Vestax VCI-100

@seanogt
Unfortunately I have not resolved this. May I ask, do you use an Intel Duo dual core computer?

You see, I think I have actually found the root of the problem - and it's not good news for me:

It seems Windows XP generic MIDI/USB drivers exhibit the behaviour I (and several others) have experienced. Apparently, according to other internet tech forums, it is an issue with Intel Duo (dual core) systems.

I did some serious digging last night (you know, like actually looking further than page 2 of Google's search results) and found a handful of discussions dating back to around October 2006, maybe earlier.

Here's the main forum that indicates the Intel Duo may be to blame: http://help.lockergnome.com/windows/XP-Dual-Core-USB-MIDI-problem-ftopict512526.html

I have emailed Vestax twice this week and they have yet to respond. What really needs to happen is for someone to bring out some proper drivers for the VCI-100 or for Microsoft/Intel to fix it somehow.

Now I ask you - can anyone REALLY truly see any of them moving their big arses to do something like this anytime soon?

*sob*

 

fyi: I use a core2duo and vista - works with the xp drivers...

 

I've also emailed vestax and as of today I haven't receieved a response. My laptop is relatively old and uses a Pentium M so I don't think the issue is soley with the Intel duo dual core chip.

 

Does anyone know if the Vestax VCI-100 has the ability for firmware upgrades? If so, Vestax should change the scratch mode behavior. Problem is that the VCI will be in scratch mode as long as the wheel does not stand still, if you have activated the scratch mode before. Just test it yourself! Activate scratch mode by touching the metal part and turn the wheel. Keep turning then, but lift up your finger from the metal part and turn it on the acrilyc glass. The LED will be red(scratch mode) until the wheel stops.
(Video to show what I mean: http://paddydj.com/blaa/vci-100.wmv)
With this it is very difficult to hit the beat precisly.
A firmware upgrade could help. On Vestax.com you can read that "firmware and control assignment files are being made".
But I don't know if they mean the firmware of the vci or of the programs.

 

Thanks for you help Sean, much appreciated! Unfortunately your rather clever idea of trying to force the VCI-100 to use USB/MIDI drivers from my Terratec soundcard (which I know work) didn't work. Clearly those drivers don't know what the hell the VCI-100 is because MIDOX and Traktor both crash the moment I try the VCI-100 with them! Dammit. I really thought that was going to work.

I even tried the M-Audio USB and Pro drivers but unsurprisingly they didn't work either!

FYI - I tried the VCI-100 on my friend's Mac and Traktor recognised it so I know the unit works.

So what now? I dont' really know. Right now I'm tired of spending hours uninstalling/reinstalling drivers! So I guess I can either buy a new laptop or push Vestax for some dedicated drivers (or someone who knows how to write drivers? Anyone
out there?)

Please post if you have any suggestions!

P.S. Special thanks go out to Atan at West End DJ (www.westenddj.co.uk). Their customer service is excellent and I highly recommend them to you all!

 

May be worth contacting Mike Feena - I know that he has run up against this a couple of times - dunno if there was a solution?

 

Are you always plugging it into the same USB port?

Have you tried disabling your onboard soundcard?

What midi devices are actually showing up in traktor when you look for the VCI?

 

another standard hint is to not use a usb-hub, if you were doing so. trying a different usb port, if available, is also a good idea to try...

 

another hint, which is NOT a joke:

install a clean xp/vista on another partition. Optimize this xp/vista for audio purposes (there are several threads here and on other forums). Keep this partition clean.

I did so after my external USB harddrive was no longer recognized by XP. A clean of the registry didnt help. A clean install works way better and helps to avoid dropouts and stuff! The 5-10 GB diskspace is worth doing so. I dont know what the problem with XP and USB is, but the performance is bad and there are some devices that were recognized earlier that stopped working later.

PS: After installing your DJing partition, updating the drivers, optimizing your performance and installing all audio tools you have, I propose making an image. So you will be able to get back to your working and tweak installation in case you messed up something.

 

super awesome

just got the controller last night am so stoked this really adds a fifth deminsion and allows you to do juggling splitting and catching samples and beats so much quicker than catching it on vinyl then i open pro tools for a quick edit and lay it on the vinyl super awesome
NOTE: i had to buy an eternal behringer 502 and run two decks as a mono signal since the scratch amp only has three stereo outputs
will post a photo on myspace today of the set up

http://www.myspace.com/djchuckiebthemechanic

OH and what is up with the right and left wheel they are different the patter tightness on right and looseness on left this is how it is manufactured??????? for a light or a heavy scratch?????? anybody...

__________________________________________
Macbook du core intel 2.0 1gig ram 120 harddrive os x
traktor 3.2.085
scratch amp, turntables, vestax mixer vestax vci 100 digidesign m box 2 mini behringer 500 mixer
roland 404 sampler

 

Just ordered mine and will put it through the test.
I'm hoping that in the meantime I can get away with using my SA2 as follows - Set Master out of one of the Line Outputs to my speakers, seeing as the VCI will take the place of my current mixer. This will leave one more slot open for Input or output if I am thinking correctly?

 

As a prospective VCI owner I'd really appreciate your views on the unit and how it you use it along with any faults you feel it has.

<edit>
Especially in the areas of looping and effects where the VCI has only one set of controls per deck if you use the suggested key mapping (how do you deal with that?)
</edit>

Thanks.
G

 

internal mixer

the output routing changes for internal and external (in Traktor)
the inputs and outputs on the scratch amp are physical (don't change)
you would have two additional stereo outputs there are actually six outputs on the scratch amp and six inputs using timecode takes up 4 so you would have another input in addition to the two stereo outputs

Your configuration is entirly dependant on your software with outputs 1 & 2 being the default output if you were playing i tunes for example with no configurable audio output just a soundcard choice

any input on the jog wheel tension difference anybody
maybe i should e mail vestax

will test as midi controller for garageband and protools tonight and let everyone know whats what

Works like magic in Garage band i did not set any of the midi up but all the buttons and the jog wheel control my instruments

NOTE: using the mono signals your internal mixer has to be -12db (trim) to be compatiable with the behringer 502 mono inputs or major distortion

 

This is a great idea and is certainly something I will do in the future but unfortunately I don't have enough spare diskspace for another windows partition. Also my laptop doubles up as my work computer so reinstalling everything is not an option. I simply cannot spend weeks getting it back to where I am now!

I don't use a hub. The VCI-100 is the only thing plugged into my laptop and I have tried on all four of its USB ports.

Yes. I've tried all four but now I favour one and stick with it.

Not yet - I will try this.

NONE. The list is empty. When I plug my external soundcard in and start Traktor it shows up in the list (which proves Traktor can see a properly installed MIDI device fine). The VCI-100 is nowhere to be seen from inside Traktor or MIDOX.

 

Ok, I have a possible lead! Thanks to Sean for pointing this out.

On a website they describe a way to replace a possibly corrupt (?) USB/MIDI driver. Here are the steps:

LINK: http://www.techsupportforum.com/mic...support/81283-xp-usb-midi-driver-problem.html

So, fellow Trakorites, who has a working VCI-100 on Windows XP SP2? Please help your DJ brethren and send me a copy of that file!! (c:\windows\inf\wdma_usb.inf)

BTW - I tried this already by downloading that file from a driver website but it didn't work so I am hoping a copy of the file from someone who actually has the VCI-100 will work! Please only post a copy of the file if you fit this criteria!

Thank you bother and sisters!

 

wdma_usb.xxx download link: http://download.yousendit.com/32D4B7577CFD520F

i didn't experience any problem installing my vci-100.

tips that spring to mind are:

-mandatory win xp sp2
-clean your windows registry
-unplug all usb devices
-don't use an external hub
-delete all usb double entries from your hardware list (be sure that show hidden devices has been selected)
-disable or unistall onboard webcam, if any (and skype phone, etc.)
-reboot after have done all of the above
-check everything again
-plug the vci-100 & good luck

gab

 

I've now got my VCI, and I too had the issue with the right platter being a little stiff.

If your handy with a scroodriver, and are happy to open up the unit, you will find by removing the 1 scroo on the base and the 4scroos (2 either side) the bottom plate can be removed. Upon examining the underside of the platters, there is a plastic/fibber disk held in with 3scroos. What I found is by undoing this on the right-platter and then placing it back ensuring its central, the right - platter has the same resistence as the left platter.

Note! by doing this you will void your waronty and it is at your own risk.

As for the looping, its not bad as it works on the current decks focus. This being selectable by the button above the 4 effect knobs, witch 3 LEDs to show Decks A/B & Master. Note its sequence is Master (default), Deck A then Deck B and then returning to Master on each press of the button.

You can see full details of the VCI TKS at:
http://www.djsmex.co.uk/T3TKS/7

You may email me john@djsmex.co.uk with your questions, I'll be happy to help.

 

intesting. My left platter is the stiff one and the right one is way to loose. Its nice you found a solution, however I expected a better quality from vestax!

 

Great neoprene sleeve case for vci-100 (Targus TBS005US)

I found this great neoprene sleeve case at a local store for my vci-100.

it fits the vci-100 like a glove.

http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=TBS005US

 

Left Stiff Jog Wheel

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Mine started out fine but about an hr or so into a set saturday it tightened up and even had a weird affect with the way it was reading Traktor...Lame....Up's to the brave screw driver scalpel approach but I gotta say I'm a little tweaked about tearing in to warranty void country...Would like to hear Vestax pony up to why this happens and how to fix it..With out a fix I don't think I can make this work...