VCI-300 or Numark Mixdeck?
VCI-300 or Numark Mixdeck? Posted on: 04.05.2010 by Dorotha Turker Hi guys,I want to get into laptop DJing, and I need some gear . I have very basic experience mixing CDs, but I have all my music on my computer now and I really want to use my laptop. I've looked briefly at Traktor Duo and Serato Itch, but not enough to really get a feel for which one I like better, although they seem very similar. Which program is best in terms of managing large music collections and finding songs quickly? I also need a all in one controller that will seamlessly integrate with the software. I will be doing mostly mixing and playing around with looping, scratching etc., but I won't be using a ton of effects etc. I stopped by Guitar Center the other day and the salesman really recommended the Numark Mixdeck. I like it because of its versatility, and it seems to have everything that I need. However, after reading this I became slightly hesitant due to concerns about Numark quality. The author of that post mentions the Vestax VCI-300 as a better alternative. Although more expensive and with less features. Is it a better product than the Mixdeck? Any input on software and hardware choice here is greatly appreciated. Thanks guys! | |
| Leann Zugay 03.05.2010 |
Originally Posted by Axman84
In regards to Itch, I have never really done more than played around a little bit, so I can't really offer much in that department |
| Dorotha Turker 03.05.2010 |
Originally Posted by eastcoastams
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| Dorotha Turker 03.05.2010 |
Originally Posted by TABS
I've heard great things about it, but I feel it limits me with its Itch only compatibility and no inputs for other audio sources. The VCI doesn't even have LCD screens. Are you relying on the laptop screen for all info such as BPM mapping etc. I assume then? |
| Dorotha Turker 04.05.2010 | Hi guys, I want to get into laptop DJing, and I need some gear . I have very basic experience mixing CDs, but I have all my music on my computer now and I really want to use my laptop. I've looked briefly at Traktor Duo and Serato Itch, but not enough to really get a feel for which one I like better, although they seem very similar. Which program is best in terms of managing large music collections and finding songs quickly? I also need a all in one controller that will seamlessly integrate with the software. I will be doing mostly mixing and playing around with looping, scratching etc., but I won't be using a ton of effects etc. I stopped by Guitar Center the other day and the salesman really recommended the Numark Mixdeck. I like it because of its versatility, and it seems to have everything that I need. However, after reading this I became slightly hesitant due to concerns about Numark quality. The author of that post mentions the Vestax VCI-300 as a better alternative. Although more expensive and with less features. Is it a better product than the Mixdeck? Any input on software and hardware choice here is greatly appreciated. Thanks guys! |
| Mariah Itter 07.06.2010 | If i was not having to haul gear around then the NS7, but as I do and i like the cut a bit then the vci-300 and itch is good, If it worked with traktor and i could use the vci-300 sound card then i would no problem. My style is old skool coz i'm a old fool and dont use many fx's so vci-300 until i break it!! |
| Belkis Trube 07.06.2010 | Hey, I know I am a bit late, but I thought I would add my two cents about the MixDeck (if it can be any help). The Problems Thought I would list this first since they aren't that many and they all getting resolved. The crossfader is a little "wonky;" the sound volume dips (noticeably) whe the xfader is at the middle position. This isn't a problem on ALL unites, just most (from the community s I read). Numark will fix it for free (including shipping) and get back to you in a week. Haven't sent it in yet, have too many gigs lined up... but will soon. MixDeck and Serato Works GREAT! I use Traktor 99% of the time; only use Serato when I have to Vj (use Video-SL). Its great except you can't control video when relative CD mode for Serato; when in CD mode all the MiDi buttons on the decks don't send out midi commands. There are two work arounds: 1) Use Internal mode and change MixDeck to MiDi setting. Can't scratch though because no timecode used... not a problem if you aren't a turntables, little annoying though to scrub through tracks. 2) Buy a small midi controller (like the Kontrol X-1 or the Denon DCH-100) use the top controls of X-1 to control the Serato audio FX/Loops & the bottom to control the Video FXs and Video crossfader (which is only controllable via midi). Might sound annoying to work with two crossfaders but actually makes some pretty unique performances (where the audio of one track is playing with video of another). MixDeck and Traktor Great. The default TSI is a little not-thought-out in certain areas. But I re-mapped some of the buttons and added some functionality, just working off the built in MixDeck template and did so in less than an hour. If you want I can post the TSI. Overall Keyword: UNIVESAL!!! This is a great "first buy for people" because if you don't like traktor you can buy a Serato and use it or if you want to move to video, its possible. You can't find another system that allows for type of "growth." (w/o reinvesting a bunch of money) And if you every plan on doing any mobile gigs (weddings, etc), this is a great buy... you want know how many times I get a guy asking me to play a CD he got from his car (usually ethnic music, lol). And its a great reassurance to you clients to know that you have a back system, if the computer crashes. |
| Gena Tautolo 05.05.2010 | bear in mind if you ever want to play out the NS7 weighs an absolute ton - to call it portable is a real stretch. if you've got the cash to spend i would go for the DX - that way you get the 4 channels, a great soudcard and a built-in FX section - esp if you're not interested in scratching.... |
| Leann Zugay 05.05.2010 | If you do, consider grabbing the NSFX unit too. Good luck |
| Dorotha Turker 05.05.2010 | Thanks. I've found a slightly used NS7 with an Oddyssey case for $1k, and I'm really tempted. All I read about the NS7 is nothing but praise.. |
| Leann Zugay 05.05.2010 | The main appeal for most of the dx is the four full channels, with four channel eq's and faders, so if you see yourself mixing up four songs or cuing samples four channels might be the way to go...Although I believe this would be better suited for you The VCI 300 with the complementary effects controllers, the vfx1, check it out, it's pretty all inclusive an will run about $1,000 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XRyGSOtrYo |
| Vernon Positano 04.05.2010 | You could come to the dark side and just get the VCI-100.. ? |
| Dorotha Turker 04.05.2010 | Looking more at the Xone DX, which also seems like a high quality piece, it retails at a similar price point as the NS7. If the ability to scratch wasn't important to me, what is it Xone DX brings to the table that the VCI 300 does not? Thanks! |
| Dorotha Turker 04.05.2010 | Thanks guys. I must say the NS7 looks like an impressive piece of kit. Im finding it for $1,150 online. It looks awesome. It is a bit expensive though, and I wasn't really getting this setup with scratching as a main purpose. I would like to play around with it, but its really not my main concern. In that sense I feel like the NS7 is a bit overkill. The VCI 300 seems very basic though, but perhaps it has all I need? |
| Gena Tautolo 04.05.2010 | i've got the VCI-300 and it's very easy to use with traktor - look for robinkirchoff's mappings in the controller mappings section and itch is lots of fun to play around with and intuitive (although a bit basic). however bear in mind that it's a bit of a waste of money to buy the VCI-300 and use it with traktor - you'd probably be better off buying a VCI-100 and an audio interface (NI audio 2 DJ should be fine for starters and has a much better output quality than the VCI-300's internal soundcard) - the VCI-100 also comes bundled with traktor LE which gives a cheap upgrade path to traktor pro. |
| Janyce Henningson 03.05.2010 | If you want to scratch then go for Itch & the 300 - it's awesome, the nearest to decks I've played with |
| Leann Zugay 03.05.2010 | Well if you're the looking to scratch the xone dx is out because it doesn't have touch sensitive jog wheels. The NS7 is an amazing piece of kit, and I have a ton of fun every time I play on one, it is a bit expensive but I believe it's worth it if you're serious about starting scratching. The NS7 doesn't offer more than you would need, instead it just offers a really high quality vinyl emulation, which is the reason it cost so much. I happened to stumble upon this video of the mixdeck which makes me believe it wouldn't really be good for doing any scratching (the sound is awful). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKq8q...eature=related . Another route you could take would be looking into getting a couple turn tables, a mixer, and something like serato scratch live or traktor scratch pro which enable you to control your music on your computer with real turntables. If you check out craigslist or ebay it's really easy to find quality turntables for cheap, with the economy and all. If you're not interested in having all that gear , I would go with the vci 300 or the ns7. |
| Dorotha Turker 03.05.2010 | Hmm, I see. Thanks for the input. Although slightly more expensive than what I'm in the market for, I've briefly looked at Numark NS7 and A&H Xone DX as well. I believe they offer more functionality than I would need (ability to control four decks for example), but they look like very high quality products. Would they be an alternative for me? What do they bring to the table that I'm missing out on with the VCI 300 or Mixdeck? All help is greatly appreciated! |
| Julissa Serrone 03.05.2010 | i wouldn't get the mixdeck. Ive read some pretty bad reviews from users on the NI traktor community
. The VCI is a solid piece of gear . Obvioulsy on this site the VCI-100 + Traktor is the bread and butter. You should download some demo's. I know you can download Itch for free and use a single deck on your computer. At least you can see what the program will look like on your computer - you can always add the effects controller later on. |
| Leann Zugay 03.05.2010 |
Originally Posted by Axman84
In regards to Itch, I have never really done more than played around a little bit, so I can't really offer much in that department |
| Dorotha Turker 03.05.2010 |
Originally Posted by eastcoastams
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| Leann Zugay 03.05.2010 | The VCI 300 will work with traktor, if you're worried about Itch limiting you...But like you said, you won't really being using too many effects anyways, so I don't believe running serato will really limit you at all, in fact it will probably be better for you. In case you were wondering about how well the 300 will work with traktor here's a little video I found http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdKFP...eature=related |
| Dorotha Turker 03.05.2010 |
Originally Posted by TABS
I've heard great things about it, but I feel it limits me with its Itch only compatibility and no inputs for other audio sources. The VCI doesn't even have LCD screens. Are you relying on the laptop screen for all info such as BPM mapping etc. I assume then? |
| Matthew Urtel 03.05.2010 | I would browse ebay for a vci-300. |
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