The Vestax VCI-400 controller is on show at Musikmesse 2013 in three new editions, with faceplates and mappings for Traktor (VCI-400TKT), Deckadance (VCI-400DK) and djay (VCI-400djay). The new editions match the Serato DJ Edition (VCI-400DJ) that was previously announced at the NAMM Show, and brings the total number of variants of this controller to five (or six if you include the DJTechTools version).
Mostly this move makes sense: When Vestax launched the VCI-400, it was marketed as a controller that will work with any software (as indeed, theoretically most DJ controllers can), but in practice, mappings can be confusing, especially for beginners. To have a new controller come pre-mapped and ready to roll with your software of choice will appeal to many users.
We think the VCI-400TKT will be the most popular of these due of course to the majority of our readers being Traktor users, but keep an eye on Deckadance; Deckadance 2 is a good product with some innovative features that ought to benefit for the plethora of controls offered by the VCI-400 over most controllers. The only version that had us scratching our heads was the Algoriddim djay one; this software is only two decks, so you’ll only ever be able to use two of the controller’s four channels digitally using djay. Vestax says the other two channels could be used for CD decks or something similar, but it’s still not an obvious fit.
No firm word on price and availability of these new models, and Vestax says the design of the faceplates is subject to change between now and reaching production.
• All the Vestax news from Musikmesse is in this video.
Do any of these new models appeal to you? Do you think it’s a smart move from Vestax to launch “software specific” versions of the VCI-400? Would you like to see these faceplates on sale separately so you can customise your VCI-400? Please share your comments below!
Phil Morse
