Vestax - VCI-300 USB DJ Controller w/ Serato ITCH

item detail page

all // Vestax: VCI-300 USB DJ Controller w/ Serato ITCH
go back

Vestax VCI-300 USB DJ Controller w/ Serato ITCH

this item qualifies for free domestic UPS shipping

lab price:: $899.99
list price:: $1,299.00
item #:: dig-704

the lab review

OVERVIEW
The VCI-300 is the brainchild of Vestax and Serato - a dedicated USB MIDI controller and with the included Serato ITCH DJ software. This sleek and portable unit also comes with a built in audio interface with standard 2in/4out RCA and headphone connection which means all you need for DJing is the VCI-300, a laptop and a set of headphones. No turntables or mixer necessary. In addition, the unit is incredibly portable and easy to set up.

FEATURES
HIGH RESOLUTION CONTROL
The VCI-300 can control more than 90 parameters and functions of the included Serato software with high resolution MIDI signals sent via USB. The pulse resolution of the JOG wheel and pitch control fader is 4 times higher than the VCI-100 and provides precise control of each function. The pitch control fader also shares the same high quality fader parts of the input fader for advanced operability.

SUPERB AUDIO CHARACTERISTIC
The built-in audio interface carries a Audio Codec IC with superb audio characteristic, generated by a delta-sigma modulation 24 bit stereo D/A-A/D converter. Audio connection includes 1 stereo input, 1 MIC input and 2 stereo output (Master L/R, Monitor L/R).

LEVEL INDICATION
A 12 level LED L/R indicator is set in the center of the top panel to monitor sound levels.

FILE CONTROL
Audio files in the software library can be easily selected and controlled with the CRATES / FILES / BROWSE key and the cursor switch inherited from the VCM-100.

EMERGENCY THRU SWITCH
The Emergency Thru Switch located on the rear panel is a countermeasure where you can use the VCI-300 with the provided ITCH software or without the computer connected if you simply want to play music from your external CD or MP3 player. The ITCH software reads music from your iTunes library or the Serato library you use for Scratch LIVE, making it the perfect device for recreational or professional DJ's.

ADJUSTABLE JOG WHEEL TORQUE
The torque of each JOG wheel can be adjusted to prevent them from moving from low frequency feedback and altering the pitch when using the VCI-300 in such places like clubs.

FADER CURVE CONTROL
The fader curve of each fader can be adjusted to the preferred characteristics for long mixes, scratching and any other style.

OUR OPINION
The VCI-300 is an impressive all-in-one digital djing solution. Everything you need is included in the box except for your laptop and headphones. This is a great unit for those not interested in owning a pair of turntables or a mixer and just want to focus solely on digital djing. The price tag might seem steep, but when you consider the fact you are getting an all-in-one unit with Serato ITCH that requires no turntables or mixer (which can run well over $1000), it is actually a deal.

reviewed by the mgmnt 10/21/2008

lab staple item

key features

VCI-300 SPECS - dedicated USB MIDI controller unit
- includes Serato ITCH software
- built-in audio interface with RCAx2 in/ RCAx2+PHONEx2 out
- headphone out
- crossfader with curve control
SERATO ITCH SPECS - high performance portable music system that allows internal mixing and platter style playback control
- integrated ÃƒÆ'Ã‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬Ãƒâ€¦"one to oneÃƒÆ'Ã‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬ÃƒÂ¯Ã‚Â¿Ã‚Â½ hardware to software mapping for instant control and minimum setup time
- interoperable with Scratch LIVE crates, loops and cue points, also support for iTunes
- audio processing and internal mixing via Serato ITCH software, Channel fading, EQ, cross fading and track trim are processed in software with audio and headphone monitoring on the ITCH hardware
- clean and simple software user interface with emphasis on hardware controller to display information. Auto Tempo Matching and Beat Sync
- optimal Gain and BPM Calculation
- serato's unique color waveforms for easy identification of sound
- set and store Cue-points
- manual and Auto Loop activation
- music Library management tools for backup and restore
- input and Mix recording capability
- AIFF, WAV, MP3 and AAC audio file support
MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS - Mac G4 1.5GHz or better, 1GB RAM, Mac OS X 10.4.11 or higher
- Windows XP Pentium 4 mobile 2GHz or better, 1GB RAM, OS: Windows XP SP2 or higher
- Windows Vista Core Duo 1.6GHz or better, 1GB RAM, OS: Windows Vista SP1 or higher