words: LUKE PEPPER Vestax VCI-400DJ Serato Controller TECH
VERDICT BUILD QUALITY
EASE OF USE FEATURES
8.0 8.0 9.0
VALUE FOR MONEY 7.0 SOUND QUALITY
The Silver Fox H
ot on the heels of the news of the much anticipated Serato DJ upgrade comes a very
shiny “new-ish” controller from Vestax. While technically the VCI- 400DJ is a new product, the reality is that this is a limited edition version of the hugely popular VCI-400 that has been tailored specifically for use with Serato DJ. Of course, the VCI-400 deserved the reputation it earned as a high-end MIDI controller packed to the gills with great features when it was released but has this new limited edition version got what it takes to mix it up with the controllers that have been released in the time that has passed since it was unleashed on the world? As the VCI-400DJ is specifically tailored for use with Serato DJ, it comes as no surprise that this is the software that comes included with the controller. This is something which will no doubt be applauded by DJs, especially as this means that there is full four-deck control supported rather than the limited two-deck previously provided with DJ Intro, which was provided with the original VCI-400. While this is obviously good news for new VCI- 400DJ owners, existing owners of the original VCI-400 will be pleased to hear that they can also use their controllers with the latest version of Serato DJ by purchasing an upgrade
HYPE The latest incarnation of the
Has Vestax’s shiny new Limited Edition VCI-400DJ Serato Controller got enough going on to tempt a new wave of DJs into the fold?
to the software and using the free firmware upgrade available on the Vestax website. In fact, owners of the original VCI-400 have little to lose sleep over as the only major difference found on the new limited edition unit is the labelling of the controls for Serato use and the move from a black control surface to shiny silver champagne finish which, while looking very slick and professional, will no doubt split opinions as to which of the colors looks the best. The new color scheme and the labelling work well together and thanks to a well thought-out set of MIDI mappings, the VCI-400DJ is easy to learn to use and DJs will be up and mixing in no time at all, as well as getting use from the more complex functions without delay. While the labelling looks professional and is in keeping with the top-notch build quality, it does have the effect of making the control surface look a lot more busy and cluttered than its predecessor, which had very limited labelling (when an overlay was not being used). Of course, this is just a visual phenomena and the actual spacing of the controls remains the same and is perfectly usable, managing to cram an awful lot of controls into a modest amount of space without causing issues during performances. Just because the VCI-400DJ has its controls labelled does not mean that
they can’t be customized to suit an individual DJ’s style as well as being a MIDI controller that is capable of being used with software other than Serato DJ such as Virtual DJ, Traktor Pro, Torq, and Mixvibes to name just a few.
When it comes to features, this controller has an awful lot to offer and still manages to keep up with the innovations that have been introduced by the competition. At the centre of the VCI-400DJ’s control surface is a fully independent four- channel mixer with two external analogue inputs to connect decks or CD players. Each of the four channels has its own gain, three-band EQ, sync and load buttons, filter control knob, FX engage buttons and a cue button. A high-quality USB audio interface is also lurking inside the VCI-400DJ providing full two-way digital audio, separate headphone outputs as well as balanced and unbalanced main outputs that deliver a decent amount of volume. The two-deck control sections do a great job of providing four-deck support thanks to some very well thought-out MIDI mapping and button assignments that have dedicated cue, play/pause and censor buttons for each of the four decks, and a switch to toggle the rest of the controls between decks. The jog wheels found on each of the deck sections are a joy to use thanks to
GRIPE Other than a change in color
VCI-400, tailor-made for Serato DJ users.
scheme and added labelling for Serato, not a lot has changed from the original version.
Vestax’s popular controller gets a makeover in a style that will suit users of Serato DJ down to the ground, eliminating the MIDI mapping hassles and labelling of controls.
8/10
priCE $899
CONTACT
vestax.com
their high resolution and a stiffness control at the centre of each platter to ensure just the right amount of tension for the job at hand, whether that be long smooth mixes or cutting and scratching. This latest incarnation of the VCI- 400 proves that Vestax got things exactly right the first time, with more than 200 assignable controls including sample launch pads, filter control knobs and a whole lot more. This controller has stood the test of time in good stead. While the VCI- 400DJ lacks enough new features to tempt most owners of its predecessor to upgrade, it will be attractive to Serato DJs looking for a high end controller, especially as it now comes with the full version of Serato DJ.
djmag.com 089 8.0
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