Vestax Spin.

At the risk that this appears to be a controller-oriented blog (it’s not, DJTechTools well and truly have that mantle covered), I have to post about Vestax’s latest controller, the Spin.

This thing looks pretty interesting. For one thing, it’s well and truly in the consumer price bracket, at only RRP$249. Secondly, it will be sold in Apple stores, alongside Apple MacBooks, iPods etc. and will ship with software which integrates with iTunes. Third, it is made by a reputable company, Vestax. A full write-up on features can be found here.

I have to wonder why Numark’s iPod compatible products never made the leap into this segment – they’ve had well over two years to do it – but they never got Apple endorsement.

No word on whether it will make it to Australia. Given the strong dollar, I’m sure one could be had from North America for relatively little additional dosh, but I think I’ll save my pennies.

Going digital.

Packed up the decks again, for the last time, yesterday. I just don’t have the desk space to have them sitting out all the time (and my mixer is just pitiful). Why not kill two birds with one stone? Save space and not have to buy another analogue mixer? Everyone knows the future is digital anyway, don’t they?

Russ Chimes rocks a Novation Nocturn at some houseparty in Brooklyn. Pitch control? Platter control? Level control? Nah, leave it to Ableton, eight knobs and a cross-fader.

We all know Ean Golden is the champion of all things Vestax, particularly the VCI-100 modified with arcade buttons and painted black.

Felix Cartal has been known to use a UC-33 for some time. They’re getting a bit old now aren’t they?

Spank Records spill on Vestax VCM-400.

Looks like this thing is going to be a little more than just a mixer and soundcard — it’s an all-out four deck controller designed for Traktor (minus platter control). Read all about it over at Spank!.

PS. I’m on Twitter now, as electricfriends.

Vestax debuts new controllers at NAMM.

A few posts back I just posted about a new controller Akai have unveilled at this year’s NAMM, aimed at Ableton enthusiasts, which got me pretty excited. Well, it looks like I may have spoke too soon, as DJ TT has just uploaded a video showcasing a whole bunch of new stuff — including yet more Vestax gear.

First up, there’s the brand-spanking-new VCI-400. Pitched at the VCI-100 crowd who’ve upgraded to Traktor Pro, it features proper 4 deck support and a new effects slot setup. There’s not exactly a lot to go on in the video, but it looks like it will be even more compact than the 100 and feature larger pitch sliders and a dedicated key knob. Ean was actually there so check out what he had to say about it.

Second, and this isn’t exactly Vestax related, but Serato have finally updated their Scratch Live software to include a sampler. Why am I reporting this when I’m a loyal Torq user? It shows that Serato are still keeping up with the game and bringing out good stuff, and it may have implications for other products. Consider Serato’s Itch, for which Vestax makes the VCI-300; will we see a sampler on there soon? Maybe an effects rack as well? This is a step in the right direction.

Finally, Vestax have brought out a two channel scratch mixer with integrated 4×4 audio interface. Again, this isn’t up my alley, but it’s intriguing that Vestax will make one product with Serato, the VCI-300, and another which indirectly competes with Scratch Live and the Rane ttm-57sl.

NAMM 2009 awesomeness: Akai APC40.

Yes, it’s that time of year again. As if two big technology shows last week wasn’t enough (CES and MacWorld), we not have NAMM on in Anaheim. As usual, the big brands are debuting some impressive new software and gear. Oliver has a nice little summary over here. But to borrow a bit, here’s something which blew my mind a little lot:

Behold, the Akai APC40. Not only is it Ableton specific, it’s designed in conjunction with Ableton. It was the Vestax VCM-600 which blew my mind last year, with its mixing desk-style design and metal body. But this, this is a cut above. While it looks less like a mixing desk and more like an MPD on steroids, the fact that it’s designed for Ableton is obvious straight away. Finally, an abundance of buttons for launching clips, toggling scenes etc. As well as the usual sliders and rotaries. What’s more, the controller is two-way, meaning it will display feedback from Ableton with blistering efficiency. Finally, with a nod to the digital DJ, it includes a crossfader in prime position — you know this thing wasn’t just made for the home studio.

Of course, it is bound to cost way more than a VCM-600, possible twice as much. But, by the looks of it, it could be worth it. This thing is premium.

PS. They debuted Ableton 8 … looks good.

VCM-600 lands in Australia.

Vestax formidable VCM-600 has finally landed in Australia. You might not remember, but I blogged about this thing when it first popped up at NAMM last year, then again when it surfaced on the Vestax digital DJ site.

Last I heard it had undergone some revisions to the layout (note absence of buttons next to up-faders) and no Australian release date was set.

For some reason, my original post is by far the most viewed page on this site. Hits aside, I’m still excited about this control surface because it seems to suit the Ableton enthusiast perfectly. Even better, it’s made by Vestax out of professional quality components — for example, its got a metal body and metal knobs.

Anyway, StoreDJ now have it in stock for a whopping $1700. DJ Warehouse don’t have it listed at all, and Spank have it as ‘coming soon’, for $1500 mind you. These are exciting developments.

I’m not sure if I’ll shell out now, or wait until the early-adopters report back; but I’m definitely planning on getting one unless something exceptional (and better) shows up.

Vestax finally dish on VCM and VCI goodies.

After my post months ago, featuring the new VCM-600 from Vestax which debuted at NAMM, I have been regularly checking for any sign of further info from either Vestax or retailers on this product. Finally, the the wait is over. Behold, Vestax’s PCDJ website.

A few things of note:

First, there are more products than just the VCI-100, VCI-300 and VCM-600 I was expecting. There’s the VCM-100, which is basically a mobile DJ-style console with soundcard. Notably, it lacks jog-wheels, so it would be somewhat out of place in today’s club. But I love the laptop stand it ships with — wouldn’t it be cool if this was the exact size of a technics 1200 dustcover allowing easy fitment to any analog DJ booth?

Also, there are two soundcards. The VSI-40, which is the 4in/4out soundcard I assume is inside the VCI-300 and VCM-100. There’s also the TUB-20 which is billed as a 2in/2out card, though nothing further is listed. Finally, there is a USB controller called the VAI-80. Described as a ‘USB Audio Workstation’, one can only assume it has basic soundcard and midi functionality — but what could it possibly add to the lineup? It would appear to have two-channel EQ and gain on it so perhaps it’s designed to be a replacement for both audio-interface and mixer for purely laptop DJs and producers. EDIT: check this video on the VAI-80.

Second, the site features a ‘how-to’ section for each product. While this is still under construction, no doubt the plan is to feature video tutorials a la Torq and Serato, maybe a forum will surface?

This site has got me psyched on Vestax’s products again — but, a caveat. There is still extremely little on the one product I’m most interested in: the VCM-600! While it’s apparently shipping overseas, this lack of spec etc. on the site is distressing, the chances of it making it to Australia anytime soon becoming increasingly thin.