Vestax VCI-300 USB DJ Controller
After pioneering DJ midi controllers with the VCI-100, Vestax has joined forces with Serato to deliver its successor. The VCI-100 was a convincing entry into the emerging world of virtual DJ midi controllers - you'd just have to find the right DJ mix software to use it with. The VCI-300 on the other hand is intended as a dedicated USB controller specifically for Serato's ITCH DJ software, which it ships with, although it can be used with other programs as well.
Tighter integration means that the complexities of MIDI and mapping controls correctly can be put to rest, making this controller more of a plug-and-play type experience. Further setting it apart, the controller comes with a built in sound card, audios in/outs and a headphone connection. That means that the VCI-300 can truly stand alone and that all you need to perform a digital DJ set is the VCI-300, a laptop, speakers and a set of headphones.
The Vestax VCI-300 comes with a built in sound card, audios in/outs and a headphone connection. That means that the VCI-300 can truly stand alone and that all you need to perform a digital DJ set is the VCI-300, a laptop, speakers and a set of headphones.
Like its predecessor, the controller emulates the layout of a traditional set of turntables in a slightly smaller format. At the heart of the device are the jog wheels which take the place of traditional record platters. Although they can be set to scratch mode, they are multi-functional, and can be toggled to control pitch bend even to scroll through your library of tracks in the included software.
Another new feature is that users are given access to tracks on Serato's music site, WhiteLabel.net, essentially giving them a virtual record collection to start with. Of course, most DJs will want to hunt down and buy their own tracks to perform with, but it's a useful and interesting move nonetheless.
