Casio Trackformer DJ Controller Series

We loved our Casio keyboard as kids, and our Casio wristwatch served us well in our teens, but we had no idea the Japanese electronics company would come gunning for us years later in the form of these newfangled DJ controllers.

Casio’s Trackformer Series features two new pieces of hardware are aimed squarely at the not-quite-professional DJ who still wants to take their music mixing skills to the next level. The XW-DJ1 ($299) has filter controls, a cross fader, and a 7-inch scratchable turntable, while the XW-PD1 Groove Center ($399) features a 16-button sampler with a synthesizer, sequencer and effector. The XW-DJ1 is compatible with DJ apps like djay2 and offers controls for tempo, cue points, effects, and looping, while the Groove Center is aimed a little more at the beat creator, with the built-in synthesizer letting you twist and tweak all the sounds you’re working with. The controller will hit the market this month and the Groove Center is due this March. [Purchase]