By now we are inundated with midi controllers all do. The big manufacturers battle it out with lights, effects and consoles with more and more keys to manage and knobs to torture. In all this, even the software houses try to understand the needs of DJs to develop software to combine with yet another controller. Today in my hands I have the Vestax VCI 300 MKII midi controller, flanked by the VFX - 1 effects controller.
First impression
Taken out of the packaging, the Vestax VCI 300 MKII is very compact (Fig.1) and, at the same time, robust and resistant to the touch: in fact, the chassis of the controller is totally in aluminum, with the upper part protected and reinforced by a rigid black and glossy plastic. All this justifies the weight of 3,2 kg contained in just 41 x 27 cm. The design of the DJ controller is very accurate in detail: on the rounded edges there are curved rubber pads to avoid collisions with the other peripherals of the console. The jog wheels have a diameter of 12 cm, plus half a centimeter of transparent plastic that serves to illuminate the circumference. At first glance, the Vestax VCI 300 MKII midi controller has the controls set up in a clear and precise manner. Inside the package we find the software Serato ITCH version 1.5, a USB cable for connecting the device to the PC/MAC, the detailed manual in Japanese and English, a small piece with the Vestax and Serato ITCH brand to polish the console and remove any fingerprints.
The Controller
The Vestax VCI 300 MKII controller is a truly ultra compact all-in-one midi controller: spaces are used in a maniacal and precise way. I will start by introducing the controller features starting from the rear panel (Fig.2).
Rear panel
Starting from the extreme left we find an Rca AUX IN input, whose function is to be able to connect external auxiliary sources and, secondly, to be able to switch them into THRU by making them exit directly from the master out channel. Next to this input we find an AUX GAIN knob with which we can control the input gain to the hardware (Fig.3).
Under the Vestax brand we find the ground connection, followed by a PC / THRU ON button that has the task of THRU SWITCH, completing the function of the auxiliary input and allowing us to disconnect the software audio output of the computer, making pass the signal directly from the auxiliary input to the MASTER OUT. Next to the Vestax brand we find the predisposition for the Kensington® Lock, that is a small hole to which we can connect a patented padlock to protect the controller from malicious people (Fig.4).
In the central part of the back controller we find the MASTER OUT 1 output, to which we can connect a 6.5 mm TRS jack (Fig.5), immediately flanked by MASTER OUT 2 where it is possible to connect to the controller via RCA cables.
It is possible to adjust the touch sensitivity of the jog wheels simply by acting on the two TOUCH SENSOR LEVEL trimmers which separately (right / left) allow the MIN / MAX adjustment of the sensitivity preferred by the DJ (Fig.6).
On the far right of the controller we find a connection for a 7,5V DC power supply (not supplied), thanks to which we can choose - through the ADAPTER / USB OFF / POWER USB selector - whether to take power only from the USB port or help from the extra power supply. Finally we find the classic USB input that accompanies all the peripherals that use this standard (Fig.7).
Front Panel
On the front panel (Fig.8) of the Vestax VCI 300 MKII controller
we find, starting from the left, a MIC IN microphone input and, alongside, a small trimmer for adjusting the MIC LEVEL input level, (Fig 9)
while on the right side of the panel we find trimmers for managing the FADER CURVE CONTROL and, therefore, the possibility of separately managing CF CURVE, the opening and closing curve CROSS FADER and IF CURVE, for the faders that manage the line. On the far right we find the headphone input, to independently connect headphones with a 6,5 mm TRS jack or the classic "standard" 3.5 mm jack. (Fig.10)
Jog Wheels / Decks
As already mentioned in the introduction, the Jog wheels of the VCI 300 MKII have a diameter of 12 cm and are surrounded by a rigid transparent plastic that helps us to understand when the plate is touched - in fact the color varies from blue (passive) to red ( active) - and obviously this sensitivity can be easily adjusted via the touch sensor level. On both sides next to the plates, a little hidden, almost under the console, we find a JOG TORQUE ADJUST KNOB wheel, which has the function of adjusting the speed and precision of physical slipping of the Jog Wheel, by tightening or unscrewing the wheel (Fig.11).
The controls of the deck section of the Vestax VCI 300 MKII are very intuitive and easy to use: at the top we immediately see the PITCH SLIDER for controlling and adjusting the playback speed +/- 6%, with a green LED in the center that it shows us that we are not acting on the speed of the piece and therefore we are on zero. To the right of the pitch slider we find two PITCH SHIFT BUTTONS buttons, with which we can compensate the pitch range by 12%; to reset the pitch variations, returning to normal values, just press both buttons at the same time. Once activated, the KEYLOCK key changes the speed without touching the key of the song, while with AUTO TEMPO we take advantage of the classic function of matching speed of the song playing with the secondary track. A function that should not be underestimated is the SCRATCH function, or "vinyl function", with which we can manipulate the track to our liking or even simply scratch: this function can be quickly activated and deactivated using the button near the jog wheel (Fig 12).
The control of the deck is entrusted to two very large keys, backlit blue, placed in the classic position (i.e. in the lower part of the jog wheel): CUE and PLAY / PAUSE. With them we can perform the start and stop of the track or the positioning of the segment of the beginning of the track (Fig 13).
Loop section
At the top of the deck we find the CUE / LOOP section, consisting of 3 CUE / IN keys and 3 OUT / LOOP keys. By clicking on the CUE IN button you decide where to place the CUE POINT, then making that portion go in loop by pressing the corresponding OUT / LOOP button. Obviously the loop portion can be increased or decreased by using the HALF keys to halve and DOUBLE to double the loop. The AUTOLOOP button creates an automatic loop taking into account the track's BPM calculation. The backlighting of the controller is very intuitive, in fact in the case of the cue / loop, when the loop is activated, the keys light up green, turning into red if you press the OUT1 / LOOP key again, temporarily deactivating the loop segment . The next 2/3 keys turn orange and blue if you prepare a secondary loop ready to be replaced by the one currently active on the playing track. The CENSOR key, if kept pressed, momentarily sends the track in reverse; by activating the SHIFT + CENSOR function (reverse) the key will start to flash in orange color and the track will automatically go in reverse. There is also a SHIFT key that allows us to access secondary functions that are easy to understand or simply to cancel the command or reset the selection (Fig.14).
Gain & EQ
Each deck has a TRIM, a rubberized knob that represents the gain of the single channel that acts on the volume before it passes through the equalizer and the fader. The EQ section of the Vestax VCI 300 MKII consists of 3 rubberized LOW / MID / HIGH knobs to act respectively on low, medium and high frequencies. In the upper and central part of the Vestax controller we find the MASTER knob, which controls the general output level independently of the software, while MONITOR SELECT is used to balance and mix the headphones listening and MONITOR VOLUME controls the volume. At the center of the controller, near the line faders, we find the PFL-A and PFL-B keys that allow us to activate the pre-listening on the headphones of the respective deck A or B.
Faders
Between the two jog wheels we find the fader section, two verticals dedicated to the A / B line control with a long stroke, divided in the center by 12 leds meters and a shorter horizontal one (cross fader). All three faders can be adjusted to the curve for cutting and therefore the opening of the channel, excellent for those who have to scratch or have special needs for their show (Fig.16).
Web Browser
The browser section of the Vestax VCI 300 MKII is very intuitive, albeit compact, and functional. By pressing the CRATES key, the cursor of the ITCH serato software moves to the files library starting from the previously created collection, a bit like the “speakers” with the discs that DJs usually prepared and ordered before an evening. Once the collection has been selected, by pressing the BROWSE key, the files with detailed title, artist, BPM, genre, etc. will be displayed, while using the FILES key it is possible to consult your Hard disks and folders. All obviously with the help of the NAVIGATION stick that will allow us to navigate between files and folders without using the mouse. The SCROLL key allows us to scroll files using the jog wheel. Tracks can also be loaded by holding down the SCROLL + PFL A or PFL B key depending on which deck you want to use to load the track (Fig 17).
Proof
The Vestax VCI 300 MKII midi controller has been tested on both PC and Mac, and in both cases it didn't give any problems. The software supplied in the box is Serato ITCH Ver. 1.5. First, I updated the software to version 1.7, as is usual. The device was recognized automatically and there was no need to install additional drivers. The Serato Software (Fig.18), although at first glance it seems a bit gaunt and graphically disappointing, on the contrary it is very reliable and intuitive, with only the essential commands in view. It fits perfectly with the controller and the communication between peripheral and software never gave me problems during the dj set.
The ITCH library can be managed very easily, it is very simple to navigate between files and it is possible to synchronize it with your Itunes library. As with the other midi controllers tested previously, I tried to scratch with excellent results: the controller card can easily manage latency without delays that compromise the overall performance.
Extra
If you try to flip the controller, you will see an upgrade panel with 4 screws. In reality, the Vestax gives the possibility, to those who want to try their hand and use the controller to scratch, to replace the cross fader supplied with a new concept digital fader. The Vestax CF-X2 digital fader will allow you to improve your performance and scratch with precision (Fig.19).
VESTAX VFX CONTROLLER - 1
The VFX -1 effects controller is an accessory, so to speak, that further completes the VCI 300 MKII controller: it has the same design and manufacturing material as the latter (Fig.20).
This controller must be connected exclusively via USB port and interfaces with the same software supplied (Fig 21).
As soon as connected to the ITCH serato software, an effect bar appears with various information on the effect used, the percentage of use of the effect and information on the deck (Fig.22).
The VFX -1 midi Controller develops on a vertical form and the reading of its commands is very clear and intuitive. In fact, Vestax clearly wanted to divide the control management in half horizontally, giving the possibility to apply the effects separately to deck A and B. In the ASSIGN section we can assign, using the DECK A / B keys, the effect on deck A / B or even to the MASTER by pressing both buttons at the same time. In the same section we find, on the side, the pre-listening function of the effect in headphones, by pressing the PFL FX button, or of applying the effect to the AUX / MIC section. At the bottom we find a very visible ON / OFF button, with which we can activate the effect. It must be said that beside the controller there is a small LATCH switch hidden that will give us the possibility to activate the effect without holding the button down. The TAP / AUTO button synchronizes the effect with the BPM of the tracks or, by pressing the button repeatedly, with the tempo (Fig 23).
VFX -1 effects section
The effects are clearly contained in the Serato software and are 9: Flanger, Crusher, Tremolo, Phaser, HPF, LPF, Echo, Delay and Reverb. They are all selectable through a twelve-step Konb SELECT, while with a similar knob (BEATS) it is possible to vary the beat division. Below we find DEPTH, a mega knob for controlling the DRY / WET parameters of the FX and a rubberized knob similar to those of the VCI controller for controlling the secondary parameters of the FX (Fig 24).
Considerations
The Vestax VCI 300 MKII midi controller is a great controller, considering the quality, design and price. The controls are clear and essential, easy to understand even for novice DJs. In total darkness, the backlit keys help keep you in control, even if the backlight is a bit underwhelming. There is no doubt about the quality of the materials: perhaps the faders, however, should be kept an eye on. Overall, the controller responds well and has all the credentials to accompany you in the various live sets, even in the wildest ones where you want to try your hand at scratch. Serato ITCH software fits perfectly with the VCI 300 MKII and is really simple to set up and use. Perhaps the real disappointment lies in the fact that you have to buy a midi effects controller like the VFX-1 separately: although the quality of the effects is excellent, today in the jungle of controllers we find other manufacturers who - at a lower price - offer super peripherals with the management of effects already onboard.
the next DJ Fresella ....
Pro:
- Excellent Q / P ratio
- Integrated sound card
- Simple installation
- USB powered
- Great for mixing and scratching
- Great software supplied.
Against:
- Structure and mechanics can be improved
- Brightness of the keys to the limit
- Compulsory upgrade to increase the performance of the scratches
- It necessarily needs a separate controller to manage the effects.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
Producer: vestax
Model: VCI 300 MK II + VFX -1 effects controller
Website: http://www.vestax.com/
Italian distributor: www.exhibo.it
Cost VCI 300 MK II: Approximately € 690,00
VFX cost -1: Approximately € 220,00
Next,
DJ Fresella
By now we are swamped with multifunctional midi controllers. The big production houses have been engaging a battle of leds, effects and consoles, with an ever growing number of keys to control and knobs to torture. In addition, also the software houses try to understand the djs' demands in order to elaborate softwares that can be combined to the umpteenth controller. Today I have the Vestax VCI 300 MKII controller at hand, joined by the VFX -1 effects controller.
First impression
Once out of its box, the Vestax VCI 300 MKII appears very compact (Pic.1) and, in the meantime, it feels solid and resistant: in fact the controller chassis is totally aluminum die-casted, with the upper side covered and reinforced with a glossy and rigid black plastic. This explains its 1.76 lbs in just 16 x 11 inches. The DJ controller has been carefully designed, paying attention to the smallest details: each corner is fastened with rubberized edges in order to avoid hitting it with other console devices. The jog wheels are 5 inches in diameter, plus a 1/5 of an inch transparent plastic which lights up its circumference. At first sight the Vestax VCI 300 MKII midi controller it shows the control have been arranged in place in a clear and precise way. Inside the box we find the supplied, 1.5 version of the Serato ITCH software, a USB cable to connect the device to PC/MAC, an English and Japanese manual, a cleaning cloth with the Vestax logo and Serato ITCH to polish the console and remove any finger marks.
The Controller
The Vestax VCI 300 MKII is an ultra-compact all-in-one midi controller: any space is set with obsessive and accurate care. I'll start introducing the available features on the controller from the back panel (Pic.2).
Back Panel
Starting from the very left we see an Rca AUX IN input, which firstly allows the connection to auxiliary sources and, secondly, to switch them directly to the master output via THRU. Alongside of this input there is an AUX GAIN knob which controls the gain for the auxiliary device (Pic. 3)
Pic. 3 – Vestax VCI 300 MKII AUX IN input (Photo by Paolo Colacicco)
Below the Vestax logo there is a ground connection, followed by a little key PC/THRU ON which controls the THRU SWITCH, completing the auxiliary source connection and allowing us to disconnect the computer audio output, letting the signal go from the auxiliary source directly to the MASTER OUT. On the side of the Vestax logo we find the Kensington® Lock slot, i.e. a little hole where we can connect a safety lock to prevent theft (Pic.4).
Pic. 4 – Vestax VCI 300 MKII – THRU ON (Photo by Paolo Colacicco)
On the middle part of the back panel we find the MASTER OUT 1 output, where we can plug a 6.5 mm TRS jack (Pic.5), placed side by side with MASTER OUT 2 to connect the controller through RCA cables.
Pic. 5 – Vestax VCI 300 MKII MASTER OUT (Photo by Paolo Colacicco)
It's possible to control the sensitivity of the jog wheels simply using the two TOUCH SENSOR LEVEL trimmer knobs which separately (left/right) allow the DJ to set the right sensitivity regulation MIN/MAX (Pic.6).
Pic. 6 – Vestax VCI 300 MKII – TOUCH SENSOR LEVEL (Photo by Paolo Colacicco)
At the right extremity of the controller we find a 7,5V DC adapter (not included) connection, which allow us to choose – through the ADAPTER/USB OFF/POWER USB switch – power from the USB input or through an auxiliary adapter. Finally we find the standard USB input which connects any device that feature this kind of connection (Pic.7).
Pic.7 – Vestax VCI 300 MKII – ADAPTOR/POWER USB (Photo by Paolo Colacicco)
Front Panel
On the front panel (Pic.8) of the Vestax VCI 300 MKII controller we find, starting from the left, a microphone input MIC IN followed by a little trimmer MIC LEVEL to control levels, (Pic.9)
Pic. 8 – Vestax VCI 300 MKII – Front Panel
Pic. 9 – Vestax VCI 300 MKII – MIC IN Input (Photo by Paolo Colacicco)
while on the right side of the panel there are some trimmers to control the FADER CURVE CONTROL and therefore, the possibility to control separately the cross fader curve (CF CURVE) and the channel fader curve (IFCURVE). On the right extremity there are two headphone connections, one 1/8 inch TRS headphone jack connection along with a standard 1/4 inch connection. (Pic.10)
Pic. 10 – Vestax VCI 300 MKII – Fader control and Headphone input (Photo by Paolo Colacicco)
Jog Wheels / Decks
As previously mentioned in the introduction, the jog wheels on the VCI 300 MKII are 5 inches in diameter surrounded with a glossy and rigid black plastic which helps us understand when it's touched – in fact its color changes from blue (off) to red (on) – and of course this touch sensitivity can be adjusted through the touch sensor level. On both sides of the plates, somewhat hidden, almost under the console, there is a JOG TORQUE ADJUST KNOB to control the speed and accurate jog torque adjustments, by tightening and loosening the screw (Pic.11).
Pic.11 – Vestax VCI 300 MKII – Jog Wheel and Jog Torque adjust knob (Photo by Paolo Colacicco)
The controls on the Vestax VCI 300 MKII deck are very intuitive and ease of use: on the top we find the PITCH SLIDER to control and adjust the playback speed with a range of +/- 6%, a green led on in the middle to indicate that it is not working but placed at the zero level position. On the right of the pitch slider we find two PITCH SHIFT BUTTONS to offsets the pitch range by 12%; in order to reset the pitch shift and get back to normal values it only requires pressing the two buttons simultaneously. The KEYLOCK button, once on, changes the speed without any action on the pitch of the track, instead with AUDIO TEMPO we can take advantage of the typical matching speed function in order to match the speed of the track we are playing with a secondary one. Not to underestimate the SCRATCH function, or “vinyl function”, which allows us to “manipulate” the track as we like or either simply scratch it: this function can be quickly enabled or disabled through the little button near the jog wheel (Pic.12).
Pic.12 – Vestax VCI 300 MKII – Deck section controls (Photo by Paolo Colacicco)
The deck control is in charge of two big blue-backlit buttons, placed in the standard position (ie in the lower side of the jog wheel): CUE and PLAY/PAUSE. By them we can start and stop the track or choose the initial segment position of the track (Pic.13).
Pic.13 – Vestax VCI 300 MKII – CUE/PLAY/PAUSE controls (Photo by Paolo Colacicco)
Loop Section
On the upper part of the deck we find the CUE/LOOP section, composed of 3 CUE/IN buttons and 3 OUT/LOOP buttons. By pressing the CUE IN button we can decide where to place the CUE POINT, and then we can loop that segment by pressing the corresponding OUT/LOOP button. Obviously the loop segment can be increased or reduced in half using the HALF and DOUBLE buttons. The AUTOLOOP button creates a synchronized loop calculating the BPM of the track. The backlit function of the controller is very intuitive, in fact when it comes to the cue/loop, when the loop is activated, the buttons light up in green, which will become red if we press the OUT1/LOOP button again, disabling the loop function for that segment. The following 2/3 keys light up in orange and blue if a secondary loop is ready to replace the one that is enabled for the track playing in the first place. The CENSOR button, if held down, reverses playback temporarily; by activating the SHIFT+CENSOR function (reverse) the button will start to flash in orange light and the track will be automatically reversed. There is also a SHIFT button which allows us to activate very intuitive secondary functions or simply to disable a function or reset the selection (Pic.14).
Pic.14 – Vestax VCI 300 MKII – Loop Section (Photo by Paolo Colacicco)
Gain & EQ
Each deck has got a TRIM, a rubberized knob which represents gain for each channel that works on the volume before it goes through the equalizer and the fader. The Vestax VCI 300 MKII EQ section is composed by 3 rubberized knobs LOW/MID/HIGH to be used respectively for the low, mid and high frequencies. On the upper and center part of the Vestax controller we find the MASTER knob, which controls the output signal level regardless of the software, while MONITOR SELECT works on balancing and mixing the headphone pre-listening and MONITOR LEVEL on controlling the volume. In the middle of the controller, near the line faders we find the PFL-A and PFL-B buttons which allow us to enable the headphone pre-listening of the relative A or B decks (Pic.15).
Pic.15 – Vestax VCI 300 MKII – Gain and EQ section (Photo by Paolo Colacicco)
Faders
Between the two job wheels we find the fader section composed by two vertical lines for the sound level separated by 12-level led indicators and a shorter horizontal one (cross fader). The fader curve of both the three faders can be customized for the cut control, which is great for those who need to scratch or something special for his show (Pic.16).
Pic.16 – Vestax VCI 300 MKII – Fader Section (Photo by Paolo Colacicco)
Web Browser
The browser section of the Vestax VCI 300 MKII controller is very intuitive and functional, though compact. Pressing the CRATES button the cursor within the Serato ITCH software switches and flip through the file library starting from the previously arranged collection, something like the record crates that DJs were used to prepare and classify before a performance. Once the collection has been chosen, pressing the BROWSE button, you will see the files with details such as title, artist, BPM, genre, and so on, instead, using the FILES button, it's possible to check your own hard disk and its directories. Everything with the help of the NAVIGATION stick which allows us to scroll the files using the jog wheel. It is also possible to load tracks by holding down the SCROLL + PFL A or PFL B buttons together depending on which deck you want to use to open the track (Pic.17).
Pic.17 – Vestax VCI 300 MKII – BROWSE Section (Photo by Paolo Colacicco)
The Test
The Vestax VCI 300 MKII controller has been tested both on PC and Mac, and in both cases there were no problems. The supplied software included inside the box is the Serato ITCH version 1.5. Firstly I updated to the 1.7 version, as it is due. The device was automatically recognized and there was no need to install any additional driver. The software by Serato (Pic.18), although it can seem stark and disappointing in terms of graphics, it is very reliable and intuitive, with only its essential controls in full view. It's a good fit with the controller and the communication between the device and the software never gave me any trouble during the DJ set.
Pic.18 – Serato ITCH software
The ITCH library is very easy to control, flipping through the files it is possible to synchronize it with your own I-tunes library. As for the previously controllers I tested, I tried to scratch, achieving great results: the sound card of the controller is able to control the latency with no delays which would compromise the overall performance.
Extras
If you try to turn the controller upside down, you'll spot an upgrade panel with 4 screws. In reality Vestax gives the opportunity - to those who want to try and use the controller in order to scratch - to replace the supplied cross fader with a digital fader of new design. The Vestax CF-X2 digital fader will allow you to improve your performances and to scratch accurately (Pic.19).
Pic.19 – Vestax VCI 300 MKII – Upgrade panel and CF-X fader (Photo by Paolo Colacicco)
VESTAX VFX – 1 CONTROLLER
The Vestax VFX-1 effects controller is an accessory, in a manner of speaking, which makes the VCI 300 MKII controller even more complete: same design and manufacturing material as the latter's (Pic.20).
Pic.20 – Vestax VFX-1 – Effect Controller (Photo by Paolo Colacicco)
This controller only requires USB connection and runs with the supplied software (Pic.21).
Pic.22 – Vestax VFX-1 – USB Port (Photo by Paolo Colacicco)
As soon as it is connected to the Serato ITCH software, it will show a bar that displays some information about the current effect, depth and details about the effect source (deck A or B) (Pic.22).
Pic.22 – Serato ITCH software – Effect bar
The VFX -1 midi controller has been designed in a vertical shape and its controls are very easy and intuitive. In fact Vestax clearly wanted to split by halves the control use, horizontally, giving us the chance to apply effects on deck A and B in separate ways. Through the ASSIGN section we can apply, through the DECK A/B keys, the effect to the deck A or B or even to the MASTER by pressing both keys at the same time. In the same section there is, sideways, the headphone pre-listening function, by pushing the PFL FX, or the applicable effect function to the AUX/MIC section. On the lower side we find a very visible ON/OFF key to activate the effect. It must be said that a little LATCH switch is hidden sideways of the controller which will give us the chance to enable an effect without holding down the key. The TAP/AUTO key matches the beats per minute of the tracks with the effect, or, by pressing the key several times, with the tempo (Pic.23).
Pic.23 – Vestax VFX-1 – ASSIGN (Photo by Paolo Colacicco)
VFX -1 Effects section
The effects are obviously included in the Serato software and there are nine of them: Flanger, Crusher, Tremolo, Phaser, HPF, LPF, Echo, Delay and Reverb. Each one can be selected through a 12 snap SELECT knob, and with a similar knob (BEATS) it is possible to change the beat division. Just below there is the big DEPTH knob to control the DRY/WET parameters of the FX and a rubberized knob to control alternative parameters, which is similar to the ones on the VCI (Pic.24).
Pic. 24 – Vestax VFX-1 – FX section (Photo by Paolo Colacicco)
considerations
The Vestax VCI 300 MKII midi controller is an excellent one, judging by its quality, design and price. Controls are easy and essential, even for beginner DJs. In the dark, the backlit keys help not to lose control of it, even though the amount of light is a bit disappointing. No denying about how good the materials are: perhaps the faders are something to keep an eye on, though. Overall the controller has a great response in terms of being able to join you in whatever live set, even for the wild performances where you want to try your hand on scratching. The Serato ITCH software fits perfectly with the VCI 300 MKII and very easy to set up and use. Possibly, the only frustration lies in the fact that you need to buy a midi effect controller like the VFX-1 separately: although the quality of the effects is amazing, nowadays there are controller producers who – at a lower price – offer excellent devices with onboard effect controls.
Until next time DJ Fresella….
Pros:• Excellent price/quality ratio
• Integrated onboard sound card
• Easy set up
• USB Power
• Perfect for mixing and scratching
• Excellent provided software.
Cons:
• Framework and mechanics need to be improved
• Key lights meets minimum standards
• Required Upgrade to improve scratch performance
• It necessarily needs an external controller to control the effects.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
Producer: vestax
Model: VCI 300 MK II + effect controllerVFX -1
Website: http://www.vestax.com/
Italian distributor: www.exhibo.it
Price for VCI 300 MK II: about 690,00 Euros
Price for VFX -1: about 220,00 Euros
Italian to English translation: Humbert of the Judge
