and Chaos Theory.

Features

• Real turntable engine – no samples
• 8 tempo-synced scratch tables
• 22 turntablist techniques
• 5 turntable models
• Turntable FX: stop, start, backspin
• Manual Scratch mode
• 50 presets
• VST, VST3, AU (64-bit)
• Native Apple Silicon support

Price and Availability

SKR8 is available now for $49. A 72-hour intro price drops it to $9. Every copy also includes RWND, Thenatan’s halftime and reverse plugin, worth $79.50, free. After the intro period, SKR8 returns to $49 and RWND to $79.50. The plugin runs on Windows 7+ and macOS with native M1/M2/M+ support. It requires a serial number, no iLok. Formats are VST, VST3, and AU. No AAX support is included.

More info: Thenatan | SKR8