Where did you see this. It sounds like rumors to me. I don't think Serato would put them on blast like that saying the ball is in their court then again who knows?

i am waiting to see what new controller vestax has to offer.

First I heard it from a buddy that works for DJ mag and then I read about it in a facebook group. I have no idea if this is true or not, that's why I'm asking.

It would seem like a pretty bad move if they want to keep their customers but then again, no one knows what factors the bean counters factor in when making decisions.

vestax has been taking a long time to adapt to changes on serato dj. i wonder if they have something waiting to pull out the hat.

Or maybe they've just pulled out. Probably best to stay away from them until we know.

just wait and see. it could be a rumour

I honestly don't know how relevant Vestax is currently anyway. I promise I am not trying to be offensive here but on the hobbyist level .............. sure I guess they are still selling second hand units for cheap but on a professional level they don't have the steam. This is obviously largely due to the fact they only make controllers not to mention the majority of their popularity came from the flexibility & hacks that are now standard options on the higher level controllers.



Definitely the best way to handle this though. You NEVER really know what's going on until it happens.

Yes, of course. But It's good to know if a brand offers support and upgrades for their products in the future. That's basically all that matters for the customer when making a decision to buy something. That is how Scratch live won me over and the same goes for the hardware game as well.

The problem with the VCI-380/400 and the DVS expansion pack is that these two controllers are finished products.
So it will be just PLAIN STUPID to ditch Vestax products as there was no DVS option in the first place when the controller was introduced to the market.
Sure, it will be neat if they come around with a firmware fix but they don't need to!

It will make much more sense from a selling point to release MK2 versions like Pioneer did with the DDJ-SX/SX2.

Never forget: It's all about revenue!

I would well accept a workaround though. Like the DVS pack is USD99 but I would pay, let's say USD129 if Vestax insisted on additional revenue. That could be a fair way to have the kit updated.

the VCI380 works fine with Traktor DVS , why is for Serato a firmware update needed?

Watchwww.youtube.com

Because the gain, trebble, mid, bass, filter all effect the time code signal which messes up the tracking and rendering it useless. So in PC mode the vestax firmware needs up dating to not change any of these controls on the hardwares input when being used in pc mode. Just send the timecode signal straight to the pc.

Maybe it is not possible todo this with an firmware fix or like said above they want to bring a new controller to the market to make more money.

We tried it, and it worked to some extend but it's not good enough how it is to make it a Serato DVS Expansion Pack ready device.

The EQ's are applied to the incoming signals, so if you EQ or filter your song with the mixer,
it will have an impact on tracking quality. E.g. you kill the mids and highs, playing only the low frequencies -> you are left with almost no DVS tracking.

Vestax would have to change that with a firmware update, so that Serato DJ with DVS Expansion Pack would always see the full control signal, regardless of the EQ and hardware filters positions

ok many thanks, now i understand

But if I buy the dvs expansion I can still try it with the 380 but it will just be a bit crap if I use the eq?

No, we don't want to ship anything that is 'a bit crap'.

Sorry (not sorry :P )

No it is not supported so wont work you will be wasting your money.

E-mail or phone Vestax and ask them if they are going to provide a firmware update. Thats all you can do at the moment.

But lets look at Vestax firmware history with the vci-380.

Alot of people moan about the VU leds on the 380. Vestax has not ever provided a firmware update.

People want the cue pads tobe colour matched to sdj but some colours are missing from the midi code on the 380 so vestax need to provide a firmware update and to get serato to add the cue colour feature. Again Vestax has provided no firmware updates.

The issues with dvs mode Vestax was told months ago by serato the issue and what to change. Again Vestax has so far not provided any firmware updates.

Basically Vestax does not give a fuck about its current customers!!

That or all these things above will be addressed in a mkll or a new controller.

I think we should stop mixing rumours with "truth". Unless we do know...

Ya i think wjere this boycot vestax has come from is its customers saying they will boycot Vestax if they do not provide the firmware update for dvs.

Unless of corse someone knows something we don't...

How are you going to boycott Vestax if you've already bought a controller from Vestax? Boycott means not to buy a future product. Currently I don't seen new products from Vestax.

I guess it means that no one should buy a controller from vestax in the future. There are quite a few other options out there.

But if I was Vestax I would make a new firmware and charge 20$ for it and make a mk2 with it included (+ a good x-fader and update the faceplate). That way they would get a lot of life out of an old product and make existing customers happy and keep the brand loyality. Win-win.

No idea lol

Just emailed Vestax to ask, lets see what I get back. Not holding my breath ;)

I emailed them over a week ago to ask about VCI380 firmware update............
Still no reply.

I emailed them as well. No answer.

I guess they are out of the game.

Maybe they on the verge of going bust? Anyway to find out if the company is making money ect?

We'll see if they are at BPM.

I know one of the demo guys (Mike 'Kuta' from N-trance) so should be interesting.

THIS is my guess.

Although NOT my hopes. I always say the more competition the better.

Well I had my email returned as undeliverable to support@vestax.co.uk ????

Vestax for the first time are not at the BPM Show..... This is not looking good.

Ok guys i just received this from Vestax


Hi Andy,I do know that we have the firmware update for the VCI380 in the final stages of testing. I can’t give you an exact release date I’m afraid as it’s down to the schedules of the Vestax and Serato engineers over in Japan.Regards,Christian----------------------------------------Christi
anDavies // Vestax UKVestax Europe Ltd., Apex Buildings, 12 Bridge Street, Bootle, Liverpool. L20 8ALwww.vestax.co.uk

So thats good news for VCI 380 owners then!!!!

I just had a very similar email from Vestax too:

Hi Huw,

I do know that we have VCI380 firmware in the final stages of testing, with the VCI400 update to follow after that. I don’t have any more exact release dates I’m afraid, as it’s down to our engineer’s and Serato’s engineer’s schedules over in Japan.


Regards,
Christian

At least you got some replys in the end.

Nice!

i hear the VCI-380 Has been discontinued and vestax can't supply no more.

This seems strange as you only discontinue stuff when you have something to replace it.

Seems odd all this…

Wasn't it the black version that was discontinued?

That is great news! I hope the VCI drivers get an update.

I do know 1 thing:
The VCI 400 is actually a professional beast in small form factor.
lately I play even more with this machine on big gigs then with my pioneer setup.
Once you get the hang of this controller it's actually a wow-machine.
It's the only controller that gives you direct play control over over 4 decks without the need to switch decks by a button/knob. It's got balanced out's, and fits most existing DJ booths.

So I can only welcome they update their controllers. And I hope they continue developping more (serato) controllers like this.

i thought about gettin one of those and always looked for reviews, maybe ill pick one up on the cheap now.

Isn't just a switch instead of a button or knob? I have never used a VCI-400 so I don't know for sure but I do know that operating a switch is by no means better, easier, or more efficient than buttons or knobs. Especially when some of these with buttons let you control all four decks at the same time via the dual deck buttons.

It just seems like a preference to me.

What i mean is,
Play , cue and reverse is always directly accessible for the four decks irrespective which deck is selected by the deck selection switch, because these buttons are all mapped on the six buttons under the platter left and right.

There is no other controller on the market that gives you such direct acces to all four decks.
That makes life a lot easier when syncing 4 decks in a tight routine.

They could improve the vci 400 ofcourse by updating it with coloured pads and stuff like that. But this model is surely worth to be used by pro's.

I upgraded my vci with an innofader mini x-fader. Great fun.

All great info. I would like to know a little more about the future of the company as well as future support and even FLIP support. I assume flip is already supported, but I don't know for sure. Anyone else have any other info on Vestax's future?

I did not go to the BPM Show, Did anyone else? And was they there? Did they share a stand? If they wasn't there then i would say game over in the UK anyway.

The only product with a Vestax logo on at BPM was a VCi-380 on a shelf on Westend DJs retail stand.

Sad times.

Honestly I feel it has been sad times for Vestax users for quite a while now. I sold my VCI's LONG ago!!

Dear Vestax could you please give us a time frame of when the update will come?
It doesn't have to be the exact day but a ballpark date would be nice.

I'm logging in here like ten times a day to see if there's any news on this.

Just a thought but Dear Vestax letters are probably best aimed toward Vestax lol.

tried that a few weeks ago. No answer at all.

This was written more as a joke but I think they probably see this thread so who knows, doesn´t hurt to try, right?

If they have seen this thread and not commented then it really shows the company is going down.

All this unfounded speculation is making me chuckle.

Not really no new products gor three years
Not at the bpm show
Not willing to work with serato on a serato product
Slow/no show of firmware
Website not working correct
No contact and email bounce backs from some vestax addresses.
Vci is discontinued
Spear parts no longer supplied

Would hardly say things are good.

And the fact no one from vestax has jumped in here to tell us otherwise even in the Vestax group where there company are members.

It just seems bad news. Sure we would all like tobe told this is all not true.

All they need to do is tell us if it's a matter of days, weeks or months before they'll release it.

ha, sounds like they need to tell us if they'll be in business much longer. Always loved the brand, hoping they're still producing.

Also, FLIP mapping would be nice to add in too, while they're there as I'll happily be using this as DVS and as my mixer/ controller.

Some of You guys need to learn how to act like true businessmen. When a company,vendor, partner ect.......fails to preform to YOUR standards you don't just sit around twittling your thumbs if the issue affects you in a negative way. Be proactive and act accordingly in a timely manner in order to reduce financial looses.

Lol, do you mean that a true businessman would sell his controller because it might lose a little bit more value in a while?

The issue here, for me at least, is that I would like to use it for my DVS setup. The 380 is the perfect controller for this, layout, size and feel is great. If I could find another that I would like better I would just buy it. I would just like to know cause I'm antsy about getting the firmware.

No, Im saying weight your evidence and make an informed decision.

Anyone of these issues mentioned (if they are proven to be true) are good reason to cut your looses if your PRIORITY is to evolve with the NEW technology.

"Not willing to work with serato on a serato product
Slow/no show of firmware
No contact and email bounce backs from some vestax addresses.
Vci is discontinued
Spear parts no longer supplied"

You dont want to be the last one holding dead technology if its resale value is important to you. (aka Allen & Heath Xone:DX praidmusic.com)

What a load of twaddle
Sorry but you are talking as if we bought Vestax controllers as a financial investment.
I bought mine because it was the best I could get for my style of DJing.
Even if they went bump tomorrow, my VCI380 would still be the best around for me at the moment and I couldn't give a toss how much it's worth in a monetary sense.
Did anybody sell ther Technics when Panasonic pulled the plug?

AMO (Sonicbreaks UK) my comments are clearly not directed at people like YOU because.....



I feel the same way about my vci300 but you fail to realize everyone concerned here does NOT share our feelings and may consider their "Vestax controllers as a financial investment" and ARE willing to dump it if deemed necessary.


Very bad example sir, I mean really BAD......

You cant compare an industry standard with 40+ years of history and millions (plural) such as the tech 1200 with something as insignificant in comparison as the vci380.

With that said, you should apply a self imposed ban upon yourself for no less than 1 year for even uttering those vile words......lol

^^^millions sold

Lol
Point taken
+1

^What y'all said...

Yep, Vestax have gone under (so I was reliably informed)

With the lack of sales recently this comes as nor surprise. Not any more of a surprise but Pioneer accounts for 60% of DJ gear sales. I would guess Numark comes in second with decent numbers but the rest would be Reloop, Denon, etc and somewhere Vestax. Trust me I am not a hater. My VCI's were reliable and what brought me into the controller scene. After getting a few Pioneer controllers I would never use anything else though. I have not used the consumer level (DDJ-Wego, Ergo, DDJ-SB/SR) gear so I can't speak for the quality of that line but the SX, SZ & SP1 are quite capable.

As the OP brought up I don't think boycott is anything that could hurt Vestax anymore than it is already hurting by itself.

Well if that is indeed the case we can kiss the firmware goodbye.


Junk springs to mind, well the SR is ok.

The vci-380 for its size its build quality and feature there really is nothing even close to this. I would just like tobe able to get spear parts thats all i am more worrid about.

Of corse Pioneer SX/SX2/SZ are the nuts but when in a dj booth with tight space this is where the vci comes in.

i do use the sp1 when using cdjs.

Is there not an official way we an find out about Vestax?

i see there websites are all still live and the vestax uk store you can still buy stuff (not that i would dare incase they take your money but the goods never arrive)

Where did you get that info? I get that you can't say the exact person but what kind of source was it?

HEY , this is the internet, i personally take alleged "reliable sources" with a grain of salt until proven otherwise.

I'm not looking at this as an investment. As someone else stated, it's just the perfect size controller to use as DVS, with pads, from a reliable company.

I would like to see the company continue forward as I like all of their products and their build quality and they've always kept the DJ first. BUT by no means am I trying to buy controllers like they were stock and bonds in the company and shit. The fuck is that guy thinking?? ^^

Exact!

I got this VCI-400 controller just a year ago. I ad also one of the first VCI 300 in the world.
Ok the 300 was a test which showed loads of potential.

The 380 was definitely the "final" version of it.

The 400 is just an amazing "I-can-Do-it-all"-controller in pocket size with even balanced outputs.
It does stuff no other controller can (like dedicated pause/play, cue and reverse buttons for each fader channel) and I can use just about everywhere due to its incredible size. The build quality is just top notch.

What-The-Muck do I care it's an "older" controller.
Just support that they would enhance there drivers.

And I do hope they are still in the business, as Vestax is a brand that dares to think out of the box. I can only support that.

My channel fader has just gone.... Wish me luck finding a replacement in the uk.

You could always go for an innofader.

What on the channel fader? Thought they were just for crossfadeer.

I have emailed the VESTAX uk distributer to see if they have any stock and if the rumours about VESTAX are true.

I had heard they got involved with line faders at times but I didn't think this was something you could just (user) opt to use on your own. I would think there are too many variables. X-Faders are often designed strategically to be user serviceable and swapped out for aftermarket. I didn't think the same applies to line (Channel) faders................................ could be wrong though.

We've all got to remember that Vestax is a very small company when compared to some of the other industry juggernauts.

They don't have the engineering resources of the likes of Pioneer, I mean just look at the smattering of controllers that Pio has. I actually dig that about Vestax.

So, if spreading their resources across building the successor to the 380 and 400, and adding function to an almost legacy controller, I'd understand that it might not be #1 priority.

But take that official message from them as good news! Christian has said its in the final stages of testing.

As for controllers being an investment, I paid $600 for my 380. It's paid for itself many times over and can do much more than the ~$1800 analogue mixer it replaced.

It's not like you've dropped $6000 on whatever overpriced and overhyped "industry standard" rig is today. I think you need a reality check on that one. Controllers are almost consumables now.

I do however agree they can improve their communication. I hope those rumours are just rumours. Perhaps don't spread them if want Vestax to hang around, as sometimes that kind of stuff will become a self fulfilling prophecy if they are indeed struggling against the big conglomerates and then buyers steer clear.

I still think they make the coolest gear, just remember the VCi-100 pretty much kicked all of this controller stuff off. And if Vestax are reading, I look forward to the DVS upgrade for the 380 (and the VCI-560 !)

Well what about the Alpha line faded if I could find them I could just desolder this one from the board and solder a new one on. Not sure if there is anywhere that sells single units in the UK tho.

The innofader can be used as a channel fader or crosser.

*crossfader damp auto correct.

There are settings on the fader to select whether it's a line fader or crossfader.

*damn. ........... god damn you auto correct lol

I am sensing that a misinterpretation of the "investment" has occurred here. I don't think anyone is really speaking of actual monetary investment but more of the investment on the support & effectiveness level. Factoring in actual money is not always the best concept when dealing with controllers. They will do what they are supposed to do and if you follow suit there is money to be made. Essentially these Vestax units have DONE what they were intended to do.

The difference here is a well funded & thriving parent company or division will ensure it's products current status and relevancy. This is where the investment part comes into play. For me it is wiser (more effective) to invest my efforts/money into products that will be supported & backed for foreseeable future. I find comfort knowing the products I have chosen have/will have maximum lifetime. Rane & Pioneer excel in this department.

I don't think of the products Vestax makes as a bad investment. I think of Vestax as a bad investment. When purchasing gear I don't think of the actual value as being a factor which is for some reason being discussed now. What they have done in the past is good stuff no doubt. For some reason or another this was just seemingly not enough to attract the masses. When comparing to Pioneer who single-handedly accounts for 60% of all DJ gear sold obviously there are differences and it is probably not a fair comparison. I am trying not to do this though. I am evaluating Vestax on an individual basis as much as possible. I had two VCI's and again they are what got me trusting controllers in the first place so to say they were not effective or reliable would be lying. I have just since moved onto greener pastures (for me) is all. I will always appreciate what Vestax was to me at one time though. A door or passageway that lead to great things.


Keep in mind much of what I am saying is based on opinions made through observations of my own and is NOT meant to be taken as 100% fact.

Whatever people think about investmen: I'm a 110% satisfied customer with their products.

About the broken line fader: the innofaders are compatible. Requires to solder them. I'd suggest to replace them by pair cause the innofaders have a different feel.

I replaced my x-fader in the vci400 as it started to bleed.
Boy , real fun with an innofader. Worth the investment.

Yes i just been looking into this and the Innofader mini Innofader PNP S is the one that fits in the vci-380 you have to de solder the old Alpha faders from the board. I am just working with innofader to find what settings the mini Innofader PNP S need tobe before i solder it on as you have to make sure the jumpers are correct.

But it is alot of money for a pair of these. But i supose they should last much longer i got the vci-380 in June 2012 and have so far had 10 channel faders replaced! ALL with the issue of cutting out at the top of the slider. I know they did a recall on them but i think they just keep selling the old dodgy ones as they all have the same date printed on the boards. And i am not a heavey handed dj!
Also Vestax has not replied to my e-mail normaly they really quick at replying but i guess they could be busy. Will see.

My buddy had he same problem with one of his channel faders (after a few years of use) and it went away after a good clean. I guess you already tried cleaning but I thought I should mention it before you order stuff and start soldering.

ya it's clean just seem to fail near the top of the slider all the time, it's the only issue i have had apart from the jog tension adjust always coming loose.

as there is a right and left board i just found a right one that works ok so desoldered that and put it on the left board. Now working fine again.

What other small controllers are there with built in mixer? suppose the denon but that dont have any pads.

That's really strange because I've had mine for well over a year now and aside from the resistance being a little off between the two channel faders, it has been worry free. There are time when I prefer to use IT over my NS7II, because it's just a fun unit to mix on. I have considered putting the innofaders in it, but I had a bad experience with the innobender kit just not feeling right to me. Elliot hooked me up and I just dropped a CF-X2 in it, and it's been great (aside from being a little too loose). Now, with the mini innofaders, I've considered putting them in my channel faders if they ever go out. Mine have never shown any signs of wear, even with heavy use in the past 8 months, or so.

LJ_WOOSLEY, I notice that the center jog wheel tension adjustment loosening up over heavy scratching, mostly with scribbles or prolonged chirps.

Vestax USA answered me yesterday about the firmware and they haven't even heard about it.

Well Cham, at least you got a response.... I have yet to receive anything from them since almost a month ago now. Did they happen to comment on any of the other rumors that have been mentioned on here, or did you not ask?

I have just been told that Vestax has gone bust. From a very reliable person who worked for them. :-( Best get it sold quick before it becomes official news.

This is no surprise. I have seen less & less of Vestax products the past few years and really rarely see them at all anymore. I actually traded one of my VCI's for my first MacBook Pro about 4 years ago. Thank god I did it when i did.

They were certainly good at the time though. I have been spoiled by the current controllers though. This update would still be a good parting gift for whatever customers they still have though.

I didn't ask but I have sent them a message about it now. Their facebook seems to be the only place where you can get any answers. Maybe someone could ask that Christian from Vestax UK if he knows something.

i don't know what the fuck is going on with Vestax, but I wouldn't be surprised if they were on the verge of bankruptcy considering how little we've heard from them in the last couple years.

The only new products they've released in the last little while are just re-brands and software certified versions of old controllers, and even that was more than a year ago...

It sucks too, cause of all the SDJ controllers available, the VCI-380 is the only one that meets a lot of my personal needs.

It's got:

Small size
XLR balanced outs
Tension adjustable platters
LED platter marker
Independent booth out
2 mic inputs
Serato DJ compatibility out of the box

Sadly enough, nothing else on the market has all of this...

The only thing more I'd want is some better effect controls, an additional 1/4" output, and mic EQs.

Agree with everything you said. I've found the 380 to be the most professional, full-featured controller of its size, which fits neatly into my regular backpack and is easy to transport.

I would have loved to have seen a new 380, with the added things you mentioned, plus DVS-compatibility, colour-coordinated pads and maybe dedicated FLIP controls. Looks like we may never see that now. Will just have to hope another manufacturer builds something similar.

if they are in dire straights (and that's pure speculation), maybe someone will buy them and revitalize the brand...

That too

Although I can FULLY 100% NO DOUBT agree with your assessment on the 380 (for its size being the key part) I would have to doubt anyone would be interested in scooping up the Vestax brand. Even though they are not my favorite I would out of fairness not argue their effectiveness & capabilities (again for it's size) BUT out of the same fairness of being realistic I can safely say it just wasn't enough. Maybe it is because Vestax was so closely associated with Itch and it's shortcomings (TBH the majority of people who enjoyed Itch were Vestax owners I've noticed) maybe it was something else but in the end they are just NOT what they used to be.

Using our available references, some inside sourcing & a fraction of assuming I would also think the demise of Vestax (as they currently stand) was inevitable and in fact going to happen. Until it does I would agree this is speculation BUT it is strong speculation on the verge of an educated guess.




The 380 has all this yes. There are many controllers that have most and some that have MUCH more even. The SX having all the features except the small size but then again I don't think you could pack ALL the features it has into a small package nor would I want them too.

I won't sit here and try to convince you of what's what though don't take it that way. As a matter of fact quite the opposite. If anything I have been looking at possibly purchasing a VCI due to this thread. It is NOT nearly as capable as the controllers I currently have (SX, SZ & NS7II) but then again I don't think it was designed to. The 400 comes closer but even that falls short so the 400 does not seem to be the right candidate for me as it seems it WAS designed to be the ultimate solution with other solutions being more capable. The 380 however seems to be one of the best laid out Small to midsize controllers available. Even IF the DVS which was teased recently NEVER happens (which I really do NOT think it will) it is still an attractive deal.


My final question is do you think it would be cheaper NOW or should I wait to see if in fact things pan out how they seem and the company goes belly up? If so would the price be cheaper then?

Although I can FULLY 100% NO DOUBT agree with your assessment on the 380 (for its size being the key part) I would have to doubt anyone would be interested in scooping up the Vestax brand. Even though they are not my favorite I would out of fairness not argue their effectiveness & capabilities (again for it's size) BUT out of the same fairness of being realistic I can safely say it just wasn't enough. Maybe it is because Vestax was so closely associated with Itch and it's shortcomings (TBH the majority of people who enjoyed Itch were Vestax owners I've noticed) maybe it was something else but in the end they are just NOT what they used to be.

Using our available references, some inside sourcing & a fraction of assuming I would also think the demise of Vestax (as they currently stand) was inevitable and in fact going to happen. Until it does I would agree this is speculation BUT it is strong speculation on the verge of an educated guess.




The 380 has all this yes. There are many controllers that have most and some that have MUCH more even. The SX having all the features except the small size but then again I don't think you could pack ALL the features it has into a small package nor would I want them too.

I won't sit here and try to convince you of what's what though don't take it that way. As a matter of fact quite the opposite. If anything I have been looking at possibly purchasing a VCI due to this thread. It is NOT nearly as capable as the controllers I currently have (SX, SZ & NS7II) but then again I don't think it was designed to. The 400 comes closer but even that falls short so the 400 does not seem to be the right candidate for me as it seems it WAS designed to be the ultimate solution with other solutions being more capable. The 380 however seems to be one of the best laid out Small to midsize controllers available. Even IF the DVS which was teased recently NEVER happens (which I really do NOT think it will) it is still an attractive deal.


My final question is do you think it would be cheaper NOW or should I wait to see if in fact things pan out how they seem and the company goes belly up? If so would the price be cheaper then?

Sorry for the double post it seems Serato (or my ISP) decided I needed to say this TWICE!!

Boy, this is always a tough call. on the one hand, as soon as people know there'll be no more support or developments forthcoming and with repairs harder to get done or more costly due to limited technicans/parts etc, you might get lots of people trying to offload theirs as soon as they can and taking less money than they would have done.

If, on the other hand, they become more of a rare, 'collector's' item, the price will increase.

But seeing as they're so tied to the software and need to stay current with changes and additions over time, I think the latter doesn't really apply to electronics like this. But if I was qualified enough to call it, I'd probably be doing the lottery too, and I don't.

So if Vestax did go bust and people started getting rid of them en masse (like is happening to a degree right now with the DDJ-SX), would I still be interested in picking any up if they're going at a good price? Yeah, I probably would.

This is EXACTLY what I was thinking. You never know though. It may hike up initially then slowly go down too.


Oh HELL yeah. This in no way makes the controller any less than great. Even IF a SUPER controller comes out which is hands down better in every single way possible and a gift from the gods themselves.................................. The Vestax VCI-380 will still be a great controller.

I'd say I'm sold regardless of possible future updates but it is just a matter of timing. I had a similar situation with the NS7II. Anyone who knows me can vouch I am a Pio man straight up. When a controller is good it is good though regardless of my loyalty to Pioneer. The NS7II came out and unlike prior Numark gear it really caught my eye. Being I was in NO RUSH it gave me the patience and insight to wait until the opportune moment and I swiped a brand new one up for an incredible deal. From here it becomes a game and the object is to save as much $$$ as possible.

Interesting discussion. I am a current owner of a VCI-400 and I must say I love it.

Originally, being more of a controllerist, I was thinking of buying either a DDJ-SX, Novation twitch or VCI-400/380.

Ultimately, after much reading and comparison, I decided to pull the trigger on the 400 and have not regretted it. I was very much a Traktor user before and since purchasing the 400 with the free Serato DJ, I am becoming proficient in both softwares.

I have to say I am happy with the last Serato update which saw the addition of the slicer function to the 400, and I hope they add the support for the DVS plugin, although Traktor supports the current DVS functionality within the 400.

I would love to see a Mark II version with LED feedback rings, booth out, flip functionality and possibly an LED strip as in the 380. (Heck, if I could just swap in some 380 jogs with the LED for the current 400 jogs, and firmware update, it would be sweet.)

Having been corporate executive in global companies like Vestax, I can attest it's always about the numbers. If you cannot sell profitably and in large numbers - forget it.

I am hoping Vestax really has something up their sleeve as was hinted in a post from DJworx earlier this year:

djworx.com

if not, then when my 400 dies, I'll probably move onto a Pio or Numark flavour of the day.

Just out of curiosity what was hinted there? I only saw the post showing that 900 total TT's of those two TT's were made.

Seemed to me like it was hinting at something to come further down the line. As to what, I have no idea. I'll bet it wasn't administration that's for sure.

www.djforums.com , www.amazon.com , hmmm.

Where it says:

"Yesterday, the Worxlab welcomed an industry legend through its doors. Toshi Nakama from Vestax is responsible for more DJ gear innovation than I care to name. And he travelled from the other end of the UK to spend a few hours at DJWORX HQ, and give me a glimpse of the future. Trust me, it’s good but that’s all I’m saying."

RD

Be nice to see what the glimpse is about.....new turntable/controller hybrid? A Serato mixer?

Could literally have nothing to do with Vestax, SDJ or DJing at all LOL. He gave him some stock advice LMAO!!!! "SELL SELL SELL" Just teasing.......................

the SX (or SR, or SX2) does not have tension adjustable platters which is a bit of a dealbreaker for me - especially because the SX platters are garbage imo.

I've looked at every single controller on the market and the only one that best suits *my* needs is the 380. I was hoping to see a 380 mkII which included a few additional features (like proper SDJ effect controls), but I honestly think that Vestax is on its way out considering we haven't really heard a peep from them in over a year. NAMMs, BPMs, and Musikmesse's have gone by with nothing but old technology with some new colors.

I actually meant to say SZ which DOES in fact have the tension. The platters on the SZ are pretty nice IMO. I still prefer actual CDJ (pressure) as opposed to touch sensitive BUT at least the size is there.
Totally agree. All signs point to nowhere land.................

CAN be HOPEful but gotta be realistic right?

Lol. Well, you never know.

I'm hoping that given their limited resources, they have been concentrating on creating a real jaw dropper on new versions of 380 and 400 or "insert new name here". Maybe they were waiting to see what Pioneer/Numark/NI would do first and then launch. Maybe some next level stuff like built in touch screens with an embedded PC a la stanton, who knows.

If they go belly up though, it just makes the market more concentrated in the hands of a few players - which is not good for innovation.

RD

yea, I know the SZ has it - can't for the life of me figure out why they didn't include it in the SX2.

The SZ's size completely negates the reason I want to use a controller. If I'm going to lug something that big to gigs, I might as well just bring my turntables. Even if I were to go that size, I'd probably go with the NS7 II.

I just don't understand why most of these controller companies refuse to put a tension adjust on their platters. I suppose it's because all these new kids barely touch the platters these days...

this.

Yes.............................. and no. I mean I tend to bring the SX when I am doing small things like hotel parties for me & my friends but if I am traveling in a truck there really is no difference between the SX & SZ for me. I mean clearly there is physically a difference but I am a carpenter by trade and in the end it is one trip for one person from the car to wherever it is going. This is NOT the case with TT's. It is either thre trips for one person (TT, TT & Mixer) or one trip for two (Coffin). For the capabilities gained it is worth the 15 (or so) extra pounds many times.

Oh yeah how is the tension adjustment for the VCI-380. I can honestly say the way the tension adjustment was designed for the VCI-300MK2 was the worst I have seen and the reason I got rid of them.

Some features have to remain exclusive or else people wouldn't see the value in owning one.

The platters on the SX are so lightweight I am wondering how well a friction platter tension adjustment would even do with it anyways. They need to get them to spin more freely over anything else anyways IMO. Not that backspins are all that great anymore but it is nice to have the freedom.

Backspins will always be great! Along with the windmill, turtle etc. :p

i use this www.guitarcenter.com

cheap, small, almost too small, (there is a larger version, that i would actually recommend, but they were out when i needed one. Actually not sure if a controller event the SX size would work with that, positive a SZ, but i guess you could get a case with casters.

its clear someone needs to make a controller case with casters and a dolly stand at the bottom. for small speakers and such.

You have to tighten the centre of the platter. Tends to come loose if you scratch a lot.
Gives a great feel to platter but a little annoting at times

*annoying

tired to wait Firmware update for DVS and start to use VCI-380 with a Traktor Timecodes and this mapping www.traktorbible.com ... never like Traktor, but it works - VCI380+DVS ))

Investigating this a bit further one common thing I did notice is on Vestax's website the 'News' section hasn't been updated since in and around 16/17th June, also if you look at their last Tweets and Facebook updates also in and around the same date - That doesn't look good :( Either way firmware or not I've had the VCI 400 for almost a year now and very happy with it - basically it does everything I need - ok 'Flip' support and DVS would be nice but you can't have it all I guess, I won't be going out selling the controller as there is no other that would replace it for me right now.

Same for me. This is a beast in mini-format.
I don't like the drivers though. On 1 ms audio buffer it sounds distorted. on 2 ms I have lots of artefacts. On 5 ms, I can't use more then 1 FX on the same time, and as of 10ms I can use 2 effects at the same but then I get a more sluggish response from the buttons.

To compare: With the Numark Ns6 I can activate 6 fx at the same time without distortion on 1ms audiobuffer with the same laptop.

I hope Vestax updates the audio drivers.

WOW that is certainly a problem. I am assuming you use elusively with Windows? Curious to know how it would work if you went with a Mac. Not THE debate just wondering if this could possibly be something wrong. Also have you ever tried an alternate VCI?

The 380 and 400 tension is better designed than the 300 with the tension screw in the centre of the platter rather than being controlled at the edges.

I'm one of those people who see's nothing in the controller market that appeals at the moment so I'll stick with the 380 even if I'd like to upgrade to something that better supports serato dj.

I switched from PC to Mac and noticed a big difference with the latency settings.
On the PC if I went higher than 5 ms the lag on the platters made it unusable.
On the Mac I can run at 10 ms and have no noticeable lag on the platters. The VCI380 just feels more locked in with the Mac IMHO.

I just checked my settings there and I'm running at 2ms on a Mac with no problems on the VCI 400 (Core i5/8GB)

I have this problem on macbook pro (model mid 2012 - 13inch non retina display - Core i5 - 2.5Ghz - 4GB)
I reported this problem and the explanation was that my MBP is not powerful enough.
But why does it run flawless with full FX on with 1ms audiobuffer on a Numark controller?

Juno has one 400 and one b-stock 380 and nothing else in stock. Thomann is out as well. I think Vestax is gone. Does anyone know someone that works for a distributor or shop and can ask if it's even possible to order new stock? If they can't, it's pretty much settled.

recordcase.de
shop.vestax.co.uk

i emailed the vestax uk shop and got no reply and that was about buying stuff. as you dont wana buy from the site and nothing turns up and they just run with your money.

That some shops still have stock doesn't surprise me. The question is if they can order new or if production has stopped. What happens to warranties in that case? Spare parts? etc.

As already happened someone got one it went wrong and vestax said the bci-380 is discontinued so the store gave him a refund.

Everything looks to VESTAX Japan has gone bust and around May/June time by the looks of it.

I had a real open and helpful conversation with the serato support team regarding this problem. several factors play a role in this problem. It's all about the combination of specific hardware (so it is not that laptop is underpowered), software and version of SDJ with the VCI-400.
Conclusion is that they took note of my specific issues and the support team went back to the developers to see how they can resolve this.
Always great support from the serato team.

Alot of major brands that still have a massive presence have gone bankrupt at some point and come back stronger. I'm sure this is not the end of Vestax.....

and surely a more interesting question would be does anybody know if 'inMusic Brands' 'KKR' (or anyone else for that matter) are engaged in talks about the acquisition of Vestax.

Vestax indeed has gone.
Vestax Europe was run by a guy here in the UK who no longer works for them, offices are shut but it's not all doom and gloom as there are plenty of interested parties in taking them over.
I'll bet they are back in 2015

How can someone find out for sure? I just hope it's not entirely true because I need my VCI-380 serviced and I can't find out where to get the parts from. There's got to be someone out there who knows something....

I am not sure how this would pan out. As discussed above a popular situation is the company offering to sell and is then acquired by a larger entity. The other popular option is a company flat out offering to purchase a brand and then a sale is made. In both of these cases many times upper management is moved around but the majority of the people "making it happen" remain with the company. It seems more to me like the company flat out shut the doors. It seems people who workED for them no longer do.

Until I hear otherwise my thoughts is Vestax has met their demise. It is not surprising in any way either. The units have been slowly but surely disappearing from use around me (NY & FL) but I though it was just due to everyone jumping on the Pioneer train locally. It seems this was indeed more widespread than I initially thought as many are confirming this.

Again this is just my opinion and it in no way reflects the quality or usefulness of the gear they made.

My name is Mike. I run the Vestax service centre in the UK. I supply and stock all spares for Vestax products and carry out repairs. We have had the same phone number and email address for over four year's, so I have no idea why some people on here find it so difficult to contact us. Our number is 0151 933 9268. Or service@vestax.co.uk. We also run the Web shop. If it in stock on the Web shop, we have it in stock. You can order parts directly from us worldwide.The UK dealers can also order parts directly from us for there own customers. Software support is on support@vestax.co.uk were it always has been. I do not normally read these type of forum and have been shocked at some of the speculation on this thread

Can you comment on whether Vestax will be around for the foreseeable future? I am thinking of purchasing the 380/400 (MOST likely the 380) but I am a little confused as to the difficulties some are having with getting support and even buying etc. I would NEVER call anyone out but the thing is I know some of these guys, how they are and some like Woolsey who actually trust is all. I don't currently own any gear nor do I need any support so I wouldn't dare waste anyone's time by making false "test" inquiries BUT I AM again thinking of making another VCI purchase so it does matter to me.


Any info would be appreciated.

Also anyone here have any recent interactions with Vestax USA? I suppose this ould be more applicable to me as if I do need any future support their status would be of more importance to me.

Everything you say makes sense and is greatly appreciated but in all honesty the speculation should not come as that much of a surprise. Some companies are shoving releases and future products as well as firmware updates etc. down our throats.

It's not like we are sitting here making things up. We are sharing what little information we have in an attempt to help each other out in making the best future decisions as possible. As far as I know everyone is being honest. I am certain everyone here would gladly take Vestax's word above everyone else's but in the apparent absence of said correspondence each other is all we have.

Again I am sure everyone here appreciates your response as it is the largest sign of life I have seen for quite a while.

As I said from the start contrary to how things seem I am hopeful for the future of Vestax as I am for all current companies as the more competition the better.

Thanks again

All that is in this forum post and this was your reply? WOW!

So i guess you are just a service centre and all the rest of the stuff mentioned in this thread is true?

If you had read it was yahoo e-mails that Vestax was replying with this seemed dodgy and i did E-mail from the website contact and asked a bunch of questions but for first time contacting Vestax got no reply.

So can you answer all the things that you are so SHOCKED to read?

* Has Vestax as a company designing, manufacturing and supply DJ equipment gone bust?

* Why have none of your Vestax websites been updated since May/June?

* Why have Vestax staff stopped posting on social media since May/June?

* Is Vestax Japan making new firmware for the VCI-380/400? If yes when is the estimated release?

* Why have Serato not herd anything from Vestax for months?

* Why did Vestax not make the new firmware for 1.7 release and choose to ignore serato and customers on this?

* Why are your Artists saying they are no longer supported by Vestax and saying it has gone bust?

* Why are staff that used to work for Vestax also saying it has gone bust?

* How come it has been said the Vestax offices are shut and empty?

* Why was Vestax not at the BPM show?

* Why has Vestax not release anything new for nearly 3 years?

* Why can't warranties and new stock be full filled by Vestax?


and you are ''SHOCKED'' at why people think they have gone bust?

If you can answer all these points that would be great.

Thank you a loyal Vestax Fan!!!

Err.... whist it is true Mike Clarke ( Trix) no longer works for Vestax, the Office Is still open.
Who told you this?

VestaxserviceUK: It would be easy enough to kill the rumors by answering LJ_woolsey´s questions.

I can't answer all of those questions as I don't know the correct information, but I will answer the ones I can ref the UK.

ALL warranties and MOST stock can be fulfilled.

The UK office is not shut, I open it every morning!

What staff are saying it has gone bust? Names please!

Dito supported artists.

The reason the social websites have note been posted on in the UK is the previous staff did not pass on log in details when they left. This is being worked on.

The yahoo email account for service is used as a back up in the event of server problems. It is not a new email address, it has been used for over four years.
As I have said previously, I do not normally look at these forums, I did as it was raised to me in a question via email. I will not get into a prolonged forum discussions. I posted to address some of the inaccurate comments.

Thank you for answering what you can.

As you can see there has been alot of spin and we have all been trying to gather information.
Some information like names is not really fare unless those people want to come forward.

about social media that makes sense but is something that needs tobe sorted asap as look at how it has damaged your business, I am sure you will be suing.


fair point but still seems very odd thing for a business to use.



Well this attitude stinks! you are not willing to put the truth across to people that want answers who supported the Vestax band! WOW

Well it seems we do have some answers now. Maybe not great but at least people know they can get spear parts ect.

So thanks for chiming in and answering what you could.

Well this attitude stinks!

And that is why I stay away from forums. It does not mater what you say or how you try to help , there will always be someone calling you a liar or giving out insults.

1, No one called you a liar.
2, No one gave you insults however you did to your loyal Vestax fans eager for all this not tobe true '' I will not get into a prolonged forum discussions ''

Again thank you for answering what you could.

This is after all only the biggest community of Vestax users….

Dear VestaxUK,

As much as there is mudslinging and nonsensical name calling, you have to do your best to ignore it. As a former corporate manager in my previous life for quite a few multinationals - you are doing a good job. Customer Service matters above all else! Keep the lines of communication open with your customers.

As a mobile and wedding DJ, and a VCI-400 user, I too want to know as much as is practically possible. Silence never helps, so keep us in the loop or have someone from Vestax Japan get involved.

Thanks so far,

RD

I actually don't think that you would get insults thrown your way if you or someone from the company would get involved every now and then on the forum. Customer relations are pretty important, especially when everyone will google the product before buying. Silence from the company and rumors like these will scare off buyers. That is easily fixed by dropping in every now and then and share some info so people knows what's up.

Anyway, I really hope we get some new info on the firmware.

Hey guys;

1 conclusion: Vestax is still active, and please give the man from vestax a break.
He's doing his job in the best way he can. I'm actually glad he gave a reaction on this comment.
Doing so, he confirmed that we, vestax customers, do not have to worry at the moment.
Thank you vestaxserviceUK! I appreciate your reaction, and I know, a lot of other forum readers will too.

So, That's enough for me.
And now I'm gonna use my time to spin some tunes on my VCI 400. Cheers!

Seconded! Also as I said before, please keep us updated or get one of your Vestax counterparts to keep us in the loop please.

RD

Just bought a second VCI380 this past weekend...a Murasaki edition.

What edition is that? If you dont mind me aaking.

www.amazon.com

WOW definitely a "to each his own" thing but congrats anyways.

wow it cost more than twice the regular price just cause they put a skin on it, you can get a 380 for 499--> www.americanmusical.com

Yeah I don't know if that is JUST the Amazon price but I would certainly be looking to remove that particular skin anyways. I would certainly hope it is the actual case or painted and not just a skin though.

I like LED & performance mods but in terms of performance I like things OEM. Then again as I said to each his own and I wish you luck anyways :)

Are there any programmers here that could clue us in a bit on the difficulties of making a firmware? Is it incredibly advanced or is it more like making a simple app?

Just wondering since I would like to understand the delay. I get that most people here don't know the details of this particular project but maybe someone knows in more general terms?

Any word on future releases, firmware updates, and the implementation of DVS for the VCI 380 and 400? A lot more communication and transparency would go a long way with us Mike. I hate to publicly scold y'all, but this is Marketing 101, ya get those passwords ASAP, or get it reset through twitter and Facebook. Because if not, speculation like this happens. Please communicate with us now and into the future, for the sake of your brand and your success. And it starts with telling us when this firmware/ DVS update will occur and giving us a timetable we can depend on.

Thank you,

My man! Well put ninja!

I'm in no way convinced. If the parent company is in trouble they don't tell the front line staff. There have been a lot of staff leaving recently and you have to wonder why.

Any if Mike did know more, it's in his interest not to say it

VestaxUK, would you care to comment on this?
www.djtechtools.com

Crickets...

Now, I'm gonna wait to pick up a VCI-380 for a closeout price.

L-O-L But very sad news, hope someone buys them up.

Would have liked them to get out the DVS firmware upgrade for Serato DVS plugin...

It's pretty strange someone from Vestax in the UK mailed people saying it's coming after Vestax Japan closed it's doors. It seems unlikely that he wouldn't know that.

I would love to see if vestaxserviceUK would actually comment on this. The article nailed it with the early VCI's being a big influence in our lives. TBH I doubt they will be picked up due to their lack of performance in more recent years. With giants like inMusic & PioneerDJ it would seem futile IMO.

very sad.... ridiculous how people invest into a product, and company and the company just goes under and people are left with a controller that they paid retail for that won't come with retail warranty, firmware updates, support, etc...

SMH...

I knew Vestax wasn't looking so hot when the company in the US moved around a few times, and then opened their retail store and that failed, and a few close friends that worked for Vestax USA parted ways a few months back..

I wonder what Stokyo's future is? :(

I would disagree about the ridiculous part. Its just part of being in business. You don't plan to go out of business, but sometimes poor decisions or market forces derail things.

What I would say is that they needed to have had a better PR/Communications plan like some companies who have gone under, have done. The consumer (us) would have been better informed and their image more intact.

I can only hope that someone will buy the brand and update what is/were some great hardware.

RD
VCI-400 owner

(Still hoping for that hail mary VCI-400 firmware Serato DVS plugin update...)

Looking like the crossfader on my 380 is dying too dammit.

Might have to find a clearance 380 while I wait for someone to make a controller that I really want

That fader on the 380 is not replaceable?

It would seem so, but sometimes with these companies you are working until you get the final pink slip. You may even get working prototype of some software from that department and then the next day - poof - they are gone. It happened to me with a Chinese company I bought an android tablet from. One day they are sending me updates to firmware, next day, website, email, skype - all gone!

RD

Can we get a comment from anyone? Anyone at Vestax? Or Serato? Any light y'all can shine in this?

The other potentially sucky thing is that if hey go under, they can no longer pay Serato to support our controllers in future releases of the software. So we may get stuck with a huge brick n your hands. Either that, switch to another software or change your controller...

RD

Agreed!! This has pretty much been the case for a bit of time with Vestax products anyways though. As always I am NOT attacking the product. My VCI's were a huge impact on my hardware direction BUT I will be the first to say the Vestax brand has not showing signs of life for quite a while.
This is EXACTLY what I think happened here. I refuse to believe this guy purposely steered people in the wrong direction. Even if it was a short period. Kind of funny though that us "nay-Sayers" who he was criticizing seemed to be more informed than he did unless this turns out to be false I which case I will gladly accept it with a smile. Then again with the amount of doubt, speculation & shade that has hovered with the name Vestax as of late I fear that either way they were doomed.

At this point it still seems that the closing of Vestax is still speculation. Looks like the info tech-tools is using is coming from this thread, hell they use a quote from this very thread. Seems like TT is using the closing of a store-front as a main reason as well, sometimes storefronts don't make money and you close them, it doesn't mean the parent company is closing.

If in fact Vestax is closing/filing bankruptcy, lets all sit back and look at a few possible outcomes....

1. Vestax, files bankruptcy, eliminates its debt to an extent and comes back even stronger.
(I'm not sure of the bankruptcy schemes in other countries, but I know in the US companies do this everyday.)

2. Vestax, is quietly selling it's name, technology, etc. to a larger company. (This brings with it the possibility of still producing product under the Vestax name, and hopefully continued support for legacy products.)

3. Vestax decides to cease production. (I don't really see this as a viable option for them. It's rare that a company that has such a good name simply just dies off. Someone within the ownership structure will attempt to make money even if the day to day operations are halted, most likely with option 1.)

With all that said, a reminder that everything typed above is speculation. None of these may be options at all. Oh and here's to the new firmware we all crave magically showing up sometime soon!

you can put an innofader in there - I just managed to find one of the last remaining cf-x2s out there so I grabbed that and am waiting for it to arrive.

Unfortunately, that's not the only thing wrong with my 380...

There's just no other controller out there that fits and has my desired feature set like the 380 right now...

put a a cfx2 in it
www.agiprodj.com

never mind i see you picked one up

Yup. SERATO and other hardware manufacturers take note

All I really want are jog wheels with tension adjusts in a modern, small-size SDJ-optimized, pro controller and apparently the only one that has that is the massive SZ.

the vci 380 for me had the BEST jog wheel out there ……i could almost do everything with the vci that i could with turntables

Just heard it directly from the source. Vestax is absolutely done. Farewell to an icon!!

Maybe this will open the door for Rane to step up and enter the controller game. Rane RCI-380 for the win!

Good idea about Rane. With Serato opening the door to pioneer mixers and the DVS plugin allowing other controllers. Rane needs to get in the game. Purchasing a well known name and the resulting hardware linkages could be the shot in the arm they need now.

RD

You heard it directly from the source? Do you mean that you have spoken to Shino directly?

Rans has always had access to the DVS plugin source. They also have zero experience with controllers. As a matter of fact they have NEVER even attempted a jog wheel and I highly doubt they could get it right their first try. I highly doubt they ever would for two huge reasons.

1.) With Pioneer being responsible for something like 60% of all DJ gear sales it seems like a very risky move and a chance to be overshadowed without will.

2.) Rane has multiple times flat out said this is something they will never do.

What Dave said, and as much as I love Rane, (especially for their sound quality) I'm a little weary when it comes to button design...

Haha :D

That was cruel man!

Maybe it is, but It is based on personal experience. This market is brutal, as we have just seen with ecler, and possibly vestax, if Rane launched a premier controller and it (god forbid) did not do so well, it would probably leave a mark in both credibilty & finances for this company we've grown to love.

Dont get me wrong, I would love to have some kickass modular controllers from Rane!

I read an email yesterday from Vestax Uk and it said that no matter what the rumors are, Vestax has not shut down. It was sent yesterday as a response to questions about the speculations here and on DJTT.

DJTT didn't say vestax is out off business ,they asked the question are they out of business?

Omg same here! As much as I can't ignore reality the wish is still strong within!! I too find myself using the sp1 buttons over the 64 so I get it. I also had issues with my 62's cue buttons whe. I still had it. Easy enough to overcome but I find myself wondering why the didn't from the 62 to 64. The faders though ........... F'ing butter!!!! Lol

Yeah but it stated that the news of them being out of business was announced in Tokyo

Could be regional. Could be nothing at all. Either way like I said the damage has been done. This was handled incorrectly from the start. I could be wrong but it seems far more important people than myself are getting the same message.

o ok

Guys, I hear you, but while I wished I DJ'ed for a living, I don't as yet, but I do business consulting for a living. The rule of thumb for a business is grow, sell or slowly stagnate and die. Rane need sot see the trends and writing on the wall:
- Small modular mixers (Serato ready a la Akai's latest)
- Integrated mixers and controllers
- Daisy-chainable CDJ's and TT's via USB
- Serato's move toward plugin support for controllers

They have to innovate or die.

I don't think Rane has nor will they have any issues staying relevant in the DJ world. NOT taking a stab at the already flooded controller market may be one of the wisest choices they could make IMO. I actually think Rane reaching to to new areas would be spreading themselves to thin and would not be worth it in the long run. Remember you are asking Rane to do all this and nail it first try when they haven't even made their own attempt at a jog wheel yet. In other words even Ion, Gemini, Behringer, Hercules, Reloop etc have more experience with controllers than they do.


One small modular controller is hardly a trend at that. Although I have high hopes let's see how things go first no? We have enough of these no? Someone has to offer an answer to Pioneer and I feel Rane has been doing a kick-ass job at that.

Pioneer would NEVER give the go ahead for Rane to get in on their technology in terms of CDJ's, it has NOTHING to do with any of the DJ software BUT Pioneer's (Rekordbox) & I'm not sure what daisy chained TT's would offer. Out of curiosity what is there to gain from this? I could be wrong but other than the V7's, Dicers & the new Reloop Neon I don't know of any other devices that actually use this with SDJ.
They (Rane) have had this benefit for years.


Agreed but innovating locally as opposed to uncharted waters seems like the idea they have gone with in the past and it is clearly working. OWNing your market can be a much better idea than doing OK in multiple markets IMO.

Not trying to be a pain. I just feel pretty strongly about their position. They are not even my favorite but I can't deny their status. The name Rane is synonymous with quality in both build & sound.


Ironically I am in total favor of them proving me wrong and making the leap. If I am being completely honest seeing a Rane controller would be one of the greatest sights I could imagine DJ gear-wise. Again I just can not ignore reality nor can I ignore their repeated words stating this will never happen.

we need something for the turntablists... if someone makes a dope 2 or 4 channel controller with good size (like the vci) and good faders instead of the pioneer crap... they might be on to something...

Rane has that following...

^ True, but Rane has absolutely no experience with platters ^

Again taking a look at Vestax's business model and where it got them I'd say great for certain customers not good for the masses. Who knows where they stand currently but the damage to their reputation has been done regardless.

I am used to hearing the NS7II is the "answer" for turntablists. It seems strange to see "turntablists" and "size" (meaning smaller size) in the same sentence. I am also curious where the platters rank on your list of importance. Again coming from tuntabilsts I would think they would be number one. Rane has the following for mixers one of the reasons are their faders so I get you there. as blackavenger said and I will remind they have NO experience with platters and I highly doubt they would perfect it first try. Furthermore I doubt they would attempt it knowing this risk. This is without considering the fact that again they have stated their non intentions of getting into the controller business.

what does this mean for 380 resale value? I'd like to sell mine, but there really isn't a good replacement on the market.

In uk before the rumars they only sold for around £235 second hand. crazy as £599 new.

Now i guess it's take what ever you can get.

Same here. I traded one of my vci-300 mkII's for my first MacBook pro. Now you're lucky to get $175 -200 for one.

i find alot of young djs come up hey what decks those? Numark? Nope Vestax. Confused look on there face WHO? So i guess that also could shine light on why things went down hill.

Absolutely.

Try mentioning urei to them

www.dropbox.com

www.dropbox.com

I LOVE my Urei!!!!

Considering all the popular smaller modular controllers made, Id argue there is somewhat a general modular trend. Maybe not as strong trend as all-in-ones, and probably not mixer specific, but as a general thing:
Akai amx, amx, lpd8, Korg nanokey, nanopad, nanokey, NI Z1, F1, X1, Reeloop Neon, Denon Hc1000, sc2000, Pioneer ddj-sp1, numark orbit, dj2go, Behringer cmd series, AH k2, Vestax pad one, fx1, serato remote, etc.

Personally Id be surprised if the the new akai's dont do exeptionally well...

Only three of these are actual mixers (AMX, Z1 & DJ2go) and you mentioned the AMX twice which can't count LOL.

Modular setups are VERY popular and certainly have a place as they were here before and will be here for the foreseeable future. People commonly throw around the word controller and actually mean SUB-controller. The VAST majority of what you mentioned are sub controllers and not controllers or mixers in themselves.

Actually your list ranged from top of the line professional sub controllers (DDJ-SP1) all the way down to hobbyist toy beginner controllers (dj2go) with even some hardware that isn't even hardware but is software (remote) so the range is rather large and as general as it gets. Most of them are sub-controllers though.
Agreed which is why I said:

I already have a set pre-ordered so trust I have nothing but confidence in the, All I am saying is this is the FIRST Serato enabled small scale mixer available and it hasn't even had a real run yet so calling it a "trend" may be premature. I would assume it will fly off the shelves BUT basing ANY real business decisions off of assumptions is not the best of ideas.

I am 100% on your side warpnote. I think the AMX is freakin amazing and an answer for a market left untouched thus far. Things should just be given the opportunity to pan out is all.

The only "trend" I want to see is a range of mixers w' inbuilt DVS and a sub $1,000 price tag ;-)

Many good points Dave. AMX twice was a typo, was supposed to be afx...

Reason for bringing up subcontrollers in general, is that I think this is where more of the interessting variations are found, both low and high end. I like the idea of custom setups, a bit of experimentation. I mean, there are so many all in ones, and many of them look the same to me. Must be a limit to how many identical controllers the market can take?

Hi All,
I would like to clarify a few points. I have previously posted contact details for the UK service centre. We have had more than a few enquirys since I have from non UK custmers demanding we deal with warranty issues. The UK service centre was set up to deal with UK enquires. It also supports the UK dealer network with there warranty claims. It is funded by UK sales. If you want to save some money by buying it cheap from someone like Thoman, that is your decision, but you need to accept the terms and conditions that come with it. Even if you are in the UK and you do not buy from these UK dealers, we can not deal with a warranty claim. You need to return your item to the dealer you bought it from.
We are happy to supply spares to anywhere in the world, but these are chargable items, and the postage charge reflects this. Generally we charge £15.00 postage to European destinations, and between £15.00- £25.00 to the USA depending on the size of the item.
We are happy to help as much as we can by making sure that people get the spares that they need, but we will not respond to abusive emails or phone calls.
Thanks

VestaxUK: has Vestax japan shut down?

There is ABSOLUTELY NO reason you should. I haven't seen this reflected here (other than actual inquiries from seemingly concerned customers) but I would not doubt for a second that some are quick to throw heat your way. If someone expects to be treated professionally and courteously they should no doubt approach i the same manner.


Sorry you have to deal with that. For what it's worth the people at these very forums tend do have decent manners. We are tainted with a very small concentration of individuals who are seemingly NEVER happy but other than that everyone seems to be on board with being civil.

Well Said. Seconded.

NEVER!...NEEEVVVVEEEERRRRRR! hahaha
They need to concentrate on the 63 and that's it =P

So Vestax can check in to speak on random parts issues, but they can't speak on the future of their company, firmware updates or even begin to dispute the snowballing "closing up shop" rumor??

Come on Vestax, ya owe us at least some clarification or a statement. This isn't very professional how y'all are going about this.

Do you have a job? If so who do you work for?
If so, what is your position?
Serious question.

You see, you go on and on about wanting people to be respectful, and all I see from you is snide condescension!

You, sir, are a dick......there are no two ways about it. Thank God I don't own a Vestax product, and would have to deal with you. You, sir, cast the company you work for in a bad light. There are hundreds of people on this forum that helped keep Vestax afloat throughout the years. How about "YOU" show some respect to your customers. You represent the company, so you have to realize that these people (like them or not) are your customers.

Ridiculous comment. Either say that your parent company is bust, or that you are in the dark too. Al this pretence is tiresome

no wonder vestax is going out of business! they have people like this working for them!

You don't own a Vestax product , but are on a Vestax related forum giving out your words of wisdom. Another keyboard warrior, and as I have previously stated, the reason I and most of my colleagues don't like coming on forums.

you and you're collegues may soon be out of a job


and FYI I've owned plenty of vestax products

That's neither necessary, helpful or professional......

......may you should have stuck to not commenting.

This went downhill very fast...

vestaxserviceUK, in all fairness, the fact that none of us are able to get any credible information about the future support of our Vestax products, due to the uncertain status of the company, gives some of us the right to speculate. You came onto the forum in defense of your employer and expressed your surprise about the rumors/gossip that was taking place on here. I agree that you may have been met with some hostility, but when you offered contact information and instructions on how to get support for our Vestax gear, it was met with rejected emails and other results that only seemed to confirm the rumors that have been discussed in this thread.

While you did mention that you don't like getting involved in forum debates, by identifying yourself as a Vestax representative, you drew a lot of the attention (mostly negative) to yourself. I realize we won't get very far by attacking you, but you knew the frustration before you contributed to the discussion. Also, by identifying yourself as a Vestax rep, you should assume some level of responsibility to not make the company appear to not care about its customers.

Guys Vestax is over.... Even if they tried to come back it's now in everyones mind they have gone.

I shall be selling my Vestax gear and moving on....

RIP Vestax, while you was in business you did is proud!

I'm not gonna go that far. lol
Unless there's a good replacement for my VCI-380.

Well said.

As have I.

....and you're still a dick.

did you use the wrong quote? cause i'm clearly with you one

cause i'm clearly with you on this one

Yeah, I did....sorry, Joee

it's cool, i knew you were talking to vestaxuk

I have been following this thread just for the news in it and saw vestaxuk's comments and wondering now if his account has any history and might be an Internet Troll after those last comments though.

No he's definitely not a troll

I'm not going to play your game and break down my Resume (CV) for you, and dance in the street for you while you sit behind the comfort of an anonymous handle. But I am going to keep this real simple and focused on the facts, with an emphasis on relevant. I am employed, and spend a fair portion of my salary on things Audio and DJ-Related. For 3 years, I was even employed as a full time DJ, equipment manager and equipment trouble shooter. I have worked for 2 large DJ companies that were large enough that you would have considered us a worthwhile account to have. During those years I always carried a Vestax mixer as my backup, "can always trust this mixer," mixer. I have 2 degrees, one of which is marketing degree from a well-regarded business school and marketing program. A program that at one point was ranked 3rd in the nation by some business publications.

What you have exhibited above and the way that you have attacked me on this forum (for your target market, industry journalists and whoever else wants to see) is downright appalling. This is literally Marketing and PR 101. As a business owner and marketer, you want to treat your customers and loyal consumers with the utmost respect and reverence.

The reason why this forum topic is so popular and so often updated is a testament to the love of your products that your customers have for the company you so happen to work for.

The same company that you happen to be doing such a shoddy job of representing.

The reason why I, and others in this forum are so concerned about Vestax's future is because we genuinely love the product. Specifically, I am following this forum because the second I find out that DVS support is released and out there for the VCI-380, I will be buying a unit for myself. Be this via a secondhand route, through a reseller or even through Vestax, I will own a VCI 380 when DVS is released. AND at some point, I will probably be placing an order with the spare parts department of Vestax which you seem to have some knowledge of and seem to give preferential attention to.

A preferential attention that you seem to give even over more important questions that you should be asking yourself like "How much longer will Vestax be around" orrrrr "How much longer will Vestax be signing off on my paychecks?" Or even: "How much longer will Vestax continue to pay me to do my job so poorly? A job where I lash out at any requests for comments and seek to belittle and attack the loyal following that Vestax has cultivated up until now"

These are all questions you should ask yourself.

Now, as for the hiding behind keyboards remark and your general treatment of us as a nuisance to your day to day activities. Well, I hate to be the one to break it to you, but, if you have the login to this forum, dealing with your customers, and handling marketing communications is your fucking job. Part of the reason why Serato has succeeded the way that they have is because of these same forums; where they collect feedback, utilize their end users as product and beta-testers and really just make us feel good about our investment into their products and their brand. One of the main reasons why I have not gone the Traktor route, despite many temptations, is because of this very forum. Every time I run into an issue, I post it on here, and Serato always promptly responds to it. And that makes me feel better. I encourage you to look at utilizing these forums in much the same way.

Do you realize how easy it would have been for you to dispel these rumors, and avoid all of the speculative press that soon followed from DJTechtools, DJWorx and DigitalDJ Tips? A good attitude, some marketing skill, and 20 minutes of your time could have averted all of this. But here we are with you asking for my Resume, presumably so that you can lob some sort of attempt at talking down to me. and to that I say: You are fucking up your job and your company. If you want, I could very easily do your job better than you. It really wouldn't be difficult to improve on an already piss poor effort on your part.

As for the implied threat behind calling us keyboard warriors: If I lived anywhere near driving distance to you, I would have no problem telling this to your face and settling our differences, and your veiled threats in person. YOU'RE actually lucky that this isn't a traderoom floor, or that we don't live close to you. As if we were in person we would all be surely confronting you with our questions and our concerns. Make no mistake about it, I am just as vocal and inquisitive in person. This distance is actually to your benefit, creating a nice buffer between us (the customers) and you (shitty marketer).

The funny thing about it is, if you ever encountered any of us in person, not behind our keyboards, you'd realize how much we, and the DJ community as a whole absolutely LOVES the brand that happens to employ you (hopefully not for much longer). That brand, nearly singlehandedly, carried DJing and turntablism through 2 decades at least. In the process opening up new doors for its users and making the DJ product as a whole better.

In summary, I hope Vestax figures their shit out. I hope they can clue us in or release a press statement about their immediate future, difficulties they are encountering, and their long term plans for the future. I hope they find a way to stay afloat, pick up some Capital Investor dollars and march forward. I just hope it's not with you amongst their ranks.

On a side note, I appreciate the support from my fellow DJs and Vestax lovers on this forum. I appreciate that, thanks y'all.

Cmon people.

You think a support guy from a satellite office is a) going to know what's going on in corporate back in Japan or b) tell a bunch of people on the Internet breathing down his neck about shit?

Rights now, there is still no definitive source other than some speculative articles - maybe they're done. Maybe they ceased operations but are in the middle of closed door negotiations to be acquired by another company, maybe they're plugging along but just have nothing new.

We won't know till we hear from a credible source and a dude who works on the other side of the world in a job that has nothing to do with business decisions isn't going to tell whether he knows or not.

In an odd way this reminds me of when I worked for Dell Computers here in Ireland. There had been rumours for a long time they were shutting down manufacturing operations here and moving it abroad. All the way up to it actually happening we had different VPs and other high up people in the company and speaking in town hall meetings how peoples job were safe and so on. The press were continually outside the factory but we were warned not to talk to them (not that we knew much anyway). A few days after people literally demanding what was going on (and again being reassured all was good) about 1200 people were informed their jobs were on the way out over the course of the next 3 - 12 months.

I don't know wether those VPs etc knew this was coming or not but either way they were not allowed say anything. So I reckon unless is comes from Vestax Japan you can't count on anything.

At last!
That was the point I was trying to make.
As for hiding, my address is on the Vestax UK website. I am here Mon to Fri 9.00am til 5.00pm. Happy to speak to anyone face to face about any issues they have.

You tell people that they are losing their jobs in advance and motivation and productivity will sink faster than you can count.

Even if jobs are being phased out, the work still needs to be accomplished so management will always wait till the very end to let them know otherwise you'll just have an office full of people looking for work and writing resumes during work hours cause what are you going to do? Fire them?

It's amazing how so many people here don't get that and think a service Rep in the UK is going to know what's going on in corporate and think that aggressively pursuing that is going to get them answers.

+1

Whatever is happening be it good or bad anybody under the "suits" are kept in the dark, regardless of the business.

If any news was to come I think it would be a corporate fail if it was to come from service centre in another country and not a press release from head office.

Imagine a Dell outlet engineer supplying parts and service to customers telling them about a corporate shake up and closure of the facility?

Regardless of the future, any decision would have been made many months ago as you don't just casually check your balance one afternoon and have a meeting to close at the drop of a hat. Businesses have profit warnings and forecasts. This wouldn't ring true with the big cheese from Vestax visiting Mark Settle from DJ Worx recently and disclosing "future plans".

Of course, it just could have been a red herring but I'd like to give Vestax the chance. As there is no official announcement I guess it's "business as usual".

i'm kind of hoping that the reason they haven't said anything is that they are in negotiations for a sale and the brand can be revived...

Definitely.

We could see a "new" Vestax emerge from this.

Interesting situation from ecler here and how they are going about their future business plan.

It makes you think... djworx.com

At the heart of it, this is a PR issue and what irritates me the most is that anyone with a communications log in, such as this to a forum, is acting in a PR/ marketing communication fashion.

Them NOT addressing it, actually makes it worse. Would have been better for everyone else to just be notified what was up.




Helllll no, they'll just tell them that they don't have a job that friday. They're not gonna give them a monthlong heads up. That's what a severance package is for.

PR should have been swiftly handled by someone so that A. This wild speculation doesn't happen. and B. Said speculation doesn't drive down the sale price of the company in the case of a sale. Traditionally, the Japanese are amazing at business, that's why this is so surprising.

To have this speculation sitting out there for this many months is worse than them addressing it. The employees know what's up, and they know their days are numbered. The company might as well address it so that everyone can plan accordingly, or at least have a plan.

Anything in between is just damaging. Case in point.

But at least they addressed it. They might have lied in a hopefully, promising way. But at least they didn't let speculation run rampant.

months?

and now that I think of it... What DO you do? What is your job title? What is your name? Are you just some dude sitting in a parts warehouse with a login to the Serato forum? Because if that's the case, you shouldn't be commenting on here.

If you're just a support guy, why aren't you more helpful? and why do you just keep bitching about your job of having to log on to the forums and provide support? It's your job, do it. Do your job.



You're not really ever making any real point. Ya coulda just said, "at this time, I am not able to comment on the future of the company," instead of popping up answering some warehouse questions and dipping back out.

Honestly, I think this mystery person is just some warehouse worker left a login. He's just some random employee, stuck on a remote outpost that shouldn't have the login

Correct. Plural. Y'all haven't communicated anything to the public in months that would infer Vestax had a future. Vestax really hasn't done anything. That's why as a company, you keep those appearances up, and you keep marching forward if you are going to march forward. Vestax hasn't done that, and the writing is on the wall. And you won't have a job soon. And I'm glad for that. Because you clearly aren't good at it, and should not be in a position to have any sort of marketing communications with the public.

Perhaps 'Y all' (what does that mean) should run it. You seem to have' Y all' the answers.....

September 5 ^^

Not showing up to tradeshows in the past months. = Months

Don't try to talk shit to me, Brit. Keep in mind how we Americans regard your work ethic.

And in reality, you're not anything Mike, just some guy that runs a service center. The only reason you still have a job is so that someone can fix the remaining Vestax's that remain out there. The sad thing is, your job is job, even as the last outpost, is on ticking clock. Better polish up that resume/ CV. You're gonnnnnna need it. I don't even know why they would trust such an uneducated person as yourself with this task. You literally are a PR nightmare.

AND AND AND: You don't even have a college degree???? www.linkedin.com

BWAHAHAHA. Get the F*** outta here.

Lord knows I could run it better than you.

1 Wrong Mike!
2 Harman did not show Martin Lighting at this year's PLASA show. Have Harman gone bust?
3 A UK junior school education is about the same as a Yank degree.

This is getting too personal... Yeah, we're irritated about the Vestax misinformation but damn guys, lets take a step back here if we can.

Ok, let's not start the revolutionary war all over again. Both of you guys need to chill out with the cultural attacks. Not cool.

We're not talking about Harman. And a UK junior degree isn't even close. Nice try.

Look I'm just irratated we can't get a straight answer from anyone at Vestax, and the closest thing we get to a response is from some parts manager left over after the layoff, who just trolls us.

This was my first post on this forum. It was posted to address some of the inaccurate things posted, i. e. No spares/phone numbers/ stock/ bounced emails/ closed offices etc. As of this very minute, nothing has changed. We are still selling stock and carrying out warranty repairs and until we are told otherwise, that is what we will carry on doing. However, at the risk of repeating myself, we are the UK service centre, not the worldwide service centre.

Agreed. Its non productive and disrespectful both ways. Disagree without being disagreeable.

RD

Well... youtu.be

+1.

Cheap shot, this information does not belong here. You are abusing multiple people at various levels.

Thinking it would be cool if Vestax released modular units like Akai.

+1.

Personally though, I'd like to see a VCI-500 with the combined features of the 380 and 400, plus some new ones - touch strips, LED jog wheels, velocity sensitive multi-color pads, slip mode, touch sensitive encoders and of course full firmware support for all modes of Serato: loop, sampler, flip, dvs, etc.

That would be a killer controller IMO.

Heck, one future forward feature - LED screens that have a new open architecture to support any software (Serato, Traktor, Mixvibes etc) e.g. a mini screen which is linked to the parent software and mapped buttons at the side. Its not technologically unfeasible. Maybe for a VCI-500 Pro or something so that there are different price points for different pockets.

Sigh. Probably just wishful thinking at this point.

RD

Just got the Akai's last night. They are OK at best. Not only that but I think we should find out if Vestax is going to even be around before we speculate on what they should make..
100% agreed. I think this thread was going fine until one person took it to another level by pushing too hard. There are humans at the opposite end of these forum names. Humans have emotions that get triggered by events that happen in their life.

Hey Dave which of the 2 you like the best?

They are two different breeds. I know it is most likely an illusion BUT the AMX feels as if it was built better. I am sure it is just the component differences but it feels hefty like my Kontrol (X1 & F1) as well as SP-1. I am starting to dig the AMX a little more today. One thing is for sure it is a little powerhouse. I am also getting used to the controls being in the software as opposed to being on the controller itself.

(Pet peeve) I hate when people think just because they purchased a product or have an interest in it, it now gives them the RIGHT or a PASS to talk shit to people hired to provide support. In my opinion its cowardly because you know that person is WORKING and can not speak freely. I kinda wanted vestaxserviceUK to curse a few of you fucker out....lol

yes, these people are human.

Not for nothing I do NOT agree with Vestax's handling as a whole BUT I feel like he was almost cornered. I mean I kind of took offense to the little Yank jab but then again our representation ^^^^^ has been a little "off" to say the least.

It is NOT his fault Vestax worldwide is not performing to standard.
It is NOT his fault Vestax does not have the sales numbers they do.
It is probably NOT his fault Vestax has not been updating their customers with current status and whatnot.
It would NOT be his fault if they went bust tomorrow.


His words are the only grip I personally have but then again Vestas has NOTHING I need so easy come easy go.

Not for nothing it was a little shocking and kind of refreshing and to see someone in such a position to defend themselves on a personal level. Keep things business and things will stay more civil. The fact that he can get away with the words he used pretty much proves that he has NO responsibility toward anyone on THIS forum (through this forums channels at least) in any way. Otherwise it WOULD be unprofessional. HERE he is just a Serato forum member.


You catch more flies with honey but some were throwing straight vinegar. I know I myself was to BUT I again have absolutely NOTHING to gain from this man let alone Vestax as a whole. Furthermore other than reasons of more competition I couldn't care less if they ceased to exist.

Exactly!!
I am afraid that the days of the customer is always right are long over. This is partly due to the way SOME customers try to bully information or product from a vender. It is also why you see signs in shops, banks etc saying ' We will not tolerate abuse/ bad language to our staff' etc.
I take the veiw of I will respond in the same maner that I am being spoken to, whether that is on the phone, in person or via email. If you want to get smart, or personal, you will get a big 'Fuck Off Tablet' and you can have that with or without a glass of water to swallow it.
Communicate in a polite manner, and I will go to the ends of the earth to try to find a solution. In the last 6 weeks, we sent Vestax parts to, Sweden, Brazil,USA,Canada, France, Italy,Norway, Korea, Australia, South Africa,Eire Russia and Belgium. Why? because I am trying to help people when they cant find the parts they need. I only need to supply and support the UK. What I have not stated previously is the the UK service centre does not provide software support, That is dealt with via email on the support@vestax.co.uk address

Err....
I think that may have been a compliment. If it is, Thanks.

Right, hopefully this will put this one to bed!!
I have recived a email from Hidesato Shino, Founder and owner of Vesta Corporation. I can not post the complete contents of the letter, as some of its content is of internal information, however, this is the important bit.

October 27, 2014
Dear Mike,
I trust that your business is prospering well. After receiving many concerned enquiries from all over the
world about the status of the Vestax Corporation, a company which I proudly established and grew, but
retired from operating many years ago, I write to you to inform you of its current position. The company is
still in operation, web reports are inaccurate, and we are re-structuring operations.

Importantly, Vestax Corporation has not closed; it is not bankrupt; it is being renewed/restructured; and web-statements will be issued soon.

See now that wasn't hard was it. Hope things go well and i hope they have a HUGE MASSIVE marketing budget as they will need it now!

I personally will be walking away from vestax but you never know if they sort all the issues out maybe one day again.

Great news there Mike.

This was my thought too as the quite recent DJ Worx story about the future of Vestax seemed like there would be something exciting coming in the future with some new plans.

So the bottom line is that there is nothing to report as it really is business as usual.

I think the language barrier has made it slow for Vestax JP to understand how rapidly this thread progressed.
The missus is Japanese so get how hard it can be.

Long live Vestax.

This is great news. Thanks for the update.

Great news! :)

I just love my VCI-380... so, thank you Vestax.

Mike,

Thanks for the update.

I totally understand what you are saying about customers - in my day job/own business, I deal with that all the time and sometimes you have be firm. That having been said, you still have to always remain professional and not personal - it just lands you in hot water either due to physical confrontation or legal. You crossed the line a few times and you must practice telling somebody to screw themselves so politely that they will enjoy the sensation - lol.

Just my bit from 14 years of sales and customer service. Vent your frustration healthily in some other way - play sports, first person shooter video games, with your spiritual guide, your mate, whatever works for you.

Hope that the founders' news will see a better Vestax in the near future.

P.S. We really want that Serato DVS plugin firmware update - pass it on to the software guys please.

Stay cool bro,

RD

Hey Guys,

Further update.

Just saw this on a post from DJTechtools:

"For those still interested:

I'm a guitar center employee. I recently spoke to a rep for Vestax who said that Vestax HAS NOT gone out of business, but is "restructuring". He alluded to something similar to what is happening to Pioneer DJ being the same case for Vestax. I can't say without a doubt this is the case, but as far I know, they are still going to be releasing products, and allegedly have some new Serato controllers slated for late 2015.


www.djtechtools.com

RD

lol NOTHING like what happened with Pioneer NOTHING like.

2015?

Anyway, that post could have been written by anyone.

+1

LMAO NOT even close!!
I would be nervous on any future decisions as the damage has seemingly been done. Then again some are gluttons as seen above in this very thread.
It is not THAT confusing. I understand your frustration as a whole but I quite obviously STILL take offense to the education status of "yanks". I live in NY so I am as "Yank" as they get. I won't get sucked into the (or fuel as it already happened) pissing match but I can confidently say I am content with my life in every way possible.

Any company on shaky grounds that can't communicate is a red flag for me...

It's almost like dating a chick that has issues.... we all know how that one goes ;)

Sad as i liked the small form factor of the vestax controllers... time to move on to something with more solid support so that my "retail" money paid for product can last a tad longer and not be a gamble.

"Restructuring" basically means they're screwed and scrabbling for a buyer

I give up!!!
Some people just love there conspiracy theories.

You might aswel as if Vestax come back they probably wont like the way you talk to thire customers.

Not sure if you have seen the stick Serato get here on these forums. But they do not delete or edit posts and also always stay professional.

Something you have failed with.

But anyway we still are none the wiser you have an E-mail from the guy that LEFT Vestax years ago.
Just telling us what we already know they are not trading.

The reasons why we don't know. And can only put two and two togther and guess.

I look forward to an offical press release from Vestax on there plans.

But i am out and will not be buying any Vestax products again for now.

exactly. If the current ceo came out with a public statement that would mean something. Where are the firmware updates? Where is the presence at expos? Where is the social media? Why is the main vestax website so out of date regards mentions of OS X etc?

It's a restructure, perhaps they were close to going down the toilet. Perhaps not, perhaps they have secured more funding and pruned back some of their crazier R&D to focus on more popular product lines. They've always felt a little unfocussed.

Vestax have probably been one of those companies that pretty much released R&D prototypes to market (controller one, QFO) some ideas have stuck, most are crazy and cool but don't sell ... The ones that do in fact have defined the standard for the rest of the industry (PMC-05, VCI-100).

Those crazier ideas actually going to market have just got to be money holes.

One thing for sure, the reason that this thread is so nutty is because we all dig the VCI-380 -- (400).

I hope their restructure grants them more focus on the great products, and maybe makes them think a little more about their service, marketing and R&D. This hasn't been handled well, but a massive restructure has probably removed most resources from marketing and communication.

I hope they come back stronger than ever and the 520 is bad ass.

Seconded.

I've NEVER been interested in buying a controller, mainly due to size. However, if this thread has done something, it's made me realize what a good controller the 380 is and how perfect it would be for my needs.

In the past i've never had an issue with any of my Vestax products (other than i've always found the x-fader to be too free and can bounce back into the mix) the quality has always been great.

Keep the faith guys, Vestax will bounce back stronger!
(as I hope Ecler will too)

Everything on the market being Pioneer, Pioneer, Pioneer, with a few other fighting for the scraps is never a good thing.

I second that. I want Vestax to work or the market will become too dominant from one or two key players. They just need to work on a new killer product but not play it too safe to appease the suits. Vestax was all about slightly crazy ideas. That's what made them Vestax (like the crazy designs of Citroën).

And with all of this I will ebay a Typhoon for my 8 and 3 year old son and 6 year old daughter to get their feet wet DJing. These controllers do come highly recommended still to this day so let's see how this all pans out.

I'm already looking at picking up another VCI-380, just because it's so cool. Also, according to someone at the UK location, I'd be better off buying a new unit instead of trying to order parts for my existing one. I REALLY hope that they do something about the US support. That's why there was a long period of time that I didn't deal with Vestax products. I think my last unit from them was a 05 Pro "Q-Bert" edition (blue).

You mean the quadraphonic, Invisible Scratch Pickles mixer? My friend has that.......siiiiick unit!

vci 380s for $350 now

Where?

no way.... img.pandawhale.com

no!!

www.ebay.com

+1

Per the Guitar Center employee I spoke to 2 months ago, when they cleared them out of stock, they only charged $250 for em.

Agreed. My experience here with Mike from Vestax has severely tainted my view of the brand. Initially, Mike was never attacked, but came out swinging. Further proving why he had no business possessing logon credentials to the Serato forums. Get your house in order Vestax.

+1, we're getting there, but stiiiiillllll no official public Press Release

that's just hearsay, you got any proof ? This is the internet People will make up anything....

Pretty Much just hearsay, it's within reason that they cleared them out for that price as there is definitely no VCI-380's left in the GC system. and it does make sense as a clearance price considering how cheap they were right before they cleared them out of their stock (clearance). 400-500 new through GC I believe. Sorry I couldn't provide better proof.

sometimes it can be true, remember i told you i got a price of $170 for the swarm you told me that was a good price! i just bought two for $140 each!

THE DIFFERENCE BEING.......you have proof joee.....lol

LOL…..

but check it---> www.ebay.com
maybe they'll take $350?

Well, I just got this in an email...

www.proaudiostar.com

well there you go!

an there u have it .....proof....lol

That's not bad, because it's new. Are they authorized dealers? I'm under the assumption that Vestax is still a functioning company, so this still matters to me.

I followed the link and chatted to them in the chat window but when I asked about warranties they stopped answering...

i don't know why they would have stopped answering as they are atorised dealers

I'll probably buy another one anyway, but if everything pans out with Vestax, I would prefer to get one from an authorized dealer.

www.google.com

i have faith that you guys will soon learn to use the 'google'. very handy for looking things up on the 'internets'

This has been an interesting thread for sure. I've been a long time fan of Vestax, and a few years back I made the switch to digital controllers. Picked up a VCI-400 (after trying out the S4 and DD-SX), and IMO, it is the best controller on the market.

It's sad to hear that Vestax may have gone under, but such is business. They could have done better with marketing and gotten into the Serato bandwagon earlier. Serato is easier to use than TP, and this appeals to more people. After all, TP has a dedicated controller line, and NI would never risk that by going with 3rd parties.

I'd say it is very likely that Vesta is done. Even then, they provided us with great products for the most part. That being said, I just picked up my second, new VCI-400 for half the price of my first one. A bargain I couldn't pass up.

I can assure Joee and I checked and it was'nt coming up on a google search but you were right non the less.

so i finally got a vci 380 and this little unit is very impressive.

i read a lot of complaints pre SDJ 1.6-ish, but now it works great.

Figured out that it also maps to SSL with a midi box and the internal mixer plus supplied vestax xml file. Are there any other controllers that work like this? seems bloody genius.

anyway, as far as i can tell, this little guy is a no brainer at the current low price. After doing quite a few searches, i saw the comparison with the twitch, and I actually had one and really dug it, but this thing is hands down better than the Twitch. Better outputs and build overall(although the twitch is small and bus powered which is convenient)

bought mine used, but seriously considering selling this one, and buying NIB at the reduced price.

Goodkat what did you pay for yours?

i bought it used for $280. If i put an innofader mini pnp in it, its still under 400.

The pots on the eq and trim seemed a bit shakey, so im not sure if this guy abused it or dropped it, but so far im not getting any crackling, but thats why im thinking about getting a new one.

Thought about the vci 400, but you still have to buy the 129 license, and the 380 is just plug and play, no firmware.

if anyone needs the ssl mapping, its at the bottom of these downloads. tried it today and it had a filter for the efx button and knob for w/d. what i couldnt figure out was why it has a filter and ssl doesnt have one internally? of course it has the efx section, but mine wasnt turned to filter(prob fade echo or brake echo).

Thanks. Some places have the 380 Red at $299. I think I might pull the trigger as well.

That model is definitely being discontinued.

dang 299$, might just get another and give the used one to a nephew.

The pioneers and numark big controllers are just too big for me, i might as well use TTS and my SRT, but this thing is tiny, light and has pro features that others in the price range don't have ala XlR outs, full functioning mixer and the ssl mapping.

hopefully it doesn't die in a month, lol

meant to leave this link for the ssl mapping for vci 380, it might have been taken down though. either way its on the vestax page for 380.

www.vestax.com

The only issue with the 380 is the outpout is very low in volume compaired to other mixers and controllers and the mic is useless. Volume control on the back and sounds awful. So you really need to plug this into another mixer. Also when using Video this thing is bad with ground loops. So i have to plug a ground loop isolator in.

And yes the pots are a little shaky on them.

But i guess for its size this is why it has these down falls.

But apart from that it is great.

You can get a 400 with Serato DJ as a free upgrade if you google around. There is also the VCI-400DJ version with SDJ budled as well. Last one I saw was US$499 new.

RD

i didnt notice the volume being low, i thought it was kinda hot actually when i went straight from xlr to powered speakers. i like the sound of the unit. I'll check it on a big system soon.

Then try any other mixer and it will be nearly twice as loud! I always have to run these through a mixer very quiet output.

i have a djm 900 so i can do that.

interesting thread here:
serato.com

it seems like its split down the middle as far as like dislike and many of the problems were itch related. As i said earlier, i had a twitch and people said the same thing about the sound levels but i never had problems running thru a mixer, i just couldnt keep itch from crashing.

It took a few months for me to sort out the crashes which I found was Novation's drivers. Bad times.

also thought about pickin up a twitch. i know this is vestax thread, but has SDJ made the twitch more stable?

I gave up on my twitch because of the itch probs.

SDJ has made it better and it's stable for me but the FX mapping needs fixing. It's not broken, just not mapped properly.

cool, well these controllers are getting so cheap, i might pick one up.

i can see how, if you bought a vci for 5-6-700$ USD, i wouldn't think it was such a great deal. I can't justify a 2000$ mixer and tts and a 1000-2000$ plus controller, unless i had a gear rental biz.

380 is a great unit. I wish it is as thick as the DX so that it lay flat with the TTs. Headphone output is not as crisp or as loud as that of NS7. The mic vol is a pain in the rear being in the rear of the unit but sound wise is not as bad I find. I think my A side RCAs input is going wacko, generating distorted sound on occasions.

For the Vci 380 to work at best performance keep gain trim at 12 o clock make sure that Sdj software is barely flashing in the red use default 92db auto-gain and adjust the MP3 manually at that level,then drive the hell out the master Volume as long as you have good clean MP3 that Vci will get very loud and crisp without the distortion. Good luck I hope that helps a little.

Has nothing been done yet about the fx Mr Wilks, I know it was getting 'looked at'
You can pick the Novation up cheap now (i got a brand new one for 100) so now I have four. One is in the workshop been frankensteined and has different faders (I've tried Alps in it with good results, it's now got fsm's in it) all have Usb shockmounts and Dave who works for a Audio design company (he designs cabs and processing and is a genius) is working on improving the op amps. To be fair to Novation this little controller is very well built and the fault with the firmware is down to poor esd filtering and a cheap Usb, but it's better built than a lot of more expensive controller. The components are all quality with no cheap caps or no name pots. Anyone who still has one and is having issue's with hardware just email me
gareth@productionlightinguk.com
We got a schematic off Focusrite and the guys are far more supportive than some of the majors.
By the way Pioneer are terrible on service backup unless you spend 25k a year with them, they don't want to know, I refuse to service cdj's as from a service point of view they are crap, they haven't changed or updated the transport switches since the 500s, I know they get hammered but from my standpoint I hate them with every job we take two spare 2000 's as the failure rate is unacceptable

At the moment clearblu the twitch is getting looked at and if a mapping can be decided and agreed upon by most users, they'll look at implementing it to fix the poor FX map.

There is a few FX mapping threads for the Twitch but andretti's has the most feedback I think serato.com

I have my map in there and if you could think of the best way to implement FX for the Twitch then drop it in there as Martin is monitoring it. Hopefully we'll get a fix!

Glad to see it's well built inside.

I'm just happy the touchstrips have been mapped better and I'm quite happy with Sdj compared to how it was, it's definitely heading the right way for the vast majority of users which considering the user base 5 years ago is quite a feat.
Martin and Dave sorted the main issue's and tbh I'll go with the flow on fx as I just mix, make people dance then go home 😘

haha, such humble :)

Vestax is CLOSED OFFICIALLY!!!!

www.tokyoreporter.com

LMFAO Looks like we knew more about Vestax then Vestax knew about Vestax!!!


As I said THE DAMAGE WAS DONE!!

Even Wiki is saying it now!! en.wikipedia.org

I dunno this is really looking more & more real by the day!!!

I just wish they would say OFFICIALLY on the website!! I dunno maybe a thank you to their loyal customers. Maybe an apology for jerking them around these past few months if not past few years!!

The the tell-tale sign is usually when you see R&D dry up. Almost a sure sign something is amiss. I hope they're just going through the bankruptcy process and can bounce back.

A tad harsh dude!

It was actually aimed at the situation not Vestax. Not really one bit harsh if you have been here (this thread) for a while. It has been back & forth with We heard they are closed. Then the rep from VestaxUK telling us all is well back & forth, etc. then THIS!!

My issue was all the telltale signs were there. They have been silent. Not REAL product development for HOW LONG?? Shoddy support for the 380 & 400 etc. They couldn't even get the DVS taken care of for them.


Personally I think that is where things went south. Seratp put the ball in Vestax's court and Vestax once agai could not handle it. I used to love Vestax too and I owe my current feelings on controllers to them as my first controllers were VCI-300MKII's. I have since moved to bigger & better but I will always remember what they were. The thing is they haven't been what they WERE for quite some time now. I just feel it was wrong that they honestly thought we were tat stupid to believe they had a chance in the current market.


May I ask if they were still around or IF they could pull through would you buy their gear? I am hopeful for them but only to keep some competition for the big boys. Pioneer buy itself accounts for 60% of ALL Dj gear sold. Vestax is a scatch or a dent compared to this but every little bit counts.

Well I've been following this thread from the off and I wont use the colourfull language I would like use to describe the VestaxUK rep, but needless to say he hasn't sold himself in a very good light.

However, if this thread has done something it has shown me what a great product the VCI380 is and one I would like to own. So yes I would buy from Vestax as I have done in the past.

I have a massive dislike of Pioneer. I'm not saying they don't make great products because they do (in most cases they are the industry standard), but any company that has a dominant share of the market as Pioneer do, just isn't a good thing, for anyone.

My hope would be that Vestax + Ecler can rise from the ashes together as a joint offering.

I stand by what I said and I still think it's a bit harsh to be laughing at the downfall of others, regardless.

That article is from the 16th October, around the same time the djtechtools article got published:

DJ Woody posted this on his facebook page.

Still makes me very sad that Vestax are no more, they were THE most daring, open minded and pro-turntablist company that i ever dealt with, a company with balls! Salute to Vestax and everything they did for turntablism!!! #history #turntablism

www.facebook.com

May I ask you if Akai went Bankrupt and pulled through would YOU buy their gear? I think the answer is yes.

And lets face it none of this is anything other than speculation. Many companies need to restructure and during this time I would expect no / little activity. I would also expect everyone within that company to not discuss whats happening as it happening and only to report once the process is complete.

Lets face it, many companies go bankrupt and are still trading to this day. That's not to say Vestax is Bankrupt and until there are Credit Reports or Court Reports to prove this it is nothing more than speculation too.

^ LOL

why the LOL mate?

I find it funny as hell people still think they are in business and trading 😂😂😂😂 funny stuff.

Next you will be posting the banks did not fuck up and hasnt been a recession 😂😂

The sky is not blue...... 😂

Anyway this Vestax talk is boring we know its gone! Unless you live in 2011 still.

Title should be Vestax boycotts customers 😂

It as actually a little comical (sorry bud) I am not going to lie. Not trying to be mean though it's just that I am ranting about how this rep is thinking we are stupid enough to believe they are still operating and apparently there are still those who believe they are operating.

Also you would like to use colorful language to describe the rep but laughing at how he handled this WHOOOOOOLE situation is wrong? I COULD explain exactly how I did again O I rould just come right out in layman's terms so there is no confusion..............


I AM NOT LAUGHING AT VESTAX'S MISFORTUNE................... I AM LAUGHING AT THE REP'S HANDLING (MISHANDLING) OF THIS THREAD AN VESTAX'S LOYAL CUSTOMERS.

I would hope laughing at the guy you would use colorful language to describe is not too harsh.

On SUPER sale maybe. When I purchase something I expect support. Buying something at retail price FULL knowing said support will not exist is not something I am in the habit of doing. I buy a LOT of gear. I mean A LOT!! I WAS in the market for one of the VCI's but while this thread convinced you it was go time this very same thread convinced me that Vestax would NOT be there when I needed them Also to advertise the DVS package then NOT deliver is not grounds for trust. The prices of their gear are dropping steadily since this whole debacle started and maybe when they drop to a certain point I may execute a purchase but this would be more of a "just to have" basis than anything else. Just to say I tried it. I did a similar thing with the Numark NS7II and it basically made me see Numark in a totally new light................... MAYBE this could happen again. I doubt it though as it is not the products themselves I have my doubts on. It is the company.


Anyways one thing is certain. Vestax officially has the cheapest Serato DJ controller I have seen to date. You can get a Vestax Typhoon reconditioned for $49. www.pssl.com TBH I am thinking about it. What do I have to lose right?


Dare I ask if anyone here has one? I have heard pretty flaky stuff in the past but maybe via firmware or some.......................... thing. LOL

Well the price in the USA may have dropped to rock bottom, but in the UK that's not the case. Is that because stock levels are higher or there is more confidence well I don't know. But price doesn't seem to be dropping much here.

I think you missed the point I was making about Akai, as the did go bankrupt. But are still here today and making great products.

I couldn't agree more that this has all been handled very badly. Still, I really don't think you or anyone else here know the full story of what is going on and to say simple isn't true.

What is clear is certain aspect of the business may have ceased.
- Is this a temporary measure? I would like to think so, to restructure you would have to do this.
- Is the company close completely? No.
- Has the company filed for bankruptcy? not that I can find any evidence of.
- Is the Vestax having problems, some financial? Yes, clearly.
- Will Vestax bounce back? I'm sure they will.

Speculation is nothing but damaging and this has been handled very badly from all quarters, having support and a small amount of faith from loyal Vestax I'm sure would be appreciated from all at Vestax HQ.

I think we have to agree to disagree on this on.

But until an Official statement is made we will simply never know what is really happening but it must be very difficult for all concerned.

Darn double postings,

and darn again to the typos 'from loyal Vestax fans and users' that should have said. ;)

vestax.com Goodbye

Crap ... not good.

:(

Double :(

Kinda looks that way to me...................

Ok, so sorry to jam in right after all of the above but I have been researching what controller system to go for a number of months - making the belated move from vinyl to digital. My friend bought the VCI 380 and I love it and then have seen the VCI 400 DJ mapped tightly to Serato as I understand. So Im just about to make the purchase and my freind tell me Vestax have gone bust - read through all your post above - which is like reading a greek tragedy by the way...So my question to you...Does it really matter? I DJ for fun and not as a living and the VCI 400 looks like a lot of fun or am i going to get lumbered with a product that if goes wrong is problematic. What would you advise? Get it still or go back to the drawing board and start looking again and if so what wouldyou reccomend?

To me it seems like Vestax is divided in many parts. Whats really going on Japan no one really knows. VestaxEurope at this point in time still has a good credit rating, still has stock and parts and is still up and running.

Does it really matter? To me no, others will defo say different...........

Yes it matters. The company is dead.

It only matters if you have a problem. You have to decide whether the controller is good enough to take the risk. Only you can make that decision, it is irrelevant what other people think.
I own a 380 and would not swap it for any other controller out there at the moment.
Are you aware the VCI 400 does not have the needle point markers in the centre of the jog wheels. This may be important to you coming from vinyl.

I love it but the faders always go dodgy so for parts thats your issue. Although vestax Europe has stock if they will sell it to you. But that is hit or miss lol.

Innofader faders fit so I wouldn't say that's an issue myself

Sure, if you don't mind spending an additional $600 just to replace your faders, I suppose that's not an issue.

Jeesh!!

Ya sod spending that much on faders worth more than the controller BUT yes that is an option.

£100 to replace and upgrade a fader in a £600 controller is not excessive in my opinion.

At the price they are going at, buy two.

Serato aren't going to pull support for it.

Super bummer, I really hope someone makes a 380 clone with DVS. That Denon is as close as it gets and those little platters aren't there for me.

We don't know for sure if Serato will pull support for it or not, because future development has to be paid for by the manufacturer, correct? I don't know, that's why I'm asking. I love my VCI-380 as well, and will likely buy another one, but I'd do so knowing full well that it will only work up to the latest 1.7.2 version of Serato DJ. The DVS thing is a big disappointment as of right now, but the Serato folks should be able to give us some definitive insight on what the status of Vestax is.

Just got the information from Vestax Korg & More Germany:

Vestax has officially discontinued business operations

Line & Crossfaders are in stock

R.I.P. Vestax- so sad

Yes very sad, could we get the nice folks at Serato to issue one last firmware update with for DVS - 380 & 400?

no as its VESTAX that make the firmware its 100% nothing todo with serato.

I am curious if we are still agreeing to disagree here........................... LOL Just teasing...........

Whoops, you're right, forgot about the firmware update needed.

Well that's it then. Will just wait for my controller to reach the point where repairs are more than buying a new one. Until then, I'm gonna keep rocking my '400.

RD

i saw this in casio website, its almost same as vci300 which powered by vestax, though its not serato controller.

www.casio-intl.com

:P

I always reserve this right! ;)

Brilliant

"While I may not agree with what you say I will defend to the death your right to say it"

-Voltaire

Or

- Peter Griffin (Family Guy)


LOL

:D

Dude at my local DJ store has been saying this for a while,
that Casio bought Vestax some time ago...
Personally Im not sure what went down.
Would love for Vestax to carry on...

the same...with the head phone

www.casio-intl.com

Me too! And I think there might still be hope (all be it only a small glimmer at that). If Vestax ceased operations in August (which certain aspects of the business clearly did), why was the whois data changed at the end of October?

Is it possible that Vestax sold Casio some products in a bid to try and save themselves? but didn't in fact sell the whole company?

News out of Japan yesterday:

www.tdb.co.jp

DJ mixer turntable manufacturing
and expand the "Vestax" brand
Vestax Corporation
undergo bankruptcy proceedings decision


TDB company code: 982747311
"Tokyo" Vestax Corporation (capital 95 million yen, Ota Nakaikegami 2-3-15, registration surface = Setagaya Fukasawa 2-16-15, representative intermediate Toshihide Mr.), the December I received a bankruptcy proceedings determined by the Tokyo District Court to five days. 　Bankruptcy trustee Osawa Kanako lawyer (Chiyoda-ku, Otemachi 1-7-2, Kajitani comprehensive law firm, phone 03-5542-1453). Period for filing proofs of claims in until January 9, 2015, meeting for reporting the status of property due date is 2:00 the same year March 5 afternoon. 　We, in November 1977, Co., Ltd. under the trade name of Shiino instrument design office, was established for the purpose of design sales of musical instruments for professional guitar. Then effector or preamp, in addition to music equipment was also not address, such as a multi-track recorder, in '87 to change the current trade name, DJ the manufacture and sale of such (disc jockey) for the mixer and turntable to main business scale expansion. Expand the brand of "Vestax", such as a mixer and turntable award-winning overseas, won the high name recognition at home and abroad to center the club scene. Leading music equipment manufacturer OEM higher evaluation to such technical capabilities also performs product offerings by to, other agencies and music stores, as customers general user in direct sales site, and about a year sales in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002 I had recorded a 2.5 billion 14 million yen. 　But then, in addition to demand from sluggish consumption due to the economic slowdown has been reduced, even in the overseas markets, inexpensive tapering products are struggling such as rise in sales, such as made ​​in China. Was added to a slump in exports due to the strong yen, there is also a stagnation of entertainment market since the Great East Japan Earthquake, year sales of March 2012 period was down to about one billion 57 million yen. In recent years, it does not but was working to improve the profitability structure in the establishment of a new foreign corporation successful, intensifying competition from downturn and structural changes in the acoustic equipment market, domestic, sales further reduced in both overseas. Recent year sales fell below the 500 million yen, among which was surpassed by rescheduling request, etc. to financial institutions, financing and come here even worse, had to stop the business by the end of August. 　Debt is expected of 900 million yen, there is likely to be varied.

Sad times. I hope they return in some form.

I reckon they will mate.

With debt like that and a recent track history they had I am willing to bet not. Any Takers?
Even as a spinoff there is much to be gained for a company to use the name Technics. The same can not be said of Vestax.

Gotta love Google Translate.

I get into trouble using it often as my missus is Japanese and works as a Japanese to English translator.

Sad times but you can see that there was a plan to restructure and turn around the business when Vestax visited Mark Settle at DJ Worx. Maybe he combined it with a business meeting in London to sort finances out.

Maybe whatever plan was decided upon fell through? Total shame. I never owned any Vestax gear but always regarded them in high respect whenever I used it in the clubs (PDX A2 I think).

Better link...

www.digitaldjtips.com

djworx.com

Decent amount of talk elsewhere on this. I am also noticing little jib jabs here & there on who knew and for how long. I will be forever curious if they really kept their regional representatives (or shops) that uninformed or if they were just trying to cover things up. Either way as the blogs suggest anyone with any decent amount of perception or even a small amount of resourcefulness was able to tell LONG ago that this was a reality. There were those nay-Sayers up to the end who didn't really want it to be true but deep down they must've known.

What is not super clear at this point is I see some people still wondering if they will be picked up by another company etc. which I don't see happening due to one small (which is actually NOT small by any means) problem............................ debt. This is the one thing Vestax has been able to gain in the past few years. I am assuming the re-branding of inferior headhones etc. was a strategy to stay afloat while not having the funds or resources or even credit line to continue R&D for future gear or even continue with their current (or not so current) controllers.

What people need to realize now is there is a probability of liquidation from the roof down to the roots of the companies assets. I know with bankruptcy deals will be made and they will have some opportunities to pay less than they owe etc. but a.) you never know how far this will get them and b.) there is typically no recovering from this as (here comes that repetitious line) THE DAMAGE IS DONE.....................


Well whatever it is NOT like I am happy to see them go. Far from it actually. While Vestax has not been a brand I have employed in my personal arsenal there is NO denying that ANY competition is a good thing especially with a Giant like Pioneer. Although they are my brand of choice (Pio) I am a firm believer that too much power is ALWAYS a bad thing.


WE NEED MORE competition. Even if Vestax is NOT scooped by another entity I would like to see a similar line fill this void.


As always most of this is opinion and I am not trying to pass it off as fact. Just curious to see what others are thinking of this. Lots more talk going on at the other blog sites on this but it just does not seem fun to speak of this with people who claim to know but in the same breath insist they will never tell of what is really going on.


Sorry so long LOL

Even now idiots are saying Vestax are still in business making equipment and trading 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂ðŸ
˜‚😂😂😂

Vestax had some THICK customers lol

All these reports are lies and bullshit. 😂

People move on jesus nothing to see here.

RIP Vestax.

So with the official announcement that vestax has filed for bankruptcy, where does that leave the Vestax owning Serato users?
Will my VCI380 unlock Serato DJ indefinitely or would Vestax need to be keeping firmware up to date to allow Serato to continue their support?
An official statement from Serato would be nice in a situation like this.

EXACTLY!

Had just sent my 380 to a guy from Vestax Support Germany for a repair, the guy emailed back to say they had fixed it and were ready to send it back. He just wanted to confirm my return address which I emailed back.

But now, no communication nine days and counting...-sigh-

So long 380 it was nice knowing you :(

were you aware of the rumours before u posted it?

^^^^^^^ Curious as well. Thee were risky times at best to be dealing with Vestax. Doesn't help when you have official rep's denying (either by ignorance or stubbornness) though which DID happen here and I imagine it happened elsewhere.

Not for nothing though I am sure your 380 WILL show up s that would be straight theft and even a business closing does not even want ONE account like that on their record............... whatever that's worth to them now.

Even vestaxs uk site gone shop.vestax.co.uk
So he talked a load of bollox.

I wouldn't count on it. I don't know what the bankruptcy rules are in Germany but if was in the UK you wouldn't see it again

Yep unless a member of staff feels bad and posts it to you on there way out i dont think you will see that again. Hopefully someone does just that and you get it back.

update

380 arrived back just now.

Tnx Mr Vestax Support Germany guy (even though you didn't respond to my mails anymore).

-phew- :)

<<<<<<<<<<<WINNER<<<<<<<<<<<<<


LOL just teasing. Happy to hear. Not for nothing the second they reminded the bankruptcy part the whole "all debts settled" part rang in my head as I don't know how far it goes BUT if ALL aspects were treated the same they wouldn't owe ANYONE a dime directly following their claim. Then again some bankruptcies simply put your debts on "hold"........................ whatever I am rambling again LOL

Either way glad to hear you got it back as now is certainly NOT the time to have anything invested in that direction.


Here's the zinger though. HAS it been repaired??? I sure hope so as WTF do you do it not? LOL

Boom! Lucky man! Glad you got it back!

My current (very legacy but) main-home-set-up:

VESTAX VCI 400 + ECLER Nuo 2.0 + 2x TECHNICS SL-1210

These are 3 products of "broke" dj-tech-companies, 2 of those brands have "revived", but not so much for us dj's.

Just want to point out that I still very much love those products. When I got notice of the first Vestax rumors, it had crossed my mind to sell my VCI-400.. I'm SO glad I didn't.. It already is a CLASSIC controller and still very very functional (also for live setups). Same for the 380.

Currently is functional. 1210s will always and forever play vinyl. A controller will very soon become defunct

Frozen in time to say the least. You use the same machine you have now, with the same software and the same software................. assuming the music files are the same going forward FOREVER you will be OK.



Just hope it doesn't break!! LOL.


Just out of curiosity which 2 out of the 3 were revived? Out of Vestax, Ecler & Technics I thought only Technics was revived thus far? As you said not the TT's (YET at least) unfortunately.

I don't think Serato will change their basic midi-mapping scheme "very soon". So I really wonder how soon the vci's will become "defunct".

For the extra gimmicks (Flip etc), one can always hook up an extra controller.

Furthermore, when Serato opens up midi mapping for native devices, "support" for all those new features would become every easy for them..

*very easy for them

Ecler was declared bankrupt in October:
djworx.com

According this post, they've "revived":
djworx.com

Old post, so I don't know their current status though..

Hmmm still an interesting read that I missed. Thanks for that.
It's not this that needs to be worried about. It would be changing OS's and firmwares to match that would go first...................... I think. Then there's the overhauling similar to the Rane firmware updates.

One things for sure, this story will keep on giving..........

.........for sure time yet!

And I've said it before, but.

For the firmware-audio part;

- My guess is that the audio card of the VCI is USB Class Compliant,
so I'm confident that even the next few major OS (X) updates will keep supporting that.

- DVS support is out of the question probably, unless they'll open-source the firmware (which would be a very good idea!)..

For the firmware-midi part:

- Open up midi-mapping and there's no problem there as well.

So what is "very soon"? I think I won't have a problem with my VCI-400 for the next 2 years.. ;)

+1

Also, does anyone know if it would be at all possible for Vestax to buy Vestex?

I mean lets say, Vestax Corp Limited is bankrupt. Could Vestax Europe Limited buy the bankurpt company for example?

.
It's not this that needs to be worried about. It would be changing OS's and firmwares to match that would go first...................... I think. Then there's the overhauling similar to the Rane firmware updates.

So would you suggest I do not upgrade my OS on my macbook due to the risk of vestax firmware being incompatible?

I'd say even longer. Again my concerns would be with the gear breaking over anything software/firmware related. I am personally BIG on warranties with pretty much everything I buy. Not even that could save you here. Money back is just about it but what are companies stances against manufacturer's goung belly up? Couldn't tell you. Never been in that situation nor do I work in retail.


As far as seeing Vestax join Ecler.................... it is my understanding that the company is tied to a huge amount of debt so I don't see how this could be possible. Possibly the minds behind the gear though as NOBODY owns people LOL.

Ya never know.

As far as this I am assuming Vestax Europr is a branch off the parent company Vestax Japan. Furthermore I feel it is just a matter of time before ALL associations with the name are pulled. It DOES take physical effort to do so so if there are no longer any paychecks going out who does so. This could explain why it is physically there with no answer's in sight.

To fully answer though depending on how the bankruptcy claim goes in order to "buy" vestax there could be a HUGE bill to foot there. In the tune of millions of dollars. Doesn't seem like a great investment to cover a bill JUST to acquire a name that hasn't made money for quite some time. Again JUST my opinion BUT Vestax as a hardware developer seems like a GREAT source for the consumer yet a businesses worst nightmare.

Making high quality gear at affordable prices is great............... if you have the sales numbers. Without the sales numbers................ You have Vestax. Again JUST my opinions.

I wouldn't say that. As dibb mentioned this would not pose a risk (I don't think) for quite some time. I was just stating I would think it would happen before Serato itself evolved too far for Vestax controllers to support.


In all honesty I would think the physical end (hardware) and its longevity would pose an issue before anything else. I also have no doubts if someone wanted to they could keep everything working indefinitely. There is ALWAYS a way. I still play windows 95 games using dosbox and the sorts LOL Like I said ALWAYS a way.


To answer specifically though there is WAY too much gain in updating OS to worry about this................... especially when the risk is minimal at best.

The faders will brake there shit. Yes you could put innofaders in so thats always an option. As for anything else go wrong.....

I also guess no one is going to pay much for these second hand. And also i guess we will see some really cheap deals from stores very soon. Expect the January sales tobe very Vestax....

Vestax Germany is supported by the Korg&More Group Germany. I had a call to a guy the last week. I think they will support Vestax Products in the future too. Faders are in stock. It´s a good adress and a chance to get parts in the future.

Didn't DJ techtools make an alternative firmware for the 400 at some point? Could that happen again for th 380? They could easily finance it with kickstarter (or at least see if they could finance it).

They may have done an alternative mapping. I can't imagine they would have don a firmware, but I may be wrong.

Yes that is true hense why you can't use the techtools 400 with serato.

Thing is you need a Firmware update (if it can even be fixed by a firmware update) and then Serato to implement it in the software.

So thats some BIG hurdles

I didn't know that. Maybe someone from Serato could tell us if it's even a possibility or if we should stop dreaming.

I hope there will be an open source community to update the firmware...
That would save the day...

Ok, since this week, this site is also down

www.vestaxeurope.com

The German site is still up and running.

Not really and thats IF the issue can be fixed by firmware don't forget nothing was every said about this from Vestax just serato assume it can be fixed by firmware update.

BUT lets say something does happen and it gets fixed. You then gotta try get serato to implement it into the software and that might be a different issue.

I guess everyone can keep dreaming.

I mean the drivers... (Sorry , my bad)

Official goodbye.......... djworx.com

He certainly DOES leave some hope behind so .............. hopefully I am wrong :)

Sorry for beating a dead horse but as the guys at DJWorx said themselves............... This "is about as official as a response from Vestax as you’re likely to get."

And here is that hope - this just in: djworx.com

I hope they release the new firmware, otherwise I think that quite a few of us are done with Vestax for ever.

And serato need to add a bloody edit function. I feel like I'm living in North Korea

I think he is implying he knows a TON of inside info but who knows. This stuff is coming out in such little "squeaks" of leaked info or one person's take on it. It is getting hard to weed through what is even official anymore. Not for nothing it is getting tough to figure out what is even Vestax and what is the author's view When I say something I do NOT know to be FACT I make a point to say it. I wish the authors of these articles would do the same.

A little disclaimer at the top saying it is hearsay and I wouldn't even read it let alone post for others to see.

I don't know what to think of it anymore. As I said to me it is a dead horse and I suppose I will just wait this one out.................

And I thought that YOU thought......... ;)



Is this STILL the case? :P

djworx.com

Good news. Down, but not out.

Sure is. We can't pretend nothing happened can we?

I think Mark did a good job explaining why he reacted as he did.

There are tons of DJ related blogs out there, most of them being much faster than DJWORX. But instead of releasing glossy press releases, rumors, gossip, and manufacturer-paid reviews they do investigate and bring quality articles - while still being loyal to their sources.

So the three Vestax related posts they released throughout the last week were better than any others so far, combined.

So what i read from all this Vestax went bust

The owners are selling all left over parts and stock to there distributers.

Some of the original staff/owners are setting the business back up in the first half of 2015 and will have new products that are in design already/at the moment?

So no idea if we will see this firmware and if they had any sence they would not do the firmware and simply bring out a new controller dvs ready or DVS included. That way they can make some money.

I don't think i will be buying anything from them as its a new company from a bust company so who knows how long they will last.

I respectfully disagree.

Making existing owners happy with a firmware upgrade is good customer service. That leads to positive feelings towards upgrading to new Vestax gear. It also makes people who have not bought Vestax feel that, despite the company issues in the past, they still came through for current owners.

In terms of making people buy a new controller just has to have killer features.

RD

But they make NO MONEY infact loose money by paying a team todo the firmware. We will see but I'm not holding my breath. If it comes massive bonus if it doesn't i wont be mad.

Absolutely. The new company will have to be 100% focused on growth and development. Firmware for the previous incarnations products should be irrelevant and won't be economical

I'd been on the sauce before that post. Was a bit harsh

My guess is their focus on R&D as well as tech support would be on their future products to come NOT the past and legacy products. Their unloading of all current stock (to the current resellers of Vestax parts) would only further support this as well as clearly indicate that future physical product support on past products is not probable. As a company looking to restart and rebuild the last thing they would probably want to do is revisit any past ventures that led them directly to the state they are currently in. There is simply nothing in it for them at this point combined with the protection that bankruptcy beings along I would not get my hopes up...................... then again this is just my opinion.


What are the actual chances of a Vestax employee turning someone away........... not probable. I am assuming the proper course of action would then be to refer to the proper channels. I am wondering if this "coincidentally" coincides with the last warranty termination dates on all sold products as well.


My ultimate guess is if someone has an issue they will do what they can to rectify. As far as widespread updating and support I can't see it happening. It could go either way obviously but often bankruptcy adds a blanket of protection from obligation to all past ventures being money lenders, resellers & end users. Vestax is a pretty standup company who has not done the brightest things in terms of business moves in the past (again which lead to where they currently are) so you never know. I remind this is all speculation anyways.

Another thing we must consider is that they could maintain their relationship with Serato and bring out newer SDJ controllers. If so the firmware used for the newer controllers could be a fix for previous controllers like the 380. Out of good faith they could push out a quickly modified firmware fix for the 380.
All of this is pure speculation, but logically Dave's post makes the best business sense, although the saving grace in all this is that it's the original ownership rebuilding Vestax from the fires, and that favors legacy owners.

I completely agree. I feel like they could skip all the protection nonsense and simply do the ethical thing here....................... which IMO is VERY probable for them as well. As I said Vestax is a standup company who has a history of doing the right thing. There is the right thing and the profitable thing...................... Vestax will have to decide where they fit in this timeline.


For the record I am happy to see this chance at a second life. They are not out of the woods yet but are WELL on their way.................. at least the intentions are there and their loyal customers have a sense of direction. :)

^Agreed

I'm sure they understand that if old customers are happy they will kepp coming back but if they're not, they will look elsewhere for their next purchase.

If a new firmware is a gigantic task it might be a bad business decision to do it but if it's fairly small it's probably a good idea. Especially since most people do a google-search or two before purchasing a product. Forums filled with annoyed customers is bad, bad advertising and the opposite is true as well.

They will have to weigh the cost of a new firmware vs. the bad comments that will show up about not supporting old customers every time they launch a new product. The firmware is probably very cheap in comparison.

are you guys still wanting new firmware for 380s and 400s? jeezus, its not gonna happen, move forward with dj life.

From some of the chatter a long the way it did sound like the firmware was pretty close anyway.

Even though they've filed for bankruptcy it's not like when they fire up again all of their IP and factories that are tooled for the 380 have melted. I'd assume that the 380 is their best seller right now, and judging from what most people say here it fills a gap that no other controller has. It would make sense to keep them moving, and a firmware upgrade would ensure they keep being sold, even opening them up to new customers that want DVS / mixer / controller combined. A revenue stream and cashflow is important so they can r&d the next big thing!

A 380 mkII with DVS, RGB pads (only red/amber/green on the current model?), flip, 2 updated fx units, dedicated filter knobs, etc. is what makes sense from a business perspective IMO.

Also, if they dropped a modular, similar to the Denon SC2000 with a 380 wheel, 8 pads, 4 deck switch, the works, usb + hub, (no soundcard) I'd be all over that.

The 380 has RGB pads. Here's what mine looks like. www.dropbox.com