Dj Tech Tools shot video on all of the controllers from NAMM so as I get them edited they will get posted. Do you think we should do all the rest in one big “NAMM 2008 controllers” video or give each one its own video?
Archive for the 'VCI-100 Articles' Category Page 2 of 3
In 2008 Dj midi controllers are finally breaking free of their more conservative constraints and officially becoming completely bad ass. The biggest development, as I predicted several months ago, is the appearance of motorized platters in the midi world. Stanton, Numark, Denon and Vestax all premiered midi controllers that are using spinning platters in place of jog wheels. Not only are they spinning but several companies have duplicated the real feel of a record by incorporating real records and slip mats on top. Every one seems to be headed in the same direction but the way each company actually implemented these concepts in term of technology vary dramatically. We will do a full expose on all of them later, comparing the performance and technology to find out who has best replicated the turntable in midi land.
In the mean time take a look at what each of the new controllers brought to the table:
Continue reading ‘NAMM 2008- Controllers Reviewed (updated)’
VCI-100 DIY
One of our readers that goes by SGB has posted a very well done walk through on how to fix a jog wheel that feels too stiff. You can download detailed instructions with pictures here (direct link). While we are on the subject of DIY projects this might be a good time to also bring back this tutorial on adding arcade buttons to a VCI-100. If you have anything like this that you feel the community here at dj tech tools would benefit from DONT hessitate to let us know. I know many of you might be afraid to take apart some very expensive dj gear but trust me, its really hard to break this one so have fun and come up with your own MOD!
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:
Wow! I have been literally flying around the world, going from SF-Berlin-Tokyo-SF with very little time for writing. While in Tokyo, I did a controllerism performance at the Vestax Extravaganza and talked with the Japan team about a lot of exciting things including a sneak preview at the new VCM-100 and a brand new black VCI-100 with improved firmware and controls. Check out this video for the full scoop:
As many of you know, I have been working on a special layout for the VCI-100 that is in the beta stages. You can download, test and give feedback on the current version here. In the mean time I stumbled on this crazy midi mod that got me REALLY excited (which is rare) so I wanted to share it. I mix externally with the vci-100 so all the central controls are dedicated to effects. However sometimes I need to quickly cut out a song and I have been using the input faders to do that by engaging the reverb to 100%. Each channel fader engages the reverb, fades in the mix and then at the top freezes the effect. So, if you quickly flip the fader up you get a really clean cut with a cool reverb tail. Then I was thinking instead of 2 faders, what if the cross fader did the same thing for both decks but in opposite directions? So when you move the cross fader to the left the right decks cuts out with a adjustable reverb trail and when you move it to the far right the left deck cuts out with a reverb tail? Continue reading ‘NEW VCI-100 mod and the “super” crossfader’
VERY IMPORTANT UPDATE**** 1/29/08
Editors note: It has recently come to light that the first run of VCI-100’s that were sent out had a completely different mapping layout than all the subsequent “Firmware V2″ VCi-100. You can find out which version you have by holding down both jog wheel buttons at the same time. If the jog wheel lights turn off and your pitch bend no longer works then you have the NEW firmware and my layout will NOT work with your VCi-100. Your new vci firmware is sending out completely different note values and they will result in NOTHING working as I designed. if you have the OLD firmware then by all means enjoy the layout bellow. Otherwise wait until march when you can get your hands on a VCI-100 that ships with these performance mods already installed
After 2 months of intense button pushing, code twisting and testing, I think its almost done. Here is the near final version of my programming for the VCI-100. In the coming months you will be able to get your hands on a limited edition set of plates (hopefully gold and black) that match this exclusive layout. What is different? Almost everything, but the general idea is to give you hands on immediate access to do really cool things without looking at a screen. This is the testing phase so only people with a Macintosh computer will be able to use the layout. Once the controls are finalized Vestax will make available a firmware update that will give the VCI all of this functionality without any extra programs.
So if you have a Macintosh follow the instructions bellow and PLEASE give me feedback here on this post.
If you have a WIN machine you can try out this patch for BOME Midi translator.
Continue reading ‘Ean Golden’s personal VCI-100 layout for Traktor’
Here is a basic juggle routine I have been working on with my customized VCI-100. Its a free-form mash up of Rock the Bells and a classic Ray Charles song.
-Ean Golden
As a result of our videos a ton of people seem to be very interested in the VCI-100 but remain confused about how it works. Every day I get more emails asking “Do I need a sound card, if so how does that work?” Dont fret, here at Dj Tech Tools we have the answers for you. Just check out this Sound Cards 101 video courtesy of Ean Golden.
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