Review: Vestax VCI-300 USB Controller with Serato Itch
One of the biggest arguments against laptop-based DJ setups is that they just aren’t as reliable as a conventional turntable rig. For analog gear, the worst thing you have to worry about is a frayed cable or a warped record–unlike digital DJs who live with a constant fear that a software update may invalidate an audio-card driver or cripple their MIDI controller. The more components in the equation (external storage, USB drivers, software authorization dongles), the more you need a computer science degree just to diagnose the problem.
One way to tackle the reliability is to borrow a page from Apple and make a closed system of software and hardware that is deliberately engineered to work together with a minimum of setup or potential glitches. That’s exactly what Vestax has done with its VCI-300 DJ bundle, made in cooperation with the audio software company Serato.
The VCI-300 isn’t cheap (around $1,000), but it’s not a bad value when you add up the cost of buying a hardware interface, 4-channel audio card, and professional DJ software as separate components. You’re still paying a premium for the VCI-300′s emphasis on reliability, but it’s a small price to pay for some extra peace of mind.
Vestax VCI300 MKII & FREE Odyssey Flight Case VCI 300 FZGSVCI30 PROAUDIOSTAR
 | US $549.00 End Date: Wednesday Feb-15-2012 15:07:47 PST Buy It Now for only: US $549.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
Vestax VCI 300 mk2, VFX-1 & Case
 | US $900.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 14:03:07 PST Buy It Now for only: US $1,000.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list |
Vestax VCI 300mkII VCI-300 MK2 DJ Controller for Serato ITCH w/ FLIGHT CASE!!
 | US $489.95 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 19:32:17 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
**Vestax VCI-300 DJ Controller incl. Marathon HD road Case & Serato ITCH**
 | US $280.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 22:10:21 PST Buy It Now for only: US $498.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list |
Used with permission from CBS Interactive, Inc., Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
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