Does the VCI-100 still compete with todays "budget" controllers?

Good afternoon all, this is my first post here, but I have been lurking and devouring information here for months. I've been reading\watching videos\organizing my music\learning Traktor for a while now, and I've hit the point where I really need to snag a controller.

As such, I've been scouring the FS forum here, Craigslist, Online retailers, etc. for all of the usual suspects for a first controller.

Mixtrack
Mixtrack Pro
Typhoon
Hercules *
Stanton SCS

You get the picture. Amidst all of my research it seems the general consensus is that the newer "budget" controllers tend to have better jogs and more functionality than the "mid-line" controllers of a few years ago.

This brings me to my question. Does the VCI-100 still compare favorably to the newer generation of budget controllers like the above?

I've found a deal on a used VCI-100 for $150 and a used MixtrackPro for $100. My gut instinct is to jump on the VCI, learn on it, possibly mod it with some arcade buttons and the 1.4 firmware upgrade as time progresses. Should I want more control over the loop decks add something like a NanoKontrol (or better) down the road.

But being the filthy n00b I am I thought I'd first enlist the help of the DJTT forum.

Cheers, and thanks in advance.

The VCI-100 is kind of like a Technics turntable; I feel that the build quality far surpasses almost ALL controllers on the market today, and they hold their value fairly well also. I think the VCI would be a great choice for your first controller...

Simple answer, yes!
-As 2 deck controller is great, and it will last ages, it's well build.
-Low cost if you buy second hand, nice mapping.

NO, get the mixtrack Pro for $100. The jogs are far more superior & you get a built in soundcard.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by majestics

NO, get the mixtrack Pro for $100. The jogs are far more superior & you get a built in soundcard.

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disagree. The jogs on the VCI-100 are extremely good, and the general build quality is excellent. You won't get much better jogs without entering the realm of HID controllers like the NI S2, and you won't get a better built controller without needing the services of a Russian T-34 tank factory.

I'm not saying the jogs on the VCI are crap, I just think the mixtrack ones are better and larger.

Thanks so much for the insight everyone. Yesterday I went ahead and pulled the plug on the VCI-100. It really does seem like a hell of a lot of controller for $150.

5 days shipping can seem like an eternity. I'm sure in the meantime I'll be scouring the internet for every possible TSI, reading every tutorial I can find on it, looking into the arcade buttons, firmware kit, etc etc etc.

Thanks again for the help everyone, so it begins...

The VCI is fun!

Only be sure to update its Firmware to avoid issues.

Mine is dead for some reason and it kills me.
I have other gear now so its fine, but it was great for mobility.

For instance, if i were in bed...I could practice a set there and work on stuff.

Now, its all USB Hubs...Power cables....and just not as quick and easy.

I will not sell mine....even if I get it fixed. Was my first controller ...and the arcade buttons etc.

:)

So while you get 'better' engineered and updated controllers...I think the VCI-100 is still solid!

I wish i still had my VCI 100.

I use and love my S4 and the VCI would certainly be no substitute but, the VCI 100 was amazing.

If i can the spare cash i would buy a VCI Arcade in a heartbeat.

The VCI 100 revolutionised controllerism for me and I dare say a lot of other people on the forum.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Karlos Santos

I wish i still had my VCI 100.

I use and love my S4 and the VCI would certainly be no substitute but, the VCI 100 was amazing.

If i can the spare cash i would buy a VCI Arcade in a heartbeat.

The VCI 100 revolutionised controllerism for me and I dare say a lot of other people on the forum.

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So that being said, obviously the main thing you'd be giving up going back that direction would be the direct control of the loop recorder and sample decks (not saying there aren't mappings to do that).

So my question to you would be, what would you use to supplement the VCI to regain that functionality?

On the budget end (unfortunate reality) the Korg NanoKontrol looks to me to provide a pretty intuitive interface for working with those. Perhaps an X1 a little further up the cost chain.

I'm just curious about what you'd miss most going back (and what you'd do to not miss it).