what controller for $300?

I'm a bedroom dj and I've been using Traktor Pro with the keyboard and mouse and now I want to upgrade to a controller. I mix trance and house and use effects, loops, multiple cue points, and the filter a lot, so I need a controller with a lot of buttons.

I was looking at the Vestax VCI-100 and it looks pretty much perfect, only downside is that it doesn't come with a sound card. I mostly just record my mixes for myself to listen to so a sound card isn't necessary right now, but it would be really nice to have for parties and such! Basically I'm wondering if there's any controllers with a sound card that would be suitable for me and are high quality at around this price point, and if there's any reason to avoid the VCI-100. I'm looking for something with a nice feel that would really make the transition from keyboard worth it, if that's possible at this price point.

Take a used VCI-100 + NI Audio 2. Under 300 $ you get best bang out of your buck.

the vci100 is still a great controller but probably a bit old in the tooth compared to many of the more recent controllers and def not the best value for money.

it's probably the most solid of the lot tho - which sounds for something.

this ddt round up from the end of last year lists just about all the contenders... http://www.digitaldjtips.com/2011/12...rs-guide-2012/

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Originally Posted by zestoi

the vci100 is still a great controller but probably a bit old in the tooth compared to many of the more recent controllers and def not the best value for money.

it's probably the most solid of the lot tho - which sounds for something.

this ddt round up from the end of last year lists just about all the contenders... http://www.digitaldjtips.com/2011/12...rs-guide-2012/

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my impression was that the vci100 is the highest quality controller in this price range and the only one actually used by pros/semi-pros, so it would allow me to grow into it instead of outgrow it. am i wrong?
i looked at some of the other controllers but its my understanding that they are cheaply made.

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Originally Posted by dopeman420

my impression was that the vci100 is the highest quality controller in this price range and the only one actually used by pros/semi-pros, so it would allow me to grow into it instead of outgrow it. am i wrong?
i looked at some of the other controllers but its my understanding that they are cheaply made.

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i wouldn't say it's the only one in used by pro/semi-pros, but it *is* the most solid so can take a lot more abuse than some.

even the NI S4 is "cheaply made" compared to the vci100 - so if build quality is your #1 reason for going for one controller over another then u can't go much wrong with the vci100.

a vci100 + midifighter or something wouldn't be too bad. build quality of those are good too. you'd soon run out of controls tho if the vci100 was your only controller.

I haven't looked at that round up from dtt, but my basic impression is that, although the VCI-100 is fairly dated, as zestoi said it is probably one the most robust controllers for under $300, if not the most robust. Additionally, if you buy a used one and decide you want to upgrade your set up, the VCI will retain much more of it's value then a new controller with more plastic components.

Additionally, if you're willing to put a little work into your VCI, you can update the firmware on your VCI to correct bugs and update the resolution and functions. Also djtt is going to (hopefully) begin selling TP2 overlays in the middle of feb (there's a link in the VCI-100 section of the forum.) If you'd like to use the features of TP2 without creating a custom mapping.

Also something to think about is that if you buy a used VCI and a used soundcard, you can upgrade the soundcard to something of a higher quality without purchasing a whole new controller, saving you money in the long run.

VCI-100 MKII, you can find it for about $400 in some places, new I believe. Has a built in soundcard, still a very decent and solidly built controller even though it's not full metal like the original (the top place and sides are aluminum and very solid).

thanks for the advise everyone. i ended up ordering the vci-100. cant wait!

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Originally Posted by dopeman420

thanks for the advise everyone. i ended up ordering the vci-100. cant wait!

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good choice so long as u mean the mk1. that new behringer all-in-one looks pretty cool tho for the money. or even better their more modular new stuff.