Tutorial - VCI-100 Turning gain knobs into gain+key knobs

Ok guys, I have modded the 3.5 TSI file to add the functionality that when the shift key is held, the "gain" knob becomes the "key" knob. I was bored so I thought I would do a little tutorial on how to do it yourself. I have always used the key feature in Traktor because during small sets I might not have enough tracks to stay in key (using mixed in keys Camelot scale)

So I always had to change the key knob in the software. Now I can simply do it with shift+gain

Disclaimer : I take no responsibility for your modding your own tsi. Please use your head and back everything up first before you make changes. This guide assumes you have a VCI-100 v1.3, Traktor Scratch Pro 1.2.4 and are using Ean Goldens 3.5 mapping.

NB- Noteworthy items will be highlighted in red.




01) First organise the control column alphabetically
02) In the above image it shows that the shift button is linked to
Modifier 7 (M7),
that the interaction mode is "hold"
and the set to value is "1"
It also shows "ch01.Note.A#6" (this is your shift key on your VCI)



03) Find the "gain" control for deck A,B,C and D. Note that the "condition 1" is M8=0, change this over to "condition 2" as in the next image (this is purely cosmetic and just allows for less confusion during the next step)





04) Next change "condition 1" for all 4 decks to M7=0 (this will mean that when the shift key is not held down, or in the zero position the gain knob will change the gain)

05) Click "Add In ..."



6) Select Mixer -> Key



7) Click "Learn" and move the gain knob on the left (for decks A&C) and then unclick "learn" (Check that the knob you moved corresponds to "Ch01.CC.028")

8) Parameters to change;
Condition 1 = M7=1
Condition 2 = M4=1
Assignment = Deck C
Comment = Key Deck C

9) Repeat steps 6 & 7

10) Parameters to change;
Condition 1 = M7=1
Condition 2 = M4=0
Assignment = Deck A
Comment = Key Deck A

(Condition 1 means that it will control the key only when the shift button is held down)
(Condition 2 means that it will control the key on either deck A or C depending on which deck you are controlling after pressing the "Deck C" button on the VCI)



11) Do the same for Deck B and D, however please note that you will "learn" the gain knob on the right this time. (which should correspond to Ch01.CC.029)

12) Parameters to change

Deck B;
Condition 1 = M7=1
Condition 2 = M8=0
Assignment = Deck B
Comment = Key Deck B

Deck D;
Condition 1 = M7=1
Condition 2 = M8=2
Assignment = Deck D
Comment = Key Deck D

13) Go and check everything works as it should eg.
Moving the gain knob on the left controls the gain on deck A
Holding shift and moving the gain knob controls the key on deck A etc.

Try this for all 4 decks

14) (Optional Step)

You may find that when your swapping from key to gain. you get an unnecessary jump in volume or key. to solve this select key in the controller manager and check "Soft takeover"

This must be done for all 4 entries under key and all 4 entries under gain

See image below





Thanks for taking the time to read this, doing this little mod has really streamlined my work flow and made things much easier for me.

Please comment or ask questions if you get stuck.