+1

Intro is a more basic program for beginners so doesn't have as many loop options as Itch, which is designed for professional use.

Hi guaba,



I'm afraid phatbob is correct. Dj intro is limited however the VCi-400 is fairly new. I'm pretty sure Serato has future development for the controller but only time will tell. Please stay tuned to Serato.com for any updates. Thanks.

Regards,

Ron

Don't think it's fair to raise the guys' hopes up, Ron, Intro is never going to be a pro level solution.

Vestax chose to spec Intro on the 400.

Probably more helpful if you were to explain to them why their $1000 controller only works with a beginner level program.

Hi guys,

To be honest I would be patient like I mentioned before the 400 is fairly new and as well as DJ intro. Serato does update their software frequently so I'm positive they have developments in the works but only time will tell. Thanks.

Regards,

Ron

Perhaps I should phrase it as a direct question Ron.

Why did Vestax choose to spec a $1000 controller with beginner level software which is not upgradable to a professional alternative?

You obviously read the forum posts, you see numerous people buying the 400 thinking it's going to be an awesome Serato controller, some STILL expecting 4 decks in Intro.

No question, the 400 is a superb pro level piece of hardware, but with Intro it is simply reduced to 'basic'.

A definitive answer would be appreciated, if only so I can link future disappointed buyers to your response.

Hi phatbob,

The VCI-400 is a freedom controller. It allows many djs to choose different software program applications. It does have 4 deck capability with Virtual Dj LE/ Pro, Traktor Scratch Pro, Mixvibes Cross, Deckadance, PCDJ, and Torq. It also works with Ableton, Djay algoriddim and Serato Dj intro. It was bundled with Serato DJ intro to introduce djs to Serato's software.

The original plan was not to include any software, as it requires users to acquire full version software to utilize all features of the VCI-400 at a professional level.
That's why the VCI-400 doesn't have any silk print for functions. ITCH is an amazing software but does not support custom MIDI mapping, which is the main concept of the VCI-400. After discussions with our sales channels and customers, we figured there should be some sort of simple easy to use software in the box to let users get familiar with the VCI-400 before purchasing other software. It also have the following features as well.

-Ergonomic 4 channel layout
-Transport buttons with maximum 3 banks of mapping
-Instant Deck select
-Highly responsive stress free soft touch buttons
-Optimized control knob layout
-Milled large aluminum filter knobs
-Premium full-bit sound quality generated by a low latency high resolution 24bit/48kHz soundcard
-Dual core digital processor
-Bundled with Virtual DJ LE
-Software overlays included for default midi assigns

Hope this gives a little clarification. Thanks.
Regards,

Ron

See, all of that makes total sense, Ron.

Except the parts about DJ Intro.

It's great to introduce users to Serato software. But if the users decide they like Serato software, the only upgrade path for them is to sell the 400 and buy a different controller.

If I was a Traktor user the 400 would be top of my list, for sure.

But as a Serato user the 400 is nothing but a dead end.

It's ok for users who do their research and know what the limitations of Intro are, but we all know that a lot of people see 'expensive 4 deck controller, comes with Serato' and then have certain expectations from their purchase which will NEVER be met by Intro. There are active threads on this forum from those people even as I write.

And whilst Serato can add some tweaks and improvements over time, I don't see them changing their entire business model and offering paid upgrades any time soon...

I feel like Vestax need to take more of a lead on this, because you've got the customer's money for their controller, and Serato get the complaints on the forum that THEIR software isn't up to the job. Where in fact Intro is a great bit of software for a beginner. But the 400 is not a controller for beginners, as is clear from your description above.

There is another controller similar to VCI-400, its the Numark N4. Its a 4-channel MIDI CONTROLLER that can accomodate almost any DJ SOFTWARE in the market today.

At least this unit is a half the price of VCI-400.

Try the Buttons, Faders and Knobs and you see the difference- it´made of plastic and looks like a toy - but for his price it´s ok

One other question. I tried DJ Intro and the effects there are pre fader? Are they the oposite of ITCH? I was told that Serato has post fader effects....

No one?

Can someone please explain me this? I'm so confused here. Are they different those programs in the effect section? ITCH = post fader & INTRO = pre fader ? I'm looking to buy a ITCH controller and I would like to know if there's any need to spend more money. I've got VCI-400 and after installing INTRO I saw that the "echo" doesn't make a tail when I pull down the line fader. But I have seen videos of ITCH where the echo would stay after cutting the line fader (eg Pioneer S1). Is it possible on specific controllers only? Any help here? Thanz in advance :)

Hi dj_eddie_gr,

I'm afraid the effects in Intro are different from Itch. They are in deed pre-fader as opposed to post fade. In order to get the post fade effect in intro you would engage the effect and stop the jog wheel. Hope this helps. Thanks.

Regards,

Ron

Ok. Thanx a lot Ron! I was so confused... :)

Hi dj_eddie_gr,

No worries. We are always here to help. Thanks. If you need further assistance please let me know or start a new thread as I will go ahead and close this thread in the meantime. Thanks.

Regards,

Ron