NAMM UPDATE 2008- The year of the controller.
Well, I wish I could have told you about all this stuff months ago when it was in pre-production but many exciting products are finally being unveiled to the public this year. Its official, 2008 will be hence forth known as the year controllers became the status quo. Everyone is jumping on the bandwagon and several companies are releasing more polished sophomore products after their first try at midi controllers. Here are a few key things that we will take a closer look at later:
This is the big one. Serato teams up with Vestax to build a seamless software/hardware combo. If it performs as well as it looks this could really kill the Xponent with a good sound card and properly sized interface all in one. Ready for the kicker, its not MIDI. Serato has developed their own proprietary mode of communication that means more accurate control and much lower latency. Other companies could be years away from that holy grail.
Numark is not waiting around. They have also released an integrated audio/controller release that will work with all programs including the new Serato itch (Serato scratch for midi controllers)
Vestax also released the VCM-600. An Ableton targeted controller with every control you could ever want. Looks good!
Pioneer has also jumped into the game with turning the classic CDJ line into a midi controller/cd player with the CDJ-400 More info here
Thats all for tonight. I need to go to bed, but there are even more controllers to write about so i will update this post with a full list tomorrow. Even our dj tech tools community was represented with Vestax prominently featuring the new “Ean Golden” edition of the vci-100 with a controllerism layout. Check out the photo of me with the plates package bellow:
January 19th, 2008 at 6:06 am Quote
WOW!!!
January 19th, 2008 at 6:54 am Quote
w00t!!
Ean, you rock!
January 19th, 2008 at 7:14 am Quote
doode your template kit! that is so cool, make that money, buy more gear haha!
January 19th, 2008 at 11:38 am Quote
Personally I just want to know which of the new controllers is the most capable scratch controller how it stacks up with previous controllers whens it going to be available and whats it going to cost.
January 19th, 2008 at 4:04 pm Quote
We will be looking at all those aspects in detail after the show. The next few days will be about shooting videos, testing and talking to reps about the details of all the products. Thanks you for telling us specifically waht info your interested in though, thats helpful.
January 19th, 2008 at 10:38 pm Quote
Now if only Vestax would get on the ball and make a VCI-100 with a spinning platter, slightly bigger jog wheels for extra precision, MIDI I/O, and for good measure a microphone xlr input. For now it’s either make due with whats available or wait for something better to arrive. KAOSS PAD looks like it could be neat two of them with a mixer like M-Audio X-Session Pro could be rather fun. I’ve also ran across a wacom used in a similar manner that would be just as interesting and perhaps even more so since they’re pressure sensitive.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGr5RQ1ppoc
January 19th, 2008 at 11:53 pm Quote
staton has presented 2 new controllers too, no?
January 20th, 2008 at 4:04 am Quote
the stanton controller looks like they’ve had Fisher Price design it. and it feels terrible :-(
the vcm-600 looks brilliant. might be the ultimate controller for Ableton Live :-)
January 20th, 2008 at 8:52 am Quote
XD yep, the vcm-600 is my favorite one too :)
January 20th, 2008 at 9:08 am Quote
“Serato itch (Serato scratch for midi controllers)” Thats how I feel about midi scratching right now it feels like controllers are just itching the surface. That new joint Vestax/Serato hardware/software controller sounds promising though. Numark one might be decent too guess time will tell how well they both are compared to the current cream of the crop gear out.
January 20th, 2008 at 9:14 am Quote
Hi Ean,
Thanks for the update at NAMM. I just wanted to know if the new serato itch controller will be compatible with Traktor 3. I really like the VCI-100 but i’m really feelin those nice big play/cue buttons on the new VCI-300 controller. Are they rubber buttons? If only the VCI-100 had bigger and rubber buttons. But anyways, thanks again for the updates and new posts.
January 20th, 2008 at 10:25 am Quote
guys check this namm 2008 vestax video http://video.nifty.com/cs/catalog/video_metadata/catalog_080119056181_1.htm
January 20th, 2008 at 10:26 am Quote
I found info on the Numark NS7 at skratchworx sounds like the best scratch controller from NAMM this year it appears better than the VCI-300 thanks to motorized platters. Anyways it’ll come with the following…
Nurmark NS7 Key Features:
Adjustable high-torque, direct-drive motors with 7? Vinyl
2-in, 4-out. 24-bit USB 2.0 audio Interface
High speed, double precision MIDI controls (Compatible with any MIDI software)
Rock solid CP-PRO crossfader
All metal construction
Extensive Looping, Cue Point and Track Selection controls
Additional assignable controls include 8 rotary, 8 triggers and 2 mini sliders
Audiophile-quality analog circuitry
?Audio Inputs:
RCA (unbalanced) line
Mic (1/4″ balanced)?
Audio Outputs:
Master – XLR (balanced)/RCA (unbalanced)
Booth – RCA (unbalanced)
Headphone – 1/4″ and 1/8″ stereo
January 20th, 2008 at 2:29 pm Quote
DUDE!!!
Ean this stuff looks amazing! A buddy of mine went down to NAMM from Toronto!
This is gonna be fun hearing about all the new gear from both of you! LOL!
January 20th, 2008 at 8:57 pm Quote
anymore news on when your special edition vci-100 controller is going to be available?
January 21st, 2008 at 12:48 am Quote
Hey Ean,
thank you for your NAMM updates!!
Just a quick one:
When will the black VCI-100 be officially available in Japan/the US?
Kind Regards from Berlin,
Willi
January 21st, 2008 at 5:11 am Quote
I can answer both of these questions fairly certainly now. One, the black one featured in my japan video is a Japanese only release and will not be found in America, Europe or south America any time soon. :-(
BUT for sure in march, they will be shipping the “ean golden” version. This is not final but it looks like my version will be all black like the one from japan and only be available in VERY limited quantity. IT will most likely be available exclusively as a direct order here on djtechtools and the vestax homepage.
January 21st, 2008 at 9:23 am Quote
hi Ean
Can you show us a better picture of your model pls? and maybe give us a hint of the price.
January 21st, 2008 at 1:37 pm Quote
Hey Ean!
Thanks for your coverage. Do you know if and when the black VCI-100 will be available in Japan again? I want to import it..just waiting to spend that money :-)
Cheers from Berlin,
Diazepam
January 21st, 2008 at 5:17 pm Quote
Hey Ean,
great coverage and we all look forward to whats in store for controllers. my question –how big are these units? the numark ( even though its numark) looks nice a nice build. and its motorized? about how big is this unit?
are we going to see larger types of midi controllers? like controllers with a larger jog and layout area for 08? i love my vci-100, but also feel it could be a little bit bigger in its width and length….
January 21st, 2008 at 5:26 pm Quote
oh yeah congrats on your templates from vestax!!
January 21st, 2008 at 6:44 pm Quote
This will give you a idea of the size of it and yep it’s motorized
http://www.skratchworx.com/images/Numark/ns7/ns7_3.jpg
http://www.skratchworx.com/images/Numark/ns7/ns7_6.jpg
http://www.skratchworx.com/images/Numark/ns7/ns7_5.jpg
http://www.skratchworx.com/images/Numark/ns7/ns7_1.jpg
January 22nd, 2008 at 12:28 am Quote
hi, Ean
I’m following all your articles for some months now,and I must say you made me very
enthusiastic about midi controllers. Especially the vci-100 with your 3 deck layout.
Now the black one is on the market In Japan I Like to Buy one!(If available)
I Was wondering if I buy the new black one,will I be able to use your layout with the “normal” 1.2 firmware? Do I need Midipipe? (Macbookpro)
Or is it technically better trying to get a black Ean Golden version with a fimware
update? What is the best option for me if I completely inside.
With Kind Regards,
Anthony
The Netherands
January 22nd, 2008 at 12:35 am Quote
Sorry For Spelling,Its Late
-completely MIX inside-
-The Netherlands-
January 23rd, 2008 at 12:57 am Quote
anthony, can you send me a link where i can buy the black one from japan?
thanks
January 23rd, 2008 at 1:42 am Quote
Hey Ean thanks for all the info!!!
I was watching vids u posted on youtube and saw that you had the Vestax VCM-100, was wondering if and when u get a chance if u can do a review of it??
THX!!!
January 24th, 2008 at 11:16 pm Quote
thats apparently not available any more.. :-( perhaps in a short run in march.
yeah, I shot some video so I should be able to do that soon. :-)
thanks will!
January 28th, 2008 at 10:24 pm Quote
hi,
after one weekend browsing japanese websites,I found
a back vci-100 and ordered it, with shipping for about 57000 yen (+/- 360
euro).Maybe you can try sending a message to:web-shop@ishibashi.co.jp
this is the one website:http://www.excite.co.jp/world/english/web/?wb_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ishibashi.co.jp%2Fsrch%2Fsearch.cgi&wb_lp=JAEN&wb_dis=2&site=wb&mode=find&word=vci-100&x=19&y=12
Good luck!!!
Anthony
January 28th, 2008 at 10:25 pm Quote
Sorry, link is litte bit long!
Anthony
January 28th, 2008 at 11:03 pm Quote
Anthony, maybe you can help me, as I am desperately trying to get my hands on a black VCI-100, but i do not speak Japanese.
I just sent them an e-mail, do you have Skype maybe?
Kind Regards
January 28th, 2008 at 11:19 pm Quote
Or you may contact me at my e-mail adress (so yours will remain spam-free :-) ): 31337@gmx.net
Thank you!
A desperate German Vestax customer
April 6th, 2008 at 11:32 pm Quote
Hi Ean,
First of all, thanks for the news :)
I’ve been watching this thread avidly since you posted it.
I am a cd and vinyl DJ making the leap (finally) to software.
I’ve already filled up a 1TB (yes, 1000GB) external hard drive with 320k mp3s – converted transfers from my cd collection.
I was planning to buy and use Serato Scratch Live as my DJ software.
Wise choice, anyone?
I’m selling my Pioneer CDJ-1000s – as great and stable as they are, i’d like to get a smaller/lighter (?) all-in-one controller.
For this, i’m currently torn between the Vestax VCI-300 and the Numark NS7. Only further details…reviews…and, a possible in-store demo would sway me one way or another. I’d be interested in anyone’s opinion on this matter.
I kinda like the old school look of the NS7. Although, bland looking (IMO) i’m sure it more than makes up for it in functionality? The Soul, Funk & Reggae DJ’s will love the 7″ looking platter with the ‘45′ adaptor, i’m sure!
The VCI-300 does look a lot more ‘now’ aka modern, if a little “apple-ish” in design.
Personally, i’m not intertested in multiple cue points and loop points etc. Fundamentally, I want the feel of a Technics 1200 (ideally) or a Pioneer CDJ-1000 (at least). I do a little scratching (sometimes) and (way too many) spinbacks. LOL
Any news, tips, advice would be gratefully appreciated. Thanks again!
April 7th, 2008 at 12:12 am Quote
I forgot to mention…
I know the VCI-300 is designed to work with Serato Itch but, I’m assuming Itch and Scratch Live are very similar? Comes with hardware/soundcard etc too? If so, I’d be more than happy to buy Itch instead of Scratch Live. Or does the VCI-300 work with Scratch Live too?
April 7th, 2008 at 2:28 am Quote
no, scratch live does not support mixing inside the software. only itch. so the vci-300 only works with itch for internal software mixing.
April 8th, 2008 at 9:37 pm Quote
Maybe I misunderstood…?
I thought the VCI-300 is an external “controller” for Serato Itch?
The music and software installed on the laptop/computer is merely being “triggered” by the VCI-300, no?
I also thought the VCI-300 has a built-in soundcard. Thus, eliminating the need for a seperate box (like the one that comes with Serato Scratch)??
Serato Itch, as far as I can make out, is a bare-bones version of Serato Scratch. I’m not sure what the differences are. But, I’d be keen to know what is “missing” from this ’slim’ version. Anyone know? I only need a well-written/programmed – reliable- basic – DJ software system with 2 decks, a playlist, and accessable folders.
I, for one, would welcome a smaller all-in-one unit – rather than carry individual cd decks/turntables, a soundcard box and a mixer. I would imagine Vestax will use good AD/DA convertors? It’d be great if a SPDIF digital output was also provided but, this will probably be asking for too much?!