OVERVIEW
The C.324 is the upgraded version of Stanton's popular C.314 CD player. Not only does the C.324 inherit many of the basic features of its predecessor like a slot-loading mechanism, MP3 playback, onboard file and folder browsing, 7 digital effects - it now also features real-time sample and loop sequencing, beat synchronized samples and loops, key lock and more. An excellent value for this price.

FEATURES
New features for the C.324 include a slot loading mechanism (finally!), real-time sampling and loop sequencing, and beat synchronized samples and loops. The slot-loading mechanism is a no brainer step up from all previous models that featured a tray loading system. With the new slot loading mechanism, you can load CDs quickly into the unit even in low light situations. The trigger pads on the C.324 now offer real-time sampling/loop sequencing, meaning the trigger patterns can now be recorded in real time and looped instantaneously. Drum patterns and loops can be resequenced and looped to adding a new twist on live remixing.

Like the C.314 before, the C.324 features Stanton's extremely touch sensitive, and surprisingly responsive jog wheel for scratching and actively DJing. It functions without lagtime, digital burps or any other problems, and the platter feels very sturdy. Again - no shakiness or back and forth wiggle movement. In addition to inheriting the jog wheel and control functions, the C.324 also has the seamless looping, wide range pitch control (+/- 8%, 16%, 25%, 100%) a very effective master tempo key lock and the pitch bend function, which allows you to further push the tempo plus or minus 8%, mp3 playback with text display and onboard file and folder browsing, auto and manual BPM control, adjustable platter and start/brake speed, and reliable anti-shock playback with auto cure. The C.324 also has 7 different on- board effects including filter, aut-filter, phase, echo, flanger, pan & trans, all of which are auto beat synched and depth-adjustable. The LCD screen on the C.324 is also improved with a deep blue color and visual marker for track position.

OVERVIEW
Stanton sure didn't skimp when it comes to features on this model. The C.324 comes with all the necessities like true vinyl-like response and slot loading mechanism, as well as tons of advanced features like on board effects, sampling, and looping that are usually found in higher priced models. With all these improvements, it is amazing that this unit is priced under $400. A great deck for home, studio, and mobile DJ use.

- tabletop CD Player with touch sensitive jog wheel for scratching and beat juggling
- CD slot drive mechanism
- MP3 playback with text display and onboard file and folder browsing
- onboard pattern and real-time sequencer for on-the-fly drum machine style performances
- 7 high-quality beat synchronized digital effects: Filter, Auto Filter, Echo, Phaser, Flanger, Transform, Pan
- beat synchronized sampling and looping with four trigger pads and cue memory
- auto and manual BPM Control
- vinyl emulation with adjustable platter start / brake speed
- adjustable pitch (+/- 8%, 16%, 25%, 100%) with pitch bend
- Key Lock allows a song's tempo to be changed without affecting the original key of the song
- reliable Anti-Shock playback with auto cue
- blue LCD display with visual marker for S/PDIF Digital Output

• manufacturer's website

reviewed by the mgmnt