With its slick futuristic chassis and ergonomic shape, the Stanton DFX-1 trackball controller sort of resembles a fancy, oversized computer mouse. And in a way, that's exactly what it is, except rather than connecting to a PC, it hooks up to an effects box to give a DJ much greater on-the-fly control. The device boasts 85 basic and combination effect presets to create a wide variety of audio responses. Perhaps more importantly, the trackball's X-axis and Y-axis influence separate parameters, letting DJs simultaneously manipulate the delay time and the filter feedback with a single smooth sweep.

Among the DFX-1's eight basic effect presets are echo, stereo pan, transformer, flanger, filter, auto-filter, reverb, and pitch shifter. DJs can then use these eight presets as starting points for further experimentation, as a single spin of the trackball can create exaggerated responses, whereas a slow, methodical spin can generate a fluid, trancelike effect.

The DFX-1 also includes an advanced BPM engine that keeps all the effects in synch with their sound source. The adjustable BPM counter can bet set to one of three ranges (60 to 120, 120 to 180, or 180 to 240) depending on the style of music and the preferred tempo. Additional features include five beat-selector buttons that instantly change the effects speed to create unique rhythmic patterns; a dry/wet rotary knob that lets DJs control the mix of clean signals vs. processed signals; and bright LCD screen that displays the selected preset, type of effect, BMP count, and the exact point of the X/Y parameters.

The DFX-1 is appropriate for both live and recording applications and features RCA and 1/4-inch line inputs and outputs.

What's in the Box
DFX-1 trackball controller, audio cord, user's manual.

Digital DJ trackball controller with 85 basic and combo presets for live shows or recording

Independent X-axis and Y-axis controls generate wide range of effects possibilities

8 basic effects: echo, stereo pan, transformer, flanger, filter, auto-filter, reverb, and pitch shifter

BPM (beats per minute) engine and counter offers 3 settings and tap function

Dry/wet rotary knob; bright LCD screen; RCA and 1/4-inch line inputs and outputs