The 1st Controller Dilemma

Sup DJTT,

I have spent the whole past month up till today reading countless reviews, debates, comparisons of dj controllers. I have a limited budget so I am making sure to get the most out of it. I could go on forever but I've gotten to the point where I just couldn't be bothered anymore and just want to start. My budget is no more than 200€. The available options are a Hercules 4-mx and a DJTT VCI-100 arcade mod. Both appears to be in good condition. (I could also get a brand new Xponent but I was dissuaded to due to outdated hardware) The software of my choice is Traktor. Disregarding the fact that the VCI doesn't have an in-built sound card, which one would be a better bang for my buck?

Without any doubt the vci, especially considering the fun factor of the arcade mod and DJTT's mapping for it.

I never owned one of them but I can tell you what I know from having tried them in a music store and from what people say:
Imho, when it comes to build quality and the way the unit looks I would definitely go with the VCI-100 arcade. Also Vestax's company image is much better than Behringer's. Behringer is often associated with cheap units that tend to break easily since quality assurance doesn't seem to have that high priority there.
But as you said you would need to buy an additional sound card (tip: just buy an NI interface and you will get Traktor Pro 2.5 for free!)
Best advice: Try it before you buy it ;)

VCI-100 Arcade. Hands down. I use mine with an Audio 2.

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Behringer is often associated with cheap units that tend to break easily since quality assurance doesn't seem to have that high priority there.

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3 year warranty now says their quality assurance has a much better priority than in the past.

If it were a toss up between a VCI and and Hercules, Vestax definetly but IMHO (only I'm sure), I'd probably go for a Mixtrack pro due to the layout and built in sound card. Yes I know the argument is that the vestax is MUCH better built but the mix track as independent FX controls per channel which I see as essential and just about perfect for Traktor. I REALLY HATE soft-takeover which the VCI utilizes for the FX section.

You should be easily be able to find one on your budget too.

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Behringer is often associated with cheap units that tend to break easily since quality assurance doesn't seem to have that high priority there.

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3 year warranty now says their quality assurance has a much better priority than in the past.

If it were a toss up between a VCI and and Hercules, Vestax definetly but IMHO (only I'm sure).

BUT in your budget I'd probably go for a Mixtrack pro due to the layout and built in sound card. Yes I know the argument is that the vestax is MUCH better built, but the mix track as independent FX controls per channel which I see as essential and just about perfect for Traktor. I REALLY HATE soft-takeover which the VCI utilizes for the FX section.

You should be easily be able to find one on your budget too.

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Originally Posted by RockingClub

Also Vestax's company image is much better than Behringer's.

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How did behringer come into this? The topic is Vci-100 Arcade mod vs Hercules 4-mx.

Anyway all this talk of Behringer got me stumbled upon the CMD STUDIO 4A. Seems to be a Mixtrack Pro killer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brRHypfgB20#t=2m32s

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How did behringer come into this?

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Good point LOL ... I just read back on that post and was wondering the same thing LOL - yeah the 4A does look tasty and cheap too, won't be out till end of summer though.

I think I'll go for the VCI-100 mod arcade. Do you think 180€ for it is a good deal?

If you consider what new gear you will get for 180 euros and if it is still in good condition, I think 180 euro is fine. Maybe you can also ask to get it with a small 10-20 euro discount ;)

180 is a RIDICULOUSLY good price for a VCI Arcade. Go for it!