Vestax VCI-300
This post is probably half a year late. I did a personal review on the Cortex dmix-600 some time ago and have ditched it for the Vestax Vci-300. I was expecting the dmix-600 to be a more plug and play unit, but the pre processes were just too annoying. The software that came with it wasn’t very mac friendly, crashed constantly while trying to prepare my music. Portability, which was one of the main reasons I bought it, also became an issue as the unit weighed quite a bit.
So I did a little more research, sold of the Cortex and bought this little unit from Vestax. My main needs was still to be able to get something small enough to be carried around without hassle. Also to be friendly enough to be able to plug in any flash drives and be able to mix right on the spot. The vci-300 manages to do all that and even more.
Firstly, I’m able to pack both the unit and my laptop into a single backpack, cables and such included. Just a single USB cable from my laptop to the unit, RCA cables to the speakers and I’m good to go. Setting up only sets me back about 3 minutes max. The built of the controller is solid, I’ve been using it for about half a year now and any wear is barely visible.Knobs and sliders all feel solid with very little to no lag in response. The plastic ‘Cue’ and ‘Play’ buttons feel similar to cdjs, making it easy to get tracks playing on time compared to the rubber buttons on the Cortex. It also features large platters, perfect for scratch djs. I’m not big on scratching so I wouldn’t know. Fellow scratch djs have used my unit after playing with vinyls back home, and have commented that its responsive enough for them to feel comfortable scratching on it.
The controller comes with the Serato Itch software, which is also available from the website. Serato Itch is basically a stripped down version of Serato Scratch Live, only information which is needed is displayed. Itch is user friendly, anyone who are using iTunes will be able to pick it up right of the bat. Also as everything is mapped on the vci-300, the software itself has very little buttons. Its used more as an track information screen and as your music crate.
The vci-300 has served me well. Used it at a couple of small parties and no technical issues as of yet. As you can see from the above picture, it takes up a really small footprint compare to the cdj setup next to mine. Only a corner of the table needed. Overall I’m really pleased with the unit, my only gripe being the lack of effects present. None actually. Other midi controllers such as M-Audio’s Torq Xponent comes with efx built into the controller itself. Stuck with the vci-300 over the Xponent though due to its built quality and for Itch. Vestax’s answer to the lack of efx is the VFX-1 unit.
Pretty neat, but no way am I going to fork out half what I paid for the vci-300 for effect which could have been inbuilt in the first place… Maybe not yet. I could have got a proper dj set up instead.
I have a feeling you’ll be feeling as elated in three months as I was three months of owning mine! (http://www.digitaldjtips.com/2010/03/vestax-vci-300-serato-itch-review/).
I also predict you’ll buy the FX – as I just succumbed and they’re great.
Nicely said Phil, I see the vfx-1 in the horizon
Just found ur review of the vci! Just wanted to agree with ur comments, it’s a very very good dj unit, ultra portable and user friendly! I upgraded from numark omni control to the vci300 and im over the moon with the quality of the vestal unit!
I decided to buy the vfx-1 to accompany the main unit, and while it’s a fairly decent fx processor, it’s definitely no kaoss pad.
If only the korg kp could be used with the vci-300 then I would give this thing 10/10 for being the ultimate dj machine!!!
All in all, the Vestax VCi-300 is the best dj controller on the market in my eyes, and I have owned a few software and hardware Dj packages (as well as owning 1210s, Stanton Str8-100s and Denon CD decks in my time!). The buttons are all ultra friendly for the Dj, everything lights up nicely making light work of mixing in the dark
Double outputs on the back mean playing through your amp at the same time as streaming to another PC to upload to shoutcast radio is a doddle!
If anyone reading this is thinking “Should I spend £500+ on a Dj controller?” I would say to you GO FOR IT. You will not be dissapointed with your decision!