I got the VCI-300 2 weeks ago and I think it was the right purchase! There are a few issues which I feel would increase the VCI -300's versatility but overall I would recommend this to anyone considering purchasing an all in one solution to digital djing.

As with all new hardware and software there is usually a grace period, proof in point the VCI-100 Firmware update and usual software versions for all major dj/audio software on the market. I shouldn't have to mention Adobe and Macromedia, what version are they now? Anyhow let me get to the goods.


Layout:
At first glance I was a little overwhelmed at the amount of control functionality availabel. However after a few minutes of fiddling around I realized that a lot of thought definitely went into engineering and designing this interface.

The layout of all of the controls was really well thought out and makes the VCI-300 really easy to plug-and-play. Adding the additional functionality of searching through your tracks via the middle jog as well as the platters, provided a lot of flexibility. Hands on, while playing my first gig I rarely had to touch the mouse-pad or use the keyboard as I could easily search using either of these methods. The ITCH software could do with a search option, but I think that will be coming soon.

Interface:
I have to disagree that the "layout was designed specifically for the Itch interface" as there aren't any visual representations of any of the knobs in ITCH. Additionally, having both right and left side balanced makes it feel more like a traditional truntable/cdj/mixer setup. Some people may disagree, however this is based on my experience and my style of djing.

Thinking forward, I feel this type of layout will open up the hardware to interface with the upcoming versions of dj software. Additionally as I think more mixers move into high resolution, the software should follow or become compatible with it at least.

Loop Functions & EQ:
I found these to be very easy to use and responded as expected. Again I am guessing that in future versions of the software they may make it possible to add kill functionality to the buttons on either side of the EQ. Again not a major issue as I prefer the traditional smooth transitions, however it could be a nice future feature.

Latency:
I had my software set to high latency as I prefer it this way, and it performed like a charm. I expected their to be a noticeable delay between playing, dropping in tracks, scratching. I didn't notice any at all. Very impressed.

Possible future improvements:

Volume Faders Issue:
Once drawback I noticed when playing with this live is that te sensitivity of the Volume faders didn't react as expected. Not sure if you noticed this or other users have noticed this but it seemed as though after getting 1/4 up it was already at full volume. This may be a software issue as the midi signal is being constantly sent as I move the faders up and down...hopefully it will be resolved sometime soon as I prefer the volume faders to the cross fader.

FX:
I agree that the VCI-100 may benefit from a dedicated FX section, however, having djed before there were FX was available at clubs I don't consider not having FX a major setback. With that said, I would definitely like to see some FX in this in the future as it adds color to mixes. I am sure that in the near future there will be a "face-plate" available for use with other dj software. If it does get included in lets say ver. 2 of ITCH, then all the better.

Right platter sensitivity:
I was a little worried that I may have a defective unit at first, but I guess it was my sensitivity wheel. Sometimes when I moved the right platter, there was a 1/2 second delay in response to the track. Do you know what this might be? Again it didn't happen all the time however it did happen.

Hope this feedback helps some of you in your search for a digital dj mixer. Again I am very happy with this and I think generally people who purchase it will be as well.

Dj Fokus Tokyo