This article takes me back in time and to the fond memory of my first Battle mixer Pro as a dj, the famous "Scratch Master PRO" produced by Gemini: and used by all those who in the 90s wanted to approach the mysterious world of scratch paying acceptable sums.
Coming to us and to the present, the vestax has always been attentive and close to the needs of professional DJs, presenting on the market cutting-edge solutions of excellent workmanship and resistant over time. In the past I have also had the opportunity to try other mixers from this house, including the undisputed one Vestax PMC 06 pro A e Vestax PMC 05 pro II e pro III.
The evolution of the latter will be the object of our test: the Vestax PMC 05 pro IV Red Beat series.
First impression
When I got the news that I had to review the new Vestax PMC 05 model, I peeked at the official website: seeing the various models, I hoped to receive the black Pro IV, also because - at least in the photo - the red version looked like a a bit eccentric and with a less performing design line. Forget it. When I opened the package I was petrified by the beauty and elegance of the mixer, Red Beat series: imagine a flaming red Ferrari, very shiny, just out of the dealership (Fig 1).
At first glance, the mixer has an average size (only 26 x 33 cm) and with an average weight of 4,5 kg. The arrangement of the knobs and faders is not at all confusing, considering the countless functions that I will go there. then to list. You immediately have the feeling of having the situation under control, as in previous versions (Fig 2). To the touch, the chassis is aluminum like the rest of the mixer, with class A knobs and faders that together form an indestructible or at least long-lasting mixer, in my opinion. In the box, in addition to the Vestax PMC 05 Pro IV, we find a 12V power supply, USB cable for connection to the PC / MAC, the user manual strictly in Japanese and English and a mask to customize the midi setup to be placed on the keys.
Subject Linking
Looking at the back of the Vestax PMC 05 pro IV mixer (Fig 3) we find 3 channel inputs: two are line inputs dedicated exclusively to CD players, CDJs and other digital systems; one, the first, can be switched line / phono for turntables.
The feature that distinguishes this Pro IV model from its predecessors is precisely the ability to manage DVS (Digital Vinyl Systems), such as Scratch Traktor and Serato, with dedicated inputs "THRU IN" and "THRU OUT", thus allowing the DJ not only to decide - using a selector - which line or phono input will control the DVS, but also, at the same time, not to have to disconnect and connect the turntable, CD player and so on every time (Fig 4).
The EFFECT section allows us to apply a processor or external effects, delay, distortion etc., having available a send (SEND) and a return (RTN), effects also adjustable from the panel (Fig 5).
Looking at the rear panel, I notice that in the Output section the mixer has 3 perfectly adjustable outputs via the control panel gain: Master (XLR), Booth (TRS) and Aux (RCA). Let's not underestimate this detail: this is a very important thing, also because many times the experts have the need to separate the channels and to record their performance or even to send the signal to monitors near the console ... or again , the sound engineer who follows you in the console for the live, as it happens, does not have that type of cable with that type of connector (Fig 6)…. The last thing I notice just above the USB connection is a dedicated SUB section to connect a possible microphone via XLR or another audio source on line 7 (RCA), this time, however, adjustable in input via gain. (Fig 7)
Fader & Knobs
I think that the first thing a DJ started to scratches should check is the smoothness, also in terms of speed, of the cross fader. The brand new Vestax CF-X2 Digital Fader fitted to this model is nothing short of exceptional! It is a "non-contact" magnetic fader, zero friction and zero contact noise, (Fig 8) obviously conceived to face and resist various stresses and strains. The fader lines are slightly less smooth, but certainly of high quality.
From the bottom panel (Fig.9) below the faders, we have access to total control of the latter. In addition to having the classic "reverse" switch that inverts the channel, already seen in previous models, it is possible to electronically adjust the curve, by acting on the knobs, and even to manage the right / left "cut" of the cross with great precision. fader.
The same thing can be done with the line faders where the DJ, through the curve adjustment or the reverse, can perform an acrobatic cut / scratch or other (Fig 10).
On the side, on the same panel, we find a refinement: in fact the Vestax, certainly to meet the needs of the various types of DJ sets, has decided to equip the mixer with a headphone monitor input with two types of attacks (Fig 11), one of 6,3 mm for classic monitor headphones and the other of 3,5 mm for earphones, lately preferred by many DJs.
As already mentioned in the introduction, the upper front panel, i.e. the main control one, is very clear and intuitive: in the upper part we have the total volume management (GAIN), line switches and HI, MID and LOW frequency isolators. on the two main channels and on the SUB (Fig 12); knobs for individual and separate adjustment of the MASTER, BOOTH and AUX outputs; finally, the ability to monitor the PGM, AUX, RTN and MASTER channels in headphones (Fig 13).
In the central part we find 6 buttons and a wheel with midi function for each channel; finally, in the lower part, we find (far from the faders) the control of the DRY / WET effects and of the sends on the 2 line channels, as well as the auxiliary. Not far from the line faders, here are the switch transformers, already existing even in previous editions but totally remodeled to facilitate and switch scratching in speed (Fig 14As in the Vestax 05 pro II and III models, on the right we find small fader controllers positioned vertically and horizontally for adjusting the volume in the headphones and the listening percentage of the channel (Fig 15).
MIDI control
The main feature - and let's say the icing on the cake - of this masterpiece is the possibility to set the midi keys and the wheels with the Traktor scratch and Serato software, to have a complete live set completely at your fingertips. The Pro IV is equipped with 12 midi buttons (6 for each channel) plus two wheels (1 for each part): in the center of the configuration there is a round "SHIFT" key which gives the possibility to set another 12 notes on the same buttons different midi (Fig 16).
The buttons are backlit by a blue light, which by activating the shift function changes to red. The knobs, in addition to rotating, can also be pressed and configured in each part (Fig 17). Last but not least, the line faders and the cross fader, in addition to being audio channels, are also configurable via midi and therefore completely “malleable” with your software.
The test
I tried the Vestax PMC 05 pro IV by connecting it, via USB port, to a Sony Vaio notebook, Intel Centrino Duo T2500 2,0 Ghz, 2 Gb of ram and Microsoft Windows 7 operating system: everything is self-installing and the peripheral has been detected without any problem. As software for the test I used Traktror scratch Pro. At first I created the entire mapping by assigning the values to each button from the midi control panel, but browsing the vestax website I found a support link where you will find the download of the pre-set presets for both serato scratch live and traktor scratch pro (Fig 18), of course you can always customize it to your liking. The link is available here.
The midi mapping pre-set in the .tsi file has these criteria:
- buttons 1-3: assign a new cue point or jump to the existing start point, if you have already set it;
- buttons 1-3 (Shift Mode): delete a starting point to reset a new one;
- buttons 4-6: loop Set In, Turn Loop On / Off;
- buttons 4-6 (Mode Shift): shortens or increases the size of the loop, varies the size of the cycle;
- the wheel (pinwheel): scrolls the list of songs to select;
- the wheel (by pressing it): assigns the track highlighted on the corresponding Deck (A / B).
During the test I found no latencies of any kind, the buttons respond precisely and the position in the center of the mixer where they were positioned is perfect.
Conclusions
I consider the Vestax PMC 05 pro IV the evolution of all the models produced by the Japanese house in recent years. It is definitely the future of mixers today and I have no doubt to label it as a highly professional product. DJs who want to reach high professional levels must start with the purchase of a good mixer, which meets all their needs: the Pro IV is an excellent choice in this sense. The price is certainly relevant, but still in line with competing products from other brands. Among other things, those who have had the pleasure of having a Vestax pro mixer for themselves at least once will certainly agree with me on the quality and mechanical resistance of its products. Therefore, the strength of this product is its being complete: it is excellent for DJs who want to try their hand at scratch, excellent for those who want to mix and use more peripherals in their setup and excellent for all those who now use their laptop at place of the bag with the vinyls.
Pro
High quality material and excellent workmanship, resistant over time.
Possibility to exploit various outputs and manage them separately.
Vestax CF-X2 Digital cross fader zero noise, zero friction.
Line faders and cross faders with adjustable and customizable curves.
Dedicated IN / OUT line for DVS devices.
Cons
Little affordable price.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
Producer: vestax
Model: PMC 05 pro IV Red Beat Series
Website: http://www.vestax.com/
Italian distributor: www.exhibo.it
Cost: approximately EUR 769
Next,
DJ Fresella
This I take it off from time to time and with the affectionate sounds of my first Battle Mixer Pro DJ, or famous “Scratch Master PRO”, produced by Gemini: and used by all those who in the 90s wanted to enter the mysterious world of scratch paying so much money.
Returning to the present, vestax Always be careful and always attentive to the needs of professional DJs, presenting advanced solutions for long-lasting products. Don't miss the opportunity to experiment with other mixers in your home, including or indisputable vestax PMC 06 A Pro and Pro Vestax PMC 05 Pro II and III.
The evolution of this last theme of our thinking will be: vestax PMC 05 Pro Series IV Red Beat.
First impression
When I received the notification of the validation of the new model from Vestax PMC 05, there were various models on the official site, and I was hoping to receive the Pro IV in black because - even less in the photos - it seemed that the version in gold was a little "excêntrica", with a basic design language desempenho. Esqueça isso. When you drink or drink, you are fascinated by the beauty and elegance of the Red Beat Series mixer – just like a Ferrari, flame-coloured, bright and brilliant, received from the dealership (Fig 1).
(Fig. 1 – Vestax PMC 05 pro IV Red Beat series mixer (photo by Paolo Colacicco)
At first sight, the mixer is presented with a medium size (about 26 x 33 cm) and with an average weight of 4,5 kg. The availability of knobs and faders is not at all confusing, considering how many functions can be programmed. I feel the sensation of keeping the situation under control, like the previous versions (Fig 2). When you touch it, you will notice that the chassis is made of aluminium, like the rest of the mix table with classy knobs and faders to form a mixer, less opinion, indestructibility, or less long resistance. In the box, like the Vestax PMC 05 Pro IV, we find a 12 V power source, USB cable for connecting to PC / MAC, or manual strictly in Japanese and English languages, and to customize the installation of the medium support on the phone.
(Fig. 2 – Overview of the Vestax PMC 05 pro IV Red Beat series mixer (photo by Paolo Colacicco)
Connections
Looking at the Vestax PMC 05 pro IV mixer (Fig 3) we find 3 channel inputs: two line inputs dedicated exclusively to CD players, CDJs and other digital systems; Finally, it can be switched to the line / phono input for playing discos.
(Fig. 3 – Painel posterior Vestax PMC 05 pro IV Red Beat series (photo by Paolo Colacicco)
A feature that distinguishes this Pro IV model from its predecessors is its ability to operate DVS (Digital Vinyl Systems), such as Tractor Scratch and Serato, with the exclusive “THRU IN” and “THRU OUT” inputs, allowing the DJ not to decide – through a selector key – which input or phono you will be able to check the DVS, but at the same time do not unplug and play the CD player, or the disc player, and even immediately (Fig 4).
(Fig. 4 – Detail of INPUT Vestax PMC 05 pro IV Red Beat series (photo by Paolo Colacicco)
The EFFECT section allows us to apply an external processor or effects, delay, distortion etc., also between a send (send) and a return (RTN), at the same time the effects are adjusted to the pain section. (Fig 5).
(Fig. 5 – Detail of the EFFECT section Vestax PMC 05 pro IV Red Beat series (photo by Paolo Colacicco)
Looking at the rear panel, I notice that the OUTPUT section or mixer is equipped with 3 channels perfectly adjusted via gain on the control panel: Master (XLR), Booth (TRS) and Aux (RCA). We cannot ignore this detail: it is a very important thing, so that many times professionals need to separate the channels and send it to their own register or at the same time send a signal to the remote monitor of the console ... or, the engine that follows the live console, aka, Don't worry about the cable type like the connector type (Fig 6). … The last thing that is known as the logo at the top of the USB connector is a section dedicated to USB to connect through any XLR microphone or line 7 (RCA), another audio source, but also through the jack control input. (Fig 7)
(Fig. 6 – Detail from OUTPUT section Vestax PMC 05 pro IV Red Beat series (photo by Paolo Colacicco)
(Fig. 7 – Detail SUB Vestax PMC 05 pro IV Red Beat series (photo by Paolo Colacicco)
Fader & Knobs
The first thing a beginner DJ will check is to measure the cross fader in the speed thermostat. The new Vestax CF-X2 Digital Fader equipped for this model is nothing less than excellent! It is a “non-counted” magnetic fader, with zero friction and zero contact noise (Fig. 8), designed to brake and resist various voltages and manipulations. The faders are a little less soft, but definitely of high quality.
(Fig. 8 – Detail Cross Fader Vestax PMC 05 pro IV Red Beat series (left photo by Paolo Colacicco)
No painel inferior (Fig 9) lower the fader, now access for total control this last. In addition to the classic “reverse” switch that reverses the channel, as seen on previous models, you have the ability to adjust the curve electronically, using the button, and help you control the “cut” direction of the cross fader with great precision.
(Fig. 9 – Painel inferior Vestax PMC 05 pro IV Red Beat series (photo by Paolo Colacicco)
In this way you can use the wave or DJ line faders, adjusting the curve or reverse, you can make a short or acrobatic scratch or outro (Fig 10).
(Fig. 10 – Detail of the lower panel Vestax PMC 05 pro IV Red Beat series (photo by Paolo Colacicco)
Here, no less painel, there is a refinement: in fact, in Vestax, certainly to satisfy the needs of different types of DJ connections, you decide to equip it with a listening monitor with two types of attachments (Fig 11), a 6,3 mm audio speaker for classic monitors and a 3,5 mm outro for audio speakers that have recently been favored by many DJs.
(Fig. 11 – Details of entering the Vestax PMC 05 pro IV Red Beat series phones (photo by Paolo Colacicco)
As mentioned in the introduction, the upper front panel, or the main control panel, is very clear and intuitive: in the upper part we control the total volume control (GAIN), interruptors, isolators and frequency links HI, MID and LOW on the two main channels and SUB (Fig 12); knobs for individual adjustments and separate from the MASTER, BOOTH and AUX modes and, finally, the ability to monitor the PGM, AUX RTN or MASTER earphone channels (fig. 13).
(Fig. 12 – Detail of the painel and SUB of the Vestax PMC 05 pro IV Red Beat series (photo by Paolo Colacicco)
(Fig. 13 – OUTPUT and phone selector Vestax PMC 05 pro IV Red Beat series (photo by Paolo Colacicco)
In the central part we find six function buttons and a rolagem rod for each midi channel and, finally, at the end, we find (at the fader) control the DRY/WET effects and send them on two line channels and the auxiliary. Not much of the faders, interruptors and transformers that existed in the previous years, but have been completely remodeled to facilitate and speed up the no-zero interruptor (fig. 14). On the Vestax 05 Pro II and III models, we directly find small fader controls positioned vertically and horizontally to adjust the sound volume and music percentage for the channel (fig. 15).
(Fig. 14 – Detail of the EFFECT Vestax PMC 05 pro IV Red Beat series (photo by Paolo Colacicco)
(Fig. 15 – Detail of headphone control Vestax PMC 05 pro IV Red Beat series (photo by Paolo Colacicco)
MIDI Control
A main feature – and also, let's say, “the look of the bolo” – of this feature is the ability to configure the midi and rolagem teclas with the Traktor Scratch and Serato software, to give you a complete and completely live set. The Pro IV is equipped with 12 MIDI buttons (6 for each channel) and two rods (1 for each part): the center of the circular configuration is a small “Shift” button which gives the possibility of creating other buttons at least 12 different MIDI notes (Fig 16).
(Fig. 16 – Detail of MIDI section Vestax PMC 05 pro IV Red Beat series (photo by Paolo Colacicco)
The buttons are illuminated by a blue light, which activates the SHIFT function for the green light. The buttons, as usual, can also be pressed and configured on each side (Fig. 17). Last but not least, the fader line and cross fader, the audio channels are configured via MIDI and completely "maleáveis" with your software.
(Fig. 17 – Front illuminated MIDI button of Vestax PMC 05 pro IV Red Beat series (photo by Paolo Colacicco)
A Test
Tested the Vestax PMC 05 pro IV, connected via USB port, on a Sony Vaio notebook, Intel Centrino Duo T2500 2,0 GHz, 2 GB of RAM and Microsoft Windows 7 operating system: all the devices are installed and the peripheral device can be detected without any problem. Like the software you use for the Traktror Scratch Pro heads. Once you start, create all the mapping of the control panel, assigning values to each MIDI button, but curiously by visiting the site from Vestax, there is a link where you go to find it or the support available for download for pre-programmed for the Serato Scratch Live or the same for the Traktor Scratch PRO (Fig 18) – and it is clear that you can always personalize it to your taste. The link is available here.
The pre-defined midi map in the .tsi file includes these criteria:
– buttons 1-3: assign a new synchronization point or jump to the existing match point, if already defined;
– buttons 1-3 (Shift Mode): delete a link point to set a new entry;
– buttons 4-6: loop Set In, Turn Loop On / Off;
– buttons 4-6 (Mode Shift): reduce, increase or vary the speed of the cycle;
– a roda (turning): roll the list of music you have selected;
– to start the business (company): assign the task to the corresponding platform (A / B).
During these tests, there is no type of delay, the buttons respond precisely and to the position in the center of the mixer, where they are located, it is perfect.
(Fig. 18 – Painel de configuração MIDI de Traktor scratch PRO)
Conclusion
I believe that the Vestax PMC 05 pro IV is the evolution of all the models produced by the Japanese in recent years. It is definitely the future of mixers and I still have no doubts about rotating it as a highly professional product. DJs who want to play more professional players should start by buying a good mixer, which caters to all their needs: the Pro IV is an excellent mixer to play. Of course, the price is important, but it is in harmony with competing products from other manufacturers. Among the others, those who have less often used the Vestax pro mixer, will certainly agree with you about the quality and strength of your products. In short, thanks to this product it is the fact that it is complete: it is great for DJs who want to learn without scratching, perfect for mixing and using in their own setup on other peripherals, ideal for those who use a portable computer in a vinyl bag.
(Dj Fresella testing the Vestax PMC 05 pro IV Red Beat series – photo by Pelmet)
Pros
Material of the highest quality and excellent workmanship, resistant to time.
Possibility to enjoy various flavors and experiences separately.
Vestax CF-X2 Digital cross fader zero noise, zero friction.
Line fader and cross fader with adjustable and personalized curves.
Dedicated IN/OUT line for DVS devices.
Cons
Preço pouco acessível.
informações úteis:
Faricante: vestax
Model: PMC 05 pro IV Red Beat Series
Website: http://www.vestax.com/
Italian distributor: www.exhibo.it
Cost: around 769,00 euros
