Reply to Stanton SCS3 vs VCI-100 vs VMS4

I've tried talking to friends in the business, and on a couple other community s, but they don't fully seem to understand what I'm talking about with a fully digital MIDI setup. A lot of them are just recommending an X1 and "go get real vinyl" and that's not what I am personally looking for at the moment.

I'm planning on getting one of these three systems; more likely than not. The Stanton SCS3 System, the VCI-100SE, or the American Audio VMS4. My price point for the controller itself is 500-600 dollars, adding software and audio interface after the fact.

I've pretty much settled down with using Traktor. I've some experience with SSL, but as with SSL I wouldn't be able to use the jog wheels, I'm going to have to pass on that for now.

I've been lurking on these community s for a bit, and only recently posted a couple little things. And these are the questions that are burning in my mind.

My direction is to bring a fully digital setup to a wedding/dance, house party, or potentially into a club in the far future. My immediate goal is to get my own gear so I can spend more time beat matching and really getting into the thick of mixing at the correct moments. I primarily want to spin DnB/House/Dubstep, but also plan on making a push at some top 40 stuff. I want something mobile, and so a MIDI controller seems like a perfect solution.

So what I'm looking for is feedback from folks who have tried these systems out. I know the VMS4 isn't released yet, but the 4 channel built in mixer along with the other features has really got my eyes going.

So here's my pro's and con's list so far:

Stanton SCS3 System

Pro's:
-It's really innovative.
-It's modular in design, so I could use it as a stand alone controller if I ever decide to go to a different setup.
-Touchpads lead to a lot of very interesting and unique combinations.
-Allows for an external Audio Interface
-Extremely mobile
-Does almost everything any other controller can, but in it's own unique way.

Con's:
-Touchpads aren't like anything else in the DJ'ing "world" and I feel I'd be lost (of a sorts) if I was used to the SCS3 system and then put in front of any other setup.
-Only a 2 channel mixer
-Again, the real big thing for me, while this was my first "choice" until I've had more time and more research, and talking with friends, is that this just really is totally it's own thing. While great and all, it really seems to make you a "one setup" kind of DJ.

VCI-100SE:

Pro's:
-Solid well tested setup.
-Has a normal style mixer and jog wheels
-A lot of following from DJTT in particular about updates
-Honestly just seems like a solid device that has a lot of capabilities in a light weight package that does not need an additional AC adapter (if I am not mistaken)
-Intelligent design (I really like the button layout)
-Would be able to choose my own audio interface
-I really like what I've seen with it as far as setting up samples/looping and cueing.
-Seems to follow a "K.I.S.S." policy in comparison to the other options in this price range.

Con's:
-Very hard to really "work" the 4 deck capabilities of Traktor. (holding/pressing shift just doesn't sound like my cup of tea)
-Non-modular design meaning that if I wanted to upgrade a part of it, I'd need to upgrade the whole setup.
-Only a 2 channel mixer.


American Audio VMS4:

Pro's:
-4 channel mixer.
-Pricepoint at $499 including an audio interface
-The ability to use it as a hardware mixer (if I wanted to add on CDJ's or TT's)
-Innofader capabilities
-Strong 4 deck controls
-A true "all in one" solution
-Seems to be a lot of "bang for your buck"
-Touchpad "faders" built in as well (re-mappable)
-Mousepad built into the unit


Con's:
-So new that it's not even out yet, so hasn't been tested for reliability.
-A bit heavier that the other options, but it is an all in one solution
-All in one solution, so I wouldn't be able to directly choose my audio interface
-Again, I really worry about the long term reliability (an in turn construction quality) of this controller
-Only 3 "larger" buttons at the bottom
-The layout seems a bit "busy" (but not a totally bad thing)
-I'm a bit afraid of it falling in the "too good to be true" category.


Honestly? I'm leaning toward waiting for the VMS4 to come out, while also really taking a hard look at the VCI-100SE. I'd also probably wait to get the VCI-100SE until the next firmware update and the next .tsi (so the overlay would match) The Stanton System seems interesting to me, but I just don't like the idea that it's concepts aren't easily transferable to a more common setup.

I'd much prefer to get my own audio interface (looking at the NI line, possibly an Audio 2 DJ to start and then an Audio 8 DJ down the line if I choose to expand). The 4 channel mixer is also a really big selling point of the VMS4 over the other options. The VCI-100SE does seem to have the most intuitive button layout however, and that's also something to consider.

I've been playing these thoughts back and forth through my head for the last week or so, and just hoping you guys can give me some feedback in one direction or another. Above all else, I may end up purchasing a Stanton 3d just for the novelty in the future as well if I don't go with the full setup. I know there are some more expensive setups available out there, but the 500-600 dollar price point for a controller is really where I have set myself.

So what are other folks opinions/thoughts between these controllers? I know many of you have experience with the VCI-100SE and the Stanton System, and probably have some thoughts on the VMS4.

Thank you in advance for reading my wall of text, and really looking forward to your responses!

(edit: I did read the sticky about where to post. If this needs to be moved to the general community s, that's fine. I just thought I would be opening up more of a discussion on the differences of these controllers as opposed to a "zomg I wantz to buy waht?" thread)