Today's DJ, though not far removed from his analog vinyl roots, is confronted with the digital explosion. As such is the case, a lot of the music that DJs make use of are being converted into digital format for efficient storage. What was once a cabinet full of vinyl discs can now be stored in a convenient digital package such as hard drives in computers. Such technology requires a different set of tools to manipulate yet would still be familiar to the DJ to operate. The new Vestax VCM-600 gives the DJ total control over his digital mixes and is now shipping.

Optimized to use the asynchronous clip based performance paradigm of Ableton Live, the VCM-600 offers that unprecedented control surface for performing and mixing. Control over performance lies on six control channels that offer 18 knobs and switches plus a channel fader for unparalleled manipulation of clips and loops within Ableton. Ableton's built-in effects can be controlled via a dedicated effects control section with 16 knobs and switches that combines with channel effects send and a return section.

Controlling Ableton Live via the VCM-600 is unparalleled as it can manipulate 160 parameters and triggers. Each channel includes multiple cut filters, resonance and frequency controls, and clip control with LED indicators. Topping off this new controller is a master tempo and nudge section, cross-fader, per-channel cross-fader assignment, and cross-fader curve control. Visual feedback is possible via LED panels that illuminate the sides of the VCM-600. Advanced operation options come in the way of high quality input faders and pitch faders from the VCI-100 and PMC-580. The Vestax VCM-600 has an MSRP of 1,299.00 USD.