High-end conventional mixers are made of metal and often feel great. Yet, somehow, in the translation to a device for computer users, many DJ controller makers think “let’s make this cheap, plastic, and sloppy-feeling.” Japanese builder Vestax got some attention at this year’s NAMM trade show by showing the VCI-100, a lovely, compact, heavyweight metal DJ controller aimed at laptop users. (MIDI output allows it to control Traktor, Ableton, or any other application you like.)

We recently got our hands on a prototype unit, and it feels terrific. It’s actually heavy enough that some may find it too weighty; we’ll see what the finished unit is like. The big question is likely to be how would-be buyers respond to the large jog wheels. They feel tight, but of course they’re nothing like other jog wheels or scratch controllers. Inventive laptop DJs may find new ways of assigning them rather than conventional scratching. US $499 list; shipping later this spring.

NAMM: Vestax VCI-100, Heavy Metal MIDI Controller for the DJ [Create Digital Music]