A few weeks back, the question of the briefly seen Vestax VCI-300 MKII's availability came up on the Serato forum. Using my sage knowledge and experience of Vestax's somewhat flexible approach to timescales, I proffered what I thought to be sound advice along the lines of "I wouldn't wait - it's a minor upgrade and won't be out for eons". Oh dear. Looky what just popped into my inbox.
The first glimpse of the VCI-300 MKII was at NAMM. Well when I say at NAMM, it was as ever leaked on Youtube and swiftly removed. But now it's official - the VCI-300 gets a little bit of a rework to tweak a few things that people have thought could be better. Here's the word fron Vestax HQ:
INTRODUCTION
In 2008, the VCI-300+ITCH was the beginning for Vestax and Serato to create a new DJ console of the next generation.The goal was clear. To design a light weight and compact digital DJ instrument with the touch of analog control.
Preserving the concept of the award winning VCI-300+ITCH, the VCI-300MKII comes with usability improvements based on feedback from VCI-300 customers. Vestax has considered every comment that has been received, and have put them all in act. Simply to give DJs what they want.
WHAT’S NEW?
• Headphones and master volume boost
• Jog sensor control
• Direct audio thru
• Mini headphones jack
• Optional Vestax digital fader
1. Volume Boost (GAIN BOOST)
Higher output gain level and headphone volume level when supplying power with the optional power adaptor. (not included)
2. JOG sensor control
New adjust knobs for speedy and accurate control.
3. Direct Audio Thru
Audio fed to the MIC/AUX input can now be directly sent to the Master outputs with the THRU switch turned ON, minimizing latency of when fed through ITCH.
4. Optional Vestax Digital Fader (not included)
The VCI-300 Cross fader can be upgraded to Vestax's new magnetic sensor system digital fader CF-X2.
5. Mini headphone jack
1/8 inch headphone connection along with standard 1/4 inch connection.
While the ability to swap out the stock fader for Vestax's new magnetic CF-X2 is very handy, I'd say that existing VCI-300 owners need not get technology envy over the new MKII. It's most definitely about minor updates rather than mad overhauls. I suspect a gap in the production schedule has facilitated the small changes to make the VCI-300 even better.
I'll update this when I know about how much and when. My guess is the same price and very soon. More later.
LINK:
Vestax
Finally!!
OT: just wanted to say that this news are not facebook friendly to share in the newsfeeds or with friends.
Thx for sharing
I wonder why they havent added FX, 4 deck support and beat grid features (which might tempt people away form the xone dx).
Unless they have the vci-400 coming soon...
@Sheeno - you must remember that ITCH units are designed to do a very specific task. The VCI-300 is a 2 deck unit, and they have effects via the VFX-1.
I'm quite confident that Vestax will do a 4 deck unit when ready.
OMFG non contact magnetic xfader??? WANT...ONE...NOW....
Hallelujah! I've been waiting and waiting and waiting. I even posted on the Itch forum my fustration with waiting for these "small" changes. I for for one and very happy the wait is over. My current VCI-300 has broken sensor controls. I refused to commit the money to replace it with a new unit with same flawed sensor controls. Now Vestax can get another dose of my dough. Hell, I may even throw in a few chips for the VFX-1.
Of all the ITCH controllers the VCI-300 mesmerizes me the most with it's compact, light-weight, and extremely portable design. It is also highly functional for scratch DJ's. All of this combined compels me to leave the NS7 at home and gig with the 300. Now with a mag fader option - "Indeed you are powerful!"
Will Vestax's new magnetic sensor system digital fader CF-X2 fit into the (non MK2) VCI-300???
Why is there no CF reverse?? Just one tiny switch! Was thinking about getting a vci 300, but I really need a hamster switch!!
@dino - you could always fit it in reverse. There may even be a software fix soon enough.
Thanks. Googled a bit and it should be available in the setup screen in Itch :-)
I agree with Peter Parker - it's a proper xfader that I'm after. Let's hope it will fit the Mk1 (the body looks exactly the same).
3. Direct Audio Thru
Audio fed to the MIC/AUX input can now be directly sent to the Master outputs with the THRU switch turned ON, minimizing latency of when fed through ITCH.
can anyone tell me if this means i can use the mic directly to master out with itch still playing or is it only with audio set to thru option as this is already available in itch and the vci300 mk 1, it what i gotta do at the mo to have a useable mic as there is to much latency- echo effect otherwise.
mic straight to output with itch still running is what we need, i hope this is whats new.
there is already a crossfader reverse keyboard shortcut in itch that works just fine, shift, ctrl, r or something like that..
They could have give a better soundcard... not worth the upgrade for actual user imo.
the biggest fault of the unit apparently has not been fixed: the poor AD converters. they only cranked up the output amps, the resolution still gonna suck.
this could have been done easily within such an MKII update...
kinda glad though cause i just had to buy a replacement unit a couple of weeks ago.
VCI-100SE beats this in miles!!! :p
That sir is a matter of opinion. I know I'd take the VCI-300 over any edition of the 100.
£760!?
Without the xfader upgrade!
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On July 7, 2010, ZakaL commented...
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