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

[djproben]

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

MIDI Fighter.

[Karlos Santos]

X1 if you dont really want to do crazy button juggling.
Way more features to use on the X1.

However, i never used my X1s with my VCI but i did use my MF.

[Fubar]

I can say with a few years of harsh use that vci is the best built controller that I've tried, its simply a tank. Pioneers feel wobbly as well as NI's controllers, xone dx has some issues as well. MC6000 is close, but I have bad experiences with denons buttons. Otherwise its good, but too cramped. Waiting for vci-400 drooling. I'll settle for a twitch and the vci-100 that I got until 400 is released.

edit, clarification: Its not the smoothest, easiest to use, best laid out or otherwise best in anything, but its a tool that lasts and is good enough for just about everything you need.

[JazZmutant]

VCI-100 + Xone K2 will be an awesome combo

[geminimech]

I can say with a few years of harsh use that vci is the best built controller that I've tried, its simply a tank. Pioneers feel wobbly as well as NI's controllers, xone dx has some issues as well. MC6000 is close, but I have bad experiences with denons buttons. Otherwise its good, but too cramped. Waiting for vci-400 drooling. I'll settle for a twitch and the vci-100 that I got until 400 is released.

edit, clarification: Its not the smoothest, easiest to use, best laid out or otherwise best in anything, but its a tool that lasts and is good enough for just about everything you need.

What exactly about Pioneer's controller feels wobbly to you?

To the OP, the VCI-100 is a fantastic piece of kit, beginner or otherwise. You won't be disappointed at all.

[Fubar]

DDJ-T1, the top cover is too thin, platters have slack, fx knobs feel like they're too loose for the base and upfaders jiggle sideways. None are way bad, but for pioneer I'd expect better for top-of-the-range-in-midi product. Haven't tried S1, which, according to rumours seem to be better built for some reason.

[geminimech]

? I guess you haven't seen or used one yet.

[SparkDogg]

A little update.

Wednesday I had a note on my door from UPS (that adult signature required thing is a killer when you're a spaz who wants the shiny now), fortunately I was able to go pick it up at the local office that night.

Unfortunately, I simply could not get my laptop (Lenovo X201 with XP) to recognize it, simply kept kicking back the "USB device not recognized/device has malfunctioned error". I tried literally everything, from finding a powered USB hub, then a power supply that works for it, to uninstalling anything that could conflict, to pulling all of the USB drivers from an install CD. I'm an IT guy by trade who builds some pretty complex stuff, so I mean everything. I'm relatively sure that the conflict is with a little built in Logitech Webcam.

Undaunted, I threw 7 on a spare drive I had, installed Traktor, plugged it in and everything worked without a hitch.

I'm seriously glad I found out about this device and this site. This thing is a serious piece of equipment, overbuilt in a way that few things are nowadays. It reminds me of the Technics gear my dad had when I was a kid (I still remember the feeling of terror when I saw his reaction to my "scratching" routine with his diamond needle and Santana record).

I'm just now getting a bit of a feel for the basic controls in Traktor, but this is about as intuitive a device to learn on as I could envision. In the middle of the night that first night I recorded an ~half hour mix while my girl was making her way home from the World Series. From a technical/analytical standpoint it sort of sucks, but I find myself playing it more in the car than anything else, grinning ear to ear and nodding my head.

I can't fathom how cool this tool is that allowed me to whip up a mix that I enjoy hearing right off the jump. I've loved EDM since the old DJ Micro\Dave Aude\BadBoyBill days, and have always wanted to dig into the nuts and bolts of how to create it. What a great time to be doing that.

Thanks again for the site and the advice, I'll be around. I have so much to learn.

Peace

[derschaich]

sweet!

had my VCI hitting the floor hard last weekend. right in the evening before a gig!!

Was super stressed, as the Jogs fell out... then got my head straight, disassembled my baby (i did this a couple of times before) and put the jogs back in. tighted all the screws and voila it worked like a charm.

will never give it away!

[DJ_dB]

My VCI was gathering some dust on a shelf when I bought an X1 and MF Classic, but I've now dusted it off remapped it (I now have loop recorder control, and custom jog/fader FX), and even given it a new look with a fresh paint job. Couldn't be happier with it! Well...that is, unless it spontaneously grew a soundcard...but the lack of soundcard (in my opinion) is a very fair trade for the price value, and build quality.

PS. If anyone is interested in this mapping, let me know, and I'll keep you posted on any advancements, as it's still in the tweaking phase.