I should have been more careful about showing that new black VCI-100 because now everyone wants one! Here is the “semi-official” word from Vestax on release dates for the limited edition black VCI-100.First, the black VCI-100 pictured above is a Japan only release for the time being, its been made in very limited quanity and it is not scheduled to come to other markets any time soon. Thats the bad news, so now for the good news. The limited edition “Ean Golden” version of the vci-100 might be available in other markets after NAMM. That all just depends on how excited the distributors are at NAMM when I show them the first model. To help insure that you get a chance to buy one of the limited editions, you can always send them an email saying HEY, I would buy the Ean Golden VCI-100! Usually, that seems to go a long way :-)
American Distributor of Vestax
Sales centers from other parts of the world
So how did our version of the VCI-100 end up? Check it out here:
This version is essentially the black VCI-100 with controllerism and performance modifications programed in by yours trully. Its designed to be used as a mixer, with full channel, EQ and headphone control over 3 decks with Traktor 3.2 and above. The effects are much more easy to use, you just have to push one button to engage a effect and then turn a single knob to get loud and powerful results. Check out the deck copy function on the upper left hand side which makes moving songs around between decks in Traktor 3 simple and straight forward. The best part comes when you connect a midi foot switch to your computer (not through the VCI-100) then you can easily engage 2 controllerism layers that jump directly to 5 different cue points on each deck in 2 different musical ways. Its essentially the exact layout I am using at the Vestax show here. The dual filter control is a joy to use, just push the filter button to turn it on and then easily cut the bass or Hi frequencies with a single knob for each deck. Hold down the Deck C button with your finger or activate it with a foot switch and DECK B now controls deck C. All volume, EX and cuing of deck C are taken care of in the third bank of effects. not enough for you then get jiggy on the jog wheels- when juggle mode is engaged they turn into drums that trigger cue points! “Booom, Shake - Shake the room, boyyyyy”
NICE!!!
Ok…I’m getting one now!
NAMM isn’t going to come soon enough. I want one now! lol
Hi Ean - this looks exactly what im looking for!
Question: I already own a VCI-100 - would it be possible to upgrade to your setup?
Thanks and keep up the great work!
Well, congrats, Ean. It seems Vestax is finally putting someone who understands the business to show how it’s supposed to be. I’ve watched your videos and found them very good.
It seems to me that if the black VCI-100 will only made its way to Japan, it’ll make things worser to their image, but that’s just my opinion.
About this Ean Golden VCI-100 edition, could you please post more details about it, please? For actual VCI-100 owners, I would like to know if it’s worth the upgrade, and what are the exact mods made to the original unit.
Another thing I want to know is: are you using Traktor 3.3 or still using 3.2? As you might know, this last update messed up a lot with FX and other behaviors of Traktor.
Cheers and thanks for sharing all this wonderful info.
If you already own a VCI-100- you can upgrade to this version with a firmware update. The goal is to send some of the re-sellers some plates with firmware update cables so you can get new black plates and upgrade at the same time.
I beta test for Ni so I always try the latest version and this time I did switch over to 3.3. They have improved most of the effects and come to a final balance of characteristics between the new effects and old behavior.
So is the black version going to tbe the same version as the white version that they currently have out at this moment? If so, I might as well get the black one if that is the case.
Or is it better just to get the torq Xponent?????????
Got it. Will be writing about it on Submusica on the nex few days, thanks again for the infos.
Hi Ean,
Thanks for this article. Ive been waiting for it ever since your video in japan haha. But anyway, i wanted to know if the original vci-100 can control traktor 3.3 perfectly? I really want the black version, but i guess ill just have to settle for the original silver one for now. Thanks. By the way, do you have any estimated time period when the actual vci-100 black version will come out?
Will the Special Edition Ean Golden version of the VCI-100 come in black?
so how much would one of these limited edition ean golden vci’s cost?
ok so i know there are few differences after the firmware updates but cosmedically it’s easier to see in lower light places such as just about everwhere your going to be using one. So here’s the big questions-
1 can we order it from a suplier in japan or is that version so different
and or
2 is there any distributor imparticular that we should write to to get them to pick this up.
Otherwise i’m flying my self out to NAMM and stealing yours.
guys just check ebay. I already have mine. Klassik Killer Kaz is selling them from tokyo.
Actually I’m not seeing it anymore scratch that.
Hi Ean! I have a problem with my VCI-100
First of all, nice videos on youtube? you?ve made interesting things with VESTAX VCI-100. You rule! I have been playing with digital music since 1996, with MODS (obviously not in public), but I never bought anything regarding DJ Gear until now.
I?ve read your articles here and in RemixMag, and you?re a specialist with VCI-100. I would like to know if you can help me with mine. I?m from Argentina? and I bought a Black VCI from Japan? so I don?t have customer service here and perhaps I can solve this problem easily.
The problem is regarding the Jogwheels: The one on the left doesn?t spin too fast in comparison to the right one.
Before opening my Vestax, I would like to know if under the jogwheel there’s a screw, in order to loose it a little, so the jogwheel would spin faster.
Or if it doesn?t have a screw, do you think that with WD-40 I can solve my issue?
Excuse me for my English, I’ve really tried to make my point.
Congratulations for your custom VCI-100! Do you know if those plates will be sold separately? I hope so?
Best wishes for 2008!
I hope you can give me a hand on this, thanks in advance.
Frank.
what up to the dood from argentina,
heres a method to fix that jogwheel of yours! be careful!
VCI-100 / Stiff Jog Wheel
——————————————————————————–
I’ve heard that some users are having problems with the new VCI-100 midi controller with one (or both) of the jog wheels being overly stiff to rotate.
It’s really easy to fix, so don’t be afraid to open your unit unless you’re particularly ham-fisted.
ANALYSIS
The jog casing is torqued too tight. Loosen it up and it’ll spin freely.
There are no warranty stickers or snitch strips. Nobody can tell if you’ve gone inside.
Your mileage may vary. This is how I did it. Fast and easy. It should work for you, but don’t blame me if you break your gear.
HOWTO
Remove the three screws on the top of the jog and remove the wheel.
Remove the two screws on the left and two on the right side of the case.
Remove the screw on the bottom of the case (underneath the effect parameter button)
Remove the top from the bottom by sliding the top of the controller towards you, then lifting up.
Remove the four screws on the top surface which surround the jog. HOLD THE JOG CASING, so you don’t end up dropping it
Take the jog out just enough that you can rotate it over. face up. (my wires reached, yours may not, just be careful)
Unscrew the four screws around the perimeter of the jog casing. Separate the halves slightly. (peek inside if you like. i’ve never seen the inside of a rotary encoder like this before. neat!)
You’ll notice now that the jog core can spin freely.
HERE’S THE MONEY: Reinstall the four perimeter screws, torquing them *just enough* to keep it closed and stop rattling. As you put in each screw, test the jog. If it’s slow to spin then you’ve tightened it too much.
Reassemble your unit in the reverse order.
Enjoy your VCI-100.
ALSO:
Any one know when they are coming out with the new face plates for the vci 100?
Hey Will Davis! Thanks a lot man!
I’ll try that in minutes!
This site rocks!
Have a nice year!
Frank.
frank,
let us know how it works. happy new year to you too!
wd
you should check out our Torq VS. VCi-100 shoot out here http://www.djtechtools.com/?p=88
It sure will be.black with white and gold letters!
They should be the same price! or a very small fee to upgrade if you allready have a silver vci-100
You should be able to order from japan or other distributors around febuary.
write to American music and sound if your in America or your local music store if your in other countries. There are links with that contact info in the post above. Tell them you want to buy the ean golden edition and then they will be more likely to pick them up in your area!
I read (on ebay) that the limited black vci100 comes with a 100v power adapter from and one will need a transformer in order to properly power the unit… so far I can follow but does that mean the unit isn;t usb bus powered at all?
Thanks for the update Ean, been trawling the net for info on this since the YouTube post.
Was holding back on getting the current VCI thinking I’d wait for the new one, but just gonna go ahead and get it now, grab your new firmware when I think I’m ready for it :D
for all VCI owners - a detailed description (with pics) of how to fix and maintain the jog wheels.
http://rapidshare.com/files/81599023/VCI.pdf.html
One functonality that might be useful is that i sometimes need to switch between pitch range from 8% to 35%. If theres a quick way of doing that on the panel would be super useful…
and do you know if it will be possible to get your firmware in the uk (london) or would i have to send it to the usa / japan…?
thanks!
To Will Davis:
Thanks a lot man.
It worked like a charm! And it wasn’t complicated at all.
I’m really happy with my Vestax now!
Once againg, thanks.
To: Freshness
I already have the black vci-100 and you don’t need a power adapter to make it work properly, just by connecting it to the USB port it will run as it should. They also didn’t include a power adaptor, perhaps there’s something different from the one I bought, or the company where are you buying your gear is selling it with that power adaptor as a gift.
Hi Ean,
I have a question regarding the firmware upgrade, will information be provided for upgrading the firmware at home? I hail from New Zealand and as this is only being sold by one store in the country I suspect it will be unlikely that they offer an upgrade service. Also will it be possible to order the custom plates online?
Cheers for the awesome resource!
Great contribution sgb- that deserves its own post!
so the conclusion is.. we all like the black one but we cant get it yet… so we have to buy the silver one and try to get some cool plates or customize it… maybe red? maybe pink? haha
thanks for the info.
this is for Frank.. where did you purchase the black VCI 100?!!
To: mavrick86.
I have purchased mine in Japan: http://www.soundhouse.co.jp
I have checked the website but they don’t seem to have it anymore.
Try to keep on checking that website, I bought mine with the help of a Japanese friend, cause I dindn’t understand a thing.
There’s also an English tutorial on how to place an order, but it’s a basic tutorial.
If you google it by typing “vci 100 black”, check the cache on this link: http://www.soundhouse.co.jp/shop/ProductDetail.asp?Item=792%5EVCI100BK
I wish you luck.
To: Ean Golden or Editor
I don’t know if you have discussed this previosly I hope you didn’t. Regarding this video about the Jogwheels: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2Y509VQVEQ. I would like to know if you can really do that scratching techniques with the VCI and Traktor. Perhaps I missed a configuration on Traktor, because when I release the Jogwheel I don’t have the “waaaah” sound. Perhaps that’s a sample and this video shows something that it’s not real.
Hey Frank thanks alot man hopefully I can get a hold of one somehow
To mavrick86
Check out this site: http://www.rakuten.co.jp/djpaco/618420/764602/805512/#840213
They have stock available of VESTAX VCI-100 Black
They also have the silver one with red, blue & black faceplates.
I don’t know if you can place an international order, but take a chance.
its sold out there, mate.
Thanks Ean for answering! That “waaaah” simulated the vinyl. I thought that I could make that sound, but as I see, I have to take that out of my mind!.
They need to release both versions!!!!!! Awesome!!!!! I Want 2 of them!
So what exactly are the final differences between the current silver vci-100 and this new japanese black vci-100?
any newz on that black beast? can’t find it anywhere on japanese internet..wanna import it now
greets from brixton/london
Quick Question. If I locate a Black VCI-100 in Japan. Will it run here in the states voltage-wise?
nope.
Silly me…forgot it is USB powered…duh
I will like to know if the new vci-100 is available and how can I distinguish it from the old one
thank you
Hi Ean,
what are the differences between the black VCI-100 and the Ean Golden Edition?
Right now there are only 3 versions of the vci-100 on the market
1) the old silver vci-100 (with ramp up lag on the jog wheel)
2) the updated silver vci-100 (with new firmware and no lag)
you can spot this one because it has a green sticker and the pitch bend can be turned off.
3) The Japan black vci-100 (this is just like number 2 but black with different knobs and buttons)
This is apparently discontinued and will certainly not be availalbe in areas out side of japan.
In march (as long as everything goes according to plan) you will be able to buy the “Ean Golden” version of the black VCI-100. This is the black vci-100 with new plates, new firmware and a matching TKS file for Traktor.
What is different? check out the graphic above and read the functions. Many of the knobs, sliders, buttons have been re-engineered by myself to perform many different functions with one push. Its also set up to easily mix 3 decks on one vci-100. Essentially it has been designed to optimally control Traktor 3 and above.
read the site.
With All respect to EAn Golden & his work ,
Forget the Black VCi Hype ..there are discontinued & …
‘the updated silver vci-100 (with new firmware and no lag)
you can spot this one because it has a green sticker and the pitch bend can be turned off.’
THIS ONE just works ..fine & all the gimmicks to get to run it as Ean , just required a bit of time & some midi learn in traktor as much as writing pages to access few functions under one button …Now regarding djing with 3 decks & having a routine like Ean Golden ..trust my 20 years of experience djing at clubs & festivals…there is no such thing ..it always better 2 have 2 decks mixing action ..And beat juggling routine are just not so welcome with Party crowds ..it is the way it is ..so that Routine & the Ean Golden VCi(dont forget that Ean Black prototype VCI actually was & still is a silver VCi first generation!!!) & his tks are actually custom design to suit Ean DEmo rotine at shows like Namm ..Pretty useless to others Dj unless you wish to dj at shows with Ean & for djtechtool???? If not trust the Dj ..VCI 100 silver new firmware..custom your trackor config & save as your TKs ..connect your sound card out to the club mixer & you are rolling ..want an extra deck ..No worries ..you re playing inna club ..not a show ..so there are CDJ 400 or 1000 or even denon with all usb connectivity ..so here you re with an extra DEck .
Again for everyOne outthere ..this only positive feedback ,took a lot of frustration & midi learn to appreciate & totally love me Silver VCi 100 & i would never think of swapping them for the up to come Ean limited one or even the Vci300 cos’ silver VCi 100 + traktor ..rocking ..!!!!!!!
LOL, Dont believe the BlackVCIGossiptrasher hype. We understand the reason for your post and agree that often you can do almost everything with gear you already have but you got several things dead wrong:
1) the special edition black vci-100 IS coming out, an announcement will be made shortly for pre-orders EXCLUSIVELY to the djtechtools community.
2) the layout is NOT what i use for my NAMM and controllerist shows. Its the layout I have used in 12 years of playing clubs from Ibiza to Sao Paulo. (for a semi-complete list visit myspace) The layout includes additional layers of controls should you want to perform juggles or play with 3 decks but the core design is for ADVANCED 2 DECK MIXING. This version does things you simply cant do without re-engineering the silver product.
3) I don’t need to say anything about the physical improvements as several users have already raved about their experience with the improved knobs, buttons and visibility on this forum
In conclusion, yes, the silver edition may work for many people just fine. However, i have pored nearly a year in R&D and club use that resulted in this final design that addresses the needs of most users, not just mine.
I just received my Black VCI from Ishibashi and can only say that its an evolution from the silver one i had before.
Would never want to go back !!!
When the pre-order comes available, will our CC be charged as soon as we pre-order or when it ships?
not exactly sure, but we want to make sure its done fairly for everyone. There certainly will be a deposit of some sort though to “reserve” one of the units as there is only 100.
Hi Ean,
will you be able to ship internationally?
Yes, it will be available internationally.
after 5 days of waiting finally
i got my black one from ishibashi.
I had to pay an extra 30 percent to the customs in The Netherlands.
but still it was worth it….
Is there someone who has a tks file for controlling 4decks with one vci?
greetings from sunny Holland
Anthony,
then you have been fooled! You do not have to pay any customs for the VCI-100, because it is a computer peripheral (only connectable via USB cable).
I would suggest you get a refund from your customs agency…because customs are the same everywhere in the EU.
finn,
thanks for your reply,
i’ll try to get a refund!
do you have more info on this? or were to get more info?
Just look up the TARIC (International Customs Database).
http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds/cgi-bin/tarchap?Lang=EN
The VCI is not an audio device, as it does not have any audio circuitry. It is just a USB (and ONLY USB, so it can only be used with a personal computer - important when dealing with customs officers) connected computer input device, and as such, it falls under the TARIC Code 847160 (Computer Input/Output devices). These devices enjoy a ZERO % tariff in the EU.
You only have to pay your local value added tax. Thats why importing a VCI from the US or Japan is cheaper than buying it at your local (European) store :-)
cheers,
finn
Thanks Finn ;)
Finn is right, i payed zero tariff when i ordered my black VCI from Japan (Austria). it arrived the day before yesterday.
and guess what: its a BLAST!
Thank you Finn!
with that information I can do something.
great info guys- thanks for sharing.
No, there is no good TKS for 4 deck djing that I am aware of that you can use with the new vci-100 firmware. My TKS file was for the older ones.
I am considering designing a new tks that everyone can use but its going to take some time to get it perfect. Do guys think it would be reasonable to charge a small fee for a bad-ass TKS? if so, how much do you think is fair? Keep in mind it takes a good 10-20 hours to build a really good one.
I wouldn’t charge a fee, but open up a donation pool for this site. It has gained a huge loyal following..
I would charge a fee. And, i would pay a fee. It would also, depend on what i was getting, but i guess around $20-40.
So, am i reading that is there is a way to order a black from japan and have it shipped third party to me in the U.S.?
That is if i some how miss out on this elusive pre-order of the EAN firmware edition; for my poor-ass, non-mac using setup.
effing commas!
I agree with Aiden a small charge that you feel is fair for the ammount of work you did. You can also make different .tks accorting to music style or explore different techniques.
Im not interested in 4 decks, dont own a Vci and im sure most of the readers too, you also use MidiPipe to send different messages to traktor with one control knob or button and i think thats what makes your own .tks special but then again im a Pc user and MidiPipe is not available for pc, i use http://www.bome.com/midi/translator/ and is insane the things you can do check it out.
Where did you buy the VCI-100? I`m from Austria too and I am planning to buy one in the next weeks. Can you tell me more about buying a VCI-100 in Japan? Von mir aus auch in deutsch ;)
thanx a lot!!!
Nikobu,
this is the shop where i ordered my black vci-100.
http://www.ishibashi.co.jp/webshop/recording-pa/dj-2/vestax/vci-100blk.htm
it’s a japanese website, so just send them an email to web-shop@ishibashi.co.jp - they have competent English speaking guys there who manage international sales.
Info unter: http://www.ishibashi.co.jp/international/german.htm
You can pay via wire transfer or credit card (faster and cheaper).
hoffe ich konnte helfen :-)
liebe gr?ss aus berlin,
sid
Ahem, same question: Where did you buy it? I would like to buy one, and I live in Germany, so the regulations for customs are the same… Please tell us the store and the procedure.
I still hope to get the Ean Golden version (the I would sell the black one), but you never know…
Cheers
Rolf
easiest thing in the world.
just order here via mail web-shop@ishibashi.co.jp
goes via credit card or wire transfer, 7-10 days delivery to europe
additional german info:
http://www.ishibashi.co.jp/international/german.htm
its 310 euros plus tax (no customs)
Hey, thanks a lot. Just send a mail…. :)
Hi,Ean
I would certainly pay a fee for a’BAD-ASS” black tks file.
Because I know it’s a hell of a job. Even more if you’re like me, not
a midi-specialist.
A Fee of $20-$30 would be reasonable…
Greetings Anthony
30-40 DOLLARS? Are you freaking NUTS?
You know that small software applications like WinRAR, Mixing in Harmony etc. cost the same amount of money??
10 Dollars is the maximum i would be willing to pay, and thats only because i like this site…5 Dollars is more like a reasonable price. And i like the idea of giving it away for free.
Although we are flattered that people would be willing to pay that much- we agree with Tobias that $30 for a tks is a bit steep. Great feedback guys, I appreciate that. I am just trying to figure out ways to help this site generate some income so we can offer even MORE information and pay for more writers/content. we REFUSE to advertise