Being significantly smaller than most every other USB DJ controller on the market, the new Stanton DaScratch SCS.3d overcompensates with an multi-funtion, multi-zone center touch surface; this primary control matrix makes the DaScratch (I suppose I can just eliminate DaArticle when writing about it) an incredibly flexible controller that takes up less room in the DJ booth than a single CD deck.

Using the dual technologies of StanTouch and DaRouter, the unit takes the place of a turntable-style scratch control (dual-deck control in one unit), a cross-fader, an EQ and an effects controller. A DJ can, on the same surface, execute scratch effects, quick shuttling, EQ motions, crossfades, pitch bending, sample triggering and effects triggering and manipulation. The touch surface is also LED-illuminated, providing feedback as to where certain controls are set, and how the unit is responding to interaction.

In addition to the primary, circular touch-control, DaScratch sports Play, Cue, Sync, and Tap buttons, mode select buttons, four dedicated trigger zones and two additional fader-style touch zones. The sides of the unit are magnetized, allowing for additional DaScratches to be snapped together for a controller with expandability limited only by your available bus ports.

All the control functions and touch zones are completely assignable via MIDI learn, and DaScratch is compatible with all major digital DJ software, including Traktor Scratch, Ableton Live, and Serato Scratch.

To check out DaScratch in action, peep this video from WestEndDJ.co.uk of a Stanton rep tooling with DaScratch in Traktor. This guy pauses, coughs and says "umm" so many times, you'd think he worked for Gearwire: