Vestax VCI300 Serato Itch USB/MIDI DJ Controller/Interface

zZounds' Take on Vestax VCI300

Looking for a just-add-laptop DJ rig that's still pro-quality? Look no further than the Vestax VCI300. A complete software/hardware package, the VCI300 was developed in conjunction with Serato to seamlessly tap into the power of their revolutionary (and included) Itch DJ software. Combining a comprehensive MIDI-over-USB control surface with audiophile-quality analog-to-digital audio conversion, the Vestax VCI300 is all you need to turn your laptop into a professional, portable DJ rig, and your iTunes collection into the biggest virtual record crate your club has ever heard.

The Only Good Mouse Is A Deadmau5
There's nothing less cool than reaching for a mouse or trackpad in the middle of a set. With direct input from Serato, Vestax was able to design the VCI300 as a complete tactile expression of Itch, meaning you can DJ like a DJ and not a javascript programmer. DJing starts with picking the perfect track, and even this basic task is given a place on the VCI300. Crate, file, and browse controls pair with a center-mounted jog wheel for track selection that's fast and intuitive. Put sets together quickly and fearlessly reconfigure them on-the-fly in response to your audience's mood. You'll also get complete control over looping and cueing functions, pitch adjust, tempo, reverse effect, and three-band EQ, and the full set of controls is mirrored in dedicated sets for both virtual decks.

Itch You Can Scratch
Itch is the perfect software for a wide variety of DJ styles, from simple playlisting and mixing to fancier turntable styles, and the Vestax VCI300 controller was designed to keep pace. The same uncompromising build quality that goes into their celebrated DJ mixers goes into this DJ controller, which is immediately evident in its fader operation. Even though the VCI300 is compact, the crossfader is smooth and quick, just like the channel faders and center-detented pitch controllers. The dual platters share the same superior quality, and the faders and platters feature a level of user-definable response--selectable curves for the faders, adjustable resistance for the platters--rarely found in this kind of all-in-one controller/interface. The high motion resolution of the platters and faders means the VCI300 is responsive enough for head-turning turntablist moves, so long as your skills are up to par, of course.

Pro Features And Fidelity
The controller portion of the VCI300 commands your music, and the audio interface controls the crowd. 24-bit digital-to-analog conversion resolution makes for better-than-CD-quality sound pumped through the house PA. The 24-bit conversion depth enhances low-end and transient reproduction in particular, making for earth-shaking bass and propulsive rhythms that'll whip any crowd into a frenzy. It's the kind of fidelity that inspires infidelity. Dual stereo outputs independently feed the house and a separate monitor channel and there's also a dedicated headphone output. Add an auxiliary input for non-computer sound sources and a mic input for toasts and shout-outs, and the VCI300 features all the routing you'll need for a club gig without the need for an additional mixing console. Because the VCI300 was designed for professional gigs, and because computers are just as susceptible to Murphy's Law as any audio equipment, Vestax incorporated a fail-safe mechanism in to the VCI300. Flick a little switch labeled "Emergency Thru" and the unit can continue to operate as a mixer independently of a computer connection using incoming audio from the Aux input. The only more effective backup would be a second laptop.

If you're a club looking a for a house rig that won't break the bank or get scoffed at by the hired talent, the Vestax VCI300 is the perfect booth unit. Likewise, if you're a busy DJ who'd rather not tote around a loaded coffin case and a stack of CDs, the VCI300 gives you the control and performance you need, and fits right alongside your laptop in a messenger bag. With hands-on control, pro features and sound, and a rugged, compact build that'll last, the Vestax VCI300 is a no-brainer DJ upgrade.

Manufacturer's Description for Vestax VCI300 Serato Itch USB/MIDI DJ Controller/Interface

Vestax and Serato have joined forces. Sharing their technology and compiled feedback from Pro DJ's and users from around the world, they have created a dedicated DJ USB MIDI / Audio system and software offering absolute control. The VCI-300 is a dedicated USB MIDI controller for the included Serato DJ software. It also comes with a built in audio interface with standard 4 in/4 out and headphone connection, which means all you need for DJing is the VCI-300, a laptop and a set of headphones. New features such as the [Emergency Thru Switch], which avoids the sound from stopping when the computer freezes, is an added feature from study of user feedback. Another is the new weight reduced JOG wheel and the adjustable JOG wheel torque mechanism to avoid vibration from low frequency feedback.

Serato ITCH
Integrated software and hardware solution for a range of mixing styles from super-clubs to house parties. Perfect for digital music selectors, DJ etc. zZounds is an authorized dealer of Vestax products.

Specifications
USB Port (Bus Powered)

Mic Input x 1

Aux Input RCA x 2

Headphones Out x 1

Master Outphone x 2, Rca x 2

Input Fader Curve Control x 1

Cross Fader Curve Control x 1

Dimentions (W x H x D): 410 x 43 x 275 (Excluding Knob Height)

Weight: 3.2 kg

Adaptor (Option): Dc-9v 500ma