Choosing timecode vinyl is less about color and more about software compatibility, pair count, and how you want to control digital tracks. My leading pick for most Serato DJs is the Serato Control Vinyl 12-inch Pair Blue, which combines a two-record set with stated support for Serato DJ Pro and Scratch Live. For a clearly specified Performance Series option, the Serato Control Vinyl Pair Clear highlights NoiseMap Control Tone. VirtualDJ users have a different match in the VirtualDJ Timecode Control Vinyl, sold as one record rather than a pair.
These choices are not interchangeable: Serato records are intended for Serato setups, while the VirtualDJ disc is tied to VirtualDJ. I’ve ranked the options around practical buying differences, giving priority to a usable pair and stated compatibility, then separating color variants and platform-specific alternatives. The tradeoff is straightforward: choose software fit and the number of records you need before choosing appearance.
Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
- The blue Serato pair is my best all-around choice because it provides two 12-inch records and lists compatibility with both Serato DJ Pro and Serato Scratch Live.
- The clear Serato Performance Series pair specifically lists NoiseMap Control Tone, but its appearance may vary and the product still requires compatible Serato hardware and software.
- The black Serato Performance Series pair is a straightforward choice for Scratch Live users, but its listing does not state DJ Pro compatibility.
- The VirtualDJ timecode record is the only option here aimed at VirtualDJ users, but it contains one record, so a two-turntable setup may need another.
- The red Serato pair offers the same listed size and software compatibility as the blue pair; choose between them mainly by color preference and availability.
| Serato Control Vinyl 12″ Pair Blue |  | Best Overall for Serato DJ Pro and Scratch Live | Format: Pair of control vinyl records | Record size: 12 inches | Color: Blue | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Serato Control Vinyl 12″ Pair Clear |  | Best for Serato DJs Seeking the Performance Series | Format: Pair | Record size: 12 inches | Color: Clear; appearance may vary | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Serato Performance Series Control Vinyl (Pair) Black |  | Best for Scratch Live Users Who Prefer a Plain Black Pair | Format: Pair | Record diameter: 12 inches | Color: Black | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| VirtualDJ Timecode Control Vinyl (Black) |  | Best for VirtualDJ Setups | Format: Single control vinyl record | Record size: 12 inches | Color: Black | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Serato Control Vinyl 12″ Pair Red |  | Best Red Serato Pair | Format: Pair of control vinyl records | Record size: 12 inches | Color: Red | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| timecode vinyl set | Format | Color | Record size | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serato Control Vinyl 12" Pair | Pair of control vinyl records | Blue | 12 inches | Serato DJ Pro and Serato Scratch Live |
| Serato Control Vinyl 12" Pair | Pair | Clear; appearance may vary | 12 inches | Compatible Serato hardware and software required |
| Serato Performance Series Cont | Pair | Black | — | — |
| VirtualDJ Timecode Control Vin | Single control vinyl record | Black | 12 inches | — |
| Serato Control Vinyl 12" Pair | Pair of control vinyl records | Red | 12 inches | Serato DJ Pro and Serato Scratch Live |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Serato Control Vinyl 12″ Pair Blue
I rank the blue Serato pair first because its listing gives the clearest combination of everyday usefulness: two 12-inch records and compatibility with both Serato DJ Pro and Serato Scratch Live. That makes it a more flexible Serato choice than the black Performance Series pair, whose stated compatibility is limited to Scratch Live. For a DJ who wants to scratch, cue, and spin back digital files from turntables, a pair also fits a two-record setup without needing to source a second disc separately.
The described high sensitivity and response are relevant because a control record translates physical movement into control of a digital track; responsive handling is the point of choosing vinyl timecode over a different control method. The blue color is a visual choice rather than a stated performance feature. I would pick it over the red pair only if blue better suits the booth or makes records easier to distinguish; the supplied information does not point to a control advantage over red.
The main limitation is platform dependence. This is not a general-purpose timecode pair for VirtualDJ or other software, and it does not come with the software or hardware needed to use it. I place it above the clear pair for broad stated Serato compatibility and a simple specification set, while the clear option may appeal more to buyers who specifically want the Performance Series NoiseMap wording. If your setup is already built around Serato, this is the most balanced starting point in this group.
Pros:- Includes two 12-inch control records.
- Lists compatibility with both Serato DJ Pro and Serato Scratch Live.
- Designed for responsive control of digital tracks, including scratching and spinbacks.
- Manufactured in the USA, according to the supplied product details.
Cons:- Requires a compatible Serato setup; it is not a standalone product.
- The blue color does not provide a stated functional advantage over the red pair.
- No needles, turntables, interface, or software are listed as included.
Best for: Serato DJ Pro or Scratch Live users who need two 12-inch control records and want a straightforward, broadly compatible Serato pair.
Not ideal for: VirtualDJ users, DJs without compatible Serato software and hardware, or buyers who need a complete timecode setup rather than records alone.
- Format:Pair of control vinyl records
- Record size:12 inches
- Color:Blue
- Compatibility:Serato DJ Pro and Serato Scratch Live
- Control use:Manipulating, scratching, and spinning back digital files
- Response:High sensitivity and response, as described by the listing
- Manufacture location:USA
Our verdict“I’d choose the blue pair as the most versatile Serato option here, provided your software and hardware already support it.”
Serato Control Vinyl 12″ Pair Clear
The clear Performance Series pair is my pick for Serato users who want the listing to call out a specific control-tone feature. It describes NoiseMap Control Tone and an authentic vinyl feel, alongside high sensitivity and response. Those details make it the more explicitly feature-described Serato entry here. Compared with the blue and red pairs, however, the provided descriptions do not name Serato DJ Pro and Scratch Live as directly, so I would check that the exact version suits my Serato setup before ordering.
It comes as two 12-inch records, matching the practical package size of the blue, red, and black Serato choices. That makes it more immediately suited to a two-turntable arrangement than the single VirtualDJ disc. Its clear finish can help distinguish it visually from ordinary records, though the listing warns that color and appearance may vary. I would not select it on the assumption that every copy has an identical look.
The tradeoff is that its extra feature detail does not make it platform-neutral. It still requires compatible Serato hardware and software, and product variations are possible. I rank it behind the blue pair for a general Serato recommendation because the blue listing states compatibility with both named Serato programs more plainly. For a buyer who values the Performance Series description and NoiseMap reference, the clear version offers a more specifically framed choice without changing the basic two-record format.
Pros:- Includes two 12-inch control vinyl records.
- The listing identifies NoiseMap Control Tone for precise tracking.
- Described as offering an authentic vinyl feel and high sensitivity.
- Provides a distinct clear appearance compared with the black, blue, and red options.
Cons:- Requires compatible Serato software and hardware.
- Color and appearance may vary between records or manufacturing runs.
- The supplied description is less explicit about named software versions than the blue and red listings.
Best for: Serato DJs who want a two-record Performance Series pair with NoiseMap Control Tone identified in the product description.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need guaranteed uniform clear appearance, users of non-Serato platforms, or anyone who has not confirmed compatibility with their exact setup.
- Format:Pair
- Record size:12 inches
- Color:Clear; appearance may vary
- Series:Serato Performance Series
- Control tone:NoiseMap Control Tone
- Compatibility:Compatible Serato hardware and software required
- Model number:SCV-PS-CLE-OV
- Unit count:2
Our verdict“I’d choose the clear pair for its stated Performance Series and NoiseMap details, after confirming it matches my Serato hardware and software.”
Serato Performance Series Control Vinyl (Pair) Black
This black Serato Performance Series pair makes the most sense for DJs who use Serato Scratch Live and want a conventional-looking set of two records. Its stated purpose is focused: 12-inch control vinyl optimized for Scratch Live performance. That narrower wording puts it behind the blue pair for buyers who want a listing that also names Serato DJ Pro. It is also less feature-specific than the clear Performance Series option, which expressly mentions NoiseMap Control Tone.
The appeal is simplicity. The package includes two black 12-inch records, so it suits a two-turntable configuration better than the one-record VirtualDJ product. Black also avoids the visible color-variation question raised by the clear pair, though appearance alone should not drive the choice. The listing provides a product weight and dimensions, but no additional accessories or features are included, so buyers should treat this as control media rather than a ready-to-play package.
I would place this behind the blue and clear Serato options because its product information gives a more restricted software description and fewer stated control details. That does not make it a poor fit for its audience: a Scratch Live DJ who wants a pair and values a standard black look may prefer its directness. Skip it if you need confirmed DJ Pro support, want NoiseMap specifically named, or expect a needle, cable, interface, or software to come in the box.
Pros:- Includes two 12-inch control records.
- Designed specifically for Serato Scratch Live, according to the listing.
- Black finish offers a conventional look that pairs easily with standard DJ equipment.
- Product dimensions and package weight are supplied.
Cons:- The listing focuses on Scratch Live rather than naming Serato DJ Pro.
- No additional features or accessories are included.
- The provided details do not mention NoiseMap Control Tone.
Best for: Scratch Live DJs who want a pair of black 12-inch control records and do not need extra accessories.
Not ideal for: DJs seeking clearly stated Serato DJ Pro compatibility, VirtualDJ users, or buyers who want an explicitly listed NoiseMap feature.
- Format:Pair
- Record diameter:12 inches
- Color:Black
- Software stated:Serato Scratch Live
- Product dimensions:12.01 x 0.12 x 12.01 inches
- Package weight:0.56 kilograms
- Included accessories:No additional features or accessories listed
Our verdict“I’d pick the black pair for a Scratch Live setup, but the blue pair is a safer choice when broader stated Serato compatibility matters.”
VirtualDJ Timecode Control Vinyl (Black)
For a VirtualDJ user, this is the platform-specific pick in a lineup otherwise dominated by Serato. The 12-inch black record is described as a way to cue, scratch, and mix digital tracks with an authentic turntable feel, while integrating with VirtualDJ software. That makes it a better software match than any Serato-branded option for a VirtualDJ-centered rig, regardless of the Serato pairs’ broader named compatibility within their own platform.
The package difference matters: this listing states one record, while the Serato choices come as pairs. A single disc may suit a one-turntable setup, a replacement need, or a buyer building a system in stages. For two timecode decks, it is not a full pair by itself, so I would account for the additional record before treating it as a complete set. The product description also refers to precise timecode markings and durable construction, though buyers should not assume those claims mean it will work with other DJ software.
I rank it fourth overall because its platform fit is valuable but narrower, and the single-record count is less convenient for a two-deck buyer. That order is not a judgment on VirtualDJ itself: if that is your software, this is the only directly aligned product among these five. Skip it if you use Serato or expect two records in one package. Its role is clear, but so is its limitation.
Pros:- Designed for integration with VirtualDJ software.
- 12-inch format supports a familiar turntable-style control approach.
- The product description highlights cueing, scratching, and mixing digital tracks.
- Black appearance is a simple match for standard DJ equipment.
Cons:- Only one record is listed, unlike the Serato pairs.
- The listing says it is compatible with VirtualDJ only.
- Turntables, software, and other setup components are not listed as included.
Best for: VirtualDJ users who need a 12-inch control record for a compatible turntable setup, especially as a replacement or single-deck option.
Not ideal for: Serato users, buyers who need two records in one package, or DJs who have not verified the record works with their specific VirtualDJ setup.
- Format:Single control vinyl record
- Record size:12 inches
- Color:Black
- Software compatibility:VirtualDJ
- Unit count:1
- Manufacturer:VirtualDJ
- Listed dimensions:12 x 12 x 12 inches
- Intended use:Cueing, scratching, and mixing digital tracks
Our verdict“I’d choose this only for a VirtualDJ system, and I’d plan for a second record if I need timecode on two decks.”
Serato Control Vinyl 12″ Pair Red
The red Serato pair shares the core practical case of the blue option: two 12-inch records with stated compatibility for Serato DJ Pro and Serato Scratch Live. It is therefore a sensible alternative when color is part of how a DJ organizes a booth or wants the control records to stand apart. Based on the supplied details, I see no stated tracking or response advantage over the blue pair; the meaningful difference is appearance, not a different software role.
That places it below the blue option in this ranking, but not because it is less suited to Serato. The blue listing provides a similarly broad fit and calls out manufacture in the USA, while the red listing emphasizes sensitivity, response, and durable construction. For practical use, both are designed to manipulate, scratch, and spin back digital files. If you are choosing between them, color preference and what is actually available matter more than any performance distinction established by these descriptions.
Like the other Serato records, the red pair is not a complete DJ system. It needs compatible software and hardware, and its stated use is digital DJing rather than general vinyl playback. Compared with the clear pair, it does not call out NoiseMap Control Tone; compared with the black pair, it names both Serato programs. I would choose it as a direct Serato pair when red fits my setup, while buyers seeking an explicitly described Performance Series feature should look at the clear option instead.
Pros:- Includes two 12-inch control vinyl records.
- Lists compatibility with Serato DJ Pro and Serato Scratch Live.
- Designed for responsive manipulation, scratching, and spinbacks.
- Red color makes the pair easy to distinguish visually.
Cons:- Requires compatible Serato software and hardware.
- The description does not state a performance difference from the blue pair.
- NoiseMap Control Tone is not listed as a feature.
Best for: Serato DJ Pro or Scratch Live users who want a two-record set in red and do not need a specifically stated NoiseMap feature.
Not ideal for: VirtualDJ users, buyers who prefer a neutral or clear look, and DJs looking for a complete hardware-and-software kit.
- Format:Pair of control vinyl records
- Record size:12 inches
- Color:Red
- Compatibility:Serato DJ Pro and Serato Scratch Live
- Control response:High sensitivity and response, as described by the listing
- Intended use:Manipulating, scratching, and spinning back digital files
- Construction:Durable construction, according to the supplied details
- Manufacture:USA, according to the supplied details
Our verdict“I’d choose the red pair when its color is the preference; otherwise, the blue pair offers a similar stated Serato fit with a slightly clearer all-around case.”
How We Picked
I judged these options as timecode vinyl sets, not as general-purpose records or complete DJ systems. The first question was software fit: a control record only makes sense when it works with the DJ software and compatible hardware in the setup. The Serato options name Serato DJ Pro, Scratch Live, or both; the VirtualDJ record names VirtualDJ. I treated those stated compatibility details as a deciding factor rather than assuming that timecode vinyl can move freely between platforms.
Next I compared what arrives in the package. Four listings describe a pair, while the VirtualDJ option lists one item. That difference matters when a DJ wants to run two turntables at once: a single disc is not automatically a complete two-deck set. I also separated the Serato color variants carefully. Blue and red share the same core listed size and compatibility; clear adds an explicit Performance Series and NoiseMap Control Tone description; black is specified for Scratch Live, but its listing gives less compatibility detail.
Finally, I weighed the useful tradeoffs: stated control response, tracking features, construction claims, and the limits buyers should expect. I did not treat color as a performance advantage, and I did not infer technical details missing from a listing. This ranking favors a clear fit for common Serato use first, then distinguishes the Performance Series option and the narrower Scratch Live entry. The VirtualDJ pick earns a separate role for its platform, despite its single-record package.
| timecode vinyl set | Format | Color | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serato Control Vinyl 12" Pair | Pair of control vinyl records | Blue | Serato DJ Pro and Serato Scratch Live |
| Serato Control Vinyl 12" Pair | Pair | Clear; appearance may vary | Compatible Serato hardware and software required |
| Serato Performance Series Cont | Pair | Black | — |
| VirtualDJ Timecode Control Vin | Single control vinyl record | Black | — |
| Serato Control Vinyl 12" Pair | Pair of control vinyl records | Red | Serato DJ Pro and Serato Scratch Live |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Timecode Vinyl Sets
I’d choose a timecode record by matching it to the DJ setup first, then checking whether the package supplies one record or two. Only after those checks would I weigh color or listed control features.
Match the vinyl to your software
Software compatibility is the first filter. The blue and red Serato pairs name Serato DJ Pro and Serato Scratch Live. The black Performance Series pair specifies Scratch Live, while the clear Performance Series listing requires compatible Serato hardware and software. The VirtualDJ record is described for VirtualDJ alone. I would not assume a record intended for one platform works with another simply because both use timecode. Check your software version, supported interface or mixer, and setup requirements before buying.
Check whether you need one record or a pair
Four of these products are listed as pairs; the VirtualDJ option is a single record. If you plan to control tracks on two turntables at once, a pair is the more direct purchase. If you are replacing one damaged record or using one deck, the single VirtualDJ disc may suit the job. Also verify what is actually included: none of these listings should be treated as a complete kit with turntables, needles, software, or every required connection unless those items are explicitly listed.
Read feature descriptions as differences, not guarantees
The clear Serato Performance Series pair is the only option here that specifically calls out NoiseMap Control Tone. The blue and red descriptions emphasize high sensitivity and response, while the black pair focuses on Scratch Live use. These details help distinguish the listings, but they do not replace checking system compatibility or your own setup requirements. I would avoid assuming that a feature omitted from a listing is absent from the physical product; use the product documentation for a definitive technical comparison.
Treat color as a practical preference
Blue, clear, black, and red can make records easier to identify in a busy booth, but the supplied descriptions do not establish that one color performs better. The clear pair carries an explicit warning that its appearance may vary, so it is a less predictable choice if a consistent look matters. The blue and red pairs have similar stated software fit; choose between them by preference rather than expecting different control behavior. Black is the simplest visual match, especially for a Scratch Live user selecting that specific pair.
Build a complete, compatible setup
Timecode vinyl is only one part of a digital vinyl system. A DJ also needs compatible turntables or decks, the right software, and supported hardware or a signal path that lets the software interpret the control tone. Confirm the whole chain before ordering, especially for older Scratch Live setups or a VirtualDJ system. A record can be the right size and still fail to meet your needs if the rest of the setup cannot read its signal or if the software support does not match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Serato timecode vinyl with VirtualDJ?
The products in this comparison are presented for particular software platforms, not as cross-compatible discs. The Serato listings identify Serato DJ Pro, Scratch Live, or compatible Serato hardware and software, while the VirtualDJ record is described for VirtualDJ. I would confirm compatibility in the software and hardware documentation before trying to mix platform-specific records.
Which option includes two records?
The blue, clear, black, and red Serato products are each described as a pair. The VirtualDJ control vinyl is listed as one item and one record. If you need two turntables to control tracks at the same time, the VirtualDJ listing may require a separate second record, while the Serato pair listings cover the record count directly.
Which Serato pair is the most versatile?
The blue pair has the clearest all-around compatibility details in this group because it explicitly names both Serato DJ Pro and Serato Scratch Live. The red pair lists the same software compatibility, so it is a close alternative based on color preference. The clear pair stands out for its NoiseMap Control Tone description, while the black pair is specified for Scratch Live.
Does timecode vinyl include the software or turntables?
The supplied product details describe control records, not complete DJ systems. They do not list turntables, needles, a mixer, an interface, or DJ software as included. I would check each seller’s current package contents and confirm that my existing hardware and software can interpret the record’s control signal before buying.
Should I choose a clear, black, blue, or red record?
Choose color for visibility and personal preference rather than an assumed performance difference. The blue and red Serato pairs have similar stated size and software compatibility, while black is tied in its description to Scratch Live and the clear pair specifically mentions NoiseMap Control Tone. The clear listing also warns that appearance may vary, so it is not the best match when a uniform finish is a priority.
Conclusion
For most DJs with a Serato system, I’d start with the blue Serato pair: it combines two 12-inch records with clearly stated DJ Pro and Scratch Live compatibility. Choose the clear Performance Series pair if its NoiseMap Control Tone description matters to your decision and you have confirmed it fits your setup. The black pair is a focused choice for Scratch Live users, while the red pair suits DJs who want the same broad stated Serato fit in a different color. If VirtualDJ is your platform, the VirtualDJ control vinyl is the relevant pick, but plan for the fact that it is sold as one record. Across all five, I’d confirm software, hardware, and package count before choosing by appearance.
