Have you found the perfect MIDI controller yet? Chances are the answer is “no,” and you can’t entirely blame it on the manufacturers either. In this fast-paced DIY world, where technology morphs at light speeds, big manufacturers’ R&D cycles will never be able to keep up with your imagination. So stop waiting around for a company to release the perfect controller, and make your own! You may be thinking, “That will take way too much time,” “I have no idea how to do that,” and, “Where would I start?” Those are all legitimate roadblocks, but with a little know-how and a soft push in the right direction, you may find it’s not as hard as you think. Here are two simple ways you can customize your own interface, depending on how much time you want to spend.
Continue reading ‘Controller’s not perfect? Mod it.’
This DIY mod wins several awards including: most useless mod, easiest to perform mod, and most instant gratification bang for your buck mod. Adding a pair of 7″ records to your vci-100 does not make too much sense as you loose functionality of the fine pitch faders, nearly 16 buttons and you must remove the input fader knobs. Then again, its fun to do and looks great. You can also fantasize what it might be like to actually have 7″ record midi platters which would be sick! Vestax briefly brought out a mock up of a single 7″ record midi controller with motorized platter and basic controls. It was a mechanical mock up that didn’t exactly wow the crowds at NAMM 2008 but I cant think of anyone that does not like 7″ records. So here are the basic steps required to add a few to your VCI-100.
Continue reading ‘Add Records to your VCI-100 Jog Wheels’
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?
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!
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’
So which contender should you plop down your hard earned money on? Which digital dj controller is going to give you the best performance in the long run? Here at dj tech tools we pride ourselves on being VERY impartial. We have no advertisers and do not answer to any manufacturers or software companies. In the end, be assured your going to get the straight scoop on how we honestly feel about every product that graces these pages. The Xponent vs VCI question does not have a black and white answer though. So to determine who deserves the “King of DJ Controllers” title , we put them both in the ring and let the facts decide for themselves.
Each round is worth one point and winner takes all!
Continue reading ‘Xponent VS. VCI-100′
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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