Stanton have also announced that the DFX-1, claimed as the world’s first trackball-controlled audio signal processor, has now begun shipping. Exposing the DJ to a new level of audio effects control, the DFX-1 features 85 basic and combination effect presets, which are synchronized to any audio source on-the-fly using Stanton’s advanced BPM engine. Designed for both live and recording applications, the DFX-1 has both RCA & 1/4 " connections - a first for tabletop DJ effects.
Since the trackball's X axis and Y axis allow control of separate effect parameters, the user can simultaneously control the effect delay time and feedback on the filter effects, while using a wide smooth sweep. The trackball will allow the operator to start with his favourite presets - such as Echo, Stereo Pan, Transformer, Flanger, Filter, Auto-Filter, Reverb, and Pitch Shifter - and deviate from there to create even more dynamic effects.
Finally from Stanton is the SA8 performance mixer, which owes its inspiration to the creative mind of DJ Focus. This studio-style scratch mixer has been designed to function similar to a multi-channel production console for both the live artist, taking into account DJ’s working within a band context, and the production artist. At the suggestion of DJ Focus, the SA8 features Individual Rec/FX and Direct outputs, so that each signal can be sent separately though the four direct outputs located at the rear of the mixer.
Top of the line custom-designed Penny & Giles (P&G) cross fader and line faders are installed on this mixer, offering three-way adjustable curve control. In addition, Stanton has included an extra cross fader, the newly redesigned CFF2 Focus Fader, to fulfil the preferences of any scratch DJ. Look closely to appreciate the carefully designed layout by DJ Focus. Never before has so much scrutiny been put into the ergonomics and layout of a scratch mixer, with each feature carefully positioned according to a scratch DJ’s natural hand movement (for instance the Gain.) He also designed the one-off knobs and faders, molded to fit the DJ’s fingers.
Another unexpected surprise innovation is the ability for the DJ to listen to his scratches in the headphone (via the Post Fader cue) while using the crossfader as normal. And finally, one last DJ friendly innovation, the Autocue feature eliminates the need for touching the cue pan (switching from ch 1 to ch 2).
For more information on these and other products, visit the website below.
(Lee Baldock)
