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’
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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Check out this really excellent application of my VCI-100 arcade button mod. He has stolen 2 knobs and turned them into extra faders and installed 8 arcade buttons from Happ controls. I cant wait to see other creative applications of my button mod. Check out more pictures and ask the creator questions here. |
Here is a video that shows you the steps needed to do the modification. Download the cut guide for your machine shop and click bellow for a list of items you will need. Thats it!
Well- its done. Finally, here is my black VCI-100 modified with 8 arcade buttons. Check out this bonus video showing off a little controllerism 101.
Here is video 1/2 on how to add some bad ass arcade buttons to your Vestax VCI-100. The other one should be up in a few days! Word of warning to Manufactures that send me gear to review. Yes, i may take your stuff apart and turn it into a Frankenstein dj controller. Long live controllerism!
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