Being that touch surfaces -- or really any other control -- on a fully assignable MIDI USB controller can perform any function you'd like, the only real difference between the new Stanton SCS.3m mixer controller and it predecessor, the SCS.3d, is that it does away with the circle-shapes surface in favor of more rectangular strip controllers.

Of course, for the DJ who's used to a traditional deck + mixer system, the layout of the controls is what matters, and the SCS.3m is the missing link to make the Stanton System 3 controllers complete.

Arranged like a two-channel DJ mixer, the SCS.3m features a long, horizontal strip along the bottom for channel fades. The StanTouch surface allows for smooth crossfading, but also detects multiple finger passes for quick transform effects. The vertical touch zones can be used for EQ tweaks, channel volume control, drop effects, cue stutter effects, loop setting, or anything else you decide to use them for. The SCS.3m's two-way USB connection transmits control information to the computer, but also reads status information back to the lighted control surface, so you know the controller is always in sync with your software.

The SCS.3m was designed to integrate seamlessly with Native Instruments Traktor LE and Traktor Pro, granting access to the software's FX, deck switching and music library browsing features. Traktor Pro, plus a SCS.3d and SCS.3m make for a killer laptop DJ setup.

Stanton will be showing off the SCS.3m mixer controller at MusickMesse 2009, so check 'em out if you happen to be in Frankfurt.